Families TVE Sept/Oct 2017 Issue 92

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

IN THIS ISSUE

Thames Valley East

Back to School Special WIN family tickets to brick or treat at the Legoland® Windsor Resort!

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Issue 92 September/October 2017

page 9.

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The Look Out Discovery Centre

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2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

In this issue...

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

3-5 News & Information

EDUCATION SPECIAL 6 How Children Learn 7 Interview with Explore Learning student 8 Childcare and the introduction of 30 hours funding 10 Making the move to Secondary School 12-14 Education News

CLUBS AND CLASSES

Really hope you all had a fantastic summer with your little ones. Now it’s time to go back to school and if you’re anything like us you’re probably looking forward to some routine!

It may even be time to think about a new club or class for your children (see pages 16-18) or catch up on what is happening locally in education (see pages 6-14). Don’t forget to check out our competitions, including LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort on page 21. It is all here for you in our new look edition of Families! Do let us know what you think of the new look after many years of the former logo! We like it.

Legoland Castle Hotel Launches!

16-18 Clubs Directory 19 Clubs and Classes News 21 COMPETITIONS

22-26 WHAT’S ON

PARENTING

27 Recipe for Pesto mini muffins 28 How to discuss tragedy with kids 29 How to cope with tantrums 30-31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: Nov/Dec 2017 due out: Oct 30, featuring: Festive Fun!

T: 01628 788058 copy/advertising deadline: Sept 29

When our 6-year olds found out we were staying overnight at the new Castle Hotel in Legoland, the excitement began immediately.

To a child, the very idea of a sleepover is exciting enough, let alone one in Legoland!

I have to admit, when we arrived I was a little flummoxed as to where it actually was! The Castle hotel sits behind the current hotel looking over the lake in the resort. We then came face to face with the impressive Castle entrance and the magic could be felt. In the front lobby there was a gigantic wizard that sprung to life! We went for a ‘knights room’ and the look of excitement on the children’s faces was great to see. It was a fantastically well themed room with a Lego pit, a treasure hunt and games console. I wondered if we’d ever get out!

The Taverna offered an à la carte menu. To be honest it was steaks and burgers all round for us – all nicely done though. The great thing about a hotel in Legoland is as an adult you can kick back and relax a bit more while the children are entertained!

The Castle hotel prices are definitely not cheap, but they do include free entry to the park for the family. It would be nice to see some options for those who have passes into the park already too. Maybe that’s to come.

Great trip, kids will remember it forever.

HOWLAND TUTORS (MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency

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(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

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

BRACKNELL 01344 568658 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell

MAIDENHEAD HENLEY AND MARLOW 01628 281128 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

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

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info Labels4Kids - No more lost clothes or belongings!

Get all set for the new school year with name tags from Labels4Kids.

Labels4Kids is a family business with an award winning range of name labels.

Since 2004, Labels4Kids has helped thousands of families in the UK to bypass the lost and found box and get back lost belongings quickly. In 2015, the company also started to sell name labels via John Lewis.

Labels4Kids range contains many different types of name labels to cater for different application methods. There are woven sew on labels, easy to use iron on labels, click on labels (tags that you simply click on with an applicator) or even stick on name labels that just go on the care label of the garment. Your labels are made to order in the UK and to the highest quality standards.

Visit www.labels4kids.com today to personalise yours.

You can now get 10% off your first order using the discount code FAM Just select the labels you want to order on the website, personalise them and apply the code in the shopping cart to claim your discount.

Get some peace of mind this summer with Labels4Kids Because kids lose stuff!

Congrats to the Boulter’s to Bray Swim winners!

On July 1, nearly 200 people took to the River Thames in Maidenhead to swim either the ‘classic’ 2.8km, or the 1.4km course. The swim is of one of the oldest open water swimming events in the country with a history dating back to the 19th Century. It's a great community event, and we wanted

to congratulate all the winners of the various categories including our very own Trynke Casale, who helps coordinate the distribution of Families Magazine! She commented, 'I always love the Boulters2Bray, it's the best stretch of the river!'

Review of Random & Rocks family entertainment show Funny duo Jonny Rocks and Random Adam took to the stage at The Magnet as schools broke up for the summer for another of their live family entertainment shows: ‘Schools Out!’ This was the second of their new shows where adults get to sit and relax (apart from some gentle parent participation of course!) while the kids flock to the front of the stage and are fully entertained for about an hour and a half.

Look out for another show planned on 15 September. £3 per ticket. Visit www.facebook.com/RandomRocksLive

4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Info

Save the date for the 2017 Maidenhead Show On Saturday 16 September, the Maidenhead show will take over the Library Plaza, Waterways Amphitheatre and the Town Hall lawns on St Ives Road, Maidenhead from 10am till 2pm.

Festivities will include arts and crafts, performances, buskers, local food and drink and of course the ever popular dog show.

Local crafts people and charities will be exhibiting, with a percentage of profits from the day going to PAT – Pets As Therapy – a local charity which matches volunteer pets and their owners with care homes, hospitals and schools in visits designed to help tackle loneliness, improve health and wellbeing and aid engagement with education.

Organisers Craft Coop are committed to making this year’s show the best yet, with support from The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, the Libraries Service, Enjoy Maidenhead, a range of community groups, talented locals and a team of willing volunteers. Sponsorship opportunities are available to support this community event. www.craftcoop.co.uk/the-maidenheadshow-2017

familiesonline.co.uk

Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event!

Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29th March 2018 during UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events.

Many schools have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.

On average, organisations raise £250, with small ones £50 and some raising more than £2,000! Whatever target you set yourselves aim to smash it!

Visit www.wearahatday.org to register and start planning your hattastic fundraising event.

Or for more information, event ideas and fundraising tips. Fundraising packs will be sent out in early 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, wristbands and badges to help promote your event.

Families Thames Valley East • 5

Education

How children learn new things

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very parent anticipates and remembers their little one’s first steps. All those baby milestones – rolling, sitting up, waving, crawling, talking – are eagerly aided and encouraged. But what happens when your child gets a little bit older?

“We talk about specific windows for learning some of those early skills, but every age is a window of opportunity for engaging children, showing an interest, exposing them to a wide variety of experiences,” says consultant clinical psychologist Emma Citron, who specialises in children and adolescents. “The approaches might change but children don’t stop needing that input once they reach school age.”

The science bit So what’s going on in there?

Learning any new skill means building connections between brain cells called neural pathways.

Like branches on a tree – and fed by the information around them in numerous different ways – more advanced skills stem from the fundamentals already in place. Not everyone learns in the same way, so the neural pathways for mastering the same skills can take different routes, but the more they

are used, the stronger they get.

Similarly, circuits that aren’t used will weaken until eventually they no longer exist.

“Physically, emotionally, socially, in every way the development process is ongoing,” Emma emphasises. “Even a child of 9 or 10 would potentially need remedial parenting or therapy if for whatever reason they were suddenly not enabled to develop.”

“I don’t want to” The brain circuits for the most critical activities, such as breathing, are already developed at birth. Those for the next wave of core skills – moving, eating and communicating – happen instinctively within roughly the same time frame for all babies because they are at some level essential for survival.

When it comes to later skills, whether it’s swimming, riding a bike, playing chess or singing, there is no inherent drive to learn so the motivation has to come from elsewhere. What that is will depend on each child’s own personality, abilities, confidence and interests, friends and support, access, and understanding of benefits in the longer term.

“You still have a teaching role

6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

but it’s more complicated as children get older. You need to communicate effectively, listen and have mutual trust to find the approach that works for them,” says Emma. “But whatever suits their style of learning, the same basic dos and don’ts apply…”

Create the right environment Remember how involved you were when your baby was trying to balance blocks in a tower or put together their first jigsaw pieces?

“A young child needs to be in a caring, stimulated environment, where you are making eye contact, playing, giving your attention and time, and being patient,” Emma points out. The same applies when that child is attempting to master a new skill a few years down the line.

And as parents we learn pretty quickly not to introduce anything new or challenging if it’s nap or feeding time. “That hasn’t changed. If your child has switched off because they’re tired, overloaded, working hard at school all day and being shunted from A to B to C after school, they’re not going to be ripe for learning much of anything.”

Have fun!

Compare your time in the classroom with your children’s now, particularly at primary school, and we all recognise that professional teaching methods have changed dramatically.

“Gone are the days when you’d expect children to just ingest information,” Emma states. “It’s not all a top-down process. We know that most children learn best by being given the resources and space to work things out for themselves, with support there when it is wanted – not by being micromanaged by a so-called tiger parent!

“If it’s all seeming like a chore, something’s gone wrong. Your primary goal has to be raising well-balanced individuals who want to engage with the world with curiosity and fun.”

Fail together Those neural pathways strengthen with use so practice really does make perfect. As beneficial as passing on your tips for the skills you do have and letting children see what can be achieved is showing that you’re not afraid to fail – and keep trying – when it’s something you can’t do. Make sure there are activities in the mix that are new to you, too – and if your child is sometimes the faster learner, they will gain confidence from that boost.

Be the best model Children will still learn – whether you want them to or not – by copying you. Of course it’s more subtle than the baby mirroring your actions, and the circle of people they will emulate in some way gets larger as they get older, taking in teachers, friends, public figures and others, but your own influences through your attitude and behaviours remains absolutely pivotal (whatever your independent pre-teen might like you to believe!).

“Do practise what you preach.

It’s a very easy thing to say but one that many don’t actually do,” Emma warns. Don’t say you can’t without trying, don’t fall back on the same automatic excuses, don’t go in with a negative mindset or be overly self-critical, but – most importantly – embrace and share a positive, open-minded, approach to everyday life.

The brain circuits children are forming are powered by everything they are experiencing around them. It is their senses – the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations – and their feelings and emotions that release the neurotransmitters (the chemicals in the brain) to ‘flick the switch’ on their new skills.

“Imbue your children with curiosity and passion by showing the same to them,” Emma says.

“Everything else stems from this.”

By Anna Wright

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Road to success for local Explore Learning student Amara

her to relax. She is motivated to do her best through earning Lizard cards (among other forms of recognition) which she can exchange for a prize. Amara has been empowered by her tutors to ask questions which has had a significant impact on her learning ability.

During her 10 months at Explore Amara has progressed by 1½ years in Maths (in line with National Curriculum objectives).

Your name: Vicky Gidda

Who would you recommend Explore to?

I would recommend Explore to anyone seeking to invest in their child's learning development as each learning package is tailored to your child's specific needs. We are eager for my elder daughter Zahra who is 10 to begin the creative writing course this September!

Child’s name & age: Amara Gidda, 7.

How long have you been going to Explore? 10 months.

Why did you decide to join Explore?

Amara was a shy, affectionate little girl who was struggling to get her voice heard and academic needs met in a classroom of 30. Amara found another tuition company too regimented, so we turned to Explore in Maidenhead. For Amara's trial session, she was greeted by Sian, the vibrant Assistant Director and by the end she agreed to sign up!

What impact has Explore had?

Since joining Explore Amara’s confidence has grown both academically and non-

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academically. She is no longer a quiet girl struggling with Maths and English. Explore has made learning fun. Her tutors enable Amara to open up about the type of day she is having, which makes her feel valued. Sessions begin in the social/creative Surf Club, where Amara plays with her peers/tutors and this enables

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

How has Explore worked with you as a family and school?

