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Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 115 July/August 2021 [email protected] 01628 788058 familiesonline.co.uk Families Thames Valley East 1 Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.
Self-esteem and happiness, we believe, are paramount to each child’s success and we pride ourselves on developing confi dent and happy children with a love of learning.
Call 01753 862610 or email [email protected]
2 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk Contents
...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham In This Issue ® @FamiliesTVE 4-6 News & Views EDUCATION ADVERTISEMENT PROOF FamiliesTVE @FamiliesTVE 8 SEND Students Please find below a prThamesoof of y Valleyour ad Eastvertisement for the 9 Stepping up to secondaryJuly/Aug uschoolst 2019 issue (No. 103) of Families TVE. 10 Racial stereotypes From the Editors... ENVIRONMENT Thames Valley East Please CHECK ALL INFWe’veAORDMAV TmadeIOENR I SitT CthroughIOSRREECMT the eEsp schoolNeciTally Pyear!RO CongratulationsOF all; it’s been a 11 Plastic free July dates, telephone numrollercoasterbPelersa asend f ianddd rb eforeslso eparents,ws. a pro oteachersf of you rand adv childrenertisem alike.ent fo Nowr the it’s time to SUMMER FUN makeJanua rthey/F Summerebruary as20 enjoyable17 issue ( Naso we. 88 can,) of Fevenami lifie goings TVE .abroad is not on 13 Making the most Aofn ythe ch aoutdoorsnges need to be made at this stage. the cards. We are delighted to restart our ‘What’s On’T listings: 07867 on514 pages138 / 0 7753 414605 14-15 Summer clubs andAn activitiesy further amendments will be charged for. 19Pl etoa s20;e C thisHE CgivesK A LyouL I NsomeFOR keyMA TlocalION events IS CO inR RdateEC Torder.E: edi tAlso,or@f adon’tmilie stveast.co.uk 16-18 Where to visit summer 2021 Please contact us by retuforgeterns peeithce itoar lt loready a dmaet ntheeds o, rt‘Where eaplepprohvoe ntoyoeu visitnr um Summerbers and 2021’addre articlesses.Li tontle pagesPeople 16-18 Medi a, 29 FTurhroawm Waey,s Valley East 19-20 WHAT’S ON advertisement. too - this is jam packed with places for the whole family.M a Inide addition,nhead SL 6you 3 N Y PARENTING AND mayAny chavehang eas childneed startingto be ma secondaryde at this st schoolage. in September, so do read our T: 01628 627586 MENTAL HEALTH articleAny fur onthe pager ame 9nd ‘Steppingments will upbe ctoha secondaryrged for. school’. Rachel also writes E: [email protected] 21 Improve your mental health an article on ‘Tackling Anxious Moments’ on page 22. As life continues 50 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, 22 Tackling anxious moments Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your toad vopenertise upme andnt. get busier, we must check that children’s anxieties don’t Berkshire, SL6 6NA WORK get buried - Rachel looks at some resources which can help. Have 23 Top tips for a successful start up a great Summer! We’ll be back at the start of the new school year in September. Editors:
Rachel Bailey www.etonend.org #WeAreEtonEnd Anna Collins Anna & Rach 01628 788058 [email protected] www.Familiesonline.co.uk Next Issue: Sept/Oct 2021 Tel: 01628 788058
Circulation: 19,000 Cover image: depositphotos.com
Families Thames Valley East 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 East 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 East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this EtoI na Emnd magazine but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd Co-educational Preparatory Day School and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for for children aged rising 3 - 11 the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the 35 Eton Road Dachet Berkshire SL3 9AX
contents, or any consequence thereof. 01753 541075 • [email protected]
Helping children Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds believe they can do anything
ASCOT BRACKNELL NORTH (WARFIELD) 01344 206466 01344 206466 [email protected] [email protected]
HENLEY AND MARLOW HIGH WYCOMBE 07968 598227 07968 598227 [email protected] [email protected]
MAIDENHEAD WINDSOR AND LANGLEY 01628 281128 01932 988086 [email protected] [email protected]
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 3 NewsEDUCATIONNews & & Views Views Performing Arts can help your child prepare for the new school year
The new school year is a great time to consider new activities for your child. Often gone unnoticed, the skills learnt in performing arts can be hugely beneficial to children as they navigate their way in a new school year. imagination and think on their feet, a skill that can be used when Empathy dealing with a variety of daily issues. If children feel comfortable One challenge children face when they return to school in exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this September is changes to friendship groups. Empathy is a makes them more confident overall. particularly important characteristic to help overcome this and is a skill taught when training in the performing arts. To portray Confidence building a character in a play we need to be able to step into their shoes Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence and understand their situation; if a child learns to understand a levels. Taking part in a practical performance, standing on stage, character in this way, they can also apply this to everyday life, participating in a dance routine, or speaking in front of a group helping them to react to their peers and developing their social can give even the most confident children, and adults, nervous skills. butterflies. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and Listening encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a situations in which they feel anxious. child is in a new setting, with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their PQA’s slogan ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ reflects their ethos of teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to offering a safe, creative space where children and young people others’ ideas and work collaboratively. feel comfortable and part of a like-minded community. Regular face to face experiences that encourage self-expression are Problem solving more important than ever as families navigate the complicated The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a landscape of growing-up in a digital culture. performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life. Improvisation performances teach children to use their www.pqacademy.com
OUTSTANDING PERFORMING ARTS TUITION FOR 4 - 18 YEAR-OLDS ACT, DANCE, SING AND MAKE FILMS! Find your local Academy at pqacademy.com
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4 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk NewsNews & & Views Views Oxford’s Story Museum reopens its doors’ The Story Museum has reopened its doors to families of all ages, and there’s a surprise around every corner. Where else would you find the Hundred Acre Wood, Narnia and Wonderland under one roof? Based in Oxford’s city centre on Pembroke Street, the museum offers 4 different gallery spaces including The Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, Treasure Chamber and Small Worlds. The museum also has a packed programme of events including theatre shows, workshops and author events. Highlights include an adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking and the ever popular LEGO Master Builders workshops. Whether you’re 2 or 102, there’s something for everyone at this magic, most-unusual museum! www.storymuseum.org.uk Longridge evolves to a community hub for all Having been largely closed for 12-months, Longridge has reopened its doors with renewed vigour and determination to provide the very best outdoor activities for our community. Savannah Foister, from Longridge commented, “We weren’t idle in our enforced closure instead, we did a lot of thinking about how we can be better and what new products we can Opening later this year they also have massage, paint pouring offer. Whilst for 80 years we have provided amazing activities and a soft play opening lined up – so lots for all the family to for young people, the adults have largely missed out. We want do. They thank everyone that has supported the charity in its Longridge to be completely inclusive and have something for recovery from Covid thus far. There is a lot more planned for the everyone.” centre, including an initiative which will allow those interested to She continued, “We are therefore on a quest this year to find own a piece of Longridge! So do visit them and let them know partners to work with us. We have already found wonderful what you would like to see at the site. Also, If you or a young partners to provide Glamping, improve our food and person you know would like to volunteer at Longridge do get in refreshments (and allow a sneaky gin of an evening). We are touch. also providing a second home for valued local businesses such as The Little Green Boat Company, and continue to have various www.longridge.org.uk • 033 03 03 01 01 yoga classes running in our training centre.”
