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Thames Valley East September/October 2016 - Issue 86

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! plus 01628 317558 CLUBS & CLASSES

...endless ideas for families of young children. Packed with interesting features and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham

in this Welcome to our bumper Education special (pages 6-17) and Clubs and Classes extravaganza (pages 18-26). Whether you have a child starting their first term or a tween transitioning to issue secondary school we have some great advice for you. Including some great #MumHacks from 3 News & Information author Tanith Carey, plus some sage advice from our readers too (pages 16-17). We also want to wish Naomi Riches MBE good luck in her #165 challenge (read more below). I had the pleasure EDUCATION SPECIAL of meeting her in the summer and she is one of the most inspiring individuals I have 6 Back to School - A survival ever met. Whatever you do, enjoy the new term and a bit of peace and quiet and guide we’ll be back with our festive issue in November! 8 Early Years Education - the key benefits 10 How to support your year 7 child Naomi Riches takes part in #165challenge 12 Education News Naomi Riches MBE, London 2012 Paralympic 16 Mum Hacks - a new book to Champion and six-time World Champion help get you through the rower, is preparing to take on her greatest new term challenge yet - rowing 165 miles non-stop in CLUBS AND CLASSES a single scull down the River Thames in 50 18 Stretching your Children hours or less! 19 Clubs Directory Families were lucky enough to hear her talk 25 Clubs and Classes News about the challenge in person at a Maidenhead Business Girls event in the 27 What’s On summer. 32 Tips on Choosing Fireworks The challenge starts on Saturday 17 33 Don’t Worry be Happy - Natalie September and will see Naomi rowing from Riches and not be defined by my disability. I Trice says ‘live your dream’ Lechlade to Gravesend Royal Pier in an want to be known for what I am able to do, 34 Children’s Parties - who to invite attempt to set a new Guiness World Record. not what I cannot do.” 35 Halloween Treats - Get Cooking She is undertaking the challenge to raise Funds raised will be used to improve the 36 Book Reviews - Helping your money for her Patron charity IN-vision – an patient pathway and support collaboration in child enjoy their homework organisation dedicated to researching the eye Nystagmus Research Centres. 37 Treating Fever in Young condition Infantile Nystagmus, which she was To see where she will be along the river or read more about her motivation and Children diagnosed with at just eight weeks old. Naomi also hopes it will also be a way of charitable aims, see 38 She Means Business encouraging people to celebrate ability over www.thegreatthamesrow.org or to find out 39 Classifieds disability. Naomi recently talked to more about getting involved or doing some Maidenhead Business Girls Meet-Up about fundraising, please contact liz@in- www.familiesonline.co.uk her challenge and they are urging local vision.org.uk T: 01628 627586 schools to get involved to help raise money. E: [email protected] At school, Naomi was bullied for being editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,5 00 different. She says: “More than anything else in next issue: Nov/Dec 2016 - my life I wanted to be known as Naomi due out: November 3, featuring: Festive Fun Go Green for Halloween with the NSPCC

R funds for to support work with children in the local community through their School Service. Whether you wear it, bake it, or sell it, anything goes as long as it is green! copy/advertising deadline: October 1 The School Service allows the NSPCC to go Cover Image: www.istockphoto.com into primary schools to speak directly to children and young people to help them understand abuse and give them the confidence and courage to speak out and The NSPCC is encouraging people to hold a seek help if they ever need it. For more spooky ‘Go Green’ event at their school, details, see www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can- • twitter.com/familiestve facebook.com/FamiliesTVE nursery or office this Halloween to raise do/events/go-green-halloween

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 3 ...... Asian-styleNews teaching & programmeInfo...... Perfect your public speaking with may help UK kids Cookham actress! A new system for teaching maths used in Are you a nervous public speaker? Surveys Asia will sweep the nation, the tell us that talking to a crowd is one of the Department for Education has said. most feared things in life! Actress and Sparky’s drama coach, Amber Edlin, has The Department has pledged £41 helped many employees improve their million for over 8,000 schools - half of all presentation skills, be it for job interviews, UK schools - to start to introduce Asian- promotions, presentations and pitches. style maths tuition, called ‘Maths Mastery’. Amber has been working as a Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong lead professional actress for 20 years, across the world in maths performance, using the theatre, film, TV, commercials and system and those using it have been shown voiceovers. She set up Sparky’s Drama in to perform better than their peers. 2013, offering performing arts classes locally, The system means that teachers spend a teaches LAMDA privately within schools lot of time on one topic to make sure that and also offers corporate workshops and children understand it fully. They also coaching for individuals. Most recently she has worked for Heston Blumenthal's teams discover how problems relate to their at The Fat Duck. everyday life, so they are given context. The system was created by educational Amber says: “Communication is such an psychologists and specialists and the result important life skill, especially with developing technology, meaning we stare at is a sequence of lessons supported by high mobile phones and computer screens. I quality textbooks. thoroughly enjoy giving people of any age Maths Mastery gives children the ability the techniques and confidence to speak and to recognise patterns, see connections and connect. I believe it to be a valuable skill, to be able to visualise – the main which could be life-changing.” For more ingredients of problem-solving. details, see www.mathematicsmastery.org www.sparkysdrama.co.uk

Celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday!

• We will teach your child to swim September will see the biggest ever global • Pre-school children will participate in Forest School activities celebration of Roald Dahl’s birthday, • We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum • We are competitively priced and accept all childcare vouchers marking 100 years since his birth. • We have free on-site parking People can sign up to receive a • We offer a free family complimentary health club membership for all full-time children downloadable party pack, so you can celebrate at home, at school, in the library

Nuffield Health Day Nursery - Stoke Poges or living room. There is bunting, stickers Wexham Street, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NB and templates to decorate, activity sheets Tel: 01753 663996 and party games – or you could even host Email: [email protected] a Roald Dahl quiz – to see who is the biggest fan! From Roald Dahl films and singalongs to dressing up, all money raised upwards. To join in with the worldwide BOOK NOW for advertising in our Nov/Dec 2016 issue will go to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous celebrations and get your downloadable Due out November 3 Children’s Charity, which makes life better pack, go to: www.roalddahl.com/roald- email: [email protected] for seriously-ill children. Everything dahl/roald-dahl-100/party-pack- included is suitable for children aged 5 and registration.

LEARN TO TOUCH-TYPE AND SPELL YVONNE THOMAS (SpLd Tutor) Performing Arts Classes

Do you want to rebuild your confidence after taking a career break or find your ideal job?

Are you struggling with work-life balance or unsure what direction you want your career to take? Acting for Film & Theatre Maidenhead after school clubs teaching multi- Musical Theatre • LAMDA sensory touch-typing and structured spelling, to Build Confidence, Have Fun & Learn Great Skills! Whatever your career challenge, help students (including those with dyslexia and All Classes taught by DBS checked industry professionals √ida Coaching can help. dyspraxia) gain a life skill, communicating ideas quicker; building confidence and self-esteem. Book your FREE TRIAL Visit: www.vidacoaching.co.uk £20/hour, small groups. Call Amber on 07889 311414 • [email protected] Call Tanya on 07729 673 291 or Holiday courses – see website. WWW.SPARKYSDRAMA.CO.UK Email [email protected] www.dttts.co.uk • Tel: 07929 528642

4 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] ...... NewNews party package & from Info...... Learn to read in just five weeks SportsAble for free! SportsAble, the grassroots Paralympic sports Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of club based in Maidenhead, has released a online reading lessons and e-books that teach children’s party package that offers children of children aged 3 to13 the literacy skills all ages and abilities the chance to learn new needed for a lifetime of reading skills and enjoy the freedom and fun that sport success. Join more than 3.4 million brings. users worldwide and claim your Select their favourite activity - or choose special 5-weeks free access today! something challenging and new - and give them Over 91% of parents report a an engaging, fun and unique party that they will noticeable improvement in their child’s reading remember for a long time! within weeks. The programme makes learning Under the guidance of SportsAble’s phonics, sight words and essential reading skills Warning! The Kids clothes that experienced coaches, kids can take aim at target fun and your child can progress through the are addictive! sports like archery, boccia and kurling – or they one-on-one lessons at their own pace. You can can join forces in a pairs or team event, like track their learning with detailed progress Forget baby blue, pale pink and boring wheelchair basketball or table tennis. There are reports and assessments. creams… Get the Scandi style that’s so on- three party spaces plus an outside terrace, green Take advantage of a no-obligation free access trend with clothes that let children be fields and playground to enjoy! trial today. Simply register your child at children! Come and try something totally different and www.readingeggs.co.uk/read8 Polarn O. Pyret has over 40 years’ have lots of happy party guests and - if available - * Free trial only available to new customers experience designing clothes specifically for one of SportsAble’s Paralympians may be there who sign up at the above address. Free trial children. The much loved brand started in to host a medal ceremony at the end! For more offer ends 30th September 2016. Not applicable Sweden in 1976 and has earned worldwide details, see www.sportsable.co.uk for schools. appeal for its fun and functional designs. Many of the clothes are designed in vibrant Flash cards are the key to 11+ vocabulary success colours and funky patterns (that kids love to Learning challenging vocabulary for the 11+ test written work at school as their confidence wear!) and are made from the best quality is easier if you have several techniques up your grows, and to share an enjoyment of language fabrics so they are ideal to pass on to several sleeve - flash cards are a way of adding some with them. variety and fun at the same time. Farquhar’s new owners. Great for your pocket and the Don’t just “do” vocabulary once a week - environment! Vocabulary Flash Cards have been developed based on recognised 11+ material. With clear, repetition is the key to internalising new words. Don’t forget to use your exclusive Polarn child-friendly definitions, they are specifically Stick the flash cards up in the kitchen as ‘words O. Pyret 15% off discount code FAM15 designed for parents working with their child. of the week’; practise them on the go; challenge to save on the latest Scandi styles! A great vocabulary is an asset for life, not just each other to sneak them into conversation; for the 11+: it’s extremely satisfying to see tricky even act them out! www.polarnopyret.co.uk vocabulary increasingly appear in your child’s www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 5 Education Special BACK TO SCHOOL: A survival guide By Georgina Rodgers

Get involved with your child’s learning s September approaches, parents everywhere will be All the fun activities that you do at home with your child are thinking about their child’s first day at school or first day important in supporting their learning and development and have a Aback at school; whether they have the correct uniform and really long-lasting effect on your child’s learning. To help develop shoes that fit, who their new teacher is and so on. Once the first your child’s literacy skills, you could make up stories using new day is done and dusted, how can parents best support their words, play games like asking your child if they can ‘j-u-m-p’ or ‘r-u- children as they start school or enter the next year with new n’, or ask your child to act out a favourite story book together teachers and demands? We investigate how parents can help: using puppets or toys. To develop their maths skills, sing number Show an interest songs backwards, count the number of vegetables you need at the As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. supermarket or count and sort out shapes that you have cut and Whilst most parents struggle to find time in their busy days, it is coloured in together. important to remember that children will achieve well at school When it comes to understanding the world, talk about the things when their family take an interest in what they are doing at school you see around you all the time. Fun games might involve having a and get involved. Giving encouragement and showing appreciation pretend picnic for dollies, talking about and trying food from of your child’s achievements, however small, will give them different countries or looking at old photographs of family confidence and help them learn and inspire them to try their best. members and talking about them. For further reading, see Aim to keep abreast of what your child is learning at school, www.foundationyears.org.uk, developed by 4Children. attend parent’s evenings and keep in touch with their teacher and Key Stage 1 talk to them if you are worried about anything, because they will The National Curriculum is organised in blocks, known as Key want to help. Get involved in the school community, so talk to Stages. Children in Years 1 and 2 (ages 5-7) follow Key Stage 1. This other parents about extra-curricular activities that your school covers all core subjects for this age group, which include English, might offer, attend fund-raising events and if you have time, maths, science, design and technology, history and geography, art volunteer to read with children or join your school’s parent- and design, music, PE, RE and computing. KS1 tests cover: Reading; teacher association (PTA). grammar, punctuation and spelling; and maths. Outside of school it is a chance for you to explore different Reading to and with your child is vital and research shows that interests; go to new places together, talk about books and television this is the single most important thing you can do with your child, shows and learn together. If your child is tired after school and so try to set aside at least 20 minutes every day for some quality doesn’t want to talk, they are probably tired and hungry so make reading time. Encourage your child to enjoy books, so look for yourself available for talking later in the evening. fiction or non-fiction on topics that interest your child and visit the Early Years Foundation Stage library together. Talk about books, ask open-ended questions and The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) sets out make books easily accessible around your home. From cereal learning and development stages for children as they grow from packets to road signs, look for words everywhere! birth to five years. At this stage children’s development is divided To help your child with maths, make it fun! Jigsaws, puzzles and into: Personal, social and emotional development; physical games are a great start. Look at shapes around the house, let your development; communication and language; expressive arts and child handle money and look for numbers on street signs and car design; literacy; mathematics; and understanding the world. registrations. Slightly older children will enjoy playing games that involve numbers, like card games and dominoes. For more helpful tips and resources, see www.atschool.co.uk It is at this time that your child will start to get some homework; probably a book to read. Make time to read the book every day together and try to instil good homework habits, like finding a quiet place to work and agreeing a time when your child works best. Key Stage 2 The children in Years 3 and 4 (ages 7-10) follow Key Stage 2, which follows the same core subjects as KS1 with tests in the same subjects. As with KS1, whatever you do at home, try to make it as entertaining as possible! It is important that even though your child can read, that you still take time to discuss books together and listen to them reading aloud. Let them read whatever they wish; be it comics, magazines, newspapers or poetry. Talk about your favourite authors and talk about the meaning of difficult words. To help maths skills, do some cooking and weigh and measure ingredients out together, converting a recipe for a different number of people, work out distances and directions on maps or play card games, like sevens or cribbage. For more ideas for helping with maths at home, see www.mad4maths.com Listen, talk and encourage your child and the more enthusiasm for learning that you show them, the more engaged and excited they will be.

