Families Thames Valley West Magazine July-August 2018

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H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley West

IN THIS ISSUE

Here Comes Summer!

Family Days Out Summer Camps Rainy Day Ideas Summer Fun on a Budget PLUS

WIN a Family Ticket to Paultons Park

Avoid Brain Drain during the Holidays Preparing your child for school - what you need to know

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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 533362

H

O LI N DA O Y W W BO O R O KS K H IN O G P S

07747 086518

Issue 96 July/August 2018

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2 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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...endless ideas for families of young children in Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 96 • JULY/AUGUST 2018 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Hello from the Editor

In This Issue...

4-6

News and Views

Thames Valley West

9

Preparing your Child for School

Don’t Miss these great offers • WIN! A family day out at Paultons Park – see p.18 • WIN! A copy of David Walliam’s new book – see p.14 • WIN! A family ticket for Go Ape Black Park – see p.6 Child goes FREE at The Look Out Discovery Centre – see p.23 FREE trial class with Monkey Music, see p.31

11

Avoid ‘Brain Drain’ during the Summer Holidays

FREE trial class with diddi dance, see p.31 FREE trial class with Perform, see p.27 20% OFF at Fire Tech Camps this summer, see p.18 Advertise with us!

If you’re reading this, so are your customers! We can help you reach over 45,000 parents in Reading, Bracknell, Henley, Wokingham, Newbury, Thatcham, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Twyford, West Berkshire and everywhere in between. Call us on 01235 751 888 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk for more information.

The Families Team Editor: Lucy Heather 15

Healthy Ice Lollies to Make Together

16

Summer Camps

19

What’s On for Families over the Holidays

Designed by: Ridgeway Press Ltd, 01256 300 420 www.ridgewaypress.co.uk

24

Summer Fun on a Budget

Next Issue: September/October – Back to School! 12 Pages of education focused news, information and features. Plus, half term holiday fun, fireworks and Halloween.

27

Clubs and Classes Directory

Booking deadline: 15th July.

30

Summer Craft Ideas for Rainy Days

To advertise here please ring

01235 751 980

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

The summer holidays are fast approaching and whether you’re looking for childcare options, fun to have together at home, or family days out in the local area, there’s something for you in this issue. If you need options for local day camps to entertain the kids whilst you’re at work, our guide on p16 includes our pick of the best options – many offer extended hours too for a small cost.

With six weeks off school, you might be wondering how to keep your children’s minds sharp over the holidays so it’s not such a shock when they go back in September. Our feature on avoiding ‘Brain Drain’ during the holidays on p11 has lots of advice and tips on keeping young minds active without them feeling lots of pressure.

If your little one is starting school in September, our feature on p9 will tell you everything you need to know to get prepared.

The summer holidays are a great time to go out and have fun as a family, and our What’s On Guide starting on p19 is absolutely packed with ideas for familyfriendly activities. Whether it’s watching a theatre show, visiting one of our lovely local country parks, riding on a steam train or enjoying some hands on arts and crafts, you’ll find something to suit all interests. If you’re on a budget, our feature on p24 has lots of ideas for fun without breaking the bank, and for rainy days, have a go at our summer crafts for all ages on p30.

Enjoy the summer and see you in September!

Lucy

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News & Views Why the UK Needs a Better Perinatal Support Network Mental health issues around the time of birth are often little-spoken of, but new figures from the MMHA and Royal College of Psychiatrists have revealed that 11% of women experience depressive symptoms during or shortly after birth and 5% suffer with a major depressive disorder.

For women, receiving support from the NHS is a postcode lottery, as 26% of trusts do not have dedicated perinatal teams, made up of psychiatrists and nurses.

Robert Rose, Partner and Head of the Clinical Negligence team at Lime Solicitors says: “Support for new mothers needs to improve and a countrywide perinatal support network could be the answer. This would raise and also provide mothers with the crucial support they need.

Countryside Nurseries reveals brand new look

Countryside Nurseries have revealed a brand new image with a new logo and colour palatte that builds on the company’s established brand and reflects their modern and dynamic approach to providing high quality care and education for children under 5 years. Their new website enables parents to access information about the nurseries more easily as well as providing information for staff interested in a career with the group.

The investment in resources has enhanced the environments for children, enabling staff to support children’s wellbeing and ensure they make good progress in their learning.

Increasing investment in staff training has been exciting and stimulating for staff, helping to retain a strong team and attract well qualified new recruits. The introduction of the “Famly” Nursery Management software has improved communication with parents through the Famly App which enables the nursery to share information in real time about each child’s day, together with observations, photographs and children’s Learning Journeys. For more information visit www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk

If you are a new or expectant mother, it’s important to have an open channel of communication with your midwife/doctor.

Discuss how you are feeling with them and raise any issues you might have. This will help secure the support you need.”

Boredom Busters App to the Rescue Play Scotland recently launched Boredom Busters, a free app devised to encourage children in the 8 to 12 age group to play more and in different ways.

The app is packed full of inspirational play ideas contributed by children. Users can search ideas contributed by other children and film and upload their own ways to play to the app gallery and Boredom Busters YouTube channel.

The app has been developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers. As well as being a fun play tool for children, it is also a great resource with which to support and encourage indoor and outdoor active play.

The app is completely free of charge with no in-app purchases, is fully moderated and is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Play Scotland is a registered charity and is the national organisation for play in Scotland.

For more information, visit www.playscotland.org

4 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Why Do Babies Move in the Womb?

According to a new study, scientists at Trinity College Dublin have found that babies move around so much in the womb because they are trying to develop strong bones and joints.

By analysing chicken and mouse embryos, the researchers determined that movement helps stimulate “molecular interactions” that ultimately turn cells and tissues of an embryo into functional bones and joints.

The research also revealed that if babies don't move often enough in utero, they may suffer from brittle bones or abnormal joint development. Just like all humans, babies need their joints to be covered in “smooth, lubricated” cartilage so they can bend properly.

Researchers at Imperial College London have revealed that the force produced by foetal kicking at 20 to 35 weeks can reach 10lbs, twice that which it takes to hit a tennis ball at a speed greater than 100mph!

For more information visit www.imperial.ac.uk or http.dev.biologists.org

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News & Views

Mischief Makers – the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge Children's reading can 'dip' during the summer holidays if they don't have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence. 2018 will be the 20th challenge. It’s open to primary school children of every ability.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which

celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal.

Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website. This is the largest database of children’s peer-peer reading recommendations.

More information, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Early Years Care Better for Children’s Development

Limit Children’s Snacks to 100 calories Twice a Day Parents have been advised by health officials to restrict children to only two snacks of 100 calories or less per day to reduce sugar intake between meals.

Recent research has found that half of children’s sugar intake is being consumed between meals.

On average, children are consuming at least 3 unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third of children consuming 4 or more. The overall result is that children consume 3

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times more sugar than is recommended.

The ‘100 calorie snacks, two a day max’ tip applies to all snacks apart from fruit and vegetables.

To help parents make healthier choices Public Health England has developed ‘Be Food Smart app food scanner’ app that shows by scanning the bar code how many calories, sugar, salt and saturated fat is in the food they are buying.

More information, visit www.nhs.uk/change4life

A study funded by the Department of Education has found that the provision of early education to children aged 2 has a significant positive effect on their language and socio-emotional development when they reach age 3. This is regardless of their family’s level of advantage.

The report found that no matter how rich and how high the quality of a child’s home environment is or if early childcare is provided by relatives, friends or non-Ofsted registered carers, it was more beneficial for a 2 year old’s development to have spent time in early education and care in a group-based setting, such as a nursery or playgroup, or with a

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

registered childminder.

Interestingly, the report found that increased time spent with registered childminders at age 2 is associated with a better outcome in terms of verbal development for children at age 3 than time spent in group-based settings. However, spending time in group or childminder settings is associated with similar amounts of benefit for social and behavioural outcomes.

The Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) is following the development of almost 6,000 children in England from ages 2 to 7.

For more information, visit www.natcen.ac.uk

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News & Views WIN A Family ticket for Go Ape Black Park!

With 4 experiences to choose from, there’s plenty of scope for family fun in the forest.

One lucky reader will win a Family Ticket offering 4 people the chance to experience one of the activities on offer at Go Ape, Black Park. Choose from: Nets Kingdom: Tree top walkways, giant ball nets, treehouses and slides 30 feet up in the forest canopy completely enclosed in hammock-like netting. Suitable for 1+ yrs.

Celebrate Play on Playday UK!

Tree Top Junior: Canopy exploring, obstacles and zip wires suitable for all ages over 1 metre.

Tree Top Adventure: 2-3 hours in the trees on zip wires, rope ladders & Tarzan swings. 10+ yrs.

Forest Segway: Whizz along woodland trails aboard the all-terrain Segways.

10+yrs.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to editor@familiestvw.co.uk You can also enter by liking our Facebook page @familiesthamesvalleywestmagazine and sharing our competition posts.

Where can you have your Go Ape adventure?

A) Green Park

B) Red Park

Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 1 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children's play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children's play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children

taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

Tackling the Mummy Tummy….Continued

C) Black Park

Closing date for competition entries is July 26 www.goape.co.uk

*T&Cs apply

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

The Old Boot Inn Stanford Dingley RG7 6LT

Come and enjoy our fabulous child & dog friendly garden with play area BBQs on Saturday lunchtimes & Sunday evenings through the summer!

www.oldbootinnstanforddingley.co.uk 0118 974 5191 oldbootinnstanforddingley@gmail.com

6 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Back in March we met Claire, a 36 year old fit and healthy mum of three children who had lost all hope of getting rid of her mummy tummy. Despite exercise and healthy eating, nothing seemed to work on her post-pregnancy stomach.

Cue Aspire Clinic in Reading.

Following a recommendation from friend, Claire decided to try the world’s number one nonsurgical, permanent fat-reduction treatment, CoolSculpting. We caught up with Claire to find out how the treatment went and whether she was pleased with the results.

“It was such an easy process.”

Claire said, “Following the consultation, which was so reassuring, the treatment went just as well. I was given a warm welcome at the clinic and they really took care of me. The treatment itself took just 35 minutes on each side of my tummy. It starts with a sticky, protective gel pad being placed on the area being treated. The applicator is then placed on the skin, giving a slight sucking sensation, and things start to get very cold as the freezing of the fat cells begins. The freezing sensation only lasts a few

minutes before the area goes completely numb. I then had 35 minutes to myself to lie back and relax – what a treat!”

Twelve weeks on from the treatment, Claire is absolutely thrilled with the results. She says, ‘My stomach has definitely got smaller and my jeans are fitting nicely without that mummy bulge! I still have one more treatment to go, and then onto my skin tightening treatment to achieve my end goal. But already I’m feeling so much more confident. I can’t wait for our family holiday and to be on the beach with the kids without feeling self-conscious!

For more information or to book your free CoolSculpting consultation, contact Aspire Clinic on 0118 931 3575, email info@aspireclinic.com or visit www.aspireclinic.com

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Education News Hemdean House introduces new Kindergarten Class Caversham based non-selective independent primary school Hemdean House has announced that due to the success of its Merged Foundation Stage Class, the school will be introducing a new Kindergarten class to run alongside the Reception class this September.

St Joseph’s D of E Success!

Eleven pupils from St Joseph’s College, Reading, have been the first to achieve their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award since the school received its licence to run the Award last year.

The pupils have successfully completed a wide range of activities and challenges as part of the Award, including a two day self-sufficient expedition in West Berkshire which they planned entirely by themselves following regular after-school training sessions.

In addition, the pupils undertook regular activities in order to meet their aims in the volunteering, physical and skills section of the Award. Activities ranged from kickboxing, improving personal fitness, developing art and musical skills and volunteering at churches, with the Brownies and in charity shops. Year 10 pupil Rachel said of the experience, ‘We got a lot out of the expedition section such as learning how to navigate using maps and compasses, working as a team and learning how to safely cook outdoors.”

This year the College is building on the success of the launch of the scheme by increasing its provision. The Awards were presented at a special celebratory assembly attended by College Governor Giles Watson and Natasha Reed, Operations Officer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. www.sjcr.org.uk

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The Kindergarten class will enable children to start their education with dedicated specialist teaching staff in a nurturing and family environment.

The school’s youngest pupils will be encouraged to learn at their own pace through structured play activities and carefully planned phonics and numeracy games, whilst having the opportunity to experience specialist teachers for a range of subjects including Outdoor Learning, ICT, PE, Music and Drama. Classes will be kept to a small number of children to enable the Kindergarten teachers to maximise their time with each child and be able to understand them fully, whilst tailoring the curriculum to meet each child’s individual stage of development and areas of interest.

Hemdean House School has been at the heart of Caversham since 1859 and is proud to be ranked 29th highest achieving primary school in this year’s Sunday Times Top Schools league table. Earlier this year the school appointed a new Head Teacher, Mrs Helen Chalmers, who is also an ISI school inspector and ISA Executive Board Member. The school offers a very competitive fee structure and accepts child care vouchers and Early Years Grant. It welcomes prospective parents and visitors every day of the school week and regularly holds Open Days. For more details visit www.hemdeanhouse.net

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Photo: Phil Askey

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HEAR and NOW Auditory is now working with ADULTS, TEENS and CHILDREN. Our Auditory training is beneficial for those with commonly coexisting APD and Tinnitus • Vertigo • Dyslexia • Delayed Lanuage Processing Disorder • Exam anxiety • Concentration and focus difficulties • Autism spectrum disorder

CALL or EMAIL Veronica today for an obligation free chat to find out if Hear and Now AIT can benefit you or your child. veronica@hearandnowauditory.com Mobile: 07534 307 203

• 43% of children with learning difficulties and 25% of people with Dyslexia ALSO had an Auditory Processing Disorder APD. • APD commonly coexists with sensory conditions such as ADD, ADHD, DLP, Autism spectrum disorder, Dyspraxia and hypersensitive hearing.

• Clinically supervised, intensive and highly successful programmes, conducted by Berard practitioner Veronica van Nierop B.Sc; D.C; N.E.T; A.R.T; Find out if AIT could benefit you at your child with a 15 minute chat.

www.hearandnowauditory.com

8 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Family Life

Preparing Your Child for School If your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

F

irstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school. In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips.

Independence The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

Communication and Language Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult.

Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence. Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an open and trusting rapport), both now and in the future.

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Sharing and Interaction The more opportunities your child gets to interact and learn how to share and take turns, the less of a shock it will be when he or she starts school! However, expect this to be an on-going process. Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and behaviour which gives them strategies and words to prevent or resolve disagreements in the future.

Respect for Behavioural Boundaries At school, behavioural expectations and boundaries are likely to include: • Listening the first time they are asked to pay attention • Keeping hands/feet to themselves • Sharing and taking turns • Looking after things • Tidying away • Being kind to others You can reinforce these expectations at home by teaching children to respect themselves, their actions and the feelings of others.

Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills) All activities require some sort of physicality, whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) movements. Gross motor skills are developed when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using a scooter, climbing, throwing, catching, and kicking a ball. Varying the speed and direction of movement activities also develops spatial awareness. Your child can have fun developing

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

fine motor skills at home with every day activities such as using pegs and scissors, bead threading, button fastening, moulding playdough, and painting.

Exploring and Investigating Often the most effective learning occurs when a child is left to his own devices, without nicely-prepared resources and prescriptive instructions about how to do something. Make a conscious effort to step back and allow your child the opportunity to use his initiative and develop his creative, imaginative and innovative skills through exploring, investigating and initiating his own learning. Children learn by exploring, trying out and adapting ideas for themselves and taking ownership. Present your child with a large cardboard box (and the opportunity to access other resources/toys).

See what he or she does with it. In the latter stages of his or her ‘creation’ you may wish to step in to play too, but allow your child to initiate the direction of the play and conversation.

All the above skills can be naturally weaved into your everyday lives. Enjoy and treasure these precious last few months with your child at home, and keep the above tips in mind to promote a positive start to your child’s school life.

Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology and can provide support and strategies to give your child a happy transition to school. For more information, visit www.bounceparental.co.uk

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Why I love being a Families Magazine editor...

T

en years ago I was a high-flying and ambitious PR executive, commuting daily from Reading to my job in London and enjoying all the excitement and financial rewards that corporate life entails.

All that changed in 2009 when my first beautiful daughter Millie came into the world.

Suddenly my life that had previously revolved around team meetings and showbiz parties became all about scheduling feeding and sleeping and meetings at Rhymetime. I recognise and applaud many women’s decision to accept the challenges and rewards of being a stay at home mum. But for me, whilst I loved the change of pace and the unbridled joy that being a mum brings, I still yearned for that part of my old life where I went to work and gained stimulation and recognition from being “Lucy” and not just “Millie’s Mum”.

However, there was no way I could go back to my old work life. Working a twelve hour day and adding on a two hour commute wasn’t something I even wanted to contemplate.

Enter Families Magazine. Just as you have probably picked up this copy at your local playcentre, or from your child’s nursery or preschool, I became a regular reader of the magazine through taking Millie to her weekly

Baby College class in Reading. In 2014, after five years of being Millie’s mum full time, I noticed that my local Families Magazine – Thames Valley West – was for sale. I took over as owner and editor in March 2015 and it has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and happy periods of my working life so far.

Would you like to work from home and have a successful career whilst bringing up your children?

Being a Families Magazine owner and editor offers fantastic flexibility and rewards. You’re your own boss and have the responsibility of owning and running your own business, but with a supportive head office (Families Magazines have been going for 25 years!), and 36 fellow editors around the country who all have young children of their own. The Families network supports editors to set up and run their own magazines, with training provided on everything from setting up an accounting system to writing editorial and running a social media campaign. Crucially, alongside the financial and emotional benefits, being a Families Magazine editor has given me the flexibility to be around for my daughters so that I never miss a school play or parent’s evening, and the scheduling of the six printed issues a year enables me to work less during the school holidays (I don’t know of another job that enables you to take most of August off!)

Due to a geographical move out of the area and setting up a completely different business with my husband, I’m now reluctantly preparing to hand over the reins to a new owner who can take the magazine to even greater success. If you would be interested in this opportunity and would like to chat further about the rewards and flexibility of being your own boss, do feel free to call on 01235 751 980 or email me: editor@familiestvw.co.uk Best wishes,

Lucy

Thames Valley West

Families Thames Valley West Magazine is for sale.

Part of a successful national franchise of more than 36 magazines, Families Thames Valley West is the region’s best-loved parenting magazine.

You could have the chance to be at the helm of your own print business, and be a part of a highly successful and supportive network of fellow editors who are all working mums.

Please call Lucy on 07789 485 372 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out more!

10 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Family Life We all know that our children need a break during the summer, so they come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. However, research consistently shows that children can lose up to a third of what they have learned during the holidays.

How to Avoid Brain-Drain During the Summer Holidays

By Claire Winter

Here are eight great ideas to keep young brains active during the long break: Write a Summer Bucket List Get the kids to write a list of things they want to do during the holidays. They can create a scrapbook or document it on a computer or tablet. Get them to research where the places are and the cost of visiting. Give them extra credit for finding free activities or keeping the trip under £20. You can also get them involved in household budgeting, shopping and cooking too.

Read for Pleasure Remind them about the wonder of books.

Being told what to read at school can make it less enjoyable, so let them choose what they want to read. Oxfam has dedicated bookshops at which you can pick up teen favourites and kids books for as little as £1. You can also sign up your children for the Summer Reading challenge at the local library. This year’s theme is Mischief Makers, inspired by the classic comic, The Beano.

Get Outside Being outdoors in new environments will keep everyone happy as well as firing up brain neurons! A study by the University of Rochester has found that spending time outdoors not only makes you happier, it also leads to an increased sense of vitality. Being in nature can also calm the mind, boost creativity and improve focus and attention.

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Take a Class Summer holiday workshops and camps can teach your children some new skills, which will also help their brains stay active. Circus skills, kayaking, and coding are all interesting options.

Create Art Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun, so get the kids creating some fun art in the garden or kitchen. This will enhance their creativity and motor skills. Leysa Henderson, education specialist and author of Lost Lives says, “We need to encourage creativity; it could be in the form of music, movement, art or cooking. Computer games keep us passive. I'm seeing more and more passive learners in schools as teachers feel under pressure to deliver an unrealistic curriculum. Give children a chance to get it wrong as it teaches resilience to push through challenges.”

Avoid Gadgets. There are some great viral posts about this on social media, in which parents change the WiFi password at home and say to their kids they will only get it back if they tidy their rooms, read a book or go outside!

You can set your own rules with this one. Most kids need an Xbox or mobile phone detox, so just set some limits on screen time and let them decide when they get to use their allocation.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Travel You’ll be relieved to know that travel does broaden the mind. Being on holiday helps families use their brains differently. According to new research, it can trigger systems in the limbic part of the brain PLAY and SEEKING (Panksepp 2016). Play is activated when you mess around in the sea or build sandcastles.

Seeking is activated when you explore and find a new rock pool to investigate or restaurant for a meal. Professor Jaak Panksepp, a worldleading neuroscientist at Washington State University, has shown that being on a family holiday can activate these systems in both adult and children’s brains. This then triggers feel-good neuro chemicals like opioids, oxytocin, and dopamine. These make parents and children feel happier and less stressed and allow them to re-connect emotionally.

Mindset Matters Teach your children resilience and the growth mindset – for example, they aren’t good at something ‘yet.’ The fixed mindset is the belief that they can’t change or develop new or different skills, and are born clever or ‘arty’. The summer is the perfect time for them to try new things or develop existing skills and understand that you can become good at something if you practice. Children who have a growth mindset are much more likely to try a new challenge.

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18 Things to do with Your Under 5’s this Summer

By Vanessa Christie

When term time classes and drop in activities for under 5s shut up shop for the summer holidays, you may be left feeling as if the only entertainment options available are leisure attractions which can be expensive and are sometimes not age-appropriate. So, here’s the lowdown on alternative fun for your toddlers and pre-schoolers during this time.

Getting Back to Nature Mini Beast Mayhem A child’s fascination with bugs can be fascinating to watch. Give them a pot and a little shovel and set them to work exploring under pots, logs, loose soil and leaves. Just maybe don’t do what I did and let the ‘bug hotel’ come inside. Ewww.

Flower Power All you need is a jam jar (or something with a lid), flower petals and any other scented (nondog-poo) outdoor offerings, a little water and a mixing stick. Hey presto, you have a bespoke smelly perfume, potion or concoction! Your child can even make their own label to stick on.

Pimp Up Your Walk If going out for another walk has your child digging their heels in, try giving it a new twist.

Prepare a piece of paper with a circle, triangle, rectangle and square drawn down one side and track objects that are these shapes along the way eg fence posts, road signs, wheels, swings etc. You can do a similar thing with textures, for example, rough, smooth, tickly, silky and so on.

Fruit Picking A trip to a Pick Your Own will keep their bellies occupied and give you plenty of healthy goodies to take home for fruity treats and all for next to nothing on the spending front.

12 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

The Woodland Trust Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

National Trust The National Trust may not immediately spring to mind for this young age group but there are plenty of very child-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to enjoy running around. Look up https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/our-topgardens-for-children to see where best to head to.

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Rainy Days at Home

Deal Hunting

Kitchen chaos Keep little hands busy and titillate taste buds by making fruit kebabs, juicy lollies and berry crumbles. If your children like rainbows, they can design their very own fruit rainbow on a plate for pudding.

Your Local Council Once you’ve exhausted the options in the What’s On section of this magazine, look at your local council website to find out about free or discounted holiday sessions at local leisure centres, libraries, theatres and other venues.

Washing Up Get an enthusiastic toddler together with a washing up brush and they can be (a little) more useful than you think. This activity can also keep them blissfully happy for ages! So as long as everything in the bowl is kid-friendly, let them wash away!

Vegetable Paint Printing Give life to the stubby bits of veg lurking in the bottom of the fridge. Turn them into paint stamps before dumping them in the bin, compost or food waste .

Indoor Dens and Picnics Who said you have to be outside to build a den or have a picnic? Any combination of chairs, bed, tables, sofa, indoor clothes dryer plus an old sheet or blanket, the perfect hidey hole for all manner of adventures.

Keeping Cool Water pistol targets Fill up the pistols, line up some empty cans or paper cups and fire away. For added fun, keep a score card.

Ring your friends If you are feeling stuck at home and all at sea, the chances are there will be a friend nearby in exactly the same position. Never hesitate to pick up the phone and join forces. They will be as glad as you that you did.

Kids Eat Free Lots of restaurants help families out in the holidays and drum up their own business, so it is always worth having a shop around for good deals.

Culture Kids Plenty of museums are free to enter, or at least offer good holiday discounts and have lots of interactive entertainment to keep little brains engaged. Failing that, at least they are a cool on a warm day and dry if it’s raining!

Vanessa Christie is a Lactation Consultant and Early Parenting Expert at The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, which returns to London Olympia 19–21 October.

For more information, visit www.vanessachristie.com and/or www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

Beach life Have buckets and spades at the ready and head beach-side for rock-pooling and castle building. Inland lakes and urban areas often have man-made “beach” areas and activities going on over the summer, so check your local websites for information.

Sprinklers Failing the beach and assuming it’s not dry enough for a hose-pipe ban, water sprinkler action can’t fail to cool off the steamiest of tempers and meltdowns.

Bath If it’s Just. Too. Hot. retreat inside to the relative cool of the bathroom, run a tepid bath and pileyour young ones in.

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Susan Daughtrey Education The Berkshire grammar schools are extremely well regarded. Places are offered to pupils who ‘pass’ the 11+. The Berkshire CEM 11+ test comprises of verbal reasoning, numeracy (maths) and non verbalreasoning topics.

Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses in Buckinghamshire for over 25 years. The 11+ Courses for students in Years 4 and 5 have now been running for three years in Earley. The 11+ Foundation Courses for students in Year 4 start in January and run until the October half-term. Then the Year 5 Preparation Course begins and continues up to the 11+ tests in September. The courses comprise of weekly tuition during term time and follow a technique-focused approach.

WIN! A Copy of The World of David Walliams: Book of Stuff

Homework is set weekly to practice and consolidate the techniques taught in the lesson.

For more information please email Fiona at the Earley Centre in Reading: fwyeth@sde11plus.com

In celebration of ten wonderful Walliams years, Families Thames Valley West is offering you the opportunity to win this brand new compendium perfect for the ultimate David Walliams fan.

Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this is David Walliams’ first ever activity book, perfect for bags of fun this summer!

Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. It’s the ultimate compendium for super fans, new fans and anyone who enjoys laughing out loud!

For further information, visit: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com

©DC Thomson Ltd (2018)

To join just pop into your local Library • Read six library books and collect a map of Beano-town and stickers as you go.

• Get a medal and a certificate when you complete the challenge.

• Enjoy Mischief Makers events at libraries this summer.

Join the challenge, it starts on Sunday July 1, 2018 Open to all primary school aged Library members.

www.mischief-makers.org.uk

To enter: Simply email your response to the following question to: editor@familiesthamesvalleywest.co.uk

For how many years has David Walliams been writing children’s books? a) 50 b) 2 c) 10 Closing Date: 17 August.

For Ts & Cs, see www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Healthy Ice Lollies to Make with your Kids Let the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Yoghurt and Berry Coconut Ice Lollies Ingredients

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit of time to allow them to set.

Here is my favourite recipe for yoghurt and berry ice lollies, which is also one of the easiest!

Have fun!

Makes 4 (but this is depending on the size of your lolly moulds) • 400g of frozen (or fresh) berries. A mix is great - I use blueberries and strawberries • 1⁄2 tin of coconut milk • 400g natural yoghurt • 1 tbsp maple syrup (use a little less or more depending on how sweet your fruit is) • 1tsp vanilla

Instructions 1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

3. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

4. Warm the moulds under water to release the pops when you are ready to eat them.

Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for achieving physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family. For more inspiration, recipes, events and classes, visit www.healthywholeme.com

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Summer Holiday Activity Camps MULTI ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS

APOLLO YOUTH CLUB at the Mapp Community Centre in Reading Apollo has been running holiday club activities for children for over 30 years.

Apollo’s main focus is providing high quality play activities and care for children 4 to 11 years.

Children are supervised by qualified and experienced staff who offer a wide range of activities that caters for the needs, age and special requirements of the children.

Contact us01189168416/info@apolloyouthclub.org.uk /www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk KOOSA KIDS offers fun, affordable Ofsted approved childcare throughout the summer holidays. Summer activities in Woodley, Bracknell and Ascot from 23 July-24 Aug. Standard day 10am-4pm with extended day available. Prices from £21 per day with 8% discount for the whole week and 3rd child goes free. 0845 094 2322, www.koosakids.co.uk BARRACUDAS ACTIVITY CAMP at The Holt School, Wokingham is running from 23 July – 17 Aug. Offering an opportunity for children to try new activities, make friends and have fun.

Suitable for children aged 4.5-16 years. A wide range of sports, arts & crafts and other activities including an inflatable water park and aqua slide in summer for keeping cool. Standard day 8.30am-5pm. Extended days available. Prices from £40 per day or £164 per week, with season ticket discounts available. 0845 123 5288, www.barracudas.co.uk JUBILEE JETS is a fun holiday club for children aged 5-11 yrs and is open from 8am until 6pm during the school holidays. Located in beautiful countryside at Padworth Common, there is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor fun activities offered including quad biking, trips to the woods, arts and crafts, cooking and lots more. Book online using childcare vouchers or credit/debit card. www.jubileejets.co.uk ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS run activity based holiday day camps during half term and the summer holidays for 4-14 years at Reading Blue Coats School, Cranford House, LVS Ascot, St Andrew’s, St Gabriel’s and Luckley House. An exciting range of sport, art, creative and games activities are on offer from swimming to fencing to art and initiative games. Staff are experienced in looking after children and provide the highest levels of welfare and enjoyment. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm with extended days available from 8am-6pm. www.ultimateactivity.co.uk SUPERCAMPS multi activity camps are ideal for children aged 3-14 yrs who want to try a wide

range of activities. Camps run over summer holidays at The Abbey School in Reading, Trinity College Newbury, Reddam House in Wokingham, Sherfield School in Sherfield on Loddon and Radley College, Abingdon. Summer Holiday camps also at The Oratory Preparatory School in Woodcote. Choose from A RAW adventure camp, with outdoor survival activities, multi-sports, cookery skills and LEGO play. Camp core hours are 9am-5pm with extended hours 8-9am and 56pm available for a small additional charge.

01235 467 300 or book online at www.supercamps.co.uk GO BEANIES run Ofsted registered multi activity day camps in the beautiful surroundings of Beale Park in Lower Basildon, Wellington Country Park, Longridge near Marlow and Finkley Down Farm near Andover. Activity day camps provide safe, fun and exciting experiences to keep your child entertained all holiday. ‘Beanies’ are encouraged to tell camp leaders what they would really like to do that day. £35 per day or £160 for the week.

8.30am-5.15pm Monday to Friday. Call 0118 996 2678 or book online at www.gobeanies.org ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE HOLIDAY CLUB in Reading runs for every full week of half term and school holiday. They are open from 8am-6pm every day with half day sessions also available. Places available for both St Joseph’s pupils and nonpupils. Early Years Holiday Club for ages 3Reception is based at the school’s dedicated Early Years Centre, complete with age appropriate resources and toys. Outside there is a secure allweather garden with a variety of outdoor play equipment. Year 1-6 Holiday Club offers a wide range of exciting activities planned to enhance new skills, encourage inclusion, teamwork and strategic thinking. Multi-sports, cooking, arts & crafts and swimming are just some of the activities on offer. Book online at www.sjcr.org.uk/413/information/holidayclub or call 0118 966 1000

THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS STEPPIN OUT STARS OF TOMORROW is running 5 days of dance, drama and singing, based on the hit musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ at The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Wokingham for 3.5-17 years, from 30 July-3 August. Perform and rehearse in a professional theatre! 10.15am1pm for 3.5-5yrs, 10am-3.30pm for 6-17 years. £105 for 3-5 yrs (£100 for Steppin Out students) or £135 for 6-17yrs (£130 for Steppin Out students). Call Shelley on 07970 034 488 or visit www.steppinoutstars.co.uk to book your place.

THE COMMERCIAL ARTS TRAINING ACADEMY (CATA) are running two workshops this summer at The Rivers Ibis Club in Reading from 13-17 Aug. A week long workshop for ages 8-18 will include vocal recording, songwriting, modelling, acting for TV and dancing and also a workshop from the hugely successful hit Broadway show, ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’ Daily from 10am-4pm with a showcase for friends and family on the final day. £95 for the week. ‘Teeny Bopper’ workshop for ages 3-7 includes a professional photoshoot with a free headshot, plus a performance for friends and family on the final day. 9.30am-12.30pm, £50 for

16 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Downshire Golf Complex

the week. Payment in instalments is possible. For more details contact Kat on 07768 990 238 or email catacademyuk@gmail.com BERZERK PRODUCTIONS are running a summer school for ages 12+ at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley from 30 Jul-3 Aug from 10am-4pm, with a free performance for friends and family on 3 Aug at 3.30pm. A 5 day intensive workshop based on the smash hit film The Greatest Showman. Covering the hugely popular ‘This is Me,’ ‘The Greatest Show,’ and ‘A Million Dreams.

Inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of showbusiness and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to become a worldwide success. The workshops will be a great opportunity to explore the film in more detail and pick up some new skills. £150 for the week. Bring your top hat, circus skills, friends and a smile! 07863 734 830, info@berzerkproductions.com, www.berzerkproductions.com PERFORM are running a five day course this summer for ages 7-12 at Wokingham Methodist Church, based on ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’

Dance, sing and join in the fun, rehearse and perform a specially written show combining uplifting songs, dazzling dancing and a heartwarming story. 6-10 August, 10am-3pm. 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/summerfun STAGECOACH WOKINGHAM have junior and senior summer workshops at St Crispin’s School, Wokingham. ‘Get Ya Hair Up’ for ages 4-6 from 30 Jul – 3 Aug. In just 5 days see what your child’s imagination will achieve. Along with an expert team of teachers you will put on a show to an invited audience which is fully costumed and professionally lit. All children will participate in singing, dancing and drama classes in a fun and engaging way. Make friends and create theatre along the way. Early booking advised. 9am-12pm, Standard £115, Sibling £95. Senior Workshop: ‘Bugsy Malone’ from 30 Jul-3 Aug, 9.30am-4pm.

A fully packed out week of singing, dancing and acting for ages 6-8. An opportunity for students to make friends, be creative, imaginative and active in a safe environment working towards a performance on the last day which will blow your socks off! Cost includes all costumes and a fully professional show to an invited audience.

Standard £155, Sibling £125. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wokingham

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Summer Holiday Activity Camps perform a showcase of scripts written by Watermill participants. Additionally, if you have an unheard story you’d like to share with the world, you’re welcome to submit your script any time before August. All ages, 1pm-4pm, £95. 13-17 Aug, ‘Twisted Tales in the Garden’: Create a sitespecific play to be performed in the beautiful Watermill gardens, based on traditional fairy tales with a difference, ages 4-7 from 9am-12pm and ages 8-11 from 1pm-4pm, £95.00. 20-24 Aug, ‘Musical in a Week’: Devise, rehearse and perform a musical all in one week for ages 12-16, 10am4pm, £155. Stay all day by combining the ‘Play in a Week’ and ‘Musical Theatre Afternoon’ courses for £155. 01635 45834, www.watermill.org.uk Jubilee Jets

STAGECOACH HENLEY AND MARLOW have holiday courses available for 4-6 yrs and 6-18yrs from 30 Jul-3 Aug at Wycombe High School, High Wycombe, HP11 1TB. Pirates and Princesses invites children aged 4-6 to come along and learn a show in a week! They will be taught new skills through singing, acting and dancing and prepare to put on a show for their family and friends.

9.30am-12.30pm, £95, additional siblings, £80.

West End Mayhem! For children 6-18 years.

Children will learn new skills, make friends and build confidence. Children and teenagers are split into age groups and work through the week to produce a performance for friends and family to come and watch. 9.15am-4pm, with extended hours 9am-5pm available for £10. Standard £160, Sibling, £125, www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow THE WATERMILL THEATRE in Newbury is offering a variety of summer holiday performing arts courses. A great way to develop your skills and meet new friends. No experience necessary – just plenty of enthusiasm! 30 Jul-3 Aug ‘Play in a Week’: Devise, rehearse and perform a play all in one week, ages 8-11 from 9am-12pm and ages 12-16 from 1pm-4pm, £95. 30 Jul-3 Aug, ‘Musical Theatre Afternoon’: Learn some of your favourite songs and sequences fro hit musicals and present them to family and friends at the end of the week, ages 8-11 from 1pm-4pm, £95. 6-10 Aug ‘Scribbles from the Margins’: An all-age, allability holiday course to explore, rehearse and Ultimate Activity Camps

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SPORTS AND OUTDOOR FUN GR SWIMMING SCHOOLS are running intensive swimming courses from 23-27 July at Brockhurst School, Hermitage and The Oratory School, Woodcote, for children of all abilities from 314yrs. The small, friendly classes have an emphasis on giving children confidence in the water and having fun as well as learning to swim.

01635 201 410, email rose@swimlessons.co.uk or visit www.swimlessons.co.uk BULMERSHE GYMNASTICS CLUB in Woodley offers week-long gymnastics courses during the school holidays. Sessions are organised according to age and are open to members and non-members. No previous gymnastics experience is necessary! More details at www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX at Easthampstead Park, Wokingham offers Kids Camps for all ages for either half or full day camps, developing skills on the driving range, pitch and putt course and practice areas as well as the full golf course for afternoon attendees. Birdie Camp from 9am-12 noon is aimed at less experienced/younger golfers aged from 5-8 yrs. £25 per day (discounts available for multiple days). Eagle Camp from 9am-4pm is aimed at the slightly more experienced/older golfer, aged 8 and over. £38.50 per day (discount available for multiple days). Hot lunch and drinks are included in the price when staying all day. Places must be booked in advance by calling the Golf Shop on 01344 302 030 SHIPLAKE COLLEGE is running Summer Rowing Camps in Henley on Thames from 30 Jul-3 Aug and 6 Aug-10 Aug. Benefit from expert tuition and excellent facilities in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside on a week long summer training camp for novice and improving rowers. Headed up by Shiplake College Director of Rowing and current Junior GB coach David Currie, the courses are open to girls and boys from any school aged 13-18. The week-long camps offer expert coaching and comprehensive tuition to ensure all participants are able to significantly develop their skills and techniques. Daily sessions will run from 10am and on the Friday of each week there will be races in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity for the rowers to demonstrate the excellent progress they have made over the week. For residential campers there will be a

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programme of evening events after dinner, such as local trips, barbeques and pool parties. For more information and booking visit www.shiplake.org.uk/rowingcamps

COMPUTERS AND TECH FIRE TECH CAMPS are running from 30 Jul-24 Aug at Reading University. Get £20 off digital summer holiday fun for ages 9-17 with Fire Tech Camps in Reading - designed to educate, entertain and inspire a new generation of inventors. Fire Tech opens inquisitive minds to the possibilities of computer coding, 3D game development, VR and AR, digital design and music production. There’s a course for every age and stage - from complete beginners to tech enthusiasts who want to learn more. Some courses cover more coding content in a week than schools teach in a year. But Fire Tech isn’t like a school ICT class. Students from some of the UK’s most prestigious university courses make up the energetic tutor teams and there are plenty of opportunities to get active and make new friends away from a computer screen.

Call 0203 950 7310 or visit www.firetechcamp.com using the FAMREAD discount code.

ARTS AND CRAFTS ARTSPIRATION offer two holiday ‘Art Scout’ courses, depending on age and ability, during the school holidays. Art Scout Juniors is for ages 7-12 but art enthusiastic 6 year olds who can work with older children are welcome. A four day course introducing mosaics, Modroc, plaster casting, print making and use of various art materials including acrylics on canvas, soft pastels, watercolours and pencil shading. This is a good course for art enthusiasts at beginner or immediate levels. Art Scout Seniors is recommended for ages 12-15 years with 10+ art enthusiasts welcomed. A 2-4 day course with guest artists giving a good glimpse into their own practises. Subjects range from life drawing, still life, cartooning, sculpture and mediums from oil paints, charcoal, egg tempera, plaster etc. This course will be ideal for children who already have some basic skills and are willing to develop them further. 07930 859 567, www.artspiration.co.uk or email artspirationinfo@gmail.com MAKE AND DO HOLIDAY CLUB at The Corn Exchange Newbury, runs every Tuesday during the summer holidays from 7-28 Aug. ½ Day course £12.50, Full day (9am-5pm) £25.00 for ages 4-8 years. The Corn Exchange’s popular Make and Do sessions have been super-sized and now young people aged 4-8 can join in a daylong creative fun workshop in the summer holidays. Taking place in a dedicated workshop space, The Learning Centre, participants will get the chance to take part in all sorts of creative activities led by an expert team – from arts and crafts to drama, dance and movement as well as a chance to relax and watch a film. www.cornexchangenew.com Families Thames Valley West • 17

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MORE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

BEALE PARK Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 9NW, 0844 826 1761, www.bealepark.co.uk Wednesdays during the summer holidays POND DIPPING DETECTIVE SESSIONS Back by popular demand, the Park’s conservation department will be running free pond dipping sessions in the summer holidays, giving youngsters a chance to discover what lurks beneath the water. 10.30am12.30pm at the Pond Dipping Platform, Outside Lake.

Daily during the summer holidays MEET THE BUGS Animal keepers are giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the residents that live in the Park. So, if you would like to experience the amazing world of giant insects, meet a snake, stroke a Giant African Snail or get close to a tarantula, pop along to the park between 1.30pm-3.30pm – you’re guaranteed to have a bugtastic time! Free with admission.

Daily during the summer holidays SUMMER HOLIDAY PRIZE DRAW TRAIL There will be a special trail during the summer holidays at Beale Park. For just 50p, all you have to do is find 10 answers dotted around the park. Once completed, hand the trail into the Gift Shop for your chance to win some wild prizes! 10am-5pm.

WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading, RG7 1SP, 0118 9326 444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

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What’s On July-August 2018

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28-29 Jul PIRATE AND MERMAID WEEKEND Avast me hearties! Hoist up your main sail and set course for Wellington Country Park. Storytime, Pirate Shows, Treasure Hunt and Inflatables.

10.30am-4.30pm 1, 8, 15 & 22 Aug SUMMER CRAFTS Get stuck in with Welly Crafts in the Education and Party Room.

10.30am-4.30pm. Free with admission 4 & 5 Aug DINOSAUR WEEKEND Roar! The dinosaurs are coming to Wellington Country Park.

Come and see these magnificent creatures up close on the main green. Plus, inflatables and dinosaur treasure hunt from 10.30am. The dinosaurs have dropped their eggs all around the park. Can you find them all?

11 & 12 Aug TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC If you go down to the park today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Enjoy shows, story and rhyme time and join Wellington and friends for a picnic on the main green. Plus inflatables and treasure hunt from 10.30am.

18 & 19 Aug UNICORN AND DRAGON WEEKEND Storytime, shows, unicorn disco, plus inflatables and a Dragon Treasure Hunt from 10.30am-4.30pm.

25 - 27 Aug THE GREAT INFLATABLE WEEKEND Bounce away the Bank Holiday weekend as inflatables take over the park. Free with admission.

RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk This summer there is a family friendly extravaganza at the River and Rowing Museum. The museum will be featuring the hugely popular work of illustrator Nick Sharratt, with a colourful exhibition packed full of interactive opportunities to enjoy his most popular characters, and a chance to meet Nick on Sat 14 July at the museum.

22 Jun-16 Sep PIRATES, PANTS AND WELLYPHANTS – THE ILLUSTRATED WORLD OF NICK SHARRATT Nick Sharratt, the man behind the instantly recognisable illustrations for Jacqueline Wilson’s Tracy Beaker books, is the subject of a new colourful, humorous and hands-on exhibition. ‘Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants – The Illustrated World of Nick Sharratt,’ explores Nick’s passion for drawing, from childhood to his current status as an internationally renowned illustrator and author. The exhibition features many of the well-known characters that Nick has illustrated, including Tracy Beaker, Daisy, Hetty Feather and Pirate Pete, as well as a host of animals, and vast quantities of food and clothing! Visitors can immerse themselves in Nick’s world, find out about his childhood and what inspired him to become an illustrator, and meet a host of the characters that he

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has created throughout his career. Families can enjoy visiting a recreation of Nick’s studio and have a go at drawing a selection of his characters using a light box.

A touch screen interactive enables you to create your own digital ‘Sharracter’ and a wipe clean wall is available for everyone to have a go at creating their own Nick Sharratt inspired picture! Young visitors, and those that are young at heart, will enjoy dressing up in a selection of whacky costumes, including a mermaid’s tail, some very fancy pants and a pineapple.

14 Jul DRAW WITH NICK SHARRATT 10.30am-12pm and 2-3.30pm Join inspirational children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt for a fun-filled family drawing workshop and find out what inspires his unique drawings. £7 adults, £6 children.

Limited places, booking essential.

26 Jul TALL TALES AND SONGS 10.30am-4pm Dive into the work of Nick Sharratt’s marvellous stories and drawings – you could meet a pirate or a wellyphant and create your own colourful characters. Free with admission.

THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre There are over 90 hands-on science activities for children of all ages to enjoy at The Look Out Discovery Centre. You can launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Activities and exhibits are organised in ‘zones’ which correspond with what your child may be learning about in school: Forces & Movement, Body & Perception, Light & Colour, Woodland & Water and Build It where you can use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house or drive the dumper truck. Open daily from 10am-5pm.

Until 8 Jul THE SLIME SHOW Why are slugs and snails so slimy? Can you really cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very repulsive!

21 Jul-2 Sept THE SUPERHERO SHOW Are you a superhero? Come and find out in this fun, interactive science show looking at super strength, invisibility and have fun with science experiments. Shows run at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm daily throughout the summer holidays. Suitable for children aged 3+ years who can sit down for ½ an hour.

ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0LX (M40, J2) Tel: 01628 520188 , www.oddsfarm.co.uk Amazing Summer Adventures at Odds Farm Park continued on page 20

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What’s On Daily 21st July – 2nd September There’s stacks of extra fun this Summer at awardwinning Odds Farm Park. The Oddsocks Family are back for new adventures, bringing with them different themes, shows, crafts and Summer-time games to discover - you won’t want to miss it!

Combined with acres of Indoor and Outdoor Play and plenty of Furry Friends to meet, there’s so much to do. Plus, don’t forget to bring your wellies and prepare to get wet - the new, bespoke and unique Water Play Attraction, H2Odds is now open! Visit the website to find out more.

ONGOING EVENTS

Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk A weekly outdoor session for the under 3’s in the fantastic urban garden at MERL. Discover the benefits of outdoor learning led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activities inspired by the themes and collections in the museum.

Enjoy outdoor play and explore the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing. £3 per child (includes a snack and a drink). Children and adults must dress for the weather (there are a small number of children’s wellies and waterproofs to borrow if necessary). 10am11.30am. Term Time only.

Weekly BIG SCREAM CLUB, TODDLER TIME AND KIDS CLUBS at The Regal Picturehouse, Boroma Way, Henley, RG9 2BZ, 0871 902 5738, www.picturehouses.com Big Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11am exclusively for parents with babies under 1 year so you can catch the latest film releases. Toddler Time on Tuesdays at 11am offers special 30 minute shows designed to introduce little ones to the big screen, followed by fun activities. For the older ones there’s Kids Club every Saturday showing a classic film at 11am plus prescreening activities.

Weekly TALES FOR TOTS – STORYTIME FOR THE UNDER 5’s at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QU, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org Enjoy a story using objects from the Museum’s collection. Every Wednesday at 10.30am-11.30am in the Green Space or Window Gallery. Just drop in.

Free.

Weekly FAMILY ACTIVITY TASTER SESSIONS at Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Sandford Lane, Reading, RG10 0SU, www.dinton-pastures.co.uk Give it a go – taster sessions give everyone a chance to try something new at an affordable price. From £20 per person or £36 for two people. Booking essential.

Weekly RHYME AND SHINE at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com

Suitable for parents with babies 2 and under. A relaxed singing session with a range of songs, rhymes and rhythms in a fun and relaxed environment.

Singing with your child is a great way to encourage their language development, whilst actions help develop motor skills. Meet other parents too! Price includes a hot drink from the Corn Exchange Ktichen & Bar. 10.15-11am, £3.50 per session.

Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk A monthly parent and toddler group with a difference. A great opportunity each month for you and your pre-school child to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session includes activities such as bug-hunting, mud-painting and mask-making.

Tea, biscuits and mud provided! Booking essential and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please dress for the weather. £5.

Monthly NATURE TOTS DIDCOT at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr.

Didcot, OX14 4TE, www.bbowt.org.uk An opportunity each month for you and your preschool little one to interact with and learn from nature. Come along for an outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on the wild and wonderful nature reserve. Booking essential. Dress for the weather. 9.30am-11.30am, £5.

Weekly LEGO CLUB at Winnersh Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh, RG41 5ND, 0118 979 7519, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Every Thursday during term time for children aged 510 years. 4pm-4.45pm, 50p.

Daily Jul-Aug ASTRONOMY EVENINGS at Basildon Park, near Reading, RG8 9NR, 01491 672 382, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Bring your own equipment, picnic rugs and food.

Spot stars and signs in the sky. Weather dependent, £10 for up to four people.

Daily Jul-Aug SUMMER IN THE GARDEN at Nuffield Place, near Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5RY, 01491 642 857, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Soak in the summer in the tranquil gardens at Nuffield Place. Play some croquet, picnic on the lawn or enjoy a lazy afternoon tea.

Daily until 30 Sep THE LOST TAPESTRIES TRAIL, CHILDREN’S TUDOR ANIMAL TRAIL, NATURE THEMED GEOCACHING, BIRD WATCHING and BRASS RUBBING at The Vyne, near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883 858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Family trail to help recover and fit together jigsaw pieces of oriental tapestries hidden across the grounds, or see if you can spot the animals that played an important part in Tudor life. Suggested donation £1 per trail sheet. In the woods, intrepid explorers can use their own geocaching units to hunt for themed geocaches, or have a go at making your own den out of loose branches from the woodland floor. Try some bird spotting and tune into The Vyne’s birdlife from a purpose-built hide.

20 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

JULY 1-31 Jul BIG BUG HUNT at Basildon Park, near Reading, RG8 9NR, 01491 672 382, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Pick up a trail from Visitor Reception to discover what bugs can be found throughout the house.

5 Jul CHILDREN CHESS CLUB at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries For young people aged 8 years and over, 3.30pm5pm.

5-7 Jul WHAT THE MOON SAW at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story, 2Faced Dance Company present a new dance and circus performance for little ones and their families.

A magical journey through the night. Alone in the world and scared of the dark, young Jack opens his bedroom window to find a familiar friendly face, The Moon. The Moon shining bright teaches Jack how to be brave, by taking him on an amazing adventure across the world, showing him all that he sees and teaching him all that he knows. For the ultimate adventure come dressed in your pyjamas! Thur 5 at 4pm, Fri 6 at 10am & 4pm. Adults £10, Child £6.

6 Jul CHIDDLERS HOUR at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-82 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL, www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl Museum runs a Toddler Session for 0-3yr olds most Fridays. Double check the website for details. Come along for songs, craft and play based on storytelling, with a different book every week. 10.30am-11.30am, £3 per child, accompanying adult does not need to pay (cost does not include Museum entry, which you do not need to purchase in order to enjoy Chiddlers Hour).

7 Jul STEPPIN RAGS TO STEPPIN RICHES at South Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk The award-winning Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow will enthral all ages with their fabulous show, ‘Steppin Rags to Steppin Riches.’ Join their talented students aged between 3 ½ and 17 years on an amazing display of creative lighting, amazing costumes, great music and imaginative choreography. The show is suitable for the whole family and will leave you singing along to some of the world’s most popular musical theatre and pop songs to date.

Performances on 7 Jul at 7pm and 8 Jul at 2pm & 6.15pm. £18.50, Conc. £17.

8 Jul TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC AND FAMILY FUN DAY at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Steam and diesel trains in operation. Free admission for children with Teddy Bears. Teddy Bear displays, children’s activities and crafts in the picnic area.

Badge making, railway themed teddy trail,

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What’s On competitions for bears! Didcot Railway Centre is also open daily during July and August.

9 Jul STORYTIME at Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5HZ, 0118 931 2150, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under.

11.15am-11.45am. Free 9 Jul STORYTIME at Arborfield Library, The British Legion, Eversley Road, Arborfield, RG2 9PR, 07801 664 520, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under.

4pm-4.30pm. Free.

11-15 Jul HENLEY FESTIVAL, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, www.henley-festival.co.uk The UK’s most glamorous boutique festival and winner of Headline Performance of the Year in 2016 returns to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames. As the UK’s only black-tie boutique festival, Henley Festival offers Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. Performers include Rita Ora, Grace Jones, Nile Rogers and Chic, with The Ronnie Scott’s Big Band. Family Sunday on 15 Jul sees the festival turned into a huge playground for families and kids of all ages, with activities and entertainers who captivate and enchant. Family Sunday offers balloon making, glitter tattoos, music lessons, comedy for kids, toddler disco, choir performances as well as fantastic entertainment from TV favourites Mr Bloom, Mr Danger and Fun and Gamz.

12 Jul HANDS ON AT HENLEY LIBRARY – BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE at Henley Library, Ravescroft Road, RG9 2DH, www.rrm.co.uk Join the River & Rowing Museum for themed object handling, fun craft and stories for all the family. Call 01865 815 278 to book. 3.45pm-4.30pm. Free.

12 Jul ART CLUB at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Come and learn about different artists with creative activity. For children aged 7-11 years old. £2 per session. 3.45pm-4.45pm.

13-15 Jul CORNBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL at Great Tew Park, Oxon, OX7 4AF, www.cornburyfestival.com The annual family friendly Cornbury Music Festival offers something for everyone – an eclectic mix of music across four stages, the Berks Nest Comedy Emporium, a magical children’s area with a complete programme of workshops, gourmet festival caterers, extensive range of arts and crafts stalls, roaming entertainers, a fun-filled fairground, a relaxing therapy and massage zone, the fabulous Disco Shed for those who want to dance their socks off, an exclusive VIP area and beautiful campsites nestled in the estate’s rolling hills.

13-14 Jul BIG CAMP at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Camp under the stars at Cliveden, enjoying log fires and nature walks. 4pm-11am. Adults £27, Children £17. Also runs on 20-21, 27-28 July.

14 Jul SNOWING IN JULY at 4 Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 269 678, www.4kingdoms.co.uk 14 Jul MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Road, Woodcote, RG8 0SD, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two-hour Jurassic World themed workshop with LEGO building challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a different theme each session and after setting the scene with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to inspire children to be original in their designs and share their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. 1pm-3pm, £15.

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14 Jul NICK COPE FAMILY MUSIC at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Age Guide 8yrs and under. Join Nick Cope for his ever popular interactive music sessions with songs about everything from counting to how plants grow.

Suitable for ages 8 and under but children over this age are also welcome. 10.30am-11.30am, £4.

14-15 Jul BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL 2018 at Forbury Gardens, Reading, RG1 3BB After six years of continued success, Bastille Day Festival Reading is rolling out plans for yet another weekend of fun, relaxation and laughter staged in the Forbury Gardens, Reading.

16 Jul CHILDREN’S BOOK CLUB at Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5HZ, 0118 931 2150, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Themed monthly discussion about books, for children aged 8-10. Places must be booked. 50p.

3.45pm-4.30pm 19-20 Jul LITTLE BABY BUM at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Age guide 2+. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, you are invited to step into the magical and colourful world of Little Baby Bum. Join Mia, Twinkle and their nursery rhyme friends at the world premiere of a brand new live show for little ones and their families. Thur 19 Jul 12pm & 2pm, Fri 20 Jul 10.30am & 1.30pm, £14, Groups of 10+, £8.50.

21 Jul MEET THE BEEKEEPERS at Hughenden, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755 573, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Find out about beekeeping and honey production with the friendly volunteer beekeeping team. 11am4pm.

21-22 Jul ROYAL BRITISH LEGION at 4 Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 369 678, www.4-kingdoms.co.uk 22 Jul & 19 Aug TREE CLIMBING at Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4PG, 01491 628 529, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Climb a tree and tick off a 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. £20 per person.

23-26 Jul PIRATE ADVENTURE at 4 Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 369 678, www.4-kingdoms.co.uk 26 Jul FAMILY LEARNING PUPPET CRAFTS at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Try different forms of puppet making and learn to help your children develop their storytelling skills.

For families with children aged 4 and over. 10am12pm, £5 charge. Booking via the Adult and Community Learning Team, 0118 974 3797, or lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk also at Finchampstead Library from 2.30pm-4.30pm.

27 Jul CREATION STATION: FAMILY FUN WORKSHOP at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Fantastic arts and crafts classes suitable for girls and boys from 18months-11yrs. Perfect for the whole family to spend quality time together and get creative both individually and as part of a team. It also gives you a chance to see how awesome your children are in a different environment! 10am-11.30am, £8.50 and £5 per extra sibling.

28 Jul ART CLUB at Winnersh Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh, RG41 5ND, 0118 979 7519, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Come and learn about different artists with creative activity. For children aged 7-11 years old. £2 per session. 3.45pm-4.45pm.

30 Jul FAMILY LEARNING WITH LEGO at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Hands on session for parents to discover how you can help your child to explore basic maths such as symmetry, bar charts and fractions, whilst playing with LEGO. For families with children aged 5-7 years.

Booking via Adult and Community Learning Team, 0118 974 3793, or lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk. 10am-12pm.

30 Jul GUIDE DOGS MORNING at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Just drop in to learn and meet guide dogs and their owners. Take part in some fun activities. 10am12pm.

30 & 31 Jul TREE CLIMBING at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Zip through the treetops with the Big Tree Climbing Company. £20 per person. Also runs 29 & 30 Aug. 31 Jul TRAIL TRACKERS at Hughenden, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755 573, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Kids can be a ‘trail tracker’ with the ranger team at Hughenden. Put your orienteering skills to the test with a compass and map. 10.30am-12pm. Also runs on 15 & 28 Aug. 31 Jul YO HO HO! At The River And Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Make a pirate’s chest containing secret treasures.

See some real treasure and discover Nick Sharratt’s swashbuckling tales! 4-7yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50.

31 Jul-2 Aug FAIRYTALES AND UNICORNS at 4 Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 369 678, www.4-kingdoms.co.uk continued on page 22

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Cotswold Wildlife Park

Days Out What’s On AUGUST 1-31 Aug RHINO MONTH at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxon, OX18 1JP, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk August is Rhino Month at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Keepers will be doing a daily talk throughout the month at 2pm near the Rhino Paddock about these magnificent animals, the threats and conservation work that is going on to try and protect them for future generations.

1 Aug & 15 Aug TAYLOR TUGS HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-onThames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Creative summer fun with song, craft and games. 18 months-5 years, 10.30am-12pm, £6.50.

2 Aug CHILDREN CHESS CLUB at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries For young people aged 8 years and over, 3.30pm-5pm.

2 Aug THE MIDNIGHT GANG at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Heartbreak Productions present a brand new production of David Walliams’ book.

Adults £16.50, Child £10.

2 Aug CLAY CARNIVAL at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Make a clay pot and decorate it with

relief models inspired by the characters in Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants. 711yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50.

2 Aug THE GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB at Hughenden, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755 573, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join instructors from the Big Tree Company and climb into the canopy of the giant horse chestnut. 10am-4.30pm. £20. Also runs on 16 & 30 Aug. 2-8 Aug WILDERNESS FESTIVAL at The Cornbury Estate, Chalbury/Witney Road, Oxon, OX7 3EH, www.wildernessfestival.com An award-winning festival of music, food, arts, learning, literature and rejuvenation. Set amongst the lakes, forests and parkland of Oxfordshire’s exquisite Cornbury Estate, it’s enjoyed by locals, those farther afield and families too.

4 & 5 Aug THE JUNGLE BOOK at South Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk See the children who have been on the Summer School put together everything they’ve learned, from performing to the technical side of theatre, and writing the music from scratch for the show. Show times 4 Aug at 2pm & 7pm, 5 Aug at 12pm & 4pm. Relaxed performance at 2pm on 5 Aug. All tickets £7.

6 Aug AS YOU LIKE IT at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Way, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Summer Shakespeare Theatre Show from The Enchanted Players. For all the family. £5 per person.

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8 Aug THE RAILWAY CHILDREN at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk A magical adaptation of E Nesbitt’s classical tale of family secrets, bravery and steam. Adult £16.50, Child £10.

8 AugANCHORS AWAY! At The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Calling all budding engineers!

Investigate how boats move and float, then use the range of boats on display as inspiration for your own elastic band or balloon powered vessel. 7-11yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50 8 Aug TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC at Bucklebury Farm Park, Bucklebury, RG7 6RR, 0118 971 4002, www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk In aid of Helen & Douglas House hospice for children. Bring your favourite teddy, go on a bear hunt and spot spome famous bears.

9 Aug WIND IN THE WILLOWS SILK PAINTING at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-onThames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Have a go at painting Ratty, Toad, Badger or Mole on silk. You will be taught resist and outline techniques and use fabulous coloured inks. 12-16 years, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50.

10 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – A KNIGHT’S JOURNEY TO THE KING’S THRONE at Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5HZ, 0118 931 2150 All knights go through many quests and this journey to the king’s throne is no different. Travel back to medieval times and children will joust their way through many grammar tournaments.

For 5-7 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

10 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP at Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, RG6 5HZ, 0118 931 2150, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Children can jump straight into this comprehension workshop and learn some fantastic skills that they can apply to any text they read. Can they help predict what happens next? And why did that character say that? For 7-9 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

10-12 Aug HELP! GET ME OUT OF THIS MUSICAL! At South Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk A fast-paced and devilishly drole poprock musical with a twist, about a boy

whose life, to his growing horror, is turning into a musical! This high-octane musical is packed full of captivating songs and brought to you by YMT, who pair the finest young actors, singers and dancers from around the country with some of our most exciting directors, choreographers and composers. See the next generation of UK talent here!

Show times Fri & Sat 7.45pm, Sat & Sun 2pm. £14.50, Conc. £10.50, Family £45.

12 Aug SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN at The Museum of English Rural Life, The University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, Tel: 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk Drop in between 11am – 1pm and enjoy a craft activity based on a theme related to The MERL and its collections.

Suitable for families with children aged 2-12. £2 per child (must be accompanied) Why not make a day of it and enjoy a visit to the museum, a drink in the cafe and a picnic in the garden?!

14 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – A KNIGHT’S JOURNEY TO THE KING’S THRONE at Twyford Library, Polehampton Close, Twyford, RG10 9RP, 0118 934 8088, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries All knights go through many quests and this journey to the king’s throne is no different. Travel back to medieval times and children will joust their way through many grammar tournaments. For 5-7 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

14 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP at Twyford Library, Polehampton Close, Twyford, RG10 9RP, 0118 934 8088, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Children can jump straight into this comprehension workshop and learn some fantastic skills that they can apply to any text they read. Can they help predict what happens next? And why did that character say that? For 7-9 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

14 Aug RIVER RE-CREATIONS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Be inspired by the multimedia creations in the Museum to design your own recycled hanging artwork to celebrate life in the river. 7-11yrs, 10.30am12.30pm, £8.50.

16 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – A KNIGHT’S JOURNEY TO THE KING’S THRONE at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries All knights go through many quests and this journey to the king’s throne is no different. Travel back to medieval times

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What’s On and children will joust their way through many grammar tournaments.

For 5-7 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

16 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Children can jump straight into this comprehension workshop and learn some fantastic skills that they can apply to any text they read. Can they help predict what happens next? And why did that character say that? For 7-9 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

17-19 & 23-27 Aug ROBIN HOOD – A MUSICAL CELEBRATION at At South Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Take a journey around the musical maypole and into the English countryside with a troupe of village players as they delight in the tales of Robin Hood. Share in the stories of Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marion and more in this lyrical production. Make the most of your visit and enjoy a picnic in South Hill Park’s award-winning grounds before or after the performance. Show times 12pm & 4pm. Relaxed performance 23 Aug at 12pm. Tickets £21, Members £18, Conc. £15.

20 Aug SAND ART at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Just drop in and create a sand art

picture with Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. £4 per picture, for children aged 4-11. 10.30am-12.30pm. Also at Lower Earley Library on 21 Aug 10.30am12.30pm and Woodley Library on 22 Aug 10.30am-12.30pm.

21 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – A KNIGHT’S JOURNEY TO THE KING’S THRONE at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Way, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries All knights go through many quests and this journey to the king’s throne is no different. Travel back to medieval times and children will joust their way through many grammar tournaments.

For 5-7 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

21 Aug EXPLORE LEARNING – PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP at Woodley Library, 6 Headley Way, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA, 0118 969 0304, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Children can jump straight into this comprehension workshop and learn some fantastic skills that they can apply to any text they read. Can they help predict what happens next? And why did that character say that? For 7-9 year olds. 10.45am-11.45am.

22 Aug KINGS AND KITTENS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.org.uk Hear the story of the Cat and the King

by Nick Sharratt. Make a castle and a cat and visit the exhibition to see Nick’s drawings. 4-7yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50.

23 Aug BIG BIRTHDAY BONANZA at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.org.uk It’s the Museum’s 20th Birthday! Help us celebrate in a day full of birthday fun and surprises. Can Mr Toad blow out the candles on the giant birthday cake? Will Badger burst the balloons? Join the museum for masses of family fun! Free with admission.

24-26 Aug THE BIG FEASTIVAL at Churchill Heath Farm, Chipping Norton, OX7 6UJ, www.uk.thebigfeastival.com A festival for all the family, combining top class food with live music from your favourite bands at Alex James’s farm in Kingham.

30 Aug FAMILY LEARNING WITH LEGO at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Hands on session for parents to discover how you can help your child to explore basic maths such as symmetry, bar charts and fractions, whilst playing with LEGO. For families with children aged 5-7 years. Booking via Adult and Community Learning Team, 0118 974 3793, or lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk.

10am-12pm. Also at Finchampstead Library 2.30pm-4.30pm.

30 Aug GOING GREEN at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk

10.30am – Plastic Fantastic? Find out how plastic can be reused to make material, even for a ski jacket! 11.30am – What did you do today to save the world? Learn how you can become a warrior on waste, with a talk on plastic pollution and a screening of the movie ‘What have you done today to save the world?’ A fun session aimed at children and adults alike. After the talks join the Museum team for a litter pick beyond the Museum to help keep Henley clean.

Free with admission but booking essential.

31 Aug-2 Sept BUNKFEST at Kinecroft, Wallingford, OX10 0DT On the banks of the River Thames in South Oxfordshire, Wallingford Bunkfest is a free-access community festival promoting a unique, family-friendly celebration with something for everyone. Most events are free – you only need to purchase tickets for boat trips, train trips, workshops and camping.

The BIG Feastival

Be Amazed...The Look Out

Bring this voucher to get one free child with one full paying adult*.

Discovery Centre Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

SUP ERH ERO Scie nce Sho w

Valid until 30/09/18

21 July 2 September 2018

*Terms and conditions apply.

Shows run at weekends and school holidays.

Age 3+

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

TVWJUL18

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

e

Open 10am - 5pm every day

The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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Families

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Summer Fun

Summer Fun on a Budget

By Claire Winter

The summer holidays will soon be here! While our children are looking forward to it, many of us parents are wondering how we are going to juggle work, play, and activities within our budget in a way that works for the whole family.

If you’re short on ideas for fun on a budget, add these to your list, as they won’t break the bank!

Visit a Museum Britain has an amazing array of museums and entry is often free or by donation. Head to London for one of the “big 3” - the Science Museum (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk), the Natural History Museum (www.nhm.ac.uk) or the V&A (www.vam.ac.uk). Our family favourite is the National History Museum. You’ll need at least half a day to as there are thousands of exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, to volcanicity, to evolution. Don’t miss the skeleton of the Blue Whale in the Hintze Hall, which is truly majestic. If you’ve done these, try a lesserknown one, like The Cartoon Museum (www.cartoonmuseum.org) in Holborn. Entry is £7 for adults and £3 for children.

In Manchester, great free museums include the Museum of Science and Industry (www.msimanchester.org.uk). Set amid the remnants of the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station, this is a true museum for all the family. If you are in Birmingham, Sarehole Mill (http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole) is worth a visit. It’s a 250 year old working

water mill famous for its association with author JRR Tolkien. It costs a modest £6 for adults and £3 for children and runs family events on many days during the summer.

Sporting Events This summer there are lots of great sporting events to look forward to. Wimbledon kicks off early in July, and many places will have tennisthemed events to celebrate. In Maidenhead, Berkshire they screen the big matches on a big screen on the High Street (enjoymaidenhead.com). You could also host your own party in the garden. Get some rackets with a soft ball and some strawberries and cream. Game, set and match!

Glasgow (together with Berlin) is hosting the inaugural European Championships (https://www.glasgow2018.com/championship s) this August, an exciting new multi-sport event bringing together some of the continent’s leading sports including the existing European Championships for Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon. There are sure to be some opportunities to get outside and watch some of these things on the big screen around the city or enjoy a home-based family viewing opportunity.

Blue Whale Hintze Hall, photo: Trustees of NHM

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Summer Fun The Extreme Sailing Series™ is sailing into Cardiff Bay, Wales, over the August Bank Holiday weekend, as the headline act to the Cardiff Harbour Festival. An international fleet of hydrofoiling GC32 catamarans will battle it out in the sixth stop of their global tour. There will also be FREE shore-side entertainment for the whole family. Spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, bars, food stalls, a kids’ zone and expert commentary on the racing. www.extremesailingseries.com.

Visit a Landmark If you visit Tower Bridge in London this summer, you can also visit the exhibition with a new family activity pass (family tickets usually start at £15.30). This pass will give you free access to family activity days for six months. Activity days give families a chance to step inside the Bridge to experience the Glass Walkways, exhibitions and atmospheric Victorian Engine Rooms while exploring its fascinating history and engineering feats through soundscapes, storytelling and art activities.

If you’re planning a road trip, head to the Scottish border and visit Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Romans in 122AD to keep the Scots out after they invaded Britain, this amazing stone wall once stretched nearly 80 miles from coast to coast in the north of England. It is thought to have taken three legions of men at least six years to complete. It’s now part of a 150-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the UK’s most spectacular Roman monuments. You will find different, planned family itineraries starting at different locations along the length of the wall at http://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/visit/itineraries Explore Nature Britain has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. We have nearly 7,800 miles of coast, ideal for surfing, walking, exploring and wildlife watching. Most places in the UK are no more than two hours from a beach. Northumberland has an incredible stretch of beaches and you can visit the mighty Bamburgh Castle (www.bamburghcastle.com). Entry for a family four is a reasonable £26, and it is well worth the cost to see one of the UK’s finest castles. Off the coast, you can visit the beautiful Farne islands, which have a great array of wildlife including migrating birds, seals, and dolphins.

The rugged Cornish coast is always a good place to visit too. If you are a fan of Poldark, you should visit Kynace Cove, which is one of the locations that doubles as Nampara in the series. I am not promising that you’ll get to meet a dark, handsome man in breeches though!

Rained in or at home for the day?

Have a Kitchen Disco Get the children to choose a playlist on Spotify, or from your music collection and have a kitchen dance-off. You could also get glow sticks and neon face paint and turn it into a glow party.

Make a Play in a Day Dig out the dressing up and create a play or a Britain’s Got Talent-style show.

Create a Smoothie Buy some yummy fresh fruit and get your children to design fruit smoothies. They could come up with a name for their new concoctions and design some packaging for them too.

Learn a New Skill Encourage the kids to surf the web for educational reasons and research a new skill they could learn like coding, plaiting hair, or juggling. YouTube is great for this but ensure parental settings are turned on!

Have a Nerf War Get the neighbours involved and stock up on ammunition; my kids love to do this in the house or garden.

Kynace Cove, photo: Claire Winter

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Clubs and Classes News Berkshire Maestros to relocate Caversham Music Centre to Queen Anne’s School

Pre-schoolers can enjoy weekly outdoor fun at the MERL Have you discovered the fantastic weekly outdoor learning sessions at the Museum of English Rural Life? Every Friday from 10am-11.30am, under 5’s can discover the benefits of outdoor learning and join in outdoor activities inspired by the themes and collections of the museum. Run by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader, each session involves storytelling, craft activities and singing. The admission price of £3 includes a drink and a snack. Sessions run whatever the weather and children and adults must dress appropriately! There are a small number of children’s waterproofs and wellies to borrow if necessary. For more information visit www.merl.reading.ac.uk

Local, independent music education charity Berkshire Maestros is to relocate its Caversham Music Centre to Queen Anne’s School from September 2018. The partnership between the school and the charity will bring improved facilities for Berkshire Maestros students whilst offering pupils at Queen Anne’s access to new musical opportunities.

Previously based at Highdown School at Emmer Green, Caversham Music Centre provides outstanding musical education opportunities for children and young people in the Caversham area. The new, larger centre will initially offer choir, guitar and string ensembles with further groups evolving during the next

year offering numerous pathways or progression to intermediate and advanced ensembles, including county level choirs and orchestras. Selected instrumental music lessons will also be available. Initially the new centre will be open two nights each week – Wednesday and Thursday from 4.30pm8.30pm.

Children and young people from all parts of Caversham study music every week at the Music Centre with many more students benefitting from music lessons provided by Berkshire Maestros at local schools across the region. For more information visit www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk

diddi dance Announces New Summer Holiday Programme diddi dance Reading and Wokingham is launching a special summer programme of ‘single’ sessions to run throughout the school holidays. The sessions, featuring Hula dancing, will be open to current diddi dancers as well as new customers.

“Most regular activities stop during the school holidays and parents can find it a little tricky to keep energetic pre-schoolers occupied week after week,” says Andrea Bickford, owner of diddi dance Reading and Wokingham, ‘so we decided to run these classes as stand-alone sessions to provide little ones and their siblings with the opportunity to let off steam and learn some new moves, whilst allowing maximum flexibility for families to work around day trips and holidays.

The dance theme for the holiday classes will be Hula dancing – so children are invited to bring along their sunglasses, flower garlands, Hawaiian shirts or even grass skirts to help them get into the chilled-out, summery vibe.

If you would like to find out more about diddi dance or the summer programme, please email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com, call Andrea on 07719 878789 or visit www.diddidance.com

26 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Steppin’ Out are going to Disney!

Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow, the theatre school who offer classes for children aged 3 ½ - 17 yrs are taking a group of 48 students to Disneyland Paris to perform on the main stage in 2019.

The school, known for its fabulous opportunities for children, saw its pupils complete a tough weekend of auditions to secure the Disney trip. “The children are really excited!” said Shelley Otway, principal and founder. www.steppinoutstars.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes Directory Regular Clubs, Classes and Out of school activities give your child a chance to shine and for you to have fun together, and there really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’ve discovered. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, toddlers and school aged children! For more clubs and classes in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk Developmental Classes

(See also our Music & Movement section)

Master Builders Club – LEGO workshops for children. Weekend and school holiday workshops, birthday parties and primary school events are a LEGO lover’s paradise, designed to provide children with an exciting and captivating experience.

Fun workshops start with a short story which sets the theme and building challenges. Then the creativity begins as the Master Builders have access to 1000’s of LEGO bricks sorted into colour, size and shape. If you are passionate about providing engaging and stimulating play opportunities that nurture your child’s mind, then Master Builders Club is for you. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

GR Swimming Schools – children’s swimming lessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham, Woodcote and Pangbourne. Beginners, improvers and club level swimmers. Also holiday crash courses in swimming, diving and snorkelling. Structured lessons, ASA Award Scheme. 01635 201 410, www.swimlessons.co.uk

Arts and Crafts

Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting: Offering fun, imaginative and instructional lessons in drawing and painting to school-aged children in Maidenhead, Wokingham and Reading. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express themselves better visually.

01628 634 418, www.artspiration.co.uk Taylor Tug’s Under 5’s Club – creative activity sessions for parents to enjoy with their children. Led by a trained teacher, sessions include craft, stories and song. Most Wednesdays in term time at The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491 514 605, www.rrm.co.uk

Music and Movement Baby College – fun, multi-sensory baby/child development classes from birth to 3yrs in Reading, Woodley, Lower Earley, Finchampstead & Wokingham.

Vanessa@babycollege.co.uk / 0118 987 664 / 0776 6688 120

Gym, Sport and Swimming

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at a purpose built gym in Woodley, run gymnastics classes for all ages including Leap Frogs for walkers to 5 years lead by qualified coaches. www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk Baby Splash – Swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and children from birth to 6 years. It doesn’t matter at what age your little ones join or whether they are beginners or advanced – they’ll be made to feel welcome in the water.

Fully trained and experienced teachers.

Classes across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. 0118 996 8958, info@babysplash.co.uk, www.baby-splash.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Monkey Music – fun music classes from 3months-4yrs with action songs and rhymes, music and movement, percussion instruments and musical games. Classes in Newbury, Thatcham, Mortimer, Henley and Upper Basildon. 01635 860 959, www.monkeymusic.co.uk diddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Award winning, high energy sessions explore 16 different styles set to original, age-appropriate music. Classes improve gross motor skills, rhythm, coordination, confidence, creativity and social skills with dancing games, fun exercises, action songs and a host of props. Lessons are aligned to the EYFS and are structured yet relaxed.

Nursery workshops and parties too! Free trial available. Classes run every day throughout Reading & Wokingham. Call Andrea on 07719 87 87 89, or email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Musical Bumps – outstanding music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, which follow the EYFS principle of holistic learning through play. Classes also incorporate the Kodaly principles of music teaching which have recently made headlines for their positive impact on school and pupil performance. Classes in Caversham, Emmer Green and Henley. 07813 319 4040, vicki.joyce@musicalbumps.com, www.musicalbumps.com Berkshire School of Music – offers musical instrument lessons and music theory lessons from the school in Caversham, Reading. Holiday and Weekend Music Workshops for ages 6-16.

07831 861 332, enquiries@berkshireschoolofmusic.co.uk, www.berkshireschoolofmusic.co.uk

Dance & Drama

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – Fun, energetic classes for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama and singing, tap, street dance, pop styles, musical theatre. Regular classes in Wargrave, Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer classes.

Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk, www.steppinoutstars.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School: Dance, drama and singing classes for 4-18 years that build confidence and teach skills. Early Years classes for 4-6 years designed to introduce young children to the performing arts. Local branches in Wokingham, Henley, Reading, Bracknell, Marlow and Newbury. www.stagecoach.co.uk Perform – Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer noobligation FREE trial sessions.

Venues: Newbury, Pangbourne, Twyford, Caversham, Wokingham, Henley and Crowthorne. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try Berzerk Productions: LAMDA examination classes, unique Drama Factory workshops, musical theatre and production opportunities for 6-19 years in Tilehurst, Woodley, Spencers Wood, Caversham, Reading, Pangbourne and Woodcote. Trial class free. 07863 734 830, www.berzerkproductions.com StageAbility after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Pangbourne, Burghfield, Tilehurst, Earley and Wokingham. High-energy classes mean that students never get bored, can't wait to get to class and develop confidence, creativity and focus. Pay-As-YouGo option for infants. www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk, jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk M: 07721 565898, T: 0118 933 3791 JG Dance and Theatre College – beginner classes from 21/2 years in ballet, jazz, tap, limbering, drama and singing. Twice yearly theatre performances. Free trial session available.

Classes held in Marlow, Bourne End, Twyford, Caversham, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley and Basingstoke. 01491 572 000, www.jgdance.co.uk

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Have Kids, Will Travel

By Claire Winter

W

e all look forward to our annual summer holiday but sometimes it doesn’t always go to plan. The kids get travel sick, you forget (or lose!)their favourite soft toy, and you nearly miss your flight. Culminating in a massive argument before you are even on the plane (I may, or may not be speaking from experience here).

I’ve asked Families readers from across the country for their top tips on how to move from frazzled to fun when you travel with children.

Check, and Check Again Make sure everyone's passport is valid, and, for travel further afield, not about to expire. Some

countries like Mexico, require at least six months on your passport before it expires. Also check flight times and bag restrictions. We’ve all seen stressed out passengers in the checkin queue trying to reduce the contents of their suitcase at the airport. Don’t be one of them!

Pack with Precision Make sure you have a packing plan. While it seems a romantic notion to sling a few things in a bag and jump on a plane, those days are long gone. If you are taking hold luggage make sure you mix up the adult and kids clothes between two suitcases, to make sure you all have something to wear if one bag gets lost.

Anne, mum of two girls, says, “Put swimwear

28 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

for the whole family in your hand luggage in case all your bags get lost. If you can all go for a swim or to the beach on arrival, lost luggage won’t seem so bad!”

Bring Food You can never have too many snacks. Most short-haul flights don’t provide food anymore, so you have to buy sandwiches and snacks, which are extortionately expensive. Plus, by the time the food trolley gets to you, the food has often run out, and the kids don’t want to eat it anyway! Marissa says, “For early starts, I chuck a load of cereal in small Tupperware containers so they can munch on them in the car or on the flight.”

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Family Travel Pack Surprises Break up a long journey with some fun toys to unwrap. “Go to a pound shop. Buy loads of small toys. Wrap them up and bring one out every hour! I’ve done lots of long-haul flights because we lived out in Singapore when mine were smaller” says Amanda, “and this works a treat."

Don’t Forget their Favourite Toy Most children have a blanket or toy they can’t sleep without. Make sure you, “keep their loved blanket/ toy out of the hold in case the luggage goes missing. We had luckily put my son’s beloved Stripey in my bag. Otherwise, my son wouldn’t have gone to sleep for the whole holiday” says Marissa.

Games are Good Top Trumps, Story Dice and sticker books are always winners. Mark says, “There are lots of travel games out there like Connect 4, Chess and Battleships, which we’ve found useful."

Don’t forget external chargers for gadgets when it’s time to get out the iPad or Kindle.

Bring a Sling “Make sure you have a sling with you when you are flying if you have a baby. You won’t always

have the pram until you pick up your luggage.

Bumbags are good as compact nappy changing bags as the toilets are so small on planes and it’s easy to get things out when trying to change a nappy," says mum of two, Alison. "If you are flying you can also do an order at Boots and pick it up at the airport, especially for things like baby milk.” says Emma.

Bring Spare Clothes These are “a must” if you have young children.

Christine says, "Don’t forget spare clothes in your hand luggage for long-haul flights as you never know when you’ll be delayed or get a surprise stopover, (pack for at least a day, plus baby food). My husband (for once) praised my over-packing when we were delayed in Dubai on our way to Oz for 48 hours with a baby and only our hand luggage!”

Be Patient and Enjoy It As parents we can feel disappointed when the dream trip to Disney in Florida or sightseeing with the kids in Paris doesn’t go to plan. Jackie says being realistic helps, “Think about your mindset as a parent before you travel practising patience and going with the flow is a good idea. Also, lower your expectations of your children’s behaviour as they might be tired or feel different due to the journey. In my experience this creates a more harmonious trip.” Holidays are a great way to relax, unwind and bond with your family, just make sure you try and enjoy the bumps in the road too.

Make it Fun Children love experiencing different modes of transport and being in new places. Sarah, mum to Mae, says, “We make it into an adventure! We talk to Mae about our journey a week or so in advance, so she’s enthused about it. Yves does rocket sound effects when the plane takes off or if there’s turbulence, so Mae thinks it’s all part of the same exciting adventure!” Judy says, "Involve them in the process, where to go, what to see, what to take. Get them to pack their own bag and agree on what to take for the flight to entertain and sustain them.”

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Compiled by Emma Wiltshire

Cool crafts for hot Summer days Giant Ice lollies (Age 1+) These cool lollies are easy & fun to make. Let your little one create their dream lolly with glitter, paint and pom-poms.

What you'll need: • Coloured card • Lolly sticks • Glitter or paint • PVA glue • Pom-poms • Scissors.

What to do: Draw the lolly shape on the coloured card and cut out.

Tip: Use the curved edge of a small plate to get a smooth line.

Carefully cut-out either side of the curve.

Glue the lolly stick to the back of the card.

Decorate with pom-poms, glitter or paint to look delicious!

Ladybug rocks (Age 2+) Cute and colourful, these delightful little creatures are super easy to make.

What you'll need: • Smooth pebbles • Bright coloured & black paint • Paint brushes • Googly eyes • PVA glue.

What to do: Scrub your pebble clean.

Paint the pebble in a super bright colour.

Allow to dry & apply a second coat.

Using black paint, carefully draw spots and a section for the head.

Allow to dry then apply googly eyes.

Paper plate snails (Age 4+) Decorate your very own friendly snail with beautiful beads & buttons.

What to do: Draw and cut-out the snail body from the card.

Glue the body to the paper plate.

What you'll need: • Paper plates • Coloured card • Pipe cleaners • Googly eyes • Selection of colourful beads or buttons • PVA glue.

Scissors • Black felt tip.

Swirl glue onto the plate. Carefully place beads/buttons onto the glue.

Cut a small length of pipe cleaner for the antenna and glue to the body.

Add googly eyes.

Dreamcatchers (Age 6+) Brighten up your bedroom with a pretty dreamcatcher.

What you'll need: • Pipe cleaners • Coloured yarn • Feathers • Pom-poms •Beads • Scissors • Plastic needle.

What to do: Bend the pipe cleaner into a circle and twist ends together.

Wrap your first colour yarn around the circle several times before attaching feathers, Pom-poms or beads.

Repeat this process 2-3 times until you have a selection of colours and a pretty pattern across the circle.

For the hanging loop, fasten one end of yarn then allow enough for the loop before fastening at the other end.

Hang beside your bed. Sweet dreams!

30 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Please tell advertisers you found them in Families

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