Established 1980 T 01753 833 771 E [email protected] Established 1980 ProvidingProviding care care and and education education for ages for 2-6ages years 2-6 within years a nurturingwithin a nurturing W cotwmontessori.co.uk environment.environment. OfstedOfsted OutstandingOutstanding in allin areas.all areas. Education and play from 6 months FREE Montessori Education for funded 2-3 year olds to 5 years old within a caring and FREEFree Montessori Montessori Education Education for funded 2-3 from year olds September 2021 forWe childrencan provide 15 and aged 30 hours 2-5 happy environment acrossWe canall 5 daysprovide if required 15 and 30 hours Montessori summer schoolacross(6 hours all ais day). 5 also days if required • 2½ - 5 year old classes available for July/August(6 hours a day). Individual • 18 months – 2½ year old Contact us for a prospectusvisits available and/or toddler class arrange a taster sessionIndividual Home Park, Romney Lock Road, Windsor SL4 6HX Tel: 01753 868399 OR 01344 844592visits available • Baby, toddler and parent class THE [email protected] MONTESSORI SCHOOL HomeHome Park, Park, Romney Romney Lock Lock Road, WindsorWindsor, SL4 SL4 6HX 6HX www.windsormontessorischool.co.ukTel:Tel: 01753 01753 868399868399 ORor 0134401344 844592844592 St Mark’s Hall, Dedworth Road, Windsor SL4 4JS Email:[email protected] [email protected] To arrange a visit telephone: Cheryl or Alexis 01753 833 771 www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 5 NewsEDUCATIONNews & & Views Views Maidonnian hosts Radio 1 show for the Launching for Beginners NewKriya Chakra yogaEnergy Healing Yoga second time Yoga Mindfulness for stress free Living In June, former Claires Court student, Sam and Danni, both now based in classes to keep Sam MacGregor, was invited to present Cardiff, started presenting together on a Classes held on zoom the early morning Breakfast show on community station and hosted Radio 1’s youVenues focussed soon to be added Radio 1, with co-host Danni Diston. Life Hacks and The Official Chart: First After impressing producers with their Look on Radio 1 together in December Kriya Chakra Energy Healing yoga classes presenting skills on Radio 1’s ‘Life Hacks 2020. Danni currently works as a teaching for beginnersRina Sandhu are now| 07940 being 719025 run by Rina show and Official Chart: First Look’ in assistant at a school for children with [email protected] via zoom and very soon one December 2020, the presenting partners special educational needs, while Sam to one and live classes are due to be were invited back to present on Radio 1 freelances in production for BBC Radio announced. Covid has all made us a bit Dance and Friday Early Breakfast from Wales and runs the social media for more stressed but equally forced us to 4am to 6.30am during June, warming up international food sharing app, OLIO. slow down. Yoga keeps you grounded for radio royalty Greg James. This was and energised throughout the day as after Sam and Danni were selected to James Wilding, Academic Principal at well as assisting in weight loss, general be a part of BBC Radio 1’s Christmas Claires Court, added: “We’re all so proud, well being and relaxation of the mind and Presenter Search back in 2020. yet not surprised, that Sam and Danni body. Kriya Chakra Energy Healing yoga were invited back to Radio 1 after their is a combination of standing and sitting Sam, 22 years old, commented: “ It’s amazing performance over Christmas. postures and breathing techniques for a an absolute privilege to present on the All students at Claires Court are taught stress free and conscious life. It’s also great station that we grew up listening to to aim high, believe in themselves for mindfulness which guides you to start and a dream gig. We were so excited to and pursue their dreams. It makes us the day with the right intentions which help wake up with the early morning crew…” exceptionally proud to see Sam living his.” you keep balanced and stress free. He added; “I’m truly grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received For more information contact both past and present from Claires Court www.clairescourt.com for more A [email protected] / E07940NT 719025 PROO- thankF you.” information about the school Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the Jan/Feb 2020 issue (No. 106) of Families TVE.
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially Thames Valley East dates, telephone numbers and addresses.
Any changes need to be made at this stage. T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605 Any further amendments will be charged for. E: [email protected] Launching for Beginners Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your Little People Media, 29 Furrow Way, adveKriyartisem Chakraent. Energy Healing Yoga Maidenhead SL6 3 NY Yoga Mindfulness for stress free Living
Classes held on zoom Venues soon to be added
Rina Sandhu | 07940 719025 For details on our classes, parties and events contact [email protected] Bernice at [email protected] or call 07944478517
We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden. Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: [email protected] www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk
6 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk BOOK YOUR CHILD'S PLACE Herries Co-Ed Preparatory FOR SEPTEMBER School & Nursery from 2 - 11 years
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Do you need a Reception place for September 2021? "My child has thrived with Wise Owls" Exceptional childcare services Call 01628 483350, email [email protected] or for children aged 8 weeks - 14 years visit www.herries.org.uk/admissions/make-an-enquiry for a tour. [email protected] 01628 620013 Distinctive setting in Cookham Dean • Sports at Bisham Abbey wiseowlsc hildcare.co.uk 11+ Study Skills • Wraparound Care from 7.30am - 6.00pm
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[email protected] 0118 976 7415 • pangbourne.com Daily bus routes from Ascot & Maidenhead familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 7 SUMMEREducation FUN
SEND students - Abandoned and let down
There are misconceptions to overcome for what it means to have The lockdown during COVID-19 has a special learning need. It is not that the SEND child lacks the impacted all students and their parents, ability; it is that they face unique barriers to achieving their full potential. For example, children with dyslexia may need a blue who had to step up to the challenge of overlay to help them read; a child with ADHD needs to have their work broken up into bite size chunks. An autistic child can homeschooling. However, imagine if your be academically brilliant and, with the proper support, succeed child has special educational needs or beyond most of our expectations. However, it takes training and expertise to guide that child’s educational journey and to allow disabilities and the specialist education and them to thrive. support all but disappeared. Sadly, with the While vulnerable students were given a place in school during the lockdown, many students were not deemed vulnerable loss of this provision, SEND students have enough, despite significant learning challenges. Places were only been let down more than most. made available for those who had an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), reserved for the most extreme cases requiring multidisciplinary intervention. And while teaching via online learning platforms has become the norm over the last year, this is also imperfect as the SEND child is more likely to require face to face interaction. Borderline cases, where the challenges are real but not deemed exceptional enough for expert support, were amongst the hardest hit by government policy. One-to-one Consequently, while there is growing concern that students have fallen behind during this year of disruption, extra attention must home tuition be paid to the toll taken on SEND students. The sort of specialist learning they require is difficult to deliver in the classroom, that really works let alone for parents trying to juggle working from home with childcare and homeschooling.
The problems faced by parents of SEND students do not end now that schools have re-opened and lockdown measures have eased. At a time when more children than ever need extra time All subjects, all ages and specialists in SEND and support to catch up, the question we have to ask is whether there will be enough time left to support children with additional Experienced and fully DBS vetted tutors needs? One-to-one tuition to suit your schedule Areas covered include: SL0, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL6 Call today for a free consultation: By Navreet Grewal, Educational Consultant at Tutortoo 01753 316125 07845 865275 Slough, who offer private tuition for children of all ages and [email protected] abilities, throughout Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. More www.tutortoo-slough.co.uk information at www.tutortoo-slough.co.uk
8 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk SUMMEREducation FUN Stepping up to secondary school By Clare Cogan The summer term is drawing to a close and our year six children are preparing for their transition to secondary school. This can be a challenging time, even without the disruptions of the past year.
Common worries and concerns can include the increase in independence your child will be expected to have, whether they will be with their friends, and even how they will find their way around a much bigger school. conversations which help your child remember times when It’s likely that your child’s current school will be helping them they may have felt nervous before and managed it well, can prepare for these challenges, but there are some things you can also help them see that they can feel anxious but still have a also do to help your child’s transition go as smoothly as possible good experience. There will be tough times ahead, but also fun for them (and you)! times too as you watch your child grow in independence and confidence and find their feet. Children can feel anxious without realising and sometimes hold these feelings inside. Rather than asking if they are worried Try to keep your own focus on the opportunities rather than about anything, talk to them about change being exciting but the challenges and help your child face any potential issues by scary too. Explain that this is because their brain needs to get equipping them with the understanding of what they can do to used to a new place and way of doing things when it was very build resourcefulness and resilience. comfortable with the old way. Talking about their feelings, using an example of how you or an older sibling felt in their shoes, can Remember that it can take your child a while to settle in at their help them feel confident that they have the resources to manage new school and that the school is there to deal with concerns. and that feeling anxious is okay. Encourage your child to take worries or issues to their form teacher in the first instance. Many issues can be easily resolved Friendships can be a challenge when moving to secondary in this way. school. You’re likely to see your child’s friendships transition and change and this can be hard for parents, especially as we Clare Cogan is a Teenage Anxiety Specialist who works with won’t necessarily know their new friends. This is part of their parents and their teens to help them understand how their increasing independence as they move into the teen years. mind affects their mood.
