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Welcome
In this issue 4
News & Views
Christmas Special 6 10 12 14
Our guide to festive family fun Pick a great Panto Your Christmas toy gift guide Inspirational parent hacks for Christmas
Education 16 Developing your child’s social skills 18 Making the most of parent’s evening 20 Seven of the best new chapter books for children 22 How to deal with cyber-bullying 24 Clubs, classes and activities 26 Make reindeer cupcakes
Competitions 27 Win family tickets to see Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
What’s On 28 Get out and about with our round-up of what’s happening in November and December including Christmas fairs, festive lights, pantos, grottos and trails. Contact Us: Editor: Chrissie Wilson. Call: 01296 586586. Email: editor@familieschiltern.com Next issue: January/February 2024. Booking and copy deadline: 1 December. Reach 40,000 readers and advertise with us. For daily updates, days out ideas & more Christmas events, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Families Chiltern
There’s a chill in the air, we’re edging towards winter and the Christmas season will soon be with us! This issue has everything you need to get into the spirit of the season - from Christmas lights to winter woodlands, grottos and pantos - we’ve got it all covered! Get ready to shop with inspiration for gifts at Christmas fairs and markets. Let’s try to shop local as much as we can to sprinkle some community cheer. Have fun making reindeer cupcakes and don’t forget to enter our competitions for your chance to win family panto tickets. Wishing you and your family a happy Christmas!
Chiltern Toy Bank - 10 year anniversary Christmas is usually a season of great excitement and anticipation. However, the on-going cost of living crisis and financial pressures makes it a time of worry and anxiety for many. For the tenth year, the Chiltern Toy Bank will be calling on our community spirit to donate new and nearly new toys, books and games, which will be passed on to local families to ease the financial pressure of Christmas. The charity helped over 700 local children last year. The Chiltern Toy Bank elves traditionally start work in early November when donation points are opened in Chesham, Amersham and Prestwood. Parents or guardians with children, aged from birth to 18 years old, who would like to Toy apply and live in the old Chiltern District Council area, need to register online between 1 and 20 November. To apply or find a donation point, go to: < chilterntoybank.org.uk
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News & Views
Volunteers urgently required to train life-changing hearing dogs An increase in the demand for its services has led national charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, to put out an urgent appeal for volunteer puppy trainers. The charity is particularly short of volunteers to help care for its hearing dog puppies in Buckinghamshire. The charity, based in Saunderton near High Wycombe, trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds, as well as to provide emotional support and companionship. Deafness is on the rise in the UK and, by 2035, it is estimated that one in five British people will experience hearing loss. There are two types of volunteer roles the charity urgently needs to fill: permanent puppy trainers, who will look after a puppy for the duration of its training (usually between 18 months and two years), and short-term trainers to cover times when other trainers are on holiday. Victoria Leedham, Head of Volunteering, said: “Anyone who volunteers for us can expect to feel like part of our family. No previous experience is necessary and volunteers will receive lots of support and training to ensure they feel fully equipped to care for one of our dogs. The charity will also cover all costs involved.” Find out more at: < hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer or email: volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk
Nearly a third of fathers take no parental leave
We’re an environmentally responsible publication
Almost a third of fathers took no paternity leave after the birth of their child because they cannot afford to reduce their income, according to research. Two decades after paternity leave rights were established, research suggests that the UK has fallen behind and now has the least generous entitlements in Europe. Only eighteen percent of the British public think that two weeks paternity leave is long enough, according to a YouGov survey. The majority, sixty five percent, would support an increase beyond the current statutory provision of two weeks. Of the fathers surveyed, sixty two percent said they would take more leave if the rate of statutory paternity pay increased. More info: < bit.ly/FatherLeave
We often cover topics related to the environment in our magazine but have you ever wondered how environmentally-friendly we are? You may have spotted the FSC® logo in the magazine. We’re happy to report that this gives an assurance that all paper we use is made of material from wellmanaged, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. The magazine is printed by Buxton Press on responsibly sourced paper. Each aspect of our printer’s business has been examined for continual improvement of its green credentials. In fact, Buxton Press has even been recognised for its achievements to date, including winning PrintWeek’s award of Environmental Company of the Year.’ Read more at: < buxtonpress.com/environment
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The Family Hub opens in Aylesbury The Family Hub recently opened in Aylesbury and has “something for everyone,” according to owner Kim Parker, a mum of two and personal trainer. It has an exciting timetable that is designed to include everyone – offering baby massage, children’s singing classes, family circuits and yoga classes. More activities are being added each week as more businesses are joining the vision of creating opportunities for the whole family to keep healthy. The Family Hub opened on 16 September in Duck Farm Court. The idea came from Kim’s experience working as a personal trainer where she noticed how difficult it was to find venues to teach her classes and how few fitness classes were offered where children were allowed come along too. “I hope that the Family Hub will be not only a space for businesses to provide classes and activities for everyone to enjoy, but also a place to build community, and enjoy a drink in our café.” says Kim. More details on their new website coming soon: < family-hub.co.uk
Reading to infants daily can improve language development A recent study has found that daily reading can improve language development in infants 12 months and younger. The study, published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, analysed the development of language in toddlers and found that infants who were read at least one book a day demonstrated improved language scores at as early as 9 months of age. Parents were given a set of twenty interactive children’s books specifically chosen by researchers to support early language development in toddlers. Families agreed to read to their infants at least once per day and have their children regularly tested.”One book each day is an easy goal for new families to try. To see that there is a measurable improvement in speaking and understanding before one year old is very exciting,” said the authors. More info: < bit.ly/BabyReading
Make a noise about bullying Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November this year, with the theme ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’. The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 13 November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. The theme of Make A Noise About Bullying came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates AntiBullying Week. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. In 2022, eighty percent of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children. More info: < anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Little Sporties program ages 4 & 5 Primary Class program ages 6 - 11 Sports Leaders program ages 12 - 16
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Christmas
Our guide to Festive
Family Fun Seek out Santa It’s a busy season for Santa, even before Christmas Eve! His elves are already preparing his enchanted woodland at Odds Farm Park from 25 November. Children can visit the elves’ Cuddle Creation workshop to make their own soft toy or teddy bear, or head to the Christmas toyshop, where younger visitors can choose a Christmas gift. Join Rudy the reindeer for his interactive Reindeer Flying School show or turn your hand to some festive crafts. Add to this the chance to write to Father Christmas, make food for his reindeer as well as the park’s usual attractions - 30 different breeds of animals, an adventure playground, go-karts, pedal tractors and a giant Indoor Playbarn, and there’s plenty for everyone! Tickets for the Christmas Spectacular cost from £25.20 for members and £43.95 for non-members. The extravaganza runs on selected dates from November 25 until Christmas Eve. See oddsfarm.co.uk for more details. Book early to avoid disappointment. centre:mk presents the magical story of The Snowman, for families visiting Santa’s grotto. Brought to life by actors portraying the well-loved characters from the original story, a snowy landscape provides the perfect backdrop to view some of the most memorable and magical moments from the original animated film. Children will be given the opportunity to decorate a Christmas biscuit before meeting with Santa in his woodland cabin and receiving a lovely
gift. It will be open from 17 November to 24 December and tickets are on sale at centremk.com A VR sleigh ride, train and carousel are also at the centre, along with a breath-taking array of Christmas decorations, selfie points and cabins with independent traders selling unique gifts. Santa and his elves are visiting Amersham Field Centre to train a new generation of elf helpers. Santa’s Winter Woodland will be open in December. Explore the enchanted woodland with Father Christmas’ top elves, learn important elf skills, make a Christmas decoration and help find Santa’s missing code. Children will also get the chance to meet Santa in his grotto and receive an Elf graduation certificate, hat and gift. The event runs from 10am-4pm on 10, 16, 17 and 20 December. Tickets cost £12 for children and £6 for adults. Babies are free. To book, see field-studies-council. org. If you’re looking for something different, how about setting off to see Santa by steam? Bucks Rail Centre is offering a Panto Express on select dates from November. Jump aboard a steam train, take a seat and Santa will come to you, accompanied by one of his elves with a present. Enjoy a 25-minute train ride, then, on returning to the platform, take a seat for a mini family pantomime, performed by a professional touring theatre company. The Visitor Centre will
Storytelling Trails Crafts
be hung with decorations, there will be festive music and a Christmas tree. The Panto Express runs on November 25 and 26 and on select dates in December. Tickets are limited so pre-booking is essential. Prices from £17.50. see bucksrailcentre.org for more details. Jump aboard one of his special carriages (all named after his favourite reindeers) at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway for a trip from Princes Risborough to North Pole station (aka Chinnor). Weekend Santa Steam Specials are running from November 25. The experience includes refreshments and a present. See chinnorrailway.co.uk. for more details. You can also find Santa at Bletchley Park’s Vintage Christmas Grotto on select dates in December, with a Relaxed Grotto for families with additional needs on December 2. The park’s mansion, used by codebreakers in WW2, will be decorated with toys and Christmas trees, and elves will be on hand to take photos. See bletchleypark. org.uk for more.
