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Thames Valley East July/August 2017 - Issue 91

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SUMMER FUN SPECIAL!

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...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

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SUMMER SCHOOLS 2017

Ages 6-16+ Due to popular demand we are delighted to be launching BRAND NEW GOLD TEAMS ON TUESDAY AND SATURDAY. Our Exceptional Training Package for Talented Children. Repertoire Style Intensive Workshop Sessions delivered by our expert team and visiting West End Professionals. Huge performance opportunities.

PART TIME SCHOOL Outstanding Saturday and After School Classes in Performing Arts, Young Performers Company, Musical Theatre, Acting, RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and huge performance opportunities.

ADULT MUSICAL THEATRE Adult Musical Theatre and Tap Classes commence September 2017 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ages 5-14+ Our hugely popular Put on a Show Summer Schools are now bookable online. Daily swimming in our heated outdoor pool. Choose from: •The World's Worst Children (24th - 28th July) •Redroofs School of Rock and other Mind-Blowing Musicals (31st July - 4th August) •Matilda and other Miracle Children (7th - 11th August) •A Spoonful of Musical Theatre (29th August - 2nd September)

REDROOFS ART WEEKS Into the Woods Art Week (24th - 27th July) Redroofs Painting Week (31st July - 3rd August)

DO YOU HAVE A TALENTED CHILD? JOIN OUR GOLD TEAM! WE ARE LOOKING FOR TALENTED CHILDREN FOR OUR BRAND NEW GOLD TEAM TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS. Please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk to reserve your son/daughters audition slot. Tuesday Gold Team will run from September 2017 at 5.15-7.15pm for children ages 7-11 Saturday Gold Team will run from September 2017 at 11am-1pm for children ages 6-16

PART-TIME CLASSES AND SUMMER 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

........From the Editors........

in th i s

issue 3-5 News & Information 6 Clubs & Classes News EDUCATION 7 Explore Learning 8-9 Changes to the 2018 Bucks 11+ 10 Starting School

So, the summer holidays are approaching fast! Don’t panic if you’ve not got some entertainment lined up for your children yet - this issue of Families has got lots of ideas for you to choose from. See our Summer Fun article on pages 17-20 and check out some local child-friendly bike routes on pages 13-14. Some parents out there may also be getting their children ready to start school which can be a big change for all the family. On page 10 we have some tips to help with that transition. Meanwhile, make sure you have a great time with the kids this summer!

11 Education News SUMMER FUN 13-14 Local child friendly bike routes 15-16 Summer camps and classes part 2 17-20 Making the most of the summer holidays 21 Exploring sport with your children 22 Get your children enjoying the outdoors 23 COMPETITIONS 24-27 WHAT’S ON EATING OUT 28 Bateaux Windsor – Thames restaurant cruise review KIDS’ DEVELOPMENT 29 School shoe fitting guide 30-31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS

Mum dating app helps build local friendships

www.familiesonline.co.uk T: 01628 788058 E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors:Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: Sept/Oct 2017 due out: Sept 4, featuring: Back to School

Being a stay at home mum can be very rewarding, but also very lonely. If you’ve ever struggled through your days with young children, longing for some adult conversation, Mush might be worth a look. A free app that connects mums with other local, like-minded mums with kids the same age, Mush aims to help mums who are new to the area; struggling to get out with their baby; or mums who just want to widen

their social circle. The app is also useful for mums to be, as expectant users can search for others due around the same time and create a social group before the baby has even arrived. Launched last year by two mums who met by chance in a playground, Mush now has more than 60,000 members across the UK. For more information visit www.letsmush.com

copy/advertising deadline: July 17 Cover Image: istockphoto.com

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BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

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WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........News & Info........ ‘Cake & Fun event’ for ‘Reuben’s Fight' raises just over £2,000

Great community spirit was to be found at the ‘Cake & Fun’ event at St Peter’s Church in Maidenhead at the end of May, held to help raise funds for little Reuben who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in December last year.

In addition to all the cake-eating, there was also lots of entertainment for little ones including a BilinguaSing music session, cupcake decorating, face painting, baby and toddler play area, name the teddy competition and a raffle. The event was a great success and many people from Maidenhead and beyond showed their support. Just over £2,000 was raised and donated to the ‘Reuben's Fight’ fund.

Neuroblastoma is a rare and very nasty childhood cancer and the family/community need to raise £250,000 for Reuben to get life-saving treatment in America. If you would like

to donate please go to the ‘gofundme’ link via www.facebook.com/ReubensFight

The organisers and family are very appreciative of the great attendance and support they received for the event.

Being a parent could help you live longer

Having children could improve your chances of living longer, a new study has found. The research, from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, used national registry data to analyse the mortality rates of nearly 1.5 million Swedes aged between 60 and 100. It found that those with children tended to live longer than those without. The study also found that men benefited more from being parents than women when it came to longevity, despite the fact that women had a longer average lifespan overall. At age 60 fathers had a life expectancy of a further 20.2 years, compared to 18.4 years for men without children. 60-year old mothers could expect to live for another 24.6 years compared to 23.1 years for childless women. The researchers suggest that one reason for the findings could be that children are able to provide better care, emotional support and argue for better treatment for their aging parents. Another factor could be that parents tend to live healthier lifestyles than those without children. Research co-author Karin Modig said: “In terms of all other causes that would affect your death risk in these old ages, having a child is not among the greatest ones. But it is still a 1.5% difference [for 90-year-old men] which is still substantial.”

Come and be part of the adventure! Weekdays at Windsor Leisure Centre and Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture) Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and street dance, with fully teachers from one of the area’s bestloved and longest-established dance schools.

to book your free trial, email Candy.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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

Calling all Ninjas in training! Ninjago is a very big deal in our house so when my 6 year old got wind of a Ninjago ride he was desperate to try it out. As luck would have it, he had an inset day on the Friday before half-term which also happened to be the opening weekend. No prizes for guessing where we spent the first day of the holidays then! The all new LEGO® NINJAGO™ World is situated next to Pirate shores, opposite Kingdom of the Pharaohs. In the entrance plaza, visitors will find an impressive Lego model of Zane’s temple which you can add to with the bricks provided. There’s also a climbing wall and pirate boat ride. The main

attraction however, is LEGO® NINJAGO™ The Ride! Billed as the first ride in the UK with 4D effects and state of the art technology allowing you to throw fireballs, lightning bolts and shockwaves simply by using your hands, it’s definitely worth a go. As an interactive battle takes place through scenes of ice, wind and fire, you even feel the changes in temperature and due to the nature of 4D some younger children might find it a bit scary. Be prepared to queue. Given it’s the new ride and bound to be popular, I’m not sure there’s a quieter time of day to visit. Whilst you can normally get on popular rides quicker at either

the beginning or end of the day, that’s the ride everyone heads to when the park opens. When we went originally, queue time was about an hour. It wasn’t as painful as it sounds though given there’s a large area full of Lego bricks ideal for keeping young fans occupied. It’s mostly undercover too – a bonus on both sunny and rainy days. Whilst in the queue, it’s worth paying attention to the screens showing instructions on how best to aim. For someone as unaccustomed to video games as myself, it definitely takes a bit of practice. I’d recommend warming up beforehand and strengthening those arm muscles. Forget going to the gym, you’ll feel like you’ve had a good upper body workout by the time you’re finished!

For those truly dedicated Ninjas, there’s also the Ninjago show, Portal of Peril, showing at various times on the Miniland lawn. www.legoland.co.uk/legoninjagoworld

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Lazy summer days and plenty of ice-cream, what summer is all about! But before you know it, it’s nearly September and time is spent rushing around the shops for uniform, shoes, pencil cases and bags. We’ve all had that ‘sinking’ feeling when we realise we’ve got to label it all – but not anymore! Snappy Tags® are the quick and hassle free alternative to all that sewing or ironing. Simply order personalised tags and an applicator, and all you have to do is attach the tag to the care label inside the uniform. A half days’ work done in a 20 minute flash! To order tags, visit www.snappytags.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 788058

JULY/AUGUST 2017

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Clubs & Classes News........

10th year celebrations and July Maidenhead Exhibition planned for Artspiration Berkshire based art school, Artspiration is celebrating its 10th year this July. Shalini Nayak, the founder of school says “Moments of bright ideas, imaginative fun, exemplary accomplishments and building a community have all made this time go by so quickly. We have loved every part of this journey. “We started with 2 students in 2007 and have now grown to 325+ children in term time and 175+ at holiday clubs. We are always updating our curriculum, adding new programs and bringing in guest artists to share their expertise with Artspiration.” The art schools connect talented local teaching artists with aspiring young art students ages 5- 16 yrs. The numerous awards, scholarships and bursaries that the children are achieving are testament to the dedication and support the passionate artists and assistants give. On 1st and 2nd in July the celebrations will be continuing as Artspiration will be hosting their annual exhibition at the Nicholson Centre in Maidenhead. Artspiration welcome all art lovers to come and enjoy. Some of their young artists will also be running free art workshops for children.For more details please email: info@artspiration.co.uk

Redroofs School For The Performing Arts add New Gold Team Workshops for Talented Children Specifically designed for talented children who are looking for the next step in their performing arts training, Redroofs School For The Performing Arts are now auditioning children ages 6-16 to join their brand new Gold Team Tuesday and Gold Team Saturday workshops due to start in September. The sessions are repertoire style intensive workshops for able performers. They are delivered by Redroof ’s expert teams and include West End professionals. Please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk to find out more about our very special Gold Team opportunities or visit www.redroofs.co.uk/aboutgoldteam

6 Things Children Learn In Dance Class Other Than Dancing

On the surface, all parents may see is writing endless cheques, taxiing to and from lessons, buying shoes and leotards, and sewing costumes. But the reality is that children get so much more from attending dance lessons other than the technical skills. With this in mind, dancewear provider, Dancewear Central have looked at some of the benefits of dancing: 1. Patience - Dancers, both professional and amateur, constantly have to wait their turn, whether they’re moving across a stage, freestyling or demonstrating an individual move. Knowing when it’s your turn to move and then to be still and quiet while another has their go is a skill we use long into adulthood. The sooner children learn when to take their turn, the sooner they’ll learn to interact better with others. Conflicts will be reduced and their Redroofs School for the Performing Arts social skills will blossom. 2. Confidence - As children learn to dance, hone their technique and Following the incredible success of our Gold Team Mondays, we are take a performance from start to finish, their confidence grows. Add that delighted to be auditioning boys and girls for our BRAND NEW GOLD to gaining a better sense of their bodies and feeling more comfortable in TEAM on Tuesdays at 5.15-7.15pm and Saturdays at 11am-1pm their own skin, and their self-esteem will skyrocket. commencing September 2017. They’ll learn how to express themselves, which is really what dancing Our Exceptional 2 hour Training Package for Talented is all about, and it’s what separates it from other physical activities. It gives Children ages 6-16+ kids a physical outlet for their emotions, a place to be themselves, and they’re encouraged to be proud of that. HUGE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 3. The way the body works - Put kids in a class where their body does Please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk to book your audition slot and wonderful things like moving to music, and they’ll be eager to learn more visit our website www.redroofs.co.uk for more information about how they actually do it. This can stand them in good stead for later life. www.redroofs.co.uk • emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk 4. Improved social skills - Dancing isn’t all about the individual – even in 01628 674092 more solo disciplines such as ballet or tap. As part of their class, children will be asked to communicate and cooperate with their fellow students, both in pairs and in groups. For shy children, in particular, dancing can be a really big help and encourage them to come out of their shell as they talk to others and make new friends. 5. Friendship - Improved social skills are just one branch of dance, and dancing often requires children to work together. Making friends comes easy to children – they seem to be able to talk to anyone and at any time! So place them in a room full of similarly aged children where their only job is to move to music, and they’re bound to interact and before you know it they’ve formed a bond. 6. A healthy body - Children weren’t made to sit still, but watching television or playing video games can turn from an occasional treat into a daily habit. Dancing gets them out of the house on a regular basis, and while you may not be looking for your kids to lose weight, it helps to keep their heart, For a FREE taster class or for further information and brain, healthy. please contact Lucy: Giving children the confidence and encouragement to move while they’re young 07813084283 will give them a taste for physical activity that lucy@blossomballet.com they carry with them into later life. Whether www.blossomballet.com they become a professional dancer or not, they might continue with amateur classes as an adult or migrate to a completely different Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends. sport – it doesn’t matter as long as they move Classes throughout the week, including weekends, www.dancewearcentral.co.uk in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

JOIN OUR GOLD TEAM

Blossom Ballet

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Education........

