Families Thames Valley East November - December 2016 Issue 87 by Families Magazine

Thames Valley East

FRE E!

November/December 2016 - Issue 87

christmas special! plus... WHERE TO MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS FESTIVE DAYS OUT GIFT GUIDES AND BAKING!

RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. • We will teach your child to swim • Pre-school children will participate in Forest School activities • We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum • We are competitively priced and accept all childcare vouchers • We have free on-site parking • We offer a free family complimentary health club membership for all full-time children

Nuffield Health Day Nursery - Stoke Poges

Wexham Street, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NB

Tel: 01753 663996

Email: SouthBucks.Nursery@nuffieldhealth.com

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

please call Diana Page 01235 533362

07747 086518

SATURDAY MORNING SPLASH TOTS CLASSES AVAILABLE

01628 317558

...endless ideas for families of young children. Packed with interesting features and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham

REDROOFS

Little Star

Performers

How do I book? Please visit our website

www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers

E: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk | T: 01628 674092 www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4JT

i nthi s

i s s ue

3 News&information 6 clubs&classesNews EDUCATION 7 howtokeepenergylevelsup intheWinter 8 tutoring:Whatyouneedto know 9 liftingthebanonGrammar schools-theprosandthecons 10 educationNews GIFT INSPIRATION 11 presentideasforyoungandold 12-13 thetwelvetoysofchristmas CHRISTMAS 14-15 FestiveDaysOut 16-17 FindFatherchristmaspage 18 christmasshows 19 christmastraditions 20-23 What’sOn 25 competitions HEALTH 26 howtocombats.a.D. 27 BuyingBooksforchildren GET COOKING 28-29 ediblechristmasGifts 30 shemeansBusiness

www.familiesonline.co.uk T: 01628 627586 E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,500 next issue: Jan/Feb 2017 due out: January 4, featuring: Health & Children’s Parties

copy/advertising deadline: December 1 Cover Image: istockphoto.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

As Christmas nears and excitement levels increase in every household, we have a packed festive edition, with days out, Christmas baking and where to find Santa. It is also my last issue of Families magazine, after eight years working on this great publication I have decided to work on some other projects, I am going freelance to do writing, marketing and copywriting work www.clairewinter.info The new owners Anna and Rachel are both local Mums who come from a publishing and PR background and they are really looking forward to working on their first issue in the New Year. I just want to really thank all our loyal readers and clients, I couldn’t have done it without you. I also want to thank the team that work on Families, our writers, area managers, distributors and not forgetting accounts, especially Karen! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Royal couple campaign for childhood mental health The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting behind a campaign to help young people face up to changes in their lives. The Royal couple recently visited Stewards Academy, a school supported by the charity Place2Be, which the Duchess supports. It is one of a group of charities that have joined to form the Heads Together campaign, led by the Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry. It aims to support children with mental health problems and to offer support at times when their lives change dramatically, such as when moving or during times of family upsets. The Duke of Cambridge said: “Catherine and I are really impressed by what we have seen of Stewards Academy, as we're both strong believers in schools where the emotional wellbeing of young people is nurtured and protected just as much as your learning and academic skills. “The Heads Together campaign is all about getting people talking about the difficult times that many of us will face and have faced in our lives. “Talking can make us realise that we’re not alone. The opposite of talking is isolation and fear. Sometimes getting

something off your chest is an important step in coping with a situation – so you know that you’re not alone, you're not failing, and that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or sad at times. Everybody does. “We know that parents sometimes don't know how to help their children open up and talk about difficult times. Heads Together has published on its website, some top tips for parents – to help them talk to their children about big changes you may be going through.” www.headstogether.org.uk/backtoschool

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

........News & Info........

Mentoring boosts local children’s reading confidence

Berkshire charity ABC to Read has released its annual statistics, reporting an impressive 96% increase in self-confidence in the primary school children it works with, thanks to one-to-one reading mentoring.

Slough’s new £22 million library and cultural centre Slough residents are enjoying its new flagship library and cultural centre - The Curve. The development was built by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, as part of Slough Urban Renewal’s (SUR) redevelopment and transformation of the area. It provides residents with a fantastic 4,500 sq m facility, incorporating a library, cultural space, Registrar’s office, a theatre and performance space and other civic amenities. The grand opening was a two-day festival during September with a range of activities taking place in The Curve, along the High Street and in the Town Square. In the first week alone, 5,000 books were loaned out from the Curve compared to 11,000 for the whole of July at the old library site. To find out more go to www.slough.gov.uk

Among other figures, the charity reports a 95% improvement in reading accuracy and a 93% improvement in reading comprehension. Where communication with their peers was considered a particular concern, the statistics record an impressive 90% improvement as a result of time spent with an ABC to Read volunteer mentor. The survey also recorded an 83% improvement in written communication and a 59% improvement in attendance where these areas were identified as specific targets for development. ABC to Read works very closely with schools to ensure that the time children spend with a volunteer mentor complements their work in the rest of their school life and is designed around their specific needs. Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read Chief Operating and Development Officer, said: “When a child’s confidence in reading grows, that confidence spreads to their

communication with their peers as well as other adults. It’s so encouraging to hear from our schools that the work of ABC to Read mentors extends beyond the walls of the classroom.” There are still spaces available for new volunteers to take part in training in November. For more information about training days or joining the scheme as a school or volunteer mentor, contact: abctoread@btconnect.com

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

New safe walking route in Maidenhead

........News & Info........

Families will benefit from a safer route to school as the Royal Borough completes a series of improvements to Oldfield Road. A new path and changes to the surroundings mean pedestrians no longer need to cross the road back and forth on their way in or out from central Maidenhead as they pass under the railway lines. Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As we look to regenerate Maidenhead and the borough’s population continues to increase we need to make sure that all road users remain safe. “Key routes such as the Stafferton Way link make travel easier for drivers, but we must also ensure our pedestrians and cyclists can travel safely and easily too. “The improvements to Oldfield Road will benefit all who use it, particularly families who use it daily for the school run. It has also created more space for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.” Smaller work to move signage out of the way of the new path will take place in the coming weeks.

There’s never going to be a dull moment in Central Windsor again! The NEW Busy Buttons Design Centre opens its doors to both children and adults at 8-9 King Edward’s Court, Windsor, from December 4 onwards. All year around, on offer are exciting creative courses, drop-in art activities, specialist art shop, art gallery, novelty gift shop, ‘drop & shop’ service for parents, events and activities for all ages. Explore, learn and surprise yourself by trying something new. Never fret about shopping with the kids. They can enjoy getting creative, making their own gifts at the design centre’s ‘drop & shop’ service with DBS cleared staff while you grab that dress you eyed earlier. Impress your friends and family by making or personalising your own gifts. Why not book a creative birthday party with several options? As an Arts Award centre, Busy Buttons CS offers professional training in costume design, dress making, production design for film and theatre, model and prop making, animation, graphic design, traditional arts & portfolio development for UCAS applicants. For more information visit www.busybuttons.org Venue: Busy Buttons Design Centre CIC, 8-9 King Edwards Court (next to Fenwicks), Windsor, SL4 1TF

Extra hours could force nursery schools to close Experts are warning that if the government presses ahead with the offer to parents of 30 hours’ free childcare each week, then some nursery schools may be forced to close. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) says that preschools won’t cope when free care for three and four year olds rises from 15 to 30 hours per week during term times. Additional funding that was available for nursery schools to pay for this will end in two years. Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT said: "The 30 hours offer will be doomed before it even gets started, additional places won't materialise and current places will be lost as nursery schools across England close their doors for good. "The government has the data - it must rethink before thousands of families, many in the poorest areas of the country, are left high and dry.”

REDROOFS MUSICAL THEATRE

parties!

Children's Parties at the School for West End Stars! E: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk | T: 01628 674092 | www.redroofs.co.uk/parties

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT

HOWLAND TUTORS

(MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency

(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

oﬀers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas with a bounce! Jump In Slough is the perfect venue for a Christmas Party. Their festive party packages include 1 hour of jumping, pizza, crackers and a visit from Santa Claus himself (subject to availability). To book or find out more please email hello@gojumpin.com or call 0845 838 6214. www.gojumpin.com

Open Morning... FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Wednesday 16th November 10-11.30am and Introduction to our Little Juniors Programme for Year 3/4 Entry 01628 674092 • www.redroofs.co.uk

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds. stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk 0808 208 5134

Creative Courage For Life

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

clubsandclassesNews Little Stars at Redroofs Magical classes for your ‘Little Star’ at Redroofs School for the Performing Arts in Maidenhead.You and your baby will go on their first Musical Theatre adventure, enjoying the many benefits of the Performing Arts from the earliest age. A carefully constructed weekly class for you to share with your little one which includes magical musical theatre, music, rhythm and movement. Open the Magic Box into a world of pure imagination - sharing laughter and the magic of theatre through our inspiring themes and songs. We look forward to welcoming your Little Star to Redroofs. Classes must be booked in advance via our website www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers

New dance classes launched by performing arts school in Burnham Mellor Performing Arts (MPAS) is excited to introduce their new R.A.D Ballet and I.S.T.D Modern classes. They offer dance, performing arts and exercise classes for children and adults looking to build confidence and new skills whilst having fun!

01628 674092 or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk Their Children's classes include Musical Theatre, Modern Street, and Cheerleading with the bonus of Adult Ballet, Modern Street, Zumba and Pilates. For more details on what they offer, how to enrol, or to sign up for your FREE TASTER classes, please go to their webstite: www.mpaschool.co.uk, like their Facebook page: Mellor Performing Arts School or follow them on Twitter: @Mpaschool

Become Elf for the day in a West End workshop Stagecoach Theatre Arts Maidenhead is holding a very special and unique Christmas West End workshop on Saturday 17 December from 10am to 3pm in Maidenhead. Perform and learn the songs and original choreography from 'Elf the Musical' this December, with their special guest teacher from the original West End Show! If you are interested in your child trying a Stagecoach class, please contact Principal Fay and enquire about their 'Experience Day'. Where you can join them on the first day of term and enjoy three hours of dancing, drama and singing for FREE! Please call Fay on: 07871530119 or email: maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk; www.stagecoach.co.uk

5.15

Jazz. IST

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS PART TIME SCHOOL Ages 3-adult

FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL Year 3 - Year 13 (Ages 7-18+) Academic education up to GCSE & 6th Form BTEC LEVEL 3 Ext alongside the best performing arts training.

Outstanding Saturday and after school classes in Performing Arts. Musical Theatre, Acting, RAD Ballet Jazz. ISTD tap, numerous performance opportunities.

