Families Surrey West March April 2023 Print

What’s on Easter activities

Helping

believe they

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

CAMBERLEY AND YATELEY 0208 979 5276 stagecoach.co.uk/camberley

FARNHAM 01252 216277 stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

GUILDFORD 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

LIPHOOK 01425 470934 stagecoach.co.uk/liphook

FARNBOROUGH 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough

FRIMLEY 01483 676131 stagecoach.co.uk/frimley

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Win a family ticket worth £70 to The Little Welly!

The Little Welly is the UK’s biggest obstacle course for children.

This magazine is printed on responsibly sourced paper using alcohol free printing

This year the event will take place by the river in Henley on the 10th & 11th June. The Little Welly experience is all about getting kids active and outdoors. Running, jumping, climbing and of course getting muddy. There will be 30 big obstacles over 3km including foam, water, ropes, and slides. As well as the obstacle course The Little Welly is also a ‘whole day out’. With pony rides, face painting, fun activities, live entertainment, music, food and drink - you’ll find something for everyone at this family festival.

The competition prize is for 2 child obstacle and festival tickets and 2 adult assist obstacle course and festival tickets, worth over £70. Winners will be provided with a discount code for the full value. Tickets are valid at any day/ any time between 9.30am-4.30pm. To enter, email your name and phone number to editor@familiessurreywest.co.uk with ‘Little Welly Competition’ as the title. Competition ends 23rd April 2023. See bit.ly/TLWRules for full Ts&Cs.

If you contact any company, event or activity listed in this magazine, please tell them you saw their details in Families!

Year 3 & 5 scholarships available at ‘Independent School of the Year’ finalist, Rydes Hill, in Guildford

As a commitment to widening the access of outstanding education and enrichment, Rydes Hill Preparatory School in Guildford has a number of scholarships available for girls entering year 3 and year 5 in September 2023. Scholarships recognise a child’s achievements by offering a discount on school fees and are awarded to candidates that demonstrate an allround ability across a breadth of academic and non-academic subjects. Headmistress, Mrs Norville, commented “I know that there are many young, local girls with strong potential across a breadth of areas who would flourish at this wonderful school. We facilitate the achievement of academic excellence, in a caring and highly supportive, individualistic environment”. In 2022, Rydes Hill was selected as a finalist in the Small Independent School of the Year Awards. They pride themselves on their outstanding academic, sporting, performing arts and artistic accomplishments which is underpinned by their small class sizes. Pupils benefit from an individualised learning pathway and leave Rydes Hill fully prepared for the senior school of their choice. If you believe your child would benefit from a scholarship, please visit https://rydeshill.com/admissions

New pre-schooler play

Don’t struggle! Turn to Home Instead

Juggling work and parenthood is enough of a struggle for many of us, but what about when you have to take on another role? As our parents age, the need to help out grows, whether that’s supporting with daily routines or simply giving much-needed company. It’s important to know that there is help available from Home Instead so that it doesn’t all fall on you.

Home Instead

Guildford, Woking and Godalming cares for older people in their own homes, including personal care, companionship and dementia care. That means that your parents have the chance to continue living in the house they love whilst receiving the support crucial to their health and wellbeing. For you, it means having less to worry about and being able to spend more quality time with your loved one.

Opting for live-in care is one way of sharing the responsibility. That means having a care professional move in with your ageing loved one and not just being a carer but a companion too; someone to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with. Find out more about Home Instead’s care by calling 01483 488222.

We have found a couple of new soft plays for pre-schoolers - it is always great discovering a new place to visit with your little one. The lovely Secret Garden stay & play for children aged 4 and under is based in The Arts Centre Guildford, 221 Epsom Road, Merrow and offers a fun, safe space to explore, interact, climb and slide plus there are tables and chairs with some refreshments and snacks for the all important tea or coffee for adults! Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm during term time, no booking needed. A website is coming soon, for now please follow artscentreguildford on FB and Insta for updates.

Munchkins Play Cafe recently opened in Byfleet (15 High Road). Munchkins is a fun and friendly soft play cafe with a two level adventure play area for under 5’s, a separate baby area for under 1’s and an imaginative play room for those who love to pretend play. The cafe has a range of drink and food options for both kids and adults. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-12pm. Book online at munchkinsplaycafe.com.

