P F le R a E a s e E c o ta - p k y e

Thames Valley West July/August 2016 Issue 84 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Try before you buy!

In this issue: 01628 660 893 Summer Special! Everything you www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk need for a fantastic family summer BIGGEST Display in the Thames Valley (just 5 mins from M4 J7) Abbey Rose Nursery, Nashdom Lane, Burnham SL1 8NJ Holiday Clubs and Camps Win Tickets to Odds Farm Park Free Days Out

Plus: The only What’s On guide you’ll need for 0-12’s in Henley, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury and West Berkshire 2 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 ® Contents Families Thames Valley West • Issue 84 • JULY/AUGUST 2016 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

4 News & Views

7 Education Feature Back to school Hello from the Editor checklist Thames Valley West July/August 2016

9 Education News Education Feature Don’t Miss these great offers and 11 competitions: How to help your child • Book a free trial session with Perform before 30 Sep and get a £30 discount transfer to – see p.30 secondary • Try out French or Spanish with your Hooray! Summer is finally here! There were times I thought school little one at a free Bilinguasing class – it would never arrive this year! Welcome to another see p.6 packed edition of Families Magazine. There’s so much 13 Summer Days Out • Free trial session with Explore going on this summer in our area and we’ve hand-picked Ideas and inspiration Learning – see p.2 • Free child ticket to Odds Farm Park the best family days out and things to do, to suit all – see p.19 budgets. If you’re looking for some extra help with 17 What’s On • Free child ticket to The Look Out childcare this holiday, check out our guide to the best Events in July and August Discovery Centre – see p.18 summer activity camps for kids, whether you’re looking for • WIN! A family ticket to Odds Farm 22 Health Park – see p.17 a week of sport, tech, drama or multi-activity you’ll find How to keep • Barracudas Holiday Camps something to suit your children. your child cool discount offer – see p.25 Some of you will have children starting at primary or in the sun • Exclusive Families discount – get secondary school in September. Don’t do what I did and 10% off a Star Hotshots Birthday Party leave the uniform buying to the last week in August (trust – see p.27 me, it’s all gone!). Read our ‘Back to School Checklist’ on To Advertise: Page 7 to help get you organised for the Autumn Term, or 23 Family Life We can help you reach an audience of over 45,000 parents in Reading, if your child is starting secondary School, read our guide Free fun over Henley, Wokingham, Bracknell, on what to expect on Page 11. the summer Newbury and surrounding areas. We’ve got some great ideas for family day trips to some Give us a call on 0118 9745 398 for a of our fabulous local attractions, starting on Page 13, and no-obligation chat, or email [email protected] look out for special offers and ticket competitions throughout the magazine, plus some budget friendly ideas Designed by: on Page 23. 24 Summer Activities Directory Ridgeway Press Ltd, 01256 300 420, www.ridgewaypress.co.uk Finally, our much anticipated brand new Families Day Camps & Holiday Cubs website has gone live. If you haven’t already visited us Next Issue: Sports & Outdoor Fun online, check out www.familiesonline.co.uk. Performing Arts September/October – Education, Whatever you’re doing this summer, I hope it’s Museums & Libraries Schools, Clubs & Classes Advertising deadline 1st August. a great one for you and your families. May/June Competition Winner: 30 Clubs & Classes News Lucy Legoland: Jessica Duce

Professionals with the personal touch...

We are dedicated to finding the perfect childcare solution for you and your family Live in or live out nannies | Temporary or permanent Maternity Nannies | After School Nannies Please get in touch to discuss your individual requirements Nutkin Nannies [email protected] 07468 417 050 www.nutkinnannies.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2016 3 News & Views Get Set for IKEA! Your Local Families Reading store opens Team is Recruiting! 14th July Work Opportunity with If you live anywhere near Junction 12 of the M4 you cannot have missed the Families Online in West giant blue building that has been taking Berkshire shape next to the motorway over the last year. The much anticipated IKEA We are preparing to celebrate the Reading store will finally open its doors launch of a fantastic new website this on 14th July. summer. Destined to become the IKEA is the largest home furnishing number 1 resource for local families, company in the world and the Reading www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have store is the first to be built in the UK in over 300 local sites across the UK. Like seven years. Occupying a 32,000 square our magazines, the local sites in West metre site on Pincents Lane in Calcot, Berkshire are guaranteed to give users the store will create up to 350 jobs in a the very best ideas for spending time Responsibilities wide range of roles including customer with their family locally. • Posting daily online and on social relations, sales, interior design and in the We have a number of highly flexible, media with great ideas for your IKEA restaurant. Recruitment and home-based work opportunities readers training of newly-appointed co-workers available for Area Managers to run our • Populating and updating your site has already begun with just 130 roles left local sites. As an Area Manager you will with useful and timely local content to fill at time of going to press. for families Store manager Johanna Heuren said, enjoy a fun and flexible role which fits • Marketing and selling your site to ‘We are still on the lookout for passionate around you and your family life, whilst local businesses and families and curious co-workers to be part of the affording you a great challenge – and • Building relationships with your team that brings IKEA to people in the the opportunity to make money! There Thames Valley and I encourage anyone are no set up costs involved, you will be clients and users and helping them who shares our passion for home trained by industry experts and you will get the most from your site furnishing and people to get in touch.’ develop valuable new skills in the To register your interest, please email digital, print and social media Lucy: editor@famili estvw.co.uk marketing industry. You Should Be: The Big Friendly • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what's on locally for families Summer Reading • Interested in working flexibly from Challenge is here! home at times that suit you This year’s Big Friendly Summer Reading • Online savvy and a regular user of Challenge is linking up with the global Facebook and Twitter year-long Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, • Able to write great articles which honouring the world’s number one capture the imagination of local storyteller. families The Big Friendly Read will feature some • Have good networking and of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters communication skills, and and the amazing artwork of his principal confidence when speaking to illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. It will customers/the public encourage reading on a giant scale and will feature themes such as • A motivated self-starter who takes invention, mischief and friendship as ownership and pride in your work explored in Roald Dahl’s books. Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library as the school summer term ends and the holidays begin. There’s no charge to participate so why not pop down to your local library and get reading?

4 More Families news at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 News & Views

s! Mum g all Callin Looking for an extra income?

Work the hours that suit you, be your own boss, full training New Website for Families and support given, and have fun at the same time :-) Contact Hayley on Look out for the launch of the You can look forward to seeing the fantastic new Families website in best of the current site, including 07717 511171 early July. places to go and what’s on events The areas covered by this and activities, education, childcare, [email protected] magazine will now be covered by 5 classes and clubs and parties, as well websites covering the local areas of as some great new features including Reading, Henley, Bracknell, eating out and local services. Bradfield Ironing Wokingham, Goring & Streatley, The site will be more Call today and get your first kg of ironing FREE! Finchampstead, Crowthorne, comprehensive than ever and easier (minimum order of 3kg) quoting BA47. Newbury and surrounding villages of to use, offering inspirational ideas for By Weight or by the Hour! We have highly competitive rates, enabling you to choose which is more economical. West Berkshire. This new hyper-local things to do with the kids locally and 1) £4.00 per kilo with a minimum order of 3kg. (excluding men’s shirts). approach will allow Families Online to helpful parenting tips and advice to 2) £15 per hour of ironing completed bring you information about a wide support you and your family. Special Offer Mens’s Shirts Washed & range of things to do both close to It’s in the same place, so come Ironed at £2.00 per shirt or ironed only where you live – and across your and visit us at familiesonline.co.uk at £1.50 per shirt. (Previously £2.25 & £1.75) region. Free collection and delivery service within a 5 mile radius of Southend Bradfield Father wins landmark case for taking child Samantha out of school during term time 0788 1079 101 47 Southend Road Jon Platt was issued with a fine for £13,000, which he is seeking to Bradfield Southend taking his daughter to Walt Disney cover through crowd funding. RG7 6EY

World last April without permission The case raises an interesting Like us on Facebook or email [email protected] from his daughter’s school or the point for other parents who wish to Isle of Wight Council. avoid the inflated costs that When fined £60 by the Council holiday companies charge during on his return, Jon refused to pay school holidays. Travel money and the amount was doubled to provider FairFX has said that its £120. Taken to court, Jon argued survey showed that holiday prices that as his daughter’s attendance increase by up to 115% during at the school was ‘good’ at over school holidays. A solicitor who 90%, he should have been has previously represented parents allowed to take a family holiday who take their children on holiday with his daughter. in term time remarked, ‘This The courts agreed and in May, decision has provided much Jon Platt won his case with Lord needed clarity for parents as to Justice Lloyd Jones and Mrs Justice whether regular attendance can Thrilwall dismissing the Isle of Wight continue to be decided on an Council’s case. individual basis by the lower Speaking on the steps of the Courts. This decision gives parents court, Mr Platt said, ‘I am hugely the freedom and comfort to relieved. I know that there was an continue to take their children out awful lot riding on this – not just for of school during term time, me but for hundreds of other provided that they secure regular parents.’ The case cost Mr Platt attendance on the whole.’

Please tell advertisers you BOOK NOW for advertising in our Sept/Oct 2016 issue Families! Due out September 2 found them in email: [email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More Families news at www.familiesonline.co.uk 5 News & Views Get in the mood for your summer holiday and New £500,000 football practice some French or Spanish with your toddler! facility opens in Many of us are looking forward to our One ice cream please. Woodley to boost summer holidays abroad. And with France Spanish: Un helado por favor. (‘Oon el-lah- and Spain being ever popular destinations doh pohr fah-bohr.’) grassroots sport for families, now is the time to brush up on French: Une glace s’il vous plaît. (‘Uun glas some of your French or Spanish and get your seel voo pleh’.) children involved too. Where is the toilet? Kate Sleeman, runs BilinguaSing French or Spanish: ¿Dónde están los aseos? (‘Dohn- Spanish music classes for babies, toddlers & deh ehs-tan lohs ah-seh-ohs’) pre-schoolers in Wokingham & the local French: Où sont les toilettes ? (‘Ooh sohn lay area says it’s never too soon to start. Here twah-let?’) are a few handy phrases to help you get Thank you started: Spanish: Gracias (‘Grah-thyahs’) Hello French: Merci (‘Merr-see’) Spanish: Hola (‘Oh-lah’) Bilinguasing classes are suitable for little French: Salut (‘Sah-luu’) Bye (informal) ones from a month old and all songs are Spanish: Hasta luego (‘Ahs-tah lweh-goh’) sung in both English and French / Spanish so French: Salut (‘Sah-luu’) it doesn’t matter if you don’t know any My name is… foreign languages; you can learn together Spanish: Me llamo… (‘Meh yah-moh…’) with your little one. Families readers can trial their first class for free. Classes continue French: Je m’apelle… (‘Zhuh mah-pell…’) Woodley Town Council officially Yes / No during the school summer holidays too, visit opened the new 3G AGP at www.bilinguasing.com/wokingham-reading- Spanish: Sí (‘See’)/ No (‘Noh’) Woodford Park Leisure Centre on 3rd French: Oui (‘Wee’) / Non (‘Nohn’) twyford/ June. The project was made possible thanks to a £277,200 grant from the Mum Hacks: Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family life Premier League and FA Facilities Fund, which provides grants towards For many of us, parenting has come to feel tame housework, leave the house more like an unwinnable race against a stop- easily, head off sibling squabbles, dress kids developing new or refurbished watch. One in three families now has both in clothes that will keep your laundry pile grassroots football facilities. parents in full-time work and another two down and finally - find the time to help you Woodford Park Leisure Centre now million parents are raising kids on their own. look and feel your best. boasts a full-size 3G AGP that can be On top of that, economic uncertainty, a Whether you’re split into three 5-a-side pitches for long hours culture and the creeping tendrils juggling the demands training and small-sided match of technology where work follows us home, of home and office or purposes. means that UK parents work longer days fighting the on-going than any other nation in Europe. battle to keep your The Council worked in partnership Tanith Carey’s new book: Mum Hacks is home and kids under with the Berks and Bucks FA to secure about changing all of that. It offers control, Mum Hacks is the grant. Since 2000 the Football hundreds of ingenious ways to streamline the ultimate trouble- Foundation Funding Partners the tasks parents need to do every day to shooting guide for investment has provided 247 grants keep their show on the road – without the busy parents of stress-inducing rows and panics. This book children of any age. Mum Hacks is worth £10 towards grassroots sports will tell you how to cook stress-free meals, published by White Ladder Press, £9.99. projects worth over £69m across the whole of Berkshire.

The Great Literacy Challenge is coming for UK Eggsplorers!

Keep an eye out in our Back to School issue for a very special promotion for the award-winning Reading Eggs Programme. For all you mums and dads who haven’t yet seen how Reading Eggs can help your children learn to read, make sure you pick up the September/October issue!

6 More Families news at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education Back to School Checklist Although the summer is only just starting, the holidays are a great time for taking stock and getting ‘back to school ready’ before the mad rush at the end of August! Parents spend an average of £200 kitting out a child to go back to school but planning in advance can save a fortune.