SEIZE THE SUMMER WITH EXPLORE LEARNING!

At Explore Learning we are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this we have put together a jampacked summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently! Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing. Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.

Telephone: 01628 788058

Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message. Read, read and read some more A study by Oxford University Press showed that just 10mins of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in. We will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit www.explorelearning.co.uk to find out more and download your first activity!

JULY/AUGUST 2017

Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Need some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game. Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today!

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Education........ CHANGES TO THE 2018 BUCKS 11+ TESTS Susan Daughtrey of Susan Daughtrey Education gives Families Magazine readers an outline of changes in the 2018 Bucks 11+ tests and offers some guidance to parents and their children about how to prepare for them.

t was recently announced that the Bucks 11+ test papers are to be provided by GL Assessment, with effect from September 2018 (for September 2019 grammar school entry). If your child is currently in Year 4 and is preparing for the Bucks 11+ tests next September, he/she will write these ‘new’ GL Assessment tests (and not the CEM 11+ tests, although as far as we are aware the CEM tests will continue to be used in Berkshire for the time being). Is this a major change? Yes.

GL Assessment is a different (competing) 11+ test provider to CEM Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (Durham University). The type of t questions, the style and format of the 11+ test papers/ answer sheets and the actual administration of the tests are likely to be very different.

Which subjects will be tested? The Press Release from the Bucks Grammar Schools states that the new tests will continue to assess: l Verbal reasoning l Maths l Non-verbal reasoning Verbal Reasoning Historically, GL Assessment verbal reasoning questions typically tested a child’s ability to process information. For example: “If today is Wednesday, what is the third letter of the day that comes two days before yesterday?” To successfully tackle this question, we teach the student the TECHNIQUE of how to break down the information into several constituent parts: First, if today is Wednesday, what day was yesterday? Tuesday Secondly, what day was two days before yesterday? Sunday Finally, what is the third letter of this word? n (this is the answer)

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Education........

This sort of question is quite different to CEM’s ‘version’ of verbal reasoning, which focuses on testing a child’s ability to comprehend (in the widest possible sense) English language and vocabulary (for example through cloze - where missing words have to be replaced, comprehension and English vocabulary questions). Having said this, it is important to note that GL Assessment’s tests have evolved considerably since GL Assessment lost the contract to provide the Bucks 11+ tests in 2013. For example, the Kent 11+ English test (which is provided by GL Assessment) includes cloze and comprehension questions. Even though the new Bucks tests do not explicitly set out to test the student’s English ability, until more details are announced in November we cannot rule out the inclusion of clozes or comprehensions from the new Bucks tests. Maths It is expected that the Maths component of the new tests will continue to test topics from the Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus. If your child is also preparing for the Berkshire CEM 11+ tests, he/she should already be covering the entire Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus so no additional work will be necessary, although nearer to the test date parents/tutors should procure suitable Maths practice questions.

Telephone: 01628 788058

Non-verbal reasoning The NVR component may test any of the 9 types of NVR question. As most students will already cover all types of NVR question when preparing for CEM 11+ tests, it is unlikely that any significant additional preparation will be necessary. Having said this, GL Assessment Kent 11+ tests also include “Spatial Reasoning” questions where the child is asked to identify an object (such as a triangle) within a series of more sophisticated patterns (identifying the pattern which contains the object and giving this as their answer on the multiple choice answer sheet). This new concept of NVR question should therefore be practiced in case it appears on the new Bucks GL Assessment 11+ tests in 2018. Will the tests be multiple choice? In our view it is highly likely that the new tests will be multiple choice, as this enables the test provider to mark the tests electronically using Optical Mark Recognition. If my child will be writing the new tests in 2018, what should I do? Your child should continue with their Maths and NVR preparation. For verbal reasoning, in additional to cloze, comprehension and

JULY/AUGUST 2017

vocabulary work, your child should also start to look at the 21 types of question which typically appear on multiple choice GL Assessment verbal reasoning tests. These 21 ‘types’ of question (plus 14 other types which only appear on standard version GL Assessment test papers) are the subject of Susan Daughtrey’s Technique and Practice series of verbal reasoning books which are the market leading preparation resource in this field. Readers are entitled to a special discount on Susan’s books and test papers, please refer to the advert below (strictly one bundle per customer). Parents who intend to put their child through a Year 5 11+ preparation course should choose their tuition provider carefully. For example, a tuition provider with extensive experience preparing students for the old GL Assessment tests should be preferred. If in doubt, ask the tuition provider to tell you what resources they will be using and how they will cater to the new Bucks 11+ tests. The change of test provider is a major development and, even though further details of the new tests will not be announced until November, a good tuition provider should already have an outline plan in place as to how they will cater for the new Bucks tests.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Education........

WHAT KIDS REALLY NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING SCHOOL

Just five minutes ago you were bringing your little one home from the hospital. Now you’re shopping for their first school uniform and trying to find a suitable pair of school shoes. Where did the time go? If you go onto any parenting forum once the primary school offers go out, you’ll find lots of panicking parents worried that their little one will be left behind if they’re not properly prepared. Relax. All children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. There is no definitive list of must-have skills for them to have acquired before the start of term. There are a few basics that can be helpful. Read on to find out what your child really needs to know before they start school. Holding a pencil There is a myth that your child will be expected to at least write their own name before they start school. This isn’t the case at all, and no one expects a child who is four or who has just turned five to achieve this straight away. There will always be some who can, but that doesn’t mean anything. Remember when we said earlier that all children develop differently? Being able to hold a pencil confidently though is quite useful. Again, don’t panic if they can’t. Some children are simply late at developing gross motor skills, and some may face other barriers. Both hypermobility syndrome and dyspraxia, for example, make holding a pencil and putting pressure on paper hard. If you suspect that’s the case for your child, try building them up slowly by encouraging them to play with Lego or Duplo, or make models from modelling clay.

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Dressing and undressing Independent dressing is something children should be able to do. Some things may be difficult for children at Reception age like buttons, but there is a reason why the early year’s uniform is usually based around t-shirts and jumpers. Don’t send them to school at this age with shoes that have laces. Staff will be there to help them with dressing, particularly when they start changing for PE lessons, but most children at this age can’t tie their own laces and aren’t expected to. Velcro fastenings are much faster and also give children some independence. Using the toilet on their own Now, this is a must-have skill. If your child has been in private day-care, they may be used to having staff around that help them with toileting. There is a lot less of this in school. Unless a child has special needs, they will need to wipe themselves and be able to flush the toilet.

JULY/AUGUST 2017

Reading This is one area where some parents (and we all know the type) can get competitive. Unfortunately, this can have the knock-on effect of dragging other parents into worrying about it as well. Should your child be able to read before they start? Will that give them a bump up to the ‘top table’, and if they can’t read does that mean they will never catch up? There is no need to be so anxious. Reception is not as academically oriented as Year 1. There is no expectation that any child will be able to read at such a young age. Indeed it may even be a disadvantage. There is more than one type of phonics for example – what if you have used a different type of phonics to the school? Or you haven’t used phonics at all in teaching them to read? Don’t spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time together instead. There are lots of studies out there that show reading to your child every day has a far better impact on their educational outcomes. Mastering cutlery The chances are that your child will have cooked, school dinners. First off, don’t get anxious if they’re not that great at cutting up their food. There will be dinner supervisors there to help them. Most schools (possibly all schools) arrange dinner times so that nursery and reception children come in first, and are able to take their time picking their food, and settling down at the table. However, if your child can use a knife and fork, and cut their own food, it will make lunchtimes a lot easier for them. They will also be expected to carry their food tray and take plates up to be washed. This is something you can prepare them for at home by getting them to carry their plates out to the kitchen after meals. For more information about starting school, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Education News........

Animal Agents take on this Summer’s Reading Challenge

Kew Science Festival 2017 4th - 6th August Don your lab coat and dig out your goggles for this year’s Science Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Three days of exciting activities, workshops and tours will inspire children and adults alike, celebrating the incredible discoveries and pioneering work of Kew scientists. Professor Kathy Willis, Director of Science, says ‘We hope to inspire youngsters to consider studying and building a career in science and conservation’. Visitors will be able to try out a number of experiments including extracting DNA from vegetables, analysing plant genomes and dissecting plants. Elsewhere, they will be able to get to grips with microscopes and discover ‘microscopic gardens’. The festival will also bring to life the mysterious kingdom of fungi and its relationship with plants and the world around us. Families can also learn about plant specimen preservation and create beautiful take-home mementos at the plant pressing workshop or even try their hand at botanical art. Kew’s own ‘identification station’ will offer the chance to identify species by their weird and wonderful structures, while children will also delight in spotting Charles Darwin and other characters who’ll be roaming the Gardens offering fascinating scientific insights. www.kew.org

School opens innovative Revision Hub Café What a great idea – we know it’s for slightly older kids, but we had to share! Students at LVS Ascot are being given the best possible chance of GCSE success thanks to the school’s innovative new Revision Hub Café which opened this month specifically to help students gain the edge in exams. Students studying for GCSE exams flock to the new Revision Hub Café at the independent all-ability school, where they can meet their friends and teachers to share knowledge and ask key final questions they need answered as final preparation for exams. The sessions are proving extremely popular, with students able to relax and chat over complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, access teachers who are on hand to offer help and advice, and also make use of a supply of Revision Hub Café stationery including highlighters and revision prompt cards. Student Harriet Rawlinson said: “I have had three exams already and have more coming up. The Revision Hub Café is good for me and other Year 11 students as we can all come together to relax and also speak to the teachers to ask questions if we need reassurance on anything before an exam”.

BookTrust gifts every reception aged child in England

The annual Summer Reading Challenge theme is revealed! This year it is Animal Agents who introduce young readers to a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries. Animal Agents is illustrated by Tony Ross, illustrator of the hugely popular Horrid Henry series. Published all over the world, his awards and nominations include the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Kate Greenaway Medal and the Smarties Prize. During the summer, the challenge encourages children to read six or more books of their choice. They can be fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge, which is run by independent charity The Reading Agency. Children can sign up at their local library from the end of June onwards and all materials are absolutely free. The Challenge is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work with local libraries to encourage children to take part. Why not head to your local library during the summer holidays and enrol. It's completely free and any child can take part. Read more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

School move and a new toddler class for Children of the World Montessori After eighteen years, Children of the World Montessori School is moving from central Windsor to St Marks hall along the Dedworth Road. The new school is within a secure gated premises and has been refurbished to include new toilets, an astroturf outside play area with plenty of space to ride bikes and cars and includes ample parking for parents. More plans can be found on the school’s website at cotwmontessori.co.uk Cherl Clay and Alexis Hall, Headteachers say: “This is a positive move for the future of Children of the World and we welcome children from central Windsor, Dedworth and the surrounding areas.” Children can attend mornings, afternoons or all-day sessions plus there is a new toddler class for children from 18 months to 2.5 years which will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and our parent, baby and toddler class will be held on Friday mornings. If you would like a prospectus or to visit the school please email mail@cotwmontessori.co.uk or phone 01753 833771

Almost two-thirds of British parents say ‘It’s not fine to fine’ Following the Supreme Court's ruling against Jon Platt earlier this year for taking his children out of school during term-time for a holiday, new research by travel site Kiwi.com reveals the frustration of British parents on term-time holidays and the rising costs of school holiday flights. A poll of 1000 parents with children aged 4-16 and in school reveals some interesting stats: ● Almost two-thirds (65%) of British parents disagreed with the ruling, saying it was unfair on the parent ● Over half of parents have taken their child out of school and half of those would risk it again ● Parents say they save on average £686 booking holidays during term time ● Just under half (48%) reveal that it's not just price that affects them, they're competing with other colleagues to take off the same holiday dates causing friction in the workplace

If your child is starting school this autumn, you can look forward to receiving a copy of The Bumblebear as part of BookTrust’s Time to Read campaign. Time to Read originally launched in September 2016, encouraging parents and carers of primary school aged children to keep reading with their children - even once they’ve learned to read. BookTrust Chief Executive Diana Gerald said: “Finding the time to read together as a family can have dramatic effects on a child’s wellbeing and development. Children are more likely to read if they love books, and they’re more likely to love books if families have fun reading together anytime and anywhere”. The Bumblebear was selected for BookTrust by an independent panel of experts and practitioners, who work with reception-aged children. It was the unanimous favourite with the panel for its quality of storytelling, relatable school setting and its ability to be read aloud in a lively manner. Most importantly, it sends a lovely message of inclusivity with a well-resolved fallible element.