GOLD TEAM Ages 6-18 West End workshops professional repertoire and performance learning from professional artistes

Experience Days and Workshops Ages 5-16 Fantastic courses and one day workshops are held at Redroofs throughout the year including: Billy Elliot Experience Day, So you want to be a Performer Audition Skills, October Half-Term 2-Day Workshop - The World's Worst Children, The Snowman & other Christmas Tales, Through the Wardrobe Door Experience Day and Step into the Secret Garden, Easter Highlight.

REDROOFS AGENCY Ages 4-18 Representing our talented children and providing TV Film and theatre opportunities for suitable pupils.

FILM SCHOOL FOR AGES 10-14+

Day

Class

Monday

Gold Team

Monday

Gold Team

5.15-7.15pm 6 5.15-7.15pm

Tuesday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

6 months - 12 months

Tuesday

Musical Theatre

4.15-5.15pm

4-6 years

Time

Age 6-11 years 12-18 years

Tuesday

Musical Theatre

5.15-6.15pm

6-8 years

Tuesday

Creative Drama

4.15-5.15pm

6-8 years

Tuesday

Creative Drama

5.15-6.45pm

9-12 years

Tuesday

Drama

6.45-8.15pm

13-18 years

Wednesday

Fast Track P.A (15-21 years)

6.30-9pm

15-21 years

Thursday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

2-3 years

Thursday

Musical Theatre School

5-7.30pm

7-12 years

Friday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

1-2 years

Saturday

Little Stars Dance

9.15-10am

Saturday

Musical Theatre

9.15-10.15am

4-6 years 8+ years

3-4 years

Saturday

Grade 2 Ballet

8.40-9.40am

Saturday

Pre Primary Ballet

9.45-10.30am

4.5-5.5 years

Saturday

Grade 1 Ballet

10.30-11.15am

7+ years

Saturday

Primary Ballet

11.15-12

from 5.5 years

Saturday

Baby Ballet

12-12.45pm

3-4.5 years

Saturday

Musical Theatre School

10.45-1.15pm

6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years

Saturday

Drama School

10.30-1pm

13-18 years 6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years

Saturday

Musical Theatre School

1.45-4.15pm

Saturday

Grade 1 Tap

9-9.45am

5-7 years

Saturday

Grade 2 Tap

9.45-10.30am

7+ years

PART-TIME CLASSES AND EASTER SCHOOL NOW BOOKING ONLINE www.redroofs.co.uk/coursesandworkshops 26 Bath Road,Maidenhead,SL6 4JT and Littlewick Green, Maidenhead SL6 3QY

Tel 01628 674092 EMAIL emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk www.redroofs.co.uk

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

hOWtOkeepeNerGy leVelsupFOrlearNiNG DuriNGtheWiNterBy Liat Hughes Joshi it’sthattimeofyearwhenweallbeginfeelingalittlesluggishandeven livelychildrenmaylosetheirgetupandgo–literally-whenhaulingthem outofbedforschool.sohowcanyoumaximisewinterenergylevels,so theymakethemostofschool,learningandlifeingeneral? Maximise sleep Getting sufficient rest boosts the chances of your child waking refreshed the next day. The NHS recommends a five year old should receive 11 hours sleep per night, steadily reducing to 9.5 hours by the age of 11. Work back from when they need to get up to determine optimal bedtimes. If changes are afoot, simply phase them in gently – say moving ten minutes earlier a day for a few days. Consider a ‘wake up gently’ alarm clock Ditch the shock of sudden, loud alarms and bright lights switching on, in favour of an alarm clock that mimics sunrise by gradually increasing lighting levels. These can make waking up and getting out of bed less of a thing to dread on dark mornings, hopefully reducing grouchiness. Some also have a sunset stimulation mode; ideal for encouraging little ones to doze off at bedtime. Start mornings with hearty but healthy breakfasts Swap sugar-loaded cereals for something more nutritious, warming and energy-boosting. Warm porridge with fruit or scrambled eggs on toast

are still quick and easy but make better ‘tummyfillers’ to see kids through to lunchtime. Put some lively music on at breakfast! If it’s gloomy outside and everyone’s half asleep… liven things up with some mood-enhancing favourite tunes. The right music is a brilliant pickme-up at any time of the day, so why not all get up off the sofa and have a dance for a few songs after school too. Walk to (and from) school It isn’t possible for everyone but if time and distance allows, leaving the car at home and walking is far more invigorating and will help ensure children are fully awake for the first lessons of the day. Walking is also lovely winding down/ catching up time on the way home. Watch out for ‘end-of-term-itis’ exhaustion Many children get a build up of tiredness through the autumn term, which is usually the longest of the academic year. This can lead to a condition lightheartedly called ‘end-of-term-itis’, involving tears and tantrums aplenty by December. If your child has recently moved to a new stage of schooling, such as into junior or secondary school, with more homework or

higher expectations, they may be especially prone to this. Fend it off by keeping the time after school and at weekends relatively quiet and sticking with those sensible bedtimes. Get outside at the weekends, whatever the weather It’s oh so tempting to be lazy on an Autumnal weekend, cosied up in the house. Whilst you may all benefit from downtime after a busy week, even an hour of fresh air and activity will do everyone good. Remember there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Make sure everyone has decent waterproofs and wellies so you can get out there no matter what. Get more information about the importance of sleep from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/sleep

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children:The Primary Years (Pearson).

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

education

tutOriNG: WhatyOu NeeDtOkNOW By Liat Hughes Joshi

Whetherit’stoprepareforexamsorimproveastrugglingchild’s confidence,atutorcanprovideasignificantboosttolearning.yet findingadecentonecanbeatestinitself.here’showtofindthe bestoneforyourchild… Plan ahead where possible The best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child will need support for exams or perhaps before moving to secondary school, begin your search well in advance. In very competitive 11+ areas for example, you may have to register interest with the most in-demand tutors 18 months ahead. Ask around Word-of-mouth is often the most effective way to find a good tutor. Ask parents you know and trust for recommendations. For the 11+ or public exams, speak to those with kids a year or two older, who’ve been there and done that recently. Consider agencies If your requests for recommendations draw a blank, a well-established tutoring agency could be the answer. Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match you and your child to someone with a similar style. Another upside of an agency is that if

your usual tutor is ill or away for a long period, they should be able to send someone else. Group tutoring reduces costs but probably won’t be as tailored There are increasing numbers of tuition centres offering group classes, both independent companies and chains. These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the same one-on-one attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level. Anyone can become a tutor so do your homework Anybody can set up as and call themselves a tutor, even if they’ve never taught anyone anything - there’s no regulation, which means checking credentials and qualifications is vital. One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary.

Don’t be shy about checking how they work Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other parents - what suits their child may not suit yours. Are they a teacher/ former teacher and if so where did they work? How long have they been tutoring for and what is their track record like? Find out the local going rate Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending on where you live and how in demand a particular tutor is. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Arrange a trial lesson Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson - this lets you get a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their teaching style is going to work for you both. Good luck! Get more information about tutoring from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/tutoring

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

education

liFtiNGtheBaNONGRAMMAR SCHOOLS –theprOsaNDcONs OFthesystem By Georgina Rodgers

planstoliftlabour’sbanonnewgrammarschoolsinenglandhavebeenannouncedby theresamay,sparkingfiercedebatesabouttheprosandconsofthesystem.

he Prime Minister – herself a former grammar school pupil - said she wants a “21st century education system”, with an “element of selection”. The first new grammar school in five decades is due to open in Sevenoaks, Kent in September 2017 after a long campaign by supporters. Speaking on BBC One’s Andrew Marr show, Mrs May said the decision was about raising the level of education across the country and ensuring there are good school places for every child. New grammars will take a proportion of pupils from lower-income backgrounds and also be expected to sponsor non-selective free schools. Mrs May also announced plans for grammar school entry at 14 and 16, as well as 11 to avoid the danger of late-developing children to be written off as non-academic at the start of their secondary careers. Supporters of the system argue that they undermine privilege and allow for greater social mobility, meaning they help the brightest children from the poorest homes. “Private education remains a highly expensive decision,” says local tutor Moon, from MoonTuition. “If your child can win a scholarship, it’s a great step forward for both their education and your finances. But if your child is not super bright enough to win a scholarship to a top private school yet still very gifted and needs to have challenging work in the school so that he or she doesn't get bored all the time, what options does your child have? Grammar schools will be the only option!” Grammar schools also deliver great results because teachers can push their pupils harder. “Private schools and grammar schools still provide the best access to Oxbridge,” Moon argues, saying that the comprehensive system is failing its brightest pupils. “I have been teaching in several comprehensive schools myself and I do feel the teachers can't perform their original role to deliver the lesson and teach the students the knowledge in an effective way because they have to spend lots of time managing the class. The gifted students get bored all the time as the work is not challenging at all.” According to the National Grammar Schools Association, in 2006 pupils at England’s 164 grammar schools produced more than half the total number of A-level grade As in harder subjects, than those produced by pupils in up to 2000 comprehensive schools. Supporters also point out the number of successful grammar school alumni, including the likes of Margaret Thatcher, David Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins. Critics argue that grammar systems are divisive and wealthier children are more likely to win a place at a grammar school because their parents have paid for tutoring. The Government's social mobility tsar, Alan Milburn, says pupils at selective schools were four or five times more likely to come from independent prep schools than from disadvantaged backgrounds. He said: “This is not selection educationally; it is selection socially. If [more of] that is what is being talked about, it will not provide a social mobility dividend, it will be a social mobility disaster.” Critics argue that this will lead to a widening attainment gap between rich and poor. Others point to an analysis of GCSE performance in selective state schools, carried out by the Education Policy Institute that says grammar schools do not improve the exam results of bright students, beyond what they would’ve achieved at good comprehensive. Critics says that grammar school supporters look back at the old system with a sense of rose-tinted nostalgia, when academic results were generally poor. Whilst supporters think that bright children from lower income families will benefit from more grammar schools being introduced. What are your thoughts about new grammar schools? Email us at editor@familiestveast.co.uk

E: moon_tuition@yahoo.com M: 07584 129188

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

educationNews ‘Outstanding’ awarded to Windsor Montessori School

Unique new school for Maidenhead Beech Lodge School has received planning approval for a new building which will be built near Stubbings on the west side of the town. The new school, which is scheduled to open in 2018, will have places for up to 96 children, aged 7-17 years. Beech Lodge School was set up in 2013 by Daniela Shanly with fellow parent Emma Barklem and local head teacher Lucy Barnes to offer a supportive and nurturing environment for children who’s needs are not being met by mainstream education. Daniela Shanly, believes the new school will

provide an excellent alternative for children in the Royal Borough as well as those in the surrounding counties. She says, “This is an ideal site for our children who will benefit hugely from the peaceful environment and the close contact with nature. The low level buildings will be sympathetic to the surroundings and our plans will also increase the natural biodiversity of area. As well as providing excellent facilities for our children we will also be supporting our parents with a range of therapies on site.” www.beechlodgeschool.co.uk