6 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 7 Education Special environment also plays a crucial part in the children’s learning. In order for any Early Year’s THE KEY BENEFITS OF environment to be enabling, it is essential that all staff understand how children learn and the EARLY YEARS value of play and children’s independence. This EDUCATION plays a key role in supporting and extending Why nursery and pre-school matters! children’s development and learning. When children feel emotionally safe and secure they are able to explore and find out about the place they are in and the things they can see, touch, manoeuvre or manipulate. This is described in terms of three aspects: The emotional environment; the outdoor environment; and the indoor environment. These three aspects of the environment together make up the environment for play and learning in the EYFS. The Early Years Curriculum Learning is not just about Maths and English but it is about developing a child as a whole and should be based on the strengths and needs of each individual child. Young children should be supported in active learning through a few key areas: A balance of adult- initiated and child-initiated activities; hen children are small, they are encouraging social interaction by enabling like little sponges; they are learning children to work in a variety of groups with Wnew words, having new both children and adults; starting with the experiences and are beginning to form child’s own interests, needs and motives and attitudes about themselves and the world in giving them the opportunities to recall and which they live at a rapid pace. Early learning discuss experiences and to represent them helps children to be confident and curious through art work; and role-play. Through these about the world around them and will let areas, children will learn life-long values, such as resilience, honesty, trust, independence and them flourish and make the most out of their having the confidence to be able to give things lives. This is why securing a successful start for a go and develop the best way of learning for your child is key for everyone: the child, the them. Every child is unique and no two are family, their school and ultimately, society as a ever the same! whole. Promotes education Here Families talks to Joanna Leach, Parents will always be the most important Headteacher at Highfield Prep School in influence on a child’s early life but by Maidenhead, about why a good-quality introducing them to an Early Year’s education at this important stage of your environment, they know that they are showing child’s life will help to ensure they have their children the importance of learning and positive attitudes to learning and give your having new experiences. During this time, your child firm foundations upon which to base the child will start on their educational journey rest of their education. where learning habits are formed and future The importance of good staff and a safe life chances are determined. environment It is important that children are ready for Good quality education starts with the staff the next stage of school. It is vital that during and the environment. When you are choosing this time, children’s curiosity and imagination a nursery or pre-school for your child, take have been fired up, they have the opportunity time to ask the staff lots of questions and to to shine and be proud and their individual get a feel for the environment. Early Years staff talents are nurtured. All this provides children are trained in identifying areas where support with the foundations for a love for life-long is needed for each child so they can build learning with eagerness and enthusiasm and programmes and activities around these, to confidence to have a go with the belief that help every individual develop. The they can succeed.

Highfield Preparatory School, the HOWLAND TUTORS (MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and leading independent girls’ school in WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas) Maidenhead, offers a great start to the Expanding local agency life of learning that we want our girls to (established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers) offers individual tuition in twenty subjects enjoy. In the Nursery (3 and 4 year olds) including: and Reception classes (5 year olds) right all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, through to Year 6 (11 year olds) the girls Wednesday 21st September 2016 English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome are taught to love learning and are inspired to achieve their very best. Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk www.highfieldprep.org

8 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 9 Education Special Understand social media and its challenges Your child will suddenly be amongst a very wide spectrum of social media users, from those who can’t live without it and who know the dangers very well, HOW TO to those who have only just got their first mobile phone. Some parents will limit usage, some will check what’s being done on social media and others will let their child do what they like. This can be SUPPORT extremely confusing for your child. They may totally support your decision at home but they may have difficulty doing that amongst the peers who they are anxious to befriend. Just be aware YOUR YEAR that this is a very big deal for them. Ultimately you won’t win. So the best thing is to make sure you understand 7 CHILD social media and show them how to share privately, how to choose who to ‘friend’, how to report sites that are Advice on making offensive and how to block ads. You need the transition to to know this information, it’s all online. The same applies to the Xbox or PS for secondary school boys. This is how boys connect with their friends; it’s their equivalent of playing tarting secondary school is an football in the park. Use parental controls important milestone for any child to limit what websites they can access and make sure homework is done first. Ideally and can feel like an exciting and S they keep their door open so you can glance daunting time for all the family! This is in and check they’re playing sociably. a time for your child to become more independent, have more choice and Set them up for independence many more opportunities. There is a huge increase in what they have Here Families talks to Judy to take responsibility for and they will forget things. Focus on positive feedback for Bartkowiak, who runs a Kids the things they remember and discuss Coaching practice in Burnham, strategies for remembering things. You can helping children and young people to build their self-confidence by saying (in their deal with issues around fear and hearing but not necessarily directly to them) anxiety, motivation and self-esteem. how proud you are of how well they’re Here she tells us some of the best settling in. It’s important to them that you ways you can support your Year 7 notice what they’re getting right. child as they move up to secondary Help them feel grounded school: They are now a small fish in a very big pond. They want to be the same as everyone else. They want to fit in and not be noticed. So don’t emphasize what’s different now, focus instead on what’s the same. This will help them to feel grounded and solid as they venture into the unknown. There will be difficult days, teachers they don’t like and pupils they don’t get on with. Listen, nod and stay silent because they don’t want your opinion, they just want to know that it’s OK to feel rubbish sometimes. Tomorrow is another day. Do not fight their battles for them! It is no longer OK for you to fight their battles, do their homework, make friends for them and fix their problems. Gradually they are becoming adults. It isn’t going to happen overnight (although sometimes it might feel like it does!) so encourage them to overcome challenges themselves. They should be able to raise issues they experience at school with their teacher themselves. When they can’t do something, instead of doing it for them, (which simply confirms that they were right), ask what help they need. It may just be a word of encouragement or a bit more time. The role of rescuer is no longer appropriate and can actually undermine their ability to solve their own problems and it’s also not cool and that really matters.

Judy Bartkowiak can be contacted on 01628 660618 www.nlpfamily.com. She is running a 6-week NLP for Parents email course, starting from September 12, on how to overcome common issues for parents who have children ages 10-14 years, although the exercises can be applied to parenting children of any age.

10 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 11 Education News Dair House celebrate Deputy Head’s 20 years’ service (pictured at a Prefects’ lunch)

Heathfield pupil wins top Prize An Ascot schoolgirl has been highly commended for her innovative concept designed to help dementia sufferers at a national technology awards for teenagers founded by the former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin. Heathfield School Lower Sixth Former Millie Geddes, 17, beat off tough opposition from hundreds of teenagers The annual Speech Day at Dair House children from Nursery to Year 6 in 2010. across the UK to win through to the School in Farnham Royal, celebrated Headmaster Mr Wintle added: “Mrs national final of the TeenTech Awards 2016. Deputy Head, Mrs Margaret Southerden’s Southerden has been central to the The TeenTech Awards challenge 20 years of exemplary service to the success of Dair House School and youngsters aged between 11-18 years old school. oversees the crucial values of good to use technology to solve real-world Mrs Southerden said how proud she was manners, kindness and caring for others.” problems by researching current markets to have worked at Dair House. She and gleaning advice from industry experts. explained that a particular highlight for her To find out more about Dair House, go to To find out more, go to was when the school expanded to include www.dairhouseschool.co.uk heathfieldschool.net

12 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Education News New campus planned for Claires Court Popular independent school in Maidenhead, Claires Court, has announced further details of its new school campus. The Ridgeway Project is an exciting proposal to unify Claires Court into a single campus, which will allow the school to cater for pupils from Early Years up to Sixth Form, all in one place. Hugh Wilding, Administrative Principal said: “At present, the school is split over three sites and our current buildings are old and in need of renovation. Claires Court must secure a new campus if we are to continue providing the high quality education that Maidenhead demands. As well as a modern campus, the plans also include new sports pitches and a multi- sports pavilion, which are facilities we are keen to share with the local community.” Claires Court plans to submit its application in the autumn term. More details of the proposals can be found on the school’s website www.clairescourt.com/our-new-campus.

New report says outdoor learning encourages joined-up thinking

sports fields and hard courts but open spaces and woodland areas for our Forest School and other activities.” The school has two trained Forest School Practitioners and Mrs Sweeney believes the Forest School ethos benefits all children. She explains: “The enhanced learning and independent thinking in every age group is evident from the pupil’s wonderful creations all constructed from natural materials, to the more permanent, carefully assembled bug hotel, almost as tall as our little people, built in our magical small woodland adjacent to the Nursery. Each Thursday all our classes go out on rotation to explore the meadow and woodlands on our estate, no matter what the weather.” The school plans to build a bespoke outdoor classroom, which children can use to further enhance their learning experience that being in nature provides. Visitors are welcome to see how A recent report at the University of praises the benefits of learning in nature. outdoor exploration and classroom Plymouth has highlighted the positive effect She says: “Children of all ages can flourish teaching outside helps to develop thinking outdoor learning can have on a child’s in the freedom of outdoors and it is very skills and more independent learners. The development and the need to formally easy to support classroom teaching with school’s Open Morning is on Thursday 20 include it in the Curriculum – and many outdoor discovery and experiments October, 9.30 to 11am or call the school local education specialists agree. through creating the right environment. We on 01276 855707 for a private tour. Please Anne Sweeney, Headmistress at are blessed that Coworth Flexlands has 13 see www.coworthflexlands.co.uk; Coworth Flexlands School & Nursery, acres of grounds that encompass not only @CoworthFlexSch

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 13 Trial of new educational ‘Gold Standard’ attained by resource developed Meadowbrook Montessori School by a Hurley school A new educational resource developed by Beech Lodge School is being trialled at seven local schools, including Furze Platt and Manor Green. Fagus is a framework for emotional and social development, which can be used to establish a child’s current level of development, set appropriate goals and track progress. It was developed to help children struggling with social and emotional problems that were preventing their academic progress. The system was designed by a team, lead by Educational Psychologist Alastair Lidster. The need for such a system arose at Beech Lodge School, which offers an alternative approach to learning and enables children whose needs are not being met by mainstream education, to flourish. Daniela Shanly, Beech Lodge School Proprietor and Head of the Fagus With a well-established tradition of desks for primary students have been Development Team says: “Children who offering genuinely child-centered and highly added to all classrooms, along with several have complex emotional and social personalised education from 16 months to other exciting additions to enhance the development issues are frequently 11 years, Meadowbrook Montessori children’s learning experience - many of misunderstood and left isolated in the School has again retained full Montessori which have been selected by the children education system. The Fagus resource is Accreditation for its ‘Gold Standard’ pre- themselves! designed to help teachers unlock these primary department. social and emotional barriers to enable The use of Positive Discipline© academic progress. We are very much To meet demand, the school has techniques, unique to Meadowbrook in the looking forward to working with many introduced another weekly Parent and UK, remain highly successful. The next schools around the country and, in turn, Toddler session and is running waiting lists Saturday Parent Workshop in Raising enabling more children to embark on more further up the school where only a few Children Through Positive Discipline is 1st fulfilling, functional and happy lives.” places remain. October 10am – 3pm. Non-Meadowbrook Fagus is available to purchase at a cost of parents are very welcome to this and can Work on a new sports hall and canteen £660.00 plus an annual online license fee book via the school’s website. is due to start soon. Innovative standing from £120 p/a. For more information go to www.meadowbrookmontessori.org www.fagus.org.uk

Eton End School celebrated its 80th Eton End enjoys 80th birthday anniversary during the summer term with a wide variety of successful events and activities. The school also had an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, earlier in the year and was delighted to be found fully compliant with all the required regulations. The inspectors also reported on the school’s academic results, commenting: “In the years 2012 -2014, the results have been exceptional when compared against the national average for girls.” The school is also looking forward to the next chapter in its history after deciding to offer boys the opportunity to continue their education at Eton End until the age of 11 from September 2017. Parents and pupils have all responded to the news very positively. To find out more, go to www.etonend.org

14 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] St Piran’s strives for excellence St Piran’s School in Maidenhead believe that the first Education News part of your child’s educational career is fundamental, as it is during this time that they develop the skills, knowledge and values that will last a lifetime. The Nursery and School educates Windsor independent school appoints girls and boys from rising 3 to 11 years. From the new Headmistress first day, pupils are introduced to a range of thought-provoking, engrossing and hands-on Upton House School in Windsor activities and lessons. says farewell to Mrs Madeleine St Piran’s was inspected by the Independent Collins who is retiring after 17 Schools Inspectorate in 2015 and was delighted to very successful years as be awarded the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ Headmistress. Her successor, Mrs in all areas. Specialist teachers, excellent facilities Rhian Thornton, former Head of and vibrant classrooms allow the school to offer St Matthews in Cobham plans to children a full range of academic and extra- continue to build upon Upton’s curricular activities. outstanding reputation for The school also has a modern Sports Centre, excellence in education. which has a Dance Studio, Music School, large The coming year will be as Sports Hall and indoor Swimming Pool, an All- exciting as ever, with further Weather Pitch and Sports Grounds. celebrations of the school’s 80th Testimonial from a current parent: “St Piran’s is an Anniversary planned; a new extraordinary school. The school’s belief that every child can over achieve – whatever their level and in fencing club to enjoy; interesting whatever they do, amazes me every day.” outings and a special visitor to For a copy of their prospectus or to arrange a welcome. To find out more go to tour contact their registrar Deena McLelland on www.uptonhouse.org.uk 01628 594302 or visit www.stpirans.co.uk