Parents and carers are ideally placed to help navigate the More information at www.clarecogan.com move to secondary school. Practical preparations, as well as
Families Magazine s Ma ie g a i l z i turns 30! m n a e F To celebrate, * * P 30 t r years n o i u r we have FREEBIES d P for YOU! t o b e Practical steps Books Do the walk, (car or bus journey) to school with your child. This helps them visualise what it will be like, and how long it will take and helps them understand the importance of managing their time so they are ready to leave on time, rather than waiting for you to tell them when it is time to go. Games Printables
Let them build up their confidence walking to and from their existing school, if they don’t already. If you drive, maybe park a bit further away and arrange for them to meet a friend and walk the rest of the way. This will help them become more Pick up your copy or sign up at familiar with paying attention to what’s around them, roads and traffic included. familiesmag.co.uk/go FREE TAKE ME HOME Help them to start to understand what they need to do to get for a digital copy. ready for school every day. A checklist on the fridge with all the prompts and reminders will help them start to get into the IT’S FREE! routine andIt’s reduce free! the likelihood of things being forgotten. Remember that it can take your child a while to settle in at their newSign school andup that now the school at is there to deal with es Ma l i ga i z m i a n concerns. Encourage your child to take worries or issues to F e
P 30 r t o years i n u r d P their formfamiliesmag.co.uk/go teacher in the first instance. Many issues can be Magazine t o b e May/June 2021 easily resolved in this way familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 9 SUMMEREducation FUN Talking about racial stereotypes By Bilkis Miah
With Black Lives Matter still on everyone’s minds, many questions have come to the fore about how we can challenge racial stereotypes and help our children thrive, regardless of their race. As parents and communities become more reflective, here are some tips to help you and your little one identify and talk about race.
How do children learn racial bias?
Children learn about racial bias from a young age, often from their surroundings and the people they come into contact with. Give your children access to lots of different types of role This could be at school or at home. models. This can be through toys, the media and books. The more they see differences, the more aware they will become. As early as 6 months, a baby’s brain can notice race-based Feel free to use the resources list at www.youbeyou.co.uk differences. Here you can find a list of books, films and tv shows that has been compiled by our parent community. Each challenges Between ages 2 and 4, children can begin to internalise racial stereotypes or portrays great role models for you to share with bias. your children.
By age 12, many children become set in their beliefs and Talking about race embedded in their views about racial stereotypes. This is an important time to work to unpick these beliefs. Don’t be uncomfortable talking about race. Talking openly about it will help your child develop the vocabulary and confidence to So what can I do? talk about it too.
Talk to your children about race and the existence of racial Early Years. Children begin to point out differences when bias. Highlight the differences and commonalities between they see them (in the park, on walks, when shopping). If your races, so that they understand that although skin colour may be child mentions or asks about a different skin tone, answer the different, we are all human. question with a positive response like: ‘yes, we’re different isn’t that great?’ Confront your own bias. Role model how you would like your children to treat others that may be different to them. Check your Primary school. Stereotypes begin to embed in children as unconscious bias too - you can find out what your own biases young as 6 years old (or earlier) and so now is the time to are by doing the Harvard Project Implicit Test. (Google Harvard answer all the questions your child might have. Don’t shy away Implicit). Awareness helps you recognise which biases you have, from the difficult ones, but if you do need more time, answer and what you can do to counteract them. with a simple: ‘That’s a really good question, I’m going to do some research and come back to you.’ Make sure you do follow Encourage your child to challenge racial stereotypes and bias through! by exposing them to different people from different cultures from a young age. Use this as a great opportunity for them to learn In general. If your child comments and makes assumptions about different foods, cultures and ways to do things. about a race, take the opportunity to have a constructive conversation with them. Open a healthy channel of Learn about how race can impact gender, class and ability. communication by asking questions like: ‘How do you feel about When people suffer any form of discrimination, they often face that?’ and ‘What makes you think that?’ other biases too. Learn about how these can interact with race. Get the best out of family
FREE life! TAKE ME HOME Magazine SIGN UP NOW at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue Bilkis Miah is founder of You Be You (www.youbeyou. IT’S FREE! co.uk), an award winning non-profit organisation which works with primary schools, creating engaging KS1 lessons helping to break stereotypes by creating sets of fun, research-informed, cross-curricular lessons for
ies Ma i l ga IN THIS ISSUE m z a i year 1 classes. You Be You guides parents towards good n F e Activities P 30 resources for children that reflect lots of different types of r o years t u n Tips/Advice d r i t o e P b Days Out role model. Other good resource suggestions can be found May/June 2021 at Common Sense (www.commonsense.org). There are familiesonline.co.uk Magazine also good resources for anyone suffering from racism at Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk).
10 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk EnvironmentSUMMER FUN Plastic Pollution? Let’s find a solution! July marks the arrival of this year’s Plastic Free July Challenge. Those who participate reduce their single-use plastic consumption at school, work and in their community. They use reusable water bottles, Reusable nappies carry cloth grocery bags, buy at bulk stores and www.pepicollection.com www.babipur.co.uk avoid pre-packaged foods. Recyclable heads for electric toothbrushes www.livecoco.com Solutions and inspiration are everywhere. Here are some from our readers: Start your own food group www.sumawholesale.com “What sparked my need to move away from plastic was the realisation that the vast majority of it isn’t recyclable and here to Subscriptions for bamboo toothbrushes www.fromearthtoearth.com/uk stay on earth forever. Using just one reusable nappy in place of a disposable every day could save 730 nappies from landfill during EcoEggs for laundry the early stages of a child’s life.” www.ecoegg.com
Danielle Walker Loose fruits and vegetables in cotton bags, solid shampoo bars
“In my strive to reduce plastic, I now make a point of always If you are looking for somewhere local to help get you started, looking to find foods, house products, make up, packaged in Filling Good in Maidenhead is a community run zero-waste, not something other than plastic. We’ve been encouraged to buy for profit shop whose goal is to promote sustainable living by products packaged in plastic when, in fact, most of them were helping people reduce their waste and buy ethically. They offer a previously packaged in recyclable containers. Think back to wide range of local, organic and ethical produce. Visit them at 22 the large laundry boxes of laundry powder our mothers had. Maidenhead High Street or use their Click & Collect or Drop & They are still available in 3.4kg cardboard packages but they Collect service. are generally hidden away behind rows of plastic bottles. Plastic For buying tips and to find out more, visit: www.fillinggood.co.uk soap dispensers are another perfect example. Why did we stop using plain and simple soap bars? The list is endless and with Likewise, Seed 1 in Marlow is a zero-waste shop born out of a just a few changes you will make a real change. Shopping in desire to provide support and opportunity for the homeless, as bulk has also been a wonderful way of reducing plastic.” well as making sustainable living affordable for the community. Justine McNeil A registered Community Interest Company, all profits go towards providing accommodation and support for the homeless in the “It’s very important to me that the children use re-usable water area. Visit them at 2 Cherry Tree House, Dean Street, Marlow, bottles and I demonstrate this by using my own re-usable coffee SL7 3AA cup wherever I go. We also talk about the impact this has on the www.seed1.co.uk ocean. We have been reading ‘Harry Saves the Ocean’ which is a great story to teach children about plastic pollution.” Samantha Wilson
With a bit of work and commitment, we can all do our bit, not just in July but all year long! Give these plastic-free goodies a try Easy does it, introduce one change at a time! Pure, hand-made bar soap www.faithinnature.co.uk
Refill your detergent bottles www.ecobravo.co.uk Waste-free parties
Try to avoid anything disposable. Borrow supplies from a Plastic-free toilet paper friend and then passing them on or invest in your own set: www.uk.whogivesacrap.org glass straws and recyclable bamboo cups and tableware. Bamboo toothbrushes, natural deodorants, shampoo bars www.planetorganic.com Try www.partykitnetwork.org where you can borrow everything you need in one bundle. You can also score some Pasta in a paper box eco-friendly party needs at www.littlecherry.co.uk. www.sainsburys.co.uk
Compostable coffee pods Most parents will agree that party bags are a nuisance, but www.ravecoffee.co.uk they are much-loved by children. Try using paper or cloth ones instead and look for reusable goodies. Reusable sanitary pads Try www.prettylittlepartyshop.co.uk and www.ecobravo.co.uk www.plasticfreepartybags.com Mooncup Menstrual Cup www.mooncup.co.uk Balloons. Not only do they take forever to break down, but birds and other animals can choke on the pieces. Instead try Period and day-to-day underwear some biodegradable confetti! www.gingerray.co.uk www.modibodi.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 11 ADVERTISEMENT PROOF Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the MSeptember/Octoberar/Apr 2020 issue Issue (No. of10 Families7) of Fa TVE.milie s TVE.