Telephone: 01628 788058

JULY/AUGUST 2017

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Su mmer Fun - Bikes........

LOCAL CHILD-FRIENDLY BIKE ROUTES By Ben Collins It can be hard to pick a route for cycling with children, particularly if your child isn’t confident enough to ride on roads. Gazing at an Ordnance Survey map, the Thames Valley is criss-crossed with bridleways, which are legally accessible by bike but which may not be so easy to ride or worse: may be miles from a decent post-ride hot chocolate. We despatched James and Ben Collins (6 and ‘technically still mid 30’s’ respectively) to try out some of the local routes.

ames’ bike has a 20” wheel. Older children, with bikes with bigger wheels, will cope with rough routes more easily.

The routes here assume that you’ll be riding with children with ‘normal’ bikes ie two wheels and no stabilisers.

Jubilee River Just over 7 miles long, the Jubilee River is entirely man-made. You wouldn’t think so to look at it: expanses of natural habitat have been created to compensate for those lost during the Thames’ urbanisation in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Boats are not allowed, so you don’t get the river traffic you get on the Thames. There is no shortage of runners, walkers, cyclists and people just enjoying the peace, but there’s plenty of room for everyone and we never felt crowded. Actually a flood alleviation scheme, the remarkable engineering and the controversy surrounding it are well documented elsewhere. The result, though, is a pretty and tranquil meander which skirts Maidenhead and Slough, and

apart from the occasional hum of the M4 in the background it feels pleasingly far from any concrete. There are plenty of opportunities for little detours through adjoining field and habitats, some of which can get a bit muddier. Ground Most of the river path forms part of the Sustrans (National Cycle Network) route 61, and these tend to be well maintained and easy to ride on. This one isn’t tarmac, but is well-made and well drained. James had no problem racing along the main path, and enjoyed the slightly more challenging (read ‘muddier’) detours. Parking There are a few free carparks along the river, although they have maximum height restrictions, so be warned if you’re carrying bikes on the car roof. We parked where Lake End Road crosses the Jubilee River. Turn south off the A4 at the Taplow Sainsbury’s, and the road meets the river after 1.7 miles. The car park is on the left.

Refreshment The Pineapple pub, with it’s spectacular range of sandwiches, is 400yds up the road from where we parked, and Dorney Court, with a secure garden with outdoor toys and too many nice cakes, is 3/4 mile south. Both require getting back in the car unless you’re confident riding on/near roads. James’ Comments It’s good to ride on. I liked the birdwatching [hides are positioned to overlook wetland habitats], and the riding around [the wetlands]. Dorney Lake The land in this area is made of Taplow Gravel – an aggregate beloved of the construction industry, apparently. Local rumour has it that a construction company approached landowners Eton College to dig out some of this natural resource. Eton’s response was that they could help themselves, as long as the ‘digging’ was at least 2km long, eight lanes wide, and resulted in a boathouse at one end. Thus was born Eton College’s rowing facility, and rowing and canoeing venue of the 2012 Olympics. Those with an aptitude for the economics of these things may wish to challenge that. In the meantime, I’m happy to just cycle around it. Available for water sports use c.2000 but not formally completed until 2006, it’s open to the public although many of the roads continued on page 14

Telephone: 01628 788058

JULY/AUGUST 2017

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Su mmer Fun - Bikes........

get closed for the frequent regattas and triathlons which are held there. The trees and plants introduced as part of the landscaping have matured now. This, plus the wildlife sanctuary along the south western edge, gives the place a pleasant natural feel, despite the tarmac surrounding the most geometric lake you will ever see. It’s actually two lakes: a lake to allow boats to get to the start line, is separated from the main lake by a long narrow island. Various roads circuit the lake, all of which are pancake flat, smooth tarmac, and traffic free, making it perfect for the youngest of young cyclists, tricyclists & scooterers. There’s a grassy bank near the carpark at the northern corner of the lake. I don’t know if you’re allowed to cycle on the grass (it doesn’t say you aren’t), so obviously

Living TENNIS offer • Private Lessons • Adult Group Coaching • Junior Coaching • Holiday Camps Venues throughout the Maidenhead area include the prestigious Bisham Abbey NSC, St Piran's School and The Magnet

www.livingtennis.co.uk info@livingtennis.co.uk 01628 487 775

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Families TVE would advise against it, just to be on the safe side. But if a 6-yr old could get their bike to the top of it, it would be a LOT of fun to ride down. We imagine. Over and over again. Ground Smooth, flat, traffic free tarmac, and wide: there are not many opportunities for your budding Mark Cavendish to unleash the fury like this one. There are frequent sport events held there. It’s worth checking www.dorneylake.co.uk/Sports-Events.aspx before you go. A regatta or triathlon in progress won’t necessarily close the lake down, but it will probably limit where you can ride. Parking Parking on the Dorney Lake complex is £2.50 for all day. The car park is at the northern corner of the lake. There’s also a free car park (‘Ramblers’ Car Park’, Boveney Road, Boveney OS Explorer map 160 – ref: SU 938777) from which there is a path to the south eastern end of the lake. Cafés There is a cafe in the boathouse building at the south eastern end of the lake, but it’s rarely open unless there’s an event on. Dorney Kitchen (see ‘Jubilee River’ route) is a wheel’s spin from the entrance to the lake complex. James’ Comments It’s REALLY fast!

Sustrans route 4 and nearby bridleways. Not all of it, of course. The whole thing runs from Greenwich to Fishguard, 432 miles away on the Pembrokeshire coast and even Chris Froome would be hard pushed to finish that between Mummy’s early morning Dancercise class and lunchtime. We’re looking at the bit that runs roughly parallel to the A4 between Maidenhead and Knowl Hill. It’s satisfying being out of sight of roads, and this ticks that box. The Great Western Railway’s overhead power lines are the only reminder that you’re still in the London commuter belt. These were recently added by the Crossrail project, and the electricity they will eventually carry will come from a generator powered by Brunel spinning in his grave. It’s a tarmac route, and the section from Maidenhead past Littlewick Green is flat. Knowl Hill has a few undulations, which are big enough to provide a bit of a challenge to little legs, but not insurmountable. There are a few bridleways south of Knowl Hill, which we took the opportunity to explore. The going was wet, and as the route was well trod by horses, very muddy. This proved a bit much for James. There is lots of fun to be had exploring these bridleways further, but unless it follows a dry spell, it would better suited to older children (8-10 plus).

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Ground The Sustrans route is suitable for riders of all ages, and metalled so won’t be affected by recent rainfall. The bridleways south of Knowl Hill are narrow, and when we were there were very muddy. Wheels bigger than 20” would cope with the mud better. Parking We parked on-street in Littlewick Green. There’s not a lot of space, and we were slightly conscious of ruining the chocolatebox village green scene. The Shire Horse pub on the A4 may be willing to let you use their car park if you visit there afterwards. Cafés None on the route itself. Pubs on the A4. James’ Comments The mud was fun but hard to ride through. The bumpy bits made my arms itch, but I liked it. Thames Path The geographical feature that gives Families Thames Valley East its name is flat and easy to navigate: keep the wet bit to your left (or right), turn around when you’re ready, and keep it to your right (or left) until you’re back to the start. The route described here is the 12 miles between Windsor and Marlow. We didn’t do it in one go. The whole route is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers and large sections are narrow, which can make it feel crowded at busy periods. Unlike the Jubilee River, most of the path is natural – so prone to being muddy if it’s been raining. These two factors combined are not necessarily a problem, but depending on your young cyclists’ age, confidence and strength the narrower, muddier, busier sections, could be a challenge. And if your little one is keen to charge ahead, it can be stressful for you if you’re worried about them tottering into other path users. Particularly upstream of Cookham, the ground maybe better suited to bikes with a wheel bigger than 20”. Ground Windsor – Cookham. Narrow and gets muddy and crowded. Cookham – Marlow. Wide open fields, but bumpy and gets muddy. If it’s busy or wet, small children might find it more like hard work than fun. Parking Dozens of car parks within a couple of hundred meters of the route. Cafes Hundreds in Maidenhead, Cookham, Bourne End and Marlow. If you don’t want to go off the route, there’s Boulter’s Island, an ice cream cabin at Boulter’s Lock, and the Bounty pub on the riverside upstream of Cookham. James’ Comments. It got my bike muddy!

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Su mmer Fun - Childcare........

HOLIDAY CAMPS & CLASSES PART 2... Wondering how to fill the summer? Here’s a reminder of our pick of local children’s camps and activities. (Details correct at time of going to press (June 2017) but may be subject to change)

Amanda’s Art Classes for small groups of children aged 6-13. Amanda will be running Summer ART WORKSHOPS in Ascot from 10-12am and 2-4pm; call 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details. www.amandasart.co.uk Art Classes for Children will be running a daily art camp for children and adults during the week in August. Each week they will meet at a different park and enjoy painting a landscape and have a picnic. Marinela will choose the best artwork for an exhibition at the end of the month. For more information please visit www.artclassesgroup.com or call 07501 644537. Artspiration will be offering a four day workshop, Art Scout Juniors at various locations in Berkshire. Suitable for children aged 6- 12 years, packed with Art and Craft this summer. Children will get to work with mosaics, print making, mod roc, plaster casting, pencil shading, water colours, soft pastels, etc. These workshops are led by Artspiration teachers, who are all artists and well experienced with working with children. They are also offering a 10% discount if you refer a

friend. Register your interest now as places are limited. For more details go to www.artspiration.co.uk or email info@artspiration.co.uk Blossom ballet is offering a free taster class for children aged 18 months to 10 years this summer. Please email Miss Lucy at lucy@blossomballet.com or call 07813084283 for more details and to book a place. www.blossomballet.com Bray Lake Watersports are offering their ever-popular school holiday activities again this year! With a variety of 1, 2 and 5 day courses running weekdays from 9.30am5pm your child can learn to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, dinghy sail and windsurf. Work towards one sport alone or gain essential skills in a variety of sports. Courses are suitable for 8-15 years with sibling discounts available. Course price include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and 5-day courses include relevant RYA and BCU log-books and certificates. Day courses: £59, 5-day courses: £255 info@braylake.com 01628 638860; www.braylake.com Busy Buttons Creative and sporty camp offers 3 -14 year olds a fantastic opportunity to learn, express themselves

JDFD DANCE & FITNESS Creative Holiday Club

and have fun, using digital and traditional media while model making sets, props, puppets, costumes, executing design concepts from 2D to 3D, besides learning to animate, sculpt, sew, paint, film and more while being tutored by experienced film and television professionals. Educational day trips, competitions, team building and confidence boosting challenges, sports, nutrition, martial arts, fitness, yoga and customised insights by professionals give the children a diverse, whole experience. The Ofsted approved camp is held at Upton House School, Windsor from 10 July – 11 August 8:30am - 4pm (extended hours 8am - 6pm). They are also running activity days MondayFriday from 14-25 August 10:00am 2:00pm. Childcare vouchers accepted. RBWM Advantage Card discount and other offers. They are also an Arts Award Centre. 07952418212, contact@busybuttons.org; www.busybuttons.org Hands-On-Art Adventures in Old Windsor: creativity for all ages & abilities. Pop-in & Paint, decopatch or foam clay onto ceramics anytime. Plus Holiday Art, Clay & Story workshops + Potters Wheel experiences. Free Parking! For more details please contact Janet on 01753 206 265. office@hands-onart.co.uk www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk JDFD Dance & Fitness Creative Holiday Club Marlow. Jane Douglass, the

Maidenhead & Ascot SSP Dance Specialist, and her fabulous team offer this super fun creative week for boys and girls aged 5-12. All styles of dance, fitness, musical theatre, games, yoga, arts & crafts, themed ‘Around the world’ Check out the website for costs and how to book www.janedouglass.co.uk Jump In & Wise Owls have teamed up to create fun filled holiday activity camps from 9am-5pm during the Summer holidays! Provides challenging and fun activities for children aged 5-12 years old with a number of sports, play and craft activities. The children are cared for by our friendly, qualified and caring team. There will be 2 hours of jumping every day along with a variety of games and activities for all ages. Ofsted Approved. £25 for a whole day of supervised fun! Childcare vouchers accepted. Register and book at www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk Little Kickers will be running a summer camp for 3.5 - 7 year olds at St. Edwards Middle School, Windsor from Monday 24th July - Friday 28th July. You can attend any number of days with a discount if you book for the whole week. For further details you can email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk or call 07412166686. Visit their website for further information about their classes www.littlekickers.co.uk Little Muddy Boots will be running their popular summer programme of Forest Continued on page 16