Schools’ Noticeboard

Independent Schools’ Open Days GODSTOWE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe. Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 3-7 years and girls aged 3- 13 years. OPEN DAY Saturday 8 October, 10.00am to 1.00pm. 01494 429006; THE ABBEY SCHOOL, 17 Kendrick Road, Reading. www.godstowe.org Independent day school for girls aged 3-18. Junior School HEATHFIELD SCHOOL, Ascot, day, weekly and full Friday 7 October, 9.15am to 11am. boarding for Girls aged 11-18. OPEN DAY OPEN MORNING Saturday 15 Senior School Open Evening Thursday 22 September, 5.30- October, 10am to 12noon. To book please contact 8.30pm. 0118 987 2256; www.theabbey.co.uk [email protected]; heathfieldschool.net an independent CLAIRES COURT MAIDENHEAD HERRIES SCHOOL, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean. Co-ed school for boys and girls. Junior Boys 4-11years, Maidenhead preparatory school and nursery, 3-11 years. OPEN Thicket; Senior Boys 11-16 years, Ray Mill Road East; The MORNING Wednesday 21 September, 9.30am to Girls, Sixth Form and Nursery, co-ed nursery 3-5 years, girls 11.00am. Stay & Play sessions for under-4s (must be 4-16 years, and co-ed sixth form16-18 years, 1 College accompanied by an adult), every Monday during term time, Avenue. OPEN MORNINGS at all sites Tuesday 27 9.30am to 11.00am. 01628 483350; www.herries.org.uk. September, Wednesday 9 November, 9.30am to HIGHFIELD SCHOOL, West Road, Maidenhead. 11.30am. OPEN AFTERNOON- Senior Girls, Tuesday Independent preparatory school for girls, aged 3-11years. 18 October. Head talks at 3.45pm. 01628 411472; OPEN MORNING Wednesday 21 September, 9.30am- www.clairescourt.com. 11.30am, Friday 7 October, 9.30am to 11.30am. 01628 COWORTH FLEXLANDS SCHOOL, Chertsey Road, 624918; www.highfieldprep.org Surrey, GU24 8TE Independent Preparatory School & ST PIRAN’S, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead. A Co-Educational Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls 3-11 years. OPEN Prep School for boys and girls aged rising 3–11 years. OPEN MORNING Thursday 20 October 2016, 9.30am- MORNINGS, Saturday 15 October, 10am-12pm and 11.00am. Register: tel: 01276 855707; Friday 4 November, 9.15am-11am. 01628 594302; www.coworthflexlands.co.uk, @CoworthFlexSch www.stpirans.co.uk DAIR HOUSE SCHOOL, Bishop’s Blake, Beaconsfield MEADOWBROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL, Co-educational 18 months - 11 years OPEN DAY Warfield. Road, Farnham Royal, SL2 3BY. An independent school for Monday boys and girls aged 3-11 years. OPEN MORNING 17 October. Pre-Primary School, Bracknell Road, Warfield. 18 Thursday 13 October, 10am to 12noon. Call 01753 months-5 years: 9:30 - 11:00am. Primary School, Malt Hill, 643964 or email [email protected]; Warfield. 5 - 12 years: 1:45 - 3:00pm. Parents are welcome any www.dairhouseschool.co.uk time, if these dates are not suitable for you please call to make ETON END PREPARATORY DAY SCHOOL, 35 Eton an individual appointment to view the school: 01344 890869 Road, Datchet. Independent day school for boys aged 3-7 www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Friday 7 years and girls aged 3-11 years. OPEN DAY Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still October, 9.30am to 2.30pm. Alternatively personal tours going ahead. are always welcome. 01753 541075; www.etonend.org.

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 15 Education Special MUM HACKS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE NEW SCHOOL TERM Brace yourselves! After the long summer break, the new school term is finally here. It’s always hectic but writer Tanith Carey has some great time-saving tips from her new book, 'Mum Hacks - Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family life', which sets out to make it easier to keep your show on the road. Although the book contains hundreds of short-cuts, here are some of Tanith’s favourite tips:

Before School Starts • Some parents have told me they find it calming to stitch all The Families Thames Valley East team asked local way round the name tags when they are sewing them onto their parents from Bucks and Berkshire to give us their children’s new uniform. Fine, but if you are running out of time and still #MumHacks on facebook and twitter. Here are have a pile of kit to label, try this short-cut. Instead loop the name label our top ten. around and then simply put several secure stitches at one end. It will take one minute instead of ten! • It's that time of year when shoe shops are choc-full of parents buying their kids new shoes. If you’ve left it too late, to save yourself the queue, download a child’s foot chart off the internet and then order their shoes online. Your child’s foot will still need to be professionally measured every six months, but this is still a good option for emergencies. During Term Time • As soon as term starts, take a photo of your child’s class-list so you always have an at-a-glance reference guide - and a parent to call if you are running late. Take a shot of your child's school timetable too. • Are your sleepy heads making you late for school? Don’t waste precious time in the morning nagging. Just use some science and open the curtains. The natural light penetrates their eyelids and has been * I know this sounds crazy, a bit out there… but no TV on in found to stimulate the brain to release the hormones that naturally the morning. Absolute game changer. Shelley, Maidenhead wake them up. When the mornings get dark do the next best thing and * I've never tried it but I'm tempted to let them sleep in their turn on the light. clothes in September as its so stressful getting them dressed. • Packed lunches can be a chore. So cut down the time you spend Natalie, Marlow buttering and slicing bread. Roll fillings in soft flour or corn tortillas * Have all their uniforms laid out the night before, so they instead – or just make a hole in a pitta pockets and stuff with your know where everything is and can get washed and dressed child’s favourites. without shouting where's my shirt, skirt, shorts etc. Sam, • If you find your child keeps leaving their apple in their lunch box – Maidenhead and so is not getting their fruit at lunchtime - slice it up. Then to stop it turning brown, hold it together by putting a rubber band around it so * Make bread roll sarnies at the weekend for the week and it fits together and they can eat bit by bit. then freeze them. Take one out each morning. Sally, Cookham • If you’re having a hectic morning, use the leftovers from dinner the * Ask them what they think will help. When it's their own night before – or even breakfast. Cold pizza is delicious as an idea, they're more likely to engage with it and be willing to occasional treat, and no less nutritious than a sandwich, if more fat- tweak and reassess as term progresses. Judy, Burnham. laden. Sausages – including the vegetarian kind - are probably tastier * Buy five T-shirts and tunics/trousers as they will definitely cold. Mini pancakes, which don’t get eaten at breakfast can be come home caked in mud/board pens/food every day and surprisingly good – with some strawberries – as a dessert at lunch. then you won't need to do a mid-week wash. If you have a • Those few moments before you leave the house for the school girl, buy cardigans instead of jumpers for the same reason. run are often the most stressful time of the day for many parents. Tracey on facebook. Before term starts, train each child how to pull down their cuffs when * If you have younger children, buy a scooter. It halves the they are putting on coats so their sleeves don’t get uncomfortably time it takes to do the school run and (mostly) stops them bunched up. pausing to pick up twigs, leaves etc. Rachel, Maidenhead. * Batch Cook meals during the holiday as an activity with your kids and freeze them for easy dinners in that first week Mum Hacks: Time- of school. Sandra, Slough. saving tips to calm the * Make sure you arrange play dates with your child's new chaos of family life, by friends. It's good for the kids but it’s also good for you, Tanith Carey, especially if you don't get a chance to meet other mums at published by Crimson, the school gates. Sophia, Windsor. is available on Amazon * Get everyone (friends, family, neighbours) to support your and in good book kids reading. When you get a visitor, get them to listen to a shops, price £9.99. couple of pages. Your child gets extra practice and praise and you don’t forget the reading ‘homework’. Linda, Langley

16 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 17 Clubs and Classes Extravaganza STRETCHING YOUR CHILDREN- WHY CLUBS AND CLASSES ARE GOOD FOR YOUR CHILD

Whether or not you think you may be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the benefits of after school clubs. Whilst it may not be wise to have your little ones involved in different activities every night of the week, there’s no doubt that a few well-chosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover.

So, why are clubs so important? Competitive sports are also great for helps children learn languages more easily. Team sports like football, rugby, and learning difficult life lessons like being a The list is endless. There are clubs for netball are not only brilliant for keeping gracious winner - and loser. almost anything you can imagine. kids active but also helping them learn Meanwhile, learning a musical instrument However, new skills, team work and team work where they can begin to is ideal for discovering the art of practice, confidence building aside, the most appreciate what’s good for the whole patience and persistence. There is also important thing to think about when team, rather than just thinking of evidence to say that learning music also deciding which club to choose is the fun themselves. factor!

NEW FOR SEPTEMBER: FILM SCHOOL FOR AGES 10-14+ 5.15

Jazz. IST yaD ssalC emiT egA Monday Gold Team 5.15-7.15pm6 6-11 years

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS Monday Gold Team 5.15-7.15pm 12-18 years

Tuesday Little Star Performers 11.15-11.45am 6 months - 12 months FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL PART TIME SCHOOL Tuesday Musical Theatre 4.15-5.15pm 4-6 years Year 3 - Year 13 (Ages 7-18+) Ages 3-adult Tuesday Musical Theatre 5.15-6.15pm 6-8 years Academic education up to GCSE & 6th Form Outstanding Saturday and after school classes in

BTEC LEVEL 3 Ext alongside the best Performing Arts. Musical Theatre, Acting, Tuesday Creative Drama 4.15-5.15pm 6-8 years RAD Ballet Jazz. ISTD tap, numerous Tuesday Creative Drama 5.15-6.45pm 9-12 years performing arts training. performance opportunities. Tuesday Drama 6.45-8.15pm 13-18 years FAST TRACK PERFORMING ARTS Wednesday Fast Track P.A (15-21 years) 6.30-9pm 15-21 years Ages 16-21 GOLD TEAM Thursday Little Star Performers 11.15-11.45am 2-3 years Part time evening and elective daytime training Ages 6-18 Thursday Musical Theatre School 5-7.30pm 7-12 years package for students who wish to study part West End workshops professional repertoire and time at a professional level. performance learning from professional artistes Friday Little Star Performers 11.15-11.45am 1-2 years Suitable for all abilities. Saturday Little Stars Dance 9.15-10am 3-4 years Saturday Musical Theatre 9.15-10.15am 4-6 years Experience Days and Workshops Saturday Grade 2 Ballet 8.40-9.40am 8+ years Ages 5-16 Saturday Pre Primary Ballet 9.45-10.30am 4.5-5.5 years Fantastic courses and one day workshops are held at Redroofs throughout the year including: Saturday Grade 1 Ballet 10.30-11.15am 7+ years Billy Elliot Experience Day, So you want to be a Performer Audition Skills, October Half-Term 2-Day Workshop - The World's Worst Children, The Snowman & Saturday Primary Ballet 11.15-12 from 5.5 years other Christmas Tales, Through the Wardrobe Door Experi ence Day Saturday Baby Ballet 12-12.45pm 3-4.5 years and Step into the Secret Garden, Easter Highlight. Saturday Musical Theatre School 10.45-1.15pm 6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years REDROOFS AGENCY Saturday Drama School 10.30-1pm 13-18 years Saturday Musical Theatre School 1.45-4.15pm 6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years Ages 4-18 Representing our talented children and providing TV Film and theatre opportunities for suitable pupils. Saturday Grade 1 Tap 9-9.45am 5-7 years Saturday Grade 2 Tap 9.45-10.30am 7+ years PART-TIME CLASSES AND EASTER SCHOOL NOW BOOKING ONLINE www.redroofs.co.uk/coursesandworkshops 26 Bath Road,Maidenhead,SL6 4JT and Littlewick Green, Maidenhead SL6 3QY Tel 01628 674092 EMAIL [email protected] www.redroofs.co.uk

18 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

Arts Award – Creative Crusaders: Use blogs, Find the best class and club for your child in our scrapbooks, pictures and reports to work towards the Trinity Arts Award. Discover how brilliant yearly guide. When you call, don’t forget your interests relate to Norden Farm by to say you saw it in Families Thames Valley East! investigating activities and careers. Workshops from visiting practitioners, live events and leadership projects can all be part of the ACADEMIC TUITION academic development and confidence. They have experience. Terms are 10 weeks and awards can Explore Learning centres provide maths and excellent Pass Rate in 11+, 13+ and provide both English tuition for children aged 5–14 years, of all one-to-one and small size classes. Holiday be achieved over one or more terms. Thursdays. abilities. They get to know each child as an intensive courses in Maths, English Verbal 5.15pm – 6.45pm. School Year 7 – 13. £80 per individual and help them to fall in love with Reasoning and non Verbal Reasoning as well as term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, learning. Their goal - to build confident, fearless complete preparation & proven strategies for Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; learners who are hungry for knowledge. This achieving scholarship success in Academic, Music www.nordenfarm.org summer they’ve encouraged children and parents & Sports. Centres in Maidenhead, Langley, Art classes for adults and kids. Professional art to learn new skills together, showing off what Windsor and High Wycombe (see website for classes in Slough. For ages 5+- adults. Choose they’ve achieved back at school this September. more locations). Call: 07584 129188 or email from a wide range of classes: painting, drawing, [email protected]; Head online to find your local centre: painting on silk, arts and crafts, calligraphy, food www.moontuition.co.uk explorelearning.co.uk and call 01483 447 414 to art, landscape, mosaic, pottery and ceramics. ARCHERY book your FREE Trial session today. Berkshire Archery Association. There will also the opportunity to enter national Fleet Tutors. National tutoring service provider www.berkshirearchery.co.uk and international art competitions. Twice a year with over 39 years’ experience in helping students ART, CRAFTS & SEWING they hold art exhibitions in the Slough area, of all ages and academic backgrounds with Amanda’s Art Classes (drawing, painting, where the best art works will be exhibited. For personalised tuition. Specialising in small group collage and fun after school and in the holidays more information contact professional artist, revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all with artist Amanda Kavanagh). Ages: 6-12. Marinela Caldarus on 07501644537 or email academic subjects starting from school entry and Location: north Ascot. Book termly. Call: 01344 [email protected]. Common Entrance right up to GCSE, A-level and 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or see www.artclassesgroup.com university. Recommended by ‘The Good School’s www.amandasart.co.uk for further information. Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting - Guide’. Find out more at www.fleet-tutors.co.uk, Art Adventures : Drawing Experiments Explore well balanced fun, imaginative, instructional or email: [email protected] or call all the possibilities of playing with art materials to drawing and painting lessons by Teaching Artists 0845 644 5452. build up your drawing skills. Experiment with a Howland Tutors (Primary Maths and English, 11 wide range of drawing materials and exploring for children (ages 5- 16 years) in the Maidenhead, +, GCSEs, AS and A2). Location: homes of mark making. Suitable for ages 7+ years. Thur 15, Wokingham, Langley and Reading areas. students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 22 and 29 Sept. 4pm – 5.15pm. £30 per 3 week Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give 01628 477164; www.howlandtutors.co.uk course. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the your budding artists the skills required to express Moon Tuition prepares your child for 11+, 13+ Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; better visually. Call: 01628 634 418/0789 616 success with a specific focus on your child’s www.nordenfarm.org 5819; www.artspiration.co.uk

Come and be part of the adventure!

