Families Thames Valley East Sept-Oct 2011

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Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow Ascot - Slough - Egham

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533 362

Tel: 01628 828258 Email: montessorischool@aol.com School Lane, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3QY We are a very well-established Montessori Nursery set in a once Victorian primary school at the heart of the picturesque village of Littlewick Green.

Ages 12 months - 5 years After School & Holiday Club for children 1 to 8 years.

Operating a 43 and 48 week year Open 8am-6pm Full days or morning and afternoon sessions Covering the EYFS & Montessori curriculum Quality day care in a warm and friendly environment Football & Multi Sport coaching available for ages 3-5 Mouse Wizards (I.C.T.) for the 3-5 year olds Drama, Music & Movement Classes Free funded sessions for 3-5 year olds

CLUBS & CLASSES SPECIAL

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info

in this

issue 3 8 15 16 19 22 23 24 25 30 31 32 33 34

News & Info Clubs & Classes Special Health: Mothers’ Guilt School Matters School Open Days Halloween Games Fireworks Competitions and Reader Offer Time Out Eating Out Parenting: Separation Anxiety Ed’s Reading Room Bumps ‘n’ Babes: Weaning Mums Who Mean Business 35 Classifieds

Cover Credit: www.marksandspencer.com

t is my third year anniversary running Families and the time has really flown by. My eldest will be going in to Year 4 and my four-year-old twins are starting school for the first time. We have loads of great information on pages 16-17 about what to expect from our schools, coping with separation anxiety on page 31 and some good advice about starting secondary school on page 21.

Don’t forget our great clubs and classes directory where there are loads of different classes to choose from on pages 8 to 14. Please tell our advertisers that you saw them in Families!

We’ve also got some great readers’ offers, go to page 22 for a ‘Child goes Free’ to Odds Farm voucher and a four week free trial with Reading Eggs on page 20, plus more competitions and a readers offer on page 24.

The year long countdown to the 2012 Olympics started in the summer and I am really excited about living so near to an Olympic site. Having the canoeing and rowing on our doorstep will be fantastic and there will be lots of opportunities in the coming year for children and adults to get involved (even if you didn’t manage to get any actual tickets!).

Whatever you do, enjoy the new school year and we’ll see you in November with our Christmas issue.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY ANCER Research UK is looking for new fundraising groups, particularly in Marlow. They also want keen and enthusiastic people to join one of their existing fundraising groups, to continue raising money for vital research.

Their groups can do any event they like; almost anything can be a fundraiser, from simple coffee mornings and quizzes, to larger scale events such as balls, golf days and craft fairs. It is having an enthusiastic person that makes the most impact. If you are interested in supporting the charity please contact Jo McGuinness on either 01189 668 269 or email joanna.mcguinness@cancer.org.uk

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HELP FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE PO Box 3902, Maidenhead, SL60 1AD web: FamiliesTVEast.co.uk tel: 01628 627586 fax: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) e-mail: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,000 next issue: November/December 2011 featuring: Christmas due out: November 1 copy/advertising deadline: October 7

Telephone: 01628 627 586

ERKSHIRE East & South Bucks Women’s Aid is an award winning local charity, which supports victims of domestic abuse including children and infants. The charity is working in partnership with Slough SureStart and is currently offering a series of free, specialist support groups, including pre and postnatal support, Freedom Program, and baby and toddler groups for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse.

All their groups are focused on empowering women through knowledge and support and are delivered in a welcoming, informal and safe environment. For more information, please call 01753 549865 in confidence or email surestart@ebwomensaid.org.uk. www.ebwomensaid.org.uk

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News & Info

OLYMPICS 2012: YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AMILIES went to the launch of the Eton Dorney Ambassador programme at Dorney Lake. Olympic gold medallist and Chair of the World Junior Rowing Championships, Ben Hunt-Davis and Sky presenter and former Olympian Jacquie Beltrao were there to launch the programme.

It was held on July 27, which marked the year long countdown to the Olympic games next year. They are looking for 500 committed volunteers from Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to support the Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events taking place at Eton Dorney.

The programme needs volunteers aged 18 and over to support Olympic and Paralympic events taking place at Dorney Lake. They will be given training to NVQ level in spectator safety and will act as meeters and greeters at main spectator arrival points such as railway stations, park and ride sites and town centres.

Ben Hunt-Davis says volunteers are a key part of large sporting events. “At the Junior and World Rowing Championships we have 540 volunteers, we have already selected and trained them, many of them will also be back for the Olympics in 2012.”

“We have a good culture of volunteers in this country, lots of sports clubs are run by volunteers, the Guides and Brownies are run by volunteers. I would urge people interested in volunteering to give it a go, it can be incredibly rewarding.”

He is also excited about the long term impact of the Olympic games.

“We want the Olympics next year, whether it’s rowing, athletics or roller hockey, to inspire people to have a go, to challenge them to do things as well as they can.

“We have lots of Olympians and Paralympians visiting schools to inspire kids to try new sports and to get excited about the Olympics.

“The enduring legacy is something that can’t really be measured.

We’ll never really know how many children and adults will be inspired to do things differently whether it is to take up a new sport or just to perform better at home, school or work.”

To get involved in the Eton Dorney Ambassador Programme, go to www.windsor.gov.uk/2012/volunteering.

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Find

Thames Valley East on WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

“Staff ensure they have an exceptional knowledge and understanding of each child’s individual needs. This is achieved through the superior partnership with parents.”

8.30am to 4pm – 6 months to 8 years Pre Parent Infant and toddler sessions 01753 868399 / menik@windsor-montessori.com www.windsormontessori.co.uk HOME PARK, WINDSOR, SL4 6HX

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CHANGES AT LITTLEWICK GREEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

News & Info

ITTLEWICK Green Montessori School, which is located in the picturesque village of Littlewick Green, is now accepting younger children. It has lowered its admission age from 18 months to 12 months from September. They have also launched a new After School & Holiday Club which will also start this month.

The school is also welcoming a new manager, Esther Frain.

Esther is a qualified Montessori teacher and knows the school well as she previously worked as a Room Leader at the nursery until 2004. She then worked as the Manager of their sister school in Burnham until 2008. After that, she joined Smart Training (An Early Years Training Provider) as an assessor. Esther has successfully completed her Level Four in Early Years Management and is doing her Foundation Degree.

For more details, please call 01628 828258 or email: montessorischool@aol.com.

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LABEL4KIDS – FOR CASH HILDREN’S labelling company Labels4Kids is recruiting sales agents. In exchange for a small start-up cost, readers who refer friends and family to the company’s website can earn money back in commission.You get to show and explain products you like to others and make some money too.

Over the years Labels4Kids has been entered in and won numerous high profile awards, including Online Retailer of the Year in 2010.

As well as ordering kits through the website, customers can read blogs on numerous topics including the latest educational and parenting issues. On top of this they have also been nominated as finalist for the Online Retails Awards 2011. The winner will be announced this month. There is also a Labels4Kids Facebook page where news, discounts offers and news are posted.

For orders, go to www.labels4kids.com/fam. To ask about becoming an agent, email sales@labels4kids.com

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

AWARD NOMINATION FOR LOCAL BUSINESS ARLOW based Crafty Cooks has been shortlisted for a national mum and working award for franchisor of the year for their exceptionally family friendly work ethos.

You can ‘like’ the nomination on Facebook and show your support at www.mumandworking.co.uk/awards Founder and local Mum, Anna Oliver, set up the business back in 2007, so she could find a good work/mum balance. The pre-school cookery classes became so popular that when a friend from afar bemoaned her inability to find work that fits in with the children, Anna decided to license out the business and give other mums the same opportunity she had created. She now has 13 franchisees across the country.

To find out more go to www.craftycooks.co.uk

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News & Info PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY N the village of Stoke Poges, midway between Gerrards Cross and Slough, more than 200 pupils of the Orchard Academy of Dance & Theatre Arts are hard at work – preparing to mark the school’s 30th anniversary this November.

For the tenth time in their history, this talented Performing Arts School will be replacing the weekly ballet, tap and jazz classes with rehearsals for a fast-moving sequence of 40 routines entitled ‘THE TIME OF MY LIFE’.

The Orchard Academy started in 1981, when ex-professional dancer Jean Orchard began a keep-fit class offering a live alternative to Jane Fonda’s fitness videos for a handful of local Mums and their daughters.

Nine years later, when it was time for Jean to stage the Orchard Academy’s first show, the village hall in Iver was a more than adequate venue.

Fast forward 21 years and now the upcoming venue is a professional 600-seater auditorium – The Beck Theatre in Hayes.

What hasn’t changed, though, is the dedication put in by Jean – who still teaches the dance classes herself. With acting & singing classes added some years ago and the recent addition of Street Dance, this happy place of learning offers a comprehensive choice of tuition from Tuesdays to Saturdays in St. Andrew’s Church Centre in Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges.

Whilst new customers find the Orchard Academy mainly through personal recommendation from existing boys and girls, now the school is in its fourth decade, Jean finds herself also welcoming children (and even grandchildren) of former pupils to the school.

Pupils join at all ages, from three to 18 – with a select few going on to a career in show-business. Currently, Jean has two of her graduates dancing twice-nightly in 1,300-seater theatres on luxury cruise ships in exotic world-wide locations.

For more information see the school’s website www.OrchardAcademy.com or phone 01753 663484 for a FREE DVD showreel of the highlights of the last 30 years!

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10%unt discofees on

The Windsor Club Day Nursery & Crèche

at The Windsor Club Helston Lane, Windsor. SL4 5AP Independent Day Nursery from 3 months – 5 years Ofsted approved, grant funding available for 3 years+ We offer music, french, gym, ballet, cooking and ball skills as well as freshly prepared meals and a large enclosed garden.

A friendly and secure environment open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm

01753 855543

Little Red Hen Day Nurseries Ltd Grove Park

All about fun!

White Waltham

The ultimate experience in children’s entertainment

Nurturing, homely, calm yet stimulating and structured environment for children aged 3 months - 5 years.

for 2-13 years Interactive party games Hi-energy action rhymes Multi-coloured parachute Assault course Mini indoor football Limbo dancing Fairies and pirates dressing-up adventure Sweets, stickers and prizes galore!

Disco parties Going Home Presents

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Good quality healthy meals Dedicated sleep room Large garden Free sessions for 3-5 year olds All Childcare Vouchers accepted

For further information contact Maxine Tel: 020 8573 6288 Mob: 07814 605175 www.chuckleparties.co.uk

To book a visit or find out more call 07948 073118 www.littleredhendn.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

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News & Info NEW YOUTH CHOIR FOR MAIDENHEAD aidenhead Young Voices is a cool new choir for girls and boys between eight and 12 years. Their repertoire will cover many different styles that children like such as world music, show tunes, action songs and rounds.

Rehearsals will balance plenty of real achievement with lots of fun and will provide an all-round grounding in musical skills. No audition is required, every child is welcome.

The choir will offer opportunities to perform at great venues as well as benefits such as learning about teamwork, self-confidence, concentration and communication skills. They meet on Tuesdays at 6.00pm in central Maidenhead.

Please call Tina on 01628 633509 for more information.

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THE PERFECT BACK TO SCHOOL COAT olarn O. Pyret of Sweden have cracked the dilemma for parents everywhere this autumn.The coat solution that can handle warm, windy, raining, snowing and freezing.

How? Flexible, lightweight, high-tech layers that are waterproof, windproof and most importantly for active children … breathable The windproof, water resistant soft fleece jacket fixes into the shell jacket when winter weather arrives. The thumb-holes stop sleeves riding up … and kids just love these!

They cost from £35, whilst the water and windproof jackets cost from £59. They can also be used for ski-wear.

Polarn O. Pyret’s philosophy has not changed for over 35 years – children need clothes they can play in and parents need hard wearing coats that look good, feel good and will last all year from September through to summer showers.

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To get a 10% discount and FREE P&P online enter the code FMAW11. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

MAKE YOUR FACE FAMOUS he UK’s largest ever art project ‘Face Britain’ is being launched this September by The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts.

This unique project is open to all 5 million children and young people aged 4-16 years across the UK and gives them the opportunity to create self portraits and see their work displayed alongside that of Fearne Cotton, Amir Khan, Jeremy Irons, Quentin Blake and a host of other famous faces.

It will be officially launched on 14 September at the Imagination Gallery in London. Face Britain will be a Guinness World RecordsTM attempt for the most artists working on the same installation. The self-portraits can be uploaded onto the Face Britain online gallery, brought to life by PhotoBox, between September 2011 and March 2012 providing a unique snapshot of how the nation’s young people see themselves. It’s not a competition and there are no charges for submitting self portraits so any child can take part, regardless of ability or circumstance.

Portraits at all levels of skill and in any medium are acceptable, including drawing, textiles, 3D, painting, graphics and photography.

Face Britain aims to celebrate the nation’s children and future in the lead-up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Visit www.facebritain.org.uk for further details on how to register, to take part and to access a growing library of online teaching resources.

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Compiled by Leah Parr Taking part in after-school activities gives your child a chance to shine and have fun outside the classroom. Hobbies lead to new friends, they reveal hidden talents and develop skills that could become a real advantage one day. There really is plenty of variety to choose from and something to suit every type of child. Try our advertisers – they're here because they want you to know about them and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Clubs & Classes ACADEMIC TUITION FLEET TUTORS (One-to-one tuition in prep school entry, 11+, common entrance exams, SATS, and for dyslexia/remedial help). Location: pupil’s home.

0845 644 5452. www.fleet-tutors.co.uk HOWLAND TUTORS (Maths, English, 11+, Sats, GCSE, A-Level). Age: 5 -18+. Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 01628 477164. www.howlandtutors.co.uk 11+ PLUS ENTRANCE TEST TUITION, One to One tuition by female tutor, Assessments every 6 sessions to monitor progress, Term Time & Holiday sessions, Covering Slough, East Berkshire, South Bucks and surrounding areas, Contact Shirley on 01753 571225/07958 717582, elevenplus999@btinternet.com, www.elevenplus999.com ETON TUTORS 11+preparation, 1to1 tutoring, individualised courses, KS1, KS2 and KS3 tutoring, homework checking and correcting, beginners’ Arabic, English as a foreign language. Contact 07535 522755; www.etontutors.com; info@etontutors.com

AFTER SCHOOL CARE THE GAP CLUB has been running since 2002 and their reputation has developed through word of mouth.

Their AFTER school, BREAKFAST and HOLIDAY clubs are based in Berkshire and Surrey and operate all year round.They are an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ provider. For more info call 07854078728. www.thegapclub.com

ARCHAEOLOGY YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB (field trips, games, crafts). Age: 8-16. Location: Chertsey Museum.

Booking required. 01932 565764; www.chertseymuseum.org.uk

ARCHERY BERKSHIRE ARCHERY ASSOCIATION. Junior classes from 9 +. 07928 385 064. www.berkshirearchery.co.uk

ART AND 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 see www.amandasart.co.uk for further information.

IFASHIONDESIGN Design and create clothes and accessories at these weekly workshops for 8–14 yrs.

Courses held at Dr Challoner’s High School in Amersham, Beaconsfield School and Sir William Borlase’s School in Marlow on weekdays 6.00-7.30pm.

Parties, holiday courses and adult courses also available.

Call 07980 706574, email info@ifashiondesign.co.uk or visit www.ifashiondesign.co.uk.

CANDYFLOSS CERAMICS – PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY. Hand and footprints on pottery or in clay.