Winter Wonderlands Bekonscot Model Village and Railway is the oldest, original model village, and during the festive season it takes on a truly magical feel. Open at weekends only between 4 November and 10 December, the models are illuminated at dusk and specially created festive scenes appear around the village. The train ride is decorated with snowflakes and hundreds of twinkling lights and
Santa’s Winter Woodland 10th, 16th, 17th & 20th Dec
roalddahlmuseum.org Great Missenden HP16 0AL Open Thurs to Sun year round Xmas: 21-23 & 27-30 Dec
Our Wonka-themed Christmas begins on 2 December 6 Families Chiltern
Amersham Field Centre, HP7 0QR
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Christmas their owners, find clues, solve puzzles and keep an eye out for the elusive fox tail. Local choirs will perform at weekends beneath the decorated tree and twinkling lights of the New Inn Courtyard. More at: nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
Santa visits the village on the final weekend of the season to welcome prebooked visitors to his wintery grotto. Bekonscot then closes for the winter break, re-opening on Saturday 10 February 2024. Visit: bekonscot.co.uk Be spirited away to a festive wonderland at one of the county’s grandest buildings this season as Waddesdon’s legendary Christmas event returns.
Christmas Fairs © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House and Gardens. Photo by Chris Lacey
In the Manor, classic childhood tales including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and the Snow Queen come to life with fabulous, new decorations. Tour the lavishly-decorated rooms to discover the Mad Hatter’s tea party, Captain Hook’s treasure cave and much more, with immersive soundscapes, sparkling installations and intricate paper sculptures. Outside, the fairy-tale continues as the building’s fantastical façade is transformed with a brand-new spectacular light show. The bespoke animated projections have been created by artist Jamie Shiels who’s worked on projects at Buckingham Palace. Waddesdon’s legendary Christmas Fair (until 17 Dec) and Food Village return with twinkling trees, charming wooden chalets and stalls offering unique gifts and treats for one and all. Add to this,
a spectacular light trail through the music-filled Aviary Gardens and it will be a season to remember! Christmas at Waddesdon runs from November 22 – January 1. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Visit: waddesdon.org.uk/Christmas The National Trust’s Hughenden Manor has taken the famous carol, The 12 Days of Christmas, as its festive theme this year. Look out for giant gold rings and swans a-swimming on a sea of baubles. Visit on a Musical Saturday and enjoy choirs, bands and jazz singers too. Mums and dads can take part in a festive creative workshop to create a watercolour Christmas card or have fun with the kids on a festive trail in the garden. For more details see: nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Spot giant willow-woven bird sculptures ‘A Winter’s Tail’ around Stowe from 18 November to 4 January. Match tails to
Feeling festive at Missenden Abbey On Saturday 3 December, enjoy some festive cheer at the annual Missenden Abbey Christmas Market. Open from 12-4pm, you can enjoy some lovely festive food & drink and get stuck in to your Christmas shopping from lovely local artisan and craft stalls. It’s a date not to be missed. For more information head over to: missendenabbey.co.uk If you’d like your spending to go to a good cause, head to The Grange in Saunderton where Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are hosting Christmas market on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November. There’ll be gifts, food, mulled wine, beer and local entertainment. A visit to Father Christmas’ grotto is included in the price. There are a range of tickets, including family tickets at £15. Book online at: hearingdogs.org.uk In Olney, step back in time in for its Dickens of a Christmas, when townsfolk dress in period costumes for their
Magical decorations inspired by childhood tales in the house, spellbinding outdoor light projections, immersive garden light trail and Christmas market with over 70 stalls
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Christmas cafe on November 17, for snowy stories and maybe a hot chocolate (story-telling is free) or enjoy a performance of Tom Thumb on select dates in December. Tickets £12. For more information, visit: storymuseum.org.uk
centre:mk
Victorian-inspired Christmas fair. There’ll be festive stalls, street entertainers and music by the Olney Brass Band. The event takes place on December 3, from 10am-4pm. Peterley Manor Farm in Prestwood has a 4-day Christmas Market in its’ atmospheric glasshouses from 16 November. There’ll be boutique stalls and entertainment plus street food in their newly-built Dutch Barn. Entry tickets required. See: peterleymanorfarm.co.uk Head to Haddenham village hall, for its Christmas market on November 12. Doors will be open from 11am-4pm. It promises hand-made gifts, facepainting, mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate with marshmallows!
Museum Magic There’s a magical Christmas in store at some of our local museums. The Chiltern Open Air Museum at Chalfont St Giles is decking its historic buildings with holly for a festive weekend on 2-3 December. Head to the 1940’s prefabs to see how Christmas was celebrated in war time and enjoy crafts, story-telling and performances from local choirs. Pre-booking is advised. See: coam.org.uk. The Story Museum in Oxford has a whole host of events this festive season. In November and December, visit the museum’s galleries and huddle up with fireside tales in the Whispering Wood or fly with a snowman in the Enchanted Library. Tickets cost £12. Drop by the
The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden is also offering various free and ticketed events. Take part in craft activities, make your own Christmas sweet decoration and listen to stories from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as part of a themed celebration on December 2. Story-tellers will also be reading from the famous book throughout the Christmas holidays, encouraging listeners to join in with noises and actions to celebrate the magical tale. Visit: roalddahlmuseum.org for more information. Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury has a Family Christmas Activity Day on December 2, with stories, games, crafts and Santa. There are also festivethemed sessions for pre-school children on various dates in November and December. The price includes a drink and a snack for the kids. Once you’ve had your fill of all things festive, why not visit the museum’s I Grew Up 80’s exhibition, a family-friendly trip back in time to the days before the internet! Imagine! The exhibition runs from Oct 21 – March 16 2024. For more information, or to book, visit: discoverbucksmuseum. org.
and an illuminated parade ahead of the town’s switch-on. There will be funfair rides in Kingsbury, games, activities and face painting at Friars Square Shopping Centre and a Snowball Arena, packed with handmade snowball pompoms made by the local community, in the Market Square. Expect magic shows, live music, lego building, badge-making and a visit from snow fairies! The Illuminated Parade begins at 5:30pm in the Market Square with the Christmas light countdown at 6pm, hosted by Bucks Radio. Festivities end with fireworks. The event runs from 1pm. Chesham is switching its lights on during a festive, fun-filled evening on November 17. Expect fairground rides, food stalls and live music. The switch-on is at 6pm. Lantern parades, live music, school bands and street food will all be on offer at Beaconsfield’s Festival of Lights on December 6. The seasonal spectacular takes over the town, with a lot of the money raised going to good causes. Live music, local choirs and festive parades will all form part of Tring’s Christmas Festival which will be held on 25 November, from 3.30pm8.30pm. Princes Risborough High Street will also brighten up the start of the season with the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On, on November 25. For even more Christmas events, see our What’s On guide from page 28.