Here’s what you need to know... SCHOOL UNIFORM • The start of the summer holiday is when the supermarket price war really starts to • If you are looking online for school boots, shin pads or other sports hot up but stock sells out quickly so be shoes, make sure you get the kids equipment can be expensive but try prepared! measured first and then ALWAYS check discount sports stores such as Sports • Aldi are usually ALWAYS the cheapest that you are buying real leather as some Direct or have a look online at JD Sports. with a jumper, two cotton polo shirts and sites sell shoes that aren’t full leather The start of the summer holidays are a trousers or a skirt for around £4 but as (check the small print!) and they won’t good time to look for second hand their uniform is classed as a Special Buy last as long goodies on Gumtree or Freecycle as item they aren’t in stock all the time. It is • Label EVERYTHING because it will get parents start to take stock, especially if worth calling ahead if Aldi isn’t that local lost and you are more likely to get it one of their children is moving or leaving to you so you don’t have a wasted trip. back if it has a name on it! If you have school Last year though, they were trumped by several children, buy labels with just your • If your child is keen to learn a musical Asda who offered sets for just £3.75! surname so you can use for all the kids instrument, ask the school if you can • Last year Tesco, Morrisons and borrow or rent one for a term to make Sainsbury’s all did school uniform sets for EQUIPMENT, BOOKS AND SPORTS sure that your child is serious about it first. under £10 (although the price goes up If you do have a musical offspring, • As children get older, the amount of as the age and size of the child does, so check out Take it away, the Arts Council ‘stuff’ they need keeps increasing so try watch out for that) programme that offers interest free loans and spread the purchases over the • Debenhams, Matalan and John Lewis of up to £5000 to spread the cost of usually have some AMAZING deals for summer so that you don’t get one big parents wanting to buy their children under £15 and M&S and Next last year hit! instruments to be paid back over 9 or 18 were coming in at around £17. • Buying books can be expensive but months Speaking to other parents who have you can get FREE Oxford Owl eBooks for bought High Street stuff is a good way to children online at find out how well the clothing lasts and http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk or google whether they wash nicely. eBooks and textbooks online and you will • Tesco offers an embroidery service find loads that you can download FOR where you can still buy the cheaper FREE. Amazon is a great place for supermarket uniform but then have the second hand textbooks and you can logo of your school embroidered on. often pick them up for HALF PRICE or see Schools across Reading, West Berkshire if you can get school books for free via a and Oxfordshire have approved the book-swapping website, such as service and it is very easy to do online. Bookmooch or ReadItSwapIt Tesco are also giving 5% cashback to • HotUKDeals have an excellent back to your school when you order. school section online which is constantly • M&S are also offering logoed uniform being updated with the latest deals, for some schools within the Thames discount codes and bargain products Valley West area but you need to order that members of the site have found by 31st July to get the gear for the new term themselves. It is ALWAYS worth logging • Don’t be afraid to buy second hand on and checking. for some of the more expensive items, • For bags and stationery, the like blazers or sports kit. If your school supermarkets and Wilkos are awesome doesn’t have a second hand store then but it is a good idea to find out what get the PTA to start one!! It can be a equipment your school allows before good way to earn money back too by buying things like tippex or gel pens as ‘donating’ your old stuff (they usually some schools will confiscate them and give you a percentage of the sale price it’ll be a big waste of money back • Hockey sticks, tennis rackets, football

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More education features at www.familiesonline.co.uk 7 Independent S chool of t he Year TE S In depe nd ent S ch oo l Awards 2 015

Journey Junior Schoo l with friends Ope n Mo rnin g Frid ay 7 O ctober Early Years Open Aftern oon 9.15 - 11.00a m Wednesd ay 2 1 Sep tembe r, 4.15 pm - 5.30 pm Senior Schoo l Pre p Open Morn ing s Ope n E venin g Thursd ay 6 O ctobe r, 9 .30a m - 1 1. 00am Thu rsday 22 Sep tem be r 5.3 0 - 8 .30p m Tuesd ay 8 N ovembe r, 9 .30am - 11 .00am Tues day 6 De cembe r, 9.30am - 11.00a m The Abbe y Sch ool, To reserve your pl ace at an Ope n Mornin g or our Ope n Afternoo n p leas e call Admis sion s o n Rea ding, Berksh ire RG1 5D Z 0118 984 6910 or e mail ad mis sions @sjc r.o rg.uk. Alternati vely you c an b ook v ia our webs ite.

www.sjc r.org.uk the abbey.co.uk

8 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education News Revolutionising Early Government U-Turn on Learning at Reddam Academies House The Government has made a startling u- turn on its plans to force all schools to Reddam House Berkshire has achieved become Academies. outstanding results in its recently Plans to require all schools to become published ISI report and has a unique Academies were announced in the most approach to learning which has recent Budget. However, after threats of achieved international success and industrial action and a disastrous consistently strong results across three appearance by Education Secretary continents. Nicky Morgan at the union meeting, the One of the defining principles of its department announced that the plans ethos is a ‘through-school’ approach, Explosive Fun at would be scrapped. where children from 3 months to sixth- She claims that it is because the form are taught across three schools. Waverley School’s Government is listening to people and Each is housed in a different part of the Science Day! has made the u-turn due to concerns estate, giving children a feeling of expressed by parents, education experts, separation from each other whilst Pupils at a local school in head teachers and teachers. encouraging a sense of progression as Finchampstead saw first hand just Two thirds of secondary schools already they move up through the school. This how much fun science can be! have Academy status, though their set up helps to avoid the anxieties that Waverley School’s Science Day success has been less than stellar with some children may feel when moving began with a blaze of fire and many falling short of their aims and predicted exam results. schools at key stages. smoke! A spectacular demonstration Morgan said that the Government had, The Early Learning School was by the guest scientist proved that it is ‘listened’ to opponents of the scheme: particularly praised in the report and indeed possible to set fire to a real ‘Making every school an Academy is the achieved an ‘outstanding’ grading in £50 note and see it survive unmarked. best way to ensure that every child, every category. Inspired by the Reggio The children were then treated to a regardless of birth or background, has Emilia ethos, where the child is at the series of explosions and optical access to a world-class education,’ she centre of the curriculum and play is illusions – showing them that science meaningful, the school is designed said. ‘However, having listened to the is impressive, enthralling and fantastic feedback from parliamentary colleagues using natural materials and gentle fun for everyone. colours to create an environment that and the education sector we will now Throughout the day the pupils then change the path to reaching that goal.’ supports learning. Children are took part in workshops undertaking encouraged to select and explore different experiments. This included topics and activities for themselves, learning about electrical circuits developing deeper engagement from where they created a giant circuit by the child, building independence and all holding hands and enabling a stimulating curiosity. loud buzzer with flashing lights to be www.reddamhouse.org.uk activated! Woe betide anyone who stopped holding hands and broke the circuit! The highlight of the day was a rocket launch in the school field! The children counted down to lift-off and the rocket launched into the sky! It was difficult to decide who was more excited about the rocket’s successful launch – the pupils or the teachers! To find out more about Waverley, visit their website waverleyschool.co.uk, call 0118 973 1121 or email [email protected]

Open Day 1st October 2016*

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More education news and features at www.familiesonline.co.uk 9 Education News Why pre-school matters It’s that time of year when you might be thinking about a pre-school education for your child. For many children, it’s their first experience in a more structured setting and a fantastic opportunity to learn to share, follow instructions, embrace play and begin the foundation for learning that will occur when they start primary school. Jubilee Gems term-time nursery in Padworth is passionate about outdoor play and learning and are fortunate to have over 50 acres of stunning open countryside, private woodland and a working farm for the children to enjoy; their ethos of ‘learning by doing’ – both inside and out, every day. Recent research has shown that the first five years of a Help your child explore their full child’s life are crucial to their long-term learning and potential development. As well as a qualified Early Years teacher for pre-school children, Jubilee Gems places an emphasis on a At Explore Learning, their passion is to help students achieve well-rounded learning experience which encompasses a their potential and be the best they can be. child’s physical, personal, social and emotional They get to know each child as an individual and help development. This is done in partnership with children’s first them to fall in love with learning. Their goal is to build and most important educators – parents. confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge. Manager Sian Caine says, “Primary school teachers tell us They’ve delivered award-winning maths and English tuition they can recognise ‘Jubilee children’ for their confidence, to over 175,000 children across the UK. independence and joy of learning and by the time pre- Their award-winning approach has a proven record of school children leave our care, they really are ready for supporting children both academically and attitudinally. school”. Celebrating children’s achievements is an extremely To find out more contact Sian on 0118 983 4018 or visit: important thing. This summer Explore Learning are www.jubileegems.co.uk encouraging children and parents to learn new skills together, and to get excited about showing off what they have learned in their centres and back at school in September. Look out for their stories on Explore Learning’s social media channels and website!

10 More education news and features at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education How to help your child transfer to secondary school By Liat Hughes Joshi It’s one of the biggest transitions of childhood: moving to Here are a few tips to keep in mind once your secondary school. From travelling independently to child has started secondary school… remembering when homework is due in, your child will Expect them to be tired and emotional… need to become a good deal more self-sufficient. Here’s Many year sevens get very tired thanks to the ‘newness’, how to ease the transition… on top of a longer day and a more complicated journey. Stick to early nights and restful weekends to fend off exhaustion – and the moodiness that goes with this. Get super-organised with homework At primary, pupils might only have had a small amount of homework; expect the game to be raised now. Not only will there be more but keeping on top of when it all needs handing in can be complicated. Help your child help themselves by suggesting they complete each task soon, so that it doesn’t build up. A homework planner can also be useful. Get used to knowing much less about what goes on In primary, you might well have been at the school gates most days and familiar with your child’s friends, parents and teachers. This will change: with independent travel comes a more hands-off approach. Be there for them It’s tempting to think this independence means you’re being made redundant come September but they’ll still Ramp up responsibilities need you - albeit in different ways. Be there as a sounding Senior school children have to be considerably more responsible board - someone to listen and advise. And of course, for their own belongings and themselves. Whereas primary school they’ll still be calling upon the Bank of Mum and Dad and teachers send letters to parents, at ‘big’ school, communication parental taxi service more than ever… on day-to-day issues might well be to your child only. Begin by trying to remind your child less about what kit or books they need daily. Begin building independence out and about Most secondary school pupils travel to school minus mum and dad, so get yours used to being out without you. It’ll be less daunting for them if this starts on the journey to primary school, rather than being thrown into travelling alone on a lesser-known route. If they haven’t started walking to school alone or with a friend already, the summer term of year six is a good time to begin. The first time or two you could walk a little behind them at least part of the way to keep an eye out. Listen out for concerns Some children take this huge change in their stride and are ready to move on, while others will feel anxious. Common concerns include getting lost around a much larger school, dealing with the journey, making new friends and managing the homework load. The key is to keep communication going between you – ask now and then how they’re feeling about their new school and listen and reassure them. Attend settling-in days The Cedars School has been accepted Most secondaries hold a session for new joiners, usually during the as a fully accredited member of the summer term of year six. This is an important opportunity to get to Independent Schools Association know the buildings, potential classmates and teachers and it should make the first day less intimidating. Consider attending any social events at the school too, such as a concert or the summer fair. Limited spaces available for 2017 Introduce them to other children going to the same school Please feel free to give us a call This won’t matter so much if half your child’s class is heading to the and arrange a visit same secondary but if there won’t be a familiar face, try and find prospective classmates through the local grapevine and then arrange a meet up. The Cedars School, Church Road, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4LR Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of @cedarsschool www.thecedarsschool.co.uk four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Tel: 0118 9714 251 Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More education features at www.familiesonline.co.uk 11 12 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Days Out