There have been occasions where Amara’s self-esteem has come into question, particularly following SATS. Both Tasha and Sian explained to Amara in a very nurturing way that she has every reason to be proud of herself and her achievements. They showed her progress through charts which left Amara with a sense of achievement and self-worth. I can't thank Tasha, Sian and the tutors enough as they have helped Amara's learning journey admirably. www.explorelearning.co.uk

Families Thames Valley East • 7

Education

Childcare and the introduction of 30 hours funding By Anna-Lisa Parker

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week, or 570 hours a year of free early education. From September 2017, children of some working parents will be entitled to an additional 570 hours per year, meaning that many families will be able to claim 1140 hours.

If eligible for the 30 hours childcare, the 1140 hours of free childcare can be taken across the year, either in term times only or ‘stretched’ across the year, for example: • Up to 30 hours per week across 38 weeks per year (term time offer) • Up to 22 hours per week across 51 weeks of the year (‘stretched offer’). The remaining 18 hours to be used over the year as required.

To qualify, both parents must be earning at least £120 a week, and neither parent can be earning more than £100,000 a year.* This is great news for some working families and will help make it more affordable for many mothers to return to work. On the down-side it could put unnecessary pressure on some to return to work before they and their children are ready. Each family will need to consider this carefully.

inding the right childcare can be daunting and with the introduction of 30 hours free childcare for some families, this decision has perhaps been made a little more complex.

Here are some things to think about when making your choices.

There are many options available, from preschools, play groups and day nurseries, childminders, out-of-school care and at-home care, to crèches, baby and toddler groups and children’s centres. To decide which is right for you and your child, start by asking yourself the following questions: • What are my child’s needs? What support do they require at their age?

• What kind of learning, development and play opportunities do they need?

• How often a week does my child need caring t for?

• What instincts do I have about my child and the type of care they need?

Then there’s the introduction of the 30hrs funding from September 2017. Currently all 3 and 4-year-olds in England get 15 hours a

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There are many smaller settings across the country that currently offer fabulous care but on a morning-only basis. This has long been an ideal solution for many families, especially non-working mums, as it offers a great balance for the children and parents and prepares the children gently for their school years ahead.

Many of these settings simply will not be able to extend their care to cover the 30hrs.

One such playgroup is St Nicolas playgroup, Taplow. The playgroup’s manager Maria says, “We are a well-established playgroup set in the heart of the picturesque village of Taplow. We have spacious play rooms equipped with age appropriate resources and the children are cared for in a warm and friendly environment.

We have an absolute passion for giving each child the best possible start as they take those early steps out into the world. An additional strength is a high staff to child ratio. As well as fun-packed days, children enjoy weekly cooking. They also enjoy music and singing with a professional group. Our outings include Odds Farm and a variety of seasonal events which involve both parents and children.

However, we are a morning only setting and simply cannot offer the 30hrs childcare due to restrictions with our opening hours.”

The good news, which many parents do not realise, is that the 30 hours can be taken with up to two providers per day therefore allowing parents to split their funded hours between a childminder and sessional pre-school.

Maria adds, “We know of several great childminders locally who regularly drop off and pick up from playgroup and so we hope that the introduction of the 30 hours will not prohibit parents from being able to choose us as they will be able to split their funding between playgroup and childminder.” *To apply for your 30hrs funding or to find out if you are eligible, visit: www.childcaresupport.tax.service.gov.uk For more information about St Nicholas’ playgroup visit: www.stnicolasplaygroup.co.uk

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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Established in 1980

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Where children are motivated to learn independently

A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY

WINDSOR MONTESSORI o SCHOOL Recent Ofsted inspection:

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OUTSTANDING in all areas NO 4 DATCHET ROAD

HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX

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OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ

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• 6 months to 6 years.

• 2 years to 9 years.

• 3 year nursery funded children accepted.

• We also welcome home school learners. www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

• Baby and toddler parent sessions to include four free settling in sessions, prior to start.

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www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: menik@windsor-montessori.com

8 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

Education Making the transition to secondary school how much to help and how much to let go

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arental anxiety is normal at the time your child moves from primary to secondary school. During the primary school years, it is fairly easy to support your child at school. You will probably know their teacher, other members of staff and parents, as well as being familiar with school policies and routines. Losing the control this familiarity offers is as daunting for parents as it is for children and you may wonder how best to continue to support your child effectively.

You may also worry specifically about your child’s ability to cope with the new environment and, crucially, whether he or she will make friends.

Attending secondary school IS a big leap up for a child – the children are older and bigger and it is challenging for children to get used to moving from classroom to classroom for different specialist lessons in a building which is

usually much larger than primary school. They will be treated by teachers and staff as much more independent individuals, expected to remember more complex school routines, and given less assistance managing them. There are also a lot of new names and faces to get to know.

Never fear though – your child may be much more ready for this than you expect and your anxieties

may be eased by adopting strategies that help with the transition.

Here are some tips and tools which should help you prepare for and manage the early months:

Before the transition: Shield your child from your anxiety. They can make this transition. Critically, they need to know that you believe in them and in their ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.

If your child will walk to school or travel independently on public transport, practice the new journey. Start by travelling together but without interaction.

Then move to simply following behind your child. Finally, let him do it alone and meet him there.

Travel at busy times. Allow your child to make mistakes and find solutions. This equips him with the skills to handle the unexpected, like bus detours and road closures.

After the transition:

www.coworthflexlands.co.uk

10 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Be There. Make sure a parent or trusted carer is available before and after school, to provide food, notice if your child comes in late, listen to their successes and concerns and be aware of subtle changes in mood; someone to empathise and with whom to discuss problems. Watch and listen, help out if asked but don’t take over. Become an Enabler rather than a Fixer.

Support the development of friendships. Mixing socially and establishing secure friendships is of great importance to older children and they need to do this whilst still young enough to turn to you for support when they make mistakes. Gradually, they will learn to make informed choices about friends. It’s appropriate for this age group to have access to a basic mobile phone and computer to communicate with friends, but the dangers of social networking should be discussed and boundaries agreed.

Support organisation and routines. Create “To Do” lists or “Timetables” for the fridge, agree places to keep bags, kit, and books. Label uniform and valuables. Establish routines so they can get to school punctually.

Don’t expect too much too soon, many won’t crack this for years!

Understand what homework they have and know when it has been completed and handed in. Agree a routine that will help your child to complete and hand in all homework on time, without devoting too much time to one piece and little or nothing to others. However, remember it is their homework not yours; help, encourage, motivate but accept their best.

Schedule time to relax. Your child will be exhausted by the effort of holding it all together. Tears are likely over the most trivial things and they may regress and demand more care. Trust that they can cope and make sure there is time for sleep, friends, homework, more sleep, watching TV, playing computer games and yet more sleep! Avoid weekend breaks and reduce extra-curricular commitments to the minimum.

Now is not the time for your child to begin new activities or classes.

And lastly, schedule time to relax yourself! All will eventually be well.

Linda Stone

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 11

Education News

St Piran’s pupils design dementia friendly games and visit Clara Court care home Before the summer break, Year 5 pupils from St Piran’s School, Maidenhead visited Clara Court care home to donate the dementia friendly games they had researched, designed and made in their Design and Technology lessons.

Art & Textiles teacher, Mrs Jeanette Scrace said, ‘My colleague, Ros Coope, Head of Design and Technology, and I were looking for a project that involved the wider community, and we both thought dementia friendly games would be a great way of fostering children’s awareness of the differing needs of the older

generations.’

The visit was a huge success on both sides. One of the pupils, Hamish Walker, commented, ‘The best bit about visiting Clara Court, was the joy on the residents’ faces when they won a game; it made me feel special.’ Another pupil, Lexie Barnard recounted that she ‘… really enjoyed visiting the home.

It gave me a chance to step into their life and it shows me what I might go through when I’m older.’

The visit has prompted the idea of further connections, on a regular basis, between the home and the school. www.stpirans.co.uk

12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Education News

Schools’ Open Days THE ABBEy SCHOOL, 17 Kendrick Rd, Reading. Independent day school for girls aged 3-18. Senior school OPEN EvENING Thursday 21st September. Junior school OPEN MORNING Friday 6th October. Sixth Form OPEN EvENING Thursday 12th October.

Senior school OPEN MORNING Friday 13th October. 0118 987 2256 www.theabbey.co.uk CLAIRES COURT is a private day school for young people aged 3 to 18 years, situated in three locations across Maidenhead. Open events are: Thursday 28 September OPEN MORNING all sites, Thursday 12 October - Senior Girls OPEN AFTERNOON, Tuesday 7 November - OPEN MORNING all sites, Thursday 9 November – Senior Boys OPEN AFTERNOON. To book contact 01628 327700 www.clairescourt.com COWORTH FLExLANDS SCHOOL, Chertsey Road, Chobham, GU24 8TE, near Sunningdale and Virginia Water. Independent Preparatory

School and Nursery for boys aged 37 and girls 3-11 years. OPEN MORNING for Nursery and Reception Saturday 14th October 10-11.30am and All ages OPEN MORNING Thursday 19th October 9.30-11.am. Tel: 01276 855707 www.coworthflexlands.co.uk DAIR HOUSE SCHOOL, Bishops Blake, Beaconsfield Rd, Farnham Royal SL2 3BY. Independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11. OPEN MORNING Thursday 12 October 10am-12noon.

01753 643964 admissions@dairhouse.co.uk www.dairhouseschool.co.uk ETON END PREPARATORy DAy SCHOOL, 35 Eton Road Datchet.

Independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. OPEN DAy Friday 6th October 9.30am-2.30pm.

Alternatively personal tours are always welcome. 01753 541075 www.etonend.org GODSTOWE PREPARATORy SCHOOL, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6PR for girls aged 7

to 13. There is also a Pre-Prep and Nursery for girls and boys aged 3 to 7. The next OPEN DAy is Saturday 7th October, 10am – 1pm. Contact Mrs Annie Bird – Registrar. 01494 529273, registrar@godstowe.org www.godstowe.org HEATHFIELD SCHOOL ASCOT. Day boarding for girls aged 11-18. OPEN DAy Saturday 14th October 10am12pm. To book please contact registrar@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net HERRIES SCHOOL, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school and nursery 3-11 years. OPEN MORNING Wednesday 20th September 9.30 - 11am. Stay and Play sessions for under 4s (must be accompanied by an adult), every Monday during term-time 10.3012pm. 01628 483350 www.herries.org.uk HIGHFIELD PREPARATORy SCHOOL, 2 West Road, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 1PD. Independent girls’ school and nursery. OPEN DAyS are: Friday 6th October from 9.30am to

11.30am or Wednesday 22nd November 9.30am to 11.30am. To book, please call the Registrar on 01628 624918 www.highfieldprep.org ST PIRAN’S SCHOOL, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 7LZ. Independent co-educational day school in Maidenhead. OPEN MORNINGS are Sat 14th October 9.45am-12pm and Friday 3rd November 9.15am-11am. Call 01828 594302 www.stpirans.co.uk UPTON HOUSE, 115 St. Leonards Rd, Windsor SL4 3DF. Independent coeducational EYFS, pre preparatory and Girls’ preparatory school. Girls 1-11 Boys 2-7. OPEN MORNING is Friday 10th November 9.3011.30am registrar@uptonhouse.co.uk www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys 3-7* and girls 3-11

Open Day Friday 6th October 9.30am - 2.30pm New Head at Claires Court Senior Girls This September Claires Court will welcome a new Head of Senior Girls, Mrs Margaret Heywood. Well known to the pupils and parents (many of whom she taught), Margaret is a familiar face at the school, having worked as part of the girls’ community at the College Avenue site for 33 years. She joined the school as the teacher in charge of PE in September 1984 when it was known as Maidenhead College for Girls. More recently, Margaret has held senior leadership roles, including Deputy Head Pastoral, and has supported the outgoing head, Paul Bevis, who is leaving to explore new educational opportunities after over 40 years as a teacher, the last familiesonline.co.uk

six at Claires Court.