Ofsted improvement for Maidenhead senior school Furze Platt Senior School is celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection after a poor one in 2015. The school has been given a rating of 'Good' in all areas in its latest report, which was released last month, following an inspection in September. In their last report in February 2015, it said the school 'Requires Improvement' in all areas except Sixth Form provision, where it was found to be 'Good'. Highlights of the report include: - “Pupils in this school achieve highly” and “The quality of teaching and learning is strong. Teachers’ strong subject knowledge and good behaviour management skills help pupils to learn effectively.” Headteacher Tanya White says, “We are all extremely pleased with the report which recognises us as the high achieving and successful school we work so hard to be. Staff and students deserve to be very proud.” www.ofsted.gov.uk

The Windsor Montessori School is celebrating being awarded an ‘Outstanding’ status in its latest Ofsted inspection this July. The report said, “Children are extremely happy, confident and strongly motivated. They are developing superb skills to enable them to move on to their next steps in learning and are exceptionally well prepared for the move on to school. Children behave exceptionally well; they are very caring and respectful of each other.” The Windsor Montessori School in the Home Park was founded in 1980 and prides itself in fostering a love of learning. The school also aims to educate children to be caring, socially responsible citizens of their community and the world. The philosophy of the school and its newly opened Windsor Montessori House of Children, opposite the Windsor Farm shop, follows the true tenets of Dr Maria Montessori, whose holistic vision of education is preparation for life. They provide a true, authentic Montessori setting for infants, toddlers and children, from six months to nine years of age. Please call Menik on 01753 868399 or go to www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk. For more details about the Windsor Montessori House of Children call 01753 830525 or go to www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

GiFtiNspiratiON

stuckforpresentideasforfriendsandlovedones?herearesomeofourtoppicks. …for someone special Give a special gift this Christmas from the The Dinky Fingerprint Company’s new gold jewellery collection. As well as their normal silver hand, feet, paw and fingerprint range of jewellery they now offer some gorgeous gold plated pendants, which can be personalised with names, symbols, dates, words and messages. The Dinky Fingerprint Company help you capture special moments to create memories that you can touch forever with their vast range of personalised jewellery and gifts, from bracelets, necklaces and individual charms to cufflinks, bookmarks and key rings, there's a perfect gift for everyone. To see their full range or to place an order online go to www.dinkyfingerprintjewelle ry.co.uk or you can make an appointment to visit them in Maidenhead. 01628 623386

….for your BFF A great present for your drinking buddy. The Knock,

Knock it’s Prosecco O’Clock Door Mat from More than Words, it is a funny but useful present. They also have a great range of bespoke art too. £28. www.morethanwords.uk.com

…for the man who has everything Why not try a 3-month Friday night curry subscription from Not on the High Street.Your other half get the spices for a new curry that feeds four, every month for three months and you get fed! Win! Win! £20.

….for nature lovers Boxwild offers Subscription Boxes aimed at the ecoconscious. They send a selection of seasonal hand-blended seeds for birds and wildlife, feeders and habitats to encourage wildlife into the recipient's gardens. A donation from each box is also sent to wildlife charities. With prices from £12.50 - £15.00 per month, they make an affordable gift for a Mum, Dad or grandparent. www.boxwild.com

....for a foodie Sweet Things by Sara is a locally run business that specialises in all things sweet for any occasion, from a large selection of cookie products to sweet trees, smashing cakes to sweet boxes and fudges. There is always someone, whether a family member or a friend, who is impossible to buy for. Purchasing sweets is a great way to give a unique and special gift this Christmas. Call 07782 325245 or find them on facebook. www.facebook.com/sweetthings bysara

If music is more this thing you could also get his favourite lyrics framed as sound waves, how cool is that? From £15 (unframed). www.notonthehighstreet.com

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

presentideas

thetWelVetOysOFchristmas

Whenitcomestochoosinggiftsforthekidsatchristmas,weallwanttomakesurewegive themsomethingtheywillabsolutelylove.here’swhat’sonthebestliststhischristmas…

For baby and toddler

Personalised music box £17 Not on the High Street This is a gift that your little one can use and enjoy for years to come. Inside the wooden box is a musical mechanism that plays You Are My Sunshine and can be operated by turning the handle. Personalise it with your little one’s name and a message on the top.

• Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties

Bespoke designer cakes and cupcakes that add an extra WOW to any special occasion. From a small token of appreciation to a large centrepiece, we aim to help create perfect lovely moments. Call Hardip Pabla on 07710 981465 www.perfectlovely.co.uk Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PerfectLovelyCakes Instagram: Perfectlovelycakes

Wheelybug ride-on toy £69.95 Hippychick Your toddler will love zooming around on a Wheelybug. Sturdy and comfortable, with a big handle to grasp, these can zip around in any direction and there are so many loveable characters to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite. Ours is the pig. Or maybe the bee. Or the ladybird… But if you buy the mouse this Christmas, the company will donate money to help the endangered dormouse. VTech light up night light soft toy £10.99 John Lewis This sweet little character is suitable for a boy or a girl from birth and as well as being a little friend to play with, it’s a night light too. It has soft glowing lights that help your baby drift off to sleep, plus there is a white noise setting and nature sounds too. Frugi soft toy £25 Frugi Organic kids’ clothing brand Frugi has extended its range to include soft, cuddly toys. Choose from Doodle the Crocodile, Dash the Leopard or Giggles the Giraffe. They have been loving made from velour and corduroy and this gives them lots of textures for little hands to feel.

5-8 years SmartMax From £8.99 Amazon SmartMax is an amazing range of magnetic construction toys that kids will love. Featuring magnets that can hold 60 times their own weight, your little one can have endless fun constructing different toys from this set. It allows your child to explore their creativity whilst learning about magnetism and as the sets are made from safe and high quality materials, they will last for years too.

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presentideas Personalised Lego keyring From £3.99 Give a personalised gift this year with Labels4Kids. They have a wide range of gifts with everything from personalised LEGO® keyrings to personalised boot bags. These gifts are guaranteed to be a success and are just as fun to give away as they are to receive! You can also buy personalised adventure books from Paw Patrol, Disney Frozen and Spiderman. A name of your choice will be printed throughout the book and becomes part of an exciting adventure story. To order yours, visit www.labels4kids.com/fam or call 01786 473 508 today! All gifts are made to order so please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery

Who Tooted £19.99 Toys R Us This is a hilarious board game for all the family to play together. With integral sounds and whoopee cushions that – um – toot for you, everyone has to guess who tooted! Mickey Mouse Boot Toppers £7.95 Disney Store Even too kool for skool teenagers still love their soft toys, and these boot toppers are a fun way for them to embrace their love for all things Disney when out and about in autumn leaves and winter snow. Pop these knitted toppers on a pair of boots and the friendly face with pom pom ears will make everyone smile.

Orange monster hand puppet £19.99 Puppets By Post A favourite of our childhoods; hand puppets are making a massive comeback and this bright orange monster will be a great friend for your child to play with. He can be a friendly monster or a naughty monster, depending on what your child decides and it can help your child learn the art of drama and role play. BeatBo £29.99 Tesco This large and friendly toy will get your little one moving and grooving. Children can press his tummy or the buttons on his feet to activate tunes and songs. He will help kids get to learn their colours, numbers and letter and they can even sing along.

9-12 years

Chip the robot dog £199.99 Amazon He’s not cheap but Chip is the toy they’re all talking about this Christmas. He’s smart and does his own thing, or your child can train him using voice commands and a remote control, giving him a unique personality and he’s just like a real dog. Roll his ball and he’ll bring it back to you, pick up his front legs and he dances. You can also use an app on your smart phone or tablet.

at award winning Paralympic sports centre We oﬀer: • Single or multisports parties with a diﬀerence! • Qualified coaches and full event support • Paralympians in attendance to present medals • A unique and memorable experience for the kids and the parents too!

Get in touch today! • events@sportsable.co.uk • 01628 627 690 • www.sportsable.co.uk • reg charity: 1078742

Minions Pie Face £19.99 Toys Are Us The toy that everyone wanted last year is back – and it makes you into a Minion! Pop some whipped cream or a wet sponge on the arm (cold mashed potato’s good too), then a player puts their chin on the chin rest. Spin the dial to see how many clicks you must turn the handles by – then watch out! Unlucky players get a face full of goo! telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

FestiveDaysOut christmasFuN

here’sourguidetosomegreatchristmasevents,fromalantern paradetoapantowalk,there’ssomethingforeveryone.

Illuminating fun in Maidenhead

November, 10am – 3pm and every Sunday at Norden Farm from Sunday 20 November,11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm. Suitable for all the family. Workshops are £3 per person. To book, call the Box Office: 01628 788997; www.nordenfarm.org.

Festive Fun at The Savill Garden

Maidenhead’s Community Lantern Parade is back! The Carnival of the Animals Lantern Parade organised by Norden Farm is on Saturday 10 December featuring live music from the Bollywood Brass Band. You can get involved at one of their Lantern Making workshops, running throughout November and December. Create a mythical animal inspired lantern by weaving and decorating willow. Their expert lantern makers will guide you through the process and you will have a lantern ready to illuminate at the parade. The public Lantern workshops are being held at Norden Farm and in the Maidenhead Town Centre in the run up to the event. The workshops are on every Saturday in Maidenhead Town Centre, from Saturday 19

Christmas at The Savill Garden will be sprinkled with fairy dust this year with activities starting in November and running until January 1. In November, The Savill Garden gift shop will be decked out with fantastic Christmas gifts and decorations for sale. There will be a Royal Rocking Horse exhibition in The Savill Building, showcasing hand crafted horses made for Her Majesty the Queen including The Golden Jubilee rocking horse, gifted to her Majesty in 2002, to commemorate her 50 years on the throne. In December, The Savill Garden itself will be

free to visit anytime during the month! There will be an exciting gingerbread man trail for children with a special treat at the end. In The Savill Building, Christmas lunch will be served daily, as well as a Christmas themed afternoon tea (pre-booking is required). Time your afternoon tea right and you will be accompanied by the soundtrack of angelic voices, as local primary schools will be visiting to sing Christmas carols (selected weekdays only). The fun for children in December is also plentiful. A Victorian style carousel will be set up outside the front of the building. Those wanting a jaunt with a real horse can enjoy a festive horse-drawn carriage ride around Windsor Great Park, heading back to the The Savill building afterwards to warm up with a hot chocolate served from the pop up Horse Box Café. Inside, kids will be invited to get cosy with some popcorn and watch a special Christmas film in The Savill Building’s pop-up cinema. All information on Christmas activities, timings and bookings can be found at: windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/news-andevents/events

Cliveden open for 363 days of the year For the first time ever, Cliveden National Trust will be open for 363 days of the year, only shutting on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; perfect to shake off that Boxing Day and early January slump. A wander round Cliveden’s formal gardens is just what you need after indulging in luxurious mince pies and spiced mulled wine from the Orangery café. Whether you’re in the Long Garden admiring the topiaries winter haircut, or frolicking along the crisp winter lawns of the Parterre, Cliveden’s gardens are sure to delight.