The Farm Park is situated in the heart There’s so much to do in the Thames Valley and of the countryside in the village of further afield this summer. Here’s our Families Bucklebury between Reading and Newbury (between junctions 12 and favourites sure to entertain you all come rain or 13 of the M4). Set in a stunning 74 shine… acre site, the farm offers a host of themed adventure playground and attractions with plenty to delight. lots of animals to see. Beale Park is Come and cuddle the baby goat offering a range of extra activities for kids, meet the Berkshire piggies and the holidays including Meet the Bugs say hello to Lucky the baby donkey. and Pond Dipping sessions, plus the You can get lost in the new Maize chance to build your own butterfly Maze, test your skills at bushcraft, rev feeder. See our What’s On pages for up a go-cart, take a giant leap on dates and times of activity sessions. the jumping pillow and be a Book online 48 hours in advance and daredevil on the drop slides. This save £1 per ticket or £3 off a family summer the big screen comes to the ticket. 0118 976 7480 / park with evening screenings of The bealepark.org.uk Jungle Book (25 Aug) and Mamma Summer Bonanza at Wellington Mia! The Movie (10 Sept). There are Spectacular Shows at Odds Farm Country Park also new Pizza Friday evenings and Odds Farm were recently named as Wellington Country Park hosts a huge late night opening between 17 June one of Trip Advisor’s top 20 Farm amount of fun over the summer and 16 Sept, with half price entry and Parks in the UK and there is always months which guarantees visitors an pizza in the park. For more loads to do. However, over the action packed day out. On 27th information visit summer there are some extra special July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk, phone events on. Between 21st July and August, 24th August and 31st August, 0118 971 4002 or email 12th August, Odds Farm will be there will be shire horse and cart rides [email protected] entertaining the crowd daily with a around the park. On the weekend of 30th and 31st July, it is Wellingtons Wild West Show. Four times a day Be a Science Superhero at The Look Magical Enchanted Weekend and there will be singing, line-dancing Out, Bracknell on 6th and 7th August you will have and cowboy-themed fun! Yee-Hah! to grab your parrot and eye patch Then between 13th August and 4th for the Pirate Adventure Weekend! September, there will be a daily Ahoy there! On the 13th and 14th Circus Skills Workshop where you can August it is Wellingtons Summer Picnic marvel at the acrobatic, aerial and and the Big Bonanza weekend is on balancing skills of the magical Circus 20th and 21st August. If all of that Performers. This is on top of the usual isn’t enough (we are exhausted Adventure Maze, play areas and already!) then on 27th, 28th and 29th animal fun. August you can attend the Big Entrance fee is included in general Inflatable Takeover. So much fun to admission price. Open 7 days a be had! week – 10.00am to 5.30pm. Odds Open daily – 9.30-5.30pm. Wellington Farm Park, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX. Country Park, Riseley, Berkshire. RG7 Tel: 01628 520 188. Website: 1SP. Tel: 01189 326 444. wellington- www.oddsfarm.co.uk country-park.co.uk Meet the Bugs and Butterflies at Beale Outdoor Cinema, Pizza in the Park, Park Bushcraft and more at Bucklebury Farm Park Recently rated as ‘Excellent’ by TripAdvisor, The Look Out Discovery Centre on Nine Mile Ride in Bracknell has over 90 hands-on science and nature activities for children of all ages. Launch a hot air balloon, build an unfinished house, make a mini- animation, leave your shadow on a wall and much more! There is also an amazing outdoor adventure play area, gift shop, refreshments and 1000 hectares of woodland to explore. This summer holiday, find out Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens is if you’re a Look Out Superhero in the situated in the picturesque Pang live Superhero Science Show which Valley, beside the River Thames Bucklebury Farm Park is the perfect looks at super-strength, invisibility, between Pangbourne and Lower place to go this summer for great brain power and more! 01344 354 400 Basildon. There are a host of value and a magical experience, / Bracknell- attractions at the park including a appealing to the whole family, school forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoveryce giant paddling pool and sand pit, groups, senior citizen’s clubs or just a ntre train, Little Tikes village, a pirate- couple of friends.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More summer fun ideas at www.familiesonline.co.uk 13 Summer Days Out

Celebrate Rhino Month at Cotswold Explore the Bug-tastic Manydown Wildlife Park Maize Maze Between 16th July and 4th September, the giant living Maize Maze will be open at Manydown Family Fun. Each year they change the theme and style of the maze and this year the giant Maize Maze has the theme of Bugs! Visitors will become bug detectives and will be able to test their bug knowledge as they work their way around the maze! The maze itself will be in the shape of a ladybird and a beautiful butterfly and families will enjoy finding their way through it… and getting lost in it! There are also loads of other Summer will be action-packed at the things to do at Manydown including Cotswold Wildlife Park with Cotswold adventure play, farmyard animals, Falconry Flying Displays taking place inflatable slide, tractor and trailer at the Park every weekend from 23rd rides and a bale mountain. July through to the August Bank Open daily from 10am-5pm. Holiday weekend. Then August is Manydown Family Fun, Scrapps Hill Join the National Trust for exclusive Rhino Month where the keepers will Farm, Basingstoke, RG23 8PU. Tel: ‘one night only’ summer camping in be doing a daily talk at 2pm near the 01256 220 398. Bucks, Berks and Oxon Rhino Paddock about these Manydownfamilyfun.co.uk This summer the National Trust in the magnificent animals, the threats and South East is hosting The Big Camp – the conservation work that is going Marvellous Festival comes to Dinton a unique opportunity to camp on to try and protect them for future Pastures somewhere truly special. For one generations. On 6th and 7th August, night only on Saturday 16 July, you the park will host Rhino Weekend On 23rd and 24th July, the family can take your pick of three riverside which is aimed at helping raise friendly annual music festival locations along the River Thames. awareness and funds for Rhino Marvellous will be making its way to Stay in a meadow by a weir in the Conservation work in Africa through Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst upper reaches of the river, in the fun activities and competitions. On for a weekend of live music. The woodland estate of a famous house, or on the famous site where the top of these special events, there will event will feature a variety of covers magna carta was sealed. The long be brass rubbing each day in the bands as well as a funfair, big kid’s days of summer are the perfect time village, food and drink stalls and an school holidays and daily penguin to experience one of the National area for camping (or glamping if you feeding at 11am and 3pm and the Trust’s 20 camping locations in spectacular “Madagascar” walk- prefer a bit more luxury!). The line-up London and the South East with many through area to get up close with the includes cover bands of Queen, T- offering food, live music and Lemurs. Rex, Bruno Mars, ACDC, Ed Sheeran, marshmallow toasting around a Open daily, 10am-6pm. Cotswold Rod Stewart and Adele. For more campfire. Join in The Big Camp at Wildlife Park, Burford. Oxon. OX18 4JP. information regarding the Marvellous Runnymede, Cliveden, Stowe, Tel: 01993 823 006. Festival people should visit Ashridge or Buscot. For more cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk marvellousfestivals.com information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Lots of outdoor fun at Dinton Activity Centre Set within a 350 acre site, Dinton Activity Centre offers an award winning adventurous play space, café and a host of exciting wildlife areas to explore. The activity centre offers a variety of water and land based activities from sailing to climbing, and kayaking to pond dipping. The centre also offers adventurous summer holiday camps for children aged 8-12 and an array of family days out in the countryside. This summer, enjoy a Family Taster Day (for adults and children 8+) where you can try your hand at five different activities: Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Sailing, Stand up

14 More summer fun ideas at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Days Out

Ideal for adventurous families, the new theme park features two world-class family rollercoasters: Flight of the Pterosaur and Velociraptor. The Lost Kingdom also features Jurassic-themed family rides Boulder-Dash, Temple Heights and Dino-Chase; a dinosaur adventure play park, Little Explorers, The Dinosaur Tour Co – a 4 x 4 Jurassic Jeep expedition, where children and parents will discover dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes along the way! Alive, Dinosaur Encounter is a truly unique attraction where families can come face to face with the Park’s very own, but fortunately quite friendly, captive T- Rex! Book tickets online from £25.75, www.paultonspark.co.uk

Georgian Basildon Park near Pangbourne has acted as a film set for everything from Downton Abbey to Pride and Prejudice, and the restored rose garden, pretty borders and sweeping views make this an Paddleboarding and Powerboat enchanting place to sit in a deck chair Driving. Go for a twilight paddle and and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. enjoy the tranquilty of the lake at The magnificent gardens at Cliveden dusk, followed by a BBQ every are a joy to behold, with different Wednesday evening, or give your gardens within the garden, all offering teddy a day out at the Teddy Bear’s something different to admire. The Picnic (10&24 July, 7 Aug) where you Victorian-inspired summer planting on can follow a trail through the woods Cobbs Farm Shop, Kitchen and Playbarn Cliveden’s famous parterre is at its and enjoy a storytime picnic in the show-stopping best in summer, and the Located in the heart of the West adventure playpark. On 5 Aug Long Garden with its distinctive topiary Berkshire countryside, near Hungerford, Dinton’s new outdoor cinema will be and statures will be filled with thousands showing the classic film Grease Cobbs Farm Shop, Kitchen and Play of vivid blooms. Nationaltrust.org.uk alongside music and dancing, and Barn offers a fun day out for all the For Rainy Days: American diner food. family. The farm shop features a 0118 974 6343, butcher, fishmonger, delicatessen Don’t let rain spoil the kids’ fun this Wokingham.gov.uk/dac vineyard, café, florist and the brand summer. Eddie Catz in Newbury (020 new children’s playbarn where you can 3475 5268 / eddiecatz.com/newbury) Explore the brand new Lost Kingdom has a host of exciting activities on offer at Paultons Park relax and enjoy a delicious coffe whilst the little ones burn off some energy. for all ages. For babies and toddlers On a sunny day there is a large garden there’s a safe, padded play area, lots terrace to relax on and there are of toys and bouncy chairs. Older kids regular events held throughout the can enjoy the giant playframe, video holidays. 01488 686 770, games, reading zone, disco and cobbsfarmshop.co.uk multisports pitch. Kids-n-Action play and party centre in Winnersh (0118 968 Blooming Lovely National Trust 0983 / kids-n-action.co.uk) is open Gardens every day from 9.30am-6pm and offers With the long, refreshing days of an indoor adventure park with 3 summer to look forward to, it’s time to separate play areas each designed to make the most of nature – and what provide a unique play experience for better way to celebrate nature’s babies, toddlers and juniors. Kids can delights than with a visit to the National pretend to be all grown up in the Trust gardens in Berkshire and themed high street featuring a play Oxfordshire. The gardens are at their supermarket, construction site, café After months of anticipation, Paulton’s colourful best during the summer and fire station, whilst older kids can Park opened the doors on its new £9m months with vibrant colours, scented enjoy the Xbox Kinect room or sports dinosaur themed attraction – Lost displays, bountiful borders and relaxing arena with footballs and basketballs. Kingdom – in May, transporting families spaces with breathtaking views. The The Mad House in the heart of Green back millions of years to when dinosaurs gardens at Greys Court near Henley on Park near Reading (0118 968 0983 / roamed the world! The attraction is set Thames are arguably the prettiest in the madhousereading.co.uk) offers multi- within four acres of Jurassic landscape, National Trust, with a series of room-like tiered play frame, soft play areas with a inspired by the era of fierce walled gardens, each with its own four lane astra slide, tube slide, rope velociraptors, flying pterodactyls, giant atmosphere and planting scheme, set bridges and sports activity area. Under triceratops and the mighty against the backdrop of a medieval 4’s can enjoy a dedicated area with tyrannosauraus rex. tower and romantic ruins. The elegant ball pool, slides and plenty of toys.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More summer fun ideas at www.familiesonline.co.uk 15 Le ap Frog Ceramics Call 01344 868445 or visit our website

Call 0118 3272022 or visit our website ww w.madhatterspottery.co.uk 144 School Road, Tilehurst, Readi ng RG31 5AX

