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IN THIS ISSUE Kids Party Special! RECRUITING NOW Perfect Party Ideas Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work Local Party Directory part-time from home, alongside & Mind Map your child’s Party! without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, PLUS managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed Does Gender Matter? background, or you wish to develop Beautiful Berkshire Bluebells an extraordinary lifestyle, Summer Camps & Classes please call Diana Page 01235 533362 Independent School Open Days 07747 086518

Issue 95 May/June 2018 familiesonline.co.uk 2 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk ...endless ideas for families of young children in Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 95 • MAY/JUNE 2018 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

In This Issue... Don’t Miss these great offers

4-6 News and Views • Child goes FREE at The Look Out Hello from the Editor Discovery Centre – see p10 7 Does Gender Matter? 11 Independent School Open Days • Two week trial at Stagecoach – see ad below • FREE trial class at Perform – see front cover • FREE trial class at Monkey Music – see p.29 • FREE trial class at diddi dance – see p.29 13 Are you carrying the Mental Load for your family? • FREE trial of new parenting app Kandoo – see p.6 14 Summer Camps preview – book early to get the best deals! • Try a FREE Busylizzy class – see p.29

17 Party Special – Mind Map your Child’s Party Advertise with us! If you’re reading this, so are your customers! We can 18 Ideas for Fabulous Children’s Parties! help you reach over 45,000 parents in Reading, 20 Local Party Directory Bracknell, Henley, Wokingham, Newbury, Thatcham, If you’re planning a children’s party in the Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Twyford and West Berkshire towns & villages. Call us on 01235 751 888 or email next few months you won’t want to miss [email protected] for more information our Party Guide, starting on p.17. If the thought of all that planning and preparation The Families Team leaves you anxious, read our guide on how Editor: Lucy Heather to use ‘mind mapping’ strategies to plan the Designed by: perfect party. There’s lots of ideas for party Ridgeway Press Ltd, 01256 300 420 themes on p.18-19, plus we’ve picked the 22 Beautiful Bluebells and Where to Spot www.ridgewaypress.co.uk best local party venues and suppliers in our Them Next Issue: Party Directory on p.20. 24 What’s On over May/June and July/Aug: – Summer Holiday Special! Summer With summer just around the corner, you Half Term Camps & Classes plus the biggest What’s On Guide might want to get your childcare sorted to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays. 28 Clubs and Classes nice and early. Many of the local summer Advertising deadline: Book by 1st June. camps and classes offer ‘early bird’ discounts and are also booking for May half term – see p. 14 for more details. If you’re looking for a new school in September, there are Open Days at many of the independent schools this term – see p.11. To advertise here Finally, our What’s On Guide starting on p.24 is absolutely packed with ideas on please ring places to go with the kids, including over May half term – so there’s no excuse to 01235 751 980 hear the words ‘I’m bored!’ See you in July! Lucy Thames Valley West

NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 3 News & Views

Challenging Vocabulary

Market leaders Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards are pleased to announce a new addition to their range. The grammar school 11+ entrance exam is constantly evolving, with advanced vocabulary increasingly appearing in the exam, particularly in comprehension passages. This new Level 3 pack draws on feedback from a wide range of tutors and teachers about commonly confused or misunderstood words, and on the latest 11+ materials, to help students keep pace with Mental Health Issues Starting Early the changes and excel in the exam. One in 10 children aged five to 16 - or three in This extension pack includes: every classroom - have a diagnosable mental • unusual and old-fashioned words, such as health problem and 75% of mental illness starts ambivalent, trifling, tirade . . . before the age of 18 according to statistics. • complex homophones like Place2Be, a national charity providing complacent/complaisant, elicit/illicit . . . emotional support to children, advises that it's • commonly confused words such as never too early or too late to start thinking trait/trite, perpetuate/perpetrate . . . about your child's mental health. The cards are designed to build on the Some simple actions you can take at any age existing packs, which encourage children to to help promote positive mental health develop a rich bank of vocabulary, include: synonyms, antonyms and compound • Carving out time to be with your child one- words. Each card shows a target word with to-one. Put other worries to one side and a child-friendly definition and a list of actively listen to them and their feelings. synonyms. A sprinkling of idioms have been • Enjoying a quiet activity together can make it added where appropriate, as another way to easier to talk to your child and can encourage help tricky words “stick”. your child to open up naturally. Available as an individual pack or as part • Taking a step back from today's busy lives of a set. and enjoy some dedicated time listening and For more information visit playing with your child. www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk • Creative activities such as art and craft can encourage bonding with your child. • Providing a stable and consistent environment, with clear boundaries helps children feel secure and better able to learn about and cope with the world around them. It’s National Mills • Be kind to yourself and look after your own Weekend 2018! mental health. This will have the most On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May, beneficial impact of all on the wellbeing of National Mills Weekend takes place across your child. the UK, with more than 300 windmills and For more information and advice, visit watermills opening their doors to the www.place2be.org.uk public. This annual festival of our milling heritage is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore their local mills. Participating mills include many not normally open to the public, with a range of special events and family-friendly activities. Until the advent of the steam engine, wind and watermills provided the only source of power for many different processes - from making flour, paper and cloth to hammering metal and extracting oils. You can explore mills that produced, or still produce these products, some restored to working order, some derelict, some still working commercially. To find a mill open in your local area, visit www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk

4 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk News & Views Decay Rates Drop and Children Lead Adults ‘Grannannying’ is the Word More than three quarters of they come through. It’s never too The trend of grandparents many grandparents play in children aged 11 children now have early to start caring for your baby’s providing vital, day-to-day reducing the financial burden of no tooth decay. This percentage teeth. support to their grandchildren childcare, over half of has increased from 59% a decade Childsmile recommends known as ‘grannannying’ is more grandparents said their help had ago according to recent figures registering a baby with a dentist widespread than you may have enabled their own child/children from the National Dental soon after birth and taking them to thought according to a new to work more to support their Inspection Program (NDIP). YouGov poll for Age UK. family. the dentist for their first visit by the NHS dental registrations in time they are six months old. From Two-fifths (40%) of the nation’s But it’s not all one way. Nearly Scotland also show children are then on, parents should take their grandparents over the age of 50 all grandparents (88%) said they more likely than adults to visit an child to the dental practice every – 5 million – have provided enjoyed the time spent with their NHS dentist in the last two years. six months, or as advised. regular childcare for their grandchildren and half felt it kept However, oral health disorders are For more information, visit grandchildren, according to the them physical and mentally the most common reason for www.child-smile.org.uk survey. The vast majority did so active. elective hospital admission of once a week but a fifth provided children in Scotland, For more information about support 4 to 6 times a week. accounting for over 10,000 the survey, visit www.ageuk.co.uk episodes per year, according Revealing the pivotal role that to the NDIP. According to the national Childsmile programme it is important to protect your child’s first teeth against decay so that adult teeth have a chance to develop before

The Coolest Way to Lose Fat In the last issue we met mum-of- The CoolSculpting procedure three, Claire, who decided it was works by delivering controlled time to tackle her mummy tummy cooling to gently and effectively with CoolSculpting. In this issue we target the fat cells underneath the take a closer look at the World’s skin while leaving the skin itself number one non-surgical fat unaffected. The treated fat cells are freezing treatment… cooled to -10 degrees centigrade, Around 15 years ago, scientists at resulting in them being permanently Harvard University found that eating destroyed. Over the next few weeks, ice-lollies could cause dimples in the the body naturally processes the cheeks. And so, the idea that cold destroyed fat cells and excretes could target fat cells without them through the normal body damaging the skin or other processes, leaving you with a surrounding tissue came to light, and slimmer more shapely body. from there, following 10 years of Because CoolSculpting scientific development, the fat- permanently removes stubborn fat freezing treatment that is called and reshapes the body, it’s ideal for CoolSculpting was born. the tummy, love handles, waist, inner With over five million treatments and outer thighs, bingo wings, back carried out worldwide, fat, and even small areas like chin, CoolSculpting has become the knees and the area around your bra. number one permanent, non- If you’re interested in finding out surgical fat removal treatment in the more about CoolSculpting, get in World. It is the only FDA-cleared touch with Aspire Clinic: 0118 931 Cryolipolysis® (the science bit) 3575 or [email protected]. treatment that effectively removes In the next issue, Claire will be diet- and exercise-resistant fat, and sharing the results of her is clinically proven to work. CoolSculpting. familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 5 News & Views

Out of School Activities Improve Educational Attainment A study by researchers from of NatCen said “Results showed NatCen Social Research at that sports clubs were positively Newcastle University has found associated with attainment that children who take part in outcomes at age 11, even when organised sports and after school accounting for prior attainment at clubs can improve primary school age 7.” academic performance and social The research also found that skills. disadvantaged children who The study of 6,400 children in attended after-school clubs England found that those who developed better social, took part in organised sports and emotional and behavioural skills physical activities at the ages of 5, than those, also from similar 7 and 11 were almost one and a social circumstances, who did half times more likely to reach a not. higher than expected level in their For more information, visit Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths test at www.ucl.ac.uk the age of 11. According to the Lead Investigator, Emily Tanner New App for Parents Offers Extra Help A new web app has been endless. launched aimed at giving parents Kandoo may and working people an ‘extra pair offer the of hands’ when they need it. solution by Kandoo Network is a mobile connecting parents with an extra web app that brings parents and pair of hands via reliable working people who need jobs teenagers and students who have done together with young received recommendations from people who have the time to jobs done for existing help and need some extra subscribers. money. A free 60 day trial is available From waiting for a delivery or with Promo Code walking the dog to helping to set KANDOOTRIAL08 up a children’s party, a parent’s More information visit “to do” list for the family is www.kandoonetwork.co.uk Protect Kids from #FOMO with #JOMO Parents are urged to protect their young people to be more mature children from the negative health than they are ready for in effects of social media by helping relationships as a result of social them discover the ‘Joys of Missing media, so why not pause and step Out’ #JOMO. away? According to Dr Georgia • Parents modelling good Henderson, a clinical psychologist boundaries around their own working with young people at the ability to shut off technology is the Information evening on Priory Hospital in London, social best way to show that being with Auditory Processing Disorder media is endlessly demanding, your kids is enough. leading to toxic feelings of • Self-esteem. Young people who Tue 8th May & Tue 12th June inadequacy amongst young spend a lot of time on social media 45 Market Place, Henley on Thames RG9 2AA people. are more likely to rely on external #JOMO is the opposite of Book your complimentary place approval and physical #FOMO, where young people on [email protected] attractiveness, rather than their constantly check their internal attributes and worth. smartphones because of the ‘Fear • 43% of children with learning difficulties and 25% of people with Dyslexia of Missing Out’ on conversations ALSO had an Auditory Processing Disorder APD. or social events. • APD commonly coexists with sensory conditions such as ADD, ADAD, Autism spectrum disorder, Dyspraxia and hypersensitive hearing. The ‘what and why’ of #JOMO: • Improving Auditory Processing of sound and its meaning, through • “When we turn off – we have to BERARD AIT sound therapy, can significantly help improve Auditory reconnect to the real world.” Processing. • People are at their most • Clinically supervised, intensive and highly successful programmes, intelligent, productive and calm conducted by Berard practitioner Veronica van Nierop B.Sc; D.C; N.E.T; A.R.T; when they can slow their thoughts Find out if AIT could benefit you at your child with a free 15minute chat. down and use mindfulness. www.hearandnowauditory.com • There is increasing pressure on

6 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk How Much Does Gender Matter? By Dr Lucy Maddox

We are expert at training our children to be boys and girls. In fact, we’d have to work hard to get better at this!