Available for adult evenings, corporate events, birthday

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parties, group bookings, schools, nurseries. Commission work for weddings and special occasions. Contact Tracy on: 01344 893819; tracy@candyflossceramics.com; www.candyflossceramics.com THE CREATION STATION Art and Craft Baby Discovery and Little Explorer Sessions in Term Time and School Holidays, Arty Parties and Arty Event Entertainment. Ages: 3 months-11 years.Wokingham, Bracknell, Lightwater, Sunningdale, Camberley and Windsor. 0844 854 9180. carly@thecreationstation.co.uk; www.thecreationstation.co.uk HANDS ON ART STUDIO (Adult and Children Art and Pottery Classes) Monday 4:30-6pm, Pottery course (ages 8-12), Tues 5-6pm, Gifted & Talented (ages 8-12), Wednesday 4:30-5:30pm, Art, (ages 4-7), Thursday 10-11am, Pre-School Art (age 3+), Thursday 2-3pm, Story Tiling (age 3+) Saturday 10-11:30am, Kids Club, (ages 7-12). Adult courses also available, see www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call 01753 206265 ALEKHYA ART CLASSES (small art classes for children taken by a trained artist). Catering for children of all ages. Location: Maidenhead. 01628 634418, shalinib@gmail.com Fun at the Farm with MESSY MONKEYS (art for accompanied children). Age: pre-school. Location: Maidenhead. Pre-book. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org

ATHLETICS British Athletics has lists of local clubs. See www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs MAIDENHEAD JUNIOR ATHLETICS CLUB (track and field sports). Ages: 7-15. Location: Braywick Park (summer) or Courthouse Junior School, Blenheim Road (October to March). www.maidenheadac.co.uk SUPERTRACK. Age: 5-14. Location:Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton, after school on Wednesdays. 01753 770037.

WINDSOR, SLOUGH, ETON AND HOUNSLOW ATHLETICS CLUB. Age: 11+.

Location: Pococks Lane, Eton, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm. 01753 686169. www.wseh.info

BABY DEVELOPMENT BABY COLLEGE (baby development classes). Ages: birth to 3. Locations: Esporta Health Club, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Mondays and Tuesdays. Pre-book.

07703 103783 . www.babycollege.co.uk, helen001@babycollege.co.uk

BABY MASSAGE THE MATERNITY NETWORK. Directory of local classes including Baby massage, yoga and recommended classes on chat forum. Bucks, Berks and Oxon. www.thematernitynetwork.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

BABIES BECALMED (baby massage and yoga combined course for 2-4 month babies; baby course for 4-10 month babies). Available for group bookings in your own home or venue. Contact Angela: www.babiesbecalmed.co.uk; babiesbecalmed@hotmail.com; 01628 660880

BABY SIGN LANGUAGE TINYTALK (baby signing classes for 0-18 month babies).

One term is 12 x 1 hour classes; cost £60 pre-booked.

For more info contact Elaine Dennis: www.tinytalk.co.uk; elained@tinytalk.co.uk; 07876 338925

BOARD GAMES MAIDENHEAD JUNIOR CHESS CLUB (play and tuition). Ages: 5-18. Saturdays 9.30am-11.15am term time at Ridgeway School, Maidenhead Thicket. Just turn up. £3.

01491 576052. nigelwdennis@btinternet.com.

COMPUTERS COMPUTER XPLORERS. Age: 3-13. Locations; various around Berkshire. 01344 440521.

COOKERY CAKE DECORATING COURSES – for adults (various days through the year) and children (during holidays). Alternatively adults and children can make group bookings at any time. Courses for adults last 3-4 hours, children’s courses 2 hours; 4-6 people per course.

Also offers private tuition and birthday parties in and around Windsor for an hour of cake decorating. Email njandrell@gmx.net or call 0779 956 3174.

CRAFTY COOKS (pre-school cookery club). Age: 21/2-5. Location: Marlow. Bookable termly. Franchise opportunities also available. 01628 476670. www.craftycooks.co.uk

CRICKET Lots of local cricket clubs have a junior section and coaching.

EGHAM CRICKET CLUB COLTS. Ages: from under 8s to under 15’s. Location, Egham, on Monday evenings. 01784 435762.

DANCE BLOSSOM BALLET (Pre school dance for 18 months-5 years) Classes in Windsor throughout the week and in Maidenhead on Tuesday mornings, and Bracknell on Thursday afternoons. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place info@blossomballet.com. 07813084283; www.blossomballet.com ELITE ACADEMY OF DANCE (ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street jazz, musical theatre, ballroom and Latin, wedding dances, private tuition, exam coaching). Ages: From 3 years, teenagers and adults, beginners to advanced in Maidenhead and at our studio in Beaconsfield. Free trial lesson. 01628 825028; www.eliteacademyofdance.co.uk

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HAWTHORNE SCHOOL OF DANCE (Classes in Ballet, Tap and Street Jazz). Classes in Windsor on Monday and Saturday afternoons, and Thursday afternoons in Bracknell. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place info@hawthorneschoolofdance.com.

07813 084283; www.hawthorneschoolofdance.com JG DANCE AND THEATRE COLLEGE – ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs in Caversham, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford, Tel: 01491 572000, www.jgdance.co.uk POPSTARS DANCE ACADEMY. Street Dance Classes for ages 4-11 featuring choreographed routines and dance techniques to current chart music and Popstar favourites – Street, Hip-Hop & Freestyle Dance. Workshops, Popstars' students receiving Dance Clubs, Corporate & Community Events with an array their end of term medals of dance props. Classes in, Iver & Maidenhead. To Book a FREE Trial – 01753 538525 Arwen@PopstarsAcademy.com www.PopstarsAcademy.com LOUISE PARKES SCHOOL OF DANCE. Ballet classes for children and adults; children from 3 years; Adults: beginners, returners and over 60’s.

Modern/Tap/Street for boys and girls from 6 years – teens. For information about daytime and evening classes contact Louise Parkes on 07785 774087; www.louiseparkesschoolofdance.com or email parkes.louise@gmail.com.

THE SUSAN HANDY SCHOOL OF DANCING (Cecchetti dancing school teaching ballet, tap, modern jazz and music and movement). Ages: 21/2 to 18+. Locations: Eton, Windsor, Datchet and Lyne.

Book termly 07515 270432.

ORCHARD ACADEMY OF DANCE AND THEATRE ARTS (L.I.S.T.D. Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre Dance, Street Dance, Musical Theatre Classes & Adult Tap). Pupils can join at any age from rising 3’s to early 20’s. St Andrew’s Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 01753 663484, email info@OrchardAcademy.com. www.OrchardAcademy.com.

BOLLYWOOD DANCE (classical dance mixed with a more contemporary style). Age: 6 +. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555. www.nordenfarm.org ELIZABETH FENTON SCHOOL OF DANCING (ballet, modern, tap, national and jazz).

Age: 3+. Location: Four Marlow Road, Maidenhead.

01628 625343.

KATHAK DANCE (classical dance of northern India). Ages: 4-18. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org.

NORDEN EXPOSURE YOUTH DANCE (contemporary dance). Age: Junior Norden Exposure, 9-14 years, Norden Exposure Academy, 15+. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org TWINKLE TOTS DANCE. No obligation trial sessions available from 12th-24th September 2011, Venues: Windsor, Sunningdale, Bracknell and Dorney, Classes: Twinkle Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 4-5) RAD Ballet ( Age 5 up). www.twinkletotsdance.com, Email: info@twinkletotsdance.com, Tel: Maggie 07828 857061

Telephone: 01628 627 586

FOOTBALL

Clubs & Classes

LITTLE KICKERS offers fun, football classes for 18 months to 7 year olds in a non-competitive environment. For Ascot, Langley, Windsor and Eton call 01993 851550 or email ehodgetts@littlekickers.co.uk. For Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley and Marlow call 01628 526584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk.

To enrol go to www.littlekickers.co.uk

GYMNASTICS/EXERCISE GYMTOTS (pre-school gymnastics). Age: walking to 3+, accompanied by adult. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, 10am Wednesday to Saturday.

07957 223124 GYMTOTS (advanced class). Age: 3-5 years, unaccompanied. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead at 3pm,Weds. 07957 223 124.

MAIDENHEAD GYMNASTICS CLUB Age: 4-14.

Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, after school and Saturdays. 07957 223 124.

SLOUGH GYMNASTICS CLUB. General Gymnastics for age 4-Adult. After school and Saturday classes, starting at £6 per hour. Gymlets “mini’s” and “mighty’s”. Pre-school Gymnastics for ages 2-3 and 3-4. Gymnastics for under 5’s, 45 min classes at £4.50.

Classes run term time and follow the British Gymnastics badge scheme and development program.

776/777 Buckingham Avenue, Slough; 01753 257588/ 07916 143594; www.sloughgymnastics.co.uk PHOENIX GYMNASTICS. Ages: teeny gym, 18 months to 3 years, mini gym, 3-5 years, bridging class, 5-7 years, recreational gym, 7+. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881. www.phoenixgym.co.uk LET’S GO MUMMY! A Fun New exercise class which allows mummy and baby to exercise together.

Suitable from 8 weeks to crawling. Location: Maidenhead. For info call Sarah 07938 588029 or visit www.gofigure.org.uk GO FIGURE offers a range of classes: Circuits, Pilates, Prenatal Pilates, Buggy Class, Pelvic Floor course, Tone and Shape. To find out more or to enroll for September visit www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah 07938 588029.

SIMA’S ACTION KIDS (fun fitness classes set to music). Age: walking to 5. Locations: Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead. 07956 993 439. www.simasactionkids.com

HOCKEY MAIDENHEAD HOCKEY CLUB. Age: 6-18.

Location: Maidenhead and Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. 01628 622669. www.maidenheadhc.org.uk

HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING COLTS AND FILLIES CLUB at Ascot Racecourse.

Free membership for racegoers under 16 who receive badge and 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. 0870 727 1234. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk WINDSOR HORSE RANGERS (voluntary organisation that teaches children about riding and looking after horses). They have a two year waiting list.

Age: 8+. Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield. 01628 636255. www.windsor-horse-rangers.org.uk

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Clubs & Classes ICE SKATING BRACKNELL ICE RINK (ice skating lessons).

Age: 5yrs+. Parent and toddler sessions on Fridays.

Location: John Nike Leisuresport Complex, John Nike Way, Bracknell. 01344 789 000. www.bracknellskislope.co.uk SLOUGH ICE ARENA (ice skating lessons). Age: under-5s; 6-16. Location: Montem Lane, Slough.

01753 894810.

LANGUAGES LITTLE LEARNERS’ SPANISH CLUB Learn Spanish and have fun! Toddlers, pre-school and primary. Paint, sand, song and fun. Call Gady on 07533 339160; www.totalspanish.co.uk DISCOVER DUTCH – fun activities, games and songs in Dutch for 2-8 yrs in Marlow, also private tuition, 07948 246 281, www.discoverdutch.co.uk

MARTIAL ARTS THE SAMURAI FITNESS GROUP. Children's Kickboxing. Ages: 4+ Locations: Cookham, Maidenhead, Tylers Green, Chalfont St Peter & Windsor. Call Matt Collins on 0207 3857547 or 07828 534817; www.TheSamuraiFitnessGroup.com

MUSIC KODÁLY MUSIC SCHOOL of Runnymede (kindermusik classes; tuition in violin, piano, flute, recorder and saxophone). Age: 2-18+. Locations: Various venues in Egham area. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/KMR MAD ACADEMY (Music-And-Dance with rhythms, songs, instruments, listening, games and birthday parties). Ages: 3 months to 4 years. Locations: Throughout the Families area. For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley and Charvil call Emma on 0118 979 2695 or email emma.lelliott@madacademy.com.

For Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale and Farnham Royal call Kate on 01753 830162 or email kate.lawrence@madacademy.com; www.madacademy.com HARTBEEPS AND BABYBEEPS – New original multi-sensory music classes using song play, lighting effects, innovative props and puppetry. From birth to 4-year-olds. Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead. Contact Liz at liz@hartbeeps.com or call 01628 639727 MONKEY MUSIC Music classes in Flackwell Heath, Beaconsfield, Amersham and Gerrards Cross. Ages 3 months to 4 years old. Call Elen on 01494 716861 or email amersham@monkeymusic.co.uk; www.monkeymusic.co.uk MUSIC MATTERS Not a franchise, Music Matters is a fun, active music group led by a qualified Kodaly music teacher. Ages: babies to 12 years. Location: Maidenhead, Wednesday a.m and Friday p.m. Also, 4 to 12 year olds in Maidenhead after school, Tuesdays. Booking required. First lesson free. 01628 622651. www.lynsmusicmatters.co.uk MUSIC WITH MUMMY classes are a brilliant way to have fun with your little one, encourage learning and make new friends. Ages 0-5 yrs.

Jolly Babies classes are designed for ages 0-12 months. To join in the fun contact: Alison for classes in Datchet, Langley and Iver 01753 540949; Jackie for classes in Windsor 01344 301954; Emma for classes in Maidenhead 07966 197035; Caroline for classes in Ascot 01753 850772

STEPPING NOTES MUSIC SCHOOL (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 MAIDENHEAD YOUNG VOICES (new choir for girls and boys aged 8-12 years). World music, showtunes, action songs and rounds . No audition required, every child welcome. The choir will offer opportunities to perform, as well as learning about teamwork, self-confidence, concentration and communication skills. Tuesdays at 6pm in central Maidenhead. Call Tina on 01628 633509 for info and booking.

TAPLOW CHOIRS (four choirs, for young children, boys and girls). Ages: 7-19. Location: Taplow village centre. Turn up on Saturday in term time for children’s and boy’s choir. Auditions for girls and youth. 07799 413 746. www.taplowchoirs.org.uk TEDDIES MUSIC CLUB – Live music, action songs, instruments and refreshments. Age 0-5. Drop in sessions no need to book. Locations: Maidenhead, Marlow, Twyford and Windsor. For Maidenhead, Marlow and Windsor call 01628 671146 or 639878; for Twyford call 01628 825315. For info see www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk JO JINGLES (music, movement, instruments).

Ages: from 3 months to 5 years, in different age bands. Locations: throughout the Families area, booking required. For classes in Maidenhead, Burnham, Twyford, Henley and Windsor call Andreas on 05603 258601; www.jojingles.co.uk/windsor. For classes in Marlow, Beaconsfield, Marlow and High Wycombe call Val on 01494 814174; www.jojingles.co.uk/beaconsfield. For classes in Winkfield Row, Bracknell & Forest Park call Jackie on 01344 484473; www.jojingles.com/ascot.

TABLA (the art of Indian Drumming). Age: none specified. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts. Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org

NATURE IVER NATURE STUDY CENTRE. Ages: 3-5 (pre-school nature play). Also, nature-based craft sessions for children aged 5-9 during the holidays.

01895 270730. www.ivernature.com BRAYWICK WILDLIFE WATCH GROUP (hands-on education in wildlife and the environment, run by the Royal Borough). Ages: 7-12. Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead.

01628 777440.

NETBALL MAIDENHEAD & DISTRICT JUNIOR NETBALL. Ages 7-14. Locations: Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot. 01628 633714.

ORIENTEERING BERKSHIRE ORIENTEERS (events held once a month from September to April at various locations) Ages: 3+ with an adult. 0118 934 5412. www.bko.org.uk

PERFORMING ARTS PERFORM (weekly dance, drama and singing workshops). Ages: 4-8. Perform Plus. Ages 8-12.

Locations: over 100 including Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Cookham Dean, Virginia Water and Warfield.