16 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On Events in July & August 30 & 31 Jul WELLINGTON’S Bucklebury Farm www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Local attractions MAGICAL ENCHANTED Set in beautiful West Berkshire countryside, at WEEKEND Park Bucklebury you can run and jump, build Beale Park 6 & 7 Aug WELLINGTON’S PIRATE dens, go-kart and de-stress out in the fresh Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 ADVENTURE WEEKEND . Avast me air. Attractions include lots of farm and pet 9NW, 0844 826 1761, hearties, the pirates be comin’ to Wellington animals, nature trails, tractor and trailer rides, www.bealepark.co.uk Country Park! Haul up your main sail and set Woody’s Café and outdoor and indoor A variety of additional activities are on offer course. Grab ye sword and join the pirates playgrounds that are perfect for letting off over the summer holidays, including: for an afternoon of fun! steam whatever the weather. 27 JUL, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUG – 13 & 14 Aug WELLINGTON’S Fridays 17 Jun-15 Sept enjoy PIZZA MEET THE BUGS IN THE SUMMER SUMMER PICNIC IN THE PARK nights with late night HOLIDAYS. Animal Keepers are giving 20 & 21 Aug WELLINGTON’S BIG opening until 9pm and half price entry to visitors the chance to get up close and BONANZA Bucklebury, Reading, RG7 6RR, the park from 6pm with pizzas served in personal with some of the residents that live 27, 28 & 29 Aug THE BIG 0118 971 4002, Woody’s Restaurant. in the Park’s newest area, ‘Berties Bugs and INFLATABLE TAKEOVER Bounce Beasts.’ So, if you would like to experience . away the bank holiday weekend and the the amazing world of giant insects, meet a snake, stroke a Giant African Snail or get last weekend of the summer holidays with a close to a tarantula, then pop along to the host of inflatables in different shapes and Park from 1.30pm to 3.30pm – you’re sizes. Bungee run, mega-slide, space guaranteed to have a bugtastic time! Free hopper, football obstacle course, penalty with admission. shoot-out, ball pond and bouncy castles. 10am-4pm. Odds Farm Park Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Enjoy all the fun of this popular award- winning farm park with lots of extra activities included in the admission price. Tractor and Trailer rides, Sand and Water play area, meet furry friends in the undercover animal barns, giant indoor playbarn including toddler and under 5’s area. Odds Farm 27 Jul, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Aug – Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 SUMMER HOLIDAY POND of the M40, near Beaconsfield. DIPPING SESSIONS . Back by popular *** Odds Farm has a family ticket demand, Beale Park’s conservation for 2 Adults and 2 Children to give department will be running free pond away. To win, answer the dipping sessions in the Summer holidays, question below and email your giving youngsters the chance to discover what lurks beneath the water. Dave Coles, answer with your name and curator and his team are inviting children to contact details to: become Pond Detectives every [email protected] Wednesday throughout the holidays from What Shows can you see at Odds 10.30am-12.30pm. Join in the fun at the Farm Park this Summer? new pond dipping platform by the lake, a) Wild West Shows & Circus opposite the car park. Sessions operate on a first come, first served basis. Free. b) Pirate Shows & Circus c) Superheroes Shows & Circus 3 Aug – BUILD A BUTTERFLY FEEDER . Calling all wannabe conservationists! This is your chance to be Daily 21 Jul-12 Aug WILD WEST part of a nationwide butterfly survey. SHOWS – join in with plenty of singing, Butterfly feeders attract and feed butterflies line-dancing and cowboy-themed fun, held and will also provide you with a great within the Big Top. Four shows daily, amount of enjoyment as your garden followed by interactive workshops. becomes a haven for colourful insects. Join Daily 31 Aug-4 Sept roll up, roll up for in the fun at Beale Park on 3 Aug and make the CIRCUS SPECTACULAR! your own feeding station to take home. The feeders are a great way to encourage your children to venture out and teach them about the different species we have in the UK. 10.30am-12.30pm, £5 per butterfly feeder in addition to normal entrance charges. Wellington Country Park Odiham Road, Riseley, RG7 1SP, 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country- Marvel at the acrobatic, arial and park.co.uk balancing skills of the magical circus Alongside all the usual attractions of the performers. Four shows daily, followed by Park there are lots of special events running Circus Skills workshops. over the holidays, all free with admission: The ever popular 27 Jul & 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug SHEEP RACING – takes place daily during the summer SHIRE HORSE & CART RIDES . Come and meet Tommy and Major, two holidays. With a specially built mini race magnificent shire horses. Take a trip to and track with jumps and bends, eager sheep from the Animal Farm with these gentle with miniature jockeys, it’s an event not to giants. miss.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 Lots more ideas for days out at www.familiesonline.co.uk 17 What’s On

6 Jul – WOODY’S HOUSE BBQ art and craft activities, story telling and face stickers to be won and the Great Ball Run Kit AND JAZZ NIGHT (booking essential). or hand painting. (£3) once purchased, is valid for the whole 22-24 Jul – BUSHCRAFT summer. WEEKEND WORKSHOP Basildon Park 23 Jul – BUSHCRAFT HALF DAY Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 ONGOING WORKSHOP 9NR, 3 Aug – WOODY’S HOUSE TAPAS EVENTS NIGHT (booking essential) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bas 5 Aug – TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC in ildon-park Weekly – BIG SCREAM, aid of Helen & Douglas House hospice for For families wanting adventures in the TODDLER TIME & KID CLUBS at children. Bring your favourite teddy, go on a outdoors this summer, there are more than The Regal Picture House, 14 May-4 Sept THE SUPERHERO bear hunt and spot some famous bears. 400 acres to explore at Basildon Park. There Henley, RG9 2BZ, 0871 902 SCIENCE SHOW are you a Look Out 5-7 Aug – BUSHCRAFT AND are beautiful spots to enjoy a picnic, and 5738, CAMPING WEEKEND Superhero? Find out in this science show fun areas to build dens with the family. www.picturehouses.co.uk/he 25 Aug – OUTDOOR CINEMA looking at super strength, invisibility, brain nley showing Disney’s The Jungle Book (2016) power and more. Shows are subject to Big Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11am, under the stars. Gates open 6.30pm, film minimum numbers and are suitable for exclusively for parents with babies under 1 starts at 8.30pm, £10 per head, advance children aged 3+ who can sit still for half an year so you can catch all the latest releases tickets only. hour. Shows run at weekends and Bracknell and enjoy free coffee and brioche. Toddler 7 Sep – BUSHCRAFT AND school holidays. Time on Tuesdays at 11am offers 30 minute CAMPING shows, designed to introduce little ones to 10 Sep – OUTDOOR CINEMA the big screen, followed by fun activities. showing Mamma Mia! The Movie under the Kids Club every Saturday shows a classic film stars. Gates open 6.30pm, film starts 8.30pm. at 11am plus pre-screening activities. £10 per head, advance tickets only. The Lookout *** JULY *** Discovery Centre 1-3 Jul – TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES at The Corn Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Exchange, Market Place, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 218 www.bracknell- 218, forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscov This July, make bugs and bees in the craft area to hang in the Visitor’s Centre, or www.cornexchangenew.com erycentre Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles There are more than 90 hands-on collect your ’50 Things To Do Before You’re guaranteed! Under the sea, out on the farm interactive science and nature activities at 11 3/4’ guide and start ticking off some of and into the jungle, these terrific tales are the centre from playing the light harp, the activities such as flying a kite or building 8&9 Sep – TODDLER DAYS with the woven together with live music, puppetry creating circuits and making locks in a a den to hide in. This summer The Great Ball art and craft theme of At The Seaside. The and a whole host of colourful characters stream, down to challenging puzzles and Run is back. Discover the new runs made price for Toddler Days is £6.90 per parent from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s playing games on the Smart Table. There is by the creative outdoor team by upcycling and toddler and £1.55 per extra toddler. best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The quite literally something for everyone, from Activities run from 10am-4pm and include materials and enjoy hours of fun with the Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a toddlers to grandparents. family. There are Gold, Silver and Bronze

Be Amazed... The Look Out Discovery Centre Science and disc overy fun - over 90 activities.

Bring this advert to get one f ree child with one full paying adult*. Valid until 4/9/16 *Terms and conditions appl y. Th e Super hero Scie nce Sh ow 14 May – 4 September 2 016 Shows run at weekends and e school holidays. Age 3+

Open 10am - 5pm every day

The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Tel: 01344 354400 ww w.bracknell-forest.go v.uk/be

ww w.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery Families SW

18 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On

Squeeze. See website for showtimes. Suitable for ages 16 Jul-4 Sept – MANYDOWN MAIZE MAZE at continued success, the Bastille Day Festival returns to 3+. All tickets £11. Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Road, Forbury Gardens, celebrating the friendship and cultural 2 Jul – FAMILY ART TRAIL at New Basingstoke, RG23 8PU, 01256 220 398, ties between the UK and France. Plenty of fun for all Greenham Arts Gallery, 113 www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk including food, crafts and theatre. Greenham Business Park, Lindenmuth Manydown Maze is a giant living crop field just over two 17 Jul – SUMMER FAIR AT SHAW HOUSE , Way, Newtown, Thatcham, RG19 6HW, acres in size. Each year the theme changes and previous Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 517 964, years have seen it as a giant tractor, honey bee and Spitfire. 01635 279 279, www.cornexchangenew.com This year the Maize Maze has the theme of bugs. Do you www.westberks.gov.uk/shawhouse Drop into this free family activity where you’ll get to know your ants from your dragonflies or your beetles from Summer fair in the beautiful surroundings of Shaw House explore the Art Gallery and follow a trail. Child friendly your butterflies? Test your bug knowledge as you work your with craft stalls, children’s rides, activities and bouncy castle. Live performances from Mr Muddles the ‘treasure-trail’ sheets will be provided which will guide way around the maze. You’ll become bug detectives, Magician and live music. Locally produced ales, a you round the exhibition and encourage you to look at trying to solve bug related clues as you navigate around the the art. You can even draw your own picture and have Pimms tent, cream teas and BBQ. 11am-4pm. Entry £1 maze. There are loads of other things to do at Manydown per adult, Children Under 16 free. it displayed on the ‘Visiting Artists’ wall. Suitable for including adventure play, farmyard animals, inflatable slide, families with children 8yrs and younger. 11am-2pm. No 17 Jul – LILY HILL PARK GARDEN PARTY , tractor and trailer rides, crazy golf, jumping pillow, woodland Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, booking required. Free. walk and animal handling area, adventure play, 2 Jul – www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk LOWDEFEST , just outside Hartley trampolines, swings, bale mountain and a bouncy castle, all Whitney, RG27 8LU, Bring a picnic and share a cup of tea with the Bracknell included in the entry price. Opening times subject to www.lowdefest.com Forest Society. Enjoy storytelling, music and games, a weather, so check before leaving home. Music and beer festival with entertainment for the whole guided tour of the historic parkland and more. 11am- 16 Jul – THE BIG CAMP with the National 3pm. Free. family, live music, 40 real ales and ciders, fabulous world Trust at Runnymede, Cliveden, Stowe, food, camping, fairground, toddler zone and attractions 22 Jul – THE COLOUR OF TIME STREET Ashridge and Buscot for younger children. Children under 13 go free. PERFORMANCE in Newbury Town 3 Jul – BERKSHIRE MAESTROS GALA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Centre, www.cornexchangenew.com CONCERT at Reading Concert Hall, Starting on Northbrook Street and ending in Market www.readingarts.com Place, this is an exuberant, rainbow eruption of colour, More than twenty ensembles from the south of Berkshire music and dance. The Colour of Time is a large-scale perform a wide variety of music. The groups range from street performance from French company Artonik which brass bands and string orchestras to percussion takes inspiration from the traditional Indian festival, Holi. ensembles and wind bands. There will also be guitars, The audience are invited to participate, painting the sky with an explosion of Gulal powder as dancers come recorders, jazz groups and a full symphony orchestra. together to create a mesmerising dance-theatre parade Amazement from all ages! £12, £8.25 concessions, which culminates in a joyous, technicolour finale! available through www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk Suitable for ages 3+. 7pm. Free (NB please wear old 6 Jul, 3 Aug & 7 Sept – SEN SOFT PLAY clothes you don’t mind getting stained!) SESSION at Eddie Catz Newbury, Northway House, York Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NF, 0203 475 5268, www.eddiecatz.com An early evening session of play for all Special Needs children and their siblings. Full access to the soft play area, disco room with music turned down and soft lights, football pitch, wheelchair users will have access to area with soft mats, balls and toys, quiet chill out area where children can have quiet time if needed. 6pm-7.30pm, no need to book, just turn up. £3.55 per child, £7 per child with meal and juice carton. Parents and carers free. 23-24 Jul – MARVELLOUS FESTIVAL at 6-10 Jul – HENLEY FESTIVAL at Regatta Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Meadows, Henley, www.henley- For one night only you can take your pick of three riverside Street, Hurst, Wokingham, RG10 0TH, festival.co.uk locations along the River Thames for The Big Camp with The 0118 977 4350, National Trust. The long days of summer are the perfect Classical music and contemporary stars including Elton www.marvellousfestivals.com time to experience one of the National Trust’s camping John, Elvis Costello, Dame Shirley Bassey and Will Young Two days of live music, food and drink, plus children’s locations with many offering food, live music and plus comedy, fireworks, fine dining and much more. activities. Tribute bands playing the music of Queen, T- marshmallow toasting around a campfire. With each Rex, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash and many more. Family Sunday sees all the festival’s venues in action with special location putting on its own events, there is something entertainment for children aged 4+ for everyone – from den building and woodland craft to Camping available. 8-10 Jul – READIPOP FESTIVAL at stargazing and bat walks. Some locations are hosting 23-24 Jul – NEWBURY WATERWAYS Christchurch Meadows, Caversham, sporting activities, tours of the garden, pony rides and FESTIVAL in Victoria Park, Newbury, Reading, RG4 8BY, paddle boarding. Don’t forget your marshmallows! 01635 302 267, www.newbury.gov.uk www.readipop.co.uk 16-17 Jul BASTILLE FESTIVAL READING in The Newbury Waterways Festival will be held over the Live music, food stalls, bar, craft and gift stalls, a children’s Forbury Gardens, Reading, RG1 3EJ, weekend of 23 & 24 Jul with the main event being held area and more. Daily tickets from £10. www.bastilledayreading.co.uk on the Sunday. A flotilla of boats at Victoria Park 9 Jul – POND DIPPING DISCOVERY and A great weekend for the whole family. After 4 years of transforms the wharf, and the theme this year is ‘Pirates MINI BEAST SAFARI at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Sandford Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0SU, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Join the rangers to find out about the creatures living in and around Dinton’s ponds. Pond Dipping10am-12pm, Mini Beast Safari 2pm-4pm. Booking essential. Adults Free, Child £8. 10 Jul & 7 Aug – TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Sandford Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0SU, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Follow the teddy trail in the woods and enjoy a story time picnic in the adventure play park (bring your own picnic and favourite bear). 11am-1pm. Adult Free, Child £3 9-10 Jul – WOODCOTE RALLY in Woodcote, Oxon, RG8 0PJ, www.woodcoterally.org.uk Festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment, crafts, trade stands, children’s entertainment and a traditional fun fair. Saturday night’s entertainment includes live music, CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale and more. Advance tickets Adult £8, Child £4, Senior £4, Family £20.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 Lots more ideas for days out at www.familiesonline.co.uk 19 What’s On