rom the moment a baby is conceived, its sex is Fdetermined and it will be tending to value affiliative traits exposed to an entirely different which enhance the ability to get on menu of hormonal influences, with others. The effects of these both in utero and beyond. It’s the roots, laid down so very early on, balance of different hormones - probably in the messages boys and androgens (male hormones) and girls have been given, arguably oestrogens and progesterones manifest in typical adult male and (female hormones) - which result female styles of interaction at work in the differentiation of physical and in relationships. characteristics and genitalia between boys and girls. What can we do to help free children from gender constraints? Some people also use these sex differences to explain differences in Professor Spears Brown thinks that behaviour. However, research there are three main things: suggests that the impact of sex differences on behaviour is Make gender less relevant to massively exaggerated. Whilst it is everyday life, (e.g. no need to say tempting to attribute differences in “hello boys and girls” - just say behaviour between girls and boys “hello everyone”). to their biology, there is not good evidence to back this up. Christia Correct children and other adults Spears Brown, Professor at the when they fall into the trap of University of Kentucky, studies sex gender stereotypes, (e.g. how often differences. She says “Of course, do we praise girls for looking nice behavioural differences do exist. and praise boys for being strong?) Boys, as infants, are a little more Focus on buying children toys that active and a little more impulsive foster the traits we want to than girls and throw a ball with encourage, rather than buying toys greater velocity and power. In that are supposed to be for a childhood, boys have better body particular sex. image than girls, and more confidence in their maths ability It’s well worth thinking about our (although they don’t differ in actual own ideas about gender, the scripts maths ability). However, these we have been given by our families differences may well be due to and by society around us about socialisation - to boys being what is “boy behaviour” and “girl encouraged to practise ball- behaviour.” If we can hold up our throwing more and to girls picking inherited beliefs to the light then up a message that “girls aren’t behave in different ways depending gender-related cues. By age 3, girls there is some hope of us being good at maths.” on their biological sex. From birth, and boys have a sense of their own able to challenge or champion children are surrounded by gender identity. Between 3 and 6 them, to allow for curiosity about If there aren’t major behavioural messages from advertising, film years old, children develop the idea other cultures, families and ways of differences between boys and girls, and television and clothes and toys. of gender constancy - the idea that being. This might also create more then why do we think there are? There may well be differences in someone’s biological sex doesn’t space for our children to be able to We all have a natural tendency to the way boys and girls behave, but change and that you can’t be both do, say, feel and be what they are, see things that back up our existing they are often very likely to be a girl and a boy. whatever their biology. beliefs: a confirmation bias. This influenced by what they have makes it easy for us to see experienced as they grow. Stereotypes about gender also differences as related to biological form early: ideas about expected For more on gender and other sex, when they might just be Recognition of biological sex clothes, play and behaviour are child development topics, individual differences in personality. happens early. Even by the age of 1 already around before children Dr Lucy Maddox’s book year, children begin to have the reach age 6 years. One study “Blueprint: How Our Childhood Makes Us Who We Are” is Importantly, society tends to train ability to distinguish between male showed boys tending to prefer available from Amazon at £14.99 children from a very early age to and female faces if there are assertive character traits and girls familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 7 The Berkshire grammar schools are extremely well regarded. Places are offered to pupils who ‘pass’ the 11+. The Berkshire CEM 11+ test comprises of verbal reasoning, numeracy (maths) and non-verbal reasoning topics. Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses in Buckinghamshire for over 25 years. The 11+ Courses for students in Years 4 and 5 have now been running for three years in Earley. The 11+ Foundation Courses start in January and run until the October half-term. Then the Year 5 Preparation Course begins and continues up to the 11+ tests in September. The courses comprise of weekly tuition during term time and follow a technique-focused approach. Homework is set weekly to practice and consolidate the techniques taught in the lesson. Susan Daughtrey Education has also developed and designed CEM-style mock exams to replicate, as far as possible, your child’s most likely experience on the day of their 11+ test. This includes the type and standard of difficulty of the questions, the timing of the individual sections, the layout of the test papers and the administration, where we broadcast our own pre-recorded test instructions. This experience has been created with the benefit of feedback from hundreds of past CEM candidates. For more information please visit www.susandaughtreyeducation.com

To Advertise here call: 01235 751980 Thames Valley West

8 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Education

science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and STEM: Helping Children mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities. with the Fundamentals The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and of Education By Christopher Cederskog ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is then work out how much more pastry it would constantly changing. take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based f you are interested in helping your kids with a part in a many everyday activities. This is why on the current number. Talk about the the fundamentals of education there is an it’s important our children can understand its ingredients, what they are and where they’ve Iacronym which you should become aware key tenets. come from. of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, As a parent, then, what can you do to help The next time your child falls, take the Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast form the STEM of your child’s tree of chance to talk to them about gravity and becoming the core of the British and global knowledge? discuss why they fell downwards rather than education system. There is hardly a career I have always believed that learning should upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once which does not involve some element of STEM, be fun and the popular perception is that the the tears have stopped, chat a bit about from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays subjects of STEM are anything but. However, biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help. When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work. Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such. Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun. While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms. Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 9 St Joseph’s College Music Centre New Times Table Test for Year 4 Pupils opened by Cecilia McDowall

One of Britain’s leading composers, students, past and present. The Cecilia McDowall, was guest of quality of music produced by our honour at the opening of a new pupils is outstanding, and we now Music Centre at St Joseph’s College have a facility that meets the in central Reading. requirements of their talents and hard work. We are very proud to be able to offer all our pupils this wonderful new facility, which will allow us to develop the learning of music throughout the College, and to continue to celebrate our school’s passion for music.” As part of the opening ceremony, visitors were given a tour of the new Music Centre, which was blessed by Fr John O’Shea. Following this, Prep The new Music Centre includes and Senior School pupils played to The government has announced to 12 off by heart and has been music classrooms, a suite of invited guests alongside violinist plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit designed to avoid causing practice rooms and a music Antonia Kesel, who is a former pupil. a compulsory times table test. additional stress for children and technology room. Each room has a Antonia played “Strange violin, are The test will be tried out in a teachers. new Yamaha piano – a total of you following me”, a piece sample of schools with it being The Government has also said fourteen were delivered to the composed by Cecilia McDowall. made available on a voluntary results from the check will not be school last week, with the College Also attending the event were basis to all schools across published at school-level, and becoming a Yamaha school. governors and staff from St Joseph’s England from June 2019. It will will not be used by Ofsted and Headmaster Andrew Colpus said: College. Chair of Governors Chris become mandatory in June others to force changes in “I am delighted that our Music Murray said: “As governors we have 2020. schools. Centre is now officially open. Music been keen to enhance and develop has always been at the heart of St the College facilities over the last The test has been described by Some teachers’ unions have Joseph’s life and credit for this must few years and the next stage of this the Government as a 5 minute expressed strong concerns about go to the commitment and has been the building of the Music “on-screen check” which is the introduction of another test dedication of the music staff, who Centre. I hope this new facility will designed to help ensure children being an unnecessary additional have developed a love and enhance the already high standard know the multiplication tables up burden on schools. enthusiasm for music in so many and quality of music in the College.”

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10 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Independent School Open Days Summer Term 2018

BRACKNELL AND ASCOT LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL (independent co-ed ST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE (independent co- day and boarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9600, ed day and boarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 974 OUR LADY’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND DAY www.leightonpark.com 4276, www.standrewspangbourne.co.uk , Crowthorne (Catholic day school, NURSERY 10.30am- , 9am and co-ed, 3mths-11yrs), 01344 773 394, OPEN MORNINGS 22 May & 19 Jun OPEN MORNING 11 May OPEN 12.30pm EVENING 21 Jun 5.45pm www.olps.co.uk OPEN MORNINGS 22 & 23 , June 9am-12pm BROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSE SCHOOL ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent co-ed (independent boys (Brockhurst) and girls LVS ASCOT (co-ed day and boarding, 4-18yrs), day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966 1000, (Marlston House) day and boarding prep 01344 882 770, www.lvs.ascot-sch.uk www.sjcr.org.uk SENIOR OPEN MORNING 12 school 3-13), 01635 200 293, Junior School 9am- OPEN MORNING 9 May June 10.30am-12pm EARLY YEARS OPEN www.brockmarl.org.uk 12pm MORNING 12 June 9.30am-11am OPEN MORNING 19 May 10.30am-12pm (co-ed day & boarding LAMBROOK SCHOOL (independent ELSTREE SCHOOL, (boarding & day school for 3-13yrs), 01344 882 717, QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM girls 3-8yrs and boys 3-13yrs), 0118 971 3302, girl’s day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 www.lambrookschool.co.uk www.elstreeschool.org.uk 9.30am-12.30pm 7300, www.qas.org.uk OPEN MORNINGS OPEN DAY 12 May OPEN MORNING 12 May 10am-12pm 12 May and 8 June 9.30am THE MARIST SCHOOLS, Ascot (independent WOKINGHAM Catholic girls school, 21/2 – 18yrs), 01344 624 SOUTH OF READING 291, www.themaristschools.com LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed 9.15-11.15am day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 PREP OPEN MORNING 4 May CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day SENIOR OPEN MORNING 10 May 9.15-11.15am school 3-13yrs), 0118 987 1810, 4175, www.luckleyhouseschool.org OPEN EVENING 7 Jun 6pm. OXFORDSHIRE www.crosfields.com OPEN MORNING 17 May 9am. Children are welcome to visit the school REDDAM HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL with their parents and there is a crèche facility day & boarding school 3-18yrs), 0118 974 (independent boys day & boarding school 4- for younger children. 8300, www.reddamhouse.org.uk 13yrs) 01491 651 438, www.moulsford.com OPEN MORNING 12 May 9.30am, presentation OPEN MORNING Fri 11 May 10am-12pm or WEST BERKSHIRE at 10am, tours of the school 10.30am. 1pm-3pm HOLME GRANGE SCHOOL (independent co-ed READING THE CEDARS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day day school 3-16yrs), 0118 978 1566, school 4-11yrs), 0118 971 4251, www.holmegrange.org Eaton Grange TASTER READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL (independent www.thecedarschool.co.uk OPEN MORNINGS for current Year 5 pupils boys day school 11-18yrs), 0118 944 1005, DAY 26 Jun 17 May & 21 Jun 9.30am-12pm considering joining Year 7 or Year 9 in www.rbcsc.org.uk SCHOOL TOUR DAY 3 May September 2018. 8.35am. familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 11 12 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk endlessly from birthday presents to school workshops to sports days. Preparation is key for my husband and I. Getting the school uniform ready the night before, for example, and synching our schedules to support one another. I feel lucky that I have a flexible job as a blogger and vlogger, which enables me to survive and thrive at work and at home - something I write about in detail, in my new book Mumboss, which is due out in May.”

Meanwhile, parenting author Tanith Carey, points out that financial pressures on families are increasing. “The number of families who now need both a mum and a dad to work to keep up with the cost of living in the UK has hit a record high - at more than 30 per cent - with 2.25 million women back in work by the time their children are four.

Many working mothers were told it was possible to have it all. However, they then find out ‘having it all’ means ‘doing it all’.

Are You Carrying the The problem is that while men, can cross off a neat to-do list of chores in their minds, many mums work just as long hours - but also end Mental Load for your up doing the emotional heavy lifting of parenting.

Family? By Claire Winter There's never a time when you are not thinking about your children, and their needs and Many women and some men are feeling the pressure of together with the inevitable demands of a job, having a job and managing their family. Often it is the load sometimes can sometimes feel overwhelming - particularly as fewer of us have women who feel like they are carrying the bulk of the extended families on hand to take some of the mental load associated with managing work and home weight.” life. Women report spending, on average, 13 hours on Tanith says research has shown that women housework and 23 hours looking after children compared are twice as likely to suffer from stress as men. to just 8 to 10 hours for men. “Olivia Remes, who led recent Cambridge University research into the area points out in his idea was captured by the French My husband and I discussed how I felt and we the past women were more likely to stay at illustrator, Emma. The cartoon started have created a virtual list of things that home and be responsible for the family. Now, Ttrending last year and is called ‘You needs to get done on trello.com. It they are more likely to hold down a job, Should've Asked.’ It argues that in traditional gives us a shared sense of while also bringing up children and home dynamics, the woman is seen as the responsibility and has actually looking after elderly or disabled household’s project manager. This is illustrated created a bit of domestic “There's never relatives.” by a typical scene of a woman trying to cook harmony! a time when dinner while looking after her baby, as her She explains that is why she husband chats to their guest. When it all goes Blogger and Influencer Honest you are not wrote Mum Hacks. “I want to wrong he says “you should’ve asked!” Mum (www.honestmum.com), thinking about help women reduce the to-do Vicki Psarias, thinks being able list and mental load that can I showed my husband the cartoon and he felt it to compromise is vital. “Juggling your children” take the fun out of parenting, and work and family commitments is an was one sided. The burden of paying for our which make it feel like you are on a on-going struggle and the best way to mortgage lies with him. He says the mental treadmill.” Tanith’s book, Mum Hacks: deal with it is by being organised, kind to load of being financially responsible for a Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family family can take its toll too. yourself and by compromising. My husband and I share the load equally here. I try and life is published by White Ladder and is available on Amazon. Whilst I understand his point of view, when my make assemblies and school activities, where twins were babies I went back to work so I possible, but I don't beat myself up if I can't could have a rest! My head right now is full of because of work commitments. You must Society and employers need to catch up with lists and tasks that involve running my own remind yourself that you are doing your best.” the way parents want to work and manage business, the house and caring for three their lives. Flexible working arrangements are children. It sometimes leaves me feeling The mental load is real though and I make vital for both men and women, so they can seriously overwhelmed and under-appreciated. huge to-do lists and worry about everything share the mental load equally. familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 13 The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer Camp.

Here’s our guide to some of the options available, together with some advice on how to choose the right summer activity for your child.