Light Up Your Life Christmas is all about sparkle, so make sure you don’t miss a Christmas lights switch-on! Head to High Wycombe for its Christmas light extravaganza on November 18. There’ll be a special appearance from the Snowman (and his snow dog!), market stalls and a funfair. The day runs from 10am-9pm, with lighting up time at 6.45pm! Aylesbury is holding its Christmas on the Cobbles on November 26, promising A Day of Festive Delight
Festive scenes at Bekonscot Model Village
The Perfect IntroDUC tion to Swimming Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross & Marlow E: amersham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01494 716861 Aylesbury, High Wycombe & Tring E: aylesbury@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01494 819138
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Theatre
Pick a great Panto! We have many fantastic pantomimes to choose from this year, it’ll be hard to pick just one... We all love a good panto! Oh yes we do! And this year the fairest of them all could be Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Starring EastEnders’ James Bye and panto favourites Andy Collins and Leon Craig. The production promises laughter, songs and a tale with a twist. Performances run from 1 December to 3 January, prices from £13. So, Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to Waterside we go! For tickets, see: atgtickets. com. If you’d rather head for the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning, there’s Peter Pan – Christmas in Neverland at Queens Park Arts Centre’s Limelight Theatre, also in Aylesbury. Set several years after Peter and Wendy’s first adventure, this brandnew show sees them re-united to
help return the magic that’s draining from Neverland, alongside the Lost Boys, the Wild Girls and a ship full of pratfalling pirates! Performances from 8-30 December. Tickets £9£14. See queensparkarts.com An award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast is being staged at the Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe. Starring Joe McFadden, Suzanne Shaw, La Voix and Jon Clegg – expect to laugh, cry and fall in love with the hairy, handsome and hilarious. The show promises a dazzling digital set, animated scenes and spectacular effects. Performances run from 8 to 31 December, with signed, audio-described and relaxed shows on certain dates. Discounts are available for families and groups. Book early to get a good seat! Visit wycombeswan.co.uk for more details.
Hansel & Gretel are coming to The Stables in Milton Keynes. But when they get lost deep in the woods, it seems they’ll never make it back in time for Christmas dinner… until they discover a whole host of new friends willing to help them out! And perhaps the Witch living in that delicious gingerbread house isn’t quite what she seems. Box Tale Soup present a brand-new festive take on this classic fairytale adventure, with beautiful puppets, innovative theatre and original music. More information at: stables.org There’s also Cinderella at The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham and A Christmas Carol at the Norman Bragg Studio in Aylesbury. For your chance to win family tickets to see Beauty and the Beast and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs see page 27.
Box Tale Soup present
Monday 18 – Saturday 23 December Performances daily at 11am & 2pm (18 Dec, 4pm only)
Join award-winning Box Tale Soup for a brand-new festive take on this classic fairy tale adventure, with beautiful puppets, innovative theatre and magical original music. For ages 3+.
Tickets from £14.50 Box office 01908 280800 Book online at stables.org The Stables | Milton Keynes | MK17 8LU 10 Families Chiltern
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FRI 1 DEC ’23 – WED 3 JAN ’24 | atgtickets.com/aylesbury* *Fees apply.
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Your Christmas Toy
GIFT GUIDE
Whether you’re a spontaneous shopper or a meticulous gift planner, you’ll want your choices both to hit the mark and become firm favourites. While age recommendations are useful guidelines for toy purchases, remember that not all children develop at the same rate. Do consider the child’s passions and hobbies. For inspiration, take a look at The Good Play Guide’s (goodplayguide.com) top picks for the festive season. You can rest assured that these accredited products have been independently tested by play experts and most importantly, by children.
Rock Stepper - Educational Playmat (Baby and pre-school) £195
Tonies Toniebox
Hands Up! (Ages 7+) £16.99 Hands Up! is a reaction speed card game where you compete to be the best security guard. Lots of twists and turns along the way make this game a fun, fast-paced contest where only the quickest thinkers prosper. Thieves have made their way into the museum and are attempting a heist. As a security guard, your mission is to catch the thieves and stop them in their tracks but you will need to be careful to avoid triggering a false alarm. Collect the most cards to become the best security guard.
(Baby to 10 years) £62.95 The Toniebox is an invincible musical storybox that children control. The box comes with one character, with add-ons available such as Peter Rabbit, Elsa and James and the Giant Peach. The figures help bring stories to life, also giving children a sense of independence as they choose which character they want to listen to and place the figure on the box. There are ‘Tonies’ that just play music and the option to record your own stories onto certain characters meaning children can listen to stories or goodnight messages from relatives who live far away.
Little Rebel Dolls
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The Rock Stepper playmat supports early learning and development by introducing phonics, word formation and early maths skills. Shapes, letters, numbers, colours and pictures keep children of different ages engaged. Accompanying flashcards and access to an app bring another play dimension, prompting children to interact with the mat in different ways. The mat is well cushioned to avoid bumps and bruises if children take a tumble while playing. The reverse side has a stylish design on it, so you can turn it over when it’s not being played with instead of putting it away each time.
Ollyball
(Ages 6+) £24.99
(Ages 5-9) £17.99
Little Rebels are more than just dolls, they are inspired by iconic women including Marie Curie, Malala Yousafzai and Amelia Earhart. Linked to an app, each one can teach and empower the next generation of leaders. Scanning the doll unlocks hours of fun with videos, ebooks, colouring activities, trivia and augmented reality. The range provides strong female role models for children by representing inspiring figures throughout history. The dolls also make a great tool for helping children to develop knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
The Ollyball has so much to offer. A lightweight ball that will encourage children to get moving and also get their creative juices flowing. Children first inflate the ball with the straw provided, then they can colour in the design with any type of pen, marker or crayon, before deciding which game to play with their friends. It’s incredibly lightweight and safer to use indoors than any other ball. Familiesonline.co.uk
My Ice Cream Shop Playset
Hey Clay
(Pre-school) £27.99 The My Ice Cream Shop Playset is great for imaginative role-playing and practising basic maths skills. With nine colourful flavours of ice cream scoops and three yummy toppings, little ones can assemble cones to match the play cards and practise their counting and pattern matching skills. Pretend play is a great way to develop emotional and social skills: open up the play guide to find interactive play ideas for developing skills like empathy and active listening or spin the game wheel for a fun activity.
(Ages 5+) £14.99
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Hey Clay mixes an engaging app and a box of air-drying clay for unlimited creativity. The cleverly thought out app gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to create a variety of models. Children love how simple the steps are to follow and also the extra games that come with the app. Designed to boost kids’ imaginations, the vibrant and soft modelling clay is great for sensory development and play-based learning, developing fine motor skills and creativity.
Discovering Stem Astronomy: Travelling to Space (Ages 9+) £27.99 This Stem set will have older children occupied for hours as they learn about the mission to the moon and what it’s like to live in space, among other facts. They then have six space-themed models to build, including a space shuttle and rocket. There is also a quiz to test the new space explorer’s knowledge and the accompanying mobile app and instruction booklet are easy to follow.
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Inspirational parent hacks for Christmas By Casey Major-Bunce
On a mission to empower parents to save time, money and stress and create joyful family moments, these are a few of my favourite Christmas hacks, to make your festive season run more smoothly.
Driving to visit friends or family? Car journeys can be very stressful when your kids are asking for things and you’re supposed to be keeping an eye on the road! Keep them entertained. Before you leave, take the headrest off one of the front seats. Place a sandwich bag on top of the seat, zip side down and facing the back seat. Replace the headset. Place a phone or iPad into the bag and do the zip up. Your child can now watch cartoons or play games easily without a holder or dropping the phone or iPad. If you have a new style headrest and you can’t remove it, just make two holes in the top of the sandwich bag and use some string or ribbon to tie the bag on. Pack their snacks and drinks in a caddy to minimise spillage and you’re ready to go.