14th-18th August 9.30am - 3.30pm Marlow C of E Infants School • Ages 5 - 12

Come with us, as we travel the world for an inspiring & super fun week of dance, musical theatre, ﬁtness, games, arts & crafts - Full week, day rate and half day available.

www.janedouglass.co.uk • info@janedouglass.co.uk

Before School, After School & Holiday clubs

Phone 0844 561 1606 Arts & crafts, sports, dance, drama, cinema, swimming, day trips…optional lunch & tea

Holiday, Breakfast & After School clubs 3 – 14yrs Holiday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead > Jumpin, Slough After school clubs > Courthouse > Oldfield > Furze Platt Schools > Holyport Scout Hut, Maidenhead Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Centre > St. Peters Church, Maidenhead

Now taking bookings for Sept After School and Breakfast Clubs

Summer club dates 17th July – 1st September 2017 Quality childcare from just £3.15 per hour E: info@wiseowlsclub.co.uk W: www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 788058

JULY/AUGUST 2017

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

HOLIDAY CAMPS & CLASSES PART 2... continued School sessions for 3-6yr olds during August. Join them for tree climbing, rope walks, whittling and campfire cooking.’ Check out their Facebook page ‘Little Muddy Boots Group’, and their website www.littlemuddyboots.co.uk for the latest information’. Living Tennis holiday camps are open to children aged 4+, all abilities welcome. They run active sessions guaranteed to be lots of fun for all. Holiday camps are running at the following venues: St Pirans school from w/c 17th July - 28th August and Bisham Abbey National sports centre from w/c 24th July - 28th August. Bookings are now open, contact 01628 487775 or visit their website: www.livingtennis.co.uk Liquid Leisure. The kids cable club runs Saturday and Sunday mornings 9am & 11am. Beginner Boat & Cable Courses are suitable for first time waterskiers or wakeboarders from 5 years old. Set on a freshwater private lake, the waterpark also features an Aqua Park suitable for 6 years plus, beach area, open swimming (6 years plus) and a licensed café bar. Visit www.liquidleisure.com, email info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500 Longridge Holiday Activity Days are available for children 8 and over during the school holidays. Activity Days start at 8.45am and finish at 5pm and cost just £40 with a packed lunch included. From

the heady heights of Giant Swing out over the Thames to paddling on the river as part of a Dragon Boat team, there’s lots to enjoy. Activities vary and will be chosen on the day depending on the weather and water levels. For 10-14 years they also run ultimate sleep-overs throughout the school summer holidays. The cost is £148 for two full days of activities, one night’s accommodation and 4 meals. Tel: 033 03030101, www.alfvillages.org.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular summer programme of classes during August. Check Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Magnet & Windsor Leisure Centre are offering fun action-packed Camp Adventure holiday activity days this summer from Monday 24th July – Friday 1st September. There are more activities than ever before, including: chocolate party games, bouncy castle, nerf dart tag, swimming, glow in the dark roller-skating, trips out, sway dancing lessons and make & bake. Great affordable prices. For The Magnet call 01628 685333 or email magnet.reception@legacyleisure.org.uk For Windsor Leisure Centre call 01753 778577 or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk Phoenix Trampoline Club will be holding their Just Bounce summer classes at East Berkshire College, Langley on Fridays

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

throughout the holidays between 10am 12pm. Please go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email trampolining@phoenixgym.co.uk or call on 01628 778881 to book a place. Available for members and non-members. Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding their popular daily summer camps Summersaults throughout the holidays for 5-12 year olds, members and non members. Have fun and be taught gymnastics by their British Gymnastics qualified coaches and enjoy the experience in their fully equipped gym with sprung floor, beam, bars and vaults. Go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email info@phoenixgym.co.uk or call 01628 778 881 to book a place Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is running onstage holiday weeks at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY, for children aged 5-13. The World’s Worst Children Monday 24thFriday 28th July (ages 6-13), Redroofs School Of Rock And Other Mindblowing Musicals Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August, Matilda And Other Miracle Children Monday 7th - Friday 11th August (ages 5-12), A Spoonful Of Musical Theatre Tuesday 29th August - Saturday 2nd September (ages 6-12). The only Musical Theatre course where children can enjoy a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and an onstage real theatre experience. £245.00. Call 01628 674092; www.redroofs.co.uk or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk Rush Trampoline Park holiday Camp, Coronation Road, High Wycombe. Combine trampolining fun and other energetic activities, including Extreme Dodgeball, Walking Sticks and Slam Dunk Hoops with Arts & Crafts from 24th July to 1st Sept, £43/day (£39 if booked by 10th July) or 5 Day Week £199 (£179 if booked by 10th July) 9.30am-4.30pm. Only 25 children per day - Book early to avoid disappointment Tel: 01494 414128, jump@rushuk.com, www.rushuk.com Seriously Fun Swimming Schools are running school holiday 5 day intensive course swimming lessons at St Piran’s School in Maidenhead and Teikyo Japanese School in Wexham for children aged 3 to 12 years for JUST £75 per child. Mon 24th Jul to Fri 28th Jul. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364 364. Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow will be holding holiday workshops

JULY/AUGUST 2017

at Wycombe High School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from Monday 31st July Friday 4th August inclusive. Once upon a time (4-6yrs), 9.30am-12.30pm, £90, sibling £65. This 5-day workshop is perfect for budding young performers. Summer Sizzlers (6-16yrs), 9.15am - 4.15pm, £50 deposit, £160, sibling £130. Make new friends and gain confidence. Workshops are open to all; there's limited spaces available, so get booking now! www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe or email highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk Stagecoach Maidenhead will be holding a week-long holiday workshop from 7th11th August where they will be preparing for and putting on a high-quality show for all parents to see! Children will get to work with their professional team of expert directors, vocal coaches and choreographers to put on a fully costumed, professionally lit show on the last day. This is the chance to learn new skills, make new friends and perform on stage at the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Farm in front of a large audience. Booking now! www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead or email maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk Super Camps' fabulous new Multi-Activity programme at Hurst Lodge School, Ascot and Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, Marlow allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs "an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment". Save 15% on all courses with code FAMILIES17 www.supercamps.co.uk 01235 467300 Twinkle Tots Ballet Summer schools are being held from Monday 24th – Friday 28th July 2017 at Sunningdale Village Hall, Church Rd, Sunningdale, Berks SL5 0NJ and from Monday 31st July – Friday 4th August at Burnham Park Hall, Burnham, Slough. This year’s theme: Fairytale Adventure. Join Miss Louise, Miss Katherine and Miss Alex for a fun filled week of dancing, suitable for age 2 and upwards. With a daily ballet class, arts and crafts, modern dance for the older group and then help create your own ballet show to perform on the Friday to friends and family! 2-4years olds cost £40 for the week; 4 years + cost £70 for the week. Book your place online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Call 07828 857061 or email: summerschool@twinkletotsdance.com Places are limited. Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday July 17 to Friday September 1. Junior Club for ages 3-7 (sports, play and craft activities with outings to places of fun or interest such as (Madhouse, Beale Park and the cinema). Discovery Club for ages 713 (football, dancing, horse riding and tennis with outings to places such as Laser Quest, Coral Reef, fruit picking and the cinema). A healthy lunch and tea is an option for both clubs. They also have visits from fur & feathers, a visit to the space planetarium and much more. Times: 9am-5pm, extended day 8am-6pm. 0844 561 1606; www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk. They have also partnered up with Jumpin, Slough and will be operating a holiday club with them. Bookings via Wise Owls web site.

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Su mmer Fun........

MAKING THE MOST OF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS!

The School holidays have arrived and with six whole weeks to fill, we’ve put together our top ideas for how to alleviate the boredom and keep your kids busy having fun this summer! Become a Master of Spinjitzu Visit the all new LEGO® NINJAGO™ World at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. A new castle themed hotel also opens at the resort this July. Families can choose between two imaginatively themed room types - Knights and Wizards - each with separate sleeping areas for adults and children Bounce in Bucks Rush Trampoline park in High Wycombe has everything you need for an energetic playdate. With over 100 wall-to-wall trampolines, a soft play and cafe, there’s something on offer for everyone. Don’t forget to check out pp.15-16 for information on their holiday camps. Day trip to the coast A visit to the English seaside is a great summer holiday tradition if you don’t mind a bit of a drive. Pack your bucket and spade, sunhat and sunscreen (or maybe even your wellies, it’s a British summer

Telephone: 01628 788058

after all!) and head off for a paddle. West Wittering beach is arguably the nearest sandy beach. Family camping trip If you have a spare weekend, why not pack up your tents and some basic comforts and head off for a couple of nights under canvas? Or if it’s hard to find the time to get away with the whole family, set the tent up in the back garden.You could embrace the outdoor lifestyle fully and dine alfresco with a BBQ for tea if the weather allows it. Just remember to roast those marshmallows! Fruit picking I have fond memories of going fruit picking with my dad as a child and our kids love picking their own raspberries and strawberries in the summer. It’s a great way to get them eating healthy treats too! Copas Farms have a pick your own farm in Cookham and Iver www.copasfarms.co.uk/pick-your-own

JULY/AUGUST 2017

Get out and about in Maidenhead There’s always lots to do in Maidenhead for all the family with events on in the town centre and beyond every week over the holidays. If it’s FREE fun you’re after, pop these dates in your diary: Sunday 2 July - Gin in the Park takes place in Guards Club Park on the banks of the Thames. There will be gin smiths, street food, entertainment and children’s activities. The event is free but due to limited capacity is ticketed.Visit www.gininthepark.com for details. Sunday 9 July – New Maidenhead Choir performance in the Amphitheatre, 2pm. Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July is Wimbledon Weekend. Watch the tennis finals on the big screen and try out your tennis skills with local clubs. King Street pedestrianised area. Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 July – Maidenhead Festival, Kidwells Park. The town’s annual festival is a must for the diary.Visit www.maidenheadfestival.org.uk Tuesdays 25 July, 1,8, 15, 22 & 29 August – Nicholsons Kid’s Club with free activities in the centre and on the High Street Friday 18, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 August – Maidenhead at the Movies, free outdoor cinema in Kidwells Park. For the full event listings visit www.enjoymaidenhead.com

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Su mmer Fun........

Host your own tournament with your friends Why not dig out your board games and challenge your friends and family or host your own sports tournament! Join in the Beach fun at Norden Farm Aloha! The Hawaiian Elvis themed beach is back – all summer long. Tues 25 Jul - Sun 27 Aug 10am - 4pm / Admission Free! Relax at a beachside café table while the little ones play in the sand. Join in craft or storytelling sessions in the specially designed story den or get involved in the gallery secret cove. Family films will be screened throughout the holidays.Visit www.nordenfarm.org for details and information on their popular circus, art and theatre weeks running throughout the holidays. Jump in Berks Based in Slough, Jump In Trampoline arena is the perfect place for kids of all ages to burn off some energy. For children aged 5 or younger, there is also a soft play and mini jump trampoline area. Don’t forget to check out pp.15-16 for information on their holiday camps. Learn a new skill or play chef for the day Teach your kids to knit. Learn a new language. Try a new sport. Build a bug hotel. The possibilities are endless and you could even choose something new you

could learn together. If you have older children, get them to design a menu for the day, shop for the ingredients together and cook it all (under supervision and to budget!) Outdoor Theatre Brave the elements and enjoy a family outing watching an outdoor performance in a beautiful setting. Cliveden are showing an adaptation of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy on 27 July and The Secret Garden on 24 August. Plus there’s also Pride and Prejudice on 25 and 26 August. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Pack a picnic