Summer Holiday Camps and Courses Guide

Residential Camps such as a boarding school. Group multi-activity programme. Unlike to a range of activities such as These are independent holidays for leaders usually take care of American summer camps, which performing arts and outdoor unaccompanied children aged children’s pastoral and welfare due to longer school breaks and adventure. from 7 years and above. Children needs whilst Instructors provide a less holiday leave for working Generally, children can attend are supervised round the clock in a programme of activities. Camps parents often provide a home- for as many days as they wish, with secure residential environment can offer specialist courses or a from-home experience, residential a price discount for a full week’s camps in the UK usually involve just attendance. Day camp arrival and a 7-day break. However, if your departure times vary but the day budget can be stretched there are usually starts between 9am and a large number of residential 10am and ends between 4 and camps operating throughout 5pm. Many camps offer early drop Europe and North America which off and late pick up options. can offer your child additional cultural and linguist experiences. Sports/Activity Courses or Workshops Multi-Activity Day Camps Specialising in a specific sport or These are non-residential full-day activity such as performing arts or camps running in your local area. art and craft, these courses are They are for unaccompanied usually for children of 7 years and children from 3 years and above above. They generally operate for 2 which usually run from Monday to to 3 hours per day, running for just Friday, offering a varied programme one day or as a progressive course of sports or creative activities over 4 to 5 days. Sports courses are throughout the day. Typically often led by qualified multi-activity day camps involve 4 instructors/coaches or by local to 6 activities per day, with each authority sports/leisure centres, activity session lasting between 1 specialist swim centres or riding and 1 ½ hours. Often the sessions schools. National governing body focus on ‘tasters’ or introductions awards can sometimes be

14 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk How safe will your child be?

Most summer camps and Adventure activities run by any emergency procedures. For courses are regulated by various commercial organisation more information, visit independent bodies, or in some providing specific adventure www.thebapa.org.uk instances by government activities (certain watersports, inspectorates such as Ofsted climbing, trekking and caving Police Checks which monitors safety standards. activities) are legally required to All registered day camps and Levels of inspection vary obtain a licence from the plays schemes are required to according to the type of course Adventure Activities Licensing get checks on specific staff. In or camp. Authority (AALA). This body England and Wales this is done inspects and monitors safety via the Disclosure and Barring Day camps and play schemes standards. Information on these Service, and in Scotland via offering full day care inspections is available to the Disclosure Scotland. It is worth programmes for children under public from the AALA. checking with the provider to see the age of 8 are legally required www.hse.gov.uk/aala what their policy is in this area. to register with their local authority. Registered providers Residential Camps are not Staff Qualifications are subject to inspection by subject to legal registration You may also want to check on government inspectorates such unless they operate specific staff qualifications. Most sports as Ofsted. adventure activities or provide governing bodies have an official courses for under 8's. Providers coaching scheme for instructors Sports/activity Courses will not who are members of the British or leaders at various levels. It is a generally be registered with the Activity Providers Association good idea to ask for further local authority unless they (BAPA) are subject to an information on staff qualifications provide tuition for under 8s. independent inspection scheme if the organisation does not Horse riding centres are legally covering site safety, activity explain its policy in its required to register with their standards, staff qualifications and promotional material or on its local authority though. training, health and safety and website.

Will I be able to By Andrew Campbell use Childcare

achieved. Performing arts Vouchers or workshops tend to be run by performing arts schools who also claim Tax offer term time classes for children. Credits?

Holiday Play Schemes You may be able to claim tax These offer non-residential full or credits to help pay for your part-day supervised childcare for child's summer activities. If unaccompanied children from age you pay for them to attend 3 and above but are usually run by and if the activity provider is voluntary organisations or local registered and regulated then authorities. Activities at play you can claim as you would schemes may be specific, such as for an after-school club or sports or art and craft, or involve a childminder. range of different activities. Many play schemes run off-site trips to Parents enrolled in the attractions such as museums or Childcare Voucher scheme parks. In the main, they are can also use their vouchers provided for children living in the to subsidise the cost of catchment area of the venue. summer childcare options including camps and courses. However, the provider must be registered and be prepared to accept vouchers. To check what help you could get with See our local Summer Camps childcare costs, visit listing feature on page 16 www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 15 Get Summer Sorted! ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS

It’s never too early to get sorted for the long summer holidays, so here’s a sneak preview of some of the best summer holiday camps and courses around. Most are also booking for May half term:

SHIPLAKE COLLEGE is running Summer Rowing Camps in Henley on Thames from 30 Jul-3 Aug and 6 Aug-10 Aug. Benefit from expert tuition and excellent facilities in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside on a week long summer training camp for novice and improving rowers. Headed up by Shiplake College Director of Rowing and current Junior GB coach David Currie, the courses are open to girls and boys from any school aged 13-18. The week-long camps offer expert coaching and comprehensive tuition to ensure all participants are able having fun as well as learning to swim. to significantly develop their skills and GR’s ever popular intensive summer techniques. Daily sessions will run from crash course runs from 23rd-27th July 10am and on the Friday of each week and offer daily lessons for beginners, there will be races in the afternoon. This stroke improvers and snorkelling & diving is a great opportunity for the rowers to at Brockhurst & Marlston House School demonstrate the excellent progress they and The Oratory School. £60 have made over the week. For a professional theatre! 10.15am-1pm for be creative, imaginative and active in a For more information visit residential campers there will be a 3.5-5yrs, 10am-3.30pm for 6-17 years. safe environment working towards a www.swimlessons.co.uk or call (01635) programme of evening events after £105 for 3-5 yrs (£100 for Steppin Out performance on the last day which will 201410 or email: dinner, such as local trips, barbeques and students) or £135 for 6-17yrs (£130 for blow your socks off! Cost includes all [email protected] pool parties. For more information and Steppin Out students). Call Shelley on costumes and a fully professional show GO BEANIES run Ofsted registered multi booking visit 07970 034 488 or visit to an invited audience. Standard £155, activity day camps in the beautiful www.shiplake.org.uk/rowingcamps www.steppinoutstars.co.uk to book your Sibling £125. surroundings of Beale Park in Lower place. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wokingham Basildon, Wellington Country Park, JUBILEE JETS & JUBILEE CADETS PERFORM are running a five day course Longridge near Marlow and Finkley WOODLAND HOLIDAY CLUB in the this summer for ages 7-12 at Wokingham Down Farm near Andover. Activity day beautiful location of Padworth, offer a Methodist Church, based on ‘The camps provide safe, fun and exciting range of flexible holiday sessions to suit Greatest Show on Earth.’ Dance, sing experiences to keep your child your needs during May half term and the and join in the fun, rehearse and perform entertained all holiday. ‘Beanies’ are summer holidays. Jubilee Jets Holiday a specially written show combining encouraged to tell camp leaders what club for 5-11 offers a wide variety of uplifting songs, dazzling dancing and a they would really like to do that day. £35 indoor and outdoor fun activities heart-warming story. 6-10 August, per day or £160 for the week. 8.30am- including quad biking, trips to the 10am-3pm. 020 7255 9120, 5.15pm Monday to Friday. Call 0118 996 APOLLO YOUTH CLUB at the Mapp woods, arts & crafts, cooking and lots www.perform.org.uk/summerfun 2678 or book online at Community Centre in Reading has more. Or try Jubilee Cadets for a ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS run activity www.gobeanies.org been running holiday activities for woodland holiday club for 5-11 yrs with based holiday day camps during half ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE HOLIDAY CLUB children for over 25 years. Their aim plenty of adventures in a wonderful term and the summer holidays for 4-14 in Reading runs for every full week of is to provide high quality care for woodland setting. Book online using years at Reading Blue Coats School, half term and school holiday. They are children regardless of their colour, childcare vouchers or credit/debit card. Cranford House, LVS Ascot, St Andrew’s, open from 8am-6pm every day, with half religious or social background. They www.jubileejets.co.uk / St Gabriel’s and Luckley House. An day sessions also available. Places www.jubileecadets.co.uk exciting range of sport, art, creative and available for St Joseph’s pupils and non- offer a full childcare facility for 4-11 STAGECOACH WOKINGHAM have junior games activities are on offer from pupils. Early Years Holiday Club for ages years. Children are supervised at all and senior summer workshops at St swimming to fencing to art and initiative 3-Reception is based at the school’s times by experienced workers and Crispin’s School, Wokingham. ‘Get Ya games. Staff are experienced in looking dedicated Early Years Centre, complete enjoy a wide range of activities that Hair Up’ for ages 4-6 from 30 Jul – 3 after children and provide the highest with age appropriate resources and toys. take into account their needs, age Aug. In just 5 days see what your child’s levels of welfare and enjoyment. Mon- Outside there is a secure all-weather and special requirements. Activities imagination will achieve. Along with an Fri 9.30am-4.30pm with extended days garden with a variety of outdoor play range from cooking, drama, special expert team of teachers you will put on a available from 8am-6pm. Book by 12 equipment. Year 1-6 Holiday Club offers trips and arts & crafts. 0118 9168 show to an invited audience which is June to receive 20% off a week (£184) or a wide range of exciting activities fully costumed and professionally lit. All £5 off a day (£41). planned to enhance new skills, 416 / 0118 9168 417 / children will participate in singing, www.ultimateactivity.co.uk encourage inclusion, team work and www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk dancing and drama classes in a fun and SUPERCAMPS multi activity camps are strategic thinking. Multi-sports, cooking, engaging way. Make friends and create ideal for children aged 3-14 yrs who arts & crafts, and swimming are just want to try a wide range of activities. some of the activities on offer. Early Bird Camps run over May half term and day rate: £28.15 or £15.55 for ½ day. summer holidays at The Abbey School in Book online at Reading, Trinity College Newbury, www.sjcr.org.uk/413/information/holida Reddam House in Wokingham, Sherfield yclub or call 0118 966 1000 School in Sherfield on Loddon and THE COMMERCIAL ARTS TRAINING Radley College, Abingdon. Summer ACADEMY (CATA) are running two Holiday camps also at The Oratory workshops this summer at The Rivers Preparatory School in Woodcote. Ibis Club in Reading from 13-17 Aug. A Choose from A RAW adventure camp, week long workshop for ages 8-18 will with outdoor survival activities, multi- include vocal recording, songwriting, sports, cookery skills and LEGO play. modelling, acting for TV and dancing Camp core hours are 9am-5pm with and also a workshop from the hugely extended hours 8-9am and 5-6pm successful hit Broadway show ‘Dear Evan available for a small additional charge. Hansen.’ Daily from 10am to 4pm with a 01235 467 300 or book online at showcase for friends and family on the STEPPIN’ OUT STARS OF TOMORROW www.supercamps.co.uk final day, £95 for the week. ‘Teeny GR SWIMMING SCHOOLS provide a high Bopper’ workshop for ages 3-7 includes STEPPIN OUT STARS OF TOMORROW is theatre along the way. Early booking standard of swimming teaching in a safe a professional photoshoot with a free running 5 days of dance, drama and advised. 9am-12pm, Standard £115, environment for children of all abilities, headshot, plus a performance for friends singing, based on the hit musical ‘The Sibling £95. Senior Workshop: ‘Bugsy from the age of 3 to 14 years, at four and family on the final day. 9.30am- Greatest Showman’ at The Whitty Malone’ from 30 Jul-3 Aug, 9.30am- locations across Compton, 12.30pm, £50 for the week. Payment in Theatre, Luckley House School, 4pm. A fully packed out week of singing, Newbury/Thatcham, Woodcote and instalments is possible. For more details Wokingham for 3.5-17 years, from 30 dancing and acting for ages 6-18. An Pangbourne. The emphasis is on giving contact Kat on 07768 990 238 or email July-3 August. Perform and rehearse in opportunity for students to make friends, children confidence in the water and [email protected]

16 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Alternatively, instead of writing a word, you Mind Map might decide just to draw a powerful image. Step 3 Send out secondary-level shoots from the main branch. Then draw third-level branches a Childrens’ Party! that spread out from these secondary-level shoots. Write keywords on all the branches or By Tony Buzan draw symbols, or a combination of both. Give each symbol its own branch. There’s no need Who doesn’t enjoy a good party? Planning the party, however, can be to rush: leave some of the branches empty at quite another matter – especially a children’s party, for which first, as this will naturally inspire your brain to expectations have rocketed in recent years. Here’s a suggestion for fill them in. approaching party planning in a completely different way. Step 4 Pick another colour and create your next main I’ve created a Mind Map to show how to plan a the small gifts that the children get to take branch, working around the central image. children’s birthday party with a superhero home. (Many beginners find it easiest to work theme, but you can, of course, use any theme clockwise around the centre, but do whatever You will need: you like – or, alternatively, leave out the suits you best.) As before, draw secondary and children, if you wish! • A large sheet of plain white paper third-level branches from this new branch and label them. Keep adding main branches until What is a Mind Map? • A selection of coloured pens or pencils you have about five or six of them to work with. A Mind Map is a powerful thinking and planning • A brain • An open mind • Imagination Step 5 tool that can help you get to grips with any Step 1 Now you have your main branches, move topic. At its simplest, it is a diagram with Place the sheet of paper in front of you in freely around your Mind Map, leaping from branches radiating out from a central image, landscape format (i.e. horizontally). Next, use at branch to branch, filling in any gaps and adding each branch carrying a single word or a picture least three different colours to draw an image new sub-branches as ideas and associations that summarises an aspect of the topic. The in the very centre of the paper that represents occur to you. branches then expand into sub-branches, as the party (in this example, it’s a superhero you delve further into each aspect. Mind Maps Step 6 figure). This central image will activate your have symbols, images and colours and can be If you wish, add arrows, curving lines and links imagination and trigger associations in your really bold, bright and inspiring. between your main branches to reinforce the thoughts, so make sure it’s positive and The branches of a kids’ party Mind Map connections you have found between them. inspiring. You can also have a word at the could explore the same core logistics as an centre; if so, make it multi-dimensional and adult party: once you’ve set the date, you need When you have completed your Mind Map, you brightly coloured. to choose a theme (if you want one) and a can use it as a list ticking off each of the branches once you’ve completed the task. venue, setting considerations such as cost, Step 2 When the party’s over, it’s useful to keep it to space and transport against each other. Then Now choose the first aspect to explore. Pick a refer back to in future years! draw up your guest list and plan the colour and draw a thick branch coming away entertainment, the food and drinks and the from the central image, like the bough of a decorations, exploring these on the main tree. Let the branch curve organically, as this Tony Buzan’s is the writer of branches and sub-branches of your Mind Map. will be visually engaging and therefore more Tony Buzan’s Mind Map If the party is going to include any special interesting to the brain, making you more likely Mastery: The Complete Guide features, such as games, swimming or a to memorise the information on the branch. to Learning and Using the magician, include these in your Mind Map too. Shade in the branch. Label the branch with a Most Powerful Thinking Tool You could also use one of the branches to single word in capital letters. For a kids’ party in the Universe, available from explore how your party will reflect the theme, Mind Map, you might label this first branch most bookstores priced £14.99. perhaps through costumes, decorations and VENUE or FOOD or DECORATIONS. familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 17 Be on Trend with Your Child’s Party in 2018! By Claire Winter

Photo: Megan Elle Photography, Styling & Entertainment: Fable & Moon Events.

Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.

Unusual Themes hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and seen an incredible increase in demand for Think of a party with a twist. Top party white chocolate so they can make their own. unicorn-themed accessories for party favours, organiser Fable & Moon The chocolate is hot so this option is probably whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or (www.fableandmoon.com) says “Children’s not suitable for very small children. The hairbands. Coupled with unicorns, we have parties are becoming even more sophisticated Chocolate Party People noticed more interest in our rainbow themed in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a accessories for party bags such as clips, rings, strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle and bracelets which go hand-in-hand with the Also expect to see wedding trends making their Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they mythical creature." A kitsch, rainbow unicorn way into children’s parties, particularly celestial get to take away their chocolates instead of a party sounds like just the ticket! (moons and stars) and all things holographic. party bag. Glamping Think, oversized disco balls and lots and lots of Unicorns are Still Cool Belltent and glamping parties are going to be sparkle!” Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, really popular especially during the summer Chocolate Parties founder of online boutique store Rockahula months. Set up tents with themes like Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can creative. What’s not to love? Hire a chocolatier to be the year that the unicorn trend and hire companies to put them up in the garden to come to your house and teach your children theme takes centre stage at children's birthday and if you haven’t got a garden – set up the to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively parties. Over the last few months, we have tents in the house. Older children can have a

18 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Top Tips for a Budget Party

Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their kids in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.

Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also Photo: www.belltentexperience.com use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp."

Look for Bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the kids to decorate them. Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!

Themed Parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade – get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration. sleepover whilst the youngsters can go home. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in Share bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is at a similar time. Just make sure you agree who is doing what! magical whatever age you are!” Get Me Out of Here Don’t Forget to Say Thanks Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building or use an online site. Get your kids to write a thank you note on the experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes - back with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great momento and thank you all you could even get guests to dress up to match it! You need to check what at once! the age range is and whether you need adult supervision. Try www.escapereading.co.uk

01628 07721 821145 422554 Do you Fun have total party games Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family SQUISHBOSH? with meaning Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities. Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices Call Pete on 07721 422554 or 01628 821145 e: [email protected] • www.basilandcrew.co.uk e:[email protected] • www.basilandcrew.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 19 exclusive use of the venue transformed with disco lights and music. Plus Make a Bear parties for 3+ years to stuff and fluff their very own deluxe bear, choosing from a variety of furry friends. Extras include face-painting, cakes, adult platters and balloons. 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com THE MAD HOUSE PLAY AND PARTY WORLD READING – various party packages available, whether the children just want maximum fun on the play equipment or want to combine with some magic, traditional games, football, dancing or drama activities. Birthday child goes free and gets a free return pass. Unlimited squash and water. Reserved table in play area for adults, dedicated party host. Choice of hot or cold buffet with ice cream. Invites and sweetie bag. From £10.45 per child. 0118 975 5455, www.themadhousereading.co.uk ACTIVE TOTS – soft play barn especially for 0-3’s, just off the A33 between Reading and Basingstoke, offers a mini party at £8.50 per child and an active party for £10.50 per child. Exclusive barn use costs £285 for up to 20 children. Optional extras include messy play and pass the parcel. 01256 880 220, www.activetots.org JAKES@TRI-LAKES - Jake’s Playworld in Sandhurst have PARTY ENTERTAINMENT a variety of party packages for children up to 11 years ARROW ENTERTAINMENT – offer the Tick Tock Show PINKY’S PARTIES – entertainment for children of all which can include time on the play frame, traditional for 4-8 yrs, a mini-disco with games, competitions, ages. Seriously fun and interactive entertainment party games and animal handling sessions (age balloon modelling and magic, pre-teen discos for 9-12 including magic shows, party games, balloons, face- restrictions and maximum numbers vary depending on yrs and a teenage disco. Wedding specialists and other painting and a very cute rabbit! 01494 479 027, party type). 01252 871 007, www.jakesplayworld.com adult functions covered too. 01344 776 013, www.pinkysparties.co.uk BEALE PARK – parties include entry into the park for the www.arrowentertainment.co.uk POP UP PLAY VILLAGE is for children who love to role whole day to enjoy the animals, beautiful gardens and CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENTS – offer anything from a play! The play village features a supermarket, hospital, play areas including the ‘Pirate Island’ adventure half hour magic show to a full party/event with teddy vets, baby nursery, café, art studio and in some locations playground, plus 2 hours exclusive use of the Peacock bear’s picnics, funfair themed parties, adventure play and outdoor explorers for children to learn more about Party Room, party food and drinks, invites and a birthday much more. 07836 605 032, www.pozmagic.co.uk nature. Pop Up Play Village is a great option for your card. £130 for 10 children and 2 adults. 0118 976 7480 CTP PARTY (Children’s Themed Parties) – the best child’s next birthday party. Different party packages www.bealepark.co.uk entertainers and characters for your children’s birthday available including the full package with catering. WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK – offers you the ability parties and events. Choose from a wide range of www.popupplayvillage.co.uk to design your own birthday party packages for children themes including Pirates, Princesses, Fairies, Disco & UNCLE CHARLEY – ‘The clown without make up’ – 25 up to the age of 8. Held in the party room within the Pop, Army, Sporty, Animal Fun and Jedi Training. All years’ experience as a full time professional children’s park grounds, you can have use of the room for up to 2 entertainers are CRB checked, young and lively and entertainer. Crazy mixture of magic, fun games, Punch hours, a hot or cold food platter, unlimited squash, ready to entertain at your party! 07557 531 904, & Judy, puppets, balloon modelling and mini-disco with themed party tableware as well as a Wellington present www.ctpparty.co.uk lights. 0118 988 2839, www.unclecharley.co.uk for the birthday child. After the party is over you and CIRCUS SCENE – street entertainment, fetes, fun-days, your guests have the opportunity to remain in the park circus workshops for schools a speciality. 0118 976 PARTY VENUES for the rest of the day at no extra charge. £19.95 per 1702, www.circus-scene.co.uk child (minimum 12 children). 0118 932 6444, MONKTON BARN – a beautifully converted barn near www.wellington-country-park.co.uk DEE GEES PARTIES (formerly Danny’s discos) offer party Marlow, available for special events such as wedding entertainment for children of all ages, from fancy dress KRAZY PLAY DAYS – large soft play and party centre in receptions, birthday parties and christenings. Monkton Reading. Set packages and tailored options available. discos with party games for toddlers, up to cool discos Barn and meadows is available for exclusive use. 01494 for older children. Very flexible and can vary theme to Parties last for 2 hours. 1 hour 15 mins of play followed 523 162, www.monktonbarn.co.uk by 45 mins in themed party room with host. Unlimited suit the individual child. 0118 946 4236 / 07765 222 848 THE LOOKOUT DISCOVERY CENTRE – in Bracknell / www.deegeesparties.co.uk free squash, hot or cold buffet. Unlimited ice cream with holds parties for 5-12 years which include a special visit sprinkles & sweetie party bags. Exclusive hire available FIONNAGHAL – traditional storyteller will enthral from Eric the Owl, an ‘explainer’ accompanying the children of around 9+ years with traditional tales chosen for up to 45 children. Toddler parties during term time. children around the hands-on science and nature From £12.95 per child. 0118 942 6171, according to the child’s particular interests. Story telling exhibition, free invitations to post or download, a 10% usually lasts around an hour. 0118 986 4131, www.krazyplaydays.co.uk discount card to use in the gift shop, up to four adults WHOOSH PLAYCENTRE – in Bracknell. Play in the 3 tier www.fionnnaghal.co.uk admitted free, a cold buffet and ready-made party bag FIZZICAL DISCO – specialise in fun-packed, energetic frame followed by hot food, party games and music in option. From £7.60 per child (self-catering), £12.25 the themed party room. www.whooshplaycentre.com and entertaining disco parties suitable for ages 5-teens. (catered). Minimum 10 children. 01344 354 400, Children can celebrate their birthday keeping fit and www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre PARTY SUPPLIERS having lots of fun with fully qualified coaches. COBBS PLAY BARN - situated just outside Hungerford, 07881 561 042, www.fizzicaldisco.co.uk offers parties in a bespoke wooden indoor play barn PARTY PIECES – a one stop shop offering everything FROGGLE PARTIES – offers amazing children’s parties along with a themed party room. Parties on offer you’ll need for the perfect kids party, including the latest with a huge range of party options from hilarious include den building, animal games and foraging themed tableware, decorations, party bags, games and children’s entertainers and magicians to funky kid’s treasure hunts, as well as Arty Crafty, Pottery Painting, activities. www.partypieces.co.uk discos, themed parties, clowns, bubble parties, face- Puppet and Model Making and Sewing Parties. 01488 FUN N FROLIC – party store in Reading, stocking painting, science parties and much more. 08450 504 686 880, www.cobbsplaybarn.co.uk everything to make any party or celebration a huge 509, www.froggleparties.com KIDS ‘N’ ACTION – the only Party Centre in the UK to success. Costumes, accessories, balloons, party goods PERFECT PRINCESS PARTIES – Frozen parties a offer 8 different themed party rooms! Also offering and fireworks. 0118 950 8597, www.funnfrolic.co.uk speciality! Magical princess parties from 0-8 yrs old. Laser Parties, dedicated group party zone for up to 200 AS IF BY MAGIC – based in Ascot. Children and adult’s Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Elsa people, exclusive private hire available. Large selection fancy dress costumes, jokes and novelties, masks and & Anna, Sofia the First. Parties at your home or venue of of kids themed costumes. 2 hour parties include fun on wigs, party goods and tableware, make up and balloons. your choice. 07545 950 245, the play frames and a party meal in themed party room. Order online and collect in store. 01344 885 585, www.perfectprincessparties.co.uk Dedicated party host, invitations, thank you cards, party www.asifbymagicparty.co.uk JESTER GIGGLES – children’s magician featuring throne, hot and cold menu. Unlimited juice and water. LITTLE CHERRY – have a wonderful range of eco- singing, party games, balloon modelling, magic and Cake ceremony. 1 free return pass per party. 0118 968 friendly party supplies, including hand made cotton party mayhem! Covering Berkshire, Oxon, Bucks, Surrey, 0983, www.kids-n-action.com bags, affordable wooden toys and biodegradable Hants. 07854 045 640, www.jestergiggles.com EDDIE CATZ NEWBURY – offer fun parties starting at tableware. www.littlecherry.co.uk ROLY’S MAGIC SHOW – entertaining children for over £13.50 per child with use of the play equipment and STRETCHED 4U – based in Reading, offer limousine 30 years. Offering magic shows, music & dancing, sports pitch, a meal and drinks, party bags, your own parties with 8 and 14-16 seat stretch limousines bubble machine, balloon modelling, face-painting. party host and a visit from Eddie Catz himself. Also available. www.stretched-4-u.co.uk 07958 560 991, [email protected] available are Laser Tag parties for 6-14 years with FAIR AND FETE – fairground themed party supplies for