The new Head said, “I have always said that whilst Paul has been the head, I have been the heart of the school, I am delighted to be taking over from such an inspirational leader. My vision is to continue to provide a unique education where we are an exemplary pupil-focused school; where we inspire, educate, challenge and support all girls to reach their highest level of learning and personal development. I believe all young people can learn beyond expectations and we can do this if our pupils are happy and have a sense of belonging.” www.clairescourt.com

How high can your child fly?

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 13

Education News Congratulations to Upton House School, Windsor!

Montessori philosophy shapes Meadowbrook Set in countryside, close to the towns of Ascot, Maidenhead and Windsor, Meadowbrook is a child-centred school that has been providing a highly individualised education to children for over twenty-five years. It takes its forwardthinking ethos from Montessori philosophy and

caters for children from 18 months to 11 years.

At Meadowbrook, children can join the parent and toddler sessions and go on to experience the Montessori pre-school and innovative primary department. www.meadowbrook.uk

Coworth Flexlands open up some clubs to non-pupils Upton House has been graded as excellent in all areas following its recent ISI inspection. The full report can be read on www.isi.net but here are some highlights: • Upton children are happy, articulate, creative, confident and successful.

• Pupils have outstanding communication skills.

• Skills in art and design technology referred to as exceptional.

• Pupils have highly competent maths and ICT skills.

• The pupils’ excellent behaviour, strong morals and appreciation of non-materialistic aspects of life was highly praised.

• Pupils like to debate and their intelligent discussion skills were highlighted The report referred to Upton as ‘one big happy family’ with excellent relationships.

Rhian Thornton, Head of Upton House School said, “I am so proud to lead such an Excellent school”.

Fencing for girls at Coworth Flexlands teaches concentration, dexterity and fair play. They have now opened this club up to non-pupils and are extending it to include senior-school aged girls too. In addition to fencing, girls may join them for football with Berkshire FC, core judo, acro gym and musical theatre. The school understands it is important to working parents that their child is able to engage in a wide variety of experiences in a caring environment beyond the school day. Coworth Flexlands have an extended day option from 7.30am – 6pm with lots of clubs and activities going on, as well as an opportunity to complete homework in school. The school has an excellent academic record and small classes offering individual attention which all helps to ensure a very personalised education and lots of opportunities for every child. www.coworthflexlands.co.uk Tel: 01276 855707

HERRIES

A leading preparatory school for boys and girls from 3 to 11 years in Cookham Dean, Berkshire.

OPEN MORNING

Wednesday 20th September 2017 9.30 - 11am Dean Lane, Cookham Dean Berkshire, SL6 9BD 01628 483350 / www.herries.org.uk

Dair House School

Farnham Royal An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years

Small class sizes**Extensive, Beautiful grounds**Individual attention Kindness**Confidence**Curiosity

Open Morning: Thursday 12th October, 10.00am _ 12.00 noon 01753 643964 admissions@dairhouse.co.uk

14 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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To Advertise here call: 01628 788058 Thames Valley East

01628 821145

07721 422554

Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.

Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots Gymnas cs based physical educa on for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead.

Visit:-

MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk

Or Telephone / Text familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

07 957 223 124

for details

Families Thames Valley East • 15

Clubs and Classes Special After school clubs can be a great way for your child to try out a new sport, find a hobby or discover a new skill. As well as the fun factor, clubs can also help build confidence and teach valuable lessons such as team work. Here are our suggestions for some to try in the local area. When you call, don’t forget to say you saw it in Families Thames Valley East!

Come and be part of the adventure!

Weekdays at Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at Altwood School, Maidenhead.

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.

16 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

ACADEMIC TUITION AE Tuition work with children in the primary and early secondary school age groups, preparing them for: Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) exams, Granada Learning (GL Assessment) exams, Consortium for Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) exams and Independent school 11+ exams and Scholarships.

AE Tuition operates its own self-contained and managed tuition centres in Slough and Langley. Call 020 8867 2727 email contact@aetuition.co.uk or visit www.aetuition.co.uk for more information Explore Learning are working hard to create a generation of fearless learners!

They believe a child’s educational journey goes beyond acing a quick spelling test or getting to the top of the class for a term. It is about building long-lasting confidence that takes them through their entire life. Whether it’s through developing a ‘have a go attitude’, or knowing it’s ok to put their hand up without fear, or simply feeling excited about their next step, Explore Learning can help. It’s about nurturing a sense of pride, and a fearless attitude to learning for every child.

Their incredible tutors have one goal: to unlock a love of learning. Whether your child is with them to prepare for their 11-plus, raise attainment, or just grow in confidence, they’ll prepare an inspiring programme to help achieve their version of amazing. When children Explore, they excel. With centres nationwide offering maths and English tuition for children aged 4-14, discover fearless learning for your child today by calling 01483 447 414 to book your FREE Trial session.

Alternatively visit www.explorelearning.co.uk Fleet Tutors. National tutoring service provider with over 39 years’ experience in helping students of all ages and academic backgrounds with personalised tuition.

Specialising in small group revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all academic subjects starting from school entry and Common Entrance right up to GCSE, A-level and university. Recommended by ‘The Good School’s Guide’. Find out more at www.fleettutors.co.uk or email: clientsupport@fleettutors.co.uk or call 0845 644 5452.

Howland Tutors (Primary Maths and English, 11 +, GCSEs, AS and A2). Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 01628 477164; www.howlandtutors.co.uk Susan Daughtrey Education is a leading provider of 11+ Courses (for Year 4 and Year 5 students). They take a “technique-focused approach to learning for the 11+”, which means they actually teach your child how to approach the different types of 11+ questions and then follow this up with homework practice. Over 80% of their students are successful in the Berks and Bucks 11+ tests.

The Slough classes are conducted by qualified, experienced and carefully selected teachers and all lessons are delivered to a detailed lesson plan using resources which have been prepared by Susan especially for the SDE 11+ Courses. Classes take place at Long Close Prep School on Upton Court Road. They are now taking registrations for 2017-18 Year 4 and Year 5 11+ Courses. Call on 01753 780934, email office@sde11plus.com or visit www.sde11plus.com/courses/slough

ART & CRAFTS Amanda’s Art Classes (drawing, painting, collage and fun after school and in the holidays with artist Amanda Kavanagh). Ages: 6-12. Location: north Ascot. Book termly.

Call: 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or see www.amandasart.co.uk for further information.

Art classes for adults and kids. Professional art classes in Slough. For ages 5+- adults.

Choose from a wide range of classes: painting, drawing, painting on silk, arts and crafts, calligraphy, food art, landscape, mosaic, pottery and ceramics. There will also be the opportunity to enter national and international art competitions. Twice a year they hold art exhibitions in the Slough area, where the best art works will be exhibited.

For more information contact professional artist, Marinela Caldarus on 07501 644537 or email info@artclassesgroup.com www.artclassesgroup.com Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting - well balanced fun, imaginative, instructional drawing and painting lessons by Teaching Artists for children (ages 5- 16 years) in the Maidenhead, Wokingham, Langley and Reading areas. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express better visually. Call: 01628 634 418/0789 616 5819; www.artspiration.co.uk Busy Buttons Creative Studio is an Arts Award Centre and Supporter offering all the levels of certification in various creative courses namely 2D and 3D Art, Sculpting, Painting, Illustration, Design for performance and theatre arts, animation, fashion design, costume making, sewing, for 5 years upwards. Toddlers can enjoy art with their kinaesthetic approach on Thursday. Adults can start with the different levels in patternmaking, sewing, costume making and more.

Based at 8-9 King Edward Court, Windsor the studio offers courses, camps, activity days, events and workshops. Details at www.busybuttons.org 07952 418212 / 08001018332 Candle-Making Workshops. Learn the skills to make your own candles using natural soy and beeswax. Ages: Scheduled classes for adults but private parties for children and adults also available. Dates: Saturday 16th September 2017, Saturday 21st October 2017, Saturday 18th November 2017, Thursday 14th December 2017 - 10am - 1pm. Location: Conservatory Workshop, Marlow. Price: £55 per person (£99 for 2 people), includes all the equipment and materials plus coffee/tea/soft drinks and homemade cakes. Email info@candlebyevents.co.uk, Tel: 01628 947224 www.candlebyevents.co.uk Hands-On Art Adventures in Old Windsor: Art & Clay workshops; Potters Wheel experiences; Story Ceramics; Pop-in & Paint, DecoPatch or Foam Clay onto ceramics. Free Parking! For more details go to: www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 ATHLETICS British Athletics has lists of local clubs. See www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs Maidenhead Junior Athletics Club (track and field sports and cross country). Ages: 7+.

Saturday 9.30-11am at Braywick Park, Maidenhead www.maidenheadac.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes Special Slough Junior Athletics Club. Athletics and fundamental movement skills (run, jump, throw) coaching for 5-19 year olds at Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. www.sjac.uk.com Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow Athletics Club. Track & Field Athletics Age: 10+. Location: Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. www.wseh.info COOKING Beverley Glock Cookery School. Cookery classes and parties for children, teenagers and adults. Call 01844 275692 or visit www.beverleyglock.com DANCE Blossom Ballet (18 months +) Classes in central Windsor, Maidenhead and Cox Green throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Acro, Street Dance and Cheerleading. Classes commence from 11th September. FREE taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com 07813 084283; www.blossomballet.com Dance Inspired - Street Dance & Contemporary Classes for ages 5 years and upwards. Offering authentic dance classes in contemporary, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Locking & House for all abilities as well as holiday camps & workshops. We also offer classes for adults in Street Dance & Contemporary.

Based in Maidenhead, Windsor & Burnham, Contact Amy at enquiries@danceinspired.co.uk; www.danceinspired.co.uk JDFD, headed by dance specialist Jane Douglass, run inspiring and fun dance & fitness classes for all ages in Marlow & surrounding areas.

Street Moves , Creative Moves, Youth Moves, Dance Crew, Project Ballet & Fitness and Mini's for under 5's Qualified experienced teachers all with DRB & safeguarding www.janedouglass.co.uk info@janedouglass.co.uk 01628 440109.

JG Dance and Theatre College – ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs in Chiltern Edge School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford. After school classes run in Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford. Tel: 01491 572000; email info@jgdance.co.uk or visit www.jgdance.co.uk for your free trial session Little Wrigglers: A thrilling, energetic and creative dance class. Explore imaginative themes and adventures through dance, song and mime. Suitable for ages 2+ years. Mondays and Fridays, 10am – 10.45am, £6 | £4.50 siblings | £20 for block booking of 4 sessions. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555 www.norden.farm Pat Steel School of Dance. Weekday classes in Maidenhead Leisure Centre and Saturdays at Altwood School, Maidenhead. Classes also in Holtspur, Penn Street Bourne End, Loudwater and Seer Green. Ballet, contemporary, street dance, modern and tap for 3yrs to adult. Call Candy Barker on 01494 673919 or email candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk; www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk Perform x. Street and hip-hop classes in Windsor and Marlow for 6-12s. Brought to you by Perform, these unique classes are designed to allow children to explore and express themselves. For a free trial call 0207 255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/x Sway Dance. Why not try exciting Street Dance and Cheerleading lessons with Sway Dance at the Magnet Leisure Centre? Get popping, locking and grooving at their

familiesonline.co.uk

high energy Street Dance classes or jumping, flipping and stunting in their action packed Cheerleading lessons!