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially Thames Valley East dates, telephone numbers and addresses.
Any changes need to be made at this stage. T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605 Any further amendments will be charged for. E: [email protected] Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your Little People Media, 29 Furrow Way, advertisement. Maidenhead SL6 3 NY
Excited to announce our opening on 7th January!
Based at Bray Lake on the Windsor Road, Little Muddy Me is a 'solely outdoor' preschool where children aged 2-5 can discover their natural surroundings in a nurturing, safe and secure environment. They will climb trees, use tools, swing on hammocks, play in the mud kitchen, hunt for bugs, cosy up and read in the tepee and cook on a camp fire. For more information please email [email protected] 07900 396423 | www.muddyme-preschool.co.uk
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S t lo s u ir g F h Children
12 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk SummerFAMILY Fun LIFE Child’s play: making the most of the outdoors By Eliza Flynn
Childhood has moved indoors with the average child spending less than ten minutes a day playing outside. The pandemic hasn’t helped. So now that lockdown has eased, it’s time to put away the Xbox, press pause on Netflix and head outside for green adventures.
Spending more time outside helps children grow and develop – emotionally, physically and socially. As a parent, you don’t have Makes kids think. Nature has the power to instil wonder and to know the difference between a sycamore tree and a horse prompt questions. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers – chestnut to help promote this either; a sense of curiosity and you can look them up together. adventure is all that’s needed. Promotes creativity and imagination. Outdoor play is Children need to do and reflect to grow their knowledge. Rolling usually more unstructured, allowing children to approach their on grass, climbing trees, playing with sticks, dropping leaves into surroundings in inventive ways and think more freely. Bring streams… they all improve cognitive development. containers, balls and other items, and let your children choose how to play with them. Advantages of outdoor play: Kids move more. They don’t have to be racing wildly around to Builds confidence. Inside activities usually have rules. Outside, move more than they do inside. Every walk counts as exercise. your child can decide how to play and take control of their own Allow time to investigate and encourage exploration. actions. Let your child make the rules for your next game. Time spent in green spaces is free and easy. Plus, you’ll create Teaches responsibility. Nature is filled with living things which great memories together - think how many of your favourite die if neglected or not looked after properly. Plant some seeds memories took place on adventures outside. together and help them grow. Eliza Flynn has two small and feral boys, and is passionate Offers different stimuli. There’s a rich experience to be had about encouraging families to stay fit and healthy together. outside; the sounds, sights, smells and feels are very different As a pre and post-natal fitness specialist, she helps women to what you find indoors. Together, close your eyes and ask your build the strength and resilience they need as mums. More children to describe what they smell, hear and feel. information at www.thewarriormethod.co.uk
Outdoor fitness ideas Go barefoot! Obstacle courses. Every child loves the adrenaline rush Children love to take their shoes off outside. Why? Partly and sense of achievement of using all their skills to run, because they enjoy disrupting the natural order, but also jump, climb, crawl, balance and roll to the finish line. Look because they move better without shoes and it feels good. at what’s around you with new eyes and identify the fallen Next time they kick them off, providing they’re in a suitable trees which can be used as balance beams, the branches place, encourage them to take their socks off too. When was for hanging off, the hills to roll down and the bushes to jump the last time they, or you, got the chance to feel earth, grass, over. sand, or concrete under their feet?
Supports: creative thinking, teamwork, confidence, balance, Barefoot benefits: co-ordination, boosts mood. Different stimulus. By freeing your feet, they feel more and Nature bingo. Draw up activities to do and make bingo this lays the foundation for better movement control and cards for everyone. Older kids will enjoy coming up with balance. ideas. The first to cross them all off is the champion! Builds healthy feet. The muscles in your feet can’t work as they’re meant to in shoes. Removing that restriction gives Bingo ideas. Hang from a tree, roll down a hill, find a cloud joints and muscles the chance to strengthen as they should. animal, spot five butterflies, find the biggest stick, find a Better mental health. Contact with natural surfaces, such feather, find five different flowers, spot a squirrel, discover a as grass or sand, has a grounding effect, reducing stress and shell. improving sleep. Supports: observational skills, knowledge building, mindfulness, numeracy, confidence, friendly competition. Before long, there will come a time when children spend more time wearing shoes and socks than going ‘au naturel’ so encourage them to free their feet now! familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 13 Summer Clubs & Activities
If, like us, the summer holidays are creeping up on you, we take another look at our pick of clubs and activities that are still available for booking.
Active Personal Development are running wakeboarding, waterskiing, stand-up- Claires Court School in Maidenhead are summer post pandemic resilience retreats paddleboarding, kayaking, target archery, offering a varied programme of activities for tweens and teens (aged 10-16) Build battle archery and axe throwing. A family run open to boys and girls aged 3-13 throughout strong self confidence, soaring self-esteem, business, with it’s own café / bar too. the summer holidays. It will be outdoor bust through fear and anxiety, build mindset For more information contact 01628 782113 focused and encompass activities such skills and have fun and feel empowered for [email protected] as sport, arts and crafts and swimming. the future. The retreat is an online program www.taplowlakeside.co.uk Bookable by the day. on zoom run across 5 weeks. Each session Holiday club bookings direct: is 1 hour. £17 per session. Dates pencilled http://schl.cc/cp in are Saturday 10th July- 7th Aug ( 11am to 12 noon), Saturday 10th July - 7th August Little Learners classes teach early writing Wednesday 11th August - 8th September to children through messy play, fine motor (2pm - 3pm), Thursday 5th August - 2nd and sensory activities, painting, play dough, September (3pm - 4pm), Saturday 14th movement and more. Classes are suitable August - 11th September (11am - 12 noon). for 5 months to 5 years, with a half price Please contact to confirm bookings, discount for siblings. Join us for the summer dates and times. email holidays at Maidenhead Community Centre [email protected] and some outdoor venues. For more information, contact Bernice on 07944478517 or Basil and Crew Bring a mobile farm to your Camp Beaumont Summer day camps for [email protected] home this summer, including miniature 3 to 16 year olds are opening near you! www.littlelearnersuk.com/franchise/messy- ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, Fill the school holidays with confidence play-windsor-maidenhead-slough sheep and goats for pet handling, feeding boosting adventures for your child at Camp and grooming. Basil and Crew also bring Beaumont. What better way could there Longridge, Marlow holiday activities are you Squishbosh - A fun sports party with be to shake off a challenging year? Camp for young people between the ages of 8 a twist – it’s a mix between Total Wipeout Beaumont’s award winning day camps have and 12 who are looking to explore some and It’s a Knockout and includes original been around since 1980! They guarantee adventurous activities and get active during sports games for 5–10 yrs. All games must be that every child will have the time of their life. the school holidays. Four of our adventurous played outside. Full details of both activities Activity programmes are tailored for 3 to 16 activities throughout the day and a packed at www.basilandcrew.co.uk or call 01628 year olds in a COVID safe setting. There is lunch, all for just £40. Drop them off at 821145 or 07721 422554 something for everyone: clay-making, tennis, 8.45am and pick them up at 5pm – booking archery, fencing, mindfulness, yoga, aqua available online. Longridge is also a Taplow Lakeside Whether you are looking olympics and more! SAVE 10% when you recognised child care provider, so if you wish for somewhere just to relax and enjoy the quote FAMILIES21 and book by 1st August to pay using childcare vouchers then please wonderful view or to get involved in the 2021. Book here: contact our bookings team on wide range of activities, Taplow Lakeside has www.campbeaumont.co.uk/summer [email protected] something for everyone. Activities include or call 01603 851 000 033 0303 0101 www.longridge.org.uk
Fill the school holidays with confidence-boosting adventures for your child SAVE 10% when you quote FAMILIES21 and book by 1st August 2021.
