Editor’s Welcome

Hooray – it’s summer! Unbelievably, we are nearing the end of another school year, and it’s time to enjoy the long summer break.

The Team:

EDITOR: Lesley Chambers 07863 790592 editor@familiestvw.co.uk

SALES SUPPORT: Claire Clarricoates 07812 218331 claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

DESIGN: Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Booking deadline: 1 August

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Hopefully we will have plenty of opportunities to be outside over the summer, and in this issue we have loads of ideas of new places to visit, as well as mini golf, paddling pools and holiday camps directories! There’s a bumper What’s On guide, which we hope will be a handy reference throughout the summer holidays.

With no school in the morning, these summer holidays might be the time to try out a sleepover with your child; take a look at our article for advice on how to make it run smoothly!

For those wanting to visit some of the UK’s beautiful beaches, we have some great recommendations. We also have Families Thames Valley West bookmarks to give away at this year’s Fantastic Local Attractions – check out the map!

Have a great summer, whatever you do!

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

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18-23 What’s

Families Thames Valley West magazine is looking for reviewers!

We are putting together a team of parents and carers who would be available to visit and review places on a voluntary basis. Commitment can be as great or as small as you wish. E-mail editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out more.

Where

Is

Families Thames Valley West?

We distribute 20,000 copies every issue!

Sculpture is unique! Meet local sculptor, Andrew Hood

After finishing the Weymouth College stonemasonry diploma course, some 15 years ago, Andrew Hood was almost immediately called upon to teach stone carving to adults and home-educated children.

Today all aspects of Reading life tap into the fun and well-being benefits that Andrew’s stone carving courses offer: from big institutions like the museum, the university and our schools, right through to community and volunteer groups.

Presently Andrew is enjoying his residency at British Islamic Gardens, where he is busy learning and promoting the marvels of the Islamic Art genre.

With his new, permanent workshop venue in Reading it has been possible to design a nationally unique range of courses that can accommodate a very large age and ability range, including classes for families.

As well as teaching, Andrew also produces sculpture in his studio on the Englefield Estate, just outside Reading, find out more at mcalistairhood.artweb.com

Thames Valley Police Museum

Sulhamstead, Reading, RG7 4DU thamesvalley.police.uk

This small but fascinating museum is housed in a beautiful mansion within the Thames Valley Police training centre in Sulhampstead. My son and I had an interesting visit there during half term, and I would recommend it for children aged 8+.

The museum presents a collection of policing artifacts from the past, such as cameras and a radio comms board from 1976; it also has some original items related to famous local crimes, notably the Monopoly set used by the Great Train Robbers whilst they were hiding out and gambling on money they had just stolen.

We enjoyed watching a video about policing made in Reading in 1947, which provides a fascinating sense of how society has changed over the years, particularly how evolving women’s roles and communication have altered life in the UK. The museum overall reflects changes and similarities in society over the years, and guided tours mean that visitors will be treated to individual stories as well as finding out more about high-profile cases.

This museum is only open on Wednesdays between 10am and 12pm for drop-in visitors, but other visits can be arranged in advance on Wednesdays (it is popular for Scout trips, for example). Check their website before visiting for up-to-date information.

The Thames Valley Police training centre’s next open day will be held on Saturday 2 September, and this is always a great day out for families.

Congratulations to Aurora Z. who won a family day ticket to Odds Farm Park from our May/June 2023 issue!

Summer Fun at Wellington Country Park

Join us at Wellington Country Park this Summer! Beautifully rural yet easily accessible, our award-winning destination is the best place to spend your summer holiday for a fun-filled day.

All of our summer events at Welly Park are included in your admission fee. Challenge your family to a tennis match during our Spectacular Sports Weekend or test your juggling skills with circus skills at our Summer Fun Weekend. Walk with dinosaurs at our Big Dino Takeover and bounce away the bank holiday with Bouncy Castles in the Park. Perfect for children up to the age of 8 years old, spend family time together and make unforgettable memories.

For more information and to book your tickets visit www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

GIVEAWAY: Summer holiday game!

Do you have what it takes to escape the moving maze in the award-winning, elegant wooden game, Quoridor Mini?

In this challenging 2 or 4 player game, you need to strike the right balance between building a wall to create a maze for your opponents and moving your pawn across the board to reach the other side first. Suitable for ages 8+ and available from www.amazon.co.uk and all good hobby stores.

We have one free Quoridor Mini game to give away. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning it, please e-mail editor@familiestvw.co.uk, quoting ‘Quoridor Mini game’ in the subject line. The closing date is 31st July 2023.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road: A Wizard of Oz Experience

A collaboration between The Lexicon, South Hill Park Arts Centre and Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

This summer, prepare for a magical promenade performance inspired by Frank L Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Join Dorothy in Munchkinland, within the grounds of South Hill Park, and meet all your favourite characters as they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City at The Lexicon.

Meet the Scarecrow, the Tin-Man and the Lion, on a truly enchanting adventure, as Dorothy is swept into a whirlwind quest to defeat the Wicked Witch with the help of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. During their extraordinary journey, they all learn the true meaning of friendship and that there really is ‘no place like home’.

This truly interactive and immersive show – with surprises along the way – is family friendly and suitable for all ages, at

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Summer holiday and term time fun with Perform

Perform are ensuring a fun-packed July and August with their Wizard of Oz drama, dance and singing holiday courses plus their first ever festival of children’s theatre, Perform in the Park. See page 21 for details.

Children can sing and dance down the yellow brick road with the Wizard of Oz. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, children ages 4 to 10 will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. These five-day courses run across July and August from 10am to 3pm each day in Wokingham. Book online at www.perform.org.uk/wizard.

And Perform’s term time classes are back in September and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform’s weekly classes get the academic year off to a flying start with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

Classes are for all abilities, and every child is welcome to try a free class in Crowthorne, Goring, Henley, Newbury, Reading, Twyford or Wokingham.

Book a FREE class at www.perform.org.uk/try

To find out more email Hannah@Greenerhealthphysio.com, call 07904169054 or visit Greenerhealthphysio.co.uk