Beginners Gymnastics; 4.30-5.15pm age 4+, Street Dance; Tuesdays 4.15pm-5.00pm, age 5+ years, & Cheerleading; Thursdays 4.30pm-6.00pm age 5+years. Starts from £19.79 per month. Email magnet.reception@legacyleisure.org.uk or call 01628 685333 for more information.

Twinkle Tots Dance. Enrol in classes online via our website.

Venues: Windsor, Sunningdale, Burnham, Bracknell and Warfield. Classes: Twinkle Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 4-5) RAD Ballet ( Age 5 up). www.twinkletotsdance.com Email: info@twinkletotsdance.com or call Maggie on: 07828 857061 youth Dance: A lively, fast paced class to a soundtrack of current music. This is contemporary dance smashed up and easy to learn! All terms are 10 weeks long and suitable for all abilities. Tuesdays, 9+ years. 5.45pm – 7pm. £67 per term.

Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.norden.farm FOOTBALL Little Kickers offers fun, football classes for 18 months to 7 year olds in a non-competitive environment. For Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 074121 66686 or e-mail sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk. For Maidenhead, Henley & Marlow call 01628 526584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk To enrol go to www.littlekickers.co.uk GARDENING Little Muddy Boots runs children's garden and nature classes in Berkshire. We aim to inspire outdoor play and adventures every day, whatever the weather. Places on our September term are now available to book. Please just click on the link below: www.littlemuddyboots.co.uk/booking-a-class GYMNASTICS Gymtots (pre-school gymnastics). Age: walking to 3+, accompanied by adult. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, 10:00 am Wednesday to Saturday. 07 957 223 124 / www.MaidenheadGymnastics.uk

Gymtots (advanced class). Age: 3-5 years, unaccompanied.

Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead at 3:15 pm, Wednesday and Friday. 07 957 223 124 / www.MaidenheadGymnastics.uk Maidenhead Gymnastics Club. Age: Boys 4 – 8 years; Girls 4 – 13 years. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, after school and Saturdays. 07 957 223 124 / www.MaidenheadGymnastics.uk Phoenix Gymnastics Club. Ages: Pre School Gym - Gym Cubs (18 months - 3 years) & Gym Bears (3-5 years) Recreational Gym, 5+ after school and Saturdays PlayGym Birthday Parties for Under 5's and Holiday classes too.

Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881 / info@phoenixgym.co.uk / www.phoenixgym.co.uk or find them on Facebook HOCKEY Maidenhead Hockey Club. Age: 5-18. Location: Maidenhead & Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. www.maidenheadhc.org.uk HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING Colts and Fillies Club at Ascot Racecourse. Free membership for racegoers under 17 who receive badge, binoculars, and Turf Talk newsletters every quarter, with clubs news and details of family days. Members also get access to an exclusive viewing at the Parade Ring and a behind the scenes tour. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk Windsor Horse Rangers Voluntary organisation that teaches children about riding and looking after horses. They have a 4-5 year waiting list. Age: 8+. Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield. 01628 636255. www.windsor-horse-rangers.org.uk MUSIC Concertini was formed in May 2015 by musician, teacher and mum of two Julia Bentley Dawkes. Born into a musical family Julia passionately believes that everyone can benefit from live music and the earlier we introduce it the better.

“Concertini's aim is to provide an opportunity for parents and carers to listen to inspiring live music with their children in a relaxed community setting. It is our mission to introduce

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

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 17

Clubs and Classes Special children and their grown-ups to different styles of live music and musical instruments, to nurture a love of music from a grass routes level and to encourage families to embrace music in their lives whether it be going to more live music events, taking up a musical instrument or joining a choir.” To find out more or to buy tickets for upcoming Concertini’s visit www.concertini.co.uk Hartbeeps and Babybeeps. Original multisensory music classes using song play, lighting effects, innovative props and puppetry. From birth to 4-year-olds. For Windsor, Burnham, Datchet, Maidenhead, Woodley, Earley and Wokingham contact Liz on 07985 935662 or email liz@hartbeeps.com MAD Academy - Music-And-Dance classes using songs, rhythms, instruments, listening games and props for children from 3 months to 4 years at locations throughout the Families area. Education that’s high-octane and fun. They do Birthday Parties too! For Maidenhead, Twyford, Henley and Charvil call Emma on 07935 248749 or email emma.hester@madacademy.com For Windsor, Ascot and Sunningdale call Kate on 01753 830162 or email kate.lawrence@madacademy.com Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s to 8s structured programme of group musicianship classes for children. Ages: 2-8. Location: Jurgens Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes Stepping Notes Music School violin and cello lessons, string ensemble & piano

musicianship classes. Ages: 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Angela Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes Teddies Music Club: Teddies is energetic, lively and fun for grown-ups and children alike, with a singer and musician at every session. Suitable for ages 0-5 years. £5 | £4 siblings. Locations include: Pinkneys Green Community Centre, Bourne Hill Cricket Club & Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead, Wesley Hall Methodist Church in Marlow and The Gardener’s Hall on St Leonards Road Windsor and more. Contact 01628 671146 or 01628 639878 or email info@teddiesmusicclub.co.uk www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk MULTI-SPORTS Playball is a multi-sport and movement program for 2-8 year olds teaching the main ball sports (tennis, football, rugby, hockey, cricket, basketball, baseball, netball & volleyball) in very small age-specific classes.

We have classes for 2-3 year olds, 3-4s, 4-5s & 6-8s.We have classes in Marlow, Bourne End, High Wycombe & Beaconsfield.

To book a FREE trial please email: joanne@playballsouthbucks.co.uk Our Autumn timetable is online at www.playballkids.com NETBALL Lots of local Netball clubs have a junior section and coaching. Visit www.berkshirenetball.co.uk ORIENTEERING Berkshire Orienteers stages orienteering events across Berkshire for people of all orienteering abilities and ages. For more details visit www.bko.org.uk

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

18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

PERFORMING ARTS Mellor Performing Arts School in Burnham.

The school offers fun classes to tots through to adults. Amongst the many classes on offer are: Baby ballet, Cheerleading and Musical theatre. There really is something for everyone. Check the website www.mpaschool.co.uk to find your class today!

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes. A mix of drama, dance and singing.

No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers.

Autumn term classes: Sat 2nd Sept – Sun 17th Dec 2017. 4-7s will be venturing Under the Sea on a colourful aquatic adventure while 7-12s will be working rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Cinderella Rocks.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try Venues: Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am; 712s Sat’s 11.15am Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW 4-7s Fri’s 4pm; 7-12s Fri’s 5pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA 4-7s Mon’s 4pm & Thur’s 4pm & 5pm; 7-12s Mon’s 5pm Perform X (6-12s) Wed’s 4pm & 5pm Christchurch C of E School, Christchurch Road, Virginia Water GU25 4PX 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am; 7-12s Sat’s 11.15am Hilltop first School, Clewer Hill Rd, Windsor SL4 4DW 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am; Perform X (6-12s) Sat’s 11.15am Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor SL4 5EW 4-7s Tues’s, Fri’s 4pm; 7-12s Tues’s & Fri’s 5pm Redroofs School for the Performing Arts: Full-Time Co-Educational Performing Arts School for Years 5-11, Sixth form for ages 1618 years (BTEC Level 3 Extended), 1 Year Foundation Course for 18-19 years. Part-time & Weekend Schools for ages 18 months-18 years. Musical Theatre School, Special Gold Training Package for talented children, Young Performers Company. ISTD Tap and Modern Classes, RAD Ballet Classes and Creative Drama Classes. Little Star Performers Class for ages 6 months - 3 years. Adult Tap and Musical Theatre. Agency Representation in TV, Film and theatre for all pupils. Holiday courses, Professional Master Classes and Musical Theatre and Ballerina Parties.

Locations: Bath Road, Maidenhead and School Lane, Littlewick Green and Novello Theatre Sunninghill, Nr. Ascot. Call 01628 674092 or go to www.redroofs.co.uk to see their full schedule. You can also find them on Facebook or email emayling@redroofsschool.co.uk Sparky’s Drama. Performing Arts classes for all ages in Cookham. Learn new skills, build confidence, socialize and have fun in a friendly environment! Classes run by experienced teachers and industry professionals.We cover everything in an actor’s toolkit: Acting on camera, stage performances, games and creativity, as well as Musical Theatre and LAMDA exams. To book your free trial, call Amber on 07889 311414 or Email: info@sparkysdrama.co.uk for more info!

Stagecoach. Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance. Ages: 4-18. Locations: the whole Families area. For Ascot call 01344 206466; Maidenhead 01628 281128; Bracknell 01344 568658; Bracknell North: 0808 208 5134; High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow 01494 533 203; Windsor 0845 293 7207; www.stagecoach.co.uk youth Theatre: Join the only youth drama group in Maidenhead which rehearses in a professional theatre! Each term you’ll create a show and perform in our studio or on the main stage, with lighting, sound and staging from Norden Farm’s technical crew. Terms 10 weeks long, no auditions, suitable for all abilities and end with a performance. From School year 2. Days, times & costs vary check

www.norden.farm for details. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555 RUGBY For details of local rugby clubs go to www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/findrugby Maidenhead Rugby Union Football Club.

Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground. Maidenhead. www.maidenheadrfc.com Rugbytots offer fun, structured play sessions with a specifically designed programme for each age group. Visit www.rugbytots.co.uk & enter your postcode to find the time and place of your nearest class!

SKIING / SNOWBOARDING Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink. Skiing, Snowboarding and Skating lessons from 4+ for Tots skiers. Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell. Rink: 01344 789000 Ski: 01344 789002. www.jnlbracknell.co.uk SWIMMING Aqua zone swimming lessons for adults and children stages 1-10 £28 per month.

AquaZone Discovery Ducklings (pre-school) £21 per month. Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead. Tel: 01628 685333. Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road, Clewer Mead, Windsor. Tel: 01753 778577.

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools. Age: Swim Babies (4-36 months), Juniors (3-12 years), Academy (+12 years). Locations: Teikyo Japanese School, Slough; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham; Manor Green School, Maidenhead; Thames Club, Staines; Maplewood School, High Wycombe; Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury. Call 01753 364 364 or book online at www.seriouslyfun.net Splash School, swimming lessons in Maidenhead, for children aged 3 years to adults. 6 children per class. Qualified ASA and CRB checked instructors. Lessons held at Manor Green School, Maidenhead and Newlands Girls School, Maidenhead. To book please call 01628 317558 or email info@splashschool.co.uk www.splashschool.co.uk TRAMPOLINING Looking for Awesome activities to do with your kids this year? Jump In offers a huge amount of family fun with over 100 interconnected trampolines and activities such as the battle beam, foam pits/ air bags, tumble tracks and more! Treat your kids straight from school, during term time you can come for a bounce and have some delicious pizza for just £8.95 anytime from 3:30-5:30pm, Mon-Fri. Or if you prefer a slightly later bounce come down after 7pm Mon-thurs during term time and you can jump for just £6!

If you have slightly older kids that like hanging out with their mates, we run a disco night every Friday night from 8-10pm for just £10. We also do the most AWESOME kids parties, for more information visit our website - www.gojumpin.com or contact us at hello@gojumpin.com or 01926356290 WATERSPORTS Liquid Leisure.The Kids' Cable Club runs Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9am and 11am. Beginner boat and 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 and a licensed café bar. Visit www.liquidleisure.com, email info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500 Details correct at time of going to press: August 2017

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Clubs and Classes News Seriously Fun Celebrates Super Star Swimmers!

Congratulations to both 11 year old William Symes and 10 year old Keira Dennis, for achieving their Super Star Swimmer Awards!