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For those willing to go the extra mile, a brisk stroll to the woodlands and by the river offers you a chance to appreciate the stripped-back scenery of Buckinghamshire’s wintry landscape.

FestiveDaysOut price. Prizes are given to Toddlers (and grownups!) who dress up in the theme of the day. The Toddler Day theme on 9 and 10 November is Night Time and on 7 and 8 December the theme is Snow and Sparkles, so why not go dressed as a Snowman? The Look Out is a great place to visit as there is something for all ages in all types of weather. The centre is set in 1,000 hectares of Swinley Forest and has a popular adventure play area, woodland walks, bike trails and a café.

For young families looking for a festive adventure, visit Cliveden for a very special pantomime-themed trail. Dress up as your favourite panto character to make the most of the fun interactive activity. Along the way there’ll be three stocking-filler presents. Trails costs £5 per child and are free for accompanying adults (usual admission applies). Trails run every weekend in December* and from Wednesday 21 December to 3 January.*Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day For further details about events, opening times and admission prices please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden, call 01628 605 069 or e-mail cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk

Toddlers can explore snow and sparkles at the Look Out. The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell is embracing the Winter months by holding specially themed Toddler days exploring Night Time and Snow and Sparkles. On Toddler Days there are extra activities such as arts and crafts to take home, face/hand painting and story time included in the entrance

admission fee, the show is on until 3 January 2017). For more details about The Look Out and to keep up to date with their special events, find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery or go to their website www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre

Go back in time The Chiltern Open Air Museum will be open on December 3 & 4. Step back in time and take part in festive crafts, see costumed re-enactors enjoying Georgian festivities, listen to traditional storytelling and folk singers sing traditional songs and music.You can also visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a gift (£3 a child). Normal admission charges apply (open 11am-4pm, last admission 3pm. www.coam.org.uk

Kew Gardens lights up for Christmas

Inside there are more than 90 hands-on science and discovery activities – a place where children are encouraged to touch, press, pull, roll, wind up and discover science in such a fun way they don’t realise they are learning! Kids can also find out more about bodies in The Brilliant Brain Show - a fun interactive show that is all about how your brains work. Shows run at weekends and in Bracknell Forest school holidays at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm (subject to an additional charge to the main

This Christmas, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will once again transform into a magical after dark explosion of festive colour, as visitors embark on a mile long illuminated trail inspired by the Gardens themselves, for the much anticipated Christmas at Kew 2016. After the roaring success of the last three years, Kew has once again teamed up with entertainment promoter Raymond Gubbay Ltd. to create this breathtaking display of over 60,000 lights. www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whatson/christmas-at-kew-2016 For Christmas shows go to page 18 and where to find Santa go to pages 16 & 17

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FindFatherchristmas

As children across the country start writing their Christmas wishlists, here is our guide to finding Santa in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire...ho, ho, ho.

…Eat With Father Christmas at WYEVALE GARDEN CENTRE, Binfield,

or Wyevale in Dedworth Road, Windsor. Call 0844 288 5063. Book now to eat with Santa. Lunches and Christmas teas available. 15% off any child ticket for visits before December 2. Dates vary depending on centre. 12 November until Christmas Eve. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfast -or-tea-with-father-christmas …Visit Santa's Grotto at BLACK PARK COUNTRY PARK, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR, 0845 370 8090.Visit Santa in his magical grotto at Black Park and tell him your Christmas wishes, will Santa have a gift for you?...Only if you've been good! Book in advance. Santa has a gift for each child booked in, these are age relevant for babies, toddlers 1 to 4 year

AGES: 6 - 18 YEARS

PRICE: £45 (HALF FEES FOR SIBLINGS)

Stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

ELIZABETH HAWKES WAY

maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk

VENUE: MANOR GREEN SCHOOL MAIDENHEAD SL6 3EO

olds and 5 to 8 year olds £5 per child, pay & display charges apply. November 26, 27 and December 3,4. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-parkevents/black-park/santas-grotto …Enjoy the Christmas Festival at ODDS FARM PARK, Wooburn Common Road,

Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188. Entering a cosy Grotto via a sparkling Woodland Walkway, children will meet the Elves and of course Father Christmas himself, before exchanging a magical Golden Ticket for something very special in the Elves’ Teddy-Tastic Workshop. Plus, take part in Christmas-themed Arts & Crafts and meet the crazy elves at Elf School! Combined with plenty of Christmas Lambs to meet, there’s stacks of festive fun for the whole family! From November 26 to December 24. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

07871 530119

/stagecoachMaidenhead/

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Grotto at Painshill. An annual sell-out, children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and his trusty elves, in the enchanted Crystal Grotto, where they can receive a gift from Santa himself! December 3 to 24. Cost: Adults £8, concessions £7, children £12. www.painshill.co.uk …Spot Santa on the VC10 airplane at BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0QN, 01932 857381. Once again Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest for a while and borrowing a VC10 aircraft so that he can meet his young fans. For children aged 5-7, normal museum admission applies. Accompanying adults and seniors pay normal museum admission. For children under 5, admission to the museum is free and they can also visit Santa for £5. Advance booking only. December 3 to 18.

…Enjoy a Traditional Chilterns Christmas at the CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB. Find Father Christmas in his grotto, alongside the decorated historic buildings, festive crafts, folk singers, storytelling & costumed re-enactments from days gone by.11am to 4pm. December 3 and 4. www.coam.org.uk ...Meet Santa in the Toddler’s Grotto at RUSH TRAMPOLINE PARK. Lexmark

House, Cressex Business Park, Coronation Road, High Wycombe, HP12 3TZ. 0345 450 0268. For ages 0-6, from 9-11am, 10-23 of December.You can also bump into a jumping Santa between 9am-5pm from 1023 December too! www.rushuk.com t

M S

HANSEL & GRETEL INSPIRED GROTTO IN HUGHENDEN, High Wycombe,

Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/ Meet Father Christmas for s special festive treat. Booking essential. Normal admission applies. 10am to 3.30pm. Child £6. Saturdays and Sundays, December 3 to 11.

…Vist the Christmas Bricktacular and Grotto at LEGOLAND. Wonder at the twinkling lights, snow dusted pine trees, exciting seasonal festivities and see the Park as you have never seen it before. Discover a Christmas land with 20

…Visit Father Christmas in a Crystal Grotto at PAINSHILL PARK, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE, 01932 584284. Jump into the festive spirit, and join Father Christmas in the magical Crystal

rides and attractions... Father Christmas will be in his magical grotto, where every child will receive a LEGO present. 3,4,10,11, 17-24 December www.legoland.co.uk/explore-theresort/special-events/christmasbricktacular/ …Meet Father Christmas Grotto in a

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christmasshows

makechristmasspecialbytakingyourfamilytoseeashow,here isourroundupofthebestlocalpantosandtheatreinthearea. Tuesday November 22 to Friday December 30 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Stuff and Nonsense bring stunning puppets, dancing, comedy and quirky songs to the fairy-tale. Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes... until one night when two tiny visitors climb in through the window and start cutting and stitching. Pre-show 'Touch Tours' for children with autism and blind and partially sighted children can be arranged (morning performances only). For ages 3+. Tickets £13.50 (£11.50 Under 16s). Deals available. norden.farm Wednesday November 30 to January 8 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: PANTO IN WINDSOR Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Slough, SL1 1PS. 01753 853888. This traditional festive family favourite is a treat for all ages. Windsor’s traditional family pantomime has a fantastic, gigantic reputation. Steven Blakeley and

Kevin Cruise, The Dodgy Duo Are Back! Featuring the voice of Brian Blessed as the Giant, Timmy Mallett and Anthea Turner. Various show times. £17 to £34. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Thursday December 1 to Saturday 3 ROBIN HOOD by Stoke Poges Players, Stoke Poges Village Centre, Rogers Lane, SL2 4LP. 0845 686 0016. See Robin give to the poor, defeat the devilishly handsome Sheriff and win the heart of Maid Marion. £8 for an adult with children, family packages and concessions available. For more information or to book your tickets please email the box office at stoke.poges.players@gmail.com. www.stoke-pogescentre.org.uk Tuesday December 6 to Saturday 31 CINDERELLA Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley, GU15 3SY. 01276 707600. Traditional panto is back for another sensational year with plenty of sparkle and fun in true Camberley Theatre style! www.camberleytheatre.biz

Saturday December 10 to Saturday 31 CINDERELLA Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494514444. Expect pumpkins and mice, carriages and horses, glitz, glamour, beautiful dresses, comedy and of course the ugly sisters, booking required. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tuesday December 20. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: A GIANT PANTOMINE ADVENTURE. Pearce Suite Theatre, Magnet, Leisure Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW. Join the lovable Jack and his friends as they whisk you away to panto land! Packed full of comedy, song & dance! To book visit the Magnet reception or call 01628 685332 or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk Saturday January 7 Chamberhouse Winds present THE SNOWMAN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Howard Blake's well-loved musical version of Raymond Briggs' Classic children's story. Featuring Chamberhouse Winds. 11.30am. Tickets £8 to £10. norden.farm

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christmastraditions

christmaseVerituals: OlD,NeWaNDmust-DO

Doyouleaveacarrotforrudolphandamincepieorcookies forsantaonchristmaseve?areyoursweettreats accompaniedbyatippleofsherryoraglassofmilk?maybe youdothingsalittledifferently?

e thought we’d have a look at some of the nation’s favourite Christmas Eve traditions — plus a few new ones you may want to try… Decorating the tree For many families, the Christmas countdown begins with a tree. One lovely tradition is to let the children choose a new decoration each year — something a bit special and unlike the multipack baubles.You could even take a photograph of your little one hanging it! A Christmas Eve movie Whether it’s just one movie, or several, Christmas Eve is made for getting cosy with the family in preparation for the big day. Favourites festive films such as include Elf, The Snowman, The Polar Express, Santa Claus the Movie, Arthur Christmas, The Grinch, Home Alone and Nativity.