Also, did you know there is a free soft play at The Hive, Park Barn Drive, Guildford? With toys, mini ball pond, playhouse and more, it is open Tues-Fri 9.30am-4pm (3.30pm on Friday) plus on Mondays there is an NHS breastfeeding clinic for new mums and babies from 10am-2pm and an under 2s session from 2.30-4pm. For even more places to go with your little one, check out our listing of baby and toddler groups by scanning this QR code.

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs. With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

Ninja Warrier UK Guildford opens!

Chris Kamara recently opened the latest Ninja Warrier UK Adventure Park. The new venue

ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/guildford

and to find out about the many summer activities in Morzine visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com/activites-de-plein-air-ete.html

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Scan for a listing of baby & toddler groups

The Secret Garden

Secrets of our first thousand days

By Professor Lucy Green & Professor Mark Hanson

Have you ever wondered why keeping healthy is so tough for some of us but seems easy for others? And why the so-called ‘noncommunicable’ diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes still account for most deaths around the world, despite all the efforts of doctors and health care systems? Did you know that unconscious communication with your baby in the womb helps their body’s control systems develop for lifelong health?

An increasing number of medical experts would say that we are missing a fundamental clue to what makes us healthy. Our lifelong risk of chronic diseases can be established during our first thousand days, from conception until age two. This critical time affects how our bodies are put together and how we will respond to the world we will live in, with its stresses, need for exercise and good diet, adequate sleep and healthy behaviours.

The secrets of the first thousand days of our lives start from the moment of conception.

Once the egg and sperm have fused, the very early embryo begins ‘tasting’ its environment. It detects signals about the world from the mother’s hormones and the nutrients from the food she eats. These leave small ‘epigenic’ marks on the embryo’s DNA. It’s not just about the mother; the father’s sperm brings the egg its own marks too, affected by his diet and lifestyle. These change the instructions given by the inherited genes and can change how the unborn baby develops.

As the foetus grows it senses more signals from the mother’s lifestyle and nutrition. This is important because some organs developed before birth must serve us for a lifetime, like the muscle cells in our hearts and the filtering units in our kidneys. We even started practising breathing, albeit underwater, inside the womb and our lungs are sensitive to cues from our mother. Scientific advances reveal even more surprises; for example, that foetal brain electrical activity looks like adult sleep states. Could the foetus even be dreaming?

Children continue to respond to care and signals from the environment as they achieve major milestones before the age of 2, such as eating solid food, speaking their first

words and taking first steps unaided. Some developments are less visible, like colonisation of the gut with bacteria, building an immune system based on ‘experience,’ or the changes in nerve cells and connections within the brain as they learn to recognise new faces and voices.

We are quite used to checking our children’s growth from the moment of birth. It is particularly important because poor foetal growth is associated with greater risk of non-communicable diseases later in life and small babies sometimes struggle to thrive. In addition, more young people than ever are overweight or obese and this risk of poor overall health can pass across generations too.

Knowing the secrets of development and how they can affect risks of ill-health later in life makes us think: if all parents were better prepared before pregnancy they would give the best first thousand days to the next generation. Our children won’t remember it or grow up to thank us but they’ll stay healthier.

Giving babies the best start in life

For every couple, the time period during which preparation is needed for the first thousand days of their child’s life is quite short. It’s likely to be three to six months before conception and, at this point, societal and healthcare support needs to be in place.

We also need to think about what support they might need during this vital time window. This will help in persuading healthcare professionals and political decision-makers to provide such help as they plan healthcare strategies for our future.

Mark and Lucy, both at the University of Southampton, have spent decades researching the processes underlying human early development, now published in their new book What Makes a Person: Secrets of Our First 1,000 Days, available from www.bookshop.org.

“A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, but who gets custody of the dog after a divorce?

By Hart Brown Solicitors

We are a nation of pet lovers, but what happens to them if their human owners separate? Relationship breakdown is usually a stressful time for all parties involved. It can be made even more upsetting when considering what to do about custody of your pet after divorce.

It is not uncommon to think of a pet as one of the family and the thought of losing them, on top of the emotional turmoil of a breakup, can be overwhelming.

According to recent statistics, more than 60% of people in the UK own a pet. If 42% of marriages end in divorce, half of those breakups might include deciding who gets custody of a pet dog.

In law a pet is classed as property, a possession, and if there is a dispute about ownership, a court could decide on the matter of legal ownership on behalf of the parties. This could result in the return to, or retention of, a pet by its owner. A court will not, however, force a pet’s legal owner to set up a sharing agreement with a non-legal owner. Deciding factors that the court could take into account include who bought the pet, who is the main carer, whose name is registered on the pet’s microchip and insurance, and who pays the vet bills and similar.