Make the most of some free outdoor fun! Pack a picnic and a football and head to a local park for the day, or try one of our cycle routes (see pp.13-14 and 22). Take a day trip to London There’s always plenty to do and visit in London and it needn’t be expensive. If you

have a Merlin pass make the most of free entry to the London Eye, Sea Life Aquarium and Shrek’s adventure! Otherwise, why not visit a museum. Both the Science museum and the Natural History museum are free to visit and if you’re getting the train into Paddington, it’s a lovely walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Inspired by Peter Pan and with an impressive wooden pirate ship as its centre piece, it’s also worth stopping at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. There is restricted entry on busy days though so be prepared to queue. Never underestimate the excitement that comes with taking the train into the capital city! Take part in the Summer Reading challenge Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s summer reading challenge at your local library. This year’s theme is Animal Agents, illustrated by Tony Ross.Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk for more information Try your hand at crafts There are plenty of websites you can visit for inspiration if the weather’s not the best and you need some rainy day entertainment. My six year old was given a craft box subscription as a gift and loves receiving his personalised box through the post. The boxes include everything you

Rehearsal Venue:

Altwood School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PU

THE FINAL PERFORMANCE WILL BE AT: The Courtyard Theatre at Norden Farm

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Su mmer Fun........

need to complete your activity (although you might want to keep some glue to hand as their glue sticks aren’t always the best!). There are a few on the market but we like the Toucan Box.Visit www.toucanbox.com for more information. Get your paints out, make your own playdough or oobleck if you have younger kids and don’t mind getting messy. Or if you’re stuck for ideas at home why not visit Busy Buttons design centre in Windsor? You could even drop the kids off at one of their ‘drop and shop’ workshops while you treat yourself to a coffee or shopping spree. As well as the summer camps, they are running activity days Monday-Friday from 14-25 August 10:00am - 2:00pm www.busybuttons.org Visit the Lookout Discovery Centre

The Look Out is a fantastic place to visit as there is plenty to do whatever the weather. Inside, there are over 90 hands-on science and

Telephone: 01628 788058

discovery activities, aimed at toddlers to under 12’s. Build an unfinished house with ride-on diggers, test your speed with Batak or leave your shadow on the wall! Until July 9th they are running the fun Toys in Trouble show. Can you help Eric to sort out his toys using science? A fun way to engage your budding scientists! Then in the summer the Dinosaurs arrive! The Big Dinosaur Show is a fun show, where the children help solve some scientific puzzles to help keep the herd of dino’s alive. Running from 22 Jul until 3 Sept. The centre is set in woodland with three adventure play areas so there is something for everyone. New equipment in our play area includes a train and a ship to help fire the imaginations. Don’t forget the coffee shop for a snack to keep you going. There is so much to do, we recommend staying all day! www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery or www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Visit a National Trust property Cliveden near Maidenhead is the perfect place to enjoy precious family time over the summer. Let little ones run wild in the storybook play den or through the giant maze. Roly poly down the hill or take a wander down to the river. If you fancy sleeping under the stars, take part in their family camping event in

JULY/AUGUST 2017

July. Once your tent is set up, you can chose to play games in the main field, explore the nearby Play Trail or try some of the activities in your special adventure pack. After your picnic tea, rangers will lead a bat walk through the woods before the evening ends with hot chocolate and storytelling round the campfire. In August you can also try tree climbing in the woods.Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden to book Cliveden are also running Wild Weeks during the holidays. These will take place 22 July – 4 August, 5 August – 18 August and 19 August – 1 September. Other properties worth visiting in the area are Hughenden Manor and Gray’s Court. Hughenden has an Alice in wonderland white rabbit trail and Mad Hatter’s tea party taking place on selected dates in July and August www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

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........Su mmer Fun........

Visit a farm or zoo Set in 160 acres of parklands, the Cotswold Wildlife Park boasts a diverse collection of endangered species. August is Rhino month and with an adventure playground, railway around the park and children’s farmyard there’s always plenty to see and do www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk From sheep racing and tractor rides to cow milking demonstrations and a chance to meet the baby animals, there’s so much to do at Odds Farm Park.Visit the adventure fort or the sand and water play area and the giant indoor play barn to ensure there’s never a dull moment. Plus there’s plenty of extra holiday fun to be had this summer with shows, crafts and more running from 22 July to 5 September www.oddsfarm.co.uk Visit a museum The Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles has plenty on offer this holiday. Learn about Medieval England and join in Knights’ school on 29 and 30 July. Take your life into your hands when you meet the Highwaymen on 5 and 6 August. Learn about the less savoury aspects of Victorian life with the ‘Ragged Victorians’ on 12 and 13 August, but watch out for pick pockets! Be the judge in the Tudor Court on 19 and 20 August and discover what it was like to live in Tudor times over the August bank holiday www.coam.org.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

If you love his stories, Follow the buzzyhum to the Roald Dahl Museum this summer. Find out about the creepycrawlies, animals and birds in Roald Dahl’s books and discover the local countryside that inspired him. Meet some marvellous authors and listen to their animal-tastic tales, make some crackling crafts including Paw Print Plates and Buzzwangling Bird Feeders and decorate some chocolate cattypiddlers.You can even channel your inner artist on the Wondercrump Draw ‘n’ Walk with artist Sue Pownall, where you can sketch in the wood that inspired Fantastic Mr Fox! There’s plenty of fun to be had, all based around Roald Dahl’s muchloved children’s books www.roalddahl.com/museum

Celebrate stories and pay a visit to the Story Museum in Oxford. Check out the giant story bed and explore unusual ways of enjoying stories www.storymuseum.org.uk Water fun Europe's Largest Aqua Park at Liquid Leisure is now open in Windsor, 7 days a week! Great fun for all competent swimmers over six years of age, kids and adults alike will love bouncing on the floating trampoline or racing across the monkey bars. Water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and banana boat rides are also on offer, or you could spend the day relaxing on the lakeside beach. www.liquidleisure.com Or, why not visit a Splash Park? See p.22 for our suggestions in the area Windsor Castle If you live in Windsor or Maidenhead, entry to Windsor castle is free with an advantage card. Throughout August, kids can discover what life was really like for knights who lived at Windsor Castle in medieval times. For more ideas take a look at our bike routes on pp.13-14 and suggestions for splash parks or picnic spots on p.22 BOOK NOW for advertising in our Set/Oct 2017 issue: email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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........Su mmer Fun - Sport........

EXPLORING SPORT WITH YOUR CHILDREN

By Anna Collins

y husband and I have a 6 year-old and we’ve recently embarked on what you might call a ‘journey of sports exploration’. It’s not to say our son definitely is ‘sporty’, but we feel that we would like to introduce him to a variety of sport, partly to see if he wants to take any of them further, and partly to help establish physical activity as a fun and regular part of a healthy lifestyle. And of course, the sports field is a training ground for life isn’t it? Learning to meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same; team work, discipline, reward for hard work, grace in defeat, valour in victory and all that… The account below is based on our own experiences as well as a little bit of research to help us on our way, and I thought it may be useful to share as I’m sure there are plenty of you out there entering this new territory as we are! How we shape our children Families play a key role in shaping a child’s attitudes and behaviours and this is true of sport. According to Sport England’s website “They can provide support and encouragement – but they can also add pressure. They can share their own sport and physical activity passions – but they can also share their fears. They can facilitate access to various opportunities to be active – but they can also limit options. They can model active behaviour by taking part with children – but can also model sedentary behaviour.” It’s worth being reminded of the impact we have as parents/carers – good and bad! In a bid to get fitter and try and set a better example of a healthy lifestyle, I’ve started doing more exercise myself recently taking up a class or a run twice, maybe three times a week and I am pleased to report that both my sons have noticed what I am doing. Even my two-year old pipes up: ‘Are you going dancing Mummy?’ They are now very interested in what I am doing and it does seem to send them the right message about healthy living. I even found myself showing my oldest how to do the plank the other night as he wanted to know what exercises I was doing! Age & stage Perhaps a little science may help. According to the world-renowned Canadian organisation Sport For Life, “Science, research and decades of experience all point to the same thing: kids and adults will

Telephone: 01628 788058

get active, stay active, and even reach the greatest heights of sport achievement if they do the right things at the right times.” For children under 6, they say, physical activity should be a fun part of a child’s everyday life. “Activities should help children feel competent and comfortable participating in a variety of fun and challenging activities and non-competitive games.” Next up from the age of 6 is the ‘FUNdamentals stage’. Spotted the theme yet? Fun. My husband – a man whose sporting enthusiasm tragically outweighs his actual ability (although a convincing club level sportsman in his slimmer days) – is pragmatic: ‘sport should be fun. How do kids know if they’re good at sport? They’re having fun. If it’s fun, you’re doing it right’. So forget the freezing miserable school cross country running with a grumpy PE teacher. The focus is on providing fun and exposing children to a variety of different environments – indoors, outdoors, land, ice, snow, in the air and on water. The ‘Learn to Train stage’ leads to understanding basic rules, tactics and strategy in games and refinement of sport specific skills. This stage takes children up to about the age of 12. After this stage they move on to talk about specialisation in a sport. Different sports, different ages The other key thing I noted was that different sports do of course suit different ages. According to US site www.healthofchildren.com, 5 and 6 year olds may engage with swimming and gymnastics, but more complex team sports (soccer, football and baseball) may be more appropriate between 6-9.

The site also suggested ‘One good way to get a child interested in sports during these years (pre 6) is to engage in physical activity the whole family can participate in, such as taking long walks or bicycle rides’ So how did we go about choosing a sport for our son to try? My husband and I were trying to work out if our son would enjoy the English Cricket Board’s All Star Cricket programme for 5-8 year olds. Apart from swimming, we hadn’t yet suggested a sport to him, so this was new territory! At first I was a little unsure, but the key to it all is seeing how your child reacts to the suggestion. We talked to him about the kit he would receive and showed him some video footage of the sessions and he was keen to give it a go. There was no hesitation, so we went ahead and booked. Of course, it doesn’t mean he’ll be a superstar cricketer, but it starts us off on a journey of exploring what sort of sports may work for him. Finally… It’s worth mentioning that it is now widely accepted that talent alone is not enough; it’s the wanting to do something, persistence and hard work that is most important. It’s important to get this message to our children. Pushing your child into things is unlikely to work and we need to make sure we are not trying to live out our own goals through our children. It can be hard to think outside the box sometimes! I have no idea what some sports entail (rugby’s just cauliflower ears and injury, isn’t it?!) so I’m finding it fun to learn about new sports too. Children also need to get used to encountering failure and rebounding – a vital skill for all areas of life and generally speaking don’t forget to praise them for effort rather than outcome. Fun and variety seem to be the way forward for our 0-12 year olds! Good luck with your sporting journeys!

For Little Kickers classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley & Marlow. Call 01628 526 584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk. For Little Kickers classes at Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun!

Call for Birthday Party entertainment information

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here’s much to be said for getting outside and enjoying some fresh air, with the health benefits that come from pursuing an outdoorsy lifestyle often being touted. With so much technology available to kids today, there is also much speculation over the amount of time children should spend in front of a screen. Only recently a group of leading authors and child development experts called for official guidelines to be drawn up. In a letter to The Guardian, the group, which includes author Philip Pullman, stated the need for ‘‘plenty of self-directed outdoor play, especially during their early years (0-7)’’. I noticed recently on an excursion to Windsor Great Park, how easily my children entertained themselves letting their imaginations go wild with nothing but a few sticks, a tree to climb and a wide open space. The summer holidays and the promise of longer days are the perfect opportunity to limit screen time in favour of getting

........Su mmer Fun........ GET YOUR CHILDREN ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS out and about! If the weather’s warm and you’re looking for a way to keep cool, a visit to a splash park can be a really fun way to get kids outside. These are a few ideas for ones to visit in Berkshire. If getting wet isn’t your thing, or the weather reverts to a more usual English summer (hopefully minus the rain), all of them have much more than water play on offer: Perfect for a splash around, Runnymede Pleasure Grounds opens its paddling pool during the summer months. With an enclosed play area, children’s amusements and a café, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied. Situated next to the Thames, it’s ideal for a picnic and a wander along the river. Windsor Road, Englefield Green, Egham, TW20 0AE The splash pad at Locks Ride Recreation Ground is perfect for really hot days (or those who don’t mind a good soaking!). Complete with water fountains for the less brave and tipping buckets for the truly dedicated, this fenced in area