Going to a Christmas service This can be a really special thing to do with your family at Christmas. There is something quite lovely about the community coming together, the carols and candlelight and time to think about the

true meaning of Christmas. Many churches will have carol or Christingle services, created with children in mind and held in the afternoon or early evening. Reindeer food Easy to make, you just need porridge oats and some glitter or edible sugar sprinkles. Once you’ve made your reindeer food, you have to take it outside and sprinkle on the lawn before going to bed on Christmas Eve, while reciting the magic words… The stocking Whether you put a small stocking over the fireplace, or one at the end of your child’s bed, the plumped out Christmas sock is often the first indicator that HE’S BEEN! Wherever you choose to put yours, you may want to ensure the same key items are present each year. A Christmas story In the run up to Christmas, you could share some Christmas stories before bedtime to help build the excitement and understanding of the celebrations. A key story is going to be the Nativity story, which children may also be enjoying at school.

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What’sOn

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Fashioning a Reign exhibition at Windsor Castle until January 8

Chinese State Circus is at the Wycombe Swan on November 4

ONGOING Until January 8 FASHIONING A REIGN Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ. This exhibition marks the 90th Birthday of the Queen through a display of fashionable dress, from childhood in the 1930s to the present day. Magnificent evening gowns and elegant day ensembles will be contrasted with fancy-dress costumes worn by the young Princess Elizabeth for wartime family pantomimes at the Castle. £20, £11.70 for under 17s, under 5s free. Until January 8 SHAKESPEARE EXHIBITION Windsor Castle, as above. See Shakespeare’s First Folio owned by George IV. Castle entry applies (free with Advantage Card). Every other Sunday from November 13 INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den, followed by a yummy Sunday lunch. Join in or unwind in the cafe/ bar with the Sunday papers, while your little ones get involved in telling stories from all over the world. Lunch menu from £5. norden.farm Until January 3 THE BRILLIANT BRAIN SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Handson science fun looking at imagination, optical illusions, memory senses and special brain games. How do our brains work? Show runs at weekends and school holidays, subject to audience numbers. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutweekendandholidayshows

Be Amazed...The Look Out

Discovery Centre

Science and discovery fun over 90 activities. Bring this advert to get one free child with one full paying adult*. Valid until 03/01/2017 *Terms and conditions apply.

The Brilliant Brain Show 17 September 2016 - 3 January 2017 Shows run at weekends and school holidays. Age 3+

Open 10am - 5pm every day 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 TVE

Make a lantern and join the Maidenhead parade, Norden Farm from November

Every Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday during Term-Time TODDLER TIME Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common Road HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Messy play, arts & crafts, music & singing and more. Sessions take place twice daily between 10.15-11am and 11.15am-noon in term time. Book in advance. Small extra charge per child applies. Places for each session must be booked in advance. Runs until December 20, 2016. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

NOVEMBER Friday November 4 CHINESE STATE CIRCUS Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494514444. Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers interact with the super-human physical skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts, booking required. 7.30pm / Adult £26.50, Child £11.50, Family £65. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Friday November 4 MARLOW MONSTER FIREWORKS SHOW 2016 Marlow Sports Club, Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AE. Gates open at 5.30pm. Mini tennis (Monster Smash), football (Beat the Goalie), netball (Score a Goal), rowing, cycling, petanque and spooky eye throwing. Fireworks 7.30pm, The Marlow Brewery, barbeque, fine wines and music. Fun stalls including health foods, books, glow products, confectionery, party stuff and fine foods. Best Dressed Monster competition. Prizes for juniors and adults! £8 or £4 (child) in advance. Under 3s are free. www.marlowsportsclub.org.uk Friday November 4 WINDLESHAM FIREWORKS FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE, Kennel Lane, GU20 6AA. 01276 471547. Gates open 5.45pm, Bonfire lit 6.30pm, Fireworks 7.00pm. Tickets online or at Sutton's or Savannah in Windlesham Village. £5.50 Adult/ £3 Child (on the gate £6.50/£3.50). www.windleshamfireworks.co.uk Friday November 4 BOOST YOUR CHILD'S CONFIDENCE WORKSHOP Parenting Success, Crowthorne, RG45 6JG. 07745 983504. In this dynamic workshop we will look at how to instil a can-do attitude in your children that will enable them to take on new challenges. Give you an opportunity to explore your child’s confidence level in depth. Look at some step-by-step tools and how proper listening and praise can help build your child’s self-esteem 9.30am-12.30pm. £45. www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com/workshops Friday November 4 and Saturday 5 STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS AND FIREWORKS Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. Star Wars The Force Awakens will be screened after the spectacular fireworks and lasers show. Gates open at 4pm so come along before the fireworks display to enjoy the funfair and entertainment. Bars and food stalls will be open for the entirety of the event. The firework display will begin at about 7.30pm, after which the film will be shown at about 8.30pm. Adult £11 in advance. Child (5 to 17 years) £6. Family £30. Free entry to children under 5. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Saturday November 5 SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS CELEBRATION Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Sl7 1GJ. Celebrate in the stunning surroundings with fireworks over the lake, live music and a selection of food and drink to purchase. Book in advance. 6.30pm, £12.50 per adult £5 per child (3 to 12 years old) Ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine or fruit punch on arrival. Family ticket £30 (2 adults, 2 children). www.cpmarlow.co.uk Saturday November 5 CRAZY ENTERTAINERS Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX. 01628 520188.Join the madness and mayhem of the Crazy Entertainers! With several shows daily, all the extra fun is included in entry! Plus animal and play barn attractions. Runs every weekend to November 20. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Saturday November 5 WOKINGHAM CHARITY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The fun starts at 6pm when a torchlight procession leaves from the town centre. At the same time the funfair opens on Cantley Field. Enjoy the big bonfire, the fireworks start at 7.30pm. All proceeds go to local charities. 6-9pm. £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day. Children 7 and under are free. www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk Saturday November 5 CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE Royal Holloway Art Collections and Picture Gallery, Royal Holloway University, Egham, TW20 0EX. AWBS International Women's Club 34th Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fayre. Something for everyone with gifts for children, for him or for her, plus entertainment, food and more. Free parking, buggy and wheelchair

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Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

What’sOn

Watch the Angry Birds Birds Move at the Firestation Centre for the Arts in Windsor, November 12

Enjoy the ever popular Stick Man at the Wycombe Swan on November 13

The Elves and the Shoemaker is at Norden Farm on November 22

access. 10am to 4pm. Children free, concessions are £3 and adults are £5. www.fayre.awbs.org.uk Tuesday November 8 to Saturday 12 SNOW WHITE, Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL1 1PS. 01753 853888. Join Vienna Festival Ballet on a magical journey with their unmissable production of Snow White. A timeless fairytale with a beautiful girl, an enchanted mirror, a poisoned apple and hip-hopping dwarves. On Wednesday November 9,Vienna Festival Ballet is running a creative workshop for children aged 5 years and over. This fun workshop with scenes from Snow White gives children the opportunity to experience and learn more about the magic of ballet and its hidden secrets. £5 off when booking for both the workshop and the show. 7.30pm Wed, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm £13-£31 www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Saturday November 12 THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE (PG) Firestation Centre for the Arts, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL. 01753 866865. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggy’s, it's up to

three unlikely outcasts to save the day. 1pm. www.firestationartscentre.com Saturday November 12 NCT MEGA SALE Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road, Windsor, SL4 5JB. 01753 778577. Mega Nearly New Sale 11.30am1pm. Email NNS.Slough@nct.org.uk if you want to sell. www.nct.org.uk/branches/slough-windsor Saturday November 12 ROTARY YOUNG WRITERS MASTERCLASS Cox Green Library, Highfield Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 3AY. 07779 046605. This masterclass is aimed at young writers aged 7 to 14 who could be our authors, screenwriters and playwrights of the future. Are you already making up stories for fun? Author Ali Sparkes will take you through some fast-paced fun and games designed to help you develop your writing skills. The theme of this year's Young Writer's competition is ‘Reflection’. Age 7 children will need to be accompanied by a parent. 1.30-4.15pm. www.eventbrite.ca/e/rotary-young-writersmasterclass-age-7-14-ali-sparkes-childrens-author-tick ets-28232330661?aff=es2

Saturday November 12 THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW FIREWORK DISPLAY, London. Dozens of colourful floats and performers parade from Bank to Aldwych. Festivities culminate in a huge fireworks display. www.lordmayorsshow.london Sunday November 13 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB.Vintage stalls, street food and a great atmosphere. 11am-4pm. Sunday November 13 MAKING MEMORIES Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, SL1 1PS. 01753 853888. Watch fantastic dance routines, toe tapping musical theatre numbers and spine tingling drama from the best young performing arts troupes the area has to offer. From classical ballet to hip hop; ballroom dance to musical theatre; there is sure to be something that will get even the most reluctant toes tapping. 5pm. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Sunday November 13 STICK MAN Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494514444. Touching, funny and

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What’sOn

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Gangsta Granny at the Wycombe Swan, November 24-27

Brickmassy fun at Legoland from December 3

Enjoy Christmas at Cliveden and follow the Pantomime trail during December

original, this production features a trio of top actors and is full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves, 3+yrs, booking required. 1 & 4pm, £15.50, Family £58. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tuesday November 15 LITTLE STAR MUSICAL STORYTELLING Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX. 0845 2303232. Children’s stories are brought to life with live music, puppets, singing, instruments & movement plus bubbles, dancing & refreshments, 03yrs, drop-in. 1.30 to 2.15pm. £6. Thursday November 17 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING Greengables Day Nursery, 34-36 Yeovil Road, Owlsmoor, Sandhurst, GU47 0TE. 01344 780520. Enjoy some Christmas shopping in a relaxed atmosphere with lots of unique and quality gifts and handmade items. Entrance fee is £2.50 including a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Further refreshments will be available. There will be a raffle on the evening with some fabulous goodies to be won. 7pm-9pm, £2.50. Thursday November 17 ETON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Eton Town Centre, Jubilee Square, SL3 9NP. Carols, a lantern parade and the lights switch-on. www.etontowncouncil.wordpress.com Friday November 18 RAISING TEENAGERS WORKSHOP Parenting Success, Crowthorne, RG45 6JG. 07745 983504. How can we encourage a positive attitude and behaviour in our teenager through effective communication. How to make commands more effective so that they will listen and communicate the first time, without having to nag or shout. 9.30am-12.30pm, £45. www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com/workshops Friday November 18 and Saturday 19 CHRISTMAS FAIR AND RACING Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. With the festive season well on its way, enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping at the Country Living Christmas Shopping Fair in the Grandstand in between races. Free entry for children and for all to the Queen Anne Enclosure. ascot.co.uk Saturday November 19 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON IN WINDSOR Windsor Royal Shopping, Goswell Hill, SL4 1RH. 01753 797070. Live entertainment, a traditional handmade lantern procession with carol singing culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights. The evening will also include a specially commissioned projection on Windsor Castle's Garter Tower. Entertainment starts 3.30pm. www.windsorroyalshopping.co.uk Saturday November 19 IVER CHRISTMAS FAYRE The Iver Village Junior School, High Street, Iver, SL0 9QA. 01753 653059. Stalls & festive fun. 12noon to 3pm. www.ivervillage-jun.bucks.sch.uk Saturday November 19 ARTISAN FAIR Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. The 18th century Long Barn provides the perfect backdrop to pick up a unique Christmas gift. Browse stalls from local sellers showcasing hand-made wares. The Café Bar is open all day, and will be serving mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas-flavoured coffee. 11am-4pm.