NEW CLASSES IN CAMBERLEY on Fridays at 4 & 5pm. Free trial session. 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk

REDROOFS THEATRE SCHOOL Full Time Performing Arts School from Year 6 to 6th form Part-time classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz Dance, Hip Hop and Street, Musical Theatre, Singing, Creative Drama and Script Workshops. Singing academy (ages 8-11 and 12-16), Toddlers Showtime (ages 2-4) Dress Up and Dance (ages 3-4), Dress Up and Act (ages 5-7), musical theatre (ages 4-14), Hip Hop and Street (5-7), Tap(5+), Modern Dance (5+), Ballet (5+), Creative Drama (7-16) Senior Filmmakers (10-16+), Senior Screen-Acting (12-16+). Adult classes available. Locations: Bath Road, Maidenhead and School Lane, Littlewick Green. Call 01628 674092 or email info@redroofs.co.uk; www.redroofs.co.uk STAGECOACH (singing, acting and dancing). Ages: 4-7 years and 7-16 years. Locations: the whole Families area. For Ascot call 0845 055 6369; Maidenhead 0118 950 0999; Bracknell 01344 798430; Bracknell Warfield 0845 055 6382; Henley 01628 634539; High Wycombe and Marlow 01494 849595; Staines 0845 055 6356 www.stagecoach.co.uk VOICE WORKS! (drama-based classes, with role playing, improvisation, games, public speaking, poetry, breathing/vocal exercises). Ages: 3-18. Location: Maidenhead. 0845 505 0122.

JAM THEATRE COMPANY. Professional theatre company offering training in acting, singing, dance and technical theatre for 7-18 year-olds in Marlow, 01628 487 773, www.jamtheatre.co.uk, info@jamtheatre.co.uk NORDEN LIGHTS YOUTH THEATRE. Age: Junior Norden Lights 6-9 yrs, Norden Lights 10-15 years and 16+ years. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org STAGE FEVER (dance and drama). Age: 4-6 years, 9.30-10.15am, 7-11years, 10.30am to 12 noon.

Location: The Function Room, The Moor, Cookham.

07901 995265. www.stagefever.co.uk

REMOTE CONTROL SLOUGH RC MODEL CLUB. Ages: all, but junior members must be accompanied by a club official.

Location: Upton Court Park, Slough. www.srcmc.co.uk

RUGBY For details of local rugby clubs see www.rfu.com which can do a postcode search.

RUGBY TOTS. Weekly play session for children aged between 2 and 7 years. Location: Maidenhead, Henley, Marlow and Windsor. Call 0845 313 3255; www.rugbytots.co.uk MAIDENHEAD RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB. Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground. Maidenhead. 07884 312 386.

SKIING / SNOWBOARDING BRACKNELL SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE (skiing lessons for 4+; snowboarding for 10+). Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell.

01344 789 002. www.nikegroup.co.uk

SWIMMING SERIOUSLY FUN SWIMMING SCHOOLS. Age: Swim Babies (4-36 months), Juniors (3-12 years), Academy (12+). Locations: Crowne Plaza, Marlow;Teikyo Japanese School,Wexham; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham;The Thames Club, Staines; Maplewood School, High Wycombe; Langley Manor School, Langley, Riverbourne Health Club, Chertsey. 0844 35 11 461. www.seriouslyfun.com

Play sessions for under-5s at the Phoenix Gymnastics Club Have fun in this fully equipped gym with your kids.

Sessions Monday: 10.30-11.30 Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 -10.30 & 11.00–12.00 Tuesday & Thursday: 1.00-2.00pm Cost just £3.50 per child (must be accompanied by adult)

Refreshments available Phoenix Gymnastics Club Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Maidenhead Road, Windsor Tel:01628 778881 www.phoenixgym.co.uk

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CANDYFLOSS CERAMICS

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY JUST DROP IN AND PAINT Birthday Parties, Hen Nights, Group Bookings For Schools, Nurseries, Brownies, Guides, Scouts Adult Evenings and Corporate Events, hand and footprints on pottery or in clay COMMISSION WORK FOR WEDDINGS OR SPECIAL OCCASIONS JUST GIVE US A CALL OR COME IN AND SEE US, WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP. 196 Fernbank Road, North Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8LA Tel: 01344 893819 Email: tracy@candyflossceramics.com www.candyflossceramics.com

BOOK NOW for advertising in our Christmas issue Due out November 1st editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Crafty Cooks

ORCHARD

Pre-school Cookery Club

Academy of Dance & Theatre Arts

Termly classes in Marlow

Est. 1981 – Principal: Jean Orchard L.I.S.T.D.

Bring your children along to this fun, safe and educational class for children aged 2.5yrs and above. Great for helping reluctant eaters. Classes are kept small and informal in a home environment to encourage even the shyest of children to have fun!

Franchise opportunities available.

www.craftycooks.co.uk 07789 408869/ 01628 476670

Telephone: 01628 627 586

L RO EN W! NO

2 NEW CLASSES for BOYS & GIRLS

Street Dance & Musical Theatre Ballet ~ Tap ~ Modern Theatre Dance ~ Adult Tap Classes Outstanding Exam Results and Spectacular Shows

01753 663484 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

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Clubs & Classes TENNIS DELGADO TENNIS (junior coaching lead by Paul Delgado, former England Junior player). Age 4-16 years.

Locations: St Piran’s School and the Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead; and Wycombe High. New term starts 5th September for Wycombe High, 6 week course with last week 10 October and bumper week 17 October. St Piran’s and Magnet Leisure; courses start 12 September for 12 weeks and bumper week 12 December (no half-term session). All 10 and

The Elizabeth Fenton School of Dancing The School holds children’s dance classes at Four Marlow Road, Maidenhead, with special Pre-School Ballet classes.

Older children can enjoy Ballet, Jazz, Modern, National and Tap classes.

All Teachers are R.A.D or I.S.T.D. Registered.

Enquiries Tel: 01628 625343

Little Samurai for children aged 4 to 6

Young Samurai for 7 to 12 year olds Martial arts classes that focus on the individual Classes with a maximum of 15 students Developing soft attributes such as confidence, concentration, leadership and the ability to socially integrate with self-protection and

anti-bullying skills

unders go indoors after half-term. See website for lesson times and bookings.

Call: 07818 052 206. www.delgadotennis.co.uk IVER HEATH LTC Junior coaching courses, tournaments, holiday activity camps, club night. 3 floodlit courts and mini-tennis court. Autumn junior courses start September 10th, for 12 weeks.

Call Mark to find out more, quoting ‘Families’ on 07954 993296; www.ihltc.co.uk MARLOW TENNIS ACADEMY. Ages: 5-16 years.

Location: Court Garden Leisure Complex, Marlow.

Indoor and outdoor tennis. LTA Licensed coaches.

Call: Richard Mole on 07929 292868; www.marlowtennisacademy.co.uk SLOUGH TENNIS CENTRE (group and individual lessons). Ages: 4-adult. Location: Salt Hill Park, Slough.

01753 875587.www.sloughleisure.co.uk WINDSOR LAWN TENNIS CLUB (junior coaching). Age: 4-18 years. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01753 830820. www.wltc.co.uk MAIDENHEAD LAWN TENNIS CLUB (junior coaching). Age 5-16. Location: 79 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead. Tel: 01494 766464; www.ndmtennis.co.uk

MUMMY AND BABY YOGA (safely rebuild core strength, stabilise lower back and pelvis, release upper back along with gentle yoga stretches and rhymes for babies) 6 weeks to crawling, classes in Burnham and Marlow. 07954 578 439. www.phenixyoga.com PREGNANCY YOGA (boost energy, ease stress, relieves aches and pains, cultivates breath awareness, prepare physically and emotionally to give birth) 13-42 weeks pregnant, classes in Burnham and Marlow. 07954 578 439. www.phenixyoga.com

CLASSES AT THE LEISURE CENTRES

BOURNE END JUNIOR SPORTS CLUB, New Road, Bourne End. 01628 528110. Badminton (12+), basketball (8+), canoeing (8+), climbing (6+), football (5+), judo (6+), inline hockey (under 13 – under 19), swimming (6+).

CHARTERS LEISURE CENTRE, Charters Road, Sunningdale. 01344 628686. Football (ages 5-7 years), trampolining, beginners and advanced (ages 6-14 years), gymnastics, netball (ages 8-14 years).

COURT GARDEN LEISURE CENTRE, Pound Lane, Marlow. 01628 405200. Trampolining (ages 3+, 6+, 8); swimming (4months +).

UNIFORMED EGHAM LEISURE CENTRE, Vicarage Road, To find your local GUIDES (ages 10-14 years), Egham. 01784 437695. Tiny Tots (soft play, BROWNIES (ages 7-10) and RAINBOWS (ages trampolining) for ages 6 months to 4 years); Toddlers 5-7 years), call 0800 169 5901. www.girlguiding.org.uk Tramp (trampolining for ages 3-4) and Toddlers Gym To find your local SCOUTS (ages 10-14 years), (games, singing and basic gymnastics for ages 3-4 CUBS (ages 8-10 years) and BEAVERS (ages 6-8 years); Trampolining (4-16+), gymnastics (4-10 years), years), call 0845 300 1818. www.scouts.org.uk junior gym course (12-15); Egham 5s Football ST JOHN BADGERS (first aid, arts and crafts, Coaching (4-10 years, boys and girls). games, run by St John Ambulance). Ages: 5-10 years.

EVREHAM SPORTS CENTRE, Swallow Street, Locations: various. St John Ambulance Cadets. Ages: Iver. 01753 672610. Trampolining (ages 5+); soccer 10-18. Locations: various. Berks 0118 933 5500; Bucks (5-8 years); badminton (13-17), supervised fitness 01296 744360. www.sja.org.uk (12-16), street dancing ( 8 – 14), gymnastics (3-8 THE BOYS BRIGADE and THE GIRLS years); table tennis (8-16years), Tai Chi (all ages).

BRIGADE (games, crafts, sport, music, holidays and LANGLEY LEISURE CENTRE, Parlaunt Road, Christian teaching): Ages: 5-18 years. 01442 231681 Langley. 0845 146 1781. SwimSkool (parents and (boys). boys-brigade.org.uk. 01235 510425 (girls). toddlers; lessons for ages 3+, unaccompanied). www.girlsb.org.uk MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE, Maidenhead.

THE SEA CADETS (fun, friendship and adventure 01628 685335. Boys soccer (4-10 years), with water-borne activities). Age: 10-18 years (junior trampolining (3+), mini tennis (4-10 years), section, 10-12 years). Locations: include Mill Lane badminton (8-12), netball (7-11 years).Basketball Taplow (01628 623089) and Stovell Road, Windsor (6-12 years). Swimming lessons (6 months +), (01753 860022). www.seacadets.ms-sc.org. roller disco (5+).

WATERSPORTS MONTEM LEISURE CENTRE, Fun on the LONGRIDGE Ceramics, climbing, Slough. 01753 894700. Football water at Longridge fencing, rowing, sailing, kayaking, bell (5-12), Swimskool (parent and boating and paddle sport, café, toddler or 3+ training rooms and new unaccompanied), accommodation. Age 6-106 years. trampolining (8+) and Location: Marlow. After school, gymnastics (3+). weekends and school holidays.

WINDSOR LEISURE 01628 483252.

CENTRE, Stovell Road, www.longridge-uk.org Windsor. 01753 778577.

BRAY LAKE WATERSPORTS Ballet (3-11 years), JUNIOR CLUB (windsurfing,dinghy trampolining (3-15 years), sailing and kayaking) Age 8+. 01628 football (5-12 years), short tennis 638860; www.braylake.com (5-11 v), Royals Netball Club (10-16), basketball (7-16 years), Junior YOGA AND MEDITATION Netball (6-10 years), gymnastics (3-10 years).

MOVE WITH ME, MONKEY! Toddler yoga-style movement, music & sensory: Wednesdays and Fridays Details correct at time of going to press: at Four Marlow Road, Maidenhead. Classes for 18 September 2011. months-4years. Baby yoga & sensory: 3 months to walking. Contact Liz on 01628 639727, You can view this directory online at info@movewithmemonkey.co.uk ; www.familietveast.co.uk/clubsandclasses www.movewithmemonkey.co.uk

GYMTOTS! PRE-SCHOOL GYMNASTICS

FUN + SAFE + CHALLENGING Classes for Children walking to 3 years plus.

Enjoy participating with your child in our safe indoor environment with its exciting up-to-date play equpment, based within the Altwood School, Maidenhead. Every day at 10am from Wednesday to Saturday. Our programme has been developed through more than 25 years’ experience with young children and their parents. Gymtots will enable your child to gain confidence by expanding their physical ability, coordination and social skills, with your involvement and under the guidance of our experienced staff. Our advanced class for 3 to 4 years plus, without parent participation, on Wednesdays at 3pm, is more structured and builds upon the earlier classes.

Telephone

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Clubs & Classes Parties ... Art Classes ...

Pottery Painting Kids & adults

Which adventure will you choose?

OPEN Tues-Sat 10am-5pm & evenings Old Windsor, SL4 2QQ T: 01753 206265 E: office@hands-onart.co.uk

www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk

Slough Gymnastics Club A British Gymnastics club providing: Opportunities to achieve in a happy, safe environment.

British Gymnastics badge scheme and development programs.

Classes for all ... age 2 - 102!!

See our moves online and come and visit our dedicated facility ... email: ros@sloughgymnastics.co.uk Tel 01753 257 588 Tel 07916 143594

Exciting live music for babies and children!

Drop in anytime to our friendly singing sessions A singer and musician will lead the group in a lively session with fresh, new songs from all around the world, old favourites too!

Watch your children’s confidence and musicality grow as they join in with action songs, knee-bouncers, dances, instruments and performance songs.

Free refreshments and time to chat after each session.

Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor Tel: 01628-671146 or 639878 Twyford Tel: 01628-825315 For further information visit www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Clubs & Classes News MULTI-SENSORY CLASSES FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS IN MAIDENHEAD Hartbeeps will be starting term-time classes in September, bringing its highly interactive and developmentally stimulating multi-sensory play and music sessions to Maidenhead. Classes will run on Wednesdays and Fridays during term time at Four Marlow Road in the centre of Maidenhead. Hartbeeps for walkers to 4 years will be at 9:45am on Fridays, Babybeeps for babies from sitting to walking will be at 11.15am on Wednesdays; both classes will be drop-in at £5 a session. To book or for info, email liz@hartbeeps.com or call 01628 639727. www.hartbeeps.com

PRE-SCHOOL PLACES AT PHOENIX GYM Phoenix Gym, in Windsor currently have spaces in their September classes for pre-school gymnastics, ages 18 months to three years and three to five years. Classes run every day, Monday to Friday. For more information about classes go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk or call 01628 778 881.

AWARD FOR LOCAL JO JINGLES FRANCHISEE Congratulations to Andreas Alkiviades, who won an award for ‘Outstanding Business Management’ at the annual Jo Jingles conference in June. He runs classes in Maidenhead, Burnham,Windsor,Twyford and Henley-on-Thames. Call 05603 258601 or email jojingleswam@btinternet.com for more details. www.jojingles.com/windsor

MONKEY MUSIC COMES TO FLACKWELL HEATH

STAMPEDE INTO THE JUNGLE WITH PERFORM Perform students will be exploring the jungle and having fun acting, singing and dancing each week.The classes are for four to eight year olds and they can try out the classes by attending a FREE trial session.There are classes in Tuesdays in Windsor,Wednesdays in Warfield,Thursdays in Marlow, Saturdays in Maidenhead, Eton and Virginia Water. A brand NEW school is opening in Camberley on Fridays. For more information call 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk

THE CREATION STATION LAUNCHES BABY CLASSES The Creation Station is launching a brand new Baby Discovery classes for three to 14 month olds. This unique programme is designed for the parent or carer and child to enjoy discovering creativity together. The classes support your baby’s learning and development with fun hands-on experiences that you can share together.You can create your baby’s first pieces of artwork and help your baby discover the world around them.

In September there will be classes in Sunningdale on a Monday morning, Lightwater on a Tuesday morning and Camberley on a Friday morning.

Bookings for September are now being taken for Baby Discovery and Little Explorers classes in Wokingham, Sunningdale, Lightwater, Windsor, Bracknell and Camberley.

For further information and to request a trial session contact Carly on 0844 854 9180 or email carly@thecreationstation.co.uk. www.thecreationstation.co.uk

Award winning Monkey Music classes have come to Flackwell Heath and bookings are now being taken for the Autumn term.

Monkey Music in South Bucks has grown at an incredible rate since Elen started her business three years ago. Until her children started primary school, Elen, a music graduate, sang full time in London’s West End in shows such as ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Her teacher, Tessa Spong, is also a professional singer and a music graduate. ‘We just love singing – and as mums and musicians, we thrive on seeing the development of little ones – both socially and musically’ said Elen.

Monkey Music won Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity in 2010 and was a finalist in the Baby and Toddler Development section (What’s on 4 Little Ones 2010) as voted by mums. Classes are small and age appropriate ranging from a baby class for the 12 weeks-1 year-olds (Rock’n Roll) to an advanced curriculum for the three to five year olds (Ding Dong).

To book your free class, please email amersham@monkeymusic.co.uk or call Elen on 01494 716861. www.monkeymusic.co.uk.

Blossom Ballet

For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy: 07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet Pre-school dance school for boys and girls aged 18 months - 5 years

Blossom Ballet and its syllabi were created specifically for babies, toddlers and young children. Blossom Ballet offers

a new way to learn through exciting movement classes derived from imaginative play. Inspirational pictures, props and instruments are used but most importantly, Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

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

Mini Street Dance (4-6 years) NEW in WIndsor Autumn Term begins 19th September

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Mothers’ guilt Hypnotherapist Abi Foss explores how getting rid of the guilt complex would help women get through the trials and tribulations of motherhood. othing prepares you for first time motherhood does it? There is a life BC (before child/children), and an utterly different kind of existence afterwards; one where you are never top priority anymore, where your life revolves around others’ scheduled needs: nap times, school times, meal times, milk times, bath times, bed times. Yes, you are now in service to the next generation. For the rest of your life, you will probably find something about your children to worry about, no matter what age they are. The word ‘mother’, it has been said, is not just a noun. It is a verb.

N

Fake it till you make it There is this crazy assumption that when motherhood hits, we will somehow, intuitively know what to do; it will all just flow naturally. The reality, I think, goes more like this: we hit the ground running, muddle through and do the best we can. And it is, as they say, just one thing after another. Once we have the routine and sleeping through the night thing nailed, then we have the joys of encouraging them to eat healthily, along with the Herculean challenges of boundary setting. After the umpteenth request to ‘please, do NOT leave your rollerskates at the bottom of the stairs,’ is it any wonder we start sounding like our own frustrated parents when we yell: ‘If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times... Why don’t you LISTEN??’ Or the classic one that makes me shudder when I imagine my neighbours overhearing it: ‘JUST PUT YOUR F***ING SHOES ON!’ Ooops.

Swearing at child. Guilty as charged,Your Honour. But can I claim mitigating circumstances? My son practices selective deafness, I was stressed out and we were horribly, horribly late.

Sigh. There goes another few quid in the ‘therapy for when he is older’ box.

Angels in training Mothers aren’t supposed to shout or be cross or tear their hair out or cry and scream with frustration, are we? Especially not in supermarkets. We’re supposed to be sweet and kind and giving and patient and perfect with angelic supplies of unconditional love. We’re not supposed to park them in front of CBeebies for the morning and go back to bed nursing a hangover. No. We must provide educational activities, bake cakes, rustle up fancy dress costumes, present a clean and tidy house, organise schooling, lay proper meals on the table and, often, hold down a job and even a marriage too.

But we can’t and we don’t. And then we feel guilty about it.

The best advice I ever heard about mothering went something like this: ‘Look, you have to accept that you are going to get it wrong. You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. It is the only way you learn. So the best thing you can do is just resolve to love your children as much as you possibly can.’ My rules are that I always apologise for my appalling behaviour and then tell my son I love him. Our biggest mothering mistake, really, is believing we shouldn’t be making any.

I have a little sign in my kitchen that reads: ‘mothers are angels in training’. Feeling guilty is how we punish ourselves for not reaching

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Health

impossibly high standards. I don’t know any mother who thinks she ticks all the ‘perfect mother’ boxes. Maybe we weren’t even designed to meet every single one of our children’s needs.

Tribal Heart There is an African saying that goes: ‘It takes a whole village to raise a baby.’ In her book ‘The Spirit of Intimacy’, Sobonfu Some, a woman from the Dagara tribe of West Africa, says that it is also true that it takes a whole village to keep parents sane. In fact, it was not until she was nearly six years old that she understood that she came out of one particular woman’s womb, that she did not biologically ‘belong’ to all of the women in her village.

We would do well to remember that one-to-one parenting is a pretty recent evolution in our species. Back in the day there would be aunties, sisters, cousins, neighbours and grandmothers all on hand for mass childcare duties.

Sobonfu insists that if a child has a problem that their parents can’t sort out, he or she needs to have other adults to turn to. If nothing else, there is a much better chance the child will actually listen to sage advice. Let’s face it: children just don’t like having to listen to their parents. (I mean, did you? I certainly didn’t. Dammit, of course my son doesn’t want to listen to me!)

Hang up your halo ‘Motherhood,’ Oprah once said, ‘is the hardest job in the world. Women everywhere must declare it so.’ In my opinion, it is also the most undervalued, the most rewarding and the most important job in the world too. Hey, we’re at the coalface of building the foundations – the veritable bedrock – of society here. Let’s hang up our halos and, through example, teach our children that we are all on a lifelong learning curve, that we are all lovable despite our imperfections. That, in itself, is a great education.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist who writes about all things holistic and spiritual. See: www.abifoss.co.uk

“Mothers are angels in training”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Education

School matters

By Elisabeth Dolton

Make sure you have chosen the right school for your child, with these simple ways to monitor the progress of the school and your child. o you have been through the dilemma of choosing the school, the application was accepted, your child’s place allocated, uniform bought and named, and they are now settling into their new school. Your job is done ... or maybe not.

Now it’s time to start thinking about how to monitor your child and the school’s progress. Are the teachers doing their best for your child? Did you choose the right school? But how do we keep an eye on things, simply and easily, without needing to join the PTA? Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you as parent will make for your child, therefore getting a clear and accurate sense of day-to-day life at the school is imperative. Unfortunately, it’s often easier to get information about a car or household appliance than a school, so an easy first step is to look at published information, readily available about every

S

Basic facts for every school • Number of applications • Number of pupils • Test & exam results • Attendance levels

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school. Once a year, look at these figures for your school, and see what’s changed.

If an area has worsened, ask your child’s teacher why, and what is being done about it? Your aim here is check that the school is aware of these issues, and has good steps to tackle them.

Seek evidence that what is planned is being put into place, and, more importantly, that these actions are making a difference to the education of the pupils.

However, school is not just about learning and passing exams. There are a whole range of good things about being at school like building a good group of friends, exploring new activities, learning to get on with people of all backgrounds, going on school trips, so it is important to monitor other factors. The ethos and culture of a school will tell you a lot about what it is trying to achieve.

www.johnlewis.com

• Ofsted & Independent school reports • Reported incidents of poor behaviour • Number of exclusions imposed

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Education school work, check out their marks and teacher comments. You will be able to gauge a lot about what level they are at.

Ask teachers to show you examples of successful work, compare it to your child’s work, and listen to their comments about where your child can improve. If necessary, make a plan with the teacher on how you can work together to help those improvements.

As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s academic achievement. By taking steps to monitor the school and track progress helps you know the school is the right one for your child, and helps your child get the best out of this amazing time.

www.clothingattesco.com

Off the shelf reports – Inspection of schools Consider the learning environment – do they post artwork on the walls, have carpet in the classrooms, provide easy access to books?

Check out the school’s own development and performance targets.

These are all good indicators on how the school is progressing.

the person most Do keep in responsible for the mind that even the quality of the teaching, best teachers and the atmosphere, and students have bad whether your child will be looking forward to moments, so allow going to that building yourself enough time to every day. Ask them get a fair picture of what the school’s what’s going on in strengths and the classroom weaknesses are, the

Of course the best way to check that the school is right for your child is to ask the people who work there. Regular meetings with teachers are an effective way to monitor your child’s progress. Ask for information on your child’s performance, results and overall observations. Take a morning off work, once a year, and attend a class if that is possible. Check out pupils’ behaviour and how it is dealt with. Book a short appointment with the Head teacher. S/he is

Telephone: 01628 627 586

school’s priorities this year, and ask yourself ‘would I hire this person to work in my office?’ These will all give you a sense of whether or not the school is delivering its best for your child.

Finally, the most important thing to ask is ‘does my son/daughter appear to be content at school?’ If the answer is yes, then they are likely to be learning which is pretty good. Ask them about their day – what did you do in Maths today? Be specific in what you ask them and vary your topic, PE the next time, English the next. Ask your children to show you their

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulate and inspect all local authority schools and independent schools that are not members of the Association of the Independent Schools Council.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and School Inspection Service (SIS) inspect schools who are members of the Associations of the Independent Schools Council. The Bridge Schools Inspectorate inspects schools belonging to the Christian Schools’ Trust and the Association of Muslim Schools throughout England.

All publish their reports on their websites.

Relevant websites www.ofsted.gov.uk www.schoolinspectionservice.co.uk www.ISI.net www.bridgeschoolsinspectorate.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Education News NEW HEAD FOR HERRIES Herries School in Cookham Dean has appointed a new headmistress, Ms Sophie Green, who previously was Director of Studies and a key member of the senior management at St George’s School, Windsor Castle, for eight years.

Ms Green says, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Headmistress of Herries Preparatory School. I have been working closely with my predecessor over the last few months to ensure that the transition has been smooth and successful. I have met with staff, teachers and, of course, pupils on my many visits and have received a very warm welcome from everyone.”

Herries Preparatory School is a traditional prep school which provides a forward looking, nurturing environment for all pupils and Ms Green plans to further its great reputation.

JOLLY PHONICS AT HOME bout four in ten children leave primary school well below the expected reading standard and therefore struggle once they get to secondary school.They may have had difficulties with reading because they were taught to memorize words in a ‘whole word’ approach, which meant they were left unable to ‘decode’ unfamiliar words, as they lacked letter sound knowledge. At the end of the first year of using Jolly Phonics, children’s reading age is typically a year ahead of their peers.

The ‘My Jolly Phonics’ home kit is suitable for children aged 3-7.

Parents often want to support their child in learning how to read and write, but may not know how.

The multisensory resources in the home kit engage the child, and require minimum adult supervision, so parents can support their child’s learning of reading and writing at home without replacing the teaching at school. Clear guidance is also included for parents, to help them understand which skills their children are learning and how they can assist them.

Families were given the kit to try at home. My twins, aged four, loved it. The packaging is really bright and appealing and the work books and supplementary CD and DVD helped them understand

A

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“An already flourishing Herries has been led forward by my predecessor, bringing it to a very strong position indeed. It is from this point that I plan to build on and embellish the academic achievements of the pupils. Furthermore, I am a firm believer in the holistic approach to education of all IAPS schools and I look forward to further developing the extra-curricular programme.”

If you would like to find out more about Herries please come and visit the school.

You will have the opportunity to experience their educational ethos and to meet pupils, staff, the new head and Meg, her black Labrador puppy, who is already well on her way to becoming the new school mascot. For School Open Days, see next page. www.herries.org.uk. 01628 483350. the work they were doing. I think it will definitely help them when they get to school and will help further their learning whilst they are at school. Although it is costly, if you have more than one child that can use the kit, it is well worth buying.

The home kit includes a set of seven colourful, fun Activity Books, a Games CD, a DVD, a Letter Sound Poster, Jolly Stories book and Jolly Songs which can be played in the car, a FREE carry case and pencils. The cost of the kit is £99.99. www.jollylearning.co.uk

PEER EDUCATORS FOR LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS upils from seven of Berkshire’s secondary schools have been trained to be peer educators to raise awareness about drugs, alcohol and sexual health amongst younger pupils at their respective schools.

Around 20 Year 11 pupils from Altwood, Furze Platt, Newlands, Cox Green, Charters, Windsor Boys’ and Windsor Girls’ have undertaken a four-day training course to teach them how to provide sessions to their peers in Years 8 and 9.

The training started in the summer and consisted of four days of drugs, alcohol and sexual health education, how to be a peer educator, what it involves and how to devise a workshop session to deliver in their school.

During this autumn term, the peers will provide education sessions to pupils in Years 8 and 9. These sessions could be in the form of a ‘drop in’ or as part of a Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lesson. The peers lead the session with support from T2’s young people’s project worker who will help them deal with any difficult questions or classroom issues. It is hoped that pupils will feel more comfortable discussing difficult issues with their contemporaries.

T2 is the borough’s drug and alcohol treatment service offering advice, information and treatment for those with substance misuse issues and their family and friends.

You can contact T2 on 01628 683260 or email T2@turning-point.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Schools’ Noticeboard

Open Days

Independent School Open Days CLAIRES COURT SCHOOLS, Maidenhead.

Independent Day Schools for boys and girls.

Ridgeway boys 4-11years, Maidenhead Thicket; Claires Court boys 11 – 16 years, Ray Mill Road East; The College, (co-ed nursery – 3-5 years, girls – 4-16 years, and co-ed sixth form – 16-18 years) 1 College Avenue. OPEN MORNINGS at ALL SITES Tuesday 11 October, Wednesday 9 November, 9.30am-12noon (nursery from 9.30am-11.30am). SENIOR BOYS’ OPEN EVENING at Claires Court, Wednesday 9 November. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 01628 411472; www.clairescourt.com.

THE ABBEY SCHOOL, Kendrick Road, Reading.

Independent day school for girls aged 3-18 years.

Junior School and Early Years OPEN MORNING Friday 30 September. 9.15am-11.00am. 0118 987 2256; www.theabbey.co.uk ETON END PREPARATORY DAY SCHOOL, 35 Eton Road, Datchet. Boys aged 3-7yrs and girls aged 3-11yrs. OPEN DAY, Friday 30 September.

9.00am-2.30pm. 01753 541075; www.etonend.org.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

HERRIES SCHOOL, Dean Lan e, Cookham Dean.

Co-ed preparatory school and nur sery, 3-11 years.

OPEN MORNINGS Wednesda y 28 September, Wednesday 19 October, 9.30am11.00am. STAY AND PLAY SESSIONS for und er-4s and parents/carer, Monday 19 Septem ber, Monday 3 October, Monday 17 October, 9.30am to 11.00am.

01628 483350; www.herries.org.u k HIGHFIELD SCHOOL, West Road, Maidenhead.

Independent day school for girls, aged 2½-11yrs.

OPEN DAY Friday 23 Septem ber, 9.30am to 11.30am. Friday 14 October, 9.30 am to 11.30am.

Saturday 15 October, 10.00am to 12 noon.

01628 624918; www.highfield.berks.s ch.uk.

MEADOWBROOK MONTESS ORI SCHOOL, Warfield, Bracknell, co-ed 5-12yrs.

01344 890 869.

OPEN DAY Saturday 15 Octob er, 10.30am; www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Please ring the school to check that the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Education An Eggcellent Way To Learn To Read Reading Eggs is a revolutionary product from Australian educational publisher Blake Publishing designed to get children reading by combining the best elements online and book learning in one easy to use process. The program has been running in Australia for three years and due to its huge success it has now been adapted for the UK market, specifically incorporating synthetic phonics.

The importance of synthetic phonics •

Synthetic phonics is a method of teaching reading which first teaches the letter sounds and then builds up to blending these sounds together to achieve full pronunciation of whole words e.g. “s-t-r-ee-t” • Children who learn using synthetic phonics are able to try new words working from sound alone without needing prior knowledge of families of words • Research has shown that children learning to read using synthetic phonics have developed skills and progressed to a higher level faster than those without • The use of synthetic phonics in teaching has been supported by the British government ETON TUTORS and has not only been added to the national curriculum but a funding scheme has also “The direction in which education starts a been developed where schools can claim up to £3,000 for an effective phonics man will determine his future life – Plato” programme.

Services include: 11+ Preparation, 1 to 1 Tutoring, KS1,KS2 and KS3, checking homework, beginners Arabic and learning English as a foreign language.

Work with children with learning difficulties Ages 5-14

Tel: 07535522755 Web: www.etontutors.com Email: info@etontutors.com

Where Reading Eggs came from …

For two years a team of Australian educators, programmers and animators worked to turn learning the basics of reading into a fun journey through a highly interactive digital world that engages children on many levels.

Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading. Children from 3 to 7 years of age or older children struggling with reading will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs program.

Sara Leman, Blake Publishing’s literacy expert says: “Parents are often keen to get involved in their child’s learning but can find it difficult to know how to help. Reading Eggs is designed to reward children for their efforts to thereby maintaining the motivation to learn.

It also allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe, familiar environment. The games are great fun and children love the stickers and e-toys they collect as their learning progresses. There’s never been anything quite like it.

“The trick is to make the necessary repetition fun, so it’s driven by the child who wants to learn. Parental involvement is also important. Family support is a crucial factor in helping young children to become fluent readers.”

What parents and teachers think about Reading Eggs The testimonial page on the Reading Eggs website is full of parents, teachers and carers who have seen first hand the effect the programme has had on their children’s reading ability. Parents such as Arthur who commented: “Reading Eggs is incredible!! My daughter can’t get enough of the activities, she enjoys them so much. We had to turn the computer off because she was getting tired. In just THREE days she started reading the most basic of words. Thank you so much, Reading Eggs.”

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Moving to Secondary School Easily

By Sue Atkins Children are about to move onto secondary schools.

Perhaps your child is one of them. This is a time of great change for a child and for the family as a whole as this transition is a time of growth, learning and independence. Children naturally have mixed feelings about this change.

“I was scared that I might not make any friends and that I’d get bullied, though I was excited too because it was such a big step in my life.”

Chris, aged 11 Children worry about getting lost, as the school is much bigger and looks like a maze of endless corridors with thousands of people, or they worry about not fitting in, or having the mickey taken out of them if they don’t like sport, or football.They worry about their physical appearance, their spelling, their journey – the list is endless.

Try asking your child these 3 questions: What is the best thing about your new school?

What will you miss most about your old school?

What is the scariest thing about your new school?

Talking through issues and concerns with your child builds their confidence and gives them support in coping with the practical and emotional worries they may be experiencing.

Many larger schools have their own web-sites, and many of the questions that come up can be found on them.You can find out about school trips, sports fixtures, homework expectations, and the choice of clubs on offer, which can all help alleviate the uncertainty.

As moving schools can be a stressful time, don’t be surprised if your child loses their temper or gets irritable more often. They may start to argue with you over trivial things like their school uniform, packed lunch or pencil case. Remember, as a parent, to keep your mind on the bigger picture of supporting your child through these changes and be patient with them.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Education

Top Tips for Kids 1. Make sure you are organised – then life for everyone is much easier.

2. Never be afraid to ask for help, or talk to someone you trust, like your mum or dad, or tutor.

3. Always make the first effort to make new friends – it helps you move through change easier, as everyone is in the same boat.

4. First impressions last a long time, so make sure yours are good ones – for organisation, presentation and behaviour! This is your chance to make a fresh start – embrace it and make the most of all the new opportunities.Try out clubs and activities. You will make new friends. Feel the fear – and do it anyway!

5. Make notes and write down anything you need to remember.

6. Behave in a way that won’t get you noticed too quickly.

7. Find out the layout of the school, and learn where your classrooms are (and the toilets!)

8. Find out your time table, and remember it! Find out what time you need to be at school, and what time you need to go home!

9. Find out what uniform you need, and what to bring in or wear for sport.

10. And finally ... find out where the drinks and sweet machines are (get your priorities right!)

Remember, secondary school isn’t a ‘wild jungle’, more like a ‘human zoo’, with lots of interesting animals.The zoo keepers are there to help you – not just to contain you. As parents it’s important to see this experience as something positive – if you are upbeat, so are your children.

Remember Positive Parents = Confident Kids!

To receive Sue’s free ebooks bursting with practical tips and helpful advice from toddler to teen log onto www.thesueatkins.com and download them today.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Halloween Games Halloween is always really popular with kids (and adults too).

The nights are drawing in and Christmas is still a long way off, why not host a Halloween party? The Families editors have come up with some great ideas for spooky entertainment.

Firm Favourite “The best game for a party is ‘Make a Mummy’. First pop into your local pound store or anywhere else that you can buy cheap toilet rolls, you will need at least one roll per person.

“At the party, split the guests into teams and allocate one person from each team to be the Mummy.

The rest of the team has to wrap the Mummy in toilet paper from head to foot, as quickly as possible (set a time limit of two minutes).The team with the best wrapped mummy is the winner.

“This is great fun as everyone gets into a muddle unwrapping the rolls and the kids just love making the Mummy look silly.”

Spooky Tunes “Why not play musical statues or bumps to some spooky tunes, Ghostbusters, Ghost Town,Thriller, Meet the Munsters or the Monster Mash!”

Games With A Twist “We have changed traditional party games to have a Halloween theme. For example, you could play Pin the Tail on the Witch’s Cat.”

Traditional Games “When we were children we always played three games at Halloween. The first is ‘Apples on Strings’ instead of bobbing apples in water. The apples are threaded onto a string and tied to the top of a doorframe and you have to try and eat the apple without holding it (you can also play this game with ring donuts).”

“The second was a memory game. The children are shown items on a tray that they have to memorise. During each round of the game an item is removed and the children have to work out which item is missing.”

“The third (and a big hit) was a taste test. You have a large plate with tiny tastes of edible items on it, each is numbered from perhaps 1 to 20. Then a party guest is blindfolded and has to choose a number. A taste of that item is then put on their tongue and they have to guess what it is. You can use jam, marmite, toothpaste, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, pickle, etc. The big thrill is when someone gets something horrible to taste!”

Get Creative “Have a pumpkin carving competition. If you are worried about safety, get the pumpkin carving kits that are child-friendly, or get the kids to decorate cut out pumpkin shapes.”

“This a quiet activity to do if things are starting to get too loud. Give each child a thin strawberry shoelace and a bowl of Cheerios and get the kids to thread them on to make edible necklaces or bracelets.”

There are also lots of ghostly events and fun things to do locally; go to page 29 to find out more.

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Fireworks

Guy Fawkes Night is one of Families’ favourite nights of the year. A great selection of events is taking place locally. Start planning where to catch some impressive fireworks this year and see in Bonfire Night with a bang. REMEMBER TO MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY, go to www.direct.gov.uk/fireworks for good safety advice.

Saturday and Sunday October 22 and 23, Friday October 28 to Sunday October 30, plus Saturday November 5.

SCOOBY-DOO FIREWORKS – THE CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER at Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, Windsor. 9.30am-7pm. Help Scooby-Doo and the Gang as they search for clues.

Follow the trail and discover the legend of the Lake Monster. Lots of spooky activities during the day, fireworks in the evening. 0871 2222001; legoland.co.uk.

Saturday October 29. UNITED HOUSE GROUP DAY AND FIREWORK SPECTACULAR at Ascot Racecourse.

Gates open at 10.45 for the racing day (racegoers get free entry to the fireworks), last race 5.30pm, fireworks start at 6.30pm. Last admission and any re-admission advised before 4pm. With fairground rides open all day.

0870 727 1234; ascot.co.uk or ascotfireworks.org.uk.

Saturday November 5. FIREWORKS AND FUN at the Maidenhead United football ground, York Road, Maidenhead.

In aid of the Link Foundation. Fireworks, fun fair, tombola, hot food and mulled wine. Gates open at 5.30pm, display at 7pm. 01628 860325; linkfoundation.co.uk.

Saturday November 5. ANNUAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Boyne Hill Cricket Club, Boyne Grove, Highway Road, Maidenhead. With Carters Steam

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Fair from 2pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. 01628 624137; boynehillcc.co.uk.

Saturday November 5. COOKHAM SCOUTS BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Formosa Meadow, Mill Lane, Cookham. Gates open at 5.30pm, Bonfire Lighting at 6.30pm, fireworks shortly after at 7pm. Mulled Wine and refreshments for sale. Tickets: from Countrystores, Village Hardware and Hillcrest Stores. For more info, visit www.cookham.com.

Saturday November 5 (TBC). MARLOW BOTTOM FIREWORKS at Burford School, Marlow Bottom. Gates open at 5.30pm.

With fairground rides, hot food and mulled wine. Tickets (family: £20, under 4s free) in advance from Marlow Tourist Information, Burford School or call 0845 3886475; marlowbottomfireworks.com.

Saturday November 5. SLOUGH BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR in Upton Court Park, Upton Court Road, Slough. Gates open at 5.30pm. Bonfire and fireworks display, fun fair, food stalls, free parking. Buy tickets at MyCouncil offices, local libraries or the Town Hall. In advance: adults £4.50, children £2.50, family £12. On the night: £6/£4, no family tickets. Under 4s free. Slough.gov.uk.

Saturday November 5. FIREWORKS AND END OF SEASON PARTY at Longridge, Quarry Wood Road, Marlow. Doors open at 5.30pm, display at 7.15pm. Tickets available from Longridge, Marlow Tourist

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Office and via www.longridge-uk.org; 01628 483252.

Saturday November 5. FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Burnham Football Club, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham. Gates open at 6pm. Fireworks, BBQ and bar.

01628 668654.

Saturday November 5. BEACONSFIELD FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE SPECTACULAR at the Beaconsfield Cricket Club, at the end of the Old Town near J2 of the M40. Held by Beaconsfield Round Table. Gates open at 6pm, bonfire lit 7.10pm, fireworks 7.45pm. Tickets at the gate: adults £5, children £4, family £15.

07964 887286; beaconsfieldfireworks.co.uk.

Saturday November 5. FIREWORKS FIESTA at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. Organised by the Loddon Valley Lions Club. Gates open at 5.30pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. 0845 833 7494; 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Great

24

reader offers

WIN tickets for all the family to see Joseph at High Wycombe

WIN a Family Life Book from Organised Mum

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in the 1960s, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the ultimate feel good musical. It’s a colourful retelling of the Biblical story about Joseph and his eleven brothers with a score full of fantastic songs that will stay in your head for days. This performance stars Keith Jack, one of the finalists from the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, in the title role. The show has been touring and enjoyed sensational reviews with standing ovations at every performance, and it’s sure to be enjoyed by all the family.

We have two family tickets (four people) to give away to the 7.30pm show on Tuesday 27 September.

TO ENTER just visit www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

Closing date September 21. Winners will be notified and their tickets left for collection at the box office on the night.

Joseph is at The Wycombe Swan from 27 September to 1October, to book call 01494 512000 or visit www.wycombeswan.co.uk.

Organised Mum’s 2012 Family Life Book is the perfect diary to help busy mums keep up to speed in the new school year.

With a diary column for each family member, the Family Life Book starts this September and lasts for 16 months.

It incorporates a number of innovative features to keep you organised, including tear-out shopping lists and stickers to highlight important events, plus plenty of space for diary entries, meal plans and budgets. As well as a handy pocket for paperwork, the Family Life Book also comes with a separate address book that can be moved to next year’s diary and closes with an elastic bandeau to keep everything neatly together when you’re out and about.

We have five fantastic Life Books to give away. TO ENTER just visit www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

Closing date October 1.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Reader Offer for Ascot Racecourse – £7 off Adult Tickets for all Family Racedays in 2011 This special offer will entitle you to £7 off adult tickets for all Family Racedays in 2011.

The tickets must be booked in advance. To claim the discount, readers can call 0870 727 1234 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday or visit www.ascot.co.uk 24/7 quoting FAMILIESTV* Family racing highlights include United House Group Day with a spectacular fireworks display afterwards on Saturday October 29, and the Christmas meeting on Saturday December 17, where you can meet Father Christmas and sing carols. *A maximum of 9 tickets per order. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Available from www.organisedmum.co.uk for £13.49 or call 0845 644 7507 for a brochure.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Time Out

Slough Canal Festival, Bloom Park, Langley.

September 10-11

Saturday September 3. MEDIAEVAL FAYRE at St Laurence’s Church, Upton Court Road, Slough.

10.30am-4pm. The church’s 29th Mediaeval Fayre.

Market, tombolas, gifts, homemade preserves, refreshments and lots more.Visit 12th century church, with interesting and famous graves, including Sir William Herschel’s. 01753 532425; saint-laurence.com.

Saturday September 3. NUMBERJACKS at the Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading. 11am and 2pm. Join the Numberjacks on their first ever live adventure. Fun, comedy, music and excitement for all ages.Tickets: adults £12, under 16s £10, family £36. 0118 9606060; readingarts.com.

Saturday September 3 and Sunday September 4.

SINGING STEAM TRAINS on the Wallingford and Cholsey Steam Railway, during Wallingford’s Bunkfest held at various locations in Wallingford, including Wallingford Station in Hithercroft Road.Trains from 11am-4pm.

01491 835067; cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.

Tuesday September 6 to Saturday September 10.

THE WIZARD OF OZ by Stage One Youth Theatre in the Desborough Suite,Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead.

Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2.30pm.Tickets: £11 and £13. 01628 637160; stageoneyouth.com.

Wednesday September 7 and Thursday September 8. SPECIAL TODDLER DAYS at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell.

10am-4pm. Arts and crafts activities, storytelling, face or hand painting, plus entry to the science exhibition.Theme: Planets and Stars. Cost: £6.20 per parent and toddler, £1.40 additional toddler. 01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Saturday September 10. MEDIAEVAL PAGEANT at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver. 11am-4pm.With the Mediaeval Siege Society, the largest medieveal re-enactment group in the UK. Meet the fully armoured knights, gunners and archers, a trebuchet, and visit the living history camps.With skirmishes and battles. Free.

01753 511060; countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Thomas the Tank Engine, Bucks Railway Centre, Quainton. September 10-11

SEPTEMBER

Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11. AMAZING MACHINES at Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road,Windsor. Featuring the ever popular Monster Trucks in the Special Events Arena, and lots of other super machines and awesome vehicles.Visit www.legoland.co.uk for more details.

Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11. SLOUGH CANAL FESTIVAL in Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road, Langley, Slough. 11am-5pm. Family fun for free with boat trips, canal wares, arts and crafts, canal fishing, walks, kids' activities, falconry displays, food and of course, meet the Dulux dog on Sunday. 01753 875194.

Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11. THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, near Aylesbury.

10.30am-5.30pm. Rides on Thomas and his friends, and other entertainment. Advance prices: adults £13, children £9. On the day: adults £15, children £11. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org.

Medieval Pageant at Langley Park, Iver.

September 10

Saturdays September 10, 17 and Sundays September 11, 18. GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot Parkway Station, Didcot. 10.30am-5pm.

Steam rides, turntable in action, air raid shelter, climb on original engines being repaired in the shed, restored buildings and lots more. 01235 817200; didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk.

Sunday September 11. SUNNINGDALE AREA CARNIVAL at the Broomhall Recreation Ground, Sunningdale. From 11am. “Cirque de Sunningdale” - circus workshops, clowns, shows, fancy dress competitions, fairground rides, food and lots of stalls. 01344 625109/01344 621886; sunningdaleareacarnival.co.uk.

Sunday September 11. FIFTH GRAVITY GRAND PRIX in Cookham Dean. Start at 1.30pm. Run by The Kaffirs of Cookham Dean.The course runs from the junction of Church Road and Spring Lane to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. For application packs, visit www.cookham.com.

01628 485224.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS from Friday September 9 to Sunday September 11: Saturday only: MYSTERY HISTORY TRAIL at Pope’s Meadow, St Marks Road, Binfield, Bracknell. 2-4pm. Fun family trail suitable for children 5-12yrs. Booking required.

VISIT CAESAR’S CAMP. Meet at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, at 10am and 2pm, for a walk with a local archaeologist.

SOUTH HILL PARK GROUNDS AND HOUSE, Ringmead, Bracknell. 5-7pm. Guided walk. 01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksevents or berksarch.co.uk.

FREE ENTRY to National Trust properties: Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, open from 10am-5.30pm, (01628 605069) and Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, open from 11am-5.30pm (grounds), 12-5pm (Manor).

Nationaltrust.org.uk.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Friday and Saturday: FREE ENTRY to Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham. 10.30am-6pm. 01932 868113; painshill.co.uk.

WIND TURBINE TOUR, South Oak Way, Green Park, Reading.Tours from 5.30-7pm on Friday, 11am-12.30pm on Saturday. Booking required. No under 5s. 0118 900 1624; livingreading.co.uk.

Sunday: TAPLOW COURT, Taplow, Maidenhead. 10am-5pm.

Guided tours, cream teas. 01628 773163.

ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY, Egham Hill, Egham. 11am-5.30pm. 45-Minute tours of the campus.

Picture Gallery tours are £2. www.rhul.ac.uk.

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Roald Dahl Day at the Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. September 18

Pied Piper Walk,The Long Walk, Windsor.

September 24

Michael Morpurgo talks about War Horse, Theatre Royal Windsor. September 27

Sunday September 11. THE CLIVEDEN SET at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 12.30-430pm. Gates open at 10am. Travel back to the 1930s and meet Lady Nancy Astor and her friends. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden. Also on Sunday September 25.

Sunday September 11. WILD FOOD WALK at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 2-3.30pm.Walk with Hughenden’s Ranger and discover what 'Wild Foods' can be found in the countryside. Booking essential.Tickets: £2.

01494 755573, nationaltrust.org.uk/hughendenmanor.

Monday September 12 to Sunday September 18.

WE LOVE CUPCAKES at Snakes and Ladders, Perth Avenue, Slough Trading Estate, Slough. 10am-6pm. Fun cupcake decorating for little ones Monday to Friday during National Cupcake Week. 01753 694 090; snakes-and-ladders.co.uk.

Wednesday September 14. BAT WALK AND TALK at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst. 7.30-9.15pm.Talk by an expert, meet rescued bats up close.Walk to the lake listening out for wild bats with a bat detector. Cost: adults £5, children £2.50. Booking essential. 0118 934 2016; wokingham.gov.uk.

Saturday September 17. COOKHAM DEAN VILLAGE FETE at the Old Cricket Common, Cookham Dean. 1-4.45pm.Traditional village fete with entertainment, food, stalls and activities. 01628 810755.

Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18. GRAZING, IT’S AMAZING! at the Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Meet the livestock, find out how vital they are to the reserve, and how they are looked after. For info, call 01753 647358 or visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnhambeeches from mid-August.

Saturday September 17 to early January.

PLANETS AND STARS SHOW at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. New show, held in the centre’s own planetarium. Show times are 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm. Cost: £1.85 per person.

During weekends and Bracknell school holidays. 01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Sunday September 18. CAR BOOT SALE at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst.

8.30am-2pm. Buyers: free entry. 0118 934 2016; wokingham.gov.uk Sunday September 18. ROALD DAHL DAY at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, High Street, Great Missenden. 11am-5pm. Celebrate Roald Dahl’s birthday with guided village trails, magicians and face painting. Gipsy House is open too, with the Writing Hut and the gipsy caravan to look into. 01494 892192; roalddahlmuseum.org.

Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24.

GIANT JUMBLE SALE at the Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross. 10am-1pm Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday. Organised by the Gerrards Cross Community Association.Toys/hardware on Friday, everything on Saturday. Free parking. Entry: £1. 01753 883759; gxca.org.uk.

Saturday September 24. AUTUMN FAIR at Clewer Green First School, Hatch Lane,Windsor. 12noon-4pm.

Come and enjoy bouncy castles, tombola, face painting other activities and stalls. BBQ and licensed bar. Entry: £1.

Saturday September 24. THE CLASSICS OF MAGIC at The Firestation Arts Centre, St Leonards Road,Windsor. Part of the Windsor Fringe Festival. Magic tricks with Peter Campbell-Wells.Tickets: adults £6, children £5. 01753 866865; windsorfringe.co.uk.

Saturday September 24. Follow the PIED PIPER along The Long Walk in Windsor. Start at 10am at the end of Park Street. Special walk for families with Music with Mummy’s Jackie Faerber and Louise Crofts, a flautist.

Bring your teddy and dress up if you like. For ages 0-6 years.Tickets: children £5, adults free. Booking essential. In the afternoon, MEET TAMSYN MURRAY, author of the Stunt Bunny books based around Harriet Houdini, at Windsor Library at 3.30pm. For ages 5-9.Tickets: adults £3.50, children £2.50. 01753 740121; windsorfestival.co.uk.

Saturday September 24. ETON COLLEGE CHARITY FAIR at Eton College. 11am-4pm.

Fundraising event by the boys of Eton College but also by lots of outside charities.With live music, a mini-funfair and an upmarket jumble sale in School Hall. Admission £2, 50p for children. Etoncollege.com.

Saturday September 24. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE by the Staines, Ashford and Egham NCT at the Egham Leisure Centre,Vicarage Lane, Egham.

10.30am-12noon, early entry at 10.15 for NCT members.

Free parking, coffee shop and softplay area. Entry: £1.50.

Nct.org.uk.

Saturday September 24 and Sunday September 25. DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS at Longridge, Quarry Wood Road, Marlow.Teams from all over the UK compete for the Moon Dragon Trophy.Youth championships on Saturday, adult championships on Sunday. 01628 483252; longridge-uk.org.

Saturday September 24 and Sunday September 25. GRAND STEAM AND VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, near Aylesbury.

10.30am-5.30pm.Traction engines, fire engines, classic cars, bikes and commercials, food and children’s activities.

Tickets: adults £12, children £9, family £33. Free parking.

01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org.

Saturday September 24 to Monday October 31.

AUTUMN LEAF TRAIL at Cliveden,Taplow, Maidenhead. 10am-5pm. Self-led trails to explore the wilder side of Cliveden’s woodlands. Sunday September 25: CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY from 12-3pm on the Grand Drive with special appearances from the Astors and their house guests. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.

Sunday September 25. WINDSOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL on the river banks by Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road,Windsor. 9.30am-4.30pm.

Part of the Windsor Fringe Festival. 08451 302248; dragonsalive.co.uk.

Sunday September 25. WILDLIFE ROCKS ME! New Road,Windlesham. 10am-5pm. Celebration of wildlife for the whole family.With celebrity guests (Brian May and Brian Blessed), wildlife talks, charity auction, stalls, face painting, magic shows, dog show, drum and guitar workshops. For more details and to apply for tickets, visit www.wildliferocks.me. 01276 681668.

Sunday September 25. COLNE VALLEY FOOD FESTIVAL at Denham Country Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham. 11am-4pm. Food stalls, tasters, local producers, face painting, games, family activities and lots more. 01895 832662; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Sunday September 25. GEORGIAN CELEBRATION DAY at Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham. 10.30am-6pm. Dressing-up in 18th century clothes, period music, Georgian games and food.

Admission: adults £6.60, children £3.85, under 5s free, family (2+4) £22. 01932 868113; painshill.co.uk.

Tuesday September 27. MICHAEL MORPURGO talks about his novel War Horse at the Theatre Royal Windsor,Thames Street,Windsor. 7.30pm. Part of the Windsor Festival. Plus, readings from his latest book, a re-telling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.Tickets: £25 premium seat (includes glass of wine), £16 or £12. 01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Tuesday September 27 to Saturday October 1.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 7.30pm or 8pm, matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.Tickets: £15-£27. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Thursday September 29. OPERA MAGIC with the London Festival Opera at the Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street,Windsor. Aimed at introducing children to opera.With highlights from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and

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James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids, Norden Farm. October 1 other works, and lots of audience participation. 01753 714364; windsorfestival.com.

Friday September 30 to Sunday October 2.

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL at the Henley Literary Festival.Various locations in Henley. Separate programme for children with lots of children’s authors for every age from 2 to 14. Authors include Arlene Phillips, Cressida Cowell, Johnny Ball, Clara Vulliamy,Tony Ross and Jeanine Willis, Gervase Phinn and many more. 01189 724700; henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk.

THE BIG DRAW EVENTS IN THE AREA: Sunday October 2. UNDER THE MICROSCOPE at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. Workshop open to all, led by artist Helen Price. Drop in anytime between 2-4.30pm. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9.

AUTUMN PARTY at Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham. 10.30am-6pm. Follow the ‘Big Draw’ trail to gather some natural treasures, then create your own artwork in the indoor art studio, open from 12-4pm. 01932 868113; painshill.co.uk.

Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9.

FABULOUS FRUITY FACES, a Big Draw event at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-4pm.

01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday October 15. THE BIG DRAW AT ASCOT, Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot. Gates open at 11.30am. Follow the racing during the QIPCO British Champions Day and draw the colourful action.

Crayons and paper provided free. Accompanied children under 18 admitted free. Adult tickets: from £26. 0870 727123; ascot.co.uk.

Saturday October 22 to Wednesday October 26. THE BIG DRAW at Windsor Castle. 11am-4pm.

Drawing activities as part of the Big Draw. Learn about drawing materials and drawing techniques. 020 7766 7304 Friday October 28. THE LONGEST RIVER OF DRAWING at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. Help the museum get into the record books by adding your pictures to the ‘river’. 10.30am-4pm.

01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

For more events, visit the Campaign for Drawing at www.thebigdraw.org.uk.

EVERY WEEKEND IN OCTOBER. PUPPET WORLD at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common. 10am-5.30pm. Join in with farmyard stories, sing-alongs and giant puppet fun. Five shows a day and five different stories, included in entry price. 01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

Saturday October 1. FAMILY SATURDAY at Windsor Castle. Art activities in the Moat Education Room: create your own coat of arms, colour in a Castle and create an outfit for Henry VIII. Also on Saturday November 5. 020 7766 7304; royalcollection.org.uk Saturday October 1. MEDIAEVAL MERRIMENT in the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, The Guildhall, High Street, Windsor. Free medieval fun with drama and re-enactments performed by local actors, storytelling, craft activities, mediaeval food, trade and travel. Part of the Windsor Fringe Festival. 01753 866865; windsorfringe.co.uk.

Saturday October 1. JAMES CAMPBELL’S COMEDY 4 KIDS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. Brand new show from kids’ stand up comedian James Campbell. For ages 6+. Tickets: all £7, family £25. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Diesel in action (Thomas and Friends), Didcot Railway Centre. October 1 and 2

Apple Day, Home Cottage Farm, Iver Heath.

October 15

OCTOBER Saturday October 1. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, Marlow.

1.30-3pm. Entry: £1. 0844 243 6197; marlowmaidenhead.nctsale@hotmail.co.uk.

Saturday October 1. APPLE WALK at Waltham Place Farm, Church Lane, White Waltham. Walks start at 2pm and include refreshments. Booking essential. Tickets: adults £7, children £3.50 (5-16).

Meet at the Ormandy Centre. 01628 825517; walthamplace.com.

Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2.

TRADITIONAL HARVEST FESTIVAL at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Find out about Harvest food from 200 years ago, craft activities, plus demonstrations: threshing blacksmith, apple pressing, thrashing drum.

01494 871 117; coam.org.uk.

Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2.

CARTER’S STEAM FAIR at Englefield Green, Runnymede. 1-11pm on Saturday, 1-9pm on Sunday.

Fireworks on both evenings.

Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2.

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot Parkway Station, Didcot. Rides behind Thomas, watch Diesel shunt Troublesome Trucks, and lots more. Tickets: adults £10, children (2-15) £8.50. 08444 771000; didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk.

Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2.

APPLE DAYS at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe.

11am-4pm. Try cider making, apple bobbing and even toffee apples. 01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday October 2. OPEN DAY at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading.

Many activities, celebrating World Animal Day. 0118 9713330; ukwct.org.uk.

Monday October 3 to Sunday October 9.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST by the Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society at the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead. Monday to Friday at 7.45pm, Saturday at 1pm and 6pm, Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets: £13-£15. 0797 9382250; mmcs.online.co.uk.

Thursday October 6. THE GLEEK CLUB at the Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor. 8pm.

The UK’s number 1 Glee tribute show. Suitable for adults and children alike. Tickets: £13-£33. 01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Saturday October 8. BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MUSHROOMS AND OTHER FUNGI at Pullingshill Wood, Marlow. 10am. Guided 2-3 mile autumn walk. Tickets: adults £4, children £2, family £10.

Park where you can alongside Pullingshill Wood (exact meeting place will be arrowed on the day). 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Sunday October 9. THE CLIVEDEN SET at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 12.30-430pm. Gates open at 10am. Travel back to the 1930s and meet Lady Nancy Astor and her friends. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden. Also on Sunday October 23.

Sunday October 9. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at The Hilton Hotel, Bagshot Road, Bracknell.

11.45am-1.15pm (NCT members at 11.30am). 0844 243 6058; nearlynewsale@bracknell-nct.org.uk.

Sunday October 9. BLITZ DAY at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Reading. 11am-3.30pm. Experience life during the blitz with re-enactments, special displays and activities.

0118 9763375; rememuseum.org.uk.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Sunday October 9. CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY DAY in California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham. 11am-4pm. See some of the original bikes and remains of the sand speedway track used in the 1930s-50s. Free. 020 83976599 (Friends of Speedway).

Wednesday October 12 to Saturday October 15.

OKLAHOMA! The Musical, amateur production by the Zodiac Musical Society at the Magna Carta Arts Centre, Thorpe Road, Egham. 7.30pm, matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets: £12-£14. 01932 220167; zodiacmusicalsociety.net.

Saturday October 15. APPLE DAY at Home Cottage Farm, Bangors Road South, Iver Heath.

11am-4pm. Toffee apples, pumpkins, bric-a-brac and crafts. Apple pressing, pony rides, Punch & Judy Show, ferret racing, archery and craft-making, plus lots more.

Entry: adults £1, parking £2, children free. 01753 653064; homecottagefarm.co.uk.

Saturday October 15. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Charters Leisure Centre, Charters Road, Sunningdale. 10.15-11.30am, NCT Members can enter at 10am with a valid membership card. Baby, toddler and maternity bargains. Admission: £1. Potential sellers, please contact: ascotnct@hotmail.co.uk.

Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16.

CARTERS STEAM FAIR at Holyport Green.

WRAPAROUND CHILDCARE

Childcare Wrapped Around Your Needs Open From 5am-11pm

We are open seven days a week, offer fixed and flexible childcare and pick-up/drop-offs from designated areas

17 William Street, Windsor, SL4 1BB For more information call:

01753 853155 Email us at: wraparoundchildcare@hotmail.co.uk www.wrap-aroundchildcare.co.uk

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Peter and the Wolf, South Hill Park.

October 24

Chris and Pui at the Wycombe Swan.

October 24

Pumpkins in the Park at The Savill Garden.

October 24-30

Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16.

1940S WEEKEND at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-5pm. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Air Ministry taking over the Manor.

01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk/hughendenmanor.

Sunday October 16. NATURE DETECTIVES: FUNGI at Runnymede, between Old Windsor and Egham. Guided walk discovering the many wonderful fungi at Runnymede. Tickets: adults £5, children £2.

Booking essential via runnymede@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01784 432891.

Tuesday October 18. LORD MAYOR’S TREE POLLARDING at the Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Join the Lord Mayor as he pollards a tree. Guided walks and refreshments. No booking required. 01753 647358; cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnhambeeches.

Friday October 21 to Sunday October 23. GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND LIVE CRAFTS SHOW at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor.

10am-5pm. Craft demonstrations, live music and a children's Make & Take craft area plus Cookery School.

01494 445105; livecraftsshows.co.uk.

songs, games and a few surprises along the way. Tickets: adults £13.50, children £11.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Monday October 24 to Friday October 28.

AUTUMN HALF TERM: WOODLAND WONDERS WEEK at the Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Trails and events for all the family. BUILD A BIRD FEEDER on Tuesday October 25. Booking required. Call 01753 647358, visit the Information Centre for dates and times or check online on www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnhambeeches.

Monday October 24 to Friday October 28.

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. Monday: WHACKY WATER VOLES. Tuesday: BATS BEHAVING BADLY. Thursday: PATTERNS IN NATURE – Printed Velvet Scarves. Cost for workshops: £8.50. Booking essential. FAMILY DAY on Wednesday: BIG BUG EXPERIENCE: get up close to some bugs from around the world, including scorpions, tarantula, giant cockroaches, and lots more. 01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Monday October 24 to Monday October 31.

HALLOWEEN WEEK at the Hell Fire Caves, West Wycombe. Lots of really scary and just a little bit scary fun for all ages. Family Fun in the Courtyard from 11am-5pm, Hell Fire School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the week (booking required) and Hell Fire Fright Nights from Friday to Monday (booking required).

01494 533739; hellfirecaves.co.uk.

Monday October 24 to Friday October 28.

SPOOKY THEME CHILDREN’S SHOWS at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. Spooky half term fun, with on Sunday October 30: HALLOWEEN PARTY. Apple dunking, mummy wrap and a witches treasure hunt. Children in full fancy dress get in free. wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Monday October 24 to Friday October 28.

MAKE A HALLOWEEN CHINESE PAPER LANTERN at the California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham. 10am-4pm. Meet at the California Dreaming Cafe, to decorate paper lanterns. Cost: £2.50 per child. 0118 973 5519; wokingham.gov.uk.

Monday October 24 to Sunday October 30.

PUMPKINS IN THE PARK at the Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. Celebration of all things pumpkin: Pumpkin displays in The Temperate House, including winners from the Pumpkin Competition (enter your own produce). Pumpkins in the Restaurant,

plus Pumpkin Shop. Daily carriage rides through the Royal Landscape starting from the Savill Building (contact Ascot Carriages on 07811 543 019 or 07866 927159). 01784 435544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

Tuesday October 25. COPPICING CAPERS FOR ALL, at Northerams Wood Conservation, next to Ringmead Playing Fields, opposite Wheatley, Bracknell. 2-4pm. Traditional woodland craft of cutting and harvesting hazel. Take home pea sticks, bean poles or wood for weaving. Suitable for 5+. Car parking at Great Hollands Allotments. Booking required.

01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksevents.

Tuesday October 25 to Thursday October 27.

OCTOBER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

Sessions starting at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, by timed ticket on the day (places limited).

AVIATION ANTICS on Tuesday. MYSTERY AND MASKS on Thursday. Cost: £2. BUILD A BIRD-FEEDER on Wednesday from 12-3pm. Free event. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Tuesday October 25 to Friday October 28.

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. Workshops: MAGIC AND MINDREADING on Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm for ages 8-10, with Neil Kelso, a top illusion designer for stage and screen. WEIRD AND WONDERFUL MUSIC from 2-4pm for ages 11+, about music and sound effects. Both: £15 each. FANTABULOUS CHOCOLATE FACTORY on Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm for ages 8-10 and 2-4pm for ages 11+. Thursday: MAGICAL MOVIES from 10.30am-1pm for ages 8-10 and FANTASTICAL FILMS from 2-4pm for ages 11+. Make your own fantasy films. Friday: STOP MOTION MAGIC from 10.30am-1pm for ages 8-10, and WACKY WORLDS – Animation Film Studio from 2-4.30pm for ages 11+. All workshops cost £17.50 per person. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

HALF TERM SHOWS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. Tuesday October 25 and Wednesday October 26. THUMBELINA. 11am and 2.30pm. By Banyan Theatre Company and Norwich Puppet Theatre. For ages 2+. Thursday October 27.

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER. 11am and 2.30pm. By the Theatre of Widdershins. For ages 3+.

Friday October 28. THE DA SILVA MARIONETTE CIRCUS TROUPE. 11am and 2.30pm. Circus tricks performed by traditional and beautifully crafted marionettes. For ages 4+. All tickets: £7, family £25. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

HALF TERM WEEK Every day during Half Term. SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common. 10am-5.30pm. Join a Witches Trail and Carve a Pumpkin (small additional cost); enter a Fancy Dress Competition twice daily and win great prizes. 01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

Monday October 24. PETER AND THE WOLF AND OTHER ANIMALS at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 3pm. Family concert with the Chamberhouse Winds and music by Prokofiev, Gershwin, Berio, Mussorgsky and Ravel. Plus a chance to look at the instruments courtesy of Dawkes Music.

Tickets: adults £10, children £5. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Monday October 24. AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. Part of Black History Month.

For ages 10-14. Sessions at 10.30-11.30am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm and 2.45-3.45pm. Learn the ancient art of drum language. Cost: £3. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Monday October 24. CHRIS AND PUI at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 11am and 2pm. The ‘Show Me Show Me’ double-act come to High Wycombe with a new roadshow packed with

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Time Out

BabaYaga Bony Legs, South Hill Park.

October 26-29

Da Silva Circus Troupe, Norden Farm.

October 28

Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt, Wycombe Swan.

October 29 and 30

Tuesday October 25 to Saturday October 29.

OLIVER! The musical, at the Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor. 7.30pm, also at 2.30pm Wednesday to Saturday. Tickets: £11-£33. 01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Wednesday October 26 to Saturday October 29. BABA YAGA BONY LEGS in the grounds at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. Part of the centre’s Gothic Season. Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm and 7.30pm. Friday and Saturday also at 9pm. For ages 5+, scarier performances at 9pm for older children.

Tickets: adults £10, children £7. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Thursday October 27. FUNGAL FORAY at Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell. 2-4pm. Guided walk with an expert from the Thames Valley Fungi Group.

Suitable for all. Cost: £2. Booking required.

01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksevents.

Friday October 28. HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles.

6-9pm. Spooky Halloween Party. Special admission prices: children £6.50, adults £5. Download a booking form from www.coam.org.uk. 01494 871117.

Saturday October 29. HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PARTY in Windsor Royal Shopping. 1-4pm. Free event.

Carve your own pumpkin head and enter into the Halloween fancy dress competition (fill in entry form before 3.30pm).With Magician SteveG. Fancy dress and pumpkin judging at 3.30pm. Pumpkins available whilst stocks last. For more details, call: 01753 797071.

Saturday October 29. UNITED HOUSE GROUP DAY AND FIREWORK SPECTACULAR at Ascot Racecourse. Gates open at 10.45 for the racing day (racegoers get free entry to the fireworks), last race 5.30pm, fireworks start at 6.30pm. Last admission and any re-admission advised before 4pm. With fairground rides open all day. 0870 727 1234; ascot.co.uk or ascotfireworks.org.uk.

Saturday October 29. HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES in the High Street and Nicholsons Centre, Maidenhead. Farmers’ market in the High Street, children’s activities in the Nicholsons Centre with face painting, pumpkin carving and more. www.enjoymaidenhead.com.

Saturday October 29. CRAFT FAIR at the Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross. 10am-3pm. Free parking. Entry: £1. 01753 883759; gxca.org.uk.

Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30.

PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. Saturday at 1pm and 4pm, Sunday 10am and 1pm. Brand new show featuring true to life puppets. Tickets: £15.50.

01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30.

HALLOWEEN TERROR TOURS at California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham. Terror tours performed by trained actors. Suitable for over 12s.

Booking essential. Times: 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Cost: adults £8, under 16s £6. 0118 973 5519.

Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30.

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN TRAINS at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, or via Cholsey Station. Watch out for ghosts, rattling bones and spiders, and the Witch. No need to book, just turn up on the day. 01491 835067; cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.

Sunday October 30. HALLOWEEN SPOOKS SPECIAL at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. Trains from 10.15am to 4.15pm. Children in Halloween costume receive a present. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Where your little ones blossom into independent confident learners

• Poppies is owned by two qualified childcare practitioners with over 30 years’ experience.

• We carefully select our dedicated childcare team who provide an outstanding level of care to children aged birth to five years.

• Children are cared for in beautiful settings, a home away from home.

• Excellent Parent Carer Partnerships • Freshly cooked organic food.

• Large safe and secure nursery garden.

“I will always be most grateful for the most wonderful settings you have created and for meeting my children’s appropriate needs. Thank you and well done.

Poppies will always hold a special place for me and as I watch my children progress I know where it all began.” K.H. (parent) Poppies Marlow Crown Road Marlow Bucks SL7 2QG Tel: 01628 487772

Poppies Beaconsfield Harrias Barn Hedgerley Lane Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2SD Tel. 01494 677116

Poppies Bourne End Furlong Road Bourne End Bucks SL8 5AE Tel: 01628 521522

www.poppiesdaynursery.com

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

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Eating Out

The Bel & Dragon

By Claire Winter

A £1 million make-over has transformed the historic Cookham pub, the Bel & Dragon, into a light and airy, high quality, family friendly restaurant. he new Head Chef, Ronnie Kimbugwe – who joined from Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s – has devised a completely new menu with the emphasis on fresh, seasonal and sustainable local ingredients.

The new open kitchen means you can watch the chefs at work and the large, pretty garden makes dining al fresco, especially with your kids, a delight.

They definitely have thought through their family-dining formula.

There are plenty of highchairs and a really novel way to entertain the children: our table had a slate surface and the kids were given chalk to draw all over it, which they loved! The waitress happily cleaned up the chalk before we ate. Messy but fun.

With the restaurant now opening out on to the garden which has lots of tables and chairs, it really is a great place to eat on a sunny day or evening. They also grow herbs and vegetables for the kitchen in their garden.

Their two new private dining rooms have views and access to the gardens and a capacity of 20 or 40. Perfect for a special occasion like a 40th birthday.

The menu has reduced in size but I always think that you are likely to get better quality dishes if there is less to choose from.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

To start with I had Marinated Beetroot and Burrata with roasted pine nuts and fresh basil, which was very light and delicious, My husband had pea soup with rustic bread, which was also very tasty. For our mains we both had the Dover Sole, which was really good. The kids all opted for Spaghetti Pomodoro with an organic fresh sauce, which was obviously a great success as they all cleared their plates.

They have a good wine selection and it was nice to see a reasonably priced organic white wine on the list. We both had a glass of white, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. The only thing I didn’t like was drinking white wine in a large tumbler, next time I’ll ask for a wine glass.

The kids menu was interesting and reasonably priced at £4 to £5 a dish. It included healthy options like a mini sustainable fish pie and homemade chicken nuggets and fries for the less adventurous.

They also include a boiled egg and toast for £4 which would be good if you popped in for a light lunch or your child is a fussy eater.

I especially liked the carrot sticks and mini breadsticks with fresh avocado dip for kids with more exotic tastes.

For pudding I had the Caramelised Lemon Tart and my husband had the Gooey Hot Chocolate Fondant. Both were good but I did get pudding envy and would opt for the chocolate one next time!

As we were leaving, the chef gave the kids some chocolate, which won them over. We really enjoyed the food and will definitely be going back for more.

T

www.belandthedragon.co.uk. 01628 521263.

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Separation Anxiety Parenting Parenting expert Dr Clare Bailey explains how managing your own separation anxiety will help your child learn how to manage theirs. ll young children suffer to some degree from separation anxiety, getting upset when parted from a parent or loved carer, and it is one of the most heart wrenching things for parents to deal with. But deal with it they must as this is a normal response for both parent and child - a calm and confident parent with reasonable expectations can make a huge difference to their child settling confidently as illustrated by Anna, a nursery worker ...

“The parents that arrive calmly and cheerfully win the day so much easier than the worried ones. The toddlers read their parents’ expressions and reflect back what they see. I am surprised by the amount of unhelpful pre-disposing talk from some parents – “Oh, he always cries when I leave”, and their insistence that they are the only viable source of comfort and distraction. This is seldom true.

Once a child has expressed their “hmmff” at being separated, they usually relax and engage. The calmer and more positive the parent, the easier it is for the child to relax and adapt. A child with limited language skills must be allowed to express their loss or panic for a few moments, but good use of distraction almost always pacifies them.”

Separation Anxiety, when a child gets upset when left with a baby sitter, on starting nursery or being put to bed on their own is common amongst young children. It is a normal phase which usually starts at around six to eight months, when they may cry when you leave the room and is usually settling by school age, when they start to feel safe being separated for a short time.Their distress is their understandable attempt to hold onto what feels safe in an unpredictable and scary world.

Things may appear worse than they really are – you leave a crying child and collect a crying child. Actually they have been fine and managed to cope with the separation, but get upset again as soon as you return, ‘remembering’ that they were left. Their feelings of relief may become overwhelming briefly and show that they still don’t yet feel really comfortable when you are not there, but are learning how to manage.

Sometimes, however, the anxiety can last longer. If it is excessive enough to interfere with normal activities like school and friendships, and lasts for months rather than days, it may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. In this case the child may be constantly worried and fearful of separation, of something terrible happening to their loved ones or nightmares about separation. Excessive anxiety may show itself in refusing school, avoiding

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sleep, frequent headaches or tummy aches or being especially ‘clingy’. Most parents benefit from developing strategies to help their child to feel more secure and deal better with separation, whilst at the same time maintaining reassuring boundaries and realistic expectations.This is particularly helpful in reducing the impact of separation anxieties.

Tips for helping your child

Practice separation. Leave your child with a caregiver for brief periods, perhaps in familiar circumstances at first or let them take a comforting object. Try this when they are happy, after a nap and well fed. Playing ‘Peek-a-boo’ and ‘Hide-and-seek’ when you are easy to find helps them learn you will always come back.

Try to have a consistent primary caregiver and consider overlapping at first to help them settle.

Make sure your child will be safe and well looked after and you will also feel more comfortable to leave them.

Show you understand their anxieties. Let them know that everyone has fears at times, “I used to get upset when my mummy went out, but I knew she would always come back” Always say good-bye, rather than sneaking out, so they trust you and know what to expect.

Develop your ‘Goodbye Ritual’ such as a kiss and a special wave, then leave looking calm and without a fuss. By reassuring your child, this sets them up for success (even if you shed a few tears later). Tell them you will return “I’m going now and mummy will come back to collect you at lunch time”.

Try not to give in.Whatever you do, don’t hover around looking worried and tearful – even babies are very sensitive to your uncertainties. Reassure your child that he or she will be just fine. Being consistent and setting limits will help their adjustment to separation.

Tips for managing your own anxiety

It is vital that you look after yourself, as helping your child cope with separation can be very draining.

Find ways to deal with your own anxiety levels on a day to day basis so you can remain calm – treat yourself to ‘time out’ to recharge, even ten minutes here and there can help. Learn stress reduction techniques (such as exercise, meditation, yoga, whatever works for you).

Keep a sense of humour and remember they will grow out of it.

With time, reassurance and a calm and consistent response, separation anxiety will settle as your child grows older, more confident and the world becomes a more manageable and predictable place.

Dr Clare Bailey runs Parenting Matters parenting coaching courses, starting in Marlow Tuesday mornings from October 4 and in Beaconsfield Thursday evenings from September 29.

For more info call 01494 677575 or go to www.parentingmatters.co.uk

CHILDREN’S DAY NURSERY in Maidenhead (St. Josephs Centre) Under New Management Excellent quality Children’s Day Nursery combining traditional loving care with stimulating educational programme to provide a well-balanced environment for your child.

Inspected by OFSTED in MAY 2011 as GOOD ‘Children develop good levels of self esteem and confidence’ ‘Lots of positive praise and encouragement’ • Children from 6 weeks to 5 years old • Open 7.30 a.m. - 6.15 p.m. Monday to Friday • Full-time or part-time (51 weeks) • Pre-School educational curriculum • French, swimming and music classes

To reserve your show-around Telephone 01628 623777 www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools at www.edontheweb.com. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories.

There are lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum, in Ed’s Imaginarium. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

For Ages 5 to 7 years Stunt Bunny: Rabbit Racer

by Tamsyn Murray (Simon and Schuster £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Harriet Houdini loves living with Susie’s family and being part of the Superpets TV programme as Stunt Bunny. When Harriet is told she must take on Taz the Tornado in an obstacle race, off she goes to Bunny Boot Camp to train for the event.

Meanwhile there are some very strange goings-on at home with the new neighbours! Will Harriet be able to cope with all this drama and live up to her name as Stunt Bunny?

‘This action-packed adventure is a fantastic story with super illustrations. It is certain to delight young readers on their own or reading together.’

For Ages 7 years plus Clone Chaos

by Simon Bartram

Bella Donna: Too Many Spells by Ruth Symes

(Templar Publishing £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Bob the Man on the Moon has an awful shock when he runs into… himself! A cloning machine has been invented to create an exact replica of Bob but the Clonemaster’s OFF button becomes stuck and more and more Bobs stream out of the machine. How is Bob going to be able to prove that he is the one true Bob? And will Barry, Bob’s unusual canine companion, be able to help identify the genuine Bob? ‘This is the latest super space adventure starring Bob the Man on the Moon. The book is brilliantly written with quirky humour and features amusing illustrations by the author.’

(Piccadilly Press £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Bella Donna has finally found her Forever Family in the form of the adorable Lilith. As well as working hard at school, Bella has to work hard at learning spells as she is a young witch and has entered the Spell-Casting Contest! But some rather odd things happen at school that make Bella doubt her magical powers.

‘Here is another sparkling story about Bella Donna and her Forever Family. It is beautifully written and illustrated with a wonderful mixture of magic and mystery.’

The Devil’s Triangle

by Mark Robson (Simon and Schuster £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Every summer Sam and Niamh Cutler go to their second home in Florida with their father. But the holidays are overshadowed by the haunting memory of the twins’ mother who disappeared nine years previously, particularly as their father Matt is obsessed with discovering what really happened to her. Sam and his friend Callum take Matt’s boat out fishing and unwittingly start a series of terrifying events with mysterious consequences. Are they too going to fall victim to the Bermuda Triangle?

‘With its exotic setting and complex plot this page-turner of a book is at the same time entertaining and thrilling. It is a great read for boys and girls alike.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher for more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

Music with Mummy Themed, fun music classes for children aged up to 5 years in small groups

Jolly Babies –

specially designed for babies under one year Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954 Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772 Emma @ Maidenhead: 07966 197035 Alison @ Langley, Datchet & Iver: 01753 540949

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When is the best time to wean your baby?

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

By Joanna Parry The great weaning debate – it’s one of the questions that is bound to be on your mind if you have a young baby: when is the right time to wean? Over the years the guidelines have changed. Many of our parents gave us rusks in our milk when we were only a couple of months old, and when I had my first child nearly six years ago I was advised to start weaning as early as four months. Now, most mums wait until their baby is six months.

When to do it Department of Health guidelines recommend that the best time to start weaning is six months, as it is thought the stomachs of younger babies aren’t mature enough to cope with a more diverse diet, and that early weaning can increase the risk of infections and the development of allergies like eczema and asthma.

Premature babies may not be ready by six months so consult your health visitor before introducing solids. Often, it’s best to be guided by your own baby. Babies can be ready for weaning if they: Show interest in the food you or your older children are eating Can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady Can look at food, grab it and put it in their mouths by themselves Have doubled their birth weight Can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will tend to spit their food.

Never start weaning before your baby is 17 weeks old or put solids such as baby rice into your baby’s bottle.

Getting started Many parents start with baby rice mixed with formula or breast milk to get them used to a new texture. Move on to sweet vegetables like carrots, sweet potato and parsnip and fruits - apple, pear, peach and mango. Mashed bananas and avocados are good choices as they don’t need to be cooked. After introducing single tastes, move on to combinations such as potato and parsnip, leek and peas, plum and pear. Once you are well established on the first foods introduce protein - fish and chicken are good as they have a mild taste and can be mixed with vegetables. As your baby starts to chew, mash their food instead of pureeing and gradually let the lumps get bigger.

By the time your baby is about seven months old it should be eating solids three times a day, which could include vegetables like courgette, broccoli and spinach as well as meat, fish, hard-boiled egg and cheese.

At around this time you can introduce finger foods, which will encourage your baby to chew and will help with their pincer grip. Always stay close to your baby when they have finger foods in case they choke.

Remember, solid food shouldn’t replace formula or breast milk. Babies between the ages of six to nine months still need at least 16oz of milk daily.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Top tips

Choose a time of day when your baby is not too tired or hungry – late morning is good Add milk to new tastes to encourage baby to try them Once they’re used to a taste, move that food to the evening meal and introduce another food at lunchtime As long as you don’t wean your baby before 6 months there’s no need to sterilise feeding utensils Puree your own food if you’ve used very little or no salt in its preparation Make purees in a large batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen pop them into labelled freezer bags You DON’T need to cook everything yourself! There are some fantastic foods on the market that are just as nutritious. Perfect if you don’t have time to make the food or you are travelling.There is a huge range to choose from and your baby will soon let you know which types they like.

Going veggie?

There are no medical or health reasons against raising your baby as vegetarian, providing you feed them a well balanced diet.

You can make sure your baby has enough iron through pulses, dried fruits, fortified cereals and green vegetables.Vitamin C helps absorption of iron from food so include fruit or juice in the same meal as iron-rich foods.

Protein can be obtained from pulses, egg, dairy products, tofu, bread and meat substitutes.

recovered, the intolerance will disappear, but while the condition lasts it can be managed by using a soy-based or low-lactose formula.

Most babies grow out of lactose intolerance by 6 to 9 months.

The good news is that many children grow out of their allergies. In the meantime, there is a range of products such as soya yoghurts, dairy free chocolate buttons, lactose- and gluten-free foodstuffs, available at many supermarkets and health stores.

CLASSES NOW IN WINDSOR, MAIDENHEAD & SLOUGH!

Please contact Elaine Dennis for further information Tel: 07876 338925 E-mail: elained@tinytalk.co.uk Website: www.tinytalk.co.uk

Allergies and intolerances Almost one in 12 young children suffer from a food allergy. Milk and egg allergies are the most common and tend to disappear before adulthood.The other common allergens are peanuts and tree nuts, fish and seafood, wheat, soy, sesame and kiwi. If there is a history of allergies in your family think about delaying the introduction of certain foods.

Start out slowly with very basic purees and wait 3 days after each food is introduced before trying a new taste to ensure your baby doesn’t have an allergic reaction. If you decide to wean before six months don’t offer eggs, dairy products, fish, shellfish, citrus fruits or foods containing gluten. Avoid nuts until three years of age and honey until your baby is one.

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy but is the inability to digest the sugar in milk. Once the problem is dealt with and the gut has

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Memories are made of this ...

LITTLE IMPRESSIONS

Unique casts of your child’s hands and feet

Tel 01672 811242 Mob 07780 853545 claireh@little-impressions.com

www.little-impressions.com

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Mums Who Mean Business Check in at the Chicken Hotel Briar Cottage Day Nursery Extremely high standards of care and learning Fantastic Ofsted report – April 2009 Just 10 places for children aged 2-5 years Friendly, qualified and experienced staff Healthy, freshly made meals and snacks Full and half days available Discount for full time places

local mother of four in Marlow has come up with a brilliant, unique idea- a boarding house for chickens. Helen who has four children aged ten, seven, five and three, gave up nursing after her second child to become a full-time Mum. She also keeps chickens herself and says she came up with the idea after a conversation with a friend.

“One day, a friend of mine jokingly said that we should set up a chicken hotel as we had plenty of space. After doing a bit of research I realized that she was on to something. There is a gap in the market for when bird owners go on holiday and that was how my business began. People bring their chickens to us when they go away.”

She also has maintained her green credentials. “I decided to buy Eco Chicken houses.

They are not only eco-friendly – they are made out of 98% recycled plastic – but they are also easy to keep clean and look quite funky too!”

For more information go to www.chickenboarding.co.uk

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Open Monday to Friday 8 ‘til 6 48 weeks per year 01628 829896

e-mail: bcdn@hotmail.co.uk

Opportunity to join the Dinky Fingerprint Co. team re you looking to earn money but also have the flexibility to work around your children? Then this could be the job for you. The Dinky Fingerprint company are looking for new agents to work for them.

They specialise in taking children’s fingerprints in silver and turning them into unique handcrafted gifts. The company has been trading for nearly four years in the Berkshire area and it is now looking to expand its business across the UK. The role of a Dinky Fingerprint agent will include promoting, advertising and selling their range of products via parties, playgroups and regional events.

They are looking for excellent communicators, who are confident, friendly, well organized, and enjoy working with babies and children. Potential candidates should also have a burning desire to succeed, a great attitude, and plenty of get up and go.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Dinky Fingerprint agent, please call 01628 623386 or email: sales@dinkyfingerprint.co.uk; www.dinkyfingerprint.co.uk

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Classified JOB COACHING FOR MUMS fter supporting many mummy friends with low confidence and realigned priorities back to work, the Job Coach idea came to Kerry, who is also a mum and lives in Windsor.

She is an experienced HR Director who manages a local HR consultancy.

The “Job Coach” program is designed for those entering the job market after a career break (usually to raise a family) or for those who want to make a career change.

There are a number of affordable options to choose from, but the best support for mums re-entering the job market is the ‘Career Compass’ which includes a CV Review, Career & Psychometric profiling and several interview rehearsals. This framework gently coaches individuals back into ‘work mode’, boosts confidence and reunites them with unique skills. The end result allows them to confidently articulate their worth and coherently sell themselves to get that job.

Kerry has some great CV and interview tips that she has shared with Families if you are planning to get back in the job market.

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Cake Decorating Courses Courses for adults Holiday courses for children Cake Decorating Parties njandrell@gmx.net 0779 956 3174

FizzyBubbles Soap and Jewellery making Parties for Children www.fizzy-bubbles.co.uk Email: fizzybub@gmail.com

07748 - 645161

Some tips for your CV and Interview: 1. Consider your CV as your personal advert selling you as a Brand and Service. Keep the message simple, engaging, direct. If employers and agencies want more detail they will contact you.

2. Two pages is the maximum length for a CV – edit your CV to highlight your relevant skills for every application.

3. Research and know as much as you can about the company, its financial position and its place in the market before you enter through the interview doors. Regardless of the position you are interviewing for you can usually expect a question testing your understanding of this.

4. Know yourself – make sure you are comfortable with “your story” and can openly discuss your CV and the decisions you have made regarding your career and why. Rehearse this to a trusted friend, family member or in front of your mirror!

5. Don’t apologise for taking a career break to raise a family.The skills and emotional intelligence learned by raising children cannot be replicated in any other job, harness this coherently with your ‘work’ skills and you are a fabulous candidate!

6. Your interviewer is a person too, they understand the stress and will allow for nerves. Stay calm, and be yourself. If you are rehearsed and researched, you will naturally show your “best self.”

7. Don’t take losing a job or not getting through to the next interview or even not hearing back from an agency too personally.

As disappointing as it is, remember that it will take a few tries to get through in this tough job market. Consider it all good practice for the next round. Get any feedback you can, realign your expectations, stay positive and keep going.

For more information please see www.keone.co.uk or call Kerry on 01753 854 378.

Alekhya Art Classes Learn to draw, paint and also do crafts!

Tel: 01628 634418 or email shalinib@gmail.com

Mary Poppins Entertainments NOW WITH AMAZING ANIMAL PUPPETS As seen on Paul O‘Grady Show.

For ages 3-103 Tel: 01753 663374 or 0781 1084 325 www.jeanpurdy.co.uk

Candle-making parties for children and grown-ups! www.candlebynight.co.uk

Tel: 07771 851435 Pregnancy Yoga & Mummy and Baby Yoga Relax, boost energy, ease aches & pains, prepare for birth, connect with your baby, rebuild core strength safely

www.phenixyoga.com Call Jennie on 07954 578 439 or email jen@phenixyoga.com

Do you want to shape up for the summer but hate the Gym?

YOGA & RELAXATION STOKE POGES VILLAGE HALL THURSDAY 7.30pm-8.45pm in the large attic room upstairs.

Why not try Zumba Mix? Professional Tuition: Provided by a qualified and dedicated tutor.

Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/ Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE, Sciences and much more.

Tel: 01628 637008 or 07887 936484

This is a fusion of Latin American and modern music set to easy but high energy moves.

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY MORNINGS; TUESDAY & FRIDAY EVENINGS at the High Street Methodist Church in Maidenhead (opposite the White Horse Pub) £5 PER SESSION OR £25 FOR SIX

Learn how to correct a bad posture Relieve backache and neck-ache Learn breathing techniques and focused relaxation to reduce stress Beginners and intermediates welcome

Contact Niki Kitt Fitness on 07775653051 or niki_kitt@yahoo.co.uk

Contact Corinne on 07788 856 948 or email corinne.sellers@yahoo.co.uk

Dutch

Zumba Fitness

songs games stories activities every other Saturday morning Marlow Group 1: 2-5 year olds Group 2: 5-8 year olds NEW! 07948 246281 info@discoverdutch.co.uk www.discoverdutch.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Come and join in with these fantastic fun filled calorie burning classes Based on Latin rhythms and other cultural influences Different, Fantastic, Addictive My classes are in the Binfield, Bracknell area £5.00 per class, Monday’s class with free creche Contact Bel 07958 351557 belszumba.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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