Pets are often bought at great expense, especially if the pet in question is a pedigree or fashionable cross-breed. But with a beloved animal, the cost is not the only thing invested. If it’s a dog for example, invariably this will mean giving time and attention to training and exercising as well as feeding and loving it. Sometimes pets represent the absence of children or are introduced into an already large human family. We can get very sentimental about our four legged friends.

If you are separating, you and your partner may need to consider

carefully who gets to keep the dog and if you have more than one pet, do you get one each? As with so many issues that arise in family law matters, there is rarely one answer and most solutions turn on the circumstances of the case and what pet you have.

If you have a dog, you could consider sharing custody. Consider what would work best with your respective work patterns and other family commitments. Is the dog a good traveller or is car-sickness a problem? Is where you now live suitable for having a pet to stay, or is one party now renting a property that has a no pet policy?

Dogs can be territorial, becoming attached to the home and surrounding area they are used to. Moving can be unsettling enough for adults and children, but we rarely think of the impact it might have on our canine friends. If one party is staying put in the family home that was once shared, the right solution might be for the dog to stay put too.

If you have more than one pet, the answer is not necessarily to have one each. The pets may have an

attachment to each other as well as to their human family and separating pets can be very traumatic for them.

Court is not the place to resolve disputes over pets. It is an expensive remedy and it is usually the method of last resort when it comes to sorting out the division of other main assets such as the house, savings, pensions, and other investments. Alternatives to court proceedings can include mediation or the collaborative framework, assuming doing what you believe is the right thing for your beloved pet has not helped you reach a solution already.

Hart Brown Solicitors has been providing trusted legal advice to families across Surrey for more than 100 years. Get in touch today and speak to a member of our experienced Family team by calling 01483 887766 or visit www.hartbrown.co.uk

EASTER

FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-11 YEARS

BROOKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

WOKING GU24 0HF | 07935 220924

RUNNING 11-14 APRIL 2023

Baby and toddler group listing

Scan the QR code for the Families Magazine baby and toddler group listing. Covering West Surrey and Rushmoor there are over 200 groups which are listed by day.

Guildford, Godalming, Shalford, Cranleigh E: guildford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 821932

Cranleigh Arts Centre (Thursday)

*NEW VENUE*

Godalming Masonic Hall (Tuesday & Thursday)

Guildford St John’s Stoke Church (Wednesday)

Shalford Village Hall (Monday & Friday)

Why

we should

encourage outdoor play

By Emily Jefford, Deputy Head of Pre-Prep, St Catherine’s Prep School

Outdoor play is a crucial aspect of a child’s development and well-being. The benefits of outdoor play are numerous, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Encouraging children to play outside can help them lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

One of the most significant benefits of outdoor play is that it promotes physical activity and exercise. Physical activity helps to develop strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Outdoor play also has a positive impact on emotional development. Children who spend time outside are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. The fresh air, natural surroundings, and physical activity all contribute to a feeling of well-being and happiness. Children who play outside also have more opportunities to express their emotions and explore their feelings, which can be important for developing emotional intelligence and resilience.

Finally, outdoor play can also help children develop their cognitive skills. Children who play outside have the opportunity to explore their surroundings, engage in imaginative play, and solve problems. This type of play can also improve problemsolving skills, decisionmaking, and creativity.

In today’s world, children are spending more time indoors than ever before, with many relying on technology for entertainment. This trend is concerning, as outdoor play is essential for a child’s development and well-being. As a result, it is important that we encourage children to play outside and explore the world around them.

Here are some simple and fun ways in which you can help your children engage and learn more about nature.

I hope these ideas foster and develop a love and appreciation of the immense riches of our natural world. If you would like to learn more about St Catherine’s and explore our outdoor learning space, come along to out next open morning on Thursday, 9th March. For more information email prepadmissions@stcatherines.info

Outdoor Art

Outdoor art for children can be a fun and educational way to spark their imagination and creativity. It can connect children with their environment and help them learn about the world around them, so why not try the following?

Painted rocks – painted ladybird rocks, gratitude rocks or a rainbow rock. Get creative with your favourite colours and be inspired by nature.

Stamped leaf art – Gather a selection of different leaves and paint in different colours to use as a stamp to create a picture.