Christmas morning Hate messy wrapping paper and bin bags ruining your lovely photos when the children are unwrapping their gifts? Just gift wrap a large box and have the children throw in their used wrapping paper as they go along. When the unwrapping is over, gather all the presents into a laundry basket to carry to the children’s bedrooms in one easy trip.
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Easy sweet treats A festive hot chocolate makes a lovely treat. One of my favourite hot chocolate hacks is to put some squirty cream in cupcake cases, add some sprinkles and freeze. Add to the top of a hot chocolate for a festive feel and to cool it down so little ones can drink more quickly. Personalise with your child’s initials to make it even more special. My simple Snowman Cinnamon Roll is also fun and super easy to make. Buy some Jus-Rol (or similar) ready-to-bake cinnamon swirls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray in three sections to make the head and a small and large body section, plus a hat. Bake to the pack instructions then decorate with snowy icing sugar, candy canes for arms and a sweet bootlace for a scarf.
Seven Second Bauble Treats look really great with very little effort involved! Start with a packet of Snow Enrobed Oreos for the bauble, decorate quickly with an icing pen and add a Reeces mini peanut butter cup to the top. Cheap and simple and the kids love making them too.
Packing away decorations Easily store away your decorations for next year with my free storage solution hacks (I love recycling things!) Place beaded garlands in an empty water bottle and stick the end to the inside of the cap. This ensures fewer tangles and offers some protection for fragile decorations. Safely store tree baubles in cardboard: egg boxes for smaller ones and larger ones in clean Pringles tubes or plastic cupcake holders. Save untangling your Christmas lights next year by wrapping them around an old coat hanger. Want to change your colour scheme next year but don’t want to waste money? Just buy balloons in your chosen colour, cut off the tops and pull them over your existing baubles. Casey Major-Bunce is a mother of four and her cost-effective, imaginative and fun hacks have earned her over 200k Instagram followers. For more hacks, follow Casey @majormumhacks on Instagram. Familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
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Early Years
Developing your child’s social skills Some children may find socialising more difficult than others. If your little one struggles or seems reluctant to be with other people, they may need some support to learn social skills. Here are some things you can do to help. Practise talking Chat about what you are doing, seeing or feeling to help build your child’s vocabulary and exposure to conversations. Role play, games and storytelling are all good for developing language. Model good manners, such as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ This will encourage children to act this way with their peers. Listen and take turns Children learn both verbal and non-verbal skills from the people around them. Try showing them what good listening looks like through your own behaviour and using games like Simon Says. Find ways to make taking turns fun. Choose an object and tell your family they need to be holding it when they talk. Pass it between you. If your child is a little older, take it in turns to make up funny sounds as if you are having an alien conversation. Show the importance of body language Use eye contact and body language with your child. Experiment by asking them to talk about something while you use poor body language. This could be crossed arms, looking away, fidgeting or frowning. Ask them how your actions made them feel. Then show them attentive body language. Take it in turns. Teach them about personal space Consider teaching your child about personal space. Ask them to put their hands on their hips and stick their elbows out to understand their personal space. Introduce the idea of boundaries by asking first if you can come into their space for a hug. Develop their emotional skills When you help your child understand, express and cope with emotions, it helps them recognise the emotions of others and develops empathy. Teach them to problemsolve, guiding them with questions such as ‘What could you
do?’ or ‘What could you say?’ Try to avoid answering for them. You can also talk to your child about friendships and what it is to be a good friend. If you can, arrange and support opportunities for socialising. Develop your child’s listening and concentration skills by engaging them with short, simple instructions and fun ‘listen and play’ games: Musical statues The old party favourite; dance or jump around to music and when it stops, freeze! Simple and fun, especially when other children play along. March and sleep Grab a noisy object and a quieter object; a simple wooden spoon as drumstick and rattly cereal box will do. When you use the noisy object, get your child to march around the room. When they hear the quieter one, they lie on the floor and pretend to sleep. Swap roles so your child can make the noises, test your skills and learn about taking turns. What did you hear? Hide a selection of noisy objects under a blanket and make a sound with one of them. Your child has to guess which one made the sound. Gradually increase the number of objects to up the challenge. Try making sounds from several toys or objects at once. With thanks to Action for Children, < actionforchildren. org.uk for this article. For further support on child development, visit its Parent Talk website at: < parents.actionforchildren.org.uk
Looking for a fantastic pre-school with over 25 years experience in an idyllic setting? You’ve found it!
Call Parvinder on 01494 433020 to arrange a visit. www.steppingstonesamersham.co.uk
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Families Chiltern 17
Education
Making the most of Parents’ Evening By Justina Gapper As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. Depending on the school, these consultations will happen at least once a year, sometimes more frequently. Here are some ideas to make the most of your limited time. It’s almost impossible to ask questions of teachers at school drop-offs and pick-ups, so for most parents, the booked Parents’ Evening slot is the only real opportunity for a proper chat with their child’s teaching staff. Therefore it’s really important to maximise the time available in these one-to-one consultations and make sure you get all the information you need. What to expect While Parents’ Evenings will vary slightly in format from school to school and year to year, at a minimum you should expect to hear how your child is performing in numeracy and literacy against the expected levels for their age group. Much more information will be conveyed as your child gets older. Consultations may also cover your child’s behaviour, levels of effort and social and emotional development. Be prepared This may sound obvious but unless you want to risk discovering that all the questions you want to ask have vanished from your head, write them down in the run up to Parent’s Evening to make sure you cover them. Let the teacher speak If you do have specific questions, it’s best to let the teacher speak first so that they can cover everything they need. The exception is if you need clarification or your question is related to what is being discussed at that moment. Don’t compare Try not to focus on comparing your child’s progress with his/her peers or even siblings. The teacher will focus on how your child is achieving against expected levels for their age. It isn’t useful to ask how their performance compares to others in the class. Stay focussed on your own child.
Focus on your child’s level of effort Don’t underestimate the importance of effort. This is as important as achievement as it reveals a lot about your child’s behaviour, character and motivation. How your child gets on with teachers and peers socially is also very important. For a quick overview Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a good idea of their overall performance and help you identify the areas in which you should be offering more support at home. Deal with unexpected news productively You may hear something about your child that you are not expecting. If this is about a negative aspect of their behaviour or performance in a specific learning area, this may be difficult both to hear and accept. Try not to get defensive. A teacher I spoke to told me of a consultation during which a father became very accusatory and angry, insisting that the teacher’s perception was incorrect as his child ‘didn’t struggle at home.’ If you do hear something unexpected, ask how you can work with your child to better support them. Teachers may have already prepared a response to this question in advance. Writing notes Don’t attempt to write more than a couple of bullet points while the consultation is happening, otherwise you may miss something important that’s being said. Justina Gapper is mother of twins, journalist and communications specialist.
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Come to a Lockers Park ‘Stay and Play’
Looking for a school to bring out the very best in your child? Known for its bespoke, nurturing style and brilliant academic results, Gateway School is a non-selective co-educational independent school for children aged 2-11.
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Families Chiltern 19
Education
Seven of the best new chapter books for children By Sarah Campbell From animal lovers to budding detectives, fantasy fans to comedians, there’s a book out there for everyone! Here are some of our recent favourites, perfect for your next reading adventure.
Around the world The Last Mapmaker Christina Soontornvat. Set sail on the high seas with 12-year-old Sai in this extraordinary adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to a land of dragons, dangers and riches beyond imagining. But Sai carries a secret that could ruin her dreams - and she isn’t the only one. Ages 8+.
Animal lovers
Kids who love fantasy
Michael the Amazing MindReading Sausage Dog Terrie Chilvers.
Spellstone Ross Montgomery.