of the K&A.’ On Sunday the park will be www.nordenfarm.org CO . at Dinton Pastures Country 9pm and lots of children’s activities, a wide packed with stalls, entertainment and food The popular beach is back for the whole Park, Sandford Lane, Reading, range of food stalls, drinks tents, a VIP area outlets, with fun for all the family, summer and free to play on! Make Berkshire, RG10 0SU, and more. Tickets £30, Parking £5, VIP ticket culminating in the ever popular duck race. sandcastles, pose on the surfboard, meet www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac £110 (including parking) Entry to the festival is free. the flamingos in the gallery and enjoy a Bringing popular classics to life with their 30 Jul, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug – 24 Jul – KINDER MUSIC PLAY beach-side café-bar lunch. Grand opening interactive theatre. The whole park WILDLIFE WATCHING CRUISE at AND SINGALONG at The Penta Tue 26 Jul, come in Hawaiian fancy dress for becomes the stage for their fantastic Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Hotel, Reading, your chance to win! 10am-4pm, Free. walking productions. Choose from ‘A Wiz Station Road, Henley on www.readingfringefestival.co.uk 27 Jul – FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY at around Oz’ (1.30pm-3pm), or ‘Treasure Thames, Oxon, RG9 1AZ, Part of Reading Fringe Festival, sing and play Shaw House, Church Road, Island’ (4.30pm-6pm). Adults £15, Child £10. 01491 572 034, along to children’s songs in English and Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 Booking essential. www.hobbsofhenley.co.uk German. Join local performer Maria 279 279, 30 Jul – JUNIOR YOUTH DRAMA Every Tuesday from 30 Jul-27 Aug, join the Hackeman for a fun hour of children’s songs www.westberks.gov.uk/shaw TASTER at The Corn Exchange, Chilterns Conservation Board and Hobbs of to sing and play along. Parents, house Market Place, Newbury, RG14 Henley for a wildlife watching voyage of grandparents and children are invited to Make and decorate a mask and find out 5BD, 0845 218 218, discovery with an expert guide to spot bring their ukuleles, tambourines, about the Elizabethan masque, when these www.cornexchangenew.com hidden natural treasures between Henley woodblocks or whatever shaker you can masks were worn, which would have Perfect for little people with big and Hambleden. Ideal for families. 3pm- make out of two yogurt pots and some dry included dancing and acting. There will be imaginations! Led by Charlotte Cassey, 4.15pm, Adults £8, Children £5, Senior £7. rice. Easy music chords and lyrics will be a new trail available. Best suited for 4-11 Education Officer for Corn Exchange and available. A fun session ideal for children year olds but younger and older children New Greenham Arts, Junior Youth Drama *** AUGUST *** under 10 years and their accompanying also welcome. No need to book, just drop Sessions will put members imaginations to 1 Aug – MARTY MACDONALD’S grown ups. 10.30am, Family ticket £12 in. £2 per child. work through a range of practical games TOY MACHINE at The Corn (individual tickets £5). 28-29 Jul – DINOSAUR ZOO at and exercises. Explore characters and Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, 24 Jul – HENLEY SHEEPDOG The Corn Exchange, Market stories, develop performance and RG14 5BD, 0845 218 218, TRIAL at Henley Showground, Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, communication skills whilst building www.cornexchangenew.com Greenlands Farm, Hambleden, 0845 218 218, confidence and having fun. If you like the A fun, interactive, song-filled adventure, set Henley, RG9 3AS, www.cornexchangenew.com session, you can join the main group that on a colourful farmyard and featuring a www.thehenleyshow.co.uk Dare to get up close and personal! meets regularly. Suitable for 7-11 years, host of lovable puppet characters. A brand As well as watching the sheepdogs in Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome 1.30pm, £4 per child. new show featuring the voice of CBeebies’ action, visitors can enjoy other attractions prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never 30 Jul – BRACKNELL FESTIVAL Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo including spinning and weaving displays, seen them before. From cute baby dinos to 2016 at South Hill Park Arts the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow. Everyone sheep hurdle making demonstrations, trade teeth-gnashing giants, marvel and interact Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, at Marty MacDonald’s Farm is delighted stands and refreshments. Adults £3, Conc with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, with the special delivery that’s arrived – the £2, Children free. imaginative and hilarious live show. Watch www.southhillpark.org.uk Toy Machine that makes all of the toys in the 26 Jul-4 Sep – THE MAIDENHEAD out…not all these ravenous reptiles are as Headline act The Shires will be performing at world. But then they realise that Crafty the BEACH at Norden Farm tame as they seem! See website for times. this years’ Bracknell Festival. They will be Centre for the Arts, Altwood Crow has been up to mischief and it Suitable for ages 3+. Full price £13.50, joined on the main stage by Berkshire’s own shouldn’t really be there at all! Suitable for 2- Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Danger Seats £16. The Hoosiers and Liverpudlian indie group 01628 788 997, 7 yrs, 11.30am. Tickets £10.50, Concessions 30 Jul – THE WALKING THEATRE Space. A full day of music from 12pm until £8.50.

Family Activity Taster Days Try something different this summer! Book a taster session in sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and power boating. Weekend mornings Apr-Sept. Suitable for children 8+ A great way to try out various sports, just for fun, before enrolling with us.

Children’s Holiday Activities Marvellous Festival Teddy Bears’ Picnic Monday to Friday during school 23 & 24 July. Camping, glamping 10 July, 24 July, 7 Aug. Follow the holidays, book a junior sailing or and lots of live music! A weekend Teddy Trail in the woods, and kayaking course, adventure day to remember and a fabulous enjoy a story time picnic in the or wild day, from £35 per day. experience adventure play park. Bring your favourite teddy and a picnic. DINTON ACTIVITY CENTRE

Sandford Lane, Berkshire, RG10 0SU 0118 974 6343 www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac

20 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On

2 Aug – COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS The first ever Countryfile Live show will 13-14 Aug – RED BULL AIR RACE at 25 & 26 Aug – CHILDREN’S at The Corn Exchange, Market take place in the stunning grounds of Ascot Racecourse, SL5 7JX, 0870 OUTDOOR THEATRE – DANNY Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 Blenheim Palace, bringing the best of 727 1234, www.ascot.co.uk CHAMPION OF THE WORLD at 218 218, the Great British Countryside at one of Featuring the world’s best pilots, this Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, www.cornexchangenew.com the country’s biggest outdoor events. It sport harnesses speed, precision and skill Bucks, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has will combine the best elements of as agile planes are manoeuvred down www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden country shows with stars from the TV been getting the best stand-ups and sketch a low-aerial track made up of 25 metre An afternoon of outdoor theatre for the acts from the international circuit to do their show and will include independent food high air-filled pylons. Sat 13 Aug is the and drink producers, a National Trust whole family. Presented by Illyria. Nine thing for children aged 6+ and their families opening and qualifying day of the Red theatre and a village green complete year old Danny lives with his father in – but without the rude bits! 2pm, tickets Bull Air Race Weekend with a range of with maypole, tug of war and morris an old gypsy caravan. When Danny £8.50 entertainment to enjoy and an array of dancing. There will be plenty to delight learns his father’s darkest secret – a 3 Aug – elite pilots looking to secure the elite WILD WEDNESDAY – children of all ages. Pre-school children love of pheasant poaching, they hatch Challengers Cup and qualify for a NEVERLAND ADVENTURES at will adore meeting Tractor Ted while a scheme together! 2pm-3.30pm and Cliveden, Taplow, starting position at Sunday’s Finale. adventurous kids will discover the world 6pm-7.30pm (25 Aug only). Maidenhead, Bucks, SL1 8NS, Adults £30, Children 10-17 £15, Family of bugs, bees and butterflies in the Recommended age 3+. Adults £14, 01628 605 069, Ticket £75. Wildlife Zone. Adults, £26.40, Children 5- Child 3-16 yrs £10. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliv 14 Aug – FAMILY CONCERTINI WITH 16 years £13.20, Family Ticket £72.00 26-28 Aug – WOKINGHAM FESTIVAL eden 5 Aug – FAMILY OPEN AIR CINEMA BLAKE’S HEAVEN BIG BAND at The author of ‘Peter Pan’ – J.M. Barrie was Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, at Elms Field, Wokingham, RG40 at Dinton Pastures Country Park, 2LD, 0118 978 8801, a regular guest at Cliveden and has left Sandford Lane, Reading, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 some of the story’s clues around the estate. Berkshire, RG10 0SU, 4PF, 01628 788 997, www.wokinghamfesival.co.uk Dare you challenge the dreaded Captain www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac www.nordenfarm.org A mix of live music and fabulous food Hook? Gather your strength Lost Boys and Grease is the word for this 1950’s themed An original and enjoyable live music and drink with tasting and demo Girls and head to the Storybook Play Den. evening! Get into the groove with a live experience designed for grown ups to sessions, children’s activities, street food Keep an ear out for the ticking clock…are four piece vintage band then tuck into enjoy with their children in a relaxed and craft beers. Circus Scene and you a Tinkerbell, a Tootles or a Tiger Lily? some popcorn as you watch the film. and friendly environment. Blake’s Magic Moments Entertainment will Come dressed in your best Neverland Refreshments will be available from the Heaven Big Band is a 17 piece provide children’s entertainment, and costume ready to make your own wooden bar. 7pm-11pm. Adults £25, Child £15. ensemble performing jazz, swing, pop, face painting will be available for a memento. This is a drop in session ideal for 5 Aug – STORYTIME at The Corn funk, TV themes, Latin and rock, all with small charge. Free entry between accompanied children 4-11. £2 per child in Exchange, Market Place, a unique twist. 11.30am, Adults £10, 10am and 12pm on Sat & Sun. addition to admission price. Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 218 Under 16’s £8, Family Ticket £32. Discounted tickets for the rest of the 3 Aug – THE GREAT OUTDOORS 218, 19-28 Aug – PETER PAN at South Hill weekend available from the website. at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, www.cornexchangenew.com Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, 31 August – CLIVEDEN’S MUD RG12 2RX, www.bracknell- A sensory storytelling session for Under 5’s Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 KITCHEN Cliveden, Taplow, forest.gov.uk to enjoy with their families in a fun and 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk relaxed environment. Spend a morning Maidenhead, Bucks, SL1 8NS, From folklore to fire, learn about the This summer, fly with Wendy, Tinkerbell together as a family and hear a story 01628 605 069, wonder of trees and plants and have a and the Lost Boys to battle the nasty brought to life using props, projection www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden go at campfire cookery. Best suited for Captain Hook and banish evil from and music. Join in with songs and Become a chef for the day and create 6+ yrs. 12pm-2pm. £2 per child. Booking Neverland forever. Journey round the rhymes with light refreshments provided. a whole host of muddy delicacies. required: Tel 01344 354 441. Children must be accompanied by an magical grounds of South Hill Park Make a mud pie, have a mud dinner 3 Aug – FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY at adult. 10.30am. Adults and children £4. meeting Indians, pirates, fairies and party and finish with mud pudding! Use Shaw House, Church Road, 6-14 Aug – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS mermaids and even picnicking with your mud map to find out about mud Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 your favourite characters. Peter Pan is at The Watercress Line, Alresford, tattoos and other muddy facts! This is a 279 279, based on one of the nation’s most Hants, 01962 733 810, drop in session for accompanied www.westberks.gov.uk/shaw loved children’s stories by JM Barrie. www.watercressline.co.uk children, suitable for ages 4-11. £2 per house Price with picnic: Adults £26, Child Ride behind trains pulled by Thomas and child in addition to admission. Make a 3D Ladybird and explore Shaw friends and meet The Fat Controller plus £17.50, Conc £24, Family £75. Without House’s gardens. Best suited for 4-11 year magic show, miniature railway, picnic: Adults £17, Child £13, Family £49 olds but older and younger children refreshments, face painting and bouncy 19-21 Aug – REWIND SOUTH FESTIVAL welcome. No need to book, just drop in. slide. Adults £18, Child (2-16 yrs) £12, at Temple Island Meadows, 10am-3.30pm. £2 per child. Family Ticket £54, Children Under 2 Free. Remenham, Henley, RG9 3DB, BABY AND 4 Aug – OPEN AIR THEATRE – THE 9 Aug – MINI BEAST SAFARI at Lily www.rewindfestival.com WIZARD OF OZ at Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, This 80’s festival boasts the biggest line- CHILDREN’S Mapledurham House, RG4 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk up of 80’s artists in the world. In addition MARKETS 7TR, 0118 972 3350, Have a go at bug hunting to discover to the jam-packed weekend of 80’s www.mapledurham.co.uk the magical world of minibeasts. 1pm- music, Rewind Festival also features lots 2 Jul – BABY AND You are invited to click your heels and 3pm. Free. of additional highlights ranging from CHILDREN’S MARKET at ease on down the Yellow Brick Road as 11, 12, 25&26 Aug – TREE CLIMBING silent discos to live karaoke bars along Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Immersion Theatre proudly presents a WITH THE BIG TREE CLIMBING with camping and glamping options. Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. COMPANY at Cliveden, Taplow, Tributes to David Bowie and Prince plus RG5 3EU, 2pm-4pm, www. With lashings of audience participation, Maidenhead, Bucks, SL1 8NS, music from Rick Astley, Erasure’s Andy babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk dazzling costumes, an original script and 01628 605 069, Bell, Adam Ant and Marc Almond. One- Lots of stalls bursting with quality nearly plenty of laughter, this faithfull re-telling www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clivede Day Tickets from £59.50 (adult) and new and new baby and kids items from n promises to have you shouting, clapping £29.75 (child). birth to eight years. Contact Yvette on Ever wondered what it’s like to be high and singing along – a fantastic treat for 21 Aug – MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP 07979 867 004, email up in the tree tops? Now’s your chance all the family. Adults £9, Children over 3 FOR FAMILIES at Aldworth Village [email protected] to explore a whole new side of the and Seniors, £7, Family Ticket £28. 3 Jul – BABY AND woodlands. As well as using ropes and Hall, www.brilliant-beings.co.uk 4-7 Aug – CHILDREN’S MARKET at St COUNTRYFILE LIVE at harnesses to climb up into the trees, Brilliant Beings and Creatively Be are Blenheim Palace, teaming up again for another of their Bart’s School, Andover there’ll be a zip wire and rope swing for Road, Newbury, West Oxfordshire, you to play on, all under the watchful popular family workshops focusing on Berkshire www.countryfilelive.com eye of tree climbing experts. Children how we can use mindfulness to help us must be accompanied by an adult. cope with transitions just in time for the As above. 2pm-4pm. Contact Tom Suitable for ages 6+ All tickets £18.50. return to school. You will learn how to McCarthy on 07940 835 792, email 12-14 Aug – RETRO FESTIVAL at use your body, mind, breath, senses and [email protected] creativity to foster a positive, healthy 16 Jul – BABY AND e Newbury Showground, RG19 9QZ,