BOOK NOW 01603 851 000 www.campbeaumont.co.uk/summer for 3 to 16 year olds Terms and conditions apply, visit campbeaumont.co.uk for details
14 CB_288Maidenhead - 2021 Summer Windsor (Print Marlow Ad) 180x130mm Ascot Slough (FAMILIES21) Egham 01-08.indd 1 19/05/2021 familiesonline.co.uk 11:56 Summer Clubs & Activities
Pat Steel School of Dance are running the camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 summer full following camps over the Summer holidays. and encourage safe social interaction and of gymnastics, You do not have to attend Pat Steel to take non-stop fun! Camps start at 10am and run multi-sports, part and no previous experience is necessary. through to 1pm. parkour, dance, All teachers are fully trained professionals Contact them at [email protected] fun challenges, with DBS and First Aid training. Please email to find out more details or have look at their and beautiful arts Candy at candy@patsteelschoolofdance. website: www.playballkids.com & crafts for 3-12 co.uk for booking forms: year olds. Book a Stagecoach where your children can morning, a day, July 28-30: For the First time ever take make new friends, learn new skills and a week or the part in a 3 day camp at Holtspur Scout Hut gain confidence. During the holidays they whole summer. 10am-3.30pm. Suitable for all Primary School run one-week holiday workshops which Ofsted-registered. children aged 5-11 years. Dance, drama, focus on singing, dancing and acting skills Experienced & highly-trained Little Gym crafts, woodland walks, games and more! which end in a performance for friends and teachers. Exciting themes, fun gymnastics £45 per day or £120 for all 3 days. family. For availability, age groups, dates and skills, friendship & laughs. The Little Gym August 9- 13: TheatrePlus 2021. 5 day camp more information please check your local camps book out every school holiday. Get in at BCA 10am-3.30pm (Optional wraparound Stagecoach website: early to avoid disappointment! care from 8.15am -5.45pm). 4 days at BCA www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead The Little Gym Windsor, William Street, including a zoo day and one day trip to see www.stagecoach.co.uk/windsor Windsor – 01753 968 488 a West End show - Prince of Egypt at the (covers Langley too) The Little Gym Handy Cross, Marlow Hill Dominion Theatre. Suitable for boys and girls www.stagecoach.co.uk/ascot Road, High Wycombe – 01494 937 136 aged 5-14 years. All things theatre based www.stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth (dance, drama, singing, make up, costumes www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield etc), plus additional activities. Previous www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe School, West Road, Maidenhead, from camps have included circus skills, archery, Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s Monday 19th July – Friday 27th August 2021. gymnastics, falconry and rounders! £45 per to 8s run a structured programme of group They are Ofsted rated ‘Good’ and have a 5* day 10am-3.30pm for 4 day camp. (includes musicianship classes for children ages 2-8 on food hygiene rating. The children are cared T shirt). Wraparound care: additional £7 per Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. for by a friendly, qualified and caring team. morning, £7 per evening. Theatre trip day Location: Village Centre, 68 Victoria Street, Join them for a fun filled summer holiday. cost to be finalised once show details are Englefield Green. Contact Nikhil Dally, 01932 JUNIOR CLUB at Highfield for ages 3-6 - confirmed. 363624. Enjoy lots of sports, free play, craft activities, They also run term-time classes, contact baking, messy play and group activities. [email protected] for They also run violin and cello lessons, string DISCOVERY CLUB at Highfield for ages 7-14 - more information. ensemble & piano musicianship classes for Enjoy lots of activities, sports, art, baking and ages 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Contact group games. A healthy snack, lunch and tea Playball Camps in Ascot, Chertsey & Angela Dally, 01932 363624 is provided. To register and book visit Windsor. Are you are looking for something www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk active for your kids to do during the Summer holidays, why not consider Playball? An The Little Gym will run its award-winning all-encompassing sports holiday camp, full camps all summer long from their stunning Details correct at time of going to press (June 2021) of fun-filledA NEW games, skills SUMMER and drills. The venues ADVENTURE! in Windsor & High Wycombe. A but may be subject to change.
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familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 15 Summer Fun Where to visit Summer 2021 The summer holidays can feel like a long time to fill and with more people opting to holiday at home this year, as well as including the Editors’ pick of the best ideas to entertain locally, we’ve looked a bit further afield for suggestions to fill the summer months. Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and remember that in most cases you may still need to book.
PLAY PARKS/COUNTRY PARKS Stoner Park, Henley-upon-Thames RG9 Coral Reef waterworld, Nine Mile 6HF. Based at Stonor is Tumblestone Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7JQ . Thrilling If you want to get close to nature, plan Hollow - a lovely wooden kids waterslides, an erupting volcano, a a cycle or walk or have a picnic with adventure play park. www.stonor.com pirate ship and much more. the children without the worry of too www.everyoneactive.com/centre/coral- much traffic, the following are all great Wargrave recreation ground and BMX reef-waterworld suggestions for a day out: track, RG10 8BJ. Enclosed playground great for the under 8s. Zip wire and Jocks Lane Park, Off Binfield Rd, Black Park, Denham country park climbing wall outside fenced area and Bracknell RG12 2BH has a splash pad and Langley park all offer adventure bmx track in the field close by - great that’s perfect for younger children as playgrounds and plenty of space to run for bikes and scooters. well as a play area, miniature golf, tennis around in or climb trees, as well as cafes and basket ball courts. for refreshments. https://countryparks. Windsor Great Park, wander through buckscc.gov.uk the deer park, visit the 100 foot Totem Liquid Leisure Windsor, is home to the Pole at Virginia Water lake, or clamber UK’s number one water sports facilities, Boulter’s Lock and Ray Mill Island, over the rocks by the copper horse at with boat and cable wakeboarding, Maidenhead SL6 8PE. Visit the guinea the top of The Long Walk. water skiing, slalom and kneeboarding, pigs, climb trees, play on the wooden www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk as well as an amazing Aqua Park. equipment (if you have younger www.liquidleisure.com children), or wander over the bridge to SPLASH PARKS AND WATER FUN Taplow riverside. Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, Braywick Leisure centre, SL6 1BN set HA4 7TY. Build sandcastles, hunt for Broomhall recreation ground, on the edge of Braywick nature reserve, buried treasures, or splash in Ruislip Lido Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 0QS has a offers the perfect place for a family Splash Pad. Also miniature railway and toddler friendly play area as well as swim. At the time of printing, the slide woodland park walks. more adventurous play equipment. and water features remained closed, and booking was only available online Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Windsor Clewer Memorial recreation ground, www.leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres/ Road, Englefield Green, Egham, TW20 Dedworth SL4 5AZ is known to most as braywick-leisure-centre for uptodate 0AE. Plans are for the paddling pool to the ‘Pirate Park’. The large pirate ship in information. reopen during peak summer months. the sand is the main draw but the park There’s also an enclosed play area and also has the traditional play equipment. Cassiobury Park, Watford, WD18 7LG. children’s amusements. Situated next to Worth a visit though parking can be the Thames, it’s ideal for a picnic and a Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst tricky. This hosts a splash pad, miniature wander along the river. RG10 0TH. Much like Black park, there is railway and play park a scenic walk round the lake, woodland www.watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark Wycombe Lido, The Rye (off to explore and an impressive adventure Bassetsbury Lane), High Wycombe, playground. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk Locks Ride, Forest Road, Winkfield Row HP11 1QX. This historical Lido has been RG42 7NJ boasts a large open children’s fully refurbished with heated outdoor Dorney Lake, SL4 6FJ is a great place to beach themed play area together with main pool, heated outdoor children’s take the children for a bike (or scooter) a water splash area and a selection of pool, plus grass and terraced sunbathing ride. It’s worth checking ahead that it’s outdoor gym equipment. The splashpad is areas. www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ open however, as it has been closed at normally in operation from 11 am – 1 pm centres/wycombe-rye-lido various points during the last year due to and 3 pm – 5 pm. an increased number of visitors. OTHER ATTRACTIONS www.dorneylake.co.uk California Country Park, Off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT. Large 4 Kingdoms adventure park and family Dorney Reach, Reachers retreat, paddling pool and newly refurbished farm, Thatcham RG19 8JY Meadow Way SL6 0DR hosts a play park, play park with two distinct spaces – the www.4-kingdoms.co.uk caged multisports area and zip wire. Sensory Garden and the Wild Wood – as well as swings, hammocks and a large Animal Rangers, Holyport. Hands on Pinewood Activity Centre, Wokingham trampoline. experiences. Follow them on Facebook RG40 3AQ. Wooden adventure park, www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/california @www.animalrangers.co.uk play area for young children, woodland walks with carved woodland creatures Caversham Lakes, Henley Road, BCA Zoo, Burchetts Green SL6 6QR to spot, exercise area, pond with dipping Caversham, Reading, RG4 9RA offers a www.zoo.bca.ac.uk platform, picnic spaces and miniature wide range of activities from stand up train rides at certain times. paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, Beale Park wildlife park and gardens, www.wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk/ aqua park fun to beach fun. RG8 9NW www.bealepark.org.uk pinewood-centre www.cavershamlakes.co.uk Beckonscot model village, Beaconsfield HP9 2PL www.bekonscot.co.uk
16 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk Summer Fun
Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, Maidenhead Mini golf, SL6 1BN 18 holes Windsor Duck Tours, 32 Thames Street Maidenhead SL1 8NS. Explore the of Dinosaur themed mini-golf. Located SL4 1PS www.windsorducktours.co.uk extensive woodlands, wander down at Braywick Park in Maidenhead. to the river or enjoy the grounds. Early www.maidenheadminigolf.co.uk FOR THE ADVENTUROUS booking is essential. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/cliveden If you’re a National Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX admission Absolutely Karting, Maidenhead SL6 Trust member (and government advice tickets are available online only. With 1AY www.absolutely-karting.co.uk/ continues to allow), there are plenty lots of young lambs and kids for you to maidenhead of great places to visit within an hour’s meet and plenty of amazing outdoor drive. Basildon Park, Grey’s Court, adventures to be had, a visit promises to Escape 3600, located within the Hughenden, Stowe, The Vyne and be a full and fun day out in their wide- Braywick leisure centre SL6 1BN Waddesdon are all favourites with us. open and safe spaces. www.escape3600.com www.oddsfarm.co.uk Hitcham Farm, Burnham SL1 7AE Escape Experience Windsor, SL4 1RH offers a selection of ice cream flavours The Lookout Discovery Centre, www.escapewindsor.co.uk made with the milk from their own Bracknell, RG12 7QW. Visit The science cows. Follow them on Facebook @ exhibition with over 90 activities which Extreme Motion, Alexandra Gardens HItchamDairy children of all ages can enjoy and Windsor SL4 5HZ. Mini Golf, Cycle hire, learn from. Also an extensive outdoor Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Hobbledown Adventure farm park and playground. Sky Trail High Ropes Course, Zorbing zoo, Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure- Balls, Bungee Trampoline. Follow them www.hobbledown.com services/look-out-discovery-centre on Facebook @extrememotionwindsor
Legoland Windsor resort, SL4 4AY Wellington Country Park, Odiham Go Ape, Black Park SL3 6DS.Treetop opened a new land at the end of Road, RG7 1SP. There’s so much to do Adventure, Nets, Segways, Zip Lines and May. The world of LEGO® MYTHICA here in the open air. From the animal High Ropes www.goape.co.uk is a parallel universe where LEGO® farm to jumping pillows, play parks, a creatures come to life. With three new splash zone and more INDOOR VENUES rides to try, including the Uk’s first flying www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk theatre ride, it claims to be the only Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St theme park land of its kind anywhere on Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ advanced Peter, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk earth. Pre booking your day visit to the booking online and reduced numbers. park is essential. www.legoland.co.uk Entry is free with an advantage card Jump In trampoline park, Dundee www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle Road, Slough SL1 4LE. Book sessions online www.gojumpin.com/locations/ trampoline-park-slough
ALL OUR GALLERIES ARE NOW OPEN! ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF STORIES... www.storymuseum.org.uk Box Office: 01865 807600 Registered charity 1107809
familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 17 Summer Fun
INDOOR VENUES The Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE has The Bounty, Cock Marsh, Bourne End Fireman Sam Live and Horrible Histories SL8 5RG. Quirky riverside pub with big Jungle Mania, Bourne End SL8 5DT running in August. www.wycombeswan. enclosed space for children. Combine Book sessions online. www.jungle- co.uk this with a riverside walk. Follow on mania.co.uk Facebook @thebounty1 Visit a local library. The 2021 summer Moss End Garden Village, near reading challenge will be Wild World The Jolly Farmer, Church Road, Bracknell RG42 6EJ. Feathers and Fur Heroes and in conjunction with the Cookham SL6 9PJ. This pub is well falconry centre, Top of the Pots pottery WWF the challenge will be nature renowned for its great outdoor area painting and on-site café Robyn’s Nest. themed, encouraging children to where you are able to sit, drink and www.mossendgardenvillage.co.uk think about how they can make a eat while your children play in their difference to the planet too. www. large enclosed safe play area. www. Lakeside Soft Play, Liquid Leisure summerreadingchallenge.org.uk thejollyfarmerpub.co.uk Windsor, Horton Rd, Datchet, SL3 9HY, is perfect for toddlers to have a run FAMILY DINING The Palmer Arms, Village Road, Dorney around and there is a great cafe too. SL4 6QW. Their large family -friendly www.lakesidesoftplaydatchet.co.uk Crocus at Dorney Court, Dorney, SL4 garden is a great place to eat and they 6QP. Beautiful plantery within an ancient have just added a children’s play area. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, walled garden and cafe with play area www.thepalmerarms.com Maidenhead SL6 4PF. Often has a great for young children. www.crocus.co.uk/ programme of events for all ages. Check dorney-court The Waterside, Fairwater Drive, Woodley website for uptodate listings www. RG5 3EZ. Backing on to South Lake, The norden.farm Fernygrove Farm, Warfield RG42 6HN. Waterside’s large pub garden includes a Farm shop and coffee shop with lovely children’s play area at one end. Odeon Luxe, Maidenhead, SL6 enclosed outside area where children www.watersidewoodley.co.uk 1DY www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/ can play. www.fernygrovefarm.co.uk maidenhead Thames Hospice Cafe Bray Lake, Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Maidenhead SL6 2DN. The café by ‘Where to visit’ has the Lake is now open to the public for been compiled by Great Missenden, HP16 0AL www. the Editors at Families roalddahl.com/museum outdoor seating and takeaway service, Thames Valley East. every day from 9am to 5pm. You can Family Footsteps also The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, also walk around the lake. has lots of ideas in the local area and beyond. RG9 1BF www.rrm.co.uk Follow them on social The Alma, 61 Springfield Road, Windsor media: Facebook / The Theatre Royal Windsor, SL4 1PS SL4 3PP. Family pub with atmospheric Instagram: family_ www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk outdoor space. www.thealmawindsor.com footsteps Sunday 15th March Longridge Longridge is based on the Thames at Marlow. We provide a huge range of outdoor adventurous SAVE THE activities for all ages and all abilities. DATE Birthday Parties For a great birthday party, combine a group activity with a Birthday Tea from our Café or bring a picnic. To find out more or book, please call; THE KITE FESTIVAL School Holiday Activity days Stablebridge Road • Aston Clinton • Bucks • HP22 5NE Sunday 5 September Every day of the School Holidays, a full day of activities IS BACK! with lunch for only £40! 12pm£40 – 4pm MUSICper child • FOOD • BAR Family Activity days per day Switch-off the telly for a day of Full-on Family Fun. FREE EVENT at Boyn Grove Park Courses (PUNT HILL) Learn a new sport or improve your skills with one of our qualified instructors. 01628 788997 Family kayaking courses now available! nordenfarm.org www.longridge.org.uk 0330 303 0101
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Altwood Road Centre for the Arts Maidenhead Maidenhead SL6 4PF Charity Number 1121239
18 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk What’s On?