Sunday November 20 SUNNINGHILL VICTORIAN STREET FAYRE High Street, Sunninghill, SL5 7AA. Entertainers, stalls galore, Santa's grotto, Punch and Judy show, food, mulled wine and games. 12pm-4pm. www.ascotmatters.co.uk Sunday November 20 CHARITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Crowne Plaza, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 2XE. Large range of food vendors & stalls. 10am to 4pm. Adult £3. www.cawc.co.uk Sunday November 20 LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOPS AND PARADE 'CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS' Organised by Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Weave and decorate willow to create lanterns inspired by the animal world at family workshops then join the parade in Maidenhead town centre on December 10. A space must be booked for every person attending the workshop, including supervising adults. £3 per person. Workshops are at Norden Farm on Sundays November 20 and 27 & Maidenhead town centre on Saturdays November 19, 26 and December 4. Last chance workshop at Maidenhead Library on Saturday December 10 and 11am and 2pm (drop in). For parade details see December 10 entry. norden.farm Tuesday November 22 to Friday December 30 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 78899. Stuff and Nonsense bring stunning puppets, dancing, comedy and quirky songs to the fairtytale. Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes... until one night when two tiny visitors climb in through the window and start cutting and stitching. Pre-show 'Touch Tours' for children with autism and blind and partially sighted children can be arranged (morning performances only). For ages 3+ years. £13.50 (£11.50 Under 16s). Deals available. norden.farm Thursday November 24 to Sunday 27 GANGSTA GRANNY Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 514444. Family show based on the popular David Walliams book, 5+yrs, running time 2hr 10mins, booking required.Various show times. Tickets from £19.50. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Friday November 25 EFFECTIVE CONSEQUENCES WORKSHOP Parenting Success, Crowthorne, RG45 6JG. 07745 983504. Exploring tools and skills which will support both you and your child to manage and control our tempers. 9.30am to 12.30pm. £45. www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com/workshops Saturdays and Sundays November 26/27 & December 4/5 CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE RIDES Black Park Country Park, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 01753 511060. Take a magical Christmas ride through the wintery avenues of Black Park. £3 per person, per ride, pay & display charges apply. Just turn up, 10am to 3pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page From Saturday November 26 to January 2 WINDSOR ON ICE Alexandra Gardens, Barry

Avenue, SL4 3HY. Skate near the river in the covered main rink with an extra smaller open air ice rink. Bar and grill available plus dodgems and Father Christmas. The only temporary ice rink that has a covered main rink with an extra smaller open air ice rink new for 2016. It is an excellent venue for Christmas parties and family gatherings. This year the viewing area, festive food court and some attractions are also under cover. www.windsoronice.com Saturday November 26 COOKHAM CHRISTMAS FAYRE Moor Hall, Cookham, SL6 9QH. 01628 427500. Shop till you drop at the ‘fun for all the family’ event, then enjoy the refreshments catered by Moor Hall Events Team. Fundraising for Elizabeth House. Retail and charity stalls with price-friendly products. www.usecookham.org Saturday November 26 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON IN SLOUGH Town Square, High Street, Slough. Meet Santa, be in with the chance to win prizes and enjoy a programme of entertainment, including singing and dancing. Saturday November 26 MAIDENHEAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. The High Street, Queen Street and St Ives Road will be turned into a Christmas fun fair and market with stalls and children's rides before the switch-on. www.enjoymaidenhead.com Saturday November 26 GREAT MISSENDEN VILLAGE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 0AL. 01494 892192. Free entry as part of Great Missenden's Christmas Festival. Storytelling, dropin crafts & trail. 3pm to 8pm. www.roalddahl.com/museum Sunday November 27 TEDDY CONCERT FOR FAMILIES St John's Church, Manor Farm Lane, Egham, TW20 9HL. 01784 430964. Chamber concert by the brilliant orchestra. Don't forget your teddy. 3pm. Tickets will be on sale from the church office. www.stjohnsegham.com Sunday November 27 WOKINGHAM WINTER CARNIVAL Berkshire, RG40 1AS. A fun-packed day held in the town centre streets. Fun fair rides, over 100 food, craft and charity stalls and non-stop free entertainment including Santa's Grotto, a magic show, comedy jugglers, clowns and entertainers. Find Santa's Grotto in the warmth of the Library from 11am - 3pm. Carnival procession from 4pm. www.wintercarnival.org.uk Wednesday November 30 to January 8 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: PANTO IN WINDSOR Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Slough, SL1 1PS. 01753 853888. This traditional festive family favourite is a treat for all ages. Windsor’s traditional family pantomime has a fantastic, gigantic reputation. Steven Blakeley and Kevin Cruise, The Dodgy Duo Are Back! Featuring the voice of Brian Blessed as the Giant, Timmy Mallett & Anthea Turner. Various show times. £17 to £34. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

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Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

What’sOn

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone screens at Firestation Arts Centre on December 10

Carols By Candlelight at Theatre Royal Windsor on December 11

Cinderella sweeps into Wycombe Swan, December 10-31

DECEMBER

Camberley, GU15 3SY. 01276 707600. Traditional panto is back for another sensational year with plenty of sparkle and fun in true Camberley Theatre style! www.camberleytheatre.biz Saturday December 10 'CHRISTMAS KIDS' CLUB CINEMA: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE' (PG) Firestation Centre for the Arts, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL. 01753 866865. Join a nostalgic, Christmassy trip back to where it all began for JK Rowling's young hero! Harry Potter dress up prizes! 1pm. Full price £5, child £2.50 (£1 booking fees apply). www.firestationartscentre.com Saturday December 10 LANTERN PARADE ‘CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS’. Beautiful lanterns created at the Norden Farm family workshops (see November 20 entry for details of where to take part in workshops) will be illuminated at the annual community Lantern Parade from outside Maidenhead Town Hall. 4.30pm - Live music and entertainment from the Bollywood Brass Band 5pm - Parade departs from Maidenhead Town Hall 5.45pm to 6.15pm - Live music and entertainment continues. Saturday December 10 to Saturday 31 CINDERELLA Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494514444. Expect pumpkins and mice, carriages and horses, glitz, glamour, beautiful dresses, comedy and of course the ugly sisters, booking required. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday December 11 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, SL6 1LB. Food and vintage stalls, 11am to 4pm. Sunday December 11 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1PS. 01753 853888. In lavish period costume, and in front of an evocative candlelit setting, these charismatic performers perform carols and seasonal surprises. The Locrian Ensemble have a host of television and film credits to their name and have recently topped the classical charts. This is the ideal way to get into the true spirit of Christmas. 7.30pm. £16 to £30. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Monday December 12 to Friday December 23 REINDEER TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Santa's reindeer have escaped. Come and help Santa find them hiding in Black Park in time for Christmas and Santa may just have a treat for you! Pick up your self-led trail guide from the Visitor Information Point in Black Park NB no real reindeer were used in the making of this trail! 10am-2pm. £3 per trail guide. Pay & display charges apply. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Monday December 12 FESTIVO St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ. The Choir of St George’s Chapel will be joined by musicians from The Band of the Household Cavalry in a concert of sacred and secular seasonal music. 7.30pm. www.stgeorges-windsor.org

Friday December 16 CAROLS ON THE HILL 2016 Windsor, SL4 1RH. 01753 797070. An evening of carols in front of Windsor Castle (Queen Victoria Statue) beginning at 6pm. Featuring the Band of the Household Cavalry. 6-7pm. This annual event will be lead by Churches Together in Windsor with proceeds going to DASH and Family Friends. www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on Friday December 16 and Saturday 17 CHRISTMAS RACING AT ASCOT Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. Festive racing with mulled wine, mince pies, carol singing and a special visit from Father Christmas. A designated family day. Children under 18 free. Festive fun for the whole family. www.ascot.co.uk Sunday December 18 CAROLS AT THE CAFE Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. Carols plus craft activities for the kids. 12.30pm to 3pm, Carols at 1 & 2pm. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Sunday December 18 FAMILY CAROLS Eton College, Slough Road, Eton, SL4 6DW. 01753 671000. By the Windsor and Eton Choral Society held at Eton College's School Hall. 2.45pm. Free for under 12s. www.w-ecs.org.uk Tuesday December 20. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: A GIANT PANTOMINE ADVENTURE. Pearce Suite Theatre, Magnet, Leisure Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW. Join the lovable Jack and his friends as they whisk you away to panto land! Packed full of comedy, song & dance! To book visit the Magnet reception or call 01628 685332 or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk Wednesday December 28 and Thursday 29 TROLLS Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 When the troll eating Bergens threaten to destroy the village, it is up to Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) to save the day. From the creators of Shrek and inspired by the popular toys. £7 (£5 under 16s), Family & Friends (4 people) £20. 4.30pm. norden.farm

Thursday December 1 BURNHAM SWITCH ON AND CHRISTMAS FAIR Burnham High Street, SL1 7HR. 01628 550380. Burnham Lions organise the parade, the switch on of the festive lights followed by a Christmas Fair from 5pm. www.burnhamlions.org.uk Thursday December 1 to January 4 A FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS Hughenden NT High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. Discover the fairy tales of the brothers Grimm, plus a themed children's trail. Decorations throughout the Manor. 11am to 3pm. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Thursday December 1 to Saturday 3 ROBIN HOOD by Stoke Poges Players, Stoke Poges Village Centre, Rogers Lane, SL2 4LP. 0845 686 0016. See Robin give to the poor, defeat the devilishly handsome Sheriff and win the heart of Maid Marion. £8 for an adult with children, family packages and concessions available. For more information or to book your tickets please email the box office at stoke.poges.players@gmail.com www.stoke-poges-centre.org.uk Saturday December 3 REINDEER PARADE Windsor Royal Shopping, Goswell Hill, Windsor, SL4 1RH. 01753 797070. Come and see the LIVE Reindeer and Father Christmas on a sleigh parading through the town centre with a marching band and costumed characters. From 2pm to 4pm. www.windsorroyalshopping.co.uk Saturday December 3 LANTERN WORKSHOP 'CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS' Maidenhead Library, St. Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1QU. 01628 796 969. Last chance to weave and decorate willow to create lanterns inspired by the animal world. The parade is on December 10, organised by Norden Farm. 11am2pm. £3. www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_maidenhead.htm Saturday December 3 to New Year’s Day WOODLAND WONDERS FESTIVE TRAIL Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor's Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Get yourself in the festive mood by picking up a leaflet from the Information Point and following our seasonal trail through a real winter wonderland. Fun for all ages! Bring a pencil. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Saturday December 3 PANTOMIME TRAIL Cliveden, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Join Buttons and Widow Twanky on this festive trail through the wintry estate. Come dressed in your panto costume. 10am to 2.30pm. £5. Also weekends in December and from Boxing Day to January 3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday December 4 SANTA DASH Higginson Park, Marlow, SL7 2AE. 01494 421821. Marlow's 11th Santa Fun Run. Join more than 2,000 red runners in the 12th dash. All entrants get a Santa suit. Children can join in too and will get a Tshirt. 9.30am. www.santasfunrun.org Tuesday December 6 to Saturday 31 CINDERELLA Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road,

JANUARY 2017 Monday January 2 NEW YEAR WHEELBARROW RACE Sunninghill Village Centre, High Street, SL5 7AA. Fancy dress wheelbarrow race in Upper Village Road raising money for the Ascot Day Centre. Check website for times. www.rotaryascot.org Saturday January 7 Chamberhouse Winds present THE SNOWMAN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Howard Blake's well-loved musical version of Raymond Briggs' Classic children's story. Featuring Chamberhouse Winds. 11.30am. Tickets £8 to £10. norden.farm Sunday January 8 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET, Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, SL6 1LB.Vintage and creative stalls, food and entertainment. 11am to 4pm.