20 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Party Directory

Odds Farm Park hire. Includes the Unrideable Horse, Flying Turtle Roller ARTS, CRAFT AND COOKING CORAL REEF WATERWORLD – enjoy all the excitement Scooters, Bouncy Castle, Hoopla Game with prizes, of the Coral Pools with pirate ship, waterslides, a party Coconut Shy. Extras can include candy floss machine, PARTIES table in the restaurant, guaranteed entry and time slot. face-painting, clown, Punch & Judy. KITCHEN CAPERS – cooking parties for kids. A fun and Parties from £12.50 per child. Exclusive use for up to 75 www.fairandfete.co.uk unique way to celebrate your little chef’s big day. children £525.00. www.everyoneactive.com BIG BOUNCE BOUNCY CASTLES – a large range of Packages to suit children aged 4+. Parties last 2 hours READING CLIMBING CENTRE – offers children’s parties bouncy castles available. Also soft play & ball pool and ingredients, utensils, hats, aprons, prizes, recipe from age 5+ in a fun, active and unusual way to obstacle course, diddicars, mascots, giant garden games. cards, party bags and thank-you cards are provided. celebrate a birthday. Hot and cold food can be provided Free local delivery and collection from Newbury, Choose from a selection of menu options prior to the and there are different packages available for different Reading and surrounding areas. Safety mats supplied. party. The dishes the children cook provide a good party age groups. 0118 975 6298 / www.bigbouncebouncycastles.co.uk 07957 278 980 tea. www.kitchencapers.co.uk www.readingclimbingcentre.com BIG ON BOUNCING – bouncy castles, slides, go-karts, THE KILN CAFÉ – in Henley, offers pottery painting WOKINGHAM FAMILY GOLF – offers FootGolf parties body zorbs, sumo suits, soft play for adults and children parties that are enjoyable for all ages. Prices include on its purpose built 9 hole FootGolf course and its 24 to be used all year round, indoors and outdoors. choice of ceramics, use of paint brushes and stamps, hole Jurassic Mini Golf course. Parties include exclusive www.bigonbouncing.co.uk, 01628 410 736 glazing and firing of your items. www.kiln-café.co.uk, use of the marquee and 5-a-side football pitch with KIDS CRAFTY KITS – a range of craft projects to help 01491 414 254 Samba goals for two hours. Parties are able to bring keep little hands busy. Simple, attractive kits for use at POTTERY PALS – kids can have a fantastic time painting their own food. 0118 979 5657 / children’s parties. www.kidscraftykits.co.uk, 0118 969 with their friends and have a unique hand painted item www.wokinghamfamilygolf.co.uk 9709 to take home as a memento. Two themed party rooms: INNOVENTS – bouncy castle and games hire The Castle Room (24 people) and The Fairy Room (12 PARTY ANIMALS throughout Berkshire. Peppa Pig castle, princess castle, people). 0118 979 4006, www.potterypals.co.uk BASIL AND CREW – bring a mini mobile farm to your teddy bear castle, bouncy castle with slide, bouncy CRAFTY COOKS – offer children’s cooking parties for home or venue, complete with fencing, hutches and an assault course. www.innovents.co.uk, 01344 774 874. ages 3+. Up to 20 children per party (more can be assortment of animals such as goats, sheep rabbits, negotiated). Create a pizza or other savoury dish, with a guinea pigs, ducks, chickens and Shetland ponies for MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA small additional cost for making and/or decorating your party. Enjoy pet handling, feeding and grooming. cupcakes. Parties are tailor-made to suit the family and They also offer educational and fun school visits either PARTIES the party child. 0118 9762 872, www.craftycooks.co.uk full farm or ‘3 billy goat gruff’ day, nursing homes, special PERFORM PARTIES – Based around a colourful theme, CREATION STATION – Arty Party – a craft making party needs, fetes and fun days. 01628 821 145 / 07721 522 Perform’s energetic leaders use a magical mix of songs, to entertain and inspire. Tailored around your child. games and laughter to create fun-filled, action-packed Children are encouraged to create at least two original 554, www.basilandcrew.co.uk parties. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit art pieces to take home and all include painting, BUCKLEBURY FARM PARK – parties include entry to the www.performparties.co.uk modelling, making, sculpting and crafting. Music, park for the day, a party host, use of a decorated party DIDDI DANCE – Reading and Wokingham. An hour of dancing and games. Invites and party bags provided too. venue for 2 hours, free squash and a personal tractor activities including dancing, games, action songs, hoops, Ages 1-11yrs. 0844 854 9100, ride to feed the deer. Party in rustic Crunchy’s Cabin, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons and bells. Sessions are www.thecreationstation.co.uk Bucklebury Birthday Bus or a woodland TiPi (May-Sept). totally interactive, getting all the children up and Hot or cold food can be provided, bring a picnic or eat in dancing. 1 year old party includes 30 minutes of action SPORTS AND ACTIVITY PARTIES Woody’s Café. Themed parties available including Teddy songs and tactile noisy props and bubbles. 2 year old Bear’s Picnic, Ultimate Farming and Bushcraft parties. BULMERSHE GYMNASTICS CLUB – offers party fun at 0118 971 4002, www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk party includes 45 minutes of dancing, games, actions, their purpose-built gymnastics facility in Woodley. Invite songs, props, ribbons and hoops. 3 years and above ODDS FARM PARK – everybody loves an Odds Farm up to 25 guests for an hour in the gym with two qualified Park party! Odds Farm party packages have everything includes a 1 hour party with dancing, games and action coaches supervising the children while they play, you need and much, much more. For just £19.95 per songs. www.diddidance.com, 07719 878 789 followed by 30 minutes for food, drink and birthday child, a children’s party at Odds Farm includes all day MONKEY MUSIC parties are great fun for children and cake. www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk farm entry and exclusive, private hire of a stylishly babies of all ages and work really well for a mixed age DINTON ACTIVITY CENTRE – offers parties by the lake themed party room for 2½ hours, including fabulous group. Each party is individually tailored to suit each – an exciting and adventurous way to celebrate for party food and party bags, and complete with a docking separate occasion and always includes the birthday children and teenagers. Sessions are packed with games station for your own music, animal masks, downloadable child’s favourite Monkey Music songs. 01635 860 959 / and challenges, with basic tuition to get you started. party invitations and animal feed for the goats and www.monkeymusic.co.uk Junior Rangers Party for ages 4+- perfect for younger sheep. All you need to bring are the children and the BERZERK PRODUCTIONS – offer highly motivational adventurers with pond-dipping, wilderness skills, mini drama parties for 5+ years. A choice of creative and fun beast safari. £158 for up to 20 children. Active cake. Plus, enjoy FREE admission for 1 Adult for every themes such as drama, dance, musical theatre, mask Adventure Party for ages 6+ with climbing, bushcraft and Child’s place book and complimentary tea and coffee for work and specific themes based on your child’s favourite archery. £200 for up to 10 children. Watersports Party the grown-ups. Odds Farm Park also offer a 2 hour After shows, an end performance for friends and family and for ages 8+ with climbing, canoeing, sailing, raft building, School Party package which is available from 3.30pm much more. 07976 652 742 / stand-up paddleboarding. £200 for up to 10 children. Monday to Friday during South Bucks Term Time for just www.berzerkproductions.com www.dinton-pastures.co.uk, 0118 974 6343 £13.95 per child. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes STAGEABILITY – offers a whole range of themed parties DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX offers children’s golf from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For and supply everything you need for the entertainment: parties throughout the year, with 90 minutes with a PGA more information including full party terms and prizes, music and certificates, so you can relax and enjoy golf professional and 30 mins for food. 01344 303 030, conditions and to book visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk the party. Popular parties include Superhero Academy, www.everyoneactive.com/centre/downshire-golf- FARMS2EWE - will bring along your favourites from Spy School and Knight Academy, as well as Dance complex their large collection of domestic and farmyard animals. Parties with music and choreography, games and RED KANGAROO – indoor trampoline park in Reading The team will visit your party with a selection of tiny competitions. £160 for a 2 hour party for up to 20 offers a bounce-tastic party for kids. Tots Parties for chicks, goats with their babies, friendly sheep, cheeky children. www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk, under 5’s and Bounce Parties for over 4’s include a 1 miniature ponies or donkeys, ducks, guinea pigs, dogs 0118 933 3791 hour bounce, a pair of Red Kangaroo socks for each and many more to cuddle and groom. They also offer STEPPIN’ OUT STARS OF TOMORROW will cater the child, party host, 30 minutes use of themed party room, ‘Pony Mad’ parties – a grooming, handling and turnout perfect party for children of all ages. Whether it’s a reserved table in café area with jugs of water, pizza, competition on miniature Shetland ponies, with rosettes pirate or princess theme you are looking for, they have crisps and squash, downloadable party invites. From to be won. Facepainting, bubble machine and farmyard something for everyone! Call Shelley on 07970 034 488 £14.95 (off peak) to £20.95 (peak). 0333 344 0933, music. 01635 579 878 / 07780 654 348 / or email: [email protected] www.redkangaroo.co.uk www.farms2ewe.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 21 Days Out

Beautiful Bluebells

Spring may have been a little late in arriving this year, bluebells. There are regular guided walks around the reserve. Visit bbowt.org.uk for but its arrival will be heralded by spectacular bluebell more information displays all around the Thames Valley. he bluebell has been voted Britain’s Nature Detectives website: Moor Copse Nature Reserve favourite flower, and it’s easy to see why www.naturedetectives.org.uk. There are lots of Moor Copse has an unusual variety of habitats Twhen you visit woodland carpeted by spotter pages to help you identify trees, flowers alongside the River Pang where you might be these lovely flowers. Their distinctive sweet and animals, ideas for outdoor play and much lucky enough to hear a water vole plop into the scent and intense blue colour is truly magical. more! river. Take the woodland walk to enjoy the bluebells and then stroll through the hay Around half the world’s bluebell woods can be Here are a few of the best bluebell meadow where in June and July you can see a found here in the UK and their appearance walks in the area: colourful mosaic of wild flowers. Find Moor from late April to early May attracts nature Copse on the A340 at Tidmarsh between lovers from around the world. Warburg Nature Reserve Pangbourne and Theale. Visit bbowt.org.uk for This magical reserve nestles in the Chilterns more details. We are lucky to have some of the best bluebell near Bix, between Nettlebed and Henley. Pop woods here in West Berkshire and South into the Visitor Centre to pick up the Wildlife Bowdown Woods Nature Reserve Oxfordshire, so why not take the opportunity Detectives Trail Pack and head off into the Voted one of the 10 Best Bluebell Walks in the to get some fresh air and enjoy a family walk in reserve for a wonderful time discovering birds, UK by The Independent, Bowdown Woods are the countryside. Before you go, why not print butterflies and spring flowers such as situated on the edge of Greenham Common, out some activity sheets for children from the primroses, wood anemones and carpets of near Newbury. From the car park follow the

22 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk

signed trails for circular walks through the north of Bracknell, off Harvest Ride in Warfield. anemones and dog violets too. There are three woods, explore the old bomb site (only wildlife Its surfaced paths are great for pushchairs. woodland walks to download from the there now!) and if you’re very quiet you may There’s no formal car park so use Larks Hill car National Trust website: see deer stepping between the trees. Look out park, off Harvest Ride and walk 10 minutes nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden for adders and other reptiles basking in the along Harvest Ride to access the site. spring sunshine on fallen trees – they may hear Basildon Park you before you see them and all you’ll notice is Popes Meadow Situated between Pangbourne and Streatley, a gentle rustle in the undergrowth. Popes Meadow has both open parkland, good Basildon Park has 400 acres of countryside to access by car and bus and a small woodland explore bordering the house and gardens. Tinkers, Jocks and Temple Copse copse full of bluebells. It’s a Green Flag Award Nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark These beautiful hazel coppice woodlands are winning site and has a disabled access route bursting with bluebells. A circular walk can be (not through the bluebells though), picnic Ashridge Estate enjoyed through them with surfaced paths. areas, orienteering and a small play park. Find If you want to travel further afield, one of the The best place for car parking is Jocks Lane it in Binfield, off St Marks Road, RG42 4AY. most famous and popular displays of bluebells Recreation Ground, off Binfield Road in can be seen on the Ashridge Estate, situated 3 Bracknell. So why not make a day of it with a Cliveden near Maidenhead miles north of the A41 between Tring and picnic and a play in the Recreation Ground Throughout these National Trust woodlands Berkhamstead. You’ll find 2000 acres of after your walk? you’ll find a liberal sprinkling of delicate atmospheric mature woodland with lots of bluebells but for the most intense sea of hazy trails to explore and wonderful displays from Whitegrove Copse, Sage Walk blue, head to the family play trail and fitness late April, especially in Dockey Wood. This ancient woodland can be found to the trail area. Look out for cowslips, snowy wood Nationaltrust.org.uk/Ashridge-estate

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 23 What’s On - May-June 2018