Weekdays at Windsor Leisure Centre and Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre,

Saturdays at BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture)

Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and street dance, with fully

teachers from one of the area’s best- loved and longest-established dance schools.

to book your free trial, email Candy.

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 19 Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

Busy Buttons ‘Be Arty’ club Art & Illustration Year 7 – 13. 4.30pm – 6pm. £80 per term. for 4-8 year olds, 8-11 year olds & 11- 15 year Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, olds. ‘Sew Arty’ club. Sewing and textiles for 6 Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; year olds to adults. ‘Behind The Scenes’ Animation www.nordenfarm.org and design course for 6 - 12 year olds & 11- 15 COOKING Louise Parkes School of Dance. Ballet, year olds. Location: Upton House School, St. Beverley Glock Cookery School. Cookery tap/modern classes for children and teens. Adult classes and parties for children, teenagers and Leonard’s Road, Windsor. Childcare Vouchers ballet and jazz classes for beginners, returners and adults. Call 01844 275692 or visit accepted, discounts available. Creative Holiday over 60s. All daytime and evening classes held in Camps during all school holidays. 07952 418212; www.beverleyglock.com CRICKET Marlow. Louise is a Registered Teacher of the www.busybuttons.org Royal Academy of Dance. Call: 07785 774087; Candle-Making Workshops. Learn the skills to Lots of local cricket clubs have a junior section www.louiseparkesschoolofdance.com make your own candles using natural soy and and coaching. Visit the Berkshire Youth Cricket Pat Steel School of Dance. Weekday classes in beeswax. Ages: Scheduled classes for adults but League website to search for local clubs and Maidenhead, and Windsor Leisure Centres and private parties for children and adults also competitions in their directory. berkshireycl.play- Saturdays at Altwood School, Maidenhead. Classes available. Dates: Sat 9th October, Sat 12th cricket.com also in Holtspur, Penn Street Bourne End, November, Thurs 24th November 10am - 1pm. DANCE Loudwater and Seer Green. Ballet, street dance, Location: Conservatory Workshop, Marlow, SL7 Bellydancing Lessons. Want to get fit, have fun modern and tap for 3yrs to adult. Call Candy 1QZ. Price: £49 per person (£89 for 2 people), and feel fabulous? Love to celebrate those curves and femininity? Who wants to shake it like includes all the equipment and materials plus Barker on 01494 673919 or email Shakira? Bellydancing lessons with Rachel coffee/tea/soft drinks and homemade cakes. Email [email protected]; Bennett School of Bellydance for Teens and [email protected], Tel: 01628 947224 www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk. Adults in Maidenhead, Windsor, and Wokingham. www.candlebyevents.co.uk Perform X. Brand new dance classes in Windsor Get your free online 10mins Bellydance workout Hands-on Art Adventures, Old Windsor: art, and Marlow for 6-12s. Brought to you by Perform, at www.rachelbellydancer.com craft and ceramics classes for Adults & Children these unique street and hip hop classes are Blossom Ballet (18 months +) Classes in designed to allow children to explore and express or just pop-in-and-paint pottery! Holiday central Windsor, Maidenhead and Cox Green Activities including the Potter's Wheel! For more themselves. For a free trial call 0207 255 9120 or throughout the week and at weekends. Classes visit perform.org/x. details about our Birthday Parties, Hen Parties, include ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Acro, Street Sanders Street specialises in street dance for Baby Showers and Corporate Teambuilding Events Dance and Cheerleading. Classes commence from ages 4-18. Learn new moves in a fun and friendly please see www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or 19th September. Free taster class for all new environment. It's a great way for students to build call 01753 206 265 pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place Upcycled Dragonfly Mobile: Led by Caroline [email protected]. 07813084283; confidence and keep active. Both street dance and Crawford. Delve into the wonderful world of www.blossomballet.com ballet classes are held weekly at venues across insects! Look at how an insect is made up then Bollywood Dance: An energetic modern Indian Maidenhead, Windsor, Cippenham and Bracknell. work with recycled materials and glass paint. dance style. These classes are a fusion of Indian For a FREE trial email [email protected] Create several individual dragonflies, suspending and western styles with Latino and Arabic or visit www.sandersstreet.co.uk them as a beautiful mobile to take home and influences. All terms are 10 weeks long and Sway Dance. Why not try exciting Street Dance display. Suitable for ages 7 – 11 years. Sat 22 Oct | suitable for all abilities. Tuesdays, 4.30pm – and Cheerleading lessons with Sway Dance at the 10am - 3pm. £23 (plus £2 materials) Location: 5.30pm, Ages 6+ years. £67 per term. Location: Magnet Leisure Centre? Get popping, locking and Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, grooving at their high energy Street Dance classes Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org or jumping, flipping and stunting in their action ATHLETICS Dance Inspired - Street Dance & packed Cheerleading lessons! Street Dance; British Athletics has lists of local clubs. See Contemporary Classes Ages 5-7 yrs, 7-10 yrs, Tuesdays 4.15pm-5.00pm, age 5-10 years, & www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs 11yrs- upwards and Adults Street Fitness Classes. Cheerleading; Thursdays 4.30pm-6.00pm, age Maidenhead Junior Athletics Club (track and Offering authentic Street Dance classes in Hip 5+years. Call the Centre on 01628 685333 for field sports and cross country). Ages: 7+. Saturday Hop, Break Dancing, Locking & House for all more information. 9.30-11am at Braywick Park, Maidenhead abilities as well holiday workshops. Based in Tamra's Dance Classes (TDC) Commercial www.maidenheadac.co.uk Maidenhead, Windsor & Burnham, Contact Amy at Street Dance Classes. Age: 3 year olds through to Slough Junior Athletics Club. Athletics and [email protected]; Teenagers. Location: The Marlow Club (classes www.danceinspired.co.uk fundamental movement skills (run, jump, throw) open to Non-members) Call: 07766584946 or Hawthorne School of Dance (4 years +) coaching for 5-19 year olds at Thames Valley email: [email protected]; Classes in central Windsor, Maidenhead and Cox Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. www.tamradance.com www.sjac.uk.com Green throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Acro, Twinkle Tots Dance. Enrol in classes online via Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow our website. Venues: Windsor, Sunningdale, Athletics Club. Track & Field Athletics Age: 10+. Street Dance and Cheerleading. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a Burnham, Bracknell and Warfield. Classes: Twinkle Location: Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 4- Lane, Eton. www.wseh.info place info@hawthorneschoolofdance 07813084283 5) RAD Ballet ( Age 5 up). BOARD GAMES JG Dance and Theatre College – ballet, jazz, www.twinkletotsdance.com, Email: Maidenhead Junior Chess Club (play and acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs in Chiltern Edge [email protected], or call Maggie on: tuition). Ages 5 - 18. Saturdays 9.30a.m. - 11.15a.m School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Marlow, 07828 857061 term time. Location: Claires Court Junior Boys Bourne End and Twyford, Tel: 01491 572000; Youth Dance: A lively fast paced class to a School, Cannon Lane, Maidenhead. Cost £3 per www.jgdance.co.uk soundtrack of current music. This is week. Call Nigel Dennis on 01491 576052, email Kathak Dance: Experience the dance style from contemporary dance smashed up and easy to [email protected]; Northern India known for intricate footwork and learn! All terms are 10 weeks long and suitable maidenheadchess.btck.co.uk or fast pirouettes. With bells around your ankles and for all abilities. Tuesdays, 9+ years. 5.45pm – 7pm. nigelwdennis.wix.com/mysite chance to perform in traditional costumes with £67 per term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for RBWM Games Clubs. Play board games. Ascot jewellery! Saturdays. 10.30am – 11.30am. £73 per the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 Library last Sat of the month. Maidenhead Library term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, every Sat 2-4pm. Windsor Library every sat 2- 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; FOOTBALL 4pm. Call 01628 796969 for more details, email www.nordenfarm.org Little Kickers offers fun, football classes for 18 [email protected] or visit www.rbwm.gov.uk Little Wrigglers: A thrilling, energetic and months to 7 year olds in a non-competitive COMPUTERS & MEDIA creative dance class. Explore imaginative themes environment. For Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Digi Den: The digital arts club. Take advantage of and adventures through dance, song and mime. our fantastic hardware, software and settings. Suitable for ages 2+ years. Fridays, 10am – Stoke Poges call 074121 66686 or e-mail Have a go and have fun filming, podcasting, 10.45am, £6 | £4.50 siblings | £20 for block [email protected]. For Maidenhead, creating stop-motion animation, using green booking of 4 sessions. Location: Norden Farm Bourne End, Henley & Marlow call 01628 526584 screen special effects and more! Suitable for all Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. or email [email protected]. To enrol go levels of experience. Tuesdays and Fridays. School 01628 682555 www.nordenfarm.or to www.littlekickers.co.uk

20 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

FITNESS HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING Hartbeeps and Babybeeps. Original multi- Go Figure offers a range of Pilates classes to suit Colts and Fillies Club at Ascot Racecourse. sensory music classes using song play, lighting all abilities and lifestyles. Classes include Pilates Free membership for racegoers under 17 who effects, innovative props and puppetry. From birth (all levels), Pregnancy Pilates, Buggy Classes and receive badge, binoculars, and Turf Talk newsletters to 4-year-olds. For Windsor, Burnham Datchet, Mumilates. To find out more or to sign up for a every quarter, with clubs news and details of family Maidenhead, Woodley, Earley and Wokingham class today visit. www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah days. Members also get access to an exclusive contact Liz on 07985 935662 or email 07938 588029 viewing at the Parade Ring and a behind the [email protected]. Let’s go Mummy Buggy Class! A fun exercise scenes tour. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk MAD Academy - Music-And-Dance classes using class which allows mummy and baby to exercise Windsor Horse RangersVoluntary organisation songs, rhythms, instruments, listening games and together. Suitable from 8 weeks to walking. that teaches children about riding and looking props for children from 3 months to 4 years at Location: Maidenhead. For further info visit after horses. They have a 4-5 year waiting list. Age: locations throughout the Families area. Education www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah 07938 588029. 8+. Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield. 01628 that’s high-octane and fun. They do Birthday [email protected] 636255. www.windsor-horse-rangers.org.uk Parties too! For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley and GYMNASTICS MINDFULNESS Charvil call Emma on 07935 248749 or email Mindfulness for Children: Led by Lynne Wilkes. Gymtots (pre-school gymnastics). Age: walking [email protected]. For Windsor, Helping to improve concentration and learning. to 3+, accompanied by adult. Location: Altwood Ascot and Sunningdale call Kate on 01753 830162 School, Maidenhead, 10:00 am Wednesday to The course teaches skills for coping with stress or email [email protected]. For Saturday. 07 957 223 124 / and anxiety. It helps children to feel happier and Langley, Iver, Wraysbury & Staines call Rosie on MaidenheadGymnastics.uk. more fulfilled as they make their way in life. 07746 922 648 or email Gymtots (advanced class). Age: 3-5 years, Saturday 10 – 24 Sept and 29 Oct – 12 Nov. [email protected]; unaccompanied. Location: Altwood School, 11.45am – 12.45pm. £10 per session or £24 for 3 www.madacademy.com Maidenhead at 3:15 pm, Wednesday and Friday. 07 sessions Location: Norden Farm Centre for the 957 223 124 / MaidenheadGymnastics.uk. Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s to 8s Maidenhead Gymnastics Club. Age: Boys 4 – 8 www.nordenfarm.org (structured programme of group musicianship years; Girls 4 – 13 years. Location: Altwood MUSIC classes for children). Ages: 2-8. Location: Jurgens School, Maidenhead, after school and Saturdays. Concertini: Live music concerts for children and Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Nikhil 07 957 223 124 / MaidenheadGymnastics.uk their families. Each ‘Concertini’ features a different Dally, 01932 241196. Phoenix Gymnastics Club. Ages: Teenies gym live musician or ensemble and is designed to www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes 18 months - 3 years, Minis gym, 3-5 years, introduce children to different styles of live music Stepping Notes Violin School (individual Recreational Gym, 5+. Under 5's PlayGym and musical instruments, to nurture a love of lessons, violin ensemble & musicianship classes). birthday parties and holiday classes too. Location: music and to provide an opportunity for parents Ages: 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Angela Dally, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881; and carers to listen to live music with their 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/violin.htm. www.phoenixgym.co.uk or find them on children in a relaxed community setting. Concerts Taplow Choirs (four choirs, for young children, Facebook. are produced in an enjoyable way and are boys and girls). Ages: 7-19. Location: Taplow village HOCKEY currently scheduled to take place in Cookham, centre. Turn up on Saturday in term time for Maidenhead Hockey Club. Age: 5-18. Location: Norden Farm in Maidenhead, Marlow, Bourne End children’s (10.00 am) and boy’s (11.15 am) choir. Maidenhead & Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. and Twyford. To find out more or to buy tickets for Auditions for girls and youth. maidenheadhc.org.uk upcoming Concertini’s visit www.concertini.co.uk www.taplowchoirs.org.uk for info. Marlow, Henley & High Wycombe BE ASK ABOUT OUR GOOD TWO WEEK AT TRIAL BEING YOURSELF

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

[email protected]

[email protected] ™

® 01494 533203 Creative Courage For Life Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. operated under franchise and are Arts Schools are Stagecoach Theatre Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd. trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Stagecoach is a registered

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 21 Maidenhead Gymnascs Club & Gymtots Gymnascs based physical educaon for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead. Visit:- MaidenheadGymnascs.uk

Or Telephone / Text 07 957 223 124 for details

MUSIC SCHOOL FOR THE 2s TO 8s

Tuesday afternoons

Jurgens Centre 91 Harvest Road Englefield Green Surrey

For further information, contact Nikhil Dally: 01932 241196 • www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes

22 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

NATURE Ascot call 01344 206466; Maidenhead 0118 TRAMPOLINING Braywick Nature Centre. Nature-based craft 9712870; Bracknell 01342 833380; Bracknell Jump In. Bunny Jump and Kangaroo Jump classes and activity sessions for children aged 4 -11 North: 0808 208 5134; High Wycombe, Henley for toddlers (1-5), weekly, year-round. Location: during the school holidays. Bushcraft and Bug and Marlow 01494 533 203; Windsor 0845 293 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For more info visit: Mania parties also available. Braywick Nature 7207; www.stagecoach.co.uk www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 387080 or email: Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead. Booking Youth Theatre: Join the only youth drama group [email protected] Essential. 01628 777440. in Maidenhead which rehearses in a professional Jump In. Fitness classes for adults, weekly, year- www.groundwork.org.uk theatre! Each term you’ll create a show and round. Location: 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For NETBALL perform in our studio or on the main stage, with more info visit: www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 Lots of local Netball clubs have a junior section lighting, sound and staging from Norden Farm’s 387080 or email: and coaching. Visit www.berkshirenetball.co.uk technical crew. Terms 10 weeks long, no auditions, [email protected] ORIENTEERING suitable for all abilities and end with a sharing or Jump In. Teen nights & family nights, weekly, year- Berkshire Orienteers stages orienteering performance. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and round. Location: 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For events across Berkshire for people of all Sundays, times vary. Junior Youth Theatre - school more info visit: www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 orienteering abilities and ages. For more details years 2 – 6. Youth Theatre, school years 7 – 11. 387080 or email: [email protected] Academy, school years 12+. £67 - £97 per term. visit www.bko.org.uk Rush Toddler Crèche & Play area. Sessions Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, PERFORMING ARTS are held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation COmotion Theatre School has launched a Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Road, High Wycombe for ages 0-4. Rush now new school in Englefied Green. They provide offers a fantastic Toddler Play area for under-4’s foundation training in three central disciplines PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITY CLASS Teddies Music Club alongside the trampoline courts to keep your (singing, dancing and acting) in a fun, safe : Teddies is energetic, lively and fun for grown-ups and children alike, with a little ones entertained during an open jumping environment, for children age 6-18. They cover a singer and musician at every session. Suitable for session. In addition, they also offers Toddler wide range of styles and techniques and also put ages 0-5 years. Wednesdays, 10am – 11am, £5 | £4 Crèche sessions to give parents a break in their on shows every year, as they believe the only way siblings Location: Norden Farm Centre for the café or an opportunity to take part in a fitness a student can develop as a performer is to Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555 class. These sessions are held in either the toddler perform! Register for a FREE trial today at www.nordenfarm.org play area or on the trampolines and are www.comotiontheatreschool.co.uk or call REMOTE CONTROL interactive sessions for under 4’s accompanied 07729214655 Slough RC Model Club. Ages: all, but junior with Disney music, fun and games, and will include Mellor Performing Arts School in Burnham. members must be accompanied by a club official. bouncing, tumbling, foam pit fun, soft play and The school offers fun classes to tots through to Location: Upton Court Park, Slough. much more! To find out more email: adults. Amongst the many classes on offer are: www.srcmc.co.uk [email protected] or visit www.rushuk.com. Baby ballet, Cheerleading and Musical theatre. RUGBY Rush Trampoline and Tumble. Classes are There really is something for everyone. Check the For details of local rugby clubs go to held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation website www.mpaschool.co.uk to find your class www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/find-rugby/, Road, High Wycombe. Rush offers classes for today! which can do a postcode search. every age and ability. Their fully qualified Perform (weekly dance, drama and singing Maidenhead Rugby Union Football Club. instructors will increase your confidence and workshops). Ages: 4-7. Perform 7-12s. Locations: Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground. teach you a variety of skills, tricks and flips on Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton, Twyford and Virginia Maidenhead. www.maidenheadrfc.com their trampolines and tumble lanes. Visit Water. Free trial session.020 7255 9120. SCHOOL SUPPORT www.rushuk.com now for all the information you www.perform.org.uk/try Touch-Type, Read and Spell with Yvonne need or e-mail [email protected]. Thomas SpLd Tutor, Maidenhead. After Razzamatazz Marlow & Reading theatre school Rush Freestyle. Classes are held at Rush UK school clubs designed for all learning styles for ages 4-18. They offer a mix of street dance, Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High musical theatre, pop singing and drama. For a free including dyslexia, dyspraxia. I teach muscle Wycombe for children aged 5+. For the more taster session for Marlow call 01628 854944 or memory. This life skill used at speed improves adventurous, Rush has amazing Freestyle coaching email [email protected] and for Reading school work, homework and exams. £20 per available on a Monday and Wednesday. An industry call 0118 4050 060 or email session. Call 07929 528642 or visit professional will give you the confidence and skills [email protected]; www.dttts.co.uk. Holiday courses are available. you need to impress all your friends on the www.razzamataz.co.uk The Reading Eggs programme has been trampolines. From wall walking, to super cool flips Redroofs Theatre School, Full-Time created to help children aged 3-13 to learn to you will be guided through three levels of Performing Arts School for ages 9-16, (Co-ed read and further develop those skills. The Freestyle practice. To find out more information academic and vocational school, years 5 to 11), programme is all online and can be used on a please e-mail [email protected] or visit Sixth form for ages 16-18 years (BTEC, A Level computer, laptop and most tablets making it their website www.rushuk.com and teacher training) and 1 Year Foundation instantly attractive to children. For a 5 week free Rush Junior Fitness Course for 18-19 years (intensive training in trial visit www.readingeggs.co.uk/read8 . Classes are held at Rush performing arts). Part-time & Weekend Schools SKIING / SNOWBOARDING UK Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High for ages 6 months-19. Musical Theatre School, Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink. Skiing lessons Wycombe for children aged 6-17. What could be for 4+; Snowboarding for 9+; Skating lessons for Drama School, Dance School, Special Gold more fun than working out on the trampolines at 5+ Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell. Training Package for talented children. New for Rush. Junior fitness sessions run weekly, during Rink: 01344 789000 Ski: 01344 789002. September: Film School for ages 10-14+ and Little term-time (please note sessions only run when www.jnlbracknell.co.uk Star Performers for ages 6 months - 3. Agency you have pre-booked your slot) An hour session, SWIMMING set to music, with one of their fantastic fitness Representation in TV, Film and theatre for all Swimming Lessons for children and adults of all pupils. Holiday courses, Professional master instructors – it’s so much fun, you almost forget abilities. Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, you are exercising! To find out more information classes and musical theatre parties. Locations: Maidenhead. Tel: 01628 685333. Windsor Leisure Bath Road, Maidenhead and School Lane, please e-mail [email protected] or visit Centre, Stovell Road, Clewer Mead, Windsor. Tel: their website www.rushuk.com Littlewick Green and Novello Theatre Sunninghill, 01753 778577. Includes unlimited swimming when Nr. Ascot. Call 01628 674092 or go to WATERSPORTS you become a member. Liquid Leisure Aqua Park & Wakeboard Park. www.redroofs.co.uk to see their full schedule. You Seriously FUN Swimming Schools. Age: Swim The Kids Cable Club runs Saturday and Sunday can also find them on facebook. Babies (4-36 months), Juniors (3-12 years), mornings Between 9am & 11am. Beginner Boat & Sparky’s Drama. Performing Arts classes for all Academy (+12 years). Locations: Teikyo Japanese ages in Cookham, Mondays & Wednesdays. Learn School, Slough; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Cable Courses are suitable for first time new skills, build confidence, socialize and have fun Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham; Manor Green waterskiers or wakeboarders from 5 years old. in a friendly environment! Classes run by School, Maidenhead; Thames Club, Staines; Set on a freshwater private lake, the waterpark experienced teachers and industry Maplewood School, High Wycombe; Aylesbury also features an Aqua Park suitable for 8 year +, professionals.They cover everything in an actor’s Grammar School, Aylesbury. Call 01753 364 364 beach area, open swimming (for 8 years plus) and toolkit from acting on camera, stage or book online at www.seriouslyfun.net a licensed café bar. Visit www.liquidleisure.com, performances, games and improve., as well as Splash School, swimming lessons in Maidenhead, email [email protected] or call 01753 542 singing and dance in Musical Theatre. Book your for children aged 3 years to adults. 6 children per 500 free trial: Call Amber 07889 311414 or Email: class. Qualified ASA and CRB checked instructors. [email protected] Lessons held at Manor Green School, Maidenhead Details correct at time of going to press: August Stagecoach. Fun, confidence-building, and Newlands Girls School, Maidenhead. To book 2016. You can view this directory online at educational classes in acting, singing and dance. please call 01628 317558 or email www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/east-berkshire/in-the- Ages: 4-18. Locations: the whole Families area. For [email protected]; www.splashschool.co.uk know/clubs-and-classes-directory-2016

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 23 ThamesValley East Advertise for as little as £40 plus VAT. Call: 01628 627586 to book now

Blossom

A fun Ballet introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds For a FREE taster class Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com or for further information please contact Lucy: Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell 07813084283 RAD ballet grades from Age 5+ [email protected] Why not try a themed birthday www.blossomballet.com party for your son or daughter!

Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends. Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL Cooking Classes Workshops Parties

For Little Kickers classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, For children Henley & Marlow. Call 01628 526 584 or email [email protected]. Real Cooking Approved football training for kids aged For Little Kickers classes at Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Classes for 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a adults Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun! [email protected] Call for Birthday Party entertainment information 01844 275692 www.beverleyglock.com www.littlekickers.co.uk

24 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Clubs and Classes News

Live concerts for families launch across the Thames Valley Redroofs Concertini provide live music concerts for children and their families in a relaxed setting launches and are holding events in Marlow, Bourne new Film End, Cookham, Maidenhead and Twyford. Concertini was launched during the School Cookham Festival in May 2015 by local Local performing arts musician, music teacher and mum Julia school is expanding Bentley Dawkes. Born into a musical family Julia knows how beneficial live music can be Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and and is passionate about introducing it as early Marlow is looking for students aged 4 to Action…Redroofs School for the Performing as possible. Each ‘Concertini’ features a Arts is opening a new film school as part of their 18 years who love to sing, dance and act to different live musician or ensemble and is join them for their new term in September. part-time syllabus this September. The class will produced in a relaxed and enjoyable way. be open to all keen young creatives and technical Principal Clare Gosling reflects on what Children are encouraged to get up close to moviemakers, aged 10-13 (Junior Crew) and 14+ an amazing year it’s been. She has just the instruments whilst adults can sit back and (Media School). Their weekly class (Wednesdays come back from performing in France, listen to live music in a relaxed community 5.30-7.30pm), workshops and courses aim to where 111 of her Stagecoach students and setting. To buy tickets for upcoming inspire teams of young media-interested students families have been singing and dancing the ‘Concertini’s’ visit www.concertini.co.uk through practical filmmaking exercises, shooting, dream at Disneyland Paris! editing, script writing and much more. Through their network industry contacts She is also celebrating an important Redroofs will bring in current industry anniversary: “This coming year will see my practitioners to lead hands-on workshops, talks 10th year as principal, with 20 years of and Q and A's. High Wycombe Stagecoach, and 30 years This is a class for the wannabe filmmaker, the since the franchise was born, which means artist, the weaver of stories and those who want 2017 will be the biggest year at Stagecoach to learn something new and interesting. It may yet!” also be useful for a child who aspires to work in the creative industries. The school has a new mid-week classes During classes students operate professional in central High Wycombe for 4-10 years cameras and use industry kit and terminology. and a new Further Stages class for 14-18 They will also get the chance to create, shoot years in Henley meeting every Saturday and act in their films and work with real TV morning, 10am-1pm. scripts. Other highlights for the coming year Also new for the autumn term: Little Star include: Regional Performance at Wycombe Performers, week day classes for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Swan with 18 students performing; The To find out more go to www.redroofs.co.uk hugely successful PAA exams; Performance opportunities at Her Majesty’s Theatre, New Mum and Baby Class in Maidenhead London; Opportunities at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Plus their 10 year Spectacular Why not start the week with an exercise class core muscles and releasing the aches and pains that you can bring your baby along to? Let’s Go of motherhood. Babies up to the age of crawling anniversary show at the Wycombe Swan Mummy Buggy class is now being held on are very welcome. Classes are being held on For more information or to book your Monday and Friday mornings, 10.45 – 11:45am Tuesday afternoons, 2-3pm, St Peters Church 2-week trial, please contact Principal Clare at Braywick Nature Reserve, Maidenhead. Hall, Furze Platt, Maidenhead. Gosling on 01494 533203 or email Also new to the Go Figure schedule is To find out more, please go to [email protected]; Mumilattes, a postnatal Pilates class. This class is www.gofigure.org.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow all about mum and retraining all your essential

Want to shake it like Shakira?