WED 28 TO SATURDAY JULY 31 THIS NOISY ISLE July Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF A treasure-hunt show giving families an SATURDAYS IN JULY adventure through a strange, magical SATURDAY STORY MAKERS new world. Come prepared for the Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford elements as much of this adventure OX1 1BP takes place outdoors! Ages 7-11 yrs Story themed lesson for 8-12 yrs 11am Tickets from £10pp £10 ww.norden.farm www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on THURSDAY JULY 29 WEEKENDS IN JULY AND AUGUST THE JUNGLE BOOK OUTDOOR CITY OF STORIES EXHIBITION THEATRE Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford Black Park, Slough SL3 6DS OX1 1BP £5 For more info and to book visit www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite.co.uk Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. THURSDAY 1 AND FRIDAY JULY 2 gov.uk TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN FRIDAY JULY 30 Oxford Castle OX1 1AY Ballet adaptation 6.30pm and 8pm DIGI DEN SUMMER DROP IN www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk On Zoom run by Norden Farm, Maidenhead SATURDAY JULY 3 School years 5-8. 5.15-6.45pm £7 ww.norden.farm FAMILY BIKE RIDES THURSDAY JULY 22 Organised by Maidenhead Cycle Hub BUGS AND BEASTS FRIDAY JULY 30 6-8 mile rides aimed at families. Rides Black Park, SL3 6DS’ start at 2pm from the public car park For more info and to book visit OUTDOOR CINEMA by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB) http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite. BACK TO THE FUTURE www.cyclehub.org.uk co.uk Dinton Pastures RG10 0TH Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. Start time 9.15pm approx SATURDAY 3 AND SATURDAY JULY 17 gov.uk www.dinton-pastures.co.uk OUTDOOR MARKET SATURDAY JULY 31 Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF SATURDAY JULY 24 12-4pm SUNSET SUP COMIC CLUB www.norden.farm Dinton Pastures RG10 0TH Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford Stand up paddling boarding. Under 16s OX1 1BP SUNDAY JULY 4 TO SUNDAY JULY 25 must Develop comic making skills. 11am £10 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on LOOKING GLASS STORY WALK be accompanied by an adult. Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford 8-10pm 8+ years OX1 1BP www.dinton-pastures.co.uk £5 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on SUNDAY JULY 25 TUDOR TALES WITH UNBOUND THURSDAY 8 TO SATURDAY JULY 10 THEATRE HENLEY FESTIVAL SUMMER FLING Waddesdon National Trust, HP18 0JH Stand alone pop up event for this year Join Unbound Theatre for a free only. performance on the lawns by the www.seetickets.com/tour/ Woodland Cafe 2-4.30pm. Discover henley-festival-s-summer- the story of England’s most (in)famous fling?src=henleyfestival dynasty in this hilarious whistle-stop sketch show full of brilliant gags, MONDAY JULY 12 TO SAT AUGUST 21 fascinating facts, and a lot of wigs… OXFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Grounds admission applies Oxford Castle OX1 1AY www.waddesdon.org.uk 7.30pm www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk WED JULY 28 TO SUNDAY AUG 8 COLOURSCAPE SATURDAY JULY 17 Waddesdon National Trust, HP18 0JH BOOK GROUP FOR FAMILIES Returning to Waddesdon for its The Curve, Slough may take place on seventh year, Colourscape’s immersive Zoom environment of light and sound is for A reading group for families facilitated visitors of all ages. 10.30am-4.30pm by Slough Caribbean Forum. Talk about Adult £6, Child £4. Normal grounds Black authors, Black history, culture and admission applies more. 10-11am. Free. Ages 6-8, 9+ and Timed admissions, all tickets pre- 16+ bookable online www.slough.gov.uk/events/event/10/let- www.waddesdon.org.uk s-read-together-book-group-for-families
familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 19 What’s On?
Maidenhead, SL6 4PF SATURDAY AUGUST 21 School years 5-8. 5.15-6.45pm £7 ROALD DAHL AND THE IMAGINATION www.norden.farm August SEEKERS Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford SATURDAY AUGUST 7 TUESDAYS IN AUGUST OX1 1BP TERRIFIC TUESDAYS FAMILY BIKE RIDES Interactive performance, involving games Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Organised by Maidenhead Cycle Hub and imaginative play, while exploring Giles HP8 4AB 6-8 mile rides aimed at families. Rides Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories. Themed family craft and activity days start at 2pm from the public car park £10 pp suitable for families 11am-3.30pm by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB) www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on www.coam.org.uk www.cyclehub.org.uk FRIDAY AUGUST 27 SATURDAY AUGUST 7 MONDAY 2 TO MONDAY AUGUST 23 WINDSOR CASTLE SUMMER GARDEN LEGO MASTER BUILDERS CLUB OUTDOOR MARKET PARTY Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF Moat gardens 5.30-8pm OX1 1BP 12-4pm Fundraising event for Trinity community Ages 5-7 £15 pp and 8-11 £10 pp www.norden.farm gardens, exclusive viewing and tours. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on Minimum donation £50 SUNDAY AUGUST 8 Email holytrinitychurchwindsor@gmail. COUNTRY SHOW com or phone 01753 862776 Dinton Pastures RG10 0TH 11am - 6pm SUNDAY AUGUST 29 www.dinton-pastures.co.uk FIREMAN SAM LIVE Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE SATURDAY AUGUST 14 10.30 am and 1pm ROMEO AND JULIET OUTDOOR www.wycombeswan.co.uk THEATRE Black Park, Slough SL3 6DS TUESDAY AUGUST 31 For more info and to book visit HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite.co.uk Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. 2pm and 6pm gov.uk www.wycombeswan.co.uk
FRIDAY AUGUST 20 KIDS GO WILD Upcoming Events Black Park, Slough SL3 6DS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4 For more info and to book visit DEN BUILDING AND FAMILY PICNIC http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite.co.uk OPEN AIR CINEMA Black Park, Slough SL3 6DS Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. Black Park, Slough SL3 6DS For more info and to book visit gov.uk For more info and to book visit http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite.co.uk http://buckscountryparks.eventbrite.co.uk Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. FRIDAY 20 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 22 Email countryparks@buckinghamshire. gov.uk gov.uk REWIND FESTIVAL SOUTH Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley- SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 FRIDAY 6 AND FRIDAY AUGUST 13 On-Thames RG9 3DB DIGI DEN SUMMER DROP IN www.visitthames.co.uk/events/rewind- KITE FESTIVAL On Zoom run by Norden Farm, festival-south-p815191 Boyn Grove Park, Punt Hill Maidenhead SL6 6JD Free event hosted by Norden Farm Music, food and bar 12-4pm 01628 788997 www.norden.farm Blossom Ballet
For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:
MUSIC CLASSES FOR FOR THETHE 2s2s TO 88ss 07813084283 Tuesday afternoons & Saturday morningsmornings [email protected] JurgensVillage Centre Centre www.blossomballet.com 9168 Harvest Victoria Road,Street, Englefield Englefield Green, Green, Surrey Surrey For further information, contact Nikhil Dally Blossom Ballet For further information,01932 363624 contact Nikhil Dally 01932 363624 is about having lots of fun and making new friends. [email protected] [email protected] Classes in Windsor throughout the week www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes and at the weekends
20 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk Parenting & Mental Health
Improve your mental health by handling mum guilt
By Tova Leigh
Mum guilt is one of the best kept secrets about motherhood. I remember it hitting me even before my first daughter was born. Find your tribe - find other women and mothers who will be I suffered from it for years, and then something happened a few there when you need advice or a glass of wine. There is nothing years ago that changed everything. in the world that can replace good girlfriends and the support you get from other women. When my daughter turned five, both my husband and I forgot her birthday assembly at school. I was walking in the park and my Don’t compare yourself to other mums. You are not supposed phone rang. It was another mum from school, she said: ‘Where to be a certain type of mother, you just need to be yourself. It’s are you? It’s about to start.’ My reaction was: ‘What’s about to easy to get caught up in that ‘perfect mum’ cliche but, in reality, start?’ It had completely slipped my mind. the perfect mother doesn’t exist and in any case, your kids don’t need a perfect mother, they just need YOU. Cut to me RUNNING all the way from the park to the school, tormented with guilt and convinced that this would be the thing F*cked at 40: Life Beyond Suburbia, Monogamy and Stretch that was going to screw my daughter up for life. Marks by Tova Leigh is out now, published by Watkins Publishing, priced £10.99, available online and from all good I called my husband Mike and asked him to head towards the bookstores school and meet me there. Ten minutes later I arrived just as he pulled up with the car and we both raced down the school corridor to the main hall, only to enter the room JUST as our Email: [email protected] daughter was presented with her certificate. We made it! She never knew we nearly missed it. Summer 2021 for 10 - 16 yr olds As Mike and I left the school, we were both walking in silence. I was thinking to myself ‘Wow, we are the worst parents in the Build Bust world.’ I assumed Mike was feeling the same when he finally said Strong self- through fear ‘Wow, we are the best parents in the world, the best.’ confi dence and anxiety I could not understand how the experience we just had led him to this conclusion, while I was in bits over it. Have fun, feel 5 weekly sessions Build post empowered and 4 spaces per session pandemic I pointed out the obvious: ‘Mike, we forgot her birthday 4 start dates assembly!’ To which he replied, ‘Yes, but as soon as we realised ready for the Return to school with mindset skills that, we dropped everything and rushed to be there. We are the future confi dence best parents in the world.’ CALL JEAN ON: 07872 017162 And in that moment I realised that it was all about perspective.