26-27 May SHIRE HORSE AND CART RIDES Picturehouse, Boroma Way, Henley, RG9 15th May and 16th June, a monthly parent LOCAL ATTRACTIONS The favourite friendly giants are back in the 2BZ, 0871 902 5738, and toddler group with a difference. A great park taking you on trips to and from the www.picturehouses.com opportunity each month for you and your BEALE PARK animal farm from 11am-3.30pm (stops at Big Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11am pre-school child to have fun in natural Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 9NW, 0844 4pm). Join the queue on the main green exclusively for parents with babies under 1 surroundings. Each session includes 826 1761, www.bealepark.co.uk from 11am and take a trip to the animal farm year so you can catch the latest film activities such as bug-hunting, mud- 26 May-3 Jun LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK to visit the farmyard friends. releases. Toddler Time on Tuesdays at 11am painting and mask-making. Tea, biscuits HALF TERM TRAIL In celebration of ‘Love 28 May-1 Jun NATURE ACTIVITY WEEK offers special 30 minute shows designed to and mud provided! Booking essential and Your Zoo Week’ there will be a special trail Explore the outdoors and get creative introduce little ones to the big screen all children must be accompanied by an at the park. All you have to do is complete during May half-term. Go on an adventure followed by fun activities. For the older adult. Please dress for the weather. £5. the trail, hand it into the park’s gift shop and with a nature booklet, get stuck in with ones there’s Kids Club every Saturday Monthly NATURE TOTS DIDCOT at Sutton you will get a sticker in return (while stocks nature crafts, find out what lives in showing a classic film at 11am plus pre- Courtenay Environmental Education last). 10am-5pm. 50p. Normal park Wellington’s lake with pond wildlife screening activities. Centre nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, admission charges apply. workshops and look at some unusual Weekly TALES FOR TOTS – STORYTIME www.bbowt.org.uk 30 May LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK – MEET minibeasts with the Zoolab team. FOR THE UNDER 5’S at Reading Museum, 16-18 May and 13-15 Jun. An opportunity THE BUGS Animal keepers are giving visitors 2-3 Jun SHIRE HORSE AND CART RIDES The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, each month for you and your pre-school the chance to get up close and personal The favourite friendly giants are back in the RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, little one to interact with and learn from with some of the residents that live in the park taking you on trips to and from the www.readingmuseum.org nature. Come along for an outdoor nature park’s newest area, ‘Berties Bugs and animal farm from 11am-3.30pm (stops at Enjoy a story using objects from the play, games, stories and craft on the wild Beasts’. So, if you would like to experience 4pm). Join the queue on the main green museum’s collection. Every Wednesday at and wonderful nature reserve. Booking the amazing world of giant insects, meet a from 11am and take a trip to the animal farm 10.30am-11.30am in the Green Space or essential. Dress for the weather. 9.30am- snake, stroke a Giant African Snail or get to visit the farmyard friends. Window Gallery. Just drop in. Free. 11.30am. £5. close to a tarantula, then pop along to the Weekly FAMILY ACTIVITY TASTER park from 1.30pm-3.30pm – you’re guaranteed to have a bugtastic time! NATIONAL TRUST SESSIONS at Dinton Activity Centre, Encounter is free but normal park admission CLIVEDEN Dinton Pastures Country Park, Sandford MAY Lane, Reading, RG10 0SU, www.dinton- charges apply. Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL1 1 May NATURE EXPLORERS – HOME pastures.co.uk 30 May LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK – BUILD A 8NS, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cliveden EDUCATION at The Nature Discovery BUTTERFLY FEEDER Calling all wannabee May-June SKIPPERED RIVER CRUISES Give it a go – taster sessions give everyone Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, conservationists! Butterfly feeders attract Various dates throughout May & June, enjoy a chance to try something new at an Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 and feed butterflies and will also provide a 45 minute river cruise down Cliveden’s affordable price. From £20 per person or 381, www.bbowt.org.uk £36 for two people. Booking essential. you with a great amount of enjoyment as Thames stretch. Adults £11.50, Children £6. Join the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Weekly RHYME & SHINE at The Corn your garden becomes a haven for colourful 28 & 29 May THE BIG TREE CLIMB Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) on the Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 insects. Construct your own feeding station Two highly skilled and friendly instructors first Tuesday of the month for a hands-on 5BD, 0845 521 8218, to take home. The feeders are a great way will help all ages reach new heights in a wildlife club for home-educated children. www.cornexchangenew.com to encourage your children to venture out fantastic tree at Cliveden. They will teach Each month follows a different theme with Suitable for parents with babies 2 and under. and to teach them about the different you how to enter a tree’s canopy using wildlife activities, craft stories and child-led species we have in the UK. A worksheet will ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being A relaxed singing session with a range of songs, rhymes and rhythms in a fun and play. Ages 5-8 yrs, £5, book online. also be available for participants to be a part securely attached in a harness at all times. 3 May BLAZES BUDDIES at West Berkshire of a nationwide survey to record the Once at the top of the tree you will gain an relaxed environment. Singing with your Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, different varieties they find in their garden. experience which can’t be found on the child is a great way to encourage their 01635 519 562, This activity costs £5 per feeder to build and ground, and if you’re feeling brave, take a language development, whilst actions help www.westberkshireheritage.org/west- is a great way to get involved as you assist, branch walk before being lowered back develop motor skills. Meet other parents develop and help to maintain vital butterfly down. Booking essential: 0800 055 6760. too! Price includes a hot drink from the berkshire-museum habitats. To take part, meet at 10.30am in All tickets £20 Corn Exchange Kitchen & Bar. 10.15-11am. Join Blaze the museum dragon and listen to the Outdoor Classroom. Normal park £3.50 per session. Also on 5/12/19/26 Jun. a short action poem about him, followed by GREY’S COURT other activities including a simple craft admission charges apply. Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at The linked to the treasure Blaze has found that THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG, Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), day. Age range 2-5 years, 11am-11.30am. Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court University of Reading, Redlands Road, Free. 7QW, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell- 20 May-24 Jun THE BIG TREE CLIMB Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, 3 May HANDS ON AT HENLEY LIBRARY, forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Two highly skilled and friendly instructors www.merl.reading.ac.uk There are over 90 hands-on science will help all ages reach new heights in a A weekly outdoor session for the under 3’s Ravenscroft Road, Henley-on-Thames, activities for children of all ages to enjoy at fantastic tree in Greys Court. They will in the fantastic urban garden at MERL. RG9 2DH, 01865 815 278 The Look Out Discovery Centre. You can teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy Discover the benefits of outdoor learning Springtime celebrations! Join the River & launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Rowing Museum for themed object the indoor stream or build a house with being securely attached in a harness at all Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activities handling, fun craft and stories for all the your friends. Activities and exhibits are times. Once at the top of the tree you will inspired by the themes and collections in family. Free. organised in ‘zones’ which correspond with gain an experience which can’t be found on the museum. Enjoy outdoor play and 5 May FORAGING AND CAMP FIRE what your child may be learning about in the ground, and if you’re feeling brave, take explore the natural environment. Each COOKERY at The Nature Discovery Centre, school: Forces & Movement, Body & a branch walk before being lowered back session involves story-telling, craft activities Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Perception, Light & Colour, Woodland & down. Booking essential: 0800 055 6760. and singing. £3 per child (includes a snack Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, Water, and Build It where you can use the All tickets £20 and a drink). Children and adults must dress www.bbowt.org.uk rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house THE VYNE for the weather (there are a small number of A morning of finding free wild food or drive the dumper truck. Open daily from Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, children’s wellies and waterproofs to (foraging), followed by cooking tasty and 10am-5pm. Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, borrow if necessary). 10am-11.30am. nutritious recipes over a camp fire. No need 5 May-18 Jul THE SLIME SHOW. Why are www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The to bring lunch! Suitable for ages 12+. slugs and snails so slimy? Can you really Daily THE LOST TAPESTRIES Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Booking essential. Please dress for the cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very On this family trail, help recover and fit Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 weather and be prepared to be outdoors for repulsive! Shows run throughout the day on together jigsaw pieces of oriental tapestries 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk the whole session. £15. weekends and school holidays. Suitable for hidden in nooks and crannies across the 19 May and 16 Jun. On the third Saturday 5 May MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – children aged 3+yrs who can sit down for grounds. Pick up your trail sheet at of every month, this hands-on wildlife club JURASSIC WORLD LEGO BUILDING ½ an hour. reception. 10am-5pm for 5-8 years follows a different theme each WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War Memorial WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK Daily TUDOR SECRETS SELF-GUIDED month. Enjoy hands-on wildlife activities, Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading, RG7 1SP, TOUR At the site visited by Henry VIII and craft, stories and child-led play, plus cook 9LL, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk 0118 9326 444, www.wellington-country- Anne Boleyn in 1535, pick up your self- snacks on a camp fire. Book for one session Do you love LEGO? Calling all young park.co.uk guided tour at the visitor reception and or a series of 6. Come prepared to get designers, engineers and inventors – Master uncover secrets contained in The Vyne’s muddy and be outside whatever the 5-7 May THE BIG INFLATABLE TAKEOVER Builders Club needs you! A two-hour surviving Tudor features. weather. £4 per child. Accompanying adult Join in the fun as inflatables take over Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego free. Wellington Country Park, allowing the building challenges. Master Builders Club Monthly NATURE TOTS at The Nature children to bounce away the bank holiday. workshops follow a different theme each With bouncy castles, a ball pond, obstacle ONGOING EVENTS Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Weekly BIG SCREAM CLUB, TODDLER session and after setting the scene with a courses and a bungee run! 10.30am- Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 TIME AND KIDS CLUBS at The Regal short story, the Master Builders will 4.30pm. 381, www.bbowt.org.uk

24 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk What’s On complete a number of build challenges. lambs, there will be day-old chicks to Reading, RG7 6EY, Ride on board the only operational GWR Master Builders Club aims to inspire children handle and piglets to see, as well as a range www.bradfieldmayfayre.co.uk Diesel Railcar behind the 1960’s Western to be original in their designs and share their of rural activities such as pony rides, An afternoon of entertainment and family Region Diesel no. D9516. ideas. At the end of the session, the Master archery, ferret racing, tractor & trailer rides, fun. Plate smashing, coconut shy, tossing 12 May DOGS DON’T DO BALLET at South Builders are presented with a themed badge falconry and sheep shearing. Ride on the the bale, WI tea and cakes, BBQ and hog Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, to keep and collect. 12.30pm-2.30pm. £15. Amnerfield Minature Railway, visit Pets roast. 12.30pm-5pm. Adults £3, Children RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, 5-7 May LEGO STAR WARS DAYS at Corner or play and do craft in the straw 50p. www.southhillpark.org.uk Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, playbarn. 11am-6pm (last entry 5pm), 7 May WOKINGHAM MAYFAYRE at Based on the award-winning children’s Windsor, SL4 4AY, 0871 222 2001, Adults £6 advance/£7.50 on the gate, Wokingham Town Centre, book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, this www.legoland.co.uk Children £4.50 advance, £5 on the gate. www.wokinghamlions.org.uk fabulous feel-good show features music, Star Wars fans can enjoy a galaxy of Lego 5 & 6 May DEAR ZOO at The Corn Organised by Wokingham Lions Club, the songs, handcrafted puppets and Biff, the Starwars themed activities, featuring the Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 annual Mayfayre takes place on Bank ballet-dancing dog! Biff is not like other spectacular Lego Star Wars Miniland model 5BD, 0845 521 8218, Holiday Monday. Believed to be the largest dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing display which brings to life iconic Star Wars www.cornexchangenew.com street fair in the south of England, attracting on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or scenes in over 1.5 million Lego bricks. The Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap more than 20,000 people on the day. Free drinking out of the toilet. Biff likes epic finale sees a gargantuan 500,000 Lego book has delighted generations of young admission. 10am-5pm. moonlight and music and walking on his brick Death Star featuring 16 Alliance ships readers since it was first published in 1982 11 May FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at The tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a swooping in to destroy it. Admission and has sold more than 8 million copies Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina! 2pm. included in entry price but pre-booking worldwide. This timeless family favourite University of Reading, Redlands Road, Tickets £12. online is strongly advised. will delight audiences as it unfolds with Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, 13 May SPRING CHICKENS SEASONAL 5-7 May STEAM DAYS at Didcot Railway engaging puppets, catchy music and lots of www.merl.reading.ac.uk FAMILY FUN at The Museum of English Centre, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ, 01235 audience interaction. 5th May at 1pm & A weekly outdoor session for the under 3’s Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 3.30pm, 6th May at 11am & 2pm. Tickets in the fantastic urban garden at MERL. Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 View the collection of locomotives, £15, Family Ticket £54, Schools £10. Discover the benefits of outdoor learning 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk coaches, wagons and buildings and enjoy 6-7 May CURTAIN UP! LIGHT THE LIGHTS! led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Family fun on the theme of poultry, with the various facilities and exhibits. In at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, music, games and activities. Meet the MERL Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activities addition you will be able to ride in coaches Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, chickens and their friends. Speak to the inspired by the themes and collections in from the 1930’s behind Great Western www.southhillpark.org.uk poultry keepers and enjoy races and games, the museum. Enjoy outdoor play and steam locomotives or in the steam Join Allied Schools of Dance for their bi- stories, trails and activities, plus live music explore the natural environment. Each Railmotor Diesel Railcar. There are two annual performance showcasing their many from The Newtowners. Try your hand at session involves story-telling, craft activities running lines: The Main Line and The talented students on a musical journey of some weaving with artist Julie Roberts and and singing. £3 per child (includes a snack Branch Line with trains normally running on song and dance. A trip to the theatre is enjoy hot and cold drinks, traditional ales and a drink). Children and adults must dress either or both. Ride as many times as you always great entertainment and this show and ciders. Bring a picnic! Adults £4, like with no extra charge. for the weather (there are a small number of promises a visit to the chocolate factory children free but require a ticket. Booking 5, 6 & 7 May LAMBING AT AMNERS FARM, children’s wellies and waterproofs to with Charlie, the Emerald City, a trip to Paris recommended to avoid disappointment. Burghfield, 0118 983 3437, borrow if necessary). 10am-11.30am. on Broadway and much more. Sun 6 May 11am-4pm. www.amnersfarm.co.uk 5.30pm, Mon 7 May 1pm & 6pm. £17.50, 12 & 13 May HERITAGE DIESEL DAYS at 19 May KALEIDOSCOPE at Kenton Theatre, Visit a working farm and see the lambing Conc & Members £14.50. Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, operation in full swing. Last year around 7NJ, 01235 817 200, RG9 2BP, 01491 575 698, 275 lambs were born! In addition to the 7 May BRADFIELD MAYFAYRE at Village Hall Playing Fields, Bradfield Southend, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk www.kentontheatre.co.uk continued on page 26