Get your free bellydance workout at www.rachelbellydancer.com

Windsor, Maidenhead, Twyford & Wokingham

Photo by Maani Vadgama

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 25 • Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties

REDROOFS

L itt l e SPe trformers ar

Session Times Day Time Age group Tu esdays11.15-11.45am6 months -1 year Thursdays 11.15-11.45am2-3 years Fridays11.15-11.45am1-2 years

How do I book? Please visit our website www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers E: [email protected] | T: 01628 674092 www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4JT

26 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected]

Compiled by Siobhan Newman What’s On Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Visit Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens for Model Boat Regatta at Black Park, The Noteworthy Singers are at Norden Hertitage Open Days in September September 4 Farm, September 11

Ancient monuments, poets, musicians and World War II and returning to Hardwick Central Station. Journeys take are an unexpected mix in an ancient woodland. Join a 2½ about 15 to 20 minutes. Adult £4.50, Child £3.50, Family SEPTEMBER hour walk to discover how they are all connected. £13. www.cockcrow.co.uk During September & October. DISCOVER Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to- Sunday September 4 MODEL BOAT REGATTA SPECIAL SCULPTURES WITH PETE & POPPY. do/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/ Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU, Until Saturday September 3 THE SUPERHERO 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Join the fun at the Annual Regatta 01784 485 400. Discover sculptures in the Savill Garden. SCIENCE SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, held by Black Park Model Boat Club, there is even a Plus make your mark on a giant public mural and create Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Are chance to captain your own model boat. Free, but pay and you a superhero? Come and find out in this science show. display parking charges apply. No booking required. your own natural collage. Look out for their weekly The engaging show looks at super strengths, invisibility, www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page photo competition taking place every week too. mind reading and has fun with science experiments and a Sunday September 4 INTERACTIVE www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk little help from the audience. http://www.bracknell- STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre Friday September 2 and Saturday 3 MUCH ADO forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 ABOUT NOTHING Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, Tuesdays - Sunday, until Sunday September 4 788997. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den, SL6 0JA. Enjoy Shakespearean comedy at its best in the BEACH AT THE FARM Norden Farm Centre for the followed by a yummy Sunday lunch. Age guidance 4 to 7 tranquillity of Cliveden's Water Garden. Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. years. Times vary, £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Aloha at the arts clay in the sand. Join in craft or story Runs every other Sunday until mid-December. Every Saturday PARKRUN at Braywick Park Braywick telling sessions in the specially designed story den or try www.nordenfarm.org Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 some indoor surfing courtesy of green screen technology! Sunday September 4 FAMILY FUN RUN AT 1UU. 01628 777440. A weekly, timed, free 5km run. Starts Family films screened. 10am to 4pm. www.nordenfarm.org MAIDENHEAD HALF MARATHON Maidenhead 9am. Register online before first run. Sunday September 4 RUNNING DAY Great Town Centre, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Children, www.parkrun.org.uk/maidenhead Cockcrow Railway, Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, adults or the whole family can take part together in this 1.5- Saturday 3 September THE HISTORY OF KT16 0AD. 01932 565474. Miniature train rides for ages 2 mile fun run, held on closed roads. Children under 9 years old BURNHAM BEECHES Burnham Beeches, Lord years+. Open every Sunday until 30 October, from must be accompanied by a registered paying adult. Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham 1.30pm - 5pm. Booking office closes at 4:45pm. There are www.purplepatchrunning.com/index.php/maidenhead-half- Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647 358. two different routes you can choose from, both departing marathon

Be Amazed...The Look Out Discovery Centre THE ART GARDENS Science and discovery fun - over 90 activities.

Bring this advert to get one free child with one full paying adult*. Valid until 31/10/16 *Terms and conditions apply. Art for everyone 1 September – 31 October The Brilliant Brain Show Join in with a fantasc range of arty acvies at The Savill Garden 17 September 2016 - 3 January 2017 this autumn. Shows run at weekends and school Why not make your mark on our giant public mural, show off your holidays. Age 3+ photography skills in our weekly compeon or create your own natural collage? With our fun acvity worksheet and 60 eye-catching Open 10am - 5pm sculptures to explore, there’s plenty for everyone to do. every day Free entry for children. Adult admission fees apply. The Look Out Discovery Centre The Savill Garden Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Windsor Great Park TW20 0UJ Tel: 01344 354400 01784 485 400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery windsorgreatpark.co.uk Families TVE

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 27 What’s On Please email [email protected] with any events.

Fashioning A Reign is at Windsor Castle Walk round Ankerwyke, near Runnymede, See the heavy horses working at COAM, from September 17 Sunday September 18 September 24 and 25

Tuesdays from September 6 to 27 September Saturday September 10 MAIDENHEAD NIGHT Sunday September 11 IT'S SHOW TIME! WITH CHIDDLERS' HOUR The Roald Dahl Museum and MARKET Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, THE NOTEWORTHY VOCAL QUARTET Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Berkshire’s answer to Las Ramblas Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, 0AL. 01494 892192. Songs, storytelling, crafts & free play, in Barcelona, with stalls, food and live entertainment. Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A relaxed family 0-3yrs. 10am -11am. £3. www.roalddahl.com/museum There will be a bar from Smokey Joes, great street food concert of top tunes where children aged 0 to 5 years Thursday September 8 and Friday 9 TODDLER from Eat On The High Street, a kids zone and other stalls. can move around and interact with the music. Hits include DAY - AT THE SEASIDE The Look Out Discovery The headline act will be Chico. favourites from The King and I, 42nd Street and Carousel. Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 www.enjoymaidenhead.com £10, £8 under 16s, Babies under 18 months free.11.30am. 354400. Enjoy arts, crafts and dressing up at this special Saturday September 10 COMMUNITY & CRAFT www.nordenfarm.org day for parents and toddlers. http://www.bracknell- MARKET Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne Sunday September 11 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre End, SL8 5SX. 0845 2303232. Local produce & quality arts EAT ON THE STREET, Maidenhead Town Centre, Friday September 9 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Black and crafts. 10am - 1pm. www.beccmark.co.uk High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Vintage stalls, street Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. Saturday September 10 MEET THE BEEKEEPERS 01753 511060. If you go down to the woods today, you're Hughenden National Trust, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. food and a great atmosphere. Live music as well. 11am - sure of a big surprise! Bring a favourite cuddly toy and 01494 755573. Learn all about the fascinating honey giving 4pm. some delicious picnic treats and enjoy stories, fun and creatures, purchase candles made from hive produce, plus Sunday September 11 HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT games in Black Park. £3 per child. Booking essential 11am. kid's bee themed trail, Drop-in. 11am to 4pm. Normal STOKE POGES MEMORIAL GARDENS Grays Car parking fees also apply. www.buckscc.gov.uk admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Monument, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ. Unique Saturday September 10 HERITAGE OPEN DAY Saturday September 10 and Sunday 11 CARTERS chance to join a guided walk of St Giles' Church, the AT CLIVEDEN Taplow, SL6 0JA. Explore the woodland, STEAM FAIR at Holyport Green, The Green, SL6 2JL. Thomas Gray Monument and have tea at the exclusive the beautiful grounds, the Parterre, the Storybook Play Beautiful old-fashioned fairground rides. With free Stoke Park Mansion (limited spaces). The tour lasts Den with wooden carvings of favourite storybook fireworks at 9pm on Saturday. Admission free, dogs approximately 2.5 hours and starts at 2pm. Booking characters and the Cliveden Maze. Free entry. welcome. Saturday noon - 10.30pm, Sunday noon - 8pm. essential. Email: [email protected], www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/cliveden www.carterssteamfair.co.uk www.heritageopendays.org.uk

28 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Compiled by Siobhan Newman What’s On Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Wondercrump Wildlife at The Roald Dahl Back to Blackbrick is at Norden Farm Fabulous Fungi at Runnymede NT, Museum and Story Centre, September 25 on October 9 October 22

Sunday September 11 FUN DOG SHOW Gerrards How do our brains work? This show will reveal all...Please Sunday September 25 WONDERCRUMP Cross Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards note, the show runs at weekends and school holidays, WILDLIFE The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Cross, SL9 7AD. 01753 883759. Dog competitions and subject to audience numbers. www.bracknell- Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 agility challenges as well as fun activities for the children. forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre 0AL. 01494 892192. Come and get crafty with the Beer tent and barbecue available all afternoon. From 12 Saturday September 17 to January 8 2017 Wildlife Trust, and find out about the living landscapes noon. £1 per entry. www.gxca.org.uk FASHIONING A REIGN Windsor Castle, Windsor, Monday September 12 PRE-SCHOOL around Buckinghamshire, all ages.11am - 4pm. Free for Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. Celebrating the 90th Birthday of Her museum visitors. www.roalddahl.com/museum CONCERTINI St Dunsten’s Church, Bourne End, SL8 Majesty The Queen through a display of fashionable dress 5AR. Specifically designed for pre-schoolers and young Sunday September 25 DUCKPOND MARKET through the decades of her reign and raiment. Magnificent Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, children, this concert is all about inspiring children (and evening gowns and elegant day ensembles worn at official SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Visit the Duckpond Artisan grown-ups) with live music in a relaxed and friendly events will be contrasted with fancy-dress costumes worn environment. Melanie Martin – Viola.10.30 – 11.30am. Market at Black Park Car Park on the last Sunday of Ages 0-5. Adults £8.50, Child Free. www.concertini.co.uk by the young Princess Elizabeth for wartime family pantomimes at the Castle. Adult £20, Over 60/Student every month. Browse the range of stalls selling locally Saturday September 17 and Sunday 18 1940’S made arts & crafts, gifts, vintage, homewares and WEEKEND Hughenden National Trust, High Wycombe, (with valid ID) £18.20, Under 17 / Disabled £11.70, Under 5 Free, Family £51.70 (2 adults and 3 under 17s). clothing sold by our best local artists, crafters, food HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. See what Hughenden was like producers and ethical businesses. during the War, events will include re-enactors, www.royalcollection.org.uk performers, vehicles, costumes, stalls and much more. Sunday September 18 GREAT BRITISH WALK: www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page 10am - 5pm. Normal admission applies. THE STORY OF ANKERWYCKE Ankerwyke, Magna Saturday September 24 and Sunday 25 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Carta Lane, Near Wraysbury, TW19 5AG. 08442 491 895. WORKING HEAVY HORSES Chiltern Open Air Saturday September 17 to January 2017THE Learn about how Ankerwycke has changed through time, Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St BRILLIANT BRAIN SHOW The Look Out Discovery from fascinating stories of the Priory nuns and the ancient Giles, HP8 4AB. Meet the working heavy horses & learn Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 Yew and how the National Trust looks after it. 11am- about the importance of the heavy horse in traditional 354400. Hands-on science fun looking at imagination, 12.30pm/ £6 adult, £3 child. farming. 11am - 4pm. Adult £10, Child £6.50. optical illusions, memory senses and special brain games www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede www.coam.org.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 29 What’s On Please email [email protected] with any events.

Halloween Festival at Odds Farm Park The Big Draw at Windsor Castle, Den Building by the Campfire at Black Park, October 21-31 October 22-30 October 25

Saturday October 8 and Sunday 9 APPLE DAYS dusk (to give the ghouls some down time) but that still OCTOBER AND TASTINGS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 leaves a lot of spooky stuff open to enjoy. Dressing up 0JA. There'll be tours of the Round Garden, apple encouraged! www.legoland.co.uk Every Tuesday in October. DISCOVER AUTUMN pressing, apple-themed crafts for children and tastings. Friday October 21 to Monday 31 HALLOWEEN AT CLIVEDEN. Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 11am - 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden FESTIVAL Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common 0JA. Enjoy a free guided tour and see the changing colour Sunday October 9 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT Road, HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Carve a Pumpkin & throughout the Gardens. Led by a member of their ON THE STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, High discover plenty more 'Tricks & Treats'! Plus join in with gardens team. These walks are very popular, so arrive Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB Vintage stalls, street food the Madness & Mayhem of the Crazy Entertainers! early to ensure you secure a place. On a first come, first and a great atmosphere. 11am-4pm. 10am - 5.30pm. Normal admission plus small charge for served basis. Please meet outside the Information Sunday October 9 BACK TO BLACKBRICK pumpkin. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Centre. Normal admission charges apply, advanced Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Friday October 21 to Monday 31 WOODLAND booking not needed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A captivating story WONDERS HALLOWEEN TRAIL Burnham Saturdays from October 1 to 15 & October Half through love and memory, with live music. Cosmo Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, keeps a promise to his grandad to go to Blackbrick. He Term THE BIG DRAW AT THE CASTLE Windsor Farnham Common, SL2 3TE.Pick up a leaflet from the finds a forgotten corner of a distant past. It is a past that Information Point and guide yourself along this spooky Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. Take part in this his grandad has never talked about. A brand new national celebration of art and drawing, and be inspired Halloween themed trail. Aimed at children up to 12. adaptation of Sarah Moore Fitzgerald's beautiful novel Bring a pencil. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to- by the beautiful castle. Usual admission fees apply (free about Alzheimer's and time travel. With a live original entry with Advantage Card). www.royalcollection.org.uk do/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/ folk score. 2pm. www.nordenfarm.org Sunday October 23 FABULOUS FUNGI Saturday October 1 and Sunday 2 KNITTING Tuesday October 11 and Sunday 12 IN THE WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Runnymede National Trust, Windsor Road, Old JUNGLE TODDLER DAY The Look Out Discovery Windsor, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. Join a local expert to Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Meet Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 learn about the weird and wonderful fungi of Coopers the experts & have a go at different knitting methods, 354400. Go wild for October's themed activities for Hill Woods as they emerge for the autumn. Discover suitable for all ages & levels. 11am - 4pm. parents and toddlers from 10am - 4pm. Includes art and how to identify this often overlooked but vital craft activities, story-telling and face or hand painting. www.coam.org.uk component of our ecosystem. Booking essential. 11am- www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Wednesday October 5 MINISTRY OF SCIENCE 1pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede LIVE Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Saturday October 15 and Sunday 16 TRADITIONAL HARVEST FESTIVAL Chiltern Saturday October 22 to Sunday 30 WITCHES & Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 514444. Entertaining, WIZARDS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA. explosive & fun science show which comes with a Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Explore the sights, sounds Every day in October Half-Term (11am-2.30pm). Estate hovercraft built on stage & a human cannon. Booking opens 10am-5.30pm. Come dressed in your wildest required. 6pm. Adult £16, Child £14, Family £56. & smells of harvest past with folk singers, family harvest crafts, traditional apple pressing & harvest displays. wizard and witch outfit and learn how to whittle your www.wycombeswan.co.uk 11am - 4pm. www.coam.org.uk own magic want (ages 4-11). £2 per child. Normal Thursday October 6 MACBETH: BLOOD WILL Saturday October 15 BABY FAIR Wycombe Swan admission charges apply. 01628 605069; HAVE BLOOD Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Cliveden Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. 01494 514444. Stalls, free children's activities, goody Monday October 24 to Friday 28 SPOOKY This one man adaptation takes us on a break-neck bags, exclusive Baby Fair offers, free workshops & taster TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, journey through the blood-soaked world of Macbeth.It sessions, tea room & more. 10am - 2pm. Free entry. Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Follow the map and uses razor sharp storytelling, a dramatic on screen www.wycombeswan.co.uk clues to find all the spooky clues hidden in Black Park. world and a heart-stopping soundtrack. Young audiences Saturday October 15 to Monday 31 BRICK OR 10am - 3pm. Pick up your map from the Information (and their families) are offered a glimpse into life under TREAT Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY. point. Answer the quiz sheet and earn yourself a little Scotland’s tyrant King. Suitable for ages 9+ years. 1pm 0871 2222 001. Bring your little monsters to the daily treat! (max 2 treats per map) and 7pm. www.nordenfarm.org Halloween-themed activities. Some rides may close at www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page