v i CHILDREN’S MARKET at L 07801 108 683, acceptance of life’s inevitable

e l Bracknell Leisure Centre, i www.retrofestival.co.uk challenges and practice ‘being in the

f

y r Bagshot Road, RG12 9SE t Live music, classic car displays, flying now’ rather than getting stuck in our

n u displays, huge show arena, vintage worries about what may or may not lie As above. 2pm-4pm. Contact Yvette o on 07979 867 004, email C fairground and much more. A family ahead. For children aged 6-11 and

: o friendly event. Camping and glamping [email protected] t their grown-ups. 11am-2pm, £15 per

o h available. place.

P

JULY/AUGUST 2016 Lots more ideas for days out at www.familiesonline.co.uk 21 Health How to keep your child cool in the sun Babies and young children can become seriously ill during very hot weather, suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke and so it's vital you know how to keep them cool.

How to prevent your How to prevent Tips for keeping your child cool child from overheating heatstroke and heat during the day • Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap On sunny days babies under six exhaustion heat; opt for loose natural fibres like months should never be in direct On a warm day, never sit in a cotton or muslin. sunlight and young children should stationary car with your baby for too • Give babies as much nappy-free be kept in the shade as much as long. Even with the windows open, time as possible. possible, especially between 11am temperatures can rise frighteningly • Stay in the shade and encourage and 3pm. quickly. your child to spend some quiet time Attach a parasol or sunshade to Prams can become hot and airless to prevent him sweating too much. the pushchair to keep your baby out so keep a careful eye on your baby if • Playing in a paddling pool will keep of direct sunlight and make sure she falls asleep in her pram. kiddies cool. Keep it in the shade and toddlers and older children wear a Heat exhaustion occurs when the supervise their play. sunhat, preferably one with a wide temperature inside the body rises to • Use a mini fan if you are out and about. brim or a long flap at the back, to 37-40°C (98.6-104°F). At that • Use cold, wet flannels, or give them protect their head and neck. temperature, the levels of water and a tepid bath or shower to cool their Apply high factor sunscreen even salt in the body begin to drop causing when there is cloud coverage and skin. Let them air dry rather than using nausea, faintness and heavy sweating. towels. re-apply regularly, particularly if your It can be very difficult to spot these • Make sure your child drinks plenty of child is in and out of the sea or a symptoms in a young child, especially fluids. paddling pool. if they are crying and seem red in the Tips for keeping your child cool at Keep children’s nightwear and face and sweaty as a result of a night bedclothes to a minimum. If it is very tantrum. warm babies can sleep in just a vest Early symptoms of heatstroke can • Remove unnecessary bedding. Opt and nappy, or just a nappy with a include mental confusion, for a cool muslin sleeping bag. thin sheet over them. hyperventilation (rapid shallow • If he is still hot let him sleep in a vest breathing) and loss of consciousness. and nappy, or even just a nappy. • Open windows in several rooms to Keeping hydrated These too can be difficult to spot in a create a through breeze. baby or young child so the Babies and infants are sensitive to • Give them a tepid bath, or sponge thermometer has to be your initial even small amounts of fluid loss so bath, before bed and let them air dry one of the biggest problems during guide. Heatstroke is very serious and while lying on a towel so the warmer weather is dehydration should be treated as a medical evaporation of the water will cool which, in severe cases, can be life- emergency. their skin down. threatening. • Keep bedrooms cool throughout Emma’s Diary is the Early warning signs of dehydration the day by closing blinds or curtains. UK’s most trusted and Turn a room fan on before bedtime. A are feeling thirsty and lightheaded influential pregnancy fan can be left on all night – but well and having concentrated, strong- and baby channel. smelling urine. Working in partnership with The Royal out of reach and never pointed Make sure your child drinks plenty College of General Practitioners directly at the cot or bed. of fluids. If you're breastfeeding you (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they • Hanging wet towels over chairs or windows cools the air. won’t need to give them water as provide parents-to-be and new • Remove waterproof under sheets or well as breast milk, but you may find parents with the very best medical cover with several layers of cotton your baby is thirstier and wants to and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk sheets to absorb perspiration. breastfeed more than usual.

22 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 Family Life Free fun over the summer! • The Burghfield Toy Library has a wide range of fun and educational toys available to borrow suitable from birth up to 7 years. • The Reading Toy Library at Southcote Lane has a great selection of toys but also has baby equipment available to hire. • In Calcot, the Tick Tock Toy Library and in Sandhurst there’s the Toy Box Library • Some (but not all) local councils offer free swimming to children under the age of 16. This tends to run after school and during the holidays. If you search your local council’s website it will tell you whether they offer it. • Tesco and the FA run a great programme which offers free football sessions during the holiday and after school clubs during the school term for kids aged 5-11. After school sessions cost a maximum of £2 and you can search for your nearest session here. • There’s a useful site called Tennis For Entertaining the kids during the school holidays can Free where you can search for free courts near you. It is just a search be hard work and expensive but here are some fab though, you can’t book through the ideas for free days out with the children….. site and you’ll have to take along your own racket and balls. • If you like adventures, join in the Trust website is particularly good as it • There are lots of farmers markets free treasure hunt called geocaching has a great selection of woodland across the Thames Valley West area which you can do using the GPS on walks near you (visitwoods.org.uk) as well as some excellent pick your your smart phone. It is SO much fun! and also details of picnic spots. The own farms which will keep the You and your kids follow co-ordinates Forestry Commission also has details children happy. You can find details to try and find the geocache (a of Gruffalo and Stick Man trails. They at http://www.localfoods.org.uk/ container of treasure) hidden in that are a little further afield but worth a • Your local council's website is also a area. Whatever ‘treasure’ you take trip with little ones. great source of info on free events you need to replace with something • There are lots of local museums of equal value but most of the fun is which don’t charge an in the discovery anyway. Have a look entry fee but simply ask at geocaching.com for more details for a donation. Most of and locations near you. the museums in Oxford • This isn’t free but it’s pretty close! are free (including the There are usually children’s showings Natural History Museum) at cinemas on a Saturday and and in Reading, Reading Sunday morning across the region Museum & Town Hall and and often during the week during the the Riverside Museum at school holidays which cost a lot less Blake’s Lock are both than standard cinema trips. Check free. your local cinema for their deals but • All over the area there as a general guide, if you go to the are toy libraries you can Odeon Kids screening it costs £2.50, join where you can at the Vue’s Mini Mornings tickets are borrow new toys and only £1.99 and at Movies for Juniors even attend play sessions. from Cineworld tickets are just £2 Most services charge a • Many popular attractions like Beale small fee to cover the Park, Legoland and Paultons Park cost of the toys but it is so charge for an annual pass but this minimal that we can count it as free like carnivals, fetes and festivals in can be really cost effective if you • In Woodley, there’s the Lend and your area. Many councils run play plan on going three or more times a Play Toy Library which offers regular schemes or play days during the year as by the fourth visit, it is FREE! access to a large and diverse range school holiday so sign up for • If you want to head out for a family of play experiences for parents, newsletters to make sure you hear walk, you’ll find many route planners grandparents, childminders, about them in your local town or available online but The Woodland playgroups and Children's Centres village

JULY/AUGUST 2016 23 Summer Activities Directory

Day Camps and Holiday Clubs

Star Hotshots Multi Activity Sports Camps run at St Joseph’s College, Reading; Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning; Newbury College; and St Pirans, Go Beanies holiday club Maidenhead staffed by qualified is running at Beale Park near PE teachers. For ages 5-10yrs The Apollo Holiday Care Club , Pangbourne, Wellington Country there are games and activities close to Reading town centre is Park, The Lookout and Rupert to develop sports skills plus open from 26 July to 26 August House School in Henley from 25 specific sessions including for 4-11yrs. 8.30am-5.30pm. £19 July to 2 September offering swimming which is available full day, £9.50 half day. Sibling activities for 5 to 12 year olds. Go every day. Ages 11-14yrs can discounts available. Childcare Beanies is open from 8.30am to enjoy a variety of new sports vouchers accepted. Need to 5.15pm with flexibility if you need a such as archery, golf, handball, longer day. Activities include bring packed lunch. Activities street dance and Taekwondo. swimming, craft, archery and Open 11 July – 2 September include cooking, drama, gymnastics. Book and pay online. from 8am-6pm (half days also special trips and arts & Childcare vouchers are also available). OFSTED registered. crafts.0118 916 8416, accepted. 0118 984 1684, 0845 301 0450, www.star- www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk www.gobeanies.org.uk hotshots.co.uk

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club runs at Ark from 25 July to 29 July, Passion for Super House, School Rd, Padworth Common, Science runs 1 August to 12 August and RG7 4JA from 22 July-31 August for 5- Passion for Food runs 8 August to 19 11yrs. Enjoy woodland adventures, August all at Hurst Lodge School. animal care, quad biking, football, Hurst Lodge School also has a RAW team challenges, arts, crafts and much Adventure camp for 7-14yrs, between 15 more. 8am-6pm.Day or Morning sessions August and 26 August offering the available. Book and pay online. chance to reconnect with nature, Childcare vouchers are also accepted. mastering skills like orienteering, shelter- 0118 983 4108, www.jubileejets.co.uk making, fire-lighting and archery. At Trinity School , there is also Passion for Super Science running from 25 to 29 July, Passion for Food on 8 August to 12 Jubilee Jets August and Passion for Arts and Crafts running on 8 August to 19 August. Standard prices start from £42 per day and £190 per week and all camps offer optional extended hours from 8am-6pm. 01235 467 300 www.supercamps.co.uk St Joseph’s College in Reading holds holiday clubs during the school holidays Super Camps are running Multi-activity from 8am-6pm for children aged 3-14, Camps from 11 July to 26 August at Trinity with half days available. Open to pupils School, Newbury and Hurst Lodge School and non-pupils. Children aged 3-5 years in Ascot. These offer over 40 different are cared for by a team of Early Years sports, arts and crafts activities for 4-14yrs, practitioners. Prices from £27-£30 per from archery to quad bikes. The school day. 0118 984 6918, www.sjcr.org.uk summer holidays are a time for children to Waverley School Holiday Club based at have fun whilst keeping active in body and Waverley School in Finchampstead is mind. Super Camps give children the open from 14 July-6 Sept for 3-11yrs. opportunity to do just that, with a range of Themed weeks with arts, crafts, cooking, camps and courses to suit everyone. sports, dance, music and Forest School. Camps are full of great new activities for Open 7.30am-6pm, half days available. 2016, with a guarantee of water activities Prices from £28 for a full day and £32 for at all camps during the summer. You can extended day (8am-6pm). Early Bird also rest assured knowing that your discounts available. Call 0118 973 1121 children are at the best camp in town after or email info@waverleyschool for more receiving yet another Outstanding Ofsted information. Booking forms available at rating in 2016. There are also Passion for www.waverleyschool.co.uk Arts and Crafts courses for 7-14yrs running