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 25 What’s On

Presented by the Alison Jayne School of Dance, including optional participation for ages 7+ in the boat 29-31 May SPRING ARTS AND HERITAGE HOLIDAY Kaleidoscope is a colourful show for all the family, races. With lots to do for all ages including a bouncy castle, WORKSHOP at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), featuring local children performing ballet, tap and modern entertainer and face painting for the children as well as a University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, dance to a selection of music. Students aged 2-18 will be BBQ, beer and Pimms tent and shopping stalls for the 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk demonstrating their skills. 2pm. Tickets £16, Children £11. adults, bring a picnic and cheer on the rowers! Entrance is Join Jelly Artists this May half term and get your Discover 20 May BIG FISH LITTLE FISH at The Hexagon, Queens free, if you wish to participate please fill out entrance Arts Award! A fun, creative holiday club that will use the Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, forms on their website for registration, £3 for children and exhibitions in the museum as a starting point to explore www.readingarts.com £6 for adults. Oxfordshire side Bank of the River Thames different artistic techniques and processes. All children Family fun for the post-rave generation of parents. opposite Blue Coat school in Sonning. who take part will earn a Discover Arts Award, a nationally Helping parents be responsibly irresponsible since 2013, 27 May TWYFORD COLOUR RUN at King George’s Field, recognised qualification, and will be presented with a The Heavenly Jukebox DJs will be joined by Huw ‘Bunf’ Twyford, www.twyfest.co.uk certificate. Every day the children will work with an artist Bunford from Super Furry Animals, spinning club classics A fun run for all the family where you will come out to create different pieces of art and record their work in and BFLF anthems. Multi-sensory dance floor with glitter covered in different colours! It doesn’t matter how fast their sketchbooks. The sessions will help the children cannons, bubbles, giant balloons and parachute dance you go – no-one will be timing you. Come and get explore the exhibits in the MERL and will encourage them finale. Child-led craft station with giant colouring mural blasted in colour along a choice of 1km, 2km or 3km route to look at the museum in a completely different way. This and Play-doh table. Play area with mats and tunnels, and around King George’s Field in Twyford. You can walk, run is a small group activity with no more than 10 children. chill-out space with mats and soft play ball pools. or sprint – it’s up to you! Arrive at 10am for an 11am start. Sessions are aimed at children aged 7-11. All materials are Licensed bar, free transfers and glow-sticks. Optional but Bring your family and friends for a fun morning and help included in the price. Children need to bring lunch, snacks encouraged fancy dress ‘Back to the Old Skool, Glitter and support your local youth centre. £5. and water. £9.30am-3.30pm. £85 per child. Booking Neon.’ Recommended for families with children 8yrs and 27 May AROUND THE BOUNDARY FAMILY FESTIVAL at essential. under. Adults £12.50, children £8.50. Pre-walking infants Gallowstree Common, RG4 9BU, 29 May TOAD’S TRAVELS at The River and Rowing www.aroundtheboundary.com free but must have a ticket. Max 3 adults to one child. No Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 A festival of music, food, drinks and fun for all the family, adult-only tickets. 2pm. 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk raising money for local charities. Featuring music from DJ 22 May-15 Jul LEANDER ROWING CLUB: THE FIRST 200 We all love Mr Toad! Create a banner showing his Yoda, One Step Behind (Masters of Madness), food from YEARS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, adventures with his friends using all sorts of paint and Pizza Pilgrims, The Bowler Meatballs and Nomad Bakery, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, collage. 10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 4-7 yrs, £8.50. Pre- www.rrm.co.uk drinks from West Berkshire Brewery, Mr Hobbs Gin and Jesseco Prosecco. Plus loads of children’s entertainment booking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600. In 1818 six gentlemen climbed into a boat called ‘The 29 May MEDIEVAL MONK SCHOOL at Reading Museum, Leander’ – the rest is history! Leander Rowing Club began including Big Tree Climbing, drumming sessions, space and rocket workshops, face-painting, circus skills and much The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 200 years ago outside a boat builder’s yard opposite the 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org houses of parliament. Now idyllically located by Henley more. 11am-11pm. Tickets from £20, available from the website. Kids 0-4 FREE, 5-16 £7.50 Meet the museum’s favourite monk Brother Atwater, who Bridge, the club boasts an impressive 123 Olympic and 3 joins them from the 12th Century Reading Abbey to recruit Paralympic medals. This exhibition examines Leander 27-28 May MEET & GREET PAW PATROL at 4-Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 269 678, some novice monks. Is your handwriting neat enough? Rowing Club’s rich history and the performance athletes Can you keep a vow of silence? Take part in these who have made this the most successful rowing club in www.4-kingdoms.co.uk Paw Patrol are coming to 4 Kingdoms where they will be interactive sessions and learn what life was like almost the world. 1000 years ago! 1 hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm 26 May TWYFORD WILDLIFE SAFARI meet at The Duke of making regular appearances throughout the day. 27 May – Skye & Marshall, 28 May – Marshall & Chase, 29 May – and 2.15pm. Age guide 6+, £5. Please note this event takes Wellington pub, 27 High Street, Twyford, RG10 9AG, Rubble & Marshall. place at Abbey Gateway and there is no wheelchair or www.bbowt.org.uk 28 May ANIMALPHABET at South Hill Park Art Centre, pushchair access. Organised by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, 30 May MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – HARRY POTTER Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), wildlife safaris leave www.southhillpark.org.uk LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War every ½ hour from the Duke of Wellington pub on Twyford This musical family adventure returns on a brand new UK Memorial Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 9LL, High Street. You will explore the Loddon Nature Reserve tour. High-energy actors, colourful puppets, amazing www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk on a wildlife trail dotted with fun activities tailored for characters and fantastic songs combine to create Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers families with children aged 5-11. Booking required. £4 per AnimAlphabet The Musical. Joyful, fast-paced and and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two- child. Adults free. bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by Al and Sam of hour Harry Potter themed workshop with Lego building 25-28 May SUNSHINE MUSIC FESTIVAL at Padworth Hall, the platinum selling band The Hoosiers. AnimAlphabet will challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a Padworth Lane, RG7 4HS, 0335 777 919, delight, excite and entertain all the family. 11am & 2.30pm, different theme each session and after setting the scene www.sunshinemusicfest.co.uk £11.50, Family £42. with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a A family music festival featuring a host of famous 80’s 28 May-1 Jun MAKE AND DO HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUB number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to artists including Katrina (ex Katrina & the Waves), Dr & The at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 inspire children to be original in their designs and share Medics, Dave Finnegan’s Commitments and top UK 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders tributes for Little Mix, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Take That, Join Make and Do Holiday Club for a world of creative fun are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. Duran Duran, Coldplay as well as sensational covers band that will keep boredom at bay all day long. Day long 10am-12pm. £15. Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes. Plenty of entertainment for kids creative sessions in a dedicated workshop space, The with fairground, face-painting, entertainers and film shows, 30 May ROSIE’S GROW SHOW at Sutton Courtenay Learning Centre. Participants can take part in all sorts of Environmental Education Centre, nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, full bar service, VIP tents and camping option available. creative activities, led by an expert team, from arts and 26 May SONNING REGATTA, Sonning on Thames, www.bbowt.org.uk crafts to drama, dance and movement, as well as a chance Have you ever wriggled with a giant worm, seen comedy Berkshire, www.sonningfestival.co.uk to relax and watch a film. Suitable for ages 4-8. £25 per A fun, family day out on the banks of the River Thames compost created before your very eyes, or sung along with day or £80 for 4 day week. a singing carrot? Well, it’s all here in Rosie’s Grow Show! Enjoy the outdoor puppet show then create your own puppet in a puppet-making workshop and create a gift for local wildlife. This joyful, interactive puppet performance features shadow puppets, catchy songs and a puppet garden that grows before your very eyes. Suitable for 2- 7yrs. 10am-12pm. Booking essential. £4. 30 May LINKING THE LANDSCAPE – TREE TREK at Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279, www.bbowt.org.uk Enjoy a Tree Trek in the grounds of Shaw House, Newbury. Explore the wonderful gardens and the amazing trees, then join in tree-mendous twig and leaf crafts. Inside Shaw House, there will be ‘wild craft’ activities to have a go at. Suitable for all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in between 10.30am and 3.30pm. £2 per child. 30 May WEAVING WONDERS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk Create a colourful woven hanging artwork full of texture and pattern, inspired by the Museum’s collection. 10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 7-11 yrs, £8.50. Pre-booking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600.