Thames Valley East

[email protected] 01628 672586

30 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Compiled by Siobhan Newman What’s On Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Enjoy arts and crafts at Norden Farm The Tinderbox is at Norden Farm Spectacular fireworks at Legoland Windsor over the October half term on October 26 in October and November

Monday October 24 FILM WALK Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wednesday October 26 to Sunday 30 FAMILY FUN AT THE HELLFIRE Wexham, SL3 6DR, 0845 370 8090. Explore some of the locations from popular film CAVES, Church Lane, West Wycombe, HP14 3AH. 01494 533739. Hallowe'en fun in the and TV productions. Black Park has played host to a great number of major film, courtyard including spooky games, colouring & fancy dress competitions at the television and music productions over the years, including Harry Potter and James atmospheric caves, small charge for face painting. 11am - 5pm. Free event but normal Bond.10am - 11.30am. Booking essential. £5 Adult, £3 Child. Well behaved dogs admission applies to enter the caves. www.hellfirecaves.co.uk welcome. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Thursday October 27 and Friday 28 NEXT STEPS: DANCE INTENSIVE Monday October 24 SHARK IN THE PARK Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Join Timothy Pope (and his Experience being an A-Troupe dancer in a real dance studio for two jam packed days. telescope!) on his exciting adventures. A fin-tastic family musical from the creative Suitable for ages 9 – 12 years. No audition necessary. Led by Charlie Dixon. Work with a team behind The Hairy Maclary show. Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope - professional dancer to develop your technique in class, learn routines and create your own but wait, is that a shark, in the park. Nick Sharratt is the award winning illustrator best choreography. £75 (£65 Advantage Card) 10am. www.nordenfarm.org known for working with Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson. All three of his Shark Thursday October 27 and Friday 28 RAPUNZEL Norden Farm, as Above. Charming in the Park books come alive on stage! www.nordenfarm.org adaptation. Poor Rapunzel spends her life in a tower with a wicked witch using her hair as Monday October 24 to Friday 28 ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR HALF TERM a step ladder! An enchanting show based on the Grimm tale. £10, £8 under 16s. Suitable for ages 4+ years. 11.30am and 2pm. www.nordenfarm.org Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 Friday October 28 KIDS' SPOOKY MINI DISCO Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse 788997. Craft activities to keep the little ones entertained this half term. The crafts Lane, Marlow, Sl7 1GJ. 01628 496800. Fangtastic fun. Prize for spookiest fancy dress vary so you can create something new every day! Suitable for ages 5+ years. 10.15am. costume. With a DJ and entertainer, face painter and bouncy castle. Advance booking www.nordenfarm.org required. 4-7pm. £15 per ticket (age 3 to 12), including dinner box; Under-2s free, with no Friday October 21 to Monday 31 HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS Hughenden dinner box. www.cpmarlow.co.uk Manor, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573. Explore Hughenden's Autumn trail Friday October 28 HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR Chiltern Open Air Museum, and carve your very own jack-o-lantern, drop-in. 11am to 4pm / Child £3. Usual Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Spooky walk, fire-breathers & admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden witches, scary stories, trick or treat, BBQ, family crafts, fancy dress competition & more! 5- Tuesday October 25 to Saturday 29. ANNIE, Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames 9pm. www.coam.org.uk St, Windsor SL4 1PS. 01753 853888. Annie the musical is based on the strip cartoon Friday October 28 HALLOWEEN EVENING Great Cockcrow Railway, Hardwick ‘Little Orphan Annie’ who lives at the orphanage run by the sadistic Miss Hannigan Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, 01932 565 474. Halloween train rides. Many and her quest to find her parents. Annie escapes the orphanage to an easier life passengers (and staff!) come dressed and made up for the occasion. Riding round in the outside during the Great Depression, where tomorrow is always brighter because of dark is a totally different experience and can be quite scary, even for regular travellers! hope. When she is returned to the orphanage she escapes once again and her life is 4.30-8pm. www.cockcrow.co.uk changed when she enters into the world of the Billionaire Daddy Warbucks. Tuesday - Saturday October 29 HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT NICHOLSONS SHOPPING Saturday 7.30pm. Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm. Ticket prices £11- £27. CENTRE Unit 53, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Pumpkin carving and spooky events (to be www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk confirmed, check website). www.enjoymaidenhead.com Tuesday October 25 DEN BUILDING BY THE CAMPFIRE Black Park Sunday October 30 HALLOWEEN KIDS PARTY at Jump In Trampoline Park, 550 Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Dundee Road, Slough, SL1 4LE. Make sure you dress up for Jump In’s spooky Halloween Have a go at building your own den by the campfire in Black Park. When you're party. Booking essential. 0845 838 6214. www.gojumpin.com finished, enjoy toasted marshmallows and hot drinks in your own den! Meet at Black Sunday October 30 DUCKPOND MARKET Black Park Country Park, Black Park Park Visitor Information Point, Marshmallows and hot drinks provided. Booking Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. An atmospheric outdoor artisan market in the essential. £16 per family, £3 per extra family member. Advance booking required. 10am magical setting of Black Park, showcasing an eclectic mix of stalls. to noon. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Tuesday October 25 WOODLAND WONDERS - BUILD A BIRD FEEDER Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647 358. Create your very own bird feeder to help the native and FIREWORKS Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from October 14 to Saturday November 5 migrating birds in your garden this winter. For age 5 upwards. Suggested donation £2. LEGOLAND FIREWORKS Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnham- Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY. 0871 2222 beeches-and-stoke-common/ 001. Back by popular demand our spectacular 2016 LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Tuesday October 25 LIVE MUSIC FOR FLUTE AND HARP Norden Farm Fireworks show with music and amazing themed effects. Arrive early and enjoy the Resort Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Live music rides and attractions! www.legoland.co.uk concerts for families, performed in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Pieces are kept short Saturday October 28 HALLOWEEN RACEDAY AND FIREWORKS and children can move around and interact with the music if they like. Quiet toys and SPECTACULAR Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. Exciting colouring are available. Two sessions for different ages. 11.30am - Suitable for ages 0-5 racing followed by one of the region's largest Fireworks Spectaculars and being Halloween years. 2pm - Suitable for ages 5+ years. Adults £10, Under 16s £8, Babies under 18 be prepared for a few surprises too! The Plaza Lawns will come alive throughout the months – free, Family & Friends (4 people) £32. www.nordenfarm.org afternoon with free fairground rides until 4pm, and £1 per ride thereafter. All proceeds go Wednesday October 26 AUTUMN WOODLAND PLAY Black Park Country to local charities. The day is a designated family day and entry is free for children under 18. Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Join the Rangers for an www.ascot.co.uk hour of woodland fun and games in Black Pine’s Camp. Make sure you don’t wear Saturday November 5THE LINK FOUNDATION FIREWORKS, Maidenhead your best clothes as you may get muddy! Parents must supervise. Choose from 3 United FC Ground, York Road, Maidenhead. Fantastic fireworks night for a great cause. time slots. 10am, 11.30am and 2pm, each last an hour. £5 per child. Advance booking Fairground attractions and food. In support of the charity which helps local families. required. Suitable for ages 4 to 10. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page www.linkfoundation.co.uk/link-foundation-events Wednesday October 26 WOODLAND WONDERS - HALLOWEEN HI- Saturday November 5 FIREWORK NIGHT CELEBRATION Crowne Plaza JINKS Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496800. Celebrate Bonfire Night in the Common, SL2 3TE. Halloween inspired fun and craft activities at the Information stunning surroundings of Crowne Plaza Marlow, with fireworks over the lake, live music Point between 11am and 1pm. Aimed at children aged 4-12; suggested donation £2. and a selection of food and drink. £12.50 per adult; £5.50 per child. Family ticket - £30 (2 Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnham- adults; 2 children). From 6.30pm. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/ beeches-and-stoke-common/ Saturday November 5 BEACONSFIELD FIREWORKS 2016, Beaconsfield Cricket Wednesday October 26 THE TINDERBOX Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Club Wilton Park, HP9 2XD. Hog Roast, BBQ and hotdogs, Chinese and Indian Indian food, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A roguish soldier acquires a fully licensed beer tent, mulled wine, sparkler lights and wand stall. St Johns Ambulance, magic tinderbox. It gives him the power to summon three extraordinary dogs to do children's rides. Gates open at 6pm. his bidding. Join the soldier on a remarkable roller coaster adventure from rags to As Families went to press, some locations had not confirmed dates of their Fireworks displays riches and back again! With rod puppets, shadow puppets, humanettes, glove puppets go online to www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/east-berkshire/in-the-know/firework-displays-in- and animation. Suitable for ages 4+ www.nordenfarm.org east-berkshire for more firework displays.

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 31 BE SAFE WITH FIREWORKS! As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night fast approaches and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations. Tips for choosing your fireworks Don’t forget the sparklers! Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the Did you know: If three sparklers burn together they will do so at the same cruising speed of some biplanes! heat of a blowtorch used for joining metal and so it’s essential you follow a few guidelines for safe usage: Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are 1. Find somewhere safe that is open, but not too windy suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British 2. Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt Standard number (BS 7114). 3. Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst you are holding the base of the You should also: stick 1. Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display 4. Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at a time 5. Remember that when they are first ignited they give off a very bright and 2. Use a torch for checking instructions heated initial spark 3. Use a taper for lighting fireworks 6. Remember to hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from your 4. Have a bucket of water close to hand body and face as possible 5. Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick 7. Once you have had fun with the sparkler (try writing your name) and it fireworks in is no longer burning, make sure you put it in a bucket filled with water 8. Never touch the end of the sparkler, even long after it has stopped 6. Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flat- burning bottomed fireworks Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali 7. Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets celebrations on October 20th and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

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32 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] DON’T WORRY, Parenting by Natalie Trice who is in and out of hospital and whose BE HAPPY future in uncertain. But we’ve made it Life is short, so keep smiling! work. We have got through it together, as a team, and during that time we have worked By the time you read this, I will be living in towards living our dream. I can’t say that Devon. everyone is excited as us about our move Yes, you read it right. We are moving but you can’t live your life to keep others from Marlow to a lovely village on the happy. coast. A dream come true. We have been through enough as a I’ve been writing for Families magazine family and we now we want to enjoy a life, and future, by the sea. We are going to buy for over three years and have absolutely a boat and go fishing. I want to try paddle loved it. I’ve gone from being a blogger to a boarding and do yoga on the beach. Fish published author with a son heading and chips for tea on the sand after school towards double digits and the other closer short, you simply do not know what is seems like a fantastic idea, especially to having healthy hips after endless surgery. round the corner and you have to make because there’s a pub a few doors along. A Whilst our relocation is a life changing, the most of everyday. school on Dartmoor with a farm that is positive step on our journey as a family of I know this is easy to say as I am packing free from the 11-plus is so appealing. We four, 2016 in general has been pretty and heading towards a simpler life by the are making the life we have, work for us. surreal. There’s been a plethora of iconic beach, but I really do live my life by this We are living our dream. celebrity deaths, a non-committal summer motto. From endless homework and I thank you for reading my column and and of course, the referendum and deadlines to the mummy mafia in encourage you to live your dream, too. appointment of a new, female Prime Starbucks, life can be a challenge, but you Natalie x Minister. It seems to be a time of change have the power to live your own dream. I and uncertainty and this has been reflected never thought I would be the mother of a Natalie is an author, blogger, freelance on the news and across social media child with a chronic condition. I didn’t writer, as well as a mummy and wife. If she streams. People are unsure about what the really think I would ever have a isn't writing you'll find her drinking coffee, future holdst and what is ahead, not only professionally published book that was reading Grazia and walking her dog by the them as individuals, but also for our nation. selling globally. I’ve worked for charities, sea in Devon. She's a lover of heels and During all of this turbulence I have but have my own, nope, I certainly didn’t dresses but will usually be found in trainers

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o We are open 50 weeks of the year. w You will find us in the stunningly renovated w Montessori education Crown Estate building in Old Windsor for 2 – 9 year olds opposite the Windsor Farm Shop.