Both children swim with Seriously Fun Swimming Schools at St. Piran’s school in Maidenhead. Will has been with Seriously Fun since he was just 2 years old and has become a fantastic swimmer. Keira joined the school aged 5 as an absolute beginner and has achieved 23 awards. To achieve their Super Star Award, they both had to complete the following: 1500 metres (60 lengths), a diving award, Star Skills

level 6, Star Challenge Gold, a Speed Award and Personal Survival Level 2. Well done to you both!

Tuneless Choir celebrates 1st birthday

Sunday Funday sessions with SportsAble

Maidenhead’s Tuneless Choir for ‘tone deaf’ singers, recently celebrated a year of ‘singing like no one is listening’. 112 people attended the birthday celebrations, the set list for which included a range of songs from Amazing Grace to Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. The choir is for anyone who loves singing but isn’t great at carrying a tune. For many it’s merely a question of confidence and the Maidenhead choir, led by Tabitha Beaven, aims to enable people to sing purely for the fun of it, without any pressure to improve.

Since starting a year ago, the choir have hosted several theme nights covering songs from the 80s, disco tunes and even gospel!

Tabitha says “Starting Tuneless Choir really has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s helped people find a little sparkle in what can be a challenging world that we live in. So many fun and interesting doors have opened for the choir from singing in public - including on London’s Southbank! We’ve been on live radio with Anne Diamond and recorded on an album for a local Country music singer. It’s really hard for people not to stop and smile when they see us in public as it’s so clearly obvious that everyone is enjoying themselves, so we love supporting local community events with our brand of carefree singing and long may it continue.”

The choir meets at the United Reformed Church in Maidenhead every Wednesday during term time from 8-9.15pm and sessions start back on 13th September, with the choir also scheduled to sing at the Cookham Dean fete on the 16th September.

Newcomers pay £10 for their first session which includes registration and a lyric book.

Thereafter it’s £7 for ‘pay as you go’ or you can pay for a term in advance for the equivalent of £5 per session. www.tunelesschoir.com/maidenhead www.facebook.com/tunelesschoirmaidenhead familiesonline.co.uk

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

07813084283

SportsAble are the award-winning grassrootsto- Paralympic sports centre in Maidenhead, offering fun activities for disabled children and their siblings. For just £2 each they can enjoy 12 different sports and games at Sunday Funday sessions. See website for details, next event is September 17th. Volunteers give kids the freedom to explore crossbow, kurling, boccia, table tennis, giant football – and more – plus, fun with balloons, bean bags and skittles! Everyone welcome. There is a fully accessible building with lots of blue badge parking, refreshments are served and there’s plenty of opportunity for parent networking.

Membership opportunities and a weekly programme of activities are available for serious sports stars. www.sportsable.co.uk

lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

Party on with Perform!

Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. Whether your child wants to be a swashbuckling pirate, a shimmering mermaid or a dazzling superhero, they'll be sure to have a brilliant time.

Previous party booker Caroline Versallion says: “Hannah enraptured the guests immediately. They smiled and laughed beginning to end and hung on her every word.

It took all the stress away from me. Hannah was brilliant. I would definitely use her again.”

To find out more or book a party call 0207 255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 19

5.15

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS...

PART TIME SCHOOL

REDROOFS AGENCY

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

Ages 4-18 Representing our Talented Children and providing TV, Film, and Theatre opportunities for suitable pupils.

6

FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL Years 5-13+ Academic Education up to GCSE and 6th Form. BTEC Level 3 Extended alongside the best Performing Arts Training.

GOLD TEAM Ages 6-16+ Due to the success of our Monday Gold Team, we are delighted to be launching BRAND NEW GOLD TEAMS ON 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.

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

DO YOU HAVE A TALENTED CHILD? JOIN OUR GOLD TEAM! Join our Young Performers Company - Ages 8-15+ Join the Cast of Disney's High School Musical! This brand new addition to our programme will suit pupils ages 8-15+ years. Weekly Company Rehearsals with a Professional Team of Directors every Thursday at 5.307.30pm during term time. Performances of High School Musical on Sunday 18th and Sunday 25th March 2018!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR TALENTED CHILDREN FOR OUR BRAND NEW GOLD TEAM SATURDAYS. Please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk to reserve your son/daughters audition slot.

Saturday Gold Team will run from September 2017 at 11am-1pm for children ages 6-16

START yOUR CHILD'S REDROOfS PERfORMINg ARTS ADvENTURE | www.redroofs.co.uk 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT and Littlewick green, Maidenhead SL6 3Qy | Tel: 01628 674092 | EMAIL: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Competitions and Offers with WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO BRICK OR TREAT AT THE LEGOLAND® WINDSOR RESORT! Brick or Treat is back at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort from 14-30 October and Families are offering one lucky reader a set of family tickets to join in the fun!

Help build a LEGO Skeleton or create your own LEGO and DUPLO® pumpkins for the pumpkin patch.

Watch the spooky DUPLO Puppet Theatre shows, meet your favourite costume characters, take part in the daily fancy dress competition or see the world’s smallest LEGO pumpkin patch in Miniland.

Don’t miss the spectacular LEGO® NINJAGO® fireworks shows on 21/22 and 27/28 October! Pick up some LEGO 3D glasses to see the fireworks explode into thousands of tiny LEGO bricks!

With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions LEGOLAND is an awesome day out for the whole family www.LEGOLAND.co.uk

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk When does Brick or Treat take place at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort?

A

10-20th September

B

31st October

C 14-30th October Closing date for competition entries is October 6

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, NINJAGO, the Minifigure, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2017 The LEGO Group

Prize Terms and Conditions: Win a family day out at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, including 2 adult and 2 child tickets. • Only one entry per person. • Entrants must be aged 18 or over. • Entrants submitting the correct answer will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on 6 October 2017 • The winner will be selected at random by Rafflecopter • Each prize consists of 2 adult and 2 child day tickets to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. • Any additional adults and/or children will be charged at the standard rate. • If the winner elects to partake in any or all portions of his/her prize with fewer than four (4) guests, the prize will be awarded to the winner and any participating guest and any remainder of the prize will be forfeited and shall not be subject to further or alternative compensation.

• The prize is for one day tickets only, and not 2 Day or Annual Passes. • Prizes must be used within the 2017 season from 10 March 2017 – 30 October 2017. • Prizes will be sent to winners by the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort by post. • Any additional tickets you may wish to purchase can be booked in advance online at www.legoland.co.uk • If you are using these tickets to attend on an event day please ensure that you arrive early to guarantee entry. • When planning your visit, please remember to take a look at our calendar for opening dates and times. We are closed on some Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season. • Height restrictions apply on some rides. • The prize is subject to the attractions normal Terms and Conditions of Entry, which can be found at https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-andpasses/terms-and-conditions/park/ • The use of the prize is subject to availability and capacity restrictions. • Not all attractions, shows and rides may be operational on the day of the visit. • Height, age and weight restrictions apply on some rides. • Prize consists only of one day entrance only; no other elements or expenses such as travel, car parking, meals and beverages, spending money or Q-Bot access to rides and attractions are included. All such expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner plus guests. • The promoter’s decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into. Unless otherwise stated the promoter is the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. • This prize cannot be taken in conjunction with any other promotion, offer, reward/loyalty program, 2 Day or Annual Pass, group booking, rail inclusive offer. • Competition entry is open to all UK residents except employees and the immediate family of the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. • There is no cash or alternative to the prizes stated, and the prizes are non-transferable.

WIN DINNER FOR TWO AT THE BEEHIVE, WHITE WALTHAM VILLAGE! The Beehive is a wonderful village pub & restaurant which overlooks the cricket ground and gentle Berkshire countryside in the beautiful village of White Waltham. The pub offers a delicious seasonal menu which represents Britain and its produce. Dishes are heart-warming, affordable and packed full of flavour.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.thebeehivewhitewaltham.com or phone 01628 822877 For your chance to win dinner for 2 plus a bottle of house wine, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk What does The Beehive overlook?

A

A village pond

B

A village cricket ground

C A village post office Closing date for the competition is 31st October 2017 *T & Cs apply

*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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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 21

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Visit Painshill Park free as part of September's Heritage Open Days

Knights are in training on September Saturdays at Windsor Castle

Daily until September 10 TOTEM POLE CHALLENGE Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, The Guildhall, High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LR, 01628 685686 Help decorate our collection of colourful Totem Poles in the Museum. Be inspired by wild animals or mythical beasts.

Daily until September 30 THE STATUE TRAIL Cliveden, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0JA. Cliveden has an extensive and important statue collection on display around the estate. This trail is a self-led walk offering you the chance to discover the grounds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden September 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 HOUSE & CHAPEL TOURS Cliveden as above.

Let knowledgeable guides lead you into the famous Cliveden House and the remarkable Octagon Temple chapel. Booking essential. Phone 01628 605069.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in September DIDDy DISCO Various venues, High Street, Marlow, SL7 3LA, 07836 640430 Diddy Disco is an active music class for babies & young children 9.15am & 10.15am £7 www.diddydisco.co.uk Saturdays in September FAMILy SATURDAyS - KNIGHTS IN TRAINING AT WINDSOR CASTLE Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ 020 7766 7304 Take part in our special art and craft workshops. Create a helmet, sword or shield in the dedicated learning room. 11am to 4pm. Discover the rigorous training that a knight had to undergo.

Sundays until October 29 RUNNING DAy GREAT COCKCROW RAILWAy Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, 01932 565 474 Miniature train rides for ages 2 years+. 1.30pm to 5pm. There are two routes, each about 1 ¼ miles in length and journeys take about 15 to 20 minutes and are great fun. Loyalty card available. Until October 29 www.cockcrow.co.uk Sundays until September 24 RUNNING DAy MINIATURE TRAIN RIDES FOR AGES 1+ Mizens Railway, Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey, GU21 2JW, 01483 72080 2-5pm www.mizensrailway.co.uk

Friday September 8 and Monday 11 NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ, 01635 874 381 Have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud-painting and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Suitable for children aged 18 months - 4 years.

9.30-11.30am on Friday, 1-2.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk Saturday September 9 FASCINATING FACE PAINTING Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0UJ The Fascinating Faces team who will paint your face for free with a colourful flower so that children can get into the spirit of the Power of Flowers.

They have even created some special characters for boys like Captain Allium, Hydrangea-Saura and Swamp Man. Available from 11am and 4pm for garden visitors £10.50 admission applies, under 16s free. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk Saturday September 9 HERITAGE OPEN DAyS: OBJECT HANDLING SESSIONS The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4AA, 01483 737800 Join The Lightbox Collections Volunteers for object handling sessions with artefacts from the Heritage Collection.

Drop-in sessions for ages 4+ with an adult. 10.30am12.30pm and 2-4pm www.thelightbox.org.uk Saturday September 9 PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE Painshill is taking part in Heritage Open Day, giving you a chance to celebrate England’s fantastic history, architecture and culture with free entry to the estate. 10am to 6pm Saturday September 9 and Sunday 10 CUMBERLAND LODGE TOURS Windsor Great Park, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2HP Cumberland Lodge has been the home of an educational foundation since 1947. A former royal residence set in the heart of Windsor Great Park, it has a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century.