24 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Activities Directory

The Orchard Day Nursery in Caversham Barracudas Activity Day Camps at The Fire Tech Camp offer courses at The run Top Cats Activity Club every School Holt School, Wokingham is running from 25 University of Reading in Minecraft for Holiday in a purpose built setting with July – 19 August. For 4½-16yrs, the camp ages 9-12 and Video Game Design for fabulous grounds. Home cooked meals offers a varied choice of fun and exciting ages 9-14 on 8-12 Aug and 15-19 Aug and snacks provided. activities including archery, motor sports, from 10am-4pm. Become a part of the As well as full time Holiday Care (8am- fencing, football, art & crafts, dance and incredible Minecraft Maker movement 6pm) for 4-8 year olds, TOP CATS runs circus skills to name a few! They offer fun by using one of the most popular and high quality arts and sports projects at a fair price and the great option to use exciting games on the planet – throughout each week. Working with childcare vouchers as payment. The Minecraft! In this holiday course you will qualified and experienced arts camp runs from 8.30am-5.30pm with 8am- make your own world, blocks and professionals, children will create, 6pm extended day available. There are structures and even experiment with compete and collaborate in energetic, a number of Summer Season Ticket offers different materials to create physical structured and fun sessions that - book between 5-9 day passes at a rate game controllers. In the Video Game promote valuable social and physical of £37 each. (Enter code ST5). Book 10 or Design Course you’ll learn how to build skills for life. All in a safe and friendly more day passes at a rate of £35 each. video games and be provided with the home from home environment. (Enter code ST10) Tel 0845 123 tools and skills to create your own vide T: 0118 9475797 E: 5299,www.barracudas.co.uk games to play on the web or on a [email protected] Koosa Kids offers fun affordable Ofsted smartphone. Five day courses cost Camp Mowhawk is a day centre for approved childcare throughout the £400. children with special needs, particularly summer holidays. Camps in Woodley, Energy Kidz Holiday Club Quality, fun autism, set in beautiful woodland near Bracknell and Ascot from 26 July-26 Aug. and affordable holiday clubs, from 22 Wargrave. Facilities on the secure site Standard day 10am-4pm, extended days July to 2nd September in, Crowthorne, include an outdoor heated swimming from 8.15am-6pm, from £19.75 per day, Spencers Wood, Wargrave, Woodley, pool with beach type approaches, 8% discount when booking whole week. Caversham, Addlestone, Maidenhead, sensory garden, soft play room, 0845 094 2322, www.koosakids.co.uk Windsor and Wokingham. Activities Reading Play adventure playground and multi- is Reading Borough include, arts & crafts, sports and sensory suite. The centre is open Council’s holiday playclub, running a full specialist activities for 4-11yrs. Energy throughout the summer holiday and at childcare facility for children aged 4 years Kidz are Play Champions recognised by other times of the year to families and (in full time education), to 12 years (up to NCDUK. Prices: (10am-4pm). 10% EARLY groups. For opening hours, registration their 13th birthday), during the school BIRD DISCOUNT when you book 3 weeks information and all other enquiries holidays at The Mad House - Green Park, before the start of the Holiday Club. please visit the website or phone the The Hill – Peppard Road and Waterloo 0845 519 4470, www.Energy-Kidz.co.uk office. 0118 940 4045, Meadows – Katesgrove Children’s Centre. www.campmowhawk.org.uk Children are fully supervised within an Leighton Park School Holiday Scheme open play service and enjoy a variety of in Reading runs from 18 July-2 Sept for 5- safe and exciting activities in comfortable 14 years. Activities include arts, crafts, surroundings. All the activities offered climbing, circus skills, parkour, kayaking, abide by the Reading Play principles, swimming and lots more. Flexible encouraging fun activities that aim to opening hours 7.30am-5.30pm meet learning objectives, in a controlled, weekdays. Prices from £29 per day. safe environment. Day to day activities Henley Outdoor Playscheme will run include arts and crats, games and sports, again from 1-5 Aug 9am-12.55pm at painting and drawing, colouring activities, Trinity Church of England School in indoor and outdoor group games such as Vicarage Road, Henley for children in football, badminton and tennis. A quiet school years 1-7. Cookery, sports, arts area is always provided with cushions and crafts, swingboats, inflatables, where children can relax or read books. beauty room, woodwork, needlework Half Day £15, 9am-3.30pm £20, Longer and more. 07757 414 776, Day 8.30am-5.30pm £30. 0118 937 2635, www.hopshenley.co.uk www.readingplay.co.uk

Children ’s camps and golf parties We run children ’s golf camps during the main school holidays. We offer 2 options: Morning only (9am until noon) for younger children at £25.00 per day or 9am until 4pm for children aged 8 and over at £37.50 per day (lunch included). We also run children ’s golf parties. They start from £14.50 per child and run for 2 hours (food included). For more information please call the golf shop on Be Driven... 01344 302030. Downshi re Golf Complex, Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, Berkshi re RG40 3DH Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 3 01 020 E: downshi regc@bracknell-fo rest.go v.uk W: www.b racknell-fo rest.go v.uk/downshi regolf www.facebook.com/downshiregolf

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk 25 Summer Activities Directory

8-18yrs. Book for a day or a week. Sports and There’s also a Junior Sailing Scheme course for 8-13yrs and Adventure Days Outdoor Fun featuring paddle boarding and Bulmershe Gymnastics Club in kayaking. Gain qualifications, keep fit Woodley is running classes on and active, develop self-confidence Tuesdays from 26 July-30 Aug for and have fun. 0118 974 6343, children from walking upwards. www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Classes are open to non-members Eddie Catz Newbury will be hosting a and no gymnastics experience is huge range of sports and activity required. See website for details and sessions this summer, including drop in booking form. 0118 926 3686 sessions from Hartbeeps, Art and Baby www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk Signing to Sports Skills and Football. There is also a Summer SEN exclusive Dinton Multi-Activity Centre play session on 3 Aug from 6-7.30pm (sessions run monthly thereafter). Eddie Catz is open daily throughout the Summer holidays and Eddie comes out twice daily to meet the children! 020 3475 5268, Downshire Golf Complex at www.eddiecatz.com GR Swimming School Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, has are running golf camps from 4-8 years (mornings intensive swimming courses from 25-29 only) and 8-14 years (all day) running July at Brockhurst School, Hermitage, on various dates throughout the Thatcham and The Marist School, summer holidays. 9am-4pm, £37.50 Ascot. The small, friendly classes per day, includes lunch and Dinton Multi-Activity Centre at teach beginners and improvers from refreshments. More able children will Dinton Pastures near Hurst is running 3½ years and costs £55 for the week. spend the afternoon on the main its popular Wild Days weekdays For more able swimmers, snorkelling course, newer/younger children will during the school holidays. These and stroke improving classes are spend the afternoon on the pitch & multi-activity days offer sailing, rock available. Snorkelling course includes putt course. 01344 302 030, climbing, map reading, raft building a mask and snorkel to keep. 01635 www.bracknell- and other adventurous activities for 201 410, www.swimlessons.co.uk forest.gov.uk/downshireupcomingevents

26 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Activities Directory

Kings Camp is running a choice of Tilehurst and Emmbrook School, camps at Queen Anne’s School, Performing Arts Wokingham, 10am-3pm £99 for the Berzerk Productions Caversham 25 July -26 August. are running an week and £7 for show tickets. 0118 Choose from Multi-Active camps exciting summer school from 1-5 Aug at 933 3791, for 4-14yrs, Rookie Sports Leadership The Oakwood Centre, Woodley. www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk Camps for 14-17yrs and for 5-10 Inspired by the theatre show Wicked, year olds International Cricket ‘Defying Gravity’ Summer Theatre School (week commencing 8th School will see children aged 9+ work and 22nd August) and International towards a theatrical production on the Soccer School (week commencing last day including singing, drama, 1st and 15th August). 0114 263 costumes, make up and much more. 2160, www.kingscamps.org £150 for the week. Limited places available, Ultimate Activity Camps are www.berzerkproductions.co.uk running a series of survival camps

(with an optional sleepover one Steppin’ Out night!) at St Gabriel’s, Newbury. Stagecoach From 18 to 22 July and 8 to 12 Wokingham August it is Survival Games, 25 to 29 July and 15 to 19 August is Safari Stagecoach Wokingham is running Ranger, 1 to 5 August is Raiders of holiday courses at St Crispin’s School the Lost Settlement and 22 to 26 in Wokingham from 1-5 August with August is Survival Leaders. the theme of Hairspray Jr. There are From 18 July to 26 August they are two summer schools for 4-6yr olds also running standard Ultimate which runs daily from 9.00am- Activity Camps for 4-14 year olds 12.00pm and for 6-18 yr olds which runs from 9.30am to 4pm. Spend a and International Camps for Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow are students requiring English tuition. fun-packed time preparing and running a summer school based on the rehearsing for a final production to From 25 July to 26 August they are hit musical The Lion King. ‘A Cub friends and family at the end of the also running Ultimate Activity Called Simba’ will run from 1-5 Aug in course. Open to all regardless of camps for 4-14 year olds at the brand new, state of the art theatre experience or ability. 0118 371 2998, Cranford House School, near at Luckley House School, Wokingham [email protected] Wallingford, Oxon. 0844 870 7077 for children aged 3½ -18 years. Prices Stagecoach Theatre Arts have www.ultimateactivity.co.uk from £90 which includes amazing summer workshops offering training in Reading FC has various soccer costumes, a make-up workshops and performance arts such as dance, schools running in July and August tickets for the show. 0118 9744 258, drama, voice and singing, working for boys and girls aged 6-14yrs, www.steppinoutschool.co.uk towards a final day performance. All Stageability Summer Schools including goalkeeping and girls- have course offer sibling discounts. For more information visit only courses. Locations include the been running since 2009 and are www.stagecoach.co.uk Dome at the Madejski Stadium; the directed and choreographed by Starmaker Summer School takes Goals Centre in Woodley; Henwick CRB/DBS checked industry professionals who work with the group place from 22-16 Aug at Southlake Playing Fields in Thatcham; Palmer School, Woodley for ages 4-6 and 7+. Park, Reading (for 5-12yrs); to deliver a theatre performance at the end of the week. This year, the Act, Sing, Dance and Perform! Run Ruscombe; and Church Crookham. by professional teachers, the week theme is ‘Epic’ and summer schools 0118 968 1460, ends with a live performance at The run rom 1-5 Aug at Mortimer St John’s www.readingfc.co.uk/club/commu Concert Hall in Reading. Prices Hall, Westwood Farm Junior School, nity include a free Starmaker Summer

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk 27 Summer Activities Directory