26 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

travelling journey to dig up the past and weed out the 15-17 Jun WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD at The Corn MORE bullies! 10.30am. Suitable for 7-105yrs. Tickets £7 and Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 ONLINE £6.50. 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com 2 Jun NICK COPE FAMILY MUSIC at The Corn Exchange, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the familiesonline.co.uk Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, 0845 farmer’s fine prize cow! Little do they know, the ladybird 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com has a plan of her own! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy Enjoy a morning of interactive fun with songs about hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this hit musical everything from counting to how plants grow. Nick has adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk’s colourful 31 May SHAPES AND SCULPTURES at The River and established a very strong following of little people and their family adventure. Direct from the West End with live Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, parents from all over the world and the parents love the music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk songs as much as the children! Suitable for ages 8 and of laughs. Age Guide 3+. 15 Jun 2pm, 16 and 17 Jun 11am Be inspired by the work of Barbara Hepworth to create under. 10.30am. All tickets £4. & 2pm. £12.50, Schools & Groups of 10+ £10.00. your own artworks. Help to make a giant sculpture from 2 Jun CREATION STATION FAMILY FUN WORKSHOP at 16-17 Jun STONOR FOOD FESTIVAL, Henley-on-Thames, recycled materials and make a mini masterpiece to keep The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, RG9 6HF, 01491 638 587 with weaving and collage. Add your creations to the 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com A great way to celebrate Father’s Day. Delicious food and drinks will be available to taste and buy and the gardens, museum’s pop-up gallery and then take them home for Fantastic arts and crafts classes perfect for the whole house and wonderwoods play park will be open. 10am- your own mini-museum. 10.30am-4pm. Free with family to spend quality time together. Get creative both 4pm. admission. individually and as part of team, this session gives you a 23 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD 31 May RPO NOISY KIDS at The Hexagon, Queens Walk, chance to see how awesome your children are in a LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com different environment! Suitable for ages 18 months-11 yrs. Vicarage Road, Henley-onThames, RG9 1HT, Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a fun-filled 10.30am-11.30am. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk family concert featuring bite-sized pieces of classical 2 & 3 Jun DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE at The Hexagon, Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers music, inspired by the sea and beyond. The perfect half Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two- term treat! Includes music from Zimmer – Pirates of the www.readingarts.com hour Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego building Caribbean, Wood – Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a Williams – Jaws. Adults £11, children £9, family ticket £32. World Live in this interactive new show for all the family. different theme each session and after setting the scene 11.30am. Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a 31 May MEDIEVAL GINGERBREAD at Reading Museum, unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 astonishing and remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Meet a host inspire children to be original in their designs and share 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org of impressive creatures including a T-Rex, Triceratops and their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders Make no-cook gingerbread in these fun hands-on Stegosaurus. Meet the dinosaurs face to face after the are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. sessions. This recipe is different from our modern show. Ages 3+. Tickets £15, Groups of 10+ £12. 2 Jun at 1pm-3pm. £15. gingerbread and contains honey and spices that only the 1.30pm & 4pm, 3 Jun at 11am & 2pm. 30 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD wealthy could have afforded. 1 hour sessions at 10am, 5/12/19/26 Jun RHYME & SHINE at The Corn Exchange, LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Dorchester on Thames 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm. Age Guide 5+, £5. Please note Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, Village Hall, 7 Queen Strete, Dorchester, Wallingford, this event takes place at Abbey Gateway and there is no www.cornexchangenew.com OX10 7HR, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk wheelchair or pushchair access. Suitable for parents with babies 2 and under. A relaxed Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers 31 May & 1 Jun CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY singing session with a range of songs, rhymes and rhythms and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two- WORKSHOP at Sutton Courtenay Environmental in a fun and relaxed environment. Singing with your child hour Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego building Education Centre, nr Didcot, OX14 4TE (31 May) and The is a great way to encourage their language development, challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, whilst actions help develop motor skills. Meet other different theme each session and after setting the scene Thatcham, RG19 3FU (1 Jun), www.bbowt.org.uk parents too! Price includes a hot drink from the Corn with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a Bring your digital camera, learn from an expert and Exchange Kitchen & Bar. 10.15-11am. £3.50 per session. number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to practice your wildlife photography skills. Learn how to 7 Jun HANDS ON AT HENLEY LIBRARY, Ravenscroft Road, inspire children to be original in their designs and share take a great photograph with the expert guidance of Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2DH, 01865 815 278 their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders wildlife photographer Iain Green. The course will start Giddy up! Join the River & Rowing Museum for themed object are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. 2pm-4pm. £15. inside with an introduction to wildlife photography, camera handling, fun craft and stories for all the family. Free. 30 Jun MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VALLEY at settings and how to vary the composition of your photos 8 Jun NIGHT TIME SAFARI at Sutton Courtenay South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading, RG1 with impact and creativity. 10am-12pm. £25. Environmental Education Centre, nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, 4QU, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com 31 May-3 Jun ALICE IN WONDERLAND at South Hill Park www.bbowt.org.uk Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 Open a book and discover a world where anything is Discover what amazing animals come out at night at the possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join in an 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre. Learn unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley Where everyone is Join Alice and her ‘mad’ friends in a wonderful new to use bat detectors to hear bats hunting overhead, lamps welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful. adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, from Berkshire Arts to spot newts and frogs in the ponds, help the nature Magical puppetry, an ingenious set, original music and Academy (BARTA). Will Alice find her way home? What reserve team check the small mammal traps and have a interactive play will delight young audiences aged 4-7 yrs made the Red Queen ‘frumious?’ How mad is the Mad look at a moth trap to see how they are monitored and and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique Hatter? All your favourite characters and more in this surveyed. Suitable for ages 7pm. 8pm-10.30pm. Booking story-telling experience. Adults £10, children £9. 11am, colourful, fun half term theatre treat for all the family. 31 essential. £6 per person. 1.30pm & 3.30pm. May-2 Jun at 2pm & 7pm, Sun 3 Jun at 11am & 3pm. 16 Jun READING ABBEY REVEALED at The Abbey Ruins, £18.50, Family £62.00 Reading. www.readingmuseum.org Celebrate the re-opening of the Abbey Ruins. Alongside ‘Water Fest,’ the festival will take over the Abbey Quarter JUNE with activities and entertainment for all ages. Visit an historic encampment and speak to re-enactors, have a go 1 Jun SHIMMERING SHELLS at The River and Rowing at a variety of historical crafts, explore the newly restored Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 ruins, enjoy performances by local artists and indulge in 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk Reading’s best street food. The festival takes place across Use Modroc and modelling skills to make a beautiful Reading Museum, Forbury Gardens, The Abbey Gateway sculpture inspired by shells and then arrange it on a special and the Abbey Ruins as well as alongside the River Kennet. plinth. 10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 7-11 yrs. £8.50, pre- 16 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – FATHER’S DAY LEGO booking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600 BUILDING WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War Memorial 2 Jun SIDNEY’S SHED at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 9LL, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635 46044, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk www.watermill.org.uk Master Builders Club are celebrating Father’s Day and the Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company. Maisie’s on the super hero in your child’s life with this fun LEGO workshop. run and she thinks she’s found the perfect place – Sidney’s There will be plenty of LEGO activities to entertain brick shed. But this is no ordinary shed, and Sidney Waffles is no building fans big and small. A wonderful session for Master ordinary gardener…the potty flower potter has made some Builders to share their club with a loved one and provide unusual improvements to his allotment. Sidney has an opportunity for the grown ups to show off their LEGO created the world’s first time travelling shed! Join Sidney building skills. Ticket price £15 per child – grown up and the bravest little girl in Windy-on-the-Hill on their time builder goes free! 3pm-5pm. familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 27 Clubs and Classes Directory

Regular Clubs, Classes and Out of school activities give your Musical Bumps – outstanding music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, which child a chance to shine and for you to have fun together, and follow the EYFS principle of holistic learning there really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’ve through play. Classes also incorporate the discovered. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, Kodaly principles of music teaching which have toddlers and school aged children! For more clubs and classes recently made headlines for their positive impact on school and pupil performance. Classes in in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk Caversham, Emmer Green and Henley. 07813 319 4040, [email protected], Developmental Classes GR Swimming Schools – children’s swimming (See also our Music & Movement section) lessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham, www.musicalbumps.com Woodcote. Beginners, improvers and club Berkshire School of Music – offers musical level swimmers. Also holiday crash courses in instrument lessons and music theory lessons Master Builders Club – LEGO workshops swimming, diving and snorkelling. Structured from the school in Caversham, Reading. Holiday for children. Weekend and school lessons, ASA Award Scheme. 01635 201 410, and Weekend Music Workshops for ages 6-16. holiday workshops, birthday parties and www.swimlessons.co.uk 07831 861 332, [email protected], primary school events are a LEGO lover’s Arts and Crafts paradise, designed to www.berkshireschoolofmusic.co.uk Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting: Dance & Drama provide children with an Offering fun, imaginative and instructional – Fun, energetic exciting and captivating lessons in drawing and painting to school-aged Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow experience. classes for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama and children in Maidenhead, Wokingham and singing, tap, street dance, pop styles, musical Reading. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, Fun workshops start theatre. Regular classes in Wargrave, guide and give your budding artists the skills with a short story which Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer classes. required to express themselves better visually. sets the theme and building Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email 01628 634 418, www.artspiration.co.uk challenges. Then the creativity begins as [email protected], Under 5’s Club – creative activity the Master Builders have access to 1000’s Taylor Tug’s www.steppinoutstars.co.uk sessions for parents to enjoy with their of LEGO bricks sorted into colour, size Stagecoach Theatre Arts School: Dance, drama and children. Led by a trained teacher, sessions singing classes for 4-18 years that build and shape. If you are passionate about include craft, stories and song. Most confidence and teach skills. Early Years classes providing engaging and stimulating play Wednesdays in term time at The River and for 4-6 years designed to introduce young opportunities that nurture your child’s Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491 514 605, children to the performing arts. Local branches mind, then Master Builders Club is for www.rrm.co.uk in Wokingham, Henley, Reading, Bracknell, you. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Music and Movement Marlow and Newbury. www.stagecoach.co.uk – Weekly drama, dance and singing – fun music classes from Perform Monkey Music classes. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A – fun, multi-sensory baby/child 3months-4yrs with action songs and rhymes, Baby College unique mix of drama, dance and singing development classes from birth to 3yrs in music and movement, percussion instruments specially formulated to bring out every child’s Reading, Woodley, Lower Earley, and musical games. Classes in Newbury, true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure Finchampstead & Wokingham. Thatcham, Mortimer, Henley and Upper lots of individual attention. Perform offer no- [email protected] / 0118 987 664 / Basildon. 01635 860 959, obligation FREE trial sessions. 0776 6688 120 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Venues: Newbury, Pangbourne, Twyford, diddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes Caversham, Wokingham, Henley and for girls and boys. Award winning, high energy Crowthorne. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / sessions explore 16 different styles set to [email protected] original, age-appropriate music. Classes www.perform.org.uk/try improve gross motor skills, rhythm, co- Berzerk Productions: LAMDA examination classes, ordination, confidence, creativity and social unique Drama Factory workshops, musical skills with dancing games, fun exercises, action theatre and production opportunities for 6-19 songs and a host of props. Lessons are aligned years in Tilehurst, Woodley, Spencers Wood, to the EYFS and are structured yet relaxed. Caversham, Reading, Pangbourne and Nursery workshops and parties too! Free trial Woodcote. Trial class free. 07863 734 830, available. Classes run every day throughout www.berzerkproductions.com Reading & Wokingham. Call Andrea on StageAbility after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Pangbourne, Burghfield, Gym, Sport and Swimming 07719 87 87 89, or email [email protected] Tilehurst, Earley and Wokingham. High-energy Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at a classes mean that students never get bored, purpose built gym in Woodley, run gymnastics can't wait to get to class and develop classes for all ages including Leap Frogs for confidence, creativity and focus. Pay-As-You- walkers to 5 years lead by qualified coaches. Go option for infants. www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk, Baby Splash – Swimming lessons for babies, [email protected] toddlers and children from birth to 6 years. It M: 07721 565898, T: 0118 933 3791 doesn’t matter at what age your little ones join JG Dance and Theatre College – beginner classes or whether they are beginners or advanced – from 21/2 years in ballet, jazz, tap, limbering, they’ll be made to feel welcome in the water. drama and singing. Twice yearly theatre Fully trained and experienced teachers. performances. Free trial session available. Classes across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Classes held in Marlow, Bourne End, Twyford, Surrey. 0118 996 8958, info@baby- Caversham, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley and splash.co.uk, www.baby-splash.co.uk Basingstoke. 01491 572 000, www.jgdance.co.uk

28 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire familiesonline.co.uk Busylizzy Camberley & Sandhurst Opening In May Join now to get 50% off the joining fee and a goody bag worth £140! Busylizzy is an award-winning family and Bootcamp, alongside a variety of membership club offering prenatal, fun, nurturing and supportive baby postnatal and baby classes. Say classes. With three different ‘goodbye’ to rigid termly classes and membership options there is a package ‘hello’ to choice, flexibility and general to suit all budgets and levels of usage. awesomeness. It’s simple to get started Members can enjoy any combination of and a handy app allows you to book, classes each week and classes run all cancel, reschedule and enjoy classes year round. Babies and siblings are on your terms. welcome to all classes and as a family email: [email protected] From 10th May Busylizzy Camberley club mummies, daddies and and Sandhurst will offer 8 weekly grandparents are all welcome! To try a classes from gentle pregnancy exercise class for free email: through to a range of Mummy & Me [email protected] or call fitness classes, Pilates, Buggy Fitness 01276 585 155

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familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980 Families Thames Valley West • 29 Being a Families Magazine owner and editor Why I love being a Families offers fantastic flexibility and rewards. You’re your own boss and have the responsibility of owning and running your own business, but Magazine editor... with a supportive head office (Families Magazines have been going for 25 years!), and en years ago I was a high-flying and 36 fellow editors around the country who all ambitious PR executive, commuting daily have young children of their own. The Families Tfrom Reading to my job in London and network supports editors to set up and run enjoying all the excitement and financial their own magazines, with training provided on rewards that corporate life entails. everything from setting up an accounting All that changed in 2009 when my first system to writing editorial and running a social beautiful daughter Millie came into the world. media campaign. Crucially, alongside the Suddenly my life that had previously revolved financial and emotional benefits, being a around team meetings and showbiz parties Families Magazine editor has given me the became all about scheduling feeding and flexibility to be around for my daughters so that sleeping and meetings at Rhymetime. I I never miss a school play or parent’s evening, recognise and applaud many women’s decision and the scheduling of the six printed issues a to accept the challenges and rewards of being year enables me to work less during the school a stay at home mum. But for me, whilst I loved holidays (I don’t know of another job that the change of pace and the unbridled joy that enables you to take most of August off!) being a mum brings, I still yearned for that part Due to a geographical move out of the area of my old life where I went to work and gained and setting up a completely different business stimulation and recognition from being “Lucy” with my husband, I’m now reluctantly and not just “Millie’s Mum”. preparing to hand over the reins to a new However, there was no way I could go back owner who can take the magazine to even to my old work life. Working a twelve hour day greater success. If you would be interested in and adding on a two hour commute wasn’t Baby College class in Reading. In 2014, after this opportunity and would like to chat further something I even wanted to contemplate. five years of being Millie’s mum full time, I about the rewards and flexibility of being your Enter Magazine. Just as you have Families noticed that my local Families Magazine – own boss, do feel free to call on 01235 751 980 probably picked up this copy at your local play- Thames Valley West – was for sale. I took over or email me: [email protected] centre, or from your child’s nursery or pre- as owner and editor in March 2015 and it has school, I became a regular reader of the been one of the most rewarding, challenging Best wishes, magazine through taking Millie to her weekly and happy periods of my working life so far. Lucy Would you like to work from home and have a successful career whilst bringing up your children? Thames Valley West

Families Thames Valley West Magazine is for sale.

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

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

Please call Lucy on 07789 485 372 or email [email protected] to find out more!

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