Special tours about its history and heritage over four and a half centuries. Tours at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

SEPTEMBER

22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Follow the Statue Trail at Cliveden this September and 3pm - must be booked in advance. Parts of the house and grounds will also be available for visitors to explore at their leisure. Look out for the new BFG exhibition in the Ante Room. www.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk Sunday September 10 GRAvITy GRAND PRIx Cookham Dean village, Church Road, Cookham Dean, SL6 9PJ Wacky go-karts race in a thrilling fundraiser organised by the Kaffirs of Cookham Dean. Great, free fun for all the family. It's a downhill race driven just by gravity, except for a short push at the start, and it has proved to be very, very popular amongst the 2,000 or so spectators who come to see it and experience the thrill and spectacle of the day. Racing is expected to start at 1.30pm. www.sites.google.com/site/ggprix Sunday September 10 SUNDAy STORIES Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in the magical story den. A sociable, creative, relaxed way to do Sundays for families with young children. £3 per person (45 mins). Join in or unwind in the cafe/ bar with a latte and the Sunday papers, while your little ones get involved in telling stories from all over the world. Age guidance 4 to 7 years. 11.45am www.norden.farm Sunday September 10 HERITAGE OPEN DAy - ROyAL HOLLOWAy Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, 01784 434455 Royal Holloway welcomes the public to explore its spectacular Grade I Listed Founder's Building, Picture Gallery, Chapel and grounds. £2 for Founder’s tour. The Founder's Building, commissioned by entrepreneur Thomas Holloway and opened by Queen Victoria in 1886, is modelled on the Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Its flamboyant architecture makes it one of the most impressive university buildings

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What’s On

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

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

Bubble Rush in Windsor on September 10 in the world. Refreshments available. All welcome, guide dogs only. Parking on campus. Picture Gallery will be open between 11am-5pm and guided tours of Founder’s Building, archives and library will start at 11.30am. Tickets available on the day only www.royalholloway.ac.uk Sunday September 10 BUBBLE RUSH Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400 Berkshire’s first ever Bubble Rush! 5k of fast and frothy fun. You will be blown away by foam canons blowing out 30 cubic meters of frothy coloured bubbles. Not your average 5k fun run. You can walk, jog, toddle or dance your way around the family-friendly course. Fancy dress is optional, but is encouraged! Adults £20, children (5-15 years) £7.50 infants (4 years and under): Free (no medal or T-shirt provided). In aid of Thames Hospice. Noon www.bubblerush.co.uk/organiser/thames-hospice Sunday September 10 TAPLOW COURT OPEN DAy Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0ER To celebrate Heritage Open Days, Taplow Court will be open to the public for free.

You may picnic in the 85 acres of ground.

Guided tours of the house and cream teas will also be available. 2-5pm www.sgi-uk.org Sunday September 10 HERITAGE OPEN DAy THOMAS GRAy LANDSCAPE Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, Slough, Bucks, SL2 4NZ. A

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The Gravity Grand Prix comes to Cookham Dean on September 10 unique opportunity to have guided walks of historic sites connected to the poet Thomas Gray spanning several centuries; visit historic St Giles' Church, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, catch a glimpse of the grand Manor House built in 1555, visit the Thomas Gray Monument and tomb, have a go at ringing the church bells and walk through the peaceful Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Grade I listed, with the Head Gardener and have tea at the exclusive Stoke Park Mansion (01753 523744). Tea restricted to 20 people, please book to ensure your place.

2-4.30pm.

Tuesday September 12 AS yOU LIKE IT Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997. The Handlebards are the world’s first cycling theatre company. They present an all female bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s classic play.

Rosalind and Orlando have been forced into exile in the Forest of Arden. As lovers, they become entangled in a bizarre game of lust, love and mistaken identity. Expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter. Courtyard Theatre £14 (£12 conc). 8pm www.norden.farm Tuesday September 12 and Wednesday 13 TODDLER DAyS - SAFARI ADvENTURE The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354400

Royal Holloway throws open its doors on September 10

Special activities from 10am to 4pm include art and craft activities, storytelling and face or hand painting. The theme this time is Safari Adventure. £7 per parent and toddler, and £1.60 for each additional toddler (up to a maximum of 3).

Wednesdays from September 13 CATERPILLAR CLUB PLAyGROUP Charvil Village Hall. Friendly and fun playgroup for 0 to 5-year-olds, 9:45am - 11:30am (term time only). Refreshments, singing and a weekly craft. First visit is free and thereafter £2 per child and £1 per additional child. No need to book. Plenty of onsite parking. Email CaterpillarClubCharvil@yahoo.com or call Alison on 07876 336716. www.facebook.com/groups/CharvilCaterpillarClub Saturday September 16 BOSS BABy Firestation Centre for the Arts, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL, 01753 866865 A new baby's arrival means war for his 7-

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

year-old sibling Tim! 1pm. £6 adult, £3.50 child www.firestationartscentre.com Saturday September 16 MAIDENHEAD SHOW St Ives Rd, Maidenhead 10am-2pm.

See p.3-5 for details Saturday September 16 TRADITIONAL FETE AT COOKHAM DEAN Cookham Dean village, Church Road, Cookham Dean, SL6 9PJ Fun, food, traditional attractions, entertainment and music. Plus liquid refreshment at the Kaffirs beer tent. From 1pm. Commercial and charity stalls and attractions for all the family. There is a Flower and Produce Show run by the Cookham and Cookham Dean Horticultural Society open to all who want to exhibit.

Saturday September 16 THE LIGHTBOx 10TH BIRTHDAy PARTy The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4AA, 01483 737800 10.30am-5pm.

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Boss Baby rules at Windsor Firestation on September 16 Family-friendly 10th birthday party for The Lightbox. All the galleries will be free for one day only and in the afternoon there will be free face painting plus a Butterflies and Bugs workshop (1.30-4pm) the creations from which will be mounted as an installation to mark the anniversary. The Friends of Woking Palace will bring alive the Tudor history of the area. Suggested donation £2. Suitable for ages 4+ with an adult www.thelightbox.org.uk Sunday September 17 WINDSOR’S BANDSTAND Alexandra Gardens, Windsor join us around the Bandstand in Alexandra Gardens for an afternoon of music to mark the start of this year’s Festival 2pm Friday September 22 PETER AND THE WOLF WINDSOR PARISH CHURCH High Street, Windsor. This delightful afternoon children’s concert will bring young people face to face with all the characters from Prokofiev’s colourful Peter and the Wolf. 2pm £8 children, £10 adults http://tickets.windsorfestival.com Saturday September 23 and Sunday 24 WORKING HEAvy HORSES Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB. Meet the working heavy horses & learn about the importance of the heavy horse in traditional farming. www.coam.org.uk Sunday September 24 WINDSOR HALF MARATHON 2017 Windsor Great Park, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2HT. Starting and finishing on the Long Walk, join in or just watch and cheer. From 10am www.runwindsor.com/the-course Saturday September 30 SCHOOLS CONCERT Windsor Parish Church High Street, Windsor. A regular feature of Windsor Festival programmes in recent years, this year's Schools’ Coffee Concert will consist of a mix of choral, instrumental, ensemble and solo items performed by students of Upton House School, Castleview School, Langley Hall Primary Academy and Calidcott Schools 11am £4 adults, children free. http://tickets.windsorfestival.com

Walk on the quiet side in Windsor Great Park on September 30 Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1 CARTERS STEAM FAIR ON THE GREEN Englefield Green, The Green, TW20 0NX. Beautiful old-fashioned fairground rides. With free fireworks at 9pm on Saturday.

Admission free, dogs welcome. Saturday noon - 11pm, Sunday 12 noon - 9pm www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1 WILD ABOUT WOOL CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB. Have a go at different types of traditional knitting. Discover wool and textile-related activities and see a variety of knitting / crocheting / making pompom animals / wet felting. Suitable for all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced knitters! www.coam.org.uk Saturday September 30 WALK ON THE QUIET SIDE Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden, Englefield Green, Berkshire, TW20 0UJ Take a pleasant stroll around the Great Park. Look closer – there's far more to see and hear about here than meets the eye! 10.30am.

Meet at the Rangers Gate Car Park on the A332.

Duration: 3 hours; 3.3 miles. Book in advance, numbers are limited. £10.50/ £8.50. Part of the Windsor Festival http://tickets.windsorfestival.com

OCTOBER

Sunday October 1 SUNDAy STORIES Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in the magical story den. A sociable, creative, relaxed way to do Sundays for families with young children. £3 per person (45 mins). Join in or unwind with a latte and the Sunday papers, while your little ones get involved in telling stories from all over the world. Age guidance 4 to 7 years. 11.45am www.norden.farm Sunday October 1 BOUNDARy WALK 2017 Boulters Lock Car Park, Ray Mead Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8NP, 01628 621721 This annual event allows walkers to raise money through sponsorship for their favourite

24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Go Wild about Wool at Chiltern Open Air Museum on September 30 and October 1 charities whilst enjoying a very interesting walk through some beautiful parts of the Berkshire countryside re-tracing the old boundary of the ancient town of Maidenhead. £3 per adult and 50p per child under the age of 12 to cover administration costs. 9am-10.30am www.boundarywalk.org.uk Monday October 2 to Sunday 8 HENLEy LITERARy FESTIvAL The 2017 festival takes place at venues across Henley-on-Thames with 150 talks, Q&As and performances for adults and children. See website for full listings www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk Saturday October 7 and Sunday 8 APPLE WEEKEND AT CLIvEDEN NATIONAL TRUST Taplow SL6 0JA. Take part in apple themed activities from exploring the trail to sampling the produce www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Wednesday October 11 and Thursday 12 TODDLER DAyS - WOODLAND ADvENTURE The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW 01344 354400 Join the special toddler days.

Extra activities on from 10am to 4pm such as arts and craft, story telling and face or hand painting.

Saturday October 14 INTRODUCTION TO CANINE MASSAGE WORKSHOP Knowl Hill village hall, Reading 10am-2pm. Introduce you and your dog to the benefits of canine massage. Increase your awareness by understanding how pain can impact your dog, both physically and emotionally and what you can do to avoid/reduce it. The workshop will contain both theory and practical instruction and you will go home with several massage techniques and simple stretches that you can practice on your own dog. £50 www.bigbrowndogtherapy.co.uk Saturday October 14 until October 30 BRICK OR TREAT AND LEGO® FIREWORKS Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY, 0871 2222 001 Help build a LEGO Skeleton or create your own LEGO and DUPLO® pumpkins for the pumpkin patch. Watch the spooky DUPLO Puppet Theatre shows, meet your favourite costume characters, take part in the daily fancy dress competition or see the world’s smallest LEGO

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

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

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

Brick or Treat at Legoland this October 14 to 30 pumpkin patch in Miniland. Don’t miss the spectacular LEGO® NINJAGO® fireworks shows on 21/22 and 27/28 October! Pick up some LEGO 3D glasses to see the fireworks explode into thousands of tiny LEGO bricks! Those planning to make a Halloween holiday of their visit will also enjoy Orange Brick’s Halloween Disco at the resort hotel www.legoland.co.uk Saturday October 14 and Sunday 15 CARTERS STEAM FAIR Holyport Green, SL6 2JL. Steam fair fun. Open Saturday noon - 10.30pm; Sunday 12 noon - 8pm.