Nature paint brushes using sticks - children will love looking for different sizes of sticks to create various paint patterns. Lay out some paper and several pots of paint and let children explore the different patterns the sticks make.

Take part in a Scavenger Hunt

This can be in your garden or on a walk, ask some simple but effective questions to engage them. Focus on what they can see: Can they find something green, patterned or round?

Encouraging them to listen: Find something that crunches, something you can make music with or something which is loud or quiet. Developing their sense of touch: Find something prickly, soft or smooth. Exploring a variety of smells in the natural environment: Find a smell you like, find a flower or a plant with a scent or find a smell you don’t like.

Growing Vegetables

Cherry tomatoes are a great introduction to growing vegetables with children and Spring is the perfect time of year to begin sowing tomato seeds. They can be easily grown in a pot on your kitchen window, in the ground or a growbag in a sunny spot. What you will need :

1. A pack of tomato seeds - there are many different varieties but children will love “Tigerella” – a stripey tomato” or “Tumbling Tom” variety is perfect for hanging baskets.

2. Small pots or seed trays

3. Seed compost

4. Plant labels

5. Gardening gloves

• Fill a pot or seed tray with seed compost so it is nearly full to the top and then place the seeds on the surface and cover with a small amount of compost.

• Place on a sunny windowsill.

• Once the seeds have produced their first leaves, place into pots (biodegradable pots are great as you can re-plant without disturbing the roots).

• Plant outside in early Summer in larger pots or growbags (late May/mid-June) once the roots have filled the pots.

25 Mar–19 Apr

25 Mar–10 Apr

1–16 Apr

Easter in Surrey

Enjoy an Easter adventure at a National Trust place near you this spring.

Run wild through time at Polesden Lacey

Get cracking on an egg‑citing adventure at Claremont Landscape Garden

Step into spring at Winkworth Arboretum with nature‑themed games and activities

1–16 Apr

1–16 Apr

7–10 Apr

Enjoy adventures in nature at Hindhead Commons

£3 per trail*

Go egg spotting at Hatchlands Park with games and challenges along the way Spring into action at then get creative with Easter crafts

*includes chocolate egg (free-from alternative available)

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly

Ages 4-18 yrs www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Animal & farm parties

Little Trotters Pony Parties

Little Trotters Farm offer magical pony parties for children aged 2 1/2 - 10 years old in Chobham, Woking. Woodland parties consist of grooming, plaiting, and saddling up your shetland pony followed by a wonderful enchanted ride through the meadows and woodland. You’ll also have fun with a scavenger hunt, petting the guinea pigs and party room activities. Lunch is included and party bags and sweet stand are optional extras. Please visit www.littletrottersponyparties.co.uk for details.

Elm Nursery Farm

Elm Nursery Farm offer children’s parties seven days a week from 1st March - 31st October. They offer exclusive hire of a party area which also includes farm access for up to 30 guests (maximum 20 children). The farm also has a play area, sandpit and food to feed chickens is £1 per bag. Parties are suitable for children aged 2-5. Animals on the farm include alpacas, goats, chickens, guinea pigs, ponies and more! Email info@elmnursery.co.uk for further info.

Godstone Farm

For £22.95 per child this party option is a great way to celebrate! With entry to the farm for the whole day you can explore at your leisure, PLUS included is 2 hour hire of a private party barn with a hot or cold lunch box for each child. Every child gets to bring a grown up for FREE!

It’s a hassle free option for busy parents and animal loving little ones.

Merrist Wood

Merrist Wood offer unique birthday experiences at their Animal Management Centre or Farm - perfect for animal lovers. Their dedicated Keepers are fully qualified and able to deliver the parties in a fun but safe environment.

Two types of animal parties are available; an Animal Encounters Party which includes a 90 minute tour of the arid and tropical biomes housing a range of exotic species, or a Farm Party allowing exclusive access to the Farm and domestic pet area. merristwoodevents.co.uk/animal-birthday-parties

Lego parties

Brilliant Bricks

Do you know a LEGO fan? Then a Brilliant Bricks party is a brilliant choice! They deliver imaginative building parties with LEGO bricks, in fact thousands and thousands of bricks and pieces to build with. Choose from many themes like underwater, time travel, Star Wars or dinosaurs and build the challenges. No instructions, just imagination. So if you’d prefer a quieter and less hectic party find out more at www.brilliantbricks. co.uk (geographical restrictions apply).