A fun, illustrated early chapter book perfect for young doglovers! Michael’s dream is to become a global superstar but becoming famous is no walk in the park. How long will it take the other residents of Snufflesby-Sea to recognise Michael’s amazing talents; and those of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog? Ages 5+.
One of our all-time favourite children’s authors delivers a brilliant new fantasy adventure. Evie is used to going unnoticed. But then she meets the mysterious Wainwright and is recruited to a secret magical organisation. Suddenly Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient battle to protect the most powerful magical weapon in the world. Ages 8+.
Reluctant readers
Funny books
The Day the Hiccups Took Over Jo Simmons, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove.
My Name is Sunshine Simpson G. M. Linton.
Hilarious and super accessible, this is a book packed with madcap reading magic. Frank has a big day ahead of him, with a trip to the dentist, a trumpet exam, a swimming contest and tickets to see his hero live on stage. But he wakes up with hiccups and they just won’t STOP! Can Frank turn calamity into a dramatic triumph? Ages 5+.
This book will make you both laugh and cry! Sunshine Simpson is a brand new best friend for independent readers. Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures but bad luck has a habit of coming her way. Sunshine needs to find her voice and show the world she can shine. Ages 8+.
Kids who love adventure The Thames and Tide Club Katya Balen, illustrated by Rachael Dean. Clem and her friends are members of a mudlarking club, searching for treasures on the banks of the River Thames. Before they know it they’re on the weirdest, wildest adventure they could imagine on a mission to save underwater London! The first in a new series. Ages 5+.
Budding detectives The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder Kereen Getten. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series, this is a gripping mystery. Fayson’s cousins recruit her to their top-secret gang but seem more interested in food, squabbling and falling asleep! So Fayson takes charge and tries to track down clues about the strange shadow that has been appearing in the island’s lighthouse. Can she solve the case? Ages 8+.
Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (<parrotstreet.com), an online children’s bookshop offering a handpicked collection of high-quality children’s chapter books, plus an award-winning monthly book subscription for kids ages 5 to 14. 20 Families Chiltern
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Families Chiltern 21
Parenting
How to deal with cyber-bullying Today’s children are so immersed in the digital world that over half of them accept cyber-bullying as part of life, according to a survey commissioned by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk). Particularly invasive, cyber-bullying can be distressing because victims feel the bullies have access to them at all times. Cyber-bullying is the use of electronic communication, be it phone, tablet or computer, to send messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. And it is not a trivial matter as some children can be subjected to prolonged online bullying campaigns that they feel they can’t escape. ‘Victims of cyber-bullying can find it hard to open up to their parents’, explains psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, an ambassador for Internet Matters (internetmatters.org) cyberbullying campaign. ‘But it’s vital that parents learn how to engage with their children in a positive and reassuring way to open a dialogue channel which youngsters can feel reassured, not intimidated by.’ So what can you do if you suspect your child is being cyber-bullied?
Look for the signs If bullying is going on there will be changes in your child’s normal behaviour. These could include: becoming secretive about what they are doing on the computer, keeping their mobile on silent, spending a lot of time in their bedroom, showing signs of anxiety, irritability and moodiness and being quieter than usual. They may suffer stomach aches, headaches and sleeping difficulties and if bullying is prolonged, there may be a deterioration in school work and a reluctance to go to school.
Talk it out You need to talk to your child about cyber-bullying. Explain that if they are being bullied online they need to talk to you, a teacher or another adult they trust. Tell them they can call
KS3 KS4
French classes
ChildLine free on 0800 1111 if they would rather not tell someone they know; they have trained counsellors who regularly deal with this issue and know how to advise.
Don’t react Never reply to messages sent by a bully, even in anger as it will usually make the bullying worse. Bullies want a reaction, that’s why they do it.
Save and log Save any messages, texts or online comments, along with when they were sent and any details you have about the sender. Screen shots also mean that the evidence is visible. This information will be very useful when reporting the bullying.
Block and check profiles Social networks have different ways of dealing with bullies. On Facebook, for example, users can remove tags and block people who are sending nasty messages. Abusive posts or groups can be reported anonymously to Facebook, to get them taken down. Setting profiles to ‘friends only’ means your child can’t be accessed by people he or she doesn’t know. On other social networks you could also try changing their online user ID or nickname.
Change your child’s number If your child is being bullied by text or phone calls, have their mobile number changed and tell them not to give out the number to anyone they don’t know or trust. Anti-Bullying Week will take place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November. With thanks to < TheSchoolRun.com for this article. Visit their site for worksheets, activities and learning games for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, including English, maths and science advice for parents and SATs past papers.
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Activities
Clubs, Classes & Activities
Are you looking for a new activity for your children to try? Or perhaps they have a keen interest in music, sport or performing? Whatever their hobbies, we have a great choice of local clubs and classes to suit everyone.
When you call, please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Chiltern magazine !
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Trapdoor Performing Arts
Multisports
Tiska Karate
Weekend Multisports classes held at Dr Challoner’s High School. Little Sporties: ages 4 & 5. Primary Class: ages 6 - 11 Sports Leaders: ages 12 - 16. 18 sports a year plus weekly team building challenges. All enrolments include a two-week trial. Join today at: < multisports.co.uk
At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self discipline, self awareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence. Photograph of their youngest Black belt, 8 year old Tyler Yamamoto. Contact: office@tiska.com for further details of your 1 month free trial.
Acting classes with West End actors and TV professionals. Musical theatre and dance classes also on Saturdays. Act, dance and sing in separate classes for pre-school, infants, juniors and teens across all disciplines. Celebrating 100% pass rate in LAMDA and IDTA examinations year-on-year. ☎ 01494 876487 < trapdoordrama.com
Stagecoach
Monkey Music
The Barr Academy
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4–18 year olds. Ask about their 2-week trial.
Award-winning Music classes, 3m-5yrs. Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross & Marlow. E: amersham@monkeymusic. co.uk ☎ 01494 716861
Classes in: Amersham: ☎ 07887 500788. Aylesbury: ☎ 01525 790795. High Wycombe, Henley & Marlow: ☎ 07539 753718.
Aylesbury, Aston Clinton, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Tring, & Wendover. E: aylesbury@ monkeymusic.co.uk ☎ 01494 819138
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Musical Theatre classes from 3 - 18 years on Sundays in Stokenchurch led by a West End professional. The classes aim to encourage and inspire all to become creative, imaginative and motivated in all aspects of performing arts and life. Book your trial class today! ☎ 07583 942447 < TheBarrAcademy.co.uk E: info@thebarracademy.co.uk
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Carefully structured aqua-natal classes for mums-to-be and swimming lessons from birth to ten years in Aylesbury, Buckingham & Wendover. Quote ‘Families’ for a FREE taster class, to email them please click here. ☎ 01869 226223 < puddleducks.com
Seriously FUN Swimming Schools offer children's swim classes in: Amersham Aylesbury, Gerrards Cross, Wycombe, Maidenhead and Slough. Only 6 per class, £58 per month and 50% off your initial payment with code: DISCOUNT50. Book your swim lessons online at: < seriouslyfun.com Familiesonline.co.uk
Activities
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Families Chiltern 25
Make reindeer cupcakes Families asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (< amummytoo.co.uk) to share her scrumptious chocolate reindeer cupcake recipe with us. Fun and easy to make, you’ll love the chocolate sponge, rich chocolate frosting and the simple toppings which make the cute Christmas reindeer faces. You will need: For the buttercream: 400g (14.1oz) icing sugar (powdered sugar) 200g (7.1oz) slightly salted butter, softened 75g (2.6oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed) 100ml (3.4 floz) whole milk Decorations: 12 red Smarties or M&Ms and 12 giant milk chocolate buttons 24 candy eyes and 24 pretzels
175g (6.2oz) slightly salted butter, cubed and room temperature 200g (7.1oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) 3 medium free-range eggs, room temperature 125ml (4.2 floz) whole milk, room temperature 200g (7.1oz) self-raising white flour 40g (1.4oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed)
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Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Put the caster sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer or by hand until creamy.