Free admission; Dogs welcome. Free firework display 9pm Saturday night www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Saturday October 14 and Sunday 15 TRADITIONAL HARvEST FESTIvAL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, HP8 4AB. Explore the sights, sounds & smells of harvest past with family harvest crafts and traditional harvest displays plus meet the horses. The Museum’s Henton chapel will be home to a beautiful display of harvest produce, most of which has been grown in the Museum’s beautiful historic gardens. 11am to 4pm www.coam.org.uk Sunday October 15 APPLE FESTIvAL JEALOTTS HILL Jealotts Hill Community Landshare Scheme, Wellers Lane, (off the A330) Warfield, RG42 6HP, 01344 382936 Explore the six-acre site and pick apples in the orchard (small donation). Enjoy freshly pressed apple juice. Refreshments, plant sales and tombola. 10.30am to 1pm www.jealottshilllandshare.org.uk Tuesday October 17 to Saturday 21 RENT - THE MUSICAL Desborough Theatre Desborough Theatre, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF A modern musical about the lives and loves of a group of bohemian youngsters in New York. The rock musical is loosely based on Puccini's opera La Boheme telling the story of a group of impoverished young artists who are struggling to survive and create a life in New York City's East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet

Press apples at Jealotts Hill on October 15 City, under the shadow of HIV and AIDS. 7.30pm www.swmtc.co.uk Wednesday October 18 CHEF RICHARD GUEST AT THE BEEHIvE Waltham Road, White Waltham, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3SH. Richard Guest is a fantastic chef who cooks delicious food from the heart, full of flavour – food you want to eat!

Formerly Head Chef at The Castle in Taunton, Richard now has his own restaurant, Augustus Restaurant in Taunton. Email Reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com 01628 822877 Friday October 20 to Tuesday 31 HALLOWE’EN FESTIvAL ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common HP10 0LX Enjoy super-fun shows, make your very own spooky Arts and Crafts, carve a Pumpkin to take home (Extra charge applies). Plus all the animals to make friends with and play barn fun www.oddsfarm.co.uk Saturday October 21 to Sunday 29 HALLOWE’EN TRAIL CLIvEDEN NATIONAL TRUST Taplow SL6 0JA. Trail takes you through the spookiest parts of Cliveden’s woodlands where children will learn to create wild art. £3 per child www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday October 22 AUTUMN AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE A host of autumn activities for all the family!

Offering wine and food tasting, outdoor demonstrations, carriage rides and special children’s trails. Included in normal admission price.

Monday October 23 FILM WALK Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060 Black Park has played host to major film, television and music productions over the years, including Harry Potter and James Bond. Discover where on this walk. Meet at the Black Park Visitor Information Point then walk to see some of the locations from popular film and TV productions. Booking essential, places are limited. £5 adult, £3 child, £4 concs, £14 family. Call 01753 511060 or

Little Muddy Boots

Enjoy Halloween fun at Odds Farm Park over October half term

email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk for details. 10am to 11.30am.

Monday October 23 and Tuesday 24 HAIRy MACLARy & FRIENDS SHOW Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must for the whole family. Will Scarface Claw make an appearance? Age guidance 2+. 11.30am and 2pm. £8/10 www.norden.farm Monday October 23 to Friday 27 PETRIFyING PUMPKIN TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060 Halloween hunt for half term. Follow the map to find all the pumpkins hidden in Black Park. 10am to 3pm. Simply pick up your map from the Information Point to follow the self-led trail, answer the quiz sheet and earn yourself a little treat! Cost: £3 per map, pay and display charges apply. No booking required, just turn up on the day. Suitable for all the family ghosts, ghouls and goblins and well behaved dogs are all welcome.

Tuesday October 24 to Saturday 28 PETER PAN Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PS 01753 853 888. Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up is reborn as a spectacular musical by Stiles & Drew and the late Willis Hall. The legend of Peter Pan has been delighting children for over 100 years and this faithful new

version is an adventure perfect for the whole family Tue - Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £11 www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday October 25 DEN BUILDING Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060 Have a go at building your own den by the campfire, in Black Park.

When you're finished, enjoy toasted marshmallows and hot drinks in your own den! A fun, hands on activity for all the family. Meet at the Visitor Information Point, Marshmallows and drinks provided.

Booking essential - places are limited.

Cost: £6 per family (max 2 adults and 2 children), £3 per extra family member. Call 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk 10am to 12pm.

Wednesday October 25 FAMILy CONCERTINI: SPOOKy MUSIC WITH THE WILSHIRE PIANO DUO Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Come in costume or grab something from our dressing up box before the concert!

Hear Scheherazade and Danse Macabre in a relaxed environment. The Willshire Piano duo perform a wonderful transcription of the famed orchestral piece Scheherazade for one piano four hands. The programme will also include Danse Macabre by Camille Saint Saens. Run time 50 mins. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am and 2pm www.norden.farm

Upcoming Events Chef Richard Guest, owner of Augustus restaurant, Taunton, will be with us to cook on 18th October.

Flavours of India with Currylife Magazine.

Bengali dishes for you to enjoy on 22nd November.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

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/

familiesonline.co.uk

Waltham Road, White Waltham, Berks, SL6 3SH e reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com

T: 01628 82 2 877 @thebeehivetweet

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

TheBeehive, White Waltham

Families Thames Valley East • 25

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

BookStory at Norden Farm on October 26 Thursday October 26 BOOKSTORy Norden Farm Centre for the Arts as above.This is a show that brings books to life for all children and their grown-ups. The latest show from Monstro Theatre, pioneers of the Puppet Musical.

This is the story of some books. Some books who live in a library. But this is no ordinary library. This library belongs to Brian. It’s a wonderful, magical place where the books like to flutter their pages and let their shelves go. Run time 60 mins. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and Friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am and 2pm.

Friday October 27 CREEPy CRAFTS, BLACK PARK COUNTRy PARK Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060 Join us to make creepy crafts at Halloween. We'll make witch and wizard wands, broomsticks and more! As well as toasting marshmallows on the campfire. Pick one of our 1 hour slots either 10am-11am or 12pm-1pm. Meet at Black Park Visitor Centre. Cost:£3 per child. Booking required.

Call 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Friday October 27 WIND IN THE WILLOWS AT NORDEN FARM Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic. With handmade puppets, props and costume, and a charming original score.

Join Mole and Ratty on their adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr Toad. From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood. Age guidance 6+ years. Courtyard Theatre. Run time 60 mins. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and Friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am and 2pm www.norden.farm Saturday October 28 GREAT COCKCROW RAILWAy HALLOWE’EN TRAIN Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, 01932 565 474 From 4pm, with the first trains departing at around 4.30pm. This a really fun event, with many of our passengers (and staff!) coming dressed and made up for the occasion. Riding round in the dark is a totally different experience and can be quite scary, even for regular travellers. Trains run till approximately 8pm www.cockcrow.co.uk Saturday October 28 HALLOWE’EN SPECTACULAR Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands

The Wind in The Willows is at Norden Farm on October 27

See the Link Foundation fireworks night at MUFC, Maidenhead, on November 4

Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB Spooky walk, fire-breathers & witches, scary stories, trick or treat, BBQ, family crafts, fancy dress competition and more! 5-9pm www.coam.org.uk Saturday October 28 HALLOWE’EN EvENTS NICHOLSONS SHOPPING CENTRE Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1LB Pumpkin carving and spooky events (to be confirmed, check website) www.enjoymaidenhead.com

night for a great cause. Fairground attractions and food.

In support of the charity which helps local families.

Bouncy castle, glow sticks, tombola, tea, cake and mulled wine and of course, the famous fireworks. Tickets to be bought on the night www.linkfoundation.co.uk/link-foundation-events Saturday November 4 BEACONSFIELD FIREWORKS Beaconsfield Rugby Club, Hedgerley Lane, Beaconsfield HP9 2JP Hog Roast, BBQ and hotdogs, Chinese and Indian food, fully licensed beer tent, mulled wine, sparkler lights and wand stall. St Johns Ambulance, children's rides. Gates open at 6pm

FIREWORKS

October 21, 22, 27 and 28 LEGO® NINJAGO® FIREWORKS SHOWS Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY. Pick up some LEGO 3D glasses to see the fireworks explode into thousands of tiny LEGO bricks!

Arrive early and enjoy the rides and attractions. www.legoland.co.uk Saturday October 29 HALLOWE’EN RACEDAy AND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX , 0844 346 3000. Exciting racing followed by one of the region's largest Fireworks Spectaculars and being Halloween be prepared for a few surprises too! The Plaza Lawns will come alive throughout the afternoon with free fairground rides until 4pm, £1 per ride thereafter. All proceeds go to local charities. The day is a designated family day and entry is free for children www.ascot.co.uk Friday November 3 DCC FIREWORK ExTRAvAGANzA Datchet Cricket Club, London Road, Datchet, SL3 9JS, 01753 544352 Mulled wine, burgers, hotdogs, sweets and chestnuts. Fully licensed bar in the pavilion. Light-up toys, huge bonfire and great fireworks. Gates will be open from 6pm with fireworks between 7.30pm and 8pm. Non-members warmly welcomed. £5 per adult free for children under the age of 12. Raffle tickets will be available to buy on the night. Come along and bring the family for what promises to be another spectacular night! www.datchetcc.com Saturday November 4 THE LINK FOUNDATION FIREWORKS Maidenhead United FC ground, York Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1SF, 07863 183872 Fantastic fireworks

JDfD DANCE & fITNESS

As Families went to press, some locations had not confirmed dates of their Fireworks displays. Cookham Scouts fireworks are usually held on a Saturday and Upton Court Park, Slough hold a display in early November. With more than 20 minutes of fireworks, a 60-foot real bonfire, food from around the world and a massive fun fair.

Free parking for all and designated disabled parking, access and special viewing area all on tarmac. See www.slough.gov.uk for updates.

Thames Valley East

To Advertise here

call: 01628 788058

venues in Marlow & Maidenhead

Develop your child's creativity and confidence with a range of dance and fitness classes from ages 21⁄2 to 19 years. Visit the website for details www.janedouglass.co.uk • info@janedouglass.co.uk

26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Recipe

Pesto Mini Muffins These savoury muffins are ideal for lunch boxes, picnics, parties and snacks. Lovely served warm or cold, they freeze well for up to 1 month.

Ingredients: for 24 mini muffins n 100g plain flour

n 125g wholewheat flour n 3 tsp baking powder

n 50g grated parmesan cheese n 2 tbsp pesto n 1 egg

n 200ml milk

n 50ml sunflower oil n pinch of salt

n 50g pine nuts

1. Preheat the oven to 200c/gas 6.

2. Mix together the flour, baking powder and grated cheese 3. Beat the pesto, egg, milk and oil together.

Pour into the dry ingredients, season. Mix well, don’t worry if there are any lumps in the mixture as they will even out during cooking.

BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL

4. Split the mixture evenly between 24 mini muffin cases or a greased 24 hole mini muffin tin. Scatter with the pine nuts and bake for 1015 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.

Cooking Classes Workshops Parties

5. Insert a metal skewer into the centre of a muffin to check if they’re cooked, if the skewer comes out clean the muffins are ready.

For children Real Cooking Classes for adults

6. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze immediately and use within 1 month.

01844 275692 01844 275692 ©Beverley Glock 2017 www.beverleyglock.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Extracted from Beverley’s book 200 Healthy Kids Meals published by Quarto.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

www.beverleyglock.com

Families Thames Valley East • 27

Parenting

How do we talk to our children when disaster strikes?

Psychoanalyst Dr Jane Goldberg specialises in family and relationships. A regular media commentator in the UK and US, she offers advice on how best to discuss the tragedies attracting media attention, with young children

W

atching the horror of London's Grenfell Tower fire on television, I was brought back to September 11, 2001. I was living in New York City when 9/11 happened. As a psychoanalyst, and a concerned mother, I thought deeply about how to communicate with my seven year old daughter about what was unfolding around her. I learned some good lessons that next week (and beyond) about what to say and what not to say about unexpected tragedy.

The first important decision I made was not to have the TV or radio on for the first week. I myself wanted to know everything that was going on, but I made myself wait until she had gone to bed. Children do not have the filters that adults have for selecting information. As adults, we can choose what we pay attention to, but for children, whose sensory/mental systems are still developing, the flow of

information can be overwhelming.