Science parties

Genie Lab Science Parties

Genie Lab science parties are a totally mesmerising experience that will astound and captivate your party guests! Their parties include jaw dropping experiments and sensational demonstrations creatively delivered within an immersive storyline. The parties are specifically created to give your children an unforgettable party and take away the hassle and stress. For more information visit www.genielab.co.uk or email booking@genielab.co.uk or call 01483 811 890.

Themed parties

Synergy Dance® Parties

Hugely popular Synergy Dance® parties run throughout Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire in leisure centres, schools and private venues, offering a wide range of themes from Frozen, Cheerleading and Disco to Glow in the Dark and Breakdance. Parties include a signature snow disco, for ages 3-16, boys & girls, all levels. Find out more at https://synergydance. co.uk/party-themes/. You can book a Synergy package directly at Guildford Spectrum and sports centres throughout Surrey. For bespoke themed dance party packages see: http://synergydance.co.uk/synergy-dance-parties.

Molly Moocow

Molly Moocow Parties

Your one stop shop for fun! These exciting themed experiences will engage and entertain. Just choose your child’s favourite and let Molly Moocow take them on a musical adventure filled with songs, activities, puppets, percussion and colourful parachutes. Everything your little one could want from a fun-packed party! www.mollymoocow.com

Monkey Music

Celebrate your little one’s birthday with a bespoke Monkey Music party, joined by Monkey and Mo. Parties run for 45 minutes and can be tailored to a theme of your choice. Party with your favourite Monkey Music tunes. There will be quality percussion instruments, parachute play and fun movement activities. Share some precious time with your little one. Please contact Monkey Music directly for more information. Telephone - 01483 821932 www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/guildford-godalming-shalford

Active & sport parties

Guildford Spectrum

Guildford Spectrum offers a huge range of parties including Ice Skating for ages 6-12, Nerf parties for ages 6+, Laser tag parties for ages 6+, Leisure pools parties for all ages, Bowling parties for ages 5+, Rock Box climbing parties for ages 5+, Soft play parties for ages 3-8, Funtime pool parties for ages 4-8, Synergy Dance parties for ages 3+, Trampolining parties for 5 years +, Soccer parties for ages 4+ and Scalextric parties for ages 6+. To book your party call 01483 443322 option 3.

NSSport

It’s that time of year again when you’ve got to organise your child’s birthday party. NSSport can take the stress and strain away by delivering a unique party tailored and themed to the activities and sports your child loves. Hosted by fully qualified and experienced sports coaches, who go that extra mile to ensure they have the best party experience ever! They can also help you to find a venue if needed. To find out more please visit: www.nssport.co.uk, or email enquiries@nssport.co.uk.

Sporty Kidz

“The Ultimate must have party for energetic kids!” Run by fully qualified sports coaches, you can choose either a ‘Sports Party’ where children play their favourite sport or a combination, a ‘Games Party’ which is a fun packed, non competitive, energetic experience with tag games, team games & parachute games or ‘Mini Olympics’ where children enjoy competing in fun relays, obstacles and throwing events; a mini sports day! All parties are suitable for 3-12 year olds - all for an excellent price! Please call 07751 228196 or e-mail info@SportyKidz.co.uk. www.SportyKidz.co.uk

Pitch Pals

Get ready to experience a football party unlike any other! Fans of the beautiful game will be treated to a party that is packed full of non-stop football thrills. Let Pitch Pals take the stress off your hands, so you can sit back and relax whilst your child and their friends enjoy a fantastic party. Parties last 90-mins as standard. Contact Paul Wicks on info@pitchpals.co.uk or 07841675501 to discuss your requirements.

AirHop Guildford

Birthday Parties with a difference. Looking to put some bounce into the next birthday? What better way to spend the day than jumping across a sea of trampolines! Take the stress out of party planning and leave the fun up to AirHop Guildford. They have various party packages to choose from - be it Classic, Premium, Extreme UV, After Dark or MiniHoppers. It’s safe to say that parties don’t get much bouncier than this - head to www.airhop-guildford.com

Pottery painting parties

Kids Parties @ Fired Frog Pottery Cafe

Come to Fired Frog for creative and fun kids’ parties! They have a selection of pottery painting packages available and can also create themed parties if you have a special idea in mind! Each package is priced per head and includes one item per painter as well use of their private party room. Min 8 painters. For full details go to: www.firedfrogpottery.co.uk/parties Email: info@firedfrogpottery.co.uk to make an enquiry.