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER AT NORDEN FARM

WIN TICKETS TO SEE JACK AND

Norden Farm’s Christmas show this year is The Elves and the Shoemaker presented by children’s theatre company Stuff and Nonsense.The show runs from 22 November – Friday 30 December. Tickets from £11.50. Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes... then one night, two tiny visitors climb in through the window and start cutting and stitching and gluing… Sam’s life is never quite the same again! An up-to-date, size 13 ½ re-telling of everyone’s favourite story about elves and shoes! Ideal for ages 3+ years, the show features stunning puppets, music and a whole host of surprises! www.nordenfarm.co.uk To win this great prize, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk (T&Cs apply*)

Theatre Royal Windsor is planting the seeds for this year’s pantomime, which will be Jack and the Beanstalk. Windsor’s favourite Dame Steven Blakeley and Windsor’s own calamitous comic Kevin Cruise are back for this year’s panto. Brian Blessed, known for having the world's most booming voice, will be joining them as… the voice of the Giant. Windsor’s traditional family pantomime has a fantastic reputation as one of the best in the land! More star casting will be announced, to find out more go to www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk. One lucky winner will enjoy the magic of pantomime at Theatre Royal Windsor. Answer correctly to the following question for your chance to win 4 tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk on Tuesday 8th December at 7pm. To win these tickets all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

What is the shoemaker’s name? a) Sam Lacey b) Tom Smith c) Sam Brown

THE BEANSTALK AT THE THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR

What did Jack swap his cow for? a) Money b) Beans c) Potatoes

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FeeliNG s.a.D? howtocopewithwintertiredness andseasonalaffectivedisorder Most of us find the winter months hard to handle so, here are our tips about how to help your little ones. It’s not surprising that as the year comes to an end, most children start flagging. Not only is this a monstrously long term for those of school age, but there are lots of good reasons why as the days get darker, our energies dip even if we don’t end up with full-scale Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s cold, dark and depressing. Add in the winter coughs and colds that lay everyone low at some point, and you’ve got a recipe for exhaustion. So what can you do? Light up One simple thing you can do is make sure you are getting enough natural light. We need daylight to regulate our body clocks; without a shot of it in the morning, in particular, we end up feeling constantly jetlagged. And yes, it does have to be outdoor light – glass filters out quite a lot of brightness. On the other hand, even on a gloomy day, 10 minutes or so of outdoor light should be enough to get you back on track. Indoors, it may be worth getting a lightup alarm clock too, in order to ease the

kids into the day rather than jerking them out of sleep and leaving them tired (and cranky) from the start. And if you feel that the kids – or you! – are constantly exhausted and weepy, think about upgrading to one of the ‘dawn simulators’ that get to the brightness of natural daylight. Feed up It’s really tempting, at this time of year, to hit the comfort food. And certainly, kids need calories! However, don’t forget that that stodge alone won’t do it.You don’t have to go the full trendy high-protein route but do try in particular to get some iron-rich foods into them because iron helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body – and therefore give us energy. Get up (and down) Don’t give in completely to the temptation to let them veg on the sofa. Exercise, especially outdoors, will lift their (and your!) mood and will also wear them out sufficiently to get a better night’s sleep. On that same note, don’t forget that even when you’re all worn out, a decent winddown routine – and in particular a screenfree couple of hours before bed helps too.

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● Make sure you’re getting at least 10 minutes of natural daylight every day – even on a gloomy day, it’s still bright enough to ‘reset’ your body clock and stop the wintry feeling of constant jetlag. ● A light-up alarm clock is a gentler way to ease everyone into the day. ● If you or your kids just can’t get moving, and are feeling weepy, think about upgrading to a full-scale ‘dawn simulator’ which radiates intense light because that is the best way of tackling Seasonal Affective Depression. ● Make sure they’re eating properly, and in particular getting enough iron because that helps give them more energy. ● Outdoor exercise will also help lift their mood and make them feel less sluggish. ● Exercise (indoor or outdoor) will also help tire them out physically. Even if they already seem tired, their bodies need the workout! ● A good bedtime routine isn’t just for toddlers – we all need to wind down before bed. Find brilliant brain-food breakfast ideas at Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/breakfast

Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.

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BuyiNGBOOksFOrchilDreN

christmasBookspecial

Whilstmostchildrenlikegadgettheyalsoreallylikesnugglingupand readingagoodbook!Buyingbooksaschristmasgiftsforkidsneedn’tbea chorewithourhandyguide. DO find out their interests If it’s not your child you’re buying the book for it may be nice to ask their parents/ carers what kind of books they love to read. Whoever it’s for, they’ll be far more inclined to get stuck in if it’s a topic they’re into right now! DON’T think it’s beyond their abilities It’s tempting to walk past books for age’s six to eight because your five-year-old has just begun learning to read. Look inside and see if it’s something you can read together, with illustrations to keep their interest throughout. DO understand their limits Having said that, don’t assume your child is a literary genius, swamping them with reading beyond their capability. Remember the five0-2 YEARS Jungle Sounds, £12.99, Usborne Publishing Set for release at the beginning of October, this beautifully illustrated board book is the perfect way to entertain any young reader. Turn each page of this jungle-inspired read and you’ll find buttons to press featuring different animal sounds, from roaring tigers and trumpeting elephants, to squawking parrots and a rather noisy orangutan!

3-5 YEARS The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep, CarlJohan Forssén Ehrlin, £7.99 Remember the ground-breaking best-seller The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, which got kids yawning come bedtime each night? This latest installment features Ellen the Elephant and a whole new cast of lovable characters, who travel through a magical forest that leads to Dreamland. Ready, steady, zzzzz…

finger rule; look inside and see if there are more than five words they’d struggle to read alone. DON’T forget to ask for help Speak to your child’s teacher about their interests or ability, or ask the local library what books are popular with kids right now.You could even speak to other mums on social media to ask for suggestions on what their similar-aged child is reading and why. DO look at the basics When picking a book as a gift, look for one that stands out on the shelf and makes you want to open it. As well as being eye-catching it should have bright illustrations and large enough text for younger readers, and a page-turning tone and interesting plot for older children.

DON’T worry if they don’t like it You’ve been to the shops and bought a book – only to find your child has lost interest by the third page. Instead of getting annoyed, ask why they don’t want to read it – making them finish a book they don’t like may make them associate reading with negativity. Need some more help? Here is our round-up of the best new book releases…

6-8 YEARS The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Matt Haig, £12.99 The second book in the festive series sees nine-year-old Amelia writing to Father Christmas to ask for her mother to get better. Unfortunately. Father Christmas can’t get his trusty reindeer off the ground and Christmas is cancelled! Uh oh! A year on, determined to bring back Christmas and make up for last year, Santa sets off for London, with the aim to make this the happiest Christmas ever for the very first child he visited.

9-11 YEARS The Goldfish Boy, Lisa Thompson, £6.99 This captivating story sees 11-year-old Matthew trapped in his bedroom by the crippling OCD brought on by his baby brother's death. Spending most of his time staring out of his window, he is the last person to see his next-door neighbour's toddler, Teddy, just before he goes missing. Turning detective and unraveling the mystery of Teddy's disappearance, this is a page-turning, heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming read.

12+ YEARS Holding Up the Universe, Jennifer Niven, £7.99

Everyone knows Libby Strout; she's the girl so heavy she had to be lifted out of her house by a crane. Everyone knows Jack Masselin, too – but Jack has a secret: his brain is different, and he can't recognise faces. Landing in group counseling and community service, the angry duo find that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel… Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world – both theirs and yours.

Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard,The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others

Wednesday 30th November 2016

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

Getcooking...

eDiBlechristmasGiFtsyOu caNmakeWithyOurkiDs

christmasgiftsdon’thavetobeexpensiveandyoucanhavelotsof funmakingfoodiegiftsforyourfriendsandfamily.hereareafew quick,easyanddeliciousideasforyoutomakewithyourchildren.

Christmas cookies in a jar

thisisalovelygiftasthejarcan beusedagainandit’sfullof yummy,christmassybiscuitstoo. You will need: ● 250g soft butter or margarine ● 140g caster sugar ● 1 egg ● 2 tsp vanilla extract ● 300g plain flour ● ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ● Tiny pinch of ground star anise ● ¼ tsp nutmeg ● Large Kilner jar ● Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells To decorate: ● Icing sugar ● Water ● Lemon juice

Blossom Ballet

Method: Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing until it forms a ball of dough. Kids can do this with their hands. Next, roll the dough out of a floured surface and use a variety of Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes, stars, diamonds and hearts are all good. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190 C, 375 F). Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little water, until it is easy to pour but still thick. Use a piping bag to make decorations on each and leave to dry in a cool place. Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label.

Snowballs

everyoneloveschocolateand theselittlesnowballshaped trufflesaregreatasachristmas themedtreat. ● 2 tbsp double cream ● 200g good white chocolate, chopped ● Half tsp vanilla extract ● 2 tbsp desiccated coconut ● Mini cake cases

Method: Put the chocolate pieces in a pudding basin and set it over a pan of hot water, with the double cream. Bring to a simmer and then turn the heat down low.You’ll need to supervise your child at this stage, as steam can burn. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate has melted into the cream. Add the vanilla, take off the heat and chill for one hour. It should then be firm but still loose enough to work with. With a teaspoon, each take a small amount of the chocolate paste and roll it in a ball between your palms. Then roll it in the coconut and you have little snowball shaped truffles. Place each completed one inside a mini cake case. Pop some inside a jam jar to give as a gift and add little playful touches such as tiny robins and Christmas trees that you use as cake decorations.

BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL Cooking Classes Workshops Parties

For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:

For children

07813084283

Real Cooking Classes for adults

lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends. Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

01844 275692 www.beverleyglock.com

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

Melting Snowmen Biscuits

BeverlyGlockhascomeupwiththesegreatseasonal biscuits,whichyoucanbakewiththechildren.

This recipe will make 12 melting Snowmen.

● 350g plain flour ● 2 teaspoons ground ginger ● 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda ● 100g butter ● 175g light muscovado sugar ● 1 egg ● 4 tablespoons golden syrup ● 500g royal icing ● 100g white sugar paste ● Various other coloured sugar paste, including orange and black icing pen ● Dried spaghetti

Method: (Don’t forget to wash your hands!) Heat the oven onto 190C, gas 5. (AGA Roasting Oven - shelf on oven floor). Rub in the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, stir to mix. Mix the egg and golden syrup together,

add to the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a dough. Use your hands to bring it all together. Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean work surface and knead the gingerbread dough until it is smooth, adding a little more flour if needed. Break off golf ball sized balls of dough, flatten with your hand to make a rough round or oval shape. Transfer to a lined baking tray. Ask an adult to place the biscuits in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Ask an adult to remove them and let them cool on the tray for 15 minutes then transfer them to the wire rack to cool fully. When the biscuits are cold ask an adult to mix up the royal icing, following the instructions on the packet, in an electric mixer for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth, glossy and stands in stiff peaks. Add a little water to bring it to a thick but flowing consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Mini Pretzels

embracetheinnereuropeanin youwiththeseGermansnacks. ● 3 tsp honey ● 1 and a half packets dried yeast ● 800g plain flour ● 1 and a half tsp salt ● 6 tbsp olive oil ● 6 tbsp baking powder ● 2 egg whites ● Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Method: Mix together one of the tablespoons full of honey with 500 ml warm water in a measuring jug and add the yeast. Stir it until the yeast has completely dissolved and becomes a little foamy. Then in a bowl, mix together the flour and the salt. Add the oil, the yeast and water mixture and the rest of the honey and work with a wooden spoon and then hands to make a dough.

Roll the white sugar paste into small balls, approx. 2cm in diameter, these are for the snowmen’s heads. Use a teaspoon to pour the icing in the middle of the biscuits. Pop one white sugar paste ball into the wet icing. Leave to dry. Use the coloured sugar paste to model hats, scarves, carrot noses and coal buttons. Once the icing has dried fix these to the biscuits using dried spaghetti and use the black icing pen to colour in eyes, mouth and stick arms in the icing. www.beverleyglock.com ©Beverley Glock 2016 Now comes the fun part. Put the ball of dough onto a floured board or work surface and let the kids get kneading. It needs about ten minutes, adding a bit more flour as you go if it gets too sticky. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a tea towel and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour. Take the dough out and knead all over again for five minutes this time. Then break the dough up into little balls – you should make 24. Roll each one out into a long rope, then bring the ends together and twist it twice near the top of the loop to make a pretzel shape. A little practice makes it perfect. Let them rest for 15 minutes. Next, you have to poach the pretzels – this is what gives them their fluffy inside. Put the baking soda in a large pan of water, brig to the boil, then poach each pretzel on each side for just around 15 seconds. Work in batches. Finally, lay them on a flat baking tray lined with baking parchment, brush with egg white and sprinkle with coarse salt and then bake at 450 F, 220 C, Gas 6 for 15 minutes.

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

shemeansBusiness... 1. Who you are and where do you live? My name is Claire and I live in Maidenhead with my husband, three children and Boots the cat. 2. Why you set up the business/or why have you changed career? I decided to set up my freelance writing and marketing business because I want to work on a variety of different projects. So if you need help with marketing or content for your website or blog, get in touch my website is clairewinter.info.

Claire Winter (yes it’s me) has worked on Families for the last eight years and is now going freelance to help other businesses with marketing, PR and copywriting.

Part Time Carers Wanted

Appleberry Care is looking for Carers to cover weekends, mornings and/or after school hours. You must have a car and be able to drive.

Work with children and young adults with disabilities (normally activity based care) and the elderly (home based care). Jobs are based in Maidenhead, Burnham, Slough, Windsor, Beaconsﬁeld, High Wycombe and surrounding areas.

Experience and references required. We can help with a DBS if you don’t have a portable one. Good rates of pay. Call 01628 662123 or email: admin@appleberrycare.co.uk for an application form or send your CV to Appleberry Care, 5 The Alders (in Parkgate) oﬀ Windsor Lane, Burnham, Bucks. SL1 7HN www.appleberrycare.co.uk We work towards Equalities Codes of Practice. CQC Registered Domiciliary Care Agency

3. What did you used to do? I have worked as a journalist for 16 years and started my career in news at ITN. I have been the editor of this lovely publication for the last eight years and have helped many small and large businesses market themselves in print, online and across a variety of social media channels.

4. What inspired you to set up the business? I love female entrepreneurs; this page has always been my favourite feature in the magazine and I would really like to help them with my new business. Working as an editor, I have come across lots of businesses that need help with their marketing, press releases and content for their websites, newsletters and blogs. 5. What are your plans for the future? I love writing and I hope to write a book one day, at the moment I am concentrating on my freelance work. 6. What would be your advice to other businesswomen? Running my own business, I have learnt that it is great to outsource work that you don’t have to time to do, or don’t like doing. I made the mistake of working long hours when I first started working on the magazine. Make sure you always make time for yourself. It’s important to exercise, eat well; spend time with friends and family and most importantly take time away from the laptop! clairewinter.info

FiNDOutaBOutFlexiBleWOrkiNG...

increasingly,weareseeingashifttowardsmorepeopleengaging inflexibleworking.Flexibleworkingmaybeabletosolvea numberofproblems,allowingyoutoovercomeobstaclesthat arepreventingyoufromprogressinginyourcareer. Here, you’ll find out a little bit more about flexible working, whether you’re entitled to it and if it could work for you. What is flexible working? Flexible working is a way of working that is specifically tailored to meet an employee's individual needs. It generally relates to working hours or location and may allow you to start or finish work earlier or later or let you work from home sometimes. Types of flexible working There are several different types of flexible working, all of which allow you to mould your working hours in slightly different ways. 1. Compressed hours: Work full time hours but do so over less days, by working longer shifts on those days. For example, work four 10-hour days, rather than five eight hour days. 2. Annualised hours: An employee is given a total number of hours they must work over the course of the year, but which can be divided up differently each week/month. This arrangement often involves there being a set of core hours, which remain constant each week.

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Professional Tuition: Provided by a qualified and dedicated tutor. Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/ Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE, Sciences and much more. Tel: 01628 637008 or 07887 936484

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk

Local mums Hayley and Rachel have combined their love of houses and soft furnishings to help people de-clutter their homes or sell their houses by ‘dressing’ them for sale. 1. Who you are and where do you live? Haley and Rachel, local Mums from Marlow and Maidenhead. 2. Why you set up the business/or why have you changed career? We created HRH Furnishings (www.hrhfurnishings.co.uk) after noting that many people struggle to find the time or energy to de-clutter. Some are also unsure on how to best ‘dress’ their home to attract the most competitive asking price and to increase the chance of a much-desired quick sale for the full asking price. Alongside this many people choose to stay put and spend their money on renovating or extending their existing property and may need some help and advice on how to best use their new or existing space.

3. What did you used to do? Haley has been involved in many house projects, buying properties, renovating them and selling them. Rachel used to run a small home furnishings business. Both have made a side step and created HRH Furnishings where their joint skills really compliment one another. 4. What inspired you to set up the business? Seeing a gap in the market when viewing houses ourselves that we knew were not presented to their best potential, and realising that many people viewing their own home would be unable to see the potential and therefore recognise the value their house might represent. 5. What are your plans for the future? Move aside Phil and Kirsty, HRH are in town! 6. What would be your advice to other businesswomen? Think about what you want to achieve, try to measure the risk and if that risk feels OK then go for it. If you are the kind of

person who is active and productive then you are already a leap ahead. Always act with honesty and sincerity, as people will continue to do repeat business with those who are authentic! www.hrhfurnishings.co.uk BOOK NOW

3. Flexitime: Where you have a set number of hours to work each day but you can choose when to start and end work. Again, this arrangement often involves core hours and there are usually limitations put in place by the employer. 4. Working from home: You are not self-employed but work from home on designated tasks or projects. This can be a full time arrangement or just put in place for certain days of the week. Benefits of flexible working Flexible working can be especially beneficial for parents or carers, especially in single parent households or situations where all parties are working.You may be able to arrange to start work later and finish later in order to accommodate the school run. Alternatively, working from home could help cut child care costs during the school holidays or for pre-school age children. Flexible working isn't just for parents though. We are seeing a considerable move in the workplace towards 'digital nomad' lifestyles. Opportunities to work from home or work remotely, enables workers with more traditional roles to engage in this lifestyle. The right to request flexible working Everybody has the right to request flexible working and your employer must consider it. However, you must have been working for a company for 26 weeks to be eligible. Employers are required by law to consider any requests reasonably. This means they must: ● Consider the advantages and disadvantages. ● Hold a meeting with you to discuss the application ● Permit an appeal in the case that they decline your request How to apply for flexible working If you think that flexible working might be something you would like to explore, you simply need to contact your employer by letter or email, and request to do so. Outline what type of flexible working you are requesting and explain how this may affect your role or the business. Remember to state that this is a statutory request.

for advertising in our Jan/Feb 2017 issue: Due out January 4 email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

White Waltham C of E Academy presents

Ladies lifestyle, Pamper & Shopping Evening

7.30-10.30pm on Thursday 17 November Tickets £5 including a glass of bubbles. (Doors open at 7.15pm) Featuring award winning stylist Lisa Talbot -who will give her top tips on how to “Dress in ten” To buy tickets call: 01628 822533 Pamper treatments, including: Reﬂexology, Shellac manicures, massages and threading Plus lots of shopping - Tropic, Bodyshop, Cashmere scarves, plus much more! White Waltham C of E school, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3SG

telephone:01628627586 NOVemBer/DecemBer2016 FAMILIES thamesValleyeast

FAMILIES thamesValleyeastNOVemBer/DecemBer2016e-mail:editor@FamiliestVeast.co.uk