I had always focused on all the moments I got things ‘wrong.’ All the moments I didn’t get things right or the way I wanted to, whereas all the other times, all the birthdays I remembered, all the days I showed up, all the good stuff... I just took for granted and didn’t even acknowledge.
It was life changing! Concerned about hair loss or hair So how can you get rid of that annoying mum guilt? related issues? Focus on all the great things you do as a mum instead of Contact the Maidenhead based clinic focusing on all the things you don’t do. It’s easy to get caught up on 01628 92511 / 07590 545922 in the negative, why not highlight the good stuff instead? [email protected] www.hairloss-trichology.com Keep things in proportion - not every ‘mistake’ is the end of the Local qualifi ed Trichologist Hair Loss world. Kids are more resilient than we realise and sometimes Consultant & Glyco Nutritional Wellness things are not as bad as we think. Consultant (I.A.T, W.T.S, GNWC, AMAE) familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 21 Parenting & Mental Health Tackling Anxious Moments By Rachel Bailey
This last lockdown hit us hard. The novelty of home-schooling All Birds Have Anxiety (if it ever were one) had worn off, the weather was rubbish and Kathy Hoopmann frankly we’d all had enough of being cooped up together without This book uses photos and humour the distraction of other, non-immediate, family members for to help illustrate that the feelings company. The squabbling had taken its toll on all of us but was and emotions associated with worry unsurprising given that in normal times you would never be are common and opens the way to required to spend so much time exclusively with your younger/ discuss strategies to help children older siblings. For our children, their worlds were turned upside overcome these feelings. down overnight. I know how much I’ve missed a face-to-face chat with a good friend and a hug from my mum, so to not even be able to hug a grandparent or set foot inside their house must have been almost impossible to understand. Or, for older children with more understanding, very unsettling at best. With My older son has also started to write down things that worry routines out of the window, uncertainty and all social interaction him or have worried him during the day, so that we can talk taking place via a screen, my boys stopped sleeping and started about them and face them together. We are just using a worrying. Thankfully vaccines and lifting restrictions have made notebook, but I’ve heard good things about journals such as things brighter, but traces of anxiety are still there. So, as things The Happy Self Journal www.happyselfjournal.com which is start to improve, I’ve looked for ways not only to offer comfort, aimed at 6-12 years. but to try and encourage them to open up and share their concerns.
Books are a very important part of our family life. Reading is my safe place and I’ve tried to nurture a love of books with my children too, so that felt like a good place to start. No doubt there are a wealth of titles out there, but these are a few that I’ve found helpful for younger children, all of which we’ve discovered in our local library:
When Can I go Back to School? Anna Friend and Jake Biggin. Written to help address her son’s fears at the start of lockdown, this beautiful book is still so relevant now to help talk through big feelings in the face of change. It also includes mindfulness activities for families to do together to help combat feelings of anxiety.
Sometimes I feel Sad Tom Alexander. This simply illustrated book explains how it’s ok to feel sad and the importance of finding someone to talk to, because sometimes, everyone feels sad.
What’s Going on Inside My Head Molly Potter. To encourage a better sleep routine again now that we are doing This book sets out the importance of more and can’t slob around in our pjs all day, I’ve also tried keeping a healthy mind, suggesting the weighted blanket. I’d been considering them for a while, ways to help encourage that and how but know they can be expensive and was sceptical. However, to deal with certain thoughts and the one we are using is a soft teddy fleece blanket from the emotions such as how to respond Dreamscene Junior range by www.onlinehomeshop.com which when someone upsets you, how to is cheaper than some I’ve looked at and whilst my younger girl ask for help, how to be a good friend. found it too heavy, it has really helped the boys. It has small weights sewn into pockets all the way through which distribute weight evenly across the body and the boys have both said it feels a bit like being hugged. Since they’ve started using it, All About Feelings they’ve fallen asleep much quicker, which has really been a Felicity Brooks and Frankie Allen. game changer. This is a great book to encourage children to think about all the Having these resources at hand has really helped us over the different emotions they feel, how it last couple of months. The challenge for me now is to make sure can be confusing when we feel a I keep checking in and encourage open communication with the mixture of feelings and what we can whole family, so that anxieties don’t go unnoticed as our lives do when we are experiencing those get busier again. feelings.
22 Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham familiesonline.co.uk Work Top tips for a successful start up By Kath Goodes
Maternity leave was the first time in my life when I was not constantly rushing around, working, studying or doing something. Suddenly I could spend some time thinking about business ideas! If you are thinking of starting a business, like I was, here are my top tips for a successful start-up.
A business idea Ideally, your business idea should be something that you are really passionate about. Best to choose something that you enjoy every day or you will run out of steam very quickly. Also, of joint marketing events, such as giveaways with other small think about your Unique Selling Point – what are you offering businesses. that is different? Funding I feel really passionate about creating safe and personalised The adage ‘you need money to make money,’ is certainly true. baby toys and could talk about it all day thankfully. When I go Think about how you fund your venture, whether that’s from shopping, I go around checking out the safety labels on baby your own savings, a loan or a grant. There are some government toys! schemes that offer funding so speak to your local council to see if there are any grants available for you. Support from partner and family I am really lucky to have an extremely supportive and patient Legal obligations husband, although I think I must have really tested the limit of Be sure to check your legal obligations, especially if you are his patience sometimes. The house was overrun with stock, he selling products that are risky, such as food, cosmetics or toys. had to stay up late packing orders with me – it was all a struggle. For example, the children’s toys I sell have to be safety tested. So, I highly recommend having a conversation with your partner Additionally, you may need product and public liability insurance. up front so that they are fully bought in to your business idea. Kath Goodes is the founder of Chewie Cat UK (www. A support network of other small business owners chewiecat.co.uk) which specialises in personalised toys and One thing I found early on is a network of other small business clothing for babies. owners, who I can reach out to for advice – from day to day operational things like Royal Mail queries, to more strategic questions like market expansion and marketing. I also do a lot
What are the benefits of What are the downsides starting a business? of starting a business? Freedom and flexibility Loneliness. Being a small business owner can be a This is the main reason I wanted to start my business – lonely existence. You don’t really have anyone to talk to or having the freedom and flexibility to choose my own hours is bounce ideas off. It is so different to working in a team and very empowering. I can hang out with my kids in the morning constantly being able to speak to someone for advice and and then do a bit more work later in the afternoon and at mentorship. Some people also miss the social side of being night when they are in bed. in a workplace too. This is where your network of other small businesses can come into its own. I’m the boss! No income in the beginning. I am constantly re-investing I choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. I feel into the business, into new product development and passionate about supporting charities and giving back to the marketing, so I am rarely pulling in an income. It is definitely community so, without having to ask a boss for permission very different compared to working a 9 to 5 job and getting a or jumping through any other hoops, I recently rang up a few regular income each month. charities and donated to them. Job done. Hurrah! Hard work. You are responsible for everything – especially I have learned so much and met so many lovely people at the beginning. You are customer service, marketing, photographer, accountant and IT director. It’s a lot of work I honestly have learned so much about the e-commerce and multi-tasking and some days, I am still up at midnight world in the past year. I have also met so many lovely people, doing what needs to be done. including my team, suppliers and my lovely customers. familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East 23 • HORTON ROAD • DATCHET • • NEW ROAD • SHEPPERTON • • BERKSHIRE • SL3 9HY • • SURREY • TW17 0QQ • w: windsor.liquidleisure.com w: shepperton.liquidleisure.com e: [email protected] e: [email protected] t: 01753 542 500 t: 01932 761 555
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