Popolo Ceramico

Popolo Ceramico pottery painting parties are ideal for creative children aged 5+. Children just love creating their own colour combinations and chatting away while painting their pottery. They come to your party to help children with painting, and return nice and shiny personalised ceramics a couple of weeks later. Pottery printing parties are available for younger children and babies. To book contact:07795 295728 or guildford@popoloceramico.co.uk

Bouncy castle & soft play hire

Best Bounce

From budget bouncers, to serious showstoppers, stunning bouncy castles for all occasions. Party specialist, Best Bounce offers an incredible range of bouncy castles for children and adults alike. Also disco domes, assault courses, soft play, ball pits and garden games hire. Whether planning a garden party, birthday party or school event, Best Bounce has a range of equipment suitable for your needs. All fully insured and complete with safety certificates and operating instructions as standard. Call 01483 912992 for information or visit www.BestBounce.co.uk

1st - 16th April

TIMES ROLL THIS LET THE GOOD

EASTER

Confidence-building fun with Perform

Spring is the perfect time of year to get those feelgood endorphins pumping and Perform’s new summer term themes are sure to get bodies moving and hearts singing. What’s more, your child can try a class for free! Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. They don’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead, they put children’s social development at the heart of their classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; the only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!

From April to July, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates whilst 7–12s will take part in The Dream, a hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

To book a FREE trial class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Classes run in:

* Farnham

* Godalming

* Guildford

* Haslemere

* Woking

A stellar new show based on the book by JULIA DONALDSON and AXEL SCHEFFLER

Wholesome Easter fun for the whole family with bunny hop sack racing, egg & spoon contests and seasonal crafts. Not forgetting all the usual farmyard fun this Spring!

BOOK ON LIN E

Don’t forget to book the GREAT EASTER ESCAPE too!

Why Bribing Children is Bad for their Education

By Wendy Berliner

Many parents have been there. They have a child who will not eat vegetables or won’t tidy their room. Or any other behaviour from a long list that drives their parents spare!

With battle lines drawn and no significant improvement from hectoring or cajoling, bribery can follow – anything that makes family life work better. If you eat your broccoli, you can have your pudding; if you do your homework properly you can have extra time gaming; if you put your dirty laundry in the washing basket you can have extra pocket money.

It seems so simple, especially if it gets results. But should you be doing it? The answer from half a century of research is a resounding NO. Bribes and their frequent partner, punishment, may work in the short term to get children to do what you want but they won’t help them become capable of their most creative work.

A highly influential motivational theory known as selfdetermination developed in the 1980s after New York based research found that paying students for solving puzzles demotivated them.

In essence, students offered money for solving Soma puzzles (precursors to Rubik’s Cube) lost interest when they were given extra unpaid time at the end of the experiment to carry on solving puzzles. Students in a separate test who were not offered money carried on trying to solve the puzzles after they were told the test had finished.

Subsequent research over many years with children and students of different ages with differing tasks has repeatedly confirmed the phenomenon.

The nub of the theory is that by offering rewards or bribes you are undermining the value of the task and the motivation to do it.

There are two types of motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic (also known as controlled and autonomous). Rewards and punishment form extrinsic motivation. Someone is doing something to you to make you do something. It might be nice or it might not be. You might do it because of the carrots or sticks applied but it doesn’t become something you do by choice.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is what is needed to become an independent learner capable of your best work. It is not dependent on other people telling you to do things. You do things because of the enjoyment, interest and value you get from them.

A child who will spend hours playing computer games is intrinsically motivated – it’s just not the kind of motivation that is good for them if it comes at a cost to their school work or personal relationships.

So how do you develop that all-important intrinsic motivation in your children? The theory argues humans require certain needs to be met before they can become motivated from within.

Competence – we need to feel confident and effective in what we are doing – we have a human need to build our skills. To facilitate this, don’t tell your children they are no good at things if they struggle. That includes when you are trying to be kind – a comment like ‘I wasn’t any good at maths either’ is telling them they aren’t competent.

Relatedness - we need to feel a sense of belonging to others, to feel cared for by groups that are important to us and to care for others. So make the atmosphere at home kind and supportive.

Autonomy – we need to be able to decide what we do rather than be coerced. To assist with this, help your children learn to take responsibility for what they are doing, to understand the importance of homework, for example, so