School T-shirt and a golden ticket to a future Starmaker Museum and Library Summer performance in Oct 2016 or March 2017. Full day (7-18yrs) £110, Half Day (4-6 yrs) £50. 0118 988 7959, Attractions www.starmakeruk.org Reading Museum The Corn Exchange , Newbury is running a Multi-Arts Week Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, from 8-12 Aug at New Greenham Arts Centre, Newbury. www.readingmuseum.org.uk Work with industry professionals and take part in a range of Every Wed from 6 Jul TALES FOR TOTS – STORYTIME FOR THE UNDER different arts activities throughout the week, building up to 5’s. Enjoy a story using objects from the museum’s collection. creating your own original show on the final day to be 10.30am-11.30am in the Green Space or the Window Gallery. performed to family and friends. Activities include arts and Free, just drop in. crafts, shadow puppetry, movement and music and drama. Every Sat from 2 Jul BAYEUX TAPESTRY TOUR . Enjoy a guided tour of £125 for five-day course. 0845 5218 218, the famous full sized facsimile tapestry. No need to book, www.cornexchangenew.co.uk suggested donation £2. The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has a series of workshops 16 Jul STEAM DAY – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART & over the summer. MATHEMATICS. All aboard for this action packed day for families. Monday 1 to Friday 5 August - Act Wilde in the Garden See demonstrations of students’ practical work and find out more Create, rehearse and perform a site-specific play, based on about recent engineering feats on Reading’s railways. The day Oscar Wilde’s famous children’s tales such as The Selfish will include fascinating talks by railway heritage experts and a Giant. chance to take part in fun arty activities for all ages. Hosted by Ages: 4 - 7 (9am – 12noon) UTC Reading, in partnership with Network Rail. 11am-3pm, free, Ages: 8 - 11 (1-4pm) just drop in. Monday 8 to Friday 12 August - Play in a Week 27 Jul TEDDY BEARS PICNIC: RAILWAY TEDDIES . Calling all bears! Ages: 8-11 years (9am – 12noon) Celebrate the start of the summer holidays by bringing your Ages: 12-16 (1-4pm) owners along to the Forbury Gardens. Enjoy making some railway themed craft with your favourite teddy in the sun. Don’t forget Monday 15 to Friday 19 August - Musical in a Week your sandwiches! (In the event of bad weather the event will take Ages: 12 to 16 years. (10am – 4pm each day) place in the museum). 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. £1, pay on the Monday 22 to Friday 26 August - Autism Friendly Holiday day, just drop in. Course 28 Jul VICTORIAN SCHOOL ROOM EXPERIENCE . Meet a Victorian Learn drama skills, whilst having lots of fun and making new schoolteacher and re-learn the ‘3Rs’ A 45 minute experience for friends! All holiday courses are autism friendly, but this one will adults and children in the museum’s unique Victorian classroom. be particularly suitable for young people on the autistic Suitable for ages 5+, 11.30am, 1.15pm and 2.30pm, £2 per person, spectrum. drop in (max 35 places per session). Ages: 9 - 16 years. (9am - 12noon) 4 Aug SUMMER HOLIDAY MUSEUM CLUB . An all-day activity 01635 570 934, www.watermill.org.uk/take-part packed with a range of fun tasks, games and craft. Take a trail around the museum, handle the weird and wonderful objects in the boxes and play the fast-talking artefact guessing game. Then head to the Forbury for a picnic lunch followed by a challenge or two. The day will finish with creative activities. Please bring a packed lunch and dress for mess. Suitable for ages 8+, 10am-3pm, £15, booking essential (0118 937 3400). Please note this is a drop- off activity for children. 10 Aug MAKE AND TAKE: ROMAN MASKS . Make a mask for a Romano-British man or woman, then head to the Silchester Gallery for some dressing up. Half hour sessions run at 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. 50p, pay on the day, drop in. 16 Aug OUT IN THE FORBURY: BUG CLUB . Insect explorers can search for creepy-crawlies with special kits. Identify, draw and record your finds, then take a look at some fabulous insect specimens from the museum’s collection. Suitable for ages 5+, 1 hour sessions run throughout the day, £3, booking essential (0118 937 3400). 24 Aug MESSY MONSTERS . Younger visitors and their families can join in with some messy painting fun. Help decorate the giant postcard collage or take away your own masterpiece. Session times 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. 50p, pay on the day, just drop in. 30 Aug PIRATE CHALLENGE . Make a brilliant pirate hat, follow the pirate map around the museum and then collect a chocolate coin treasure. Suitable for ages 5+, 1 hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm. £3, pay on the day, drop in. West Berkshire Museum The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5AS, 01635 519 562, www.westberkshireheritage.org FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS – 28 Jul , 10am make a Roman oil lamp out of clay, 29 Jul, 10am make a Roman mosaic coaster with tiles and grout, and an opportunity to handle real and replica Roman objects, 4 Aug 10am, make a 3D scarab beetle, 5 Aug 10am, make an Egyptian cuff and handle real and replica Egyptian objects, 11 Aug 10am, make an Elizabethan ruff (worn around the

28 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Activities Directory

neck) and decorate it, 12 Aug 10am, make a quill and handle 15 Aug SAND WORKSHOP at Lower Earley Library. Just drop in and replica Tudor objects, 18 Aug 10am, make a coat of arms out of create a sand art picture with Kids Bee Happy With Maddi. £3 per card and other craft materials, 19 Aug 10am, make a sword and picture, for children aged 4-11 years, 10.30am-12.30pm. decorate it and handle replica Medieval objects, 25 Aug 10am, 16 Aug FUR AND FEATHERS at Maiden Erlegh Library. Meet birds of make an Anglo-Saxon saucer brooch and decorate with craft prey with a talk and hands on experience. For families with materials, 26 Aug 10am, have a go at paper weaving, decorate children aged 5 and over, £3.50 charge, 2pm-3pm please call the your work and find out about Anglo-Saxon weaving. Activities are library to book your place. best suited for ages 4-11 but younger and older children welcome. 24 Aug MEET THE CREATURES at Finchampstead Library. Join the No need to book, just drop in. £2 per child. rangers from Dinton Pastures to meet the creatures. £1 charge, just The River and Rowing Museum drop in, 9.30am-10.15am. 25 Aug MAD CAP WORDS AND POETRY FUN WITH RACHEL PIERCY Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, at www.rrm.co.uk Lower Earley Library for children aged 7-11 years. £2 charge, please call the library to book your place. Permanent Gallery – The Wind in the Willows. Join Toad, Ratty, 31 Aug THE TWITS STORYTELLING PRESENTATION at Lower Earley Badger and Mole as they picnic by the river, whilst the wicked Library. Mr and Mrs Twit are ready to welcome you to the magical Weasels ransack Toad Hall in this 3D exhibition that brings Kenneth world of Roald Dahl as storyteller John Kirk retells, ‘The Twits.’ Grahame’s classic story to life. Warning: this story contains Twits being vile to each other! This 40 18 Aug THE HENLEY GAMES . Can you beat Mr Toad in a tug of war? minute presentation is suitable for children and families aged 6+. Fancy playing cricket with Mole? Join Henley’s local sports clubs £3 charge, 12.45pm-1.45pm. Please call the library to book a for a Sports Day and try rugby, cricket or golf or have a go at place (0118 908 8155). Zumba. Race your friends and get competitive with an egg and spoon! 10.30am-4pm, free with admission. 24 Jun-25 Sep – PICTURE THIS: CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED CLASSICS exhibition. Join Paddington Bear and his friends and explore the magical world of children’s book illustrations in a wonderful interactive exhibition from the British Library. Dive into 100 years of classics, including the Just So Stories, The Borrowers, The Iron Man and The Railway Children. Design your own sweets for Willy Wonka’s factory, join Peter Pan on his adventures and create your own Secret Garden. Make your own monster, hide in a Hobbit h ole and picnic with Mr Toad. Wokingham Libraries 0118 974 3709, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries All libraries will be closed on Monday 29 Aug. THE BIG FRIENDLY READ – Children’s Summer Reading Challenge will celebrate 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl. It’s fun, its’ FREE and you can sign up at any library from 16 Jul to Sep 11 2016. Just read six library book and collect a poster and stickers as you go. Collect a medal and a certificate when you complete the challenge. There will be lots of Big Friendly Reading events at libraries this summer. Open to all primary school aged library members. 15 Jul, 6&27 Aug CHILDREN’S WRITING GROUP at Maiden Erlegh Library. Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9-12 years, 10.45am-11.15am. Please call the library to book your place. 27 Jul & 3, 10, 31 Aug GET CREATIVE at Finchampstead Library. Crafts in the library for children with a different theme every week. £1 per child, pre-book by calling 0118 908 8155. 10am-10.45am and 11am-11.45am. 1 Aug THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE at Arborfield Library 11am- 11.45am, Lower Earley Library 10.30am-11.15am and 12 Aug 11am- 11.45am at Finchampstead Library. Hear the story of The Enormous Crocodile and make some fun crocs to take home. For children aged 8 and under, 2pm-2.45pm, £1.50 charge, just drop in. DAHL GET ARTY at Arborfield Library from 3pm-3.45pm. Make some fun arts and crafts inspired by Roald Dahl’s characters. Create a Mr Fox mask or a Mr Twit beard and other fun activities for children aged 12 and under, £1.50 charge, just drop in. 2,9,16 & 23 Aug CHILDREN’S WRITING COURSE . Fun writing course for children aged 9-12 years. You can also meet author Ali Sparkes in the first session, 3.15pm-4pm. Please call the library to book your place. 8 Aug GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE at Lower Earley Library. Free session from Explore Learning for children aged 8-10 years old, 9.30am-10.30am, followed by FANTASTIC MR FOX , free session with Explore Learning on Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, for children aged 6-7 years old, 10.45am-11.45am. 9 Aug CIRCUS WORKSHOP at Finchampstead Library. Children aged 4-12 can learn circus skills from 10.30-11.30am. £3 charge.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 More holiday clubs at www.familiesonline.co.uk 29 Clubs & Classes

Divas and Dudes can Dance in Berkshire Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Divas and Dudes offers a wide variety of Workshops – Exclusive Families Discount Offer dance classes to both girls and boys including Perform is the only drama, dance and singing ISTD Tap, Modern & Ballet, Street Dance, workshop for children to focus on helping Musical Theatre and Lyrical Dance in classes develop their confidence, co-ordination, across Berkshire and Oxfordshire for children communication and concentration skills. aged 2-18. Perform is not a stage school but will help give Led by dance expert and mum of two your child amazing social skills and the best Stephanie Maxwell, the emphasis at Divas and fun of their week! For 4-7 year olds, weekly Dudes is on fun as the key ingredient, and classes go on an exciting adventure around classes help your child develop their sense of the world, with the children learning songs Kids can learn with professional musicians at rhythm, coordination and movement and and funky dances along the way. Each term, The Rock Project perhaps most importantly, build confidence. classes for 7-12 year olds rehearse a specially If your child is burning with the desire to play in Disco Duck and Tiny Toes classes for ages 2 written production musical with modern a rock band, classes with The Rock Project and upwards are a great way to introduce songs, funky dances and hilarious dialogue. could give them a taste of what it’s like to play your little one to the world of dance. Classes From Sept-Dec they will be performing guitar, bass guitar, drums or sing live on stage. Ebenezer. Weekly classes in Newbury. are held in Caversham, Emmer Green, Henley, Weekly classes are held in various locations ** SPECIAL READER OFFER ** Book a free trial Sonning Common, Finchampstead, Bracknell around Reading for ages 7-11 and 12-18. The session before 30 Sept and get a £30 discount, first half of each session includes an hour of and Burnham. quote FAML300916, www.perform.org.uk, 0845 For more information call Stephanie on 07711 professional tuition in the chosen instrument or 400 4000 vocals in groups of up to five students in 087 427 or visit www.ddacademy.co.uk separate rooms. Tutors are all young professionals, currently gigging or working as Weekly Rugby Tots classes teach key skills for pre-schoolers session musicians for recording artists. The Back in 2006, rugby loving parent Max Webb 500 coaches deliver more than 2500 classes second half is a more social hour where was trying to find a pre-school rugby class for per week. Fun, structured play sessions take students get together and perform the songs they have been learning in groups, eventually his three young boys, without success. It children on a journey of sporting imagination forming bands which will lead to various local quickly became clear that he wasn’t the only with engaging coaches supporting them gigs for more senior members. parent looking for a rugby play programme every step of the way whilst teaching how to Every July The Rock Project stages a large for younger children, and what he’d spotted catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play Rock Concert where members perform on was an exciting gap in the child as part of a team. Weekly classes are held in stage to hundreds of people. Find out what development market. Rugby Tots was born! Reading and surrounding areas. To find your you could be doing next summer if you joined 40,000 children in 16 countries are now part nearest class call 0345 313 3242 or visit the Rock Project today by visiting their website of the Rugby Tots family and in the UK over www.rugbytots.co.uk www.reading.therockproject.com or call 07979 854 319.

Diddi Dance announce new Summer Holiday Programme diddi dance Reading and Wokingham will The theme for the holiday classes will be launch a special summer programme of ‘Hula’ so children are invited to bring along ‘pay as you go’ classes to run throughout their sunglasses, a grass skirt, Hawaiian shirt the school holidays. The sessions, featuring or flower garland to help them get into the Hula dancing, will be open to current diddi chilled out, summery vibe. For more dancers as well as new customers. information contact Andrea on 07719 87 87 ‘Most regular activities stop during the 89 or visit www.diddidance.com school holidays and parents can find it a Britain’s leading physical play little tricky to keep energetic pre-schoolers programme for babies and occupied week after week,’ says Andrea children from 6 months to 7 years Bickford, owner of diddi dance Reading and FREE TRIAL SESSIONS Wokingham. ‘So in response to parents’ AVAILABLE feedback, we decided to run these classes as ‘pay as you go’ sessions to provide little Contact Helen Davey for ones and their siblings with the opportunity more details 0118 973 6711 to let off steam and learn some new skills, [email protected] whilst allowing maximum flexibility for families www.tumbletots.com/reading to work around day trips and holidays.’

Divas and Dudes Dance Academy Learn to Dance, Build Confidence and Have Fun! 2-18 Years . ISTD Tap • Modern • Ballet • Street Dance • Musical Theatre • Disco Duck & Tiny Toes classes for pre schoolers Classes in Reading, Henley, Bracknell and Burnham 07711 087 427 [email protected] www.ddacademy.co.uk

30 www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398 JULY/AUGUST 2016 Please tell advertisers you found them in Families!

BOOK NOW for advertising in our Sept/Oct 2016 issue Due out September 2 email: [email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016 31 Families Thames Valley West is party of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. There are nearly 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. We take every care in preparing this magazine, but the publisher and distributers cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, nor for any consequence.