Crack the eggs into the bowl. Add the milk. Beat again until just combined.
Fold everything together until the batter is smooth and even.
Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases. Divide the batter evenly between them, making sure to level off so that the cupcakes rise evenly.
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Step 5
Step 6
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Bake for about 20 minutes or until risen and firm. A skewer pushed into the centre of a cupcake towards the middle of the tray should come out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Make the buttercream. Put the softened butter in a large bowl and whisk until creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a French tip or open star nozzle and pipe tall swirls on top of the cake, retaining a little frosting to use as glue in the final steps. Add the reindeer details. Place a giant chocolate button on top of each cupcake, just below the centre. Dab the back of each Smartie with a little frosting and fix each on to the centre of a chocolate button.
Position two candy eyes above each chocolate button. Finally, break one side of each of the pretzels (or leave them whole) and push them into the frosted tops of each of the cupcakes to form antlers.
26 Families Chiltern
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder.
Sift in the icing sugar, cocoa powder then add the milk and hot water. Start whisking together, slowly at first and then building speed once the icing sugar is incorporated. It will take several minutes of whisking to get a light and smooth frosting.
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1
Competitions
WIN Whistle while you work… or even better, while you WIN! It’s fast-approaching the most wonderful time of the year, and for most families the most wonderful tradition is to enjoy a panto together – oh yes it is! Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is bringing a barrel-load of fun from Fri 1 Dec 2023 – Wed 3 Jan 2024, starring EastEnders’ Jame Bye and panto favourite Andy Collins. The festive production promises a traditional fairy tale with plenty of sparkle, audience participation and energetic song and dance numbers. Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to panto you go! COMPETITION: For your chance to win 4 x tickets to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Thursday 14 December at 6pm,* simply tell us the fruit that features in the classic fairytale a) Pomegranate
b) Banana
c) Apple
To Enter: Email your answer, name and town by Friday 1st December to: competitions@familieschiltern.co.uk *Family ticket is 4 x tickets for max. 2 adults. Prize is for performance on Thursday 14 December 2023 at 6pm. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visit atgtickets.com/aylesbury* (*Fees apply.) For full terms & Conditions, see: https://bit.ly/FamiliesChilternTCs
Win a family ticket to Beauty and the Beast
WIN
Starring Joe Mcfadden, Suzanne Shaw, La Voix and Jon Clegg, this year’s panto promises to be another truly spectacular festive experience for everyone. Beauty and the Beast will feature another awardwinning dazzling digital set, using LED screens with animated scenes and mesmerising effects, plus all of the usual ingredients you would expect to see in a truly memorable pantomime. COMPETITION:
Image from a previous performance
a) Orchid
b) Rose
For your chance to win 4 x tickets to Beauty and The Beast at Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe, just answer the following question: Which enchanted flower is given to the Prince in Beauty and the Beast? c) Lily
To Enter: Email your answer, name and town by Friday 1st December to: competitions@familieschiltern.co.uk *T&C’s: Open to UK residents aged 18+. Family ticket is for four tickets, including minimum of one adult. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by Wycombe Swan to be booked into a performance of their choosing. Prize has no cash alternative and is non-transferable. For full terms & Conditions, see: https://bit.ly/FamiliesChilternTCs
Copyright © Families Chiltern Limited 2023. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Chiltern Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Chiltern Ltd are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Chiltern Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Chiltern Ltd, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
27
What’s On By Claire Lockie Williams
Whs toatd’os, plaOcen s to
Thing to be had go and fun ages in all for kids of
November & December
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 November PETERLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET Peterley Manor Farm, Prestwood. 70 boutique gift stalls, live music, street food, food and drink experience barn. From 10am, plus two VIP shopping evenings. Pre-booking required: peterleymanorfarm.co.uk
Thursday 9 November
SEN
Thursday 9 November – 16 March 2024 I GREW UP 80’S Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. MULTIPLE Take a nostalgic trip back to 80s DATES childhood in a colourful new familyfriendly exhibition that will bring back memories for parents and grandparents while today’s children will love discovering what childhood was like before the internet. discoverbucksmuseum.org
HADDENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET Haddenham Village Hall, Haddenham. Unique handmade gifts. Arts, craft and face painting. 11am-4pm. FREE. allevents.in/aylesbury
Multiple Dates
Thursday 16 November – 2 January
Sunday 12 November
BEKONSCOT ILLUMINATED Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. MULTIPLE WEEKENDS Enjoy the tiniest festive scenes in Bucks! The artistry of the model village combined with the magical of Christmas lights will enthrall little ones and adults alike. Weekends only. Multiple time slots available, prebook online. Check Website for price details. bekonscot.co.uk
CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT AND RAFFLE Longwick Village Hall, Princes Risborough. Charity quiz night in aid of Longwick’s Pre-school. 7.30pm start. £10 per ticket. longwickvillagehall.com
Saturday 11 November AMBROSE FOLLOWS HIS NOSE The Story Museum, Oxford. An ordinary rabbit with an extraordinary sense of smell. 2.30-3.30pm. 7+yrs. Tickets £9. storymuseum.org.uk
YOUNG RANGERS AND TEEN RANGERS College Lake Nature Reserve, nr Tring. Wildlife clubs for children 8-11yrs and 11-17yrs. bbowt.org.uk
Weekends from 4 November– 10 December
Friday 10 November
Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 November FROZEN JNR Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Be enthralled by the beautiful bond between two sisters. For ticket prices and show times, go to: elgiva.com
DAVID GIBB’S FAMILY JUKEBOX The Story Museum, Oxford. Sing-a-long for the whole family. 11-11.45am, 2+yrs. Tickets £9. storymuseum.org.uk
November
FOX CUBS Bucks Goat Centre, Aylesbury. Activities, craft and animal encounter. SEND/Neurodivergent group for children and their families. 4-5.30pm. See website for more details: thebucksgoatcentre.website
Friday 10 – Saturday 11 November SPLASH TEST DUMMIES Norman Bragg Studio, Exchange Street. Exciting acrobatics, juggling and comedy. Multiple viewing times. Tickets from £16.50, family tickets available. atgtickets.com/aylesbury
WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED Take a walk through beautiful illuminations with mythical creatures, amazing projections and a toasty firepit. Booking essential. Adults from 19.80, Children from £12.10. See Website for full ticket details and to book: windsorilluminated.com Friday 17 November
FREE
SENDSATIONAL MORNING Tring Natural History Museum, Tring. SEN Special event for blind and partially sighted children with the workshop theme ‘Under The Sea’. FREE. Booking essential. nhm.ac.uk/tring Monday 13 November COMMUNITY EXPLORERS Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Explore the site, bring friends or a community group and enjoy a warm drink. Order a car parking ticket and enjoy a FREE session. Also 27 November. iverenvironmentcentre.org Wednesday 15 November CHILDREN’S CHORUS AUDITIONS Garsington Opera, Buckinghamshire. Looking for confident singers and enthusiastic performers, the Garsington Opera invites children to audition to form the chorus of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. 9-17yrs. DEADLINE: 15 November. AUDITIONS: 19 November. garsingtonopera/participate Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 November MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Escape Central Park Zoo with your friends and join King Julian on his MULTIPLE madcap adventures. Multiple viewing DATES times. Tickets from £13.00. To book: atgtickets.com/aylesbury
CHESHAM’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND CELEBRATION FREE Chesham High Street. Enjoy a fairground, market stalls, live music and performances. Drop-in 6-9pm, FREE. chesham.gov.uk OXFORD LIGHT FESTIVAL: STORIES IN THE CAFE The Story Museum, Oxford. FREE Enjoy some cosy stories during the light festival. FREE, drop-in activity. 5-7pm. storymuseum.org.uk Friday 17 November – Sunday 24 December SANTA’S GROTTO WITH THE SNOWMAN centre:mk, Milton Keynes. Immersive Christmas experience at Multiple Dates the grotto. Explore the magic of The Snowman brought to life, decorate a biscuit, meet Santa himself and get a gift. Adults and Babies from £5.50, Children £16.50. Santa’s Parade on Friday 17 November, 5-6pm. centremk.com Friday 17 November – 1 January 2024 CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE Blenheim Palace, Oxford. Enjoy a magical illuminated trail with a Santa visit at the end. See Sleeping Beauty in the Palace and explore a Christmas market. Pre-booking for tickets and parking essential. blenheimpalace.com Friday 17 November – 7 January 2024 WILLEN ON ICE Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. Magical ice-skating on real ice next to Willen Lake under a decorated marquee. 45-min session.Child £6.95 off-peak/£7.95 peak, adult £12.70, includes skate hire. Pre-book online: iceleisure.co.uk Saturday 18 November – 4 January
Family Christmas Activity Day
2 December, 10am - 4pm Enjoy a Christmas themed day at the museum with crafts, stories, games and a trail. Santa will be making a guest appearance, too.