E In Case of Emergency Identification Well resourced school, o owithin a nurturing Have you ever had that sinking feeling in a crowded public place

environment. that your child has wandered off? Windsor Montessori Panic sets in because they have no ID on them and they don’t know your House of Children mobile number, especially when scared and upset? 4 Datchet Road, Old Windsor, SL42RQ If YOU OR YOUR CHILD has an For all enquiries: Allergy • On any medication • Or have any medical conditions

Tel: 01753 830 525 or 01344 844 592 They should never leave home without proper Identification! Email: [email protected] Website: www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk Orders can be placed ONLINE at www.iceid.co.uk or email Gila on [email protected]

Providing care and

Windsor Montessori education within E a loving nurturing House of Children

environment. Providing development for life t In Case of Emergency Identification

FAMILIES Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 Thames Valley East 33

Party Planning CHILDREN’S PARTIES – SHOULD I INVITE THE WHOLE CLASS? By Sally J Hall

When you’re hosting a party for your child you may not want to leave anyone out. That’s a lovely thought – but is it practical to invite your child’s entire class? We discuss the pros and cons. Age matters leaving times, say if you are happy for adults to stay and make sure The best rule for kids up to five or six years old is that you should you have plenty of help. invite the same number of children as their age, plus themselves. Who to invite? This works well for a few reasons; parties for young children tend When they’re a bit older, the pressure’s suddenly on to have bigger to involve family members such as aunts and uncles, grandparents parties. Apart from the expense and the work of catering for all and others. Add too many kids and your child will just be those children, there may be other issues at play. Your child may not overwhelmed. It can be difficult to keep a lot of very young children want to invite all their fellow pupils. If this is the case, it is very entertained and also, many will come with a parent in tow, which difficult to invite the whole class but leave out one or two children. means catering for them, too! So keep it small and manageable and There are ways to avoid this, however. If you have a boy who make it clear to parents what expectations are; state the arrival and doesn’t mix much with girls, or has clashed with one person, you might consider a single-sex party. It’s also perfectly acceptable to continue to give your child a number of friends they can invite. If you suggest ten, for example, they can invite their special friends and this will keep the party manageable. Ask your child to keep the party low key to avoid hurting the feelings of others and explain that if asked, your child can say that they were only allowed a certain number. Budget at award winning Paralympic sports centre One of the main things to consider is how much you can afford. If We offer: you want to take your child to a theme park, a restaurant or a • Single or multisports parties with a difference! similar event, it’s going to cost a lot more than sandwiches and cake • Qualified coaches and full event support • Paralympians in attendance to present medals at home, so this will naturally cut down on the number of children • A unique and memorable experience for the kids you invite. Work out first what’s affordable and then discuss who and the parents too! your child would like to invite. When the whole class is invited For some birthdays, you may decide that you do indeed want the Get in touch today! • [email protected] • 01628 627 690 • www.sportsable.co.uk • reg charity: 1078742 whole class to come. This works best if you are able to have the party in a hall or park, even your garden, rather than in your home. And remember, if you invite the class, it’s unthinkable to leave out just two or three children, even if they and your child do not get on. Not only would your child be hurt if their entire class was going to a party and they were not invited (which will surely happen if you start this ball rolling) but things have a way of working out for themselves. If the invited child doesn’t like yours either, they may say to their parent that they don’t want to go and the problem is solved. It’s also a good idea to consider investing in a hiring a party entertainer or booking a themed party or hall with organised Children's Parties at the School activities when hosting for a lot of children. It will ensure the event for West End Stars! is stress-free! Whatever you decide, it’s important to make a plan and explain it carefully to your child and then stick to it. If you say their numbers are limited, don’t be convinced to adding more to the guest list, and if the whole class is invited make sure that’s what happens – the whole class!

Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

34 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] HALLOWEEN TREATS Get Cooking

The very talented mix together. You may need to use your Beverley Glock hands as the mixture is quite stiff. 3. Grease a square cake tin, line it with shares with parchment and press the mixture evenly Families how to over the bottom of the tin. make spooky Slime 4. Ask an adult to bake the base on the middle shelf. (AGA: Roasting oven with Crunchy. The shelf on oven floor and plain cold shelf on perfect snack to second set of runners). Bake for 20 share on minutes (AGA 15 mins). Halloween night! 5. Ask an adult to remove the tin from the oven and leave to cool. 6. Beat the icing sugar and butter or margarine together with a wooden spoon, adding a little milk if the mixture is too thick (add the milk one teaspoonful at a time as it is very easy to add too much), Add the peppermint essence and food colouring to get a really nice grass green colour. 7. Pour the icing over the crunchy base and smooth over. Chill. 8. Break the dark or milk chocolate into pieces and ask an adult to melt this over a pan of barely simmering water. Once melted to pour the chocolate over the icing and return to the fridge to set stiff. Cut into squares and eat. www.beverleyglock.com ©Beverley Glock 2016

Ingredients: for 16 biscuits How to make Slime Crunchy... PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS 75g butter or margarine • 60g dark chocolate chips 1. Ask an adult to preheat the oven to • 75g caster Sugar 180c/gas 4. Place the butter or margarine • and chocolate chips in a saucepan and ask 150g plain flour • an adult to supervise while you melt them 1 tsp baking powder • either over a pan of just simmering water 3 x Weetabix • or in the microwave on medium heat in 10 Icing: 75g butter or margarine • second bursts. Remove from the heat and 300g icing sugar pour into a bowl, add the sugar and flour • 3 tsp peppermint essence along with the baking powder. • Green food colouring • 2. Place the weetabix into a plastic bag, tie 300g dark or milk chocolate the top closed and use a rolling pin to bash • A little milk up the biscuits. Tip these into the bowl and •

We are a super-friendly Ofsted registered day nursery providing high quality childcare for babies from three-months-old to children up to the age of five set within the bright, modern surroundings of Windsor Leisure Centre. Open for 51 weeks a year! To find out more about our excellent new childcare facility and meet our team: Call: 01753 855543 • Email: [email protected] Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 35 Book Reviews

HOMEWORK HELP By Claire Muffett-Reece

Help your child enjoy their homework with these must-have books to make studying fun!

DK Find Out! Ancient Rome Ladybird I’m Ready… For Maths! Adding Dorling Kindersley £5.99 and Subtracting History homework just got cooler with this Ladybird Books £3.99 amazing book, taking kids back in time to Perfect for boys and girls starting school, this discover what life was like in Ancient Rome. bright, motivational sticker book covers the Discover what Romans put in their shopping adding and subtracting concepts that children will basket and decode Roman numerals before going be learning during Key Stage 1. From number in to battle with the Gladiators. With beautiful bonds to 10, as well as counting using a number photography, illustrations and key curriculum information, it’s packed with quizzes and fun facts line to help, your child can use the combination on every aspect of Roman life. of stickers and colourful activities to boost their learning in a fun, engaging way.

Help with Homework English Essentials Usborne Coding for Beginners using Igloo Books £3.99 Scratch Ideal for ages nine and up, this book – for key Usborne Books £12.99 stage 2 – perfectly links school and homework. A new UK curriculum topic that is introduced in Including spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading key stage 1, coding – is made easy with this step- comprehension and writing, it’s the ideal tool for by-step book. Showing children how to use code those still a tad wobbly when it comes to to create games and animations – from racing perfecting the English written language. cars to virtual pets – it covers sprites, binary, debugging and more. Not sure what any of those terms mean? Get learning, too – this book is just as helpful for parents!

Claire is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others

Try before you buy!

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BIGGEST Display in the Thames Valley (just 5 mins from M4 J7) Abbey Rose Nursery, Nashdom Lane, Burnham SL1 8NJ

36 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Bumps ‘n’ Babes HOW TO TREAT FEVER IN YOUNG CHILDREN If your child has a fever his temperature will be higher than normal and he may appear flushed and sweaty. Although upsetting, a fever is not usually serious. However, in a small number of cases a high temperature is a symptom of a serious infection so it’s important to know what to do. ormal body temperature is • Ear infection between 36°C and 37°C, but this • Respiratory illness Ncan vary from child to child. A • Gastroenteritis fever is a temperature that is higher than • Tonsillitis normal for your child. • Urinary tract infections You can usually tell if your child has a • Childhood illnesses such as whooping • Remove excess clothing and bedding and fever by feeling his forehead or you can use cough and chickenpox put him in light-weight clothing and use a a thermometer. There are different types of The signs of serious illness light blanket for sleep. thermometer available, so ask your Very occasionally a fever, accompanied by • Don’t give your child a cold bath as this pharmacist for advice on what type is most other symptoms, is a sign of a more can make him shiver and may raise the suitable for your family’s needs. serious illness, such as meningitis. Always core body temperature. What is a fever? seek urgent medical advice if you • Check on your child regularly if he is Fever is one of the body’s ways of fighting concerned about your child’s health. resting to make sure his condition hasn’t off infection. The increase in body Signs that indicate that you should see become worse. temperature is thought to help to kill the your doctor urgently include: Medication, such as liquid paracetamol germs that are trying to infect the body. • Breathlessness or ibuprofen, should only be given if your The height of the fever doesn’t • Severe vomiting child seems distressed by the fever or the necessarily reflect the severity of the • Rash illness that is causing it. illness. It’s the general condition of your • Floppiness Give one type of medicine at a time and child that gives the best indication of how • Drowsiness always follow the instructions on the pack ill he is. • Stiff neck regarding the correct dosage and Reason for fevers • Fit or convulsion frequency. Keep him away from nursery or Young children can become feverish for playgroup when he has a fever because he How to manage a fever lots of reasons and very often the exact may be infectious. If your child has a fever but is otherwise cause remains unknown. In some cases the If your child continues to remain well, the important thing is to keep him cause is obvious, for example, it’s quite feverish, or his temperature rises to 40°C comfortable and so medicine may not be common for a child to have a slight fever you should contact your GP or the GP needed. for a day or two after immunisations. out-of-hours service urgently. Sometimes the cause can be as simple as There are a number of ways you can help your child: the body getting too warm through Emma’s Diary is the UK’s • Get him to drink plenty of cold fluids wearing too many clothes or sleeping most trusted and such as water or well-diluted fruit juice so under too much bedding. influential pregnancy and However, fever can also be a sign of that he doesn’t become dehydrated. baby channel. Working in partnership with illness so you should look for other signs • Let him rest, but don’t keep him in bed The Royal College of General Practitioners of your child being unwell. unless he wants to be there. (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they • Give him light snacks, but don’t force him Common illnesses that can cause fevers provide parents-to-be and new parents to eat if he’s not hungry. • Colds with the very best medical and practical • Keep the room where he is cool – • Flu information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk around 18°C. • Sore throat

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Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 37 She Means Business...

Marketing expert sets up local networking and business support group Amanda Ayres set up a local networking group, Maidenhead Business Girls in Maidenhead, which has turned in to a great business that offers support and training for local businesswomen. Amanda is pictured here with Naomi Riches MBE, who spoke at the MBG Summer garden party. Naomi is a gold medallist and Paralympic rower who is trying to break the world record rowing down the river Thames in under 125 hours this September. (Read more about it on page 3). Who you are and where do you live? My name is Amanda and I live close to Pinkneys Green in Maidenhead. I run Maidenhead Business Girls, the local community for women in business. In theory that is not my day job; I’m also a Marketing Consultant and have over 25 years of experience.

Why did you set up the group? Actually I didn’t intend to set up MBG, it just happened! I was looking to outsource something and literally at that moment decided to set up a group locally dedicated just for business. It kind of evolved and happened naturally because of a combination of my experience both professionally and personally. I initially had no vision, no plan - I just did it! I have a track record of setting up online communities and I think having been through many life experiences, has certainly helped. What did you use to do? I have always been in Marketing and started off as an assistant sales and marketing coordinator for a subsidiary of BP when I was just 16. I am hugely creative and would loved to have been an art teacher! What inspired you to set up the business? Initially, I didn’t think of it as a business. There was clearly a need for the group because it has grown dramatically in the last two and a half years. It has evolved so much from informal meet-ups to a proper, fully-fledged business with membership, meet-ups and workshops. It works because its ‘real’. There are no airs and graces and many of us are facing the same challenges, juggling a career and home life. The women in the group really do support each other. I don’t think of it as a networking group. It is so much more. I have learnt that if you build relationships and get to know people, business just happens and friendships are also formed. It’s so amazing to see such a diverse mix of women from all walks of life and at different phases of their business journey, all coming together to support each other. What are your plans for the future? That’s a very big question! I will continue to do more of the same because it works but I am always looking for ways to find more opportunities and to bring something fresh and new to the group. Lastly, what would be your advice to other business women? To be you. Stay true to yourself. Go with your gut and keep going when you feel like giving up. Setting up a business is easy. Keeping a busy going is really hard. MBG really does help through those tricky times when you feel like giving up. Read more about MBG at: thebusinessgirlsnetwork.com

38 FAMILIES Thames Valley East SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Pet inspires children’s book Maidenhead Mum and entrepreneur Kiera Cohen used the inspiration of her family’s pet dog Tilly to turn it into to her first Children’s book, just proving that if you are determined, you can make your dream a reality! Who you are and where do you live? My name is Kiera Cohen and I live in Maidenhead with my husband and two children. How did your children’s book come about? I have always enjoyed reading stories to my two children and when we got our Yorkshire Terrier puppy, Tilly, I started making up stories about her! We loved the idea that we would leave the house each Then a friend inspired me to go it alone. readings and I'm excited to read my story day and Tilly would go on an adventure Step by step, I started the process of to different children. My website has all the while we were out. Tilly McAnilly was publishing the book myself. I started with details of my readings at libraries and therefore born. This particular story, Tilly finding the most amazing illustrator, schools: TillyMcAnilly.com McAnilly and the Rock Pool Adventure, was Maheen Sana, who literally could read my Lastly, what would be your advice to inspired by our time spent looking for mind. I would put together a kind of photo other business women? creatures in the rock pools of Cornwall. collage, send it to her and she would make It sounds a little clichéd but don't give up We were fascinated with the life within it into a fantastic illustration. From here, I on your dream! If I had just accepted that each rock pool and would consequently went on to set up my own publishing no one wanted to publish my book then use google to learn more about each company, Xap Media, through which I was Tilly McAnilly would not creature we found. Did you know that able to publish Tilly McAnilly and the Rock be in print today. I'm so starfish can regrow legs or that limpets are Pool Adventure. It was not only exciting to proud of what I have actually part of the snail family? learn about the publishing industry and, of achieved, self-publishing What did you use to do before you course, set up my own independent has taught me so many had children? publishers but I also found an amazing skills. If you believe in Before kids I used to work in the telecoms team of people that were able to help me what you want to do, industry, although I studied for an Art achieve my dream. you will achieve it and History degree. I also set up my own What are your plans for the future? don't let rejection put website selling homewares and jewellery. I plan for Tilly to go on many more you off, just let it make What inspired you to set up the adventures. I have another two books in you more determined business? the pipeline, which will involve Tilly to do well. I had originally written the story of Tilly meeting more friends and will introduce McAnilly two years ago and having sent it children to more characters while teaching to two different publishers, I them some interesting facts. In the disappointingly didn't hear back from them. immediate future I have a number of book Classifieds Professional Tuition: Provided by a qualified and dedicated tutor. Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/ Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE, Sciences and much more. Tel: 01628 637008 or 07887 936484

Telephone: 01628 627 586 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FAMILIES Thames Valley East 39