Of course, children talk to each other. So, the likelihood is they will learn something about the event unfolding, even if your initial impulse is to keep them blissfully unaware for a time. However, they talk in fragmented ways, without fully understanding the full consequences or meaning of events.

After hearing about the collapse of the buildings from another child in the playground, my daughter said "I'm not too upset because it wasn't my favourite building. My favourite building is the Empire State Building." This very shallow understanding needs to be respected.

Deep understanding evolves slowly in the human mind. It involves many brain/mind structures that aren't yet in full bloom, and cannot be rushed into development without a problematic kick-back.

It is therefore important to follow your

child’s lead. Stay aware of what your child is processing, which might mean asking more questions than you answer. You need to know what your child knows, to help him or her talk about what information has filtered through.

However, you also need to know what your child doesn't know, and even more importantly, what your child doesn't want to know. Children have the right not to know and this desire to ward off disturbing information is essential to their wellbeing. We cannot forcefeed our children facts nor feelings about tragedy. Equally, remember to respond with care and attention to your child's interest in knowing. Leaving your child in the dark when there is real interest can lead to distrust.

Think of providing information as like feeding your child. The child, not you, decides when he or she is full. The sensitive, caring parent respects the intelligence of the child to know when to receive information and when to shut it out. To deal smartly in these difficult times of tragedy, we, as parents, only need to listen and observe.

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28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Parenting

How to cope with toddler tantrums When your child is in the middle of a tantrum, it can be very hard to stop yourself from joining in! Every toddler will throw a tantrum at some stage of their life. But do not fear! There is a solution to the tantrum episodes and ways to prevent them from happening again.

guess what they're experiencing and ask them "are you sleepy?" or "are you sad because that's not your toy?" This gives them a chance to think about their feelings and eventually express them in a different way.

Compromise Tantrums in toddlers are often caused by a feeling of "no control".

Your toddler is desperate for a little control over their life, so try and keep the balance by giving them a choice within a choice. Instead of saying "you need to hold my hand when crossing roads", say, "would you like to hold mummy/daddy's hand or the pram when crossing the road?” That way they think they're getting a choice, but you're still getting the desired outcome.

Win-win!

Ignorance is bliss You should respond to a tantrum, but not react. When a child is in a full blown screaming tantrum, they have exploded with emotions, and there is no way of dragging them back to reality... yet. Ride the tantrum wave, and when they calm down (which they eventually always will!) then you can talk.

Nothing you say during the tantrum will help - if anything, it will make the situation worse.

Keep calm and breathe Even though you may want to lay next to your child and kick and scream alongside them, if you bite your tongue and remain authoritative rather than stressed, then your child will be more likely to calm quicker. Patience is needed, as children often throw tantrums because they see that as effective communication and know no other ways to communicate. It takes time and practice until they realise it is not!

Distraction A brilliant weapon in the parenting toolbox! Try and distract them before they descend into utter madness. Use humour to distract tricky situations, such as silly songs, laughing, or even tickles. Children have a pretty short attention span which proves useful when you need to distract!

Recognise the signs The good ole saying "prevention is better than cure" is apparent here.

Although we can't always predict what will cause a tantrum, we can try and avoid it a second time around, or be prepared for heightened emotions such as hunger and tiredness that can lead to a tantrum. Why not make a note of the cause of the tantrum and hopefully try and avoid it next time? familiesonline.co.uk

The "calm corner" Admittedly you may want to sit in this corner yourself when you think it's too much to handle, but it's for the little ones! If your child is having a meltdown at home, create a quiet corner such as the bottom step of the stairs, or the corner of the hallway. Whilst they are there, don't give them a lot of attention and make sure they don't have access to their favourite toys, books, or fun distractions - we don't need them wanting to return to the calm corner!

The limited words tantrum There's a lot of frustration with trying to communicate but only having a word bank of around 100 words. These tantrums can be helped with your assistance. Help your toddler explain and understand their feelings. Try to

Praise the good Reinforce and praise good behaviour. Try making a star chart, and if they hit a target of stars in the week, give a reward. This helps your child realise there is a certain type of behaviour that leads to great results, hopefully teaching them to avoid tantrums as no stars are awarded to screaming toddlers!

Tantrums aren't forever, but hopefully these tips will make them a little easier!

For more advice on tantrums, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

Exceptional care for your child

Do not give into ‘I want it all' style tantrums One of the most common tantrums in the book. If your toddler is having a strop because you’re not allowing them to steal a toy off another toddler, or because of the chocolate you refused to give them, or even the toy they aren't allowed to currently play with... do not give in! If you do, they catch on very quickly that throwing a tantrum means they get their own way, crafty little ones! It's hard to stay strong, but it will be worth the investment in the future.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Local Private Paediatrician

Clinics conveniently located in Chertsey Dr Sonali D’Cruz

MBBS FRCPCH BMI The Runnymede Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0RQ PA: Cathy Lewis 07729 677935 E: info@wellkids.co.uk www.wellkids.co.uk

Families Thames Valley East • 29

She Means Business...

Local mum Sophie Comas found that running her own business gave her the flexibility she was after in order to spend more time with her family. She talks to Families about how Rimu Marketing came about Who are you and where do you live?

My name is Sophie Comas, I live in Windsor with my husband and our two beautiful, but cheeky boys.

Tell us a bit about the business?

I am a Freelance Marketing Consultant, specialising in helping small/ medium size businesses connect with their ideal client, through using all assets in the marketing tool kit.

What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this?

I used to work in blue chip travel and leisure sector corporate marketing teams. I have had some amazing experiences, visited some great places and learnt a lot from some really inspirational people. I love marketing and the creativity that comes with it.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I set up Rimu Marketing in April 2014 after being made redundant from my corporate life.

We parted on good terms and I had been searching for my next challenge and this gave me the opportunity to go and find it.

It was after a conversation with a good

friend of mine, I was explaining the dilemmas I was facing with what to do next. A small business owner herself, she said that she would love some help with her marketing. It took some time for me to take the plunge and to finally set up the business, but I am so glad I did. I have met some truly inspirational small business owners and colleagues on my journey. I wanted flexibility to work around my family and most importantly to help small businesses to succeed. I now go to work happy that I am, for at least the majority of the time, able to see my children and be there to watch them grow up, and at the same time do something that I really enjoy.

What are your plans for the future?

The last 3 ½ years have been amazing, time really does fly when you are having fun. I have worked on some amazing projects with a variety of businesses across a diverse range of industries. I love working with clients on an ongoing basis to truly understand the challenges that they face and how they can over come them to connect with their ideal customer. The projects that we work on vary to include writing a marketing strategy; evolving or developing websites; content planning; design and deployment of email marketing; building social media strategies plus much more. I also really enjoy running my marketing workshops, where we get a group of small business owners together, focusing on one area of marketing. I love that light bulb moment when the business owner understands what they need to do and how it works! For me working with small businesses in these ways is really rewarding so I hope the future holds more of the same. I do have a

couple of other exciting projects on the horizon so watch this space!

What would your advice be to other business women?

The women in business community is very strong in this area, we are so lucky to be surrounded by very talented, collaborative and supportive ladies, without it I would be lost. My advice would be to be patient, do something that you are truly passionate about and things will happen if you want it badly enough. Above all enjoy the ride and use the support of the network around you to achieve your goals.

Good luck!

I would be delighted to speak to any inspirational business owner serious about connecting with their ideal client and who is keen to get their marketing to work more effectively for them. I offer a free 60-minute consultation for any new client, please visit www.rimumarketing.co.uk to get in touch and discover more.

We look forward to seeing your business flourish!

Do you need help driving your business forward?

Putting the customer at the heart of everything, Rimu Marketing can help you choose the right marketing solution to connect with your ideal client.

To arrange your FREE 60-minute consultation please: 07786 225893 sophie@rimumarketing.co.uk www.rimumarketing.co.uk

30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk 1

06/04/2017 15:50

...She Means Business Local mum Debbie Ware’s Funky Cookie Company was born out of a chance conversation at a toddler group. She talks to Families about how she turned her hobby into a successful business and her plans for the future Who are you and where do you live?

I’m Debbie Ware and I live in Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead with my Husband David, our two children - Sidney (11) & Elsie (7), Boris the German Shepherd and our cats Louis & Rigby.

Tell us a bit about the business?

The Funky Cookie Company makes hand decorated Sugar Cookies to order. The dough is made to our own recipe and we make individual cookies and platters of cookies as gifts, or for parties. We have made cookies for christenings, engagements and milestone birthdays and even gift cookies to celebrate climbing Snowdon! We also make gift boxes for Valentine, Easter, Christmas and Teacher Appreciation Cookies and you can buy our cookies in the Café at Norden Farm during school holidays.

What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this?

Most recently I was a childminder. Before having our son I worked in I.T sales. My most recent sales positions were selling Internet Security Software for two global companies (one here in Maidenhead- ironically!)

What inspired you to set up the business?

It was accidental really! In October 2105 I was making cookies as a hobby and working as a childminder when -at a toddler group- I happened to show a friend a reindeer cookie I had made in preparation for Christmas.

Another friend, Angela, overheard. She had a number of stalls booked at school Christmas fairs and said to me “you make them and I’ll sell them” So I did, and I couldn’t make them quick enough!

I then started making cookies for friends as gifts and party favours to order. (I will always be eternally grateful to everyone who supported me).

The whole experience was so encouraging that in January 2016 The Funky Cookie Company was born. My Artist friend Claudine designed my logo, I set up a Business

Facebook page and my hairdresser placed my very first order for baby shower cookies!

What are your plans for the future?

In the autumn we will be launching 4 new fun ways to enjoy cookies: Birthday Parties – The trials we ran were a huge success. There’s no need to buy party favours as the children take home the cookies they decorate.

Workshops - I have a waiting list of people who want to be taught how to decorate cookies. I just need to confirm the dates for both the daytime workshops and evening sessions.

Workplace Workshops - I recently went to a company in Beaconsfield and spent two hours running 25 minute workshops that employees could come to over their lunch break.

Girls’ Night In - Like the birthday party, but with wine! You provide the friends, wine & workspace and we’ll bring the baked cookies and everything you’ll need to decorate them to your chosen theme.

What would your advice be to other business women?

Just make a start. Whatever your idea is give it a go. Start small and take it from there. I’ve recently completed a STRIVE course run by the Grow Our Own team at RBWM and I’ve just graduated from Business Start Up Training.

I was already running by the time I started the 12 week course but you don’t have to be. The course provided me with support in marketing, pricing, company types, cash flow, trade marks, as well as how to make the most of social media and write a business plan. The best part is you get to meet people from your local area who are in the same position as you. Our Friday group still meet up to continue the good work we started with Enterprise cube.

For more information visit www.thefunkycookiecompany.co.uk

Classifieds

MADE TO ORDER SUGAR COOKIES DECORATED WITH ROYAL ICING CELEBRATE WITH A PLATTER OF COOKIES FOR YOUR PARTY, INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED AS A FAVOUR OR A GIFT HAVE A GO AT DECORATING YOUR OWN COOKIES WITH OUR GIRLS’ NIGHT IN AND CHILDREN’S PARTY PACKAGES OR BOOK ONE OF OUR COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOPS CONTACT DEBBIE - 07979 882522 - THEFUNKYCOOKIECOMPANY@YAHOO.COM - WWW.THEFUNKYCOOKIECOMPANY.CO.UK

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Families Thames Valley East • 31

Families Thames Valley East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.