discoverbucksmuseum.org
28 Families Chiltern
‘A WINTER’S TAIL’ AROUND STOWE Stowe House, Buckingham. Spot giant willow-woven bird sculptures on the seasonal wildlife trail around Stowe. Match tails to their owners, find clues and solve puzzles. Local choirs will perform on weekends. nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday 18 November ALL HANDS ON DECK Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Volunteering day with gardening and groundwork. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy tea and coffee. For 14yrs+ (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult). 10am-2.30pm. Booking required online: iverenvironmentcentre.org HIGH WYCOMBES CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON High Wycombe High Street. Stalls, rides, meet Santa and the Grinch. 12-6pm, lights switch-on 5.15pm. mywycombe.com Familiesonline.co.uk
What’s On Fabulous two day market with food, drink and entertainment, all in support of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. 11am-4pm. Adults £5, Children 5-16yrs £3, under 5s FREE. Pre-booking advised, hearingdogs.org.uk
Monday 20 November MINI MONDAYS Iver Environment Centre, Iver. Getting ready for winter-themed craft with pinecones, stories and mud play. 10-12pm, 2-5yrs, £6.50. Also on 4 and 18 December. pre-book online iverenvironmentcentre.org
ALSO 4 & 18 DEC
Saturday 25 November – 24 December CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common. MULTIPLE DATES Explore an enchanted forest, meet Father Christmas visit the elves’ Cuddle Creation workshop or head to the Christmas toyshop, Enjoy Christmas crafts and much more! Pre-book tickets online and see website for more details: oddsfarm.co.uk
Monday 20 November – 1 January 2024 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. Multiple Escape into an enchanted Christmas Dates Fairytale as the 12 Days of Christmas are brought to life. No booking required. Adult from £14, child from £7, family tickets available. nationaltrust.org.uk Wednesday 22 November – 1 January 2024 CHRISTMAS AT WADDESDON Be dazzled by Waddesdon Manor’s Festive transformation and light display. Go on magical adventures at the Snow Queen’s Kingdom, Neverland and Alice’s Wonderland. Christmas Fair until 17 December. Pre-booking essential: waddesdon.org.uk Thursday 23 November MARLOW CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON Marlow Town Centre. See website for details. marlow-tc.gov.uk BUCKINGHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Outside Buckingham Old Gaol, Buckingham. Enjoy Carols, festive fun, food. From 4pm discoverbuckingham.uk Saturday 23 November– 31 December ICE SKATING AT CHILTERN VIEW ICE RINK Chiltern View Garden Centre, Aylesbury. Launch evening on 23 Nov. Skating sessions daily. See website for tickets and to book: chilternviewicerink.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November
The Panto Express at Buckinghamshire Rail Centre
Friday 24 November – Sunday 24 December SANTA’S GROTTO Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury. SEN A variety of Santa experiences to chose from including grotto, breakfast and afternoon tea. Special SEN session 8 December. events.dobbies.com Saturday 25 November PRINCES RISBOROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Princes Risborough High Street. Christmas fun and festivities! 3-6pm, free. princesrisboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk FREE TRING’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Tring High Street, Tring. Stalls, music and much more! 3.30-8.30pm, free. tringtogether.org.uk Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November HEARING DOGS CHRISTMAS MARKET The Grange, Saunderton.
FESTIVE WEEKENDS Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Next 2 Explore a winter wonderland at the weekends Model Village and take a special trip on the Snowflake Train Ride. Also on weekends 2-3 and 9-10 December. Prebook online. Check Website for price details: bekonscot.co.uk Starts 25/26 Nov – Weekends to 17 December PANTO EXPRESS WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton. WEEKENDS All aboard the Panto express! Festive TO 17 DEC Christmas atmosphere with a fabulous vintage train ride where your family will get a personal meeting with Santa and a present from his Elves. Pre-booking essential. Tickets from £17.50. Also on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 Dec. bucksrailcentre.org Saturday 25 November – 17 December CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOURS Claydon House, near Buckingham. Book on an exclusive candlelight tour and discover intriguing stories from 400 years of Verney family fortunes. Saturdays and Sundays, tours at 11am and 1.30pm. Book online: nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon
If you have events for our What’s On guide, please email: claire@familieschiltern.co.uk
Families Chiltern 29
What’s On market. 10am-4pm. Pre-book tickets online: coam.org.uk
Saturday 25 November – 23 December SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Chinnor and Princes Risborough MULTIPLE DATES Railway, Chinnor. Take a traditional Steam ride with elves and meet Santa himself! Pre-booking required. Adults and children price before 3 December £22, 3 December onwards £25. chinnorrailway.co.uk
Saturday 2 – Sunday 24 December CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS AT THRIFT FARM Thrift Farm, Milton Keynes. Festive Stories, fun, games and build- WEEKENDS ONLY a-bear. Weekends only. 9.30am-5pm. See website for dates/ticket prices. thrift-farm.co.uk
Sunday 26 November CHRISTMAS ON THE COBBLES Aylesbury Town Centre. Festive family fun, fun fairs, crafts and Santa himself as Aylesbury’s Christmas lights are switched on. 1-6pm. FREE. aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk
Saturday 2 – Saturday 31 December CINDERELLA Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Can Cinderella outwit her wicked stepsisters and get to the ball? Multiple timings with two signed performances 12 and 20 December. For ticket prices and to book, see: elgiva.com
FREE
Thursday 30 November DISCOVER DUCKS – UNDER 5YRS SESSION Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Enjoy a Christmas themed session ALSO including a story, song, games, play, 14 DEC craft activity and museum trail. 10am12pm. Ticket includes a drink and snack for children. Also on 14 December. To book visit: discoverbucksmuseum.org
December Friday 1 December – 3 January 2024 SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Mirror, mirror on the wall... join MULTIPLE Snow White on her adventures DATES with her seven new friends. For full performance listings, including relaxed performance, see their website: atgtickets.com/aylesbury Friday 1 – Sunday 17 December SANTA’S GROTTO Milton Keynes Museum, Milton Keynes. Multiple weekends, Friday-Sunday. See website for full details. Child £12 (grotto & gift). miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk Friday 1 December
Christmas Spectacular at Odds Farm Park
Saturday 2 December (cont’) CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY CELEBRATION Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Kick off the Christmas season and celebrate the wonders of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory at the museum. With a chocolate goodie for each child, craft and stories plus a delicious pop up factory for role playing. Trail and pop up factory run to 30 December. To book visit: roalddahlmuseum.org CHALFONT ST GILES’ CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Santa’s grotto, Christmas carols and goodies on sale. 2.30pm-6.30pm. chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk FAMILY CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY DAY Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Enjoy a Christmas themed day at the museum with crafts, stories, games and a trail. Santa will be making a guest appearance, too. 10am-4pm. To book, visit their website: discoverbucksmuseum.org NEWTOWN SCHOOL WINTER FAYRE Newtown Infant School, Chesham. 11.30am-2.30pm. Adult £1, children free. newtown.education WENDOVER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Wendover, (on the paved area outside Budgens.) Watch the Christmas Lights switch on and peruse an array of crafty stalls 4-7pm. wendover-pc.gov.uk
OLD AMERSHAM CHRISTMAS EVENING High Street, Old Amersham. 4pm-9pm, drop-in, free. amersham-tc.gov.uk Saturday 2 December
Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 December
AMERSHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Sycamore Road, Amersham. 10am-5pm, free. amersham-tc.gov.uk
FESTIVE WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Explore how the festive season was celebrated in the past, with music, stories, special Christmas
FREE
CHILDREN’S CHORUS AUDITIONS Garsington Opera is looking for children to form the chorus of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten as part of our 2024 Summer Festival of professional opera. Whilst children don’t need to be able to read music, we are looking for confident singers and enthusiastic performers who love to be on the stage.
Sunday 3 December CHRISTMAS MARKET Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. Missenden Abbey’s annual magical Christmas market complete with food, drink and crafts. 12-4pm. To book tickets, visit: missendenabbey.co.uk DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Olney, Buckinghamshire. A Christmas market with a difference, a real taste of Victorian England. 10am-4pm. olneytowncouncil.gov.uk HADDENHAM SANTA DASH Dust off your Christmas jumper, collect your Santa hat and take part in 3km santa dash to to raise funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Sign in from 10am, run at 11am. fnhospice.org.uk/santadash23had VINTAGE CHRISTMAS GROTTO Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes. Unique vintage Christmas grotto, a magical mansion meeting with Santa and gift included. Also 9, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December. bletchleypark.org.uk Wednesday 6 December BEACONSFIELD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Parade, stalls, live entertainment and Santa. beaconsfieldfestivaloflights.co.uk Friday 8 – Sunday 31 December BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PANTOMIME Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe. Join Belle and the Beast in this MULTIPLE dazzling performance combining DATES animated scenes and amazing effects in true Panto style. Multiple showings and dates. Relaxed shows on selected dates. Pre-book tickets online: wycombeswan.co.uk
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY Do you love singing and drama? We are looking for new Youth and Adult Company members to take part in a fun-filled production A Trip to the Moon. Come and perform on our beautiful stage located near Stokenchurch or join our youth backstage team. No experience necessary, no requirement to read music, all places fully-funded. Performances: 30 & 31 July • Rehearsals start in the Spring
Children should be aged between 9-17 No unchanged voices
Find out more & apply now: garsingtonopera.org/participate
Deadline: Wednesday 15 November 2023 Auditions: Sunday 19 November 2023 For more information see garsingtonopera.org/participate Registered Charity No. 1003042
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Registered Charity No. 1003042
What’s On Friday 8 – Saturday 30 December
Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 December
PETER PAN- CHRISTMAS IN NEVERLAND Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury. A magical Pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Magic is disappearing from Neverland and Peter needs Wendy’s help. Multiple dates and times including discount, signed and relaxed performances. Tickets £9 to £14. Book online: queensparkarts.com
SANTA’S NEW SLEIGH Norman Bragg Studio, Exchange Street. Interactive childrens show, help Sprocket and Dibs create Santa a new sleigh. Tickets from £15.95, family tickets available. atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Saturday 9 December
Also CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE 27-30 FACTORY STORYTELLING Dec Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Immerse yourself in this magical story that storytellers will be reading throughout the holidays. Also 27-30 December. To book visit: roalddahlmuseum.org
HELLFIRE CAVES West Wycombe, Wycombe. Follow Elves on a magical trial underground to meet Santa. 9.30-10.30am. Adult from £10, child from £20. Not accessible, see website. hellfirecaves.co.uk Sunday 10 and 17 December BABY BROADWAY CHRISTMAS Also Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe. 17 Dec Festive interactive theatre. 10am & 11.15am. Adult £14.50, child 2yrs+ £4.50. Babies up to 2yrs, free. Also on 17 December. wycombeswan.co.uk SANTA’S WINTER WOODLAND Amersham Field Centre, HP7 0QR. Explore an enchanted woodland, do crafts and meet Santa. Adult £6, Child £12. Also on 16, 17 and 20 December. field-studies-council.org/families
MULTIPLE DATES
Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December SANTA WEEKEND Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Combine a trip to the festive model village with visiting Santa himself. Go to his grotto and receive a special present. Pre-book online, additional cost for Santa Visit. Check website for prices & details. bekonscot.co.uk Monday 18 December SANTA BREAKFAST Chiltern View Garden Centre, Aylesbury. Enjoy ice-skating, a cooked breakfast and
Also 20-22 Dec
Thursday 21 December – 23 December
The Story Museum by John Cairns
meeting Santa. 8.30-10am. Also on 20-22 December. See website for tickets, chilternviewicerink.co.uk Sunday 17 December WILLEN HOSPICE SANTA DASH Lakeside Lawn, Milton Keynes Start your Christmas with a dash for Willen Hospice. 10am. willen-hospice.org.uk Monday 18 – Saturday 23 December HANSEL AND GRETEL The Stables, Milton Keynes. MULTIPLE Hansel and Gretel love Christmas but DATES will they miss it this year when they get lost in the deep woods? Ages 3+yrs. Multiple times and tickets. Relaxed performance (SEND) 20th December, 2pm. stables.org Tuesday 19 – Sunday 24 December THE NUTCRACKER Ashridge House, Berkhampsted. Join Clara and her nutcracker Prince on an immersive adventure through Ashridge House. Receive a present from Santa too. Multiple time slots. Book online: ashridgehouse.org.uk
Thursday 21 – Friday 29 December TOM THUMB The Story Museum, Oxford. MULTIPLE DATES Tiny Tom Thumb uses his might wits to protect his brothers from his parents and The Ogre alike. Multiple showings. Tickets £12, 4+yrs. Also on 27-29 December. storymuseum.org.uk Wed 27 &Thurs 28 December WINTER WARMERS Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. Travel on a steam locomotive. Kids for a Quid special. Children £1. Also on 31st December and 1st January. See Website for full details, including all prices (discounts for some card holders and if bought online). chinnorrailway.co.uk Sunday 31 December – 1 January 2024 ROMAN PARK HALL’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Roman Park Hall, Aylesbury. All ages, families and S.E.N.D safe event with DJ, entertainment and photo booth. Free kids squash and complimentary prosecco. Early bird price to 30 November, Adult £12, child £6. 7pm-1am. Pre-booking required. berryfieldspc.org
STEP THROUGH THE WARDROBE TO
DISCOVER A WORLD OF STORIES... www.storymuseum.org.uk
Box Office: 01865 807600 Registered charity 1107809
2023 Nov Families magazine half page.indd 1
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Families Chiltern 31
THORPE HOUSE SCHOOL
Creating the Future Thorpe House Sixth Form CO - EDUC ATIONAL
Our Thorpians have gone on to be leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, athletes and artists, to name but a few. Whatever the future holds for our students aged 4 to 16, we support, challenge and empower each unique individual to explore their passions, develop their talents and fulfil their ambitions. Your future awaits at Thorpe House School… Reception and Lower School Open Morning
Tuesday 14th November 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Scan the QR code to find out more and book your place.
Launching September 2024 In the heart of Gerrards Cross, our brand new Sixth Form offers first class teaching, with an emphasis on academic achievement, the development of key life skills, leadership and exploration, extended pastoral care, and bespoke university and careers guidance.
Discover more at our Open Evening on Tuesday 21st November 2023, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thorpe House School Oval Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8QA 01753 882474 www.thorpehouse.co.uk office@thorpehouse.co.uk @thorpehousesch