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

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By Rachel Bailey

promises lots of fun. The water is only on from 11am-1pm and then 3-5pm, but there’s also a lovely play park situated in a large sand pit and plenty of space for picnics and ball games to ensure kids stay occupied. The added bonus is that car parking is free too! Forest Road, Winkfield Row, RG42 7NJ California Country Park has plenty to keep everyone entertained for a day out. Like Runnymede, the main attraction in summer is the pool. There’s a small extra charge for this, but it’s not expensive. Situated next to the pool is a shady woodland play area and there’s also a café and a larger playground too. It’s ideal for a picnic and a wander. The walk around the lake is just under a mile and the woodland walk is about 2 miles so you can choose which suits your family best. There are also paths and boardwalks which make for a buggy friendly walk. Off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT Jocks Lane Park in Bracknell is another place with plenty going on. As well as a play area, there’s miniature golf, tennis and basket ball courts, a coffee shop, picnic tables and even a miniature steam railway which runs on selected dates during the year! The splash pad is perfect for younger children and is situated next door to the pavilion with toilet facilities and even a shower cubicle. Off Binfield Rd, Bracknell RG12 2BH If water play isn’t your thing, the picnic is another great British tradition and there’s no shortage of picturesque spots in

JULY/AUGUST 2017

the area. Here are just a few of our favourites: Higginson park in Marlow boasts a great playground with a coffee shop. It’s close to the river, perfect for a walk to feed the ducks and you might even fit in time for a spot of shopping in the high street too. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake at either Herschel Park in Slough or Black Park in Wexham and keep an eye out for family friendly events taking place at the latter. Langley Park in Iver has plenty of open space, perfect for post lunch ball games, whilst the nature reserve at Denham Country Park provides an abundance of wildlife and there are often events such as river dipping taking place during the holidays. Ray Mill Island at Boulters lock in Maidenhead, has an aviary and guinea pig enclosure and is the perfect spot for a picnic with little ones, who might also enjoy watching the boats through the lock. With 4,800 acres of parkland, there’s so much scope for outdoor play in Windsor Great Park. Spot the deer wandering through the deer park, visit Savill garden, walk the Long Walk to the Copper Horse, or just pack a picnic and a football and make your own fun! If you’re stuck for ideas, the National Trust’s ’50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ offers some great suggestions for exploring the outdoors. Or why not give Geocaching or Pokémon GO a try too. Both these are a great way to incentivise kids to get out and explore and a family treasure hunt can be fun for everyone!

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Competitions and Offers with

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For your chance to win all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to: competitions@familiestveast.co.uk How many candle-making projects will you find in Sarah’s new book? A) B) C)

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Closing date for the competition is 13th August 2017 *T&C’s apply

WIN A LUNCH CRUISE FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR ON BATEAUX WINDSOR’S FLOATING RESTAURANT! Experience the spectacular views of Windsor on board the Melody whilst enjoying a three course set lunch and an audio commentary about the area's famous sights and rich history.

What is the name of Bateaux Windsor's boat?

The cruise will take you past Windsor Castle, Windsor Racecourse, Eton College and through neighbouring royal boroughs. With a special children’s menu available and activity packs provided for their entertainment, it’s a great experience for the whole family

A) B)

The Harmony The Melody

The Symphony

Closing date for competition entries is 13th August 2017 *T&C’s apply

Boarding begins at 12:00, the boat departs at 12:15 and the cruise lasts one and a half hours. For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question and email your answer to: competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

*Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt 4. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize 6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition 7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition 8.By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the Promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified 11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.

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What’s On

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

Dolls and houses at Windsor Castle, Saturdays in July

JULY Weekends until July 9 TOYS IN TROUBLE The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400 This fun show looks at the science behind toys. Can you help Eric the Owl to tidy his toys away? Help our presenter play with toys to find out how they work. Show times are at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers. £1.95 per person in addition to the main entrance price to the hands-on science and nature exhibition. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Saturdays in July DOLLS AND HOUSES AT WINDSOR CASTLE Drawings Gallery at Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ. 020 7766 7304. Take a look at some of the most famous toys in the collection: Queen Mary's Dolls House and the two dolls, Marianne and France. Free with standard entry ticket. 11am to 4pm on Saturdays in July. In addition, special

Sing at The Firestation, Windsor, on July 15

storytelling sessions will take place on July 15 and 22 at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm on July 15 and 22 as storyteller Olivia Armstrong weaves a fantastic tale from the history of these fascinating toys. www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson Saturdays in July and August 5 MINDFULNESS AND ART FOR CHILDREN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Create artwork using focus and concentration. Beginning in a mindful state create a piece of art with care, enjoyment, attention and fun. From 10am. £25. www.norden.farm Every Sunday ETON COLLEGE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ETON COLLEGE Slough Road, Eton, SL4 6DW. 01753 671000. Berkshire’s only dedicated natural history museum now houses over 16,000 specimens, donated from the nineteenth century onwards. Admission is free, donations optional. Opening times on Sundays from 2.30-5pm. www.etonnhm.com

The Look Out Discovery Centre Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

Cumberland Lodge Summer Party, Windsor Great Park, on Sunday July 16

Saturday July 1 NATIONAL MEADOWS DAY AT RUNNYMEDE NATIONAL TRUST Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. Come and celebrate the magnificent meadows of Runnymede with children's activities and guided walks for all. Make a seed bomb, see how many different flowers you can spot, and chat to our ranger to learn all about this lovely and special habitat. Free event. 10.30am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Saturday July 1 FULMER DAY VILLAGE FETE 2017 Fulmer Village, Windmill Road, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6HD. Food, Arts & Crafts, music, stalls, mini fun fair plus, bungee racing, grand prix circuit, magicians and more! 1.30 to 5pm. Free entry. Sunday July 2 GIN IN THE PARK GUARDS CLUB Oldfield Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1XH, Music, stalls, picnic areas, children’s entertainment and the most delicious refreshments in gorgeous surroundings by the Thames. Enjoy music including swing, opera, jazz and rock and roll. Find food and drink by local brewers and artisans. 11.30pm to 7pm. See www.facebook.com/GinInThePark or emailgininthepark@gmail.com for more details. Sundays: July 2 August 6 and September 10 PLANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD OPEN DAY Taplow Court, Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Maidenhead, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0ER. The house and 85-acre grounds of Taplow Court will be open to the public for free. 2pm to 5pm with guided tours of the house at 3pm. Cream teas available. Picnics welcome. www.sgi-uk.org

The BIG Dinosaur Show

Saturday July 8 BATTERSEA OLD WINDSOR FUN DAY 2017 Battersea at Old Windsor, Priest Hill, SL4 2JN. Four-legged friends and humans are invited to the fun including bouncy castle, face painting and a coconut shy. Dog agility courses plus competitions including greatest golden oldie, the most obedient dog and the waggiest tail. There will also be plenty of family fun plus refreshments. Free park and ride service from Savill Garden Car Park to the Fun Day. This will run as a regular shuttle service to and from the site throughout the day (about 10 minutes).Visitors will be required to pay for parking at Savill Gardens Car Park but there will be no charge for the bus or entry to the event. Saturday July 8 and Sunday 9 SHARPE'S RIFLES Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB, Meet the riflemen of Wellington's army, visit the camp, talk to the soldiers & watch the infantrymen drill. 10am to 5pm. £ £10.50, Child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk Saturday July 8. COMMUNITY & CRAFT MARKET Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, SL8 5SX. 0845 2303232. Local produce & quality arts & crafts.10am to 1pm. www.beccmark.co.uk Saturday July 15 SING Kids' Club Cinema, The Firestation Centre for the Arts, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL. 01753 866865. Buster Moon needs to save his theatre. Buster decides to start the world's greatest singing contest to bring the theatre back from the brink of closing. 1pm. Adult £6 (£1 booking fee) child £3.50. www.firestationartscentre.com

Magical Ballerina Birthday Parties for children ages 3-6+ who love to perform!

22 July 2017 - 3 Sept 2017

Shows run at weekends and school holidays. Age 3+

Valid until 2/09/17

*Terms and conditions apply.

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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What’s On

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.

Pennfest is a festival for all the family, July 21-23 Sunday July 16 THE BIG COMMUNITY PICNIC Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Bring a picnic and enjoy the fun, craft activities, music, games and displays to entertain you. 12noon to 3pm. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Sunday July 16 CUMBERLAND LODGE SUMMER GARDEN PARTY Windsor Great Park. Enjoy an afternoon (124pm) of live music from The Candy Girls, hot food, Pimm’s and drinks on the lawn, magic tricks from local magician Dean Leavy, outdoor games and free tours of the 17th century Lodge, a former royal residence. Tickets are £5 per person, including one item from the BBQ. All proceeds will support the charitable work of Cumberland Lodge . To book call Emma Albery on 01784 497790 or email ealbery@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk Monday July 17 and Tuesday 18 WOODLAND WONDERS WILDLIFE WALK Burnham Beeches as above. Head out on a two-hour, Ranger-led adventure through the Beeches with games, bug hunts and craft activities aimed at children aged four to 12, booking required. Donation £3. Wednesday July 19 MEET THE RANGER AND THE BUGS & BEASTIES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. One of the Rangers will be showing off some of the fabulous creepy crawlies that live in the woodland. 1.30 to 3pm. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Thursday July 20 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Today’s the day we’re having a teddy bears picnic! Family friendly, weather dependant. £3 per child. 1am-12.30pm. If you come down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise! Join us for some stories, fun and games in Black Park with your toddlers and their teddies. Please remember to bring your own picnic and your favourite cuddly toy. Booking essential. Email countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23 PENN FESTIVAL 2017 The Big Park, Horsemoor Lane, Penn, HP7 0PL. Family friendly music festival with optional camping plus workshops for kids. Booking required. www.pennfest.net Saturday July 22 and Sunday July 23 MAIDENHEAD FESTIVAL 2017 Kidwells Park, Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 8AQ. 01628 685 333. The family-focused event will feature music, a beach, fairground, stalls and sideshows and you might spot a friendly clown or acrobat. Plus fireworks display. All are encouraged to dress up and join in! This year sees the return of the fantastic beach made of REAL SAND, the fab fairground, an even bigger and better market area, gourmet food stalls, and more Take That LIVE - play Saturday and the wonderful Bon Giovi on the Sunday! www.maidenheadfestival.org.uk Saturday July 22 WOODLAND WONDERS SUMMER TRAIL Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive Burnham

Telephone: 01628 788058

The Beach at Norden Farm opens on July 25

Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Fun summer trail aimed at children up to 12yrs, pick up a leaflet from the Info Point & guide yourself along the route. Bring a pencil! Suggested donation £2. Until September 3. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Saturday July 22 to September 3 DINOSAUR SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Give us your best dinosaur roar as you become part of the herd. Work out the answers to help the herd survive. It’s so REX-CITING! Show times are at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers. Shows run at weekends and Bracknell school holidays. £1.95 per person in addition to the main entrance price to the hands-on science and nature exhibition. Until September. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Saturday July 22 to Monday July 31 ALICE! WHITE RABBIT TRAIL Hughenden National Trust, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. Follow the white rabbit trail through the grounds. 10am to 5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Saturday 22 July to Tuesday 5 Sept ODDS FARM SUMMER FUN Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, Bucks, HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Extra holiday fun with Shows, Crafts and more! 10am to 5.30pm. Adult £13.50, child £12.50. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Tuesday July 25 to Sunday August 27 THE SECRET COVE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. An interactive art installation featuring work from Maidenhead, primary schools created as part of The Beach project. Beach is open until Sunday August 27 www.norden.farm Monday July 24 FILM WALK Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckis, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Look at some of the locations from popular TV and film productions. £5 per adult, £3 child, £4 concs, £14 family. 2pm-3.30pm. Black Park has played host to a great number of major film, television and music productions over the years, including Harry Potter and James Bond. Join us for a walk around to look at some of the locations from popular TV and film productions. Family friendly, dogs welcome. Booking essential: email countrypark@buckscc.gov.uk Tuesday July 25 WOODLAND WONDERS ACTIVITIES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE Fun and craft activities for children 4-12 years. 10.45am to 12.45pm. Suggested donation £2. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Tuesdays in August TERRIFIC TUESDAY Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, HP8 4AB. Special themes for Terrific Tuesdays are: Aug 1 Let’s Be Creative, Aug 8 How We Used To Live, 15 Aug Life on the Farm, 22 Aug Gardens & Growing Things. 11am to 4pm. www.coam.org.uk

Billionaire Boy is at Cliveden, July 27

Wednesday July 26 ALICE! MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. Bring a picnic and join an Alice-inspired afternoon tea party on the lawn.12 noon to 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Thursday July 27 SOIL SAFARI Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, SL6 3JH, Bring the children along to a Soil Safari to hunt for invertebrates and learn about the soil food web. A great way to get children interested in the natural world. £5. 10.30am to 12.30pm. Meet at The Ormandy Centre, Church Hill, White Waltham. Booking essential. Phone 01628 825517 or email estateoffice@walthamplace.com Thursday July 27 BILLIONAIRE BOY outdoor theatre, Cliveden, Taplow, Bucks, SL6 0JA. 0344 249 1895. Exciting outdoor theatrical premiere of David Walliams' book, created by Heartbreak Productions, booking required. 4pm. Adult £16.50, child £9. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

JULY/AUGUST 2017

Saturday July 29 ROCK N ROLL CONCERTINI WITH MATT BOND AND THE POOR BOYS GOOD TIME BAND Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. A very special rock and roll family concert to round off the Summer Season. Rock and Roll with a touch of Yee Ha! Be inspired by the sounds of the Beatles, the Stones and Elvis whilst the kids dance and sing on the Courtyard stage. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and Friends (four people) £32. www.norden.farm Saturday July 29 and Sunday 30 MEDIEVAL ENGLAND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB.Visit the encampment, meet costumed re-enactors and join in with the Knights’ School (ages 5 – 11) plus watch a swordfighting demonstration. 11am to 4pm. Adult £10.50, child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

What’s On

Fierce Ladies and Naughty Nights at Windsor Castle, August 3-28 Saturday 29 July and Sunday 30 July THE LOST CINEMA Beale Park Wildlife Park & Gardens, Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 9NW. Two movies are set to be screened at the beautiful park. Saturday Top Gun (12) Sunday - Bridget Jones (15). www.thelostcinema.co.uk Sunday July 30 COLNE VALLEY FESTIVAL Denham Country Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham, Uxbridge, UB9 5PG. Enjoy a marvellous day out in Denham Country Park. Live local bands. Fairground, river dipping, crafts, ferret racing, face painting, circus skills, model airplanes, local clubs and organisations and a beer tent! Follow Festival Parking signs. Free Entry, some attractions may charge, parking is £2.50. Well behaved dogs welcome. 11am to 4pm.

AUGUST Every Thursday and Friday til September 1 ALICE! CRAFT DAYS Hughenden National Trust, Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573. Wacky, wonderland-inspired crafts throughout the holidays. 10.30am to 4pm, £2. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Every Tuesday in August NICHOLSON'S KIDS' CLUB Nicholsons shopping centre, Maidenhead Free activities in the centre and on the high street Thursday August 3 to Monday 28 FIERCE LADIES AND NAUGHTY KNIGHTS Drawings Gallery at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. Go back to the days of fearsome battles and secret romances, and discover what life was really like for knights who lived at Windsor Castle in medieval times. Free with standard entry

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

Higgledy Piggledy Pie is at Norden Farm on August 6

ticket. Take part in armour handling talks August 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and have fun trying on replica armour from our collection. Every Saturday in August, there is the opportunity to chat to a mail armour expert who will be demonstrating and explaining how mail armour is made. Thursday August 3 to Saturday 5 LUNA CINEMA AT THE RACES Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. Choose from Breakfast At Tiffany's, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone or Notting Hill. Bring a picnic! Watch a classic film in glorious surroundings of the Old Paddock. BYO food and drink or enjoy the stalls there. Doors open 7.30pm, film 9pm. Child £10, adult £16. www.ascot.co.uk Friday August 4 THE POWER OF IMAGINATION Firestation Centre for the Arts, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3B. 01753 866865. Lance Corporal Richard Jones, winner of Britain's Got Talent 2016 brings his debut magic show to Windsor, where he used to live. A professional magician, Mentalist and Mind Reader who has already performed all around the world. 8pm. www.firestationartscentre.com Saturday August 5 CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. A two-hour walk to track down things that go bump, squeak and squawk in the night. Remember to bring a torch, booking required. Evening event. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Saturday August 5 and Sunday 6 HIGHWAYMEN Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB. Learn about life in the 18th Century and meet costumed reenactors in and around the museum’s

Taplow Court holds an open day on August 6

buildings and grounds. 10am to 5pm. Adult £10.50, child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk Sunday August 6 EDIBLE PLANTS OPEN DAY at Taplow Court, Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Maidenhead, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0ER. The house and 85-acre grounds of Taplow Court will be open to the public for free. Guided tours of the house (3pm) cream teas. Picnics welcome. 2pm to 5pm. www.sgi-uk.org Sunday August 6 HIGGLEDY PIGGLEDY PIE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts. Altwood Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 01628 788997 Featuring puppets made from vegetables, a hula hooping butternut squash, original music, clowning and a rather large pie! Suitable for ages 3+ years. When the king asks for a higgledy piggledy pie for his supper the royal chefs are thrown into a spin especially when they find the cupboard is bare! The chefs are helped by their vegetapals to collect the special nursery rhyme ingredients. Tickets: £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am and 2pm shows. www.norden.farm Sunday August 6 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET HIGH STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, SL6 1PY. Eat on the Street offers delicious food stalls from around the world. Man vs Food competitions, chilli eating, street entertainers, face painters and more than 30 stalls selling vintage, crafts, handmade, antiques, upcycled, boho, retro and quirkies. 11am-4pm. www.shabbytique.com Tuesday August 8 WOODLAND WONDERS ACTIVITIES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Fun and craft activities for children 4-12

years. 10.45am to 12.45pm. Suggested donation £2. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/thingsto-do Tuesday August 8 to Saturday August 12 BUGSY MALONE - Theatre Royal Windsor community production, Theatre Royal, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS 01753 853888 A talented young cast presents the hit show set in 1920s Chicago. Full of great songs and splurge guns. Set during Prohibition as rival gangs battle for supremacy. With well-known songs such as Bugsy Malone, Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, Bad Guys plus exciting dance routines, this is a massively popular show for audiences of all ages to enjoy. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday August 9 and Thursday 10 DEN BUILDING, Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6DS. Meet at the Visitor Information Point. Have a go at building your own den with the country park rangers. Bring a picnic along to eat in your newly built den! Family friendly, dogs welcome. £16 per family, £3 per extra child. 10am-12pm. Booking essential. 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Thursday August 10 BLACK PARK OPEN AIR CINEMA PRESENTS TOP GUN Black Park Road, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6DS. 8.30pm for 8.45pm screening. A daring yet reckless pilot who shuns teamwork and the rules of engagement eventually learns the importance of cooperation and discipline. Price includes popcorn and parking, refreshments available, bring your own chairs or blankets. Family friendly, suitable for limited mobility, online booking essential. £13 adult | £10 child. Booking essential. 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk

Themes inc Matilda, Frozen, Annie, Cinderella, and more!

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

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

What’s On

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.

Build dens at Black Park, August 8 and 9 Thursday August 10, 11, 14 and 15 TREE CLIMBING Cliveden, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0JA. Enjoy adventurous tree climbing in the woods at Cliveden, 6+yrs, booking required.10.30am to 5.15pm. £20. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Friday August 11 SCIENCE-Y SEEDS The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AL. 01494 892192. Investigate together how seeds travel and where to find them, then plant your own bean seed to take home, 4+yrs, booking required.12noon, 1.30 and 3pm. Tickets £2, plus usual entry fee. www.roalddahl.com/museum Saturday August 12 and Sunday 13 RAGGED VICTORIANS Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB, Look out for shady characters including the rat catcher and his rats; street urchins; doctor (with real leeches!), rogues and vagabonds. 10am to 5pm. Adult £10.50, child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk Monday August 14 to Friday 18 SELF-LED FILM TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS. Pick up your trail guide from the Information Point to follow this self-led trail. Family friendly, dogs welcome. £3 per trail guide. Find out about all the different movies, adverts and music videos that have been filmed in Black Park on this fascinating film trail. Collect from Black Park Visitor Information Point. 10am-3pm. For more info call 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Tuesday August 15 WOODLAND WONDERS ACTIVITIES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE, Fun and craft activities for children 4-12 years. 10.45am to 12.45pm. Suggested donation £2. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Thursday August 18 to Sunday 20 MAIDENHEAD AT THE MOVIES 2017 Kidwells Park, Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8AQ. 01628 685 333 Free outdoor cinema. There will be four films showing each day in the park as well as fun fair rides and food stalls. The full line up of films will be announced on the website closer to the event time. www.enjoymaidenhead.com Saturday August 19 and Sunday 20 TUDOR COURTROOM Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8

Telephone: 01628 788058

Little Red Robin Hood is at Norden Farm, August 22

4AB. The year is 1585, become the jury and participate in the court cases -the fate of the accused is in your hands plus find out more about the Tudors and Stewarts. 10am to 5pm. Adult £10.50, child £6.50. www.coam.org Monday August 21 to Friday 25 REPTILES SAFARI TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS. Look up in the trees and all around on our trail and see if you can spot all the reptiles hidden around Black Park! £6 per person. 10am-3pm daily. Go to Black Park Visitor Information Point. Complete the quiz and win yourself a treat! Family friendly. Booking essential. 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Tuesday August 22 LITTLE RED ROBIN HOOD Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4PF. A fun take of this classic tale, featuring beautifully crafted puppets, clowning and gentle humour. Garlic Theatre presents a fun show for children aged 3+. Puppeteer Mark discovers he has lost Little Red Riding Hood, what is he going to do! Luckily he finds Robin Hood, who agrees to go on a quest to take some cakes and flowers to Grandma. Will he stay on the path? Or will he discover the big bad wolf who looks a bit like the Sherriff of Nottingham! £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and friends (4 people £32). 11.30am and 2pm shows. www.norden.farm Thursday August 24 TROPICAL FOREST HANDLING EXPERIENCE Black Park, as above. Learn all about exotic species including a tarantula, tree frog, emperor scorpion, hissing cockroach, a royal python and more! Ever wanted to meet and hold animals from tropical rainforests? Get your chance at 11am-11.30am, 12pm12.30pm, 1.30pm-2pm, 2.30pm- 3pm, 3.30pm-4pm. Family friendly, online booking essential. £6 per person. 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Thursday August 24 THE SECRET GARDEN Outdoor Theatre, Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0JA. 0344 249 1895. Heartbreak Productions tells the tale of Mary Lennox & magic on the Yorkshire moors, booking required. 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Adult £16.50, child £9. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

JULY/AUGUST 2017

The Secret Garden is at Cliveden, from August 24 Friday August 25 and Saturday 26 PRIDE & PREJUDICE Outdoor Theatre, Cliveden National Trust, as above. 0344 249 1895. Cliveden's water garden is the setting for this Jane Austen classic, booking required. 7pm. Adult £16.50, child £9. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday August 27 and Monday 28 TUDOR TIMES Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB. Discover what it was like to live in Tudor times and gather with the Militia to oppose the Armada in this family-friendly living history event. 10am to 5pm. Adult £10.50, child £6.50. www.coam.org Bank Holiday Monday August 28 THE LITTLEWICK SHOW Bottle Meadow, Warren Row Road, Knowl Hill, RG10 9YE. Support the show in its second year at a new venue and enjoy displays of horticultural, farming, rural and other craft skills, amusements, sideshows, loads of entertainment, sales and stalls. www.littlewickshow.co.uk Tuesday August 29 WOODLAND WONDERS ACTIVITIES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Fun and craft activities for children 4-12 years. 10.45am to 12.45pm. Suggested donation £2. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do Wednesday August 30 LAKESIDE FAIR 2017 Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6DS. Fun activities including giant inflatables, music, crazy golf, a petting farm, games, a pocket money shop and much more! BBQ and ice cream van. 12pm-4pm. Come and join in the fun at the Lakeside Fair. Suitable for limited mobility, family friendly, dogs welcome. Individually priced activities. Entry free. 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Friday September 1 BAT TALK AND WALK Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, SL6 3JH, 01628 825517. Berks and South Bucks Bat Group join us for an evening walk and talk to learn more about these nocturnal creatures. 7.30pm-10.30pm. Explore the woods at twilight as we locate and identify the different species flying overhead. £5, proceeds to Berks and South Bucks Bat Group. Booking essential as places are limited email: estateoffice@walthamplace.com

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

........Eating Out........ BATEAUX WINDSOR – THAMES RESTAURANT CRUISE REVIEW

On a rare evening out without the children, Rachel Bailey boarded Bateaux Windsor’s Melody for their newly launched dinner cruise.

ate nights with my husband tend to be few and far between. After a day juggling work and the demands that come with being a mum of three, falling asleep on the sofa with a glass of wine at 10pm is probably more likely. However, during the Easter holidays we made the effort to organise a babysitter for a much needed night out and were fortunate enough to spend it on Bateaux Windsor’s floating restaurant, for their dinner cruise. Well worth the effort, the whole evening was a real treat! Bateaux London has been running very successfully for 25 years and Bateaux Windsor is their first cruise to launch outside a major city. When we boarded just after 7pm, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful evening to be out on the river. With glass sides that give a panoramic view of one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames, the Melody offers the perfect setting to enjoy a relaxed evening, whilst sampling a well thought-out and freshly prepared menu. Inside, the hand crafted boat currently holds ten tables of four (although some are due to be replaced with tables of two), with dark wood panelling and ambient lighting. Once it gets

dark, there are also lights on the outside of the boat which light up the bank so you can still appreciate your surroundings under cover of darkness. There is a bar at the back of the boat which serves champagne, wine and beer as well as soft drinks and the menu for the dinner cruise is a five course set menu. With attentive waiters and food that was beautifully presented as well as delicious (the steak melts in your mouth), it was a very enjoyable evening and we left feeling totally spoilt. At £75 a head, it’s by no means a cheap evening out, but if you have something to celebrate it’s the perfect intimate setting in which to do so. The boat leaves from Windsor Thames Side, a short walk from the Windsor and Eton Riverside train station. Boarding for the dinner cruise is from 7pm and the boat departs at 7.30pm making its way through both Romney and Boveney locks in both directions, returning at 10pm. If you fancied making the cruise a family affair, their lunch cruise could be a good alternative. At just one and a half hours long (departing at 12.15pm), it’s more manageable for younger children and the children’s menu and activity packs on offer, ensure they are well catered for. For your chance to win a lunch cruise for a family of four, see our competition on p.22 Bateaux Windsor operates Friday – Sunday (plus bank holidays) all year round and Thursdays in peak season. They offer lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruises. Children aged 3 and up are welcome for tea and lunch and age 12+ for dinner. Prices start at £35 per person for the afternoon tea and lunch cruises, £45 for the Sunday lunch cruises and £75 for the dinner cruises and diners are asked to adhere to a smart casual dress code. For residents there is a 10% discount for bookings with an advantage card and the boat is also available for hire for a minimum of 30 people. For more information or to book, visit www.bateauxwindsor.com call 01753 202302 or email reservations@bateauxwindsor.com

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........Kids’ Development........

SCHOOL SHOE FITTING GUIDE By The Children’s Shoe Company

When it comes to buying school shoes for your children, the importance of making the right choice of footwear can’t be overstressed. Poorly fitting shoes can cause painful problems, which your children could carry with them into later life. In fact, your child’s feet will continue to grow and develop until they reach their late teens, so getting it right now is vital. Measuring your child’s feet Because your child’s feet will continue to grow in fits and starts, it’s important to have them measured by a trained, professional shoe fitter in a shoe shop every eight to twelve weeks. The fitter will measure your child’s feet from the tip of their longest toe to the back of their heel and across the widest part of the foot. From these measurements, the correct size and fitting of shoe can be determined. You can quickly check the fit of your child’s shoes each month yourself, in between professional fittings, this can be done by checking the position of your child's toes on the insole of the shoe either by removing it or by inserting your index finger onto the imprint of the longest toe, there should always be a gap between the position of the imprint and the end of the insole. The size of the gap will dictate the amount of growling room left in the shoe. Warning signs to look out for: Children are not always good at telling their parents when they have problems with ill-fitting shoes, so you may need to play detective and be alert for problems. The following signs are usually indicative of poorly-fitting shoes: l Blisters and rubbing. l Collapsed heel cup of the shoe. l The ability to take off the school shoes without undoing it at least a bit. l Poor posture or a rolling gait when your child walks. l Reluctance to wear shoes at all. l Refusing to wear socks (usually if the shoes are too small and tight). Obviously, if your child complains that their feet hurt, or they become reluctant to wear their shoes, it’s a good idea to have their feet measured professionally again, just in case they’ve outgrown their current pair of school shoes. What to look for when choosing school shoes: There are a number of important things that you should look for when choosing school shoes for your kids. A supportive

Telephone: 01628 788058

heel cup is very important. The heel supports the foot and holds it in a straight position. If the heel leans to one side or the other, pain and postural problems could arise. Try pressing gently on the sides of the heel - if it sinks in easily, the shoe is not providing sufficient support. The shoe should have a strap, velcro or laces to prevent the shoe from slipping forward and scrunching your child’s toes. Ill-fitting shoes that crush the toes can lead to permanent problems like clawed or hammer toes. The shoe sole should be flexible at the ball of the foot only and it should have sufficient cushioning so that

the foot is supported comfortably when your little one runs or skips. The shoe should have a supportive instep, that is when you rub your fingers along the inside of the shoes, you should feel a small bump where the arch of your child's foot would sit. Shoe material should be breathable (ideally both the upper and the lining) and have a natural resistance to water, like leather or have a waterproof tex membrane. If your child’s feet sweat and can’t breathe, smelly feet and fungal infections can result. It is a good idea to encourage your child to wear socks with their school shoes. Socks help to absorb sweat and can prevent damage to the feet caused by friction as your child runs and plays. Ideally when you purchase your school shoes make sure you bring their school socks with you. It’s really important that you choose well-fitting shoes for your kids, not just for their comfort now, but for their future foot health too. Of all the shoes you may buy your child, this is the shoe that you should invest in as they wear them on average 1,450 hours per year.

we love school feet! “

Have lasted and lasted. Really hardwearing and still look smart after extensive use!

”

“ All in all fab staff, fab shoes and fab value for money (a very happy mummy!) ” “ You always give loads of time

and energy to us when we are buying shoes. It’s a very pleasant experience EVERY time!

”

Come and see us at 14 oxford road, Marlow or visit www.thechildrensshoecompany.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2017

We have many styles of school shoes in black, brown and navy in a huge range of sizes from child 7 to adult 8

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

She Means Business...

Heather Black, MD of Economic Change, CRM evangelist and mum of two talks about their new Salesforce Supermums Programme which aims to help other mums get back in to work by providing training, work experience and mentoring, and identifying flexible working opportunities too. Who are you and where do implements CRM (Customer Relationship Management) you live? systems and provides I’m Heather Black, MD and consultancy to help other notfounder of Economic Change. I for-profit organisations to live in Fairlight, East Sussex with become more sustainable & my husband Neil, a Property Developer, and our two profitable, and to grow. We have an office in London, daughters Lucie (4) and Annabel and currently have a team of (9 months). flexible workers - largely made Tell us a bit about the up of working mums. We have recently launched a new training business? Programme for mums, called the Economic Change is an Salesforce Supermums organisation on a mission. As a social enterprise we are Programme, to help mums get back in to flexible work with passionate about helping other Salesforce qualifications, work organisations make a positive change in society through all the experience and job-matching. work we do. We’re a not-forSeveral of our team members live in and around Maidenhead, profit consultancy which

Slough and Windsor. What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this? I am a management consultant, coach and trainer, and have led over 80 CRM implementations with the EC team. Economic Change has always been my baby, so I was determined to continue running the business when Lucie arrived. Since becoming a mum, I have experienced first-hand the pressure on working mums, and as a result encourage flexible working practices to help other mums to work. This is how our Salesforce Supermums Programme came into being – if I could do it, why not other like-minded mums? What inspired you to set up the business? I am passionate for the not-forprofit sector, and determined to make a positive impact in society, through helping other not-for-profit organisations and charities to make a real difference in the causes they support. CRM underpins an efficient organisation, and helps build strong and lasting relationships – that’s where Salesforce came in to the equation. It’s world-leading CRM software which we help bring to charities and not-for-profit organisations. Salesforce roles offer the opportunity to work flexibly, whether that’s office-based, or remotely, part-time or full-time and working on permanent or ad-hoc contracts. That’s why it’s so suitable for mums - every working mum has different

needs, and Salesforce allows them to work to suit their circumstances, whilst earning a good wage. What are your plans for the future? I’m working hard to help grow Economic Change, and I see the Salesforce Supermums Programme as a key part of this growth. We’ve already signed up 15 mums to the Programme since its inception earlier this year, and have already placed our first two graduates in flexible Salesforce roles. It’s an exciting time for us! What would your advice be to other business women? Think flexibly. Advocate flexible working within your organisation, and champion change for working mums. A big change starts with a small step, and together we can change attitudes and archaic working practices for the better, promote equality, and get more mums back in to the workplace.

Sign up to the #WorkThatWorks Movement an initiative from Digital Mums, visit: workthatworks.digitalmums.com/join/ Perhaps you have a project requiring a Salesforce Supermum too? If so, please get in touch with debra@economicchange.co.uk

For more information visit: www.economicchange.co.uk/ about-us/our-social-mission/ salesforce-superheros/ or like us on Facebook @salesforcesupermums

Little Muddy Boots Little Muddy Boots provides 2-6 yr olds with regular outdoor play sessions. A unique combination of gardening, nature exploration and forest school activities. Come find us; facebook.com/littlemuddybootsgroup/

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

As a Forest School Leader, and mum of two young boys, Hannah Brewer is passionate about how much can be gained from kids playing and learning together outside. She talks to Families about how her business Little Muddy Boots came about and her plans for the future Who are you and where do you live? My name is Hannah Brewer and I live with my husband Charlie and my children Harry 5 and Alfie 3. Both boys are my constant inspiration as they love to be outside; whether it is making fantastical potions in the mud kitchen or re-enacting their favourite stories on family walks. Living in Sunninghill means we have beautiful spaces on our doorstep like Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water. We moved from London 6 years ago, as we knew we wanted to raise our children in an area with a strong community feel and access to lots of green and natural spaces. Tell us a bit about the business? Little Muddy Boots provides local 2-6 yr olds with weekly outdoor play and discovery classes. I have combined my previous career as a garden designer with my passion for forest school, to create a unique combination of gardening, nature exploration and forest school activities. During their weekly visits to Little Muddy Boots, children try out a range of outdoor activities, games and crafts centred around key themes. Children recently tried their hand at recreating a pond habitat and explored the life cycle of frogs. They discovered what frogs need to lay their spawn, potential dangers tadpoles experience when growing up and the stages of development through to an adult frog. They now have a cluster of tadpoles as temporary 'pets' to care for as they watch them grow. What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this? After gaining my Psychology degree, I enjoyed a career working in marketing and corporate fundraising for Cancer Research UK. When I moved to Berkshire, I retrained as a Garden Designer creating spaces that became extensions to families’ homes. I quickly realised that I loved encouraging others to spend more time in the garden, and in natural spaces, so in 2013 I founded Little Muddy Boots. My mission is that Little Muddy Boots not only engages and educates the children who attend but also inspires and encourages their parents to get involved. I also have the fantastic support of Holly Culshaw who shares my passion for outdoor play in Early Years. Previously a preschool

Telephone: 01628 788058

Deputy Head and qualified childminder, Holly’s involvement has enabled me to focus on growing new areas of the business. What inspired you to set up the business? Outdoor play and the popular 'Forest School' philosophy, now has a bank of research which confirms its importance in education. From communication and literacy (children expanding their vocabulary and discussing what they find in nature), through to physical and social skills (improving gardening skills, learning to share tools and working together to complete tasks), it's clear that there's lots to be learnt as well as an opportunity to build children’s self-esteem. My own

childhood, guided by two nature loving parents, meant many happy hours were spent den building, setting up rope walks and climbing trees. These activities alone helped me with communication, problem solving and the confidence to try new things. What are your plans for the future? We currently have around 65 children a week attending Little Muddy Boots, which includes a mixture of parent/ child classes and preschool/ reception sessions. We also regularly run birthday parties, school trips and forest school holiday sessions. Ultimately I want to inspire as many parents as possible to take their children outside to play regularly. I have seen first-hand how outdoor play teaches vital life skills and creates valuable childhood memories. I’ll be setting up a Little Muddy Boots Vlog to reach a wider audience as well as planning 46 summer holiday sessions for those children who have ‘graduated’ from the younger sessions and are ready for the new challenges and activities of Forest School. What would your advice be to other business women? Running your own business is wonderfully challenging and exciting, plus a great way to fit your job around family life. However, I’ve found that it’s important to manage the day to day without losing sight of future goals. Regularly up-skilling yourself and your staff, writing (and revising!) your 2-5 year business plan helps your business to always be moving forwards and keeps you passionate in your delivery to customers. For more information visit www.littlemuddyboots.co.uk

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2017

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk