Snakes, slime and princesses draw the crowds at Holme Grange

Half term proved fun at Holme Grange Craft Village when they staged a series of activities during the school holidays.

Holme Grange Craft Village in Heathlands Road is a hidden gem in the heart of the countryside in Wokingham, offering a unique shopping experience. With independent traders and artisan crafters working in a collection of converted barns, visitors can browse in a relaxed environment.

During the week there was drop-in slime-making sessions when children joined The Creation Station Bracknell under the new wooden gazebo in the courtyard.

The Ice Sisters proved a big hit when Tutus &Tiaras Princess Parties visited the village on Tuesday. Little princesses donned their own beautiful outfits to meet their heroines in person.

Sand art was set up by Kids Be Happy and owner Amanda McDiarmed said it was a good activity for all age groups. Mum Helen Whiteside said the girls loved the activity. “This is great in the school holidays. It’s good to keep the girls active and they just love arts and crafts.” l The Creation Station provides award-winning art and craft classes, parties and events that inspire the imagination. For more information, call 07445 639993, email kayleighwebb@ thecreationstation.co.uk or visit www. thecreationstation.co.uk l Tutus & Tiaras Princess Parties run character parties and events. For more information, call 07944 268790, email tutusandtiarasevents@gmail.com or visit www.tutusandtiar- asprincessparties.co.uk l Berkshire reptile rescue has been running since 1996 and has taken in, rehabilitated, and rehomed hundreds of unwanted reptiles. Lack of funds spawned an expansion to include reptile events for schools, fetes, birthdays and other groups in 2008. This is aimed at educating children and others about reptiles and other exotic animals. Call 07930247329, email reptilemanberks@gmail.com or visit www. berkshirereptileencounters.co.uk

And back by popular de mand was a regular visitor to the village, Reptile Man with Berkshire Reptile Encounters. Children got hands-on with snakes, reptiles and tortoises.

Every Bounce Counts helped the kids get rid of some excess half-term energy with their inflatable slide and there was some face-painting to be had as well.

And to calm the kids down after a busy week there was Bradleys Bunch Books, followed by some magic painting.

Sand art photos:

Triplets Evelyn, Eleanor and Emily O”Malley, aged five, from Finchampstead. Lola Price, aged nine, from North Ascot. Twins Ruby and Emma Whiteside, aged eight, from Montague Park, Wokingham

Reptiles:

Daisy Creasey, aged five, from Bracknell, with a lizard. Braxton Dickinson, 11, from Crowthorne was very confident holding this ‘baby’ having been used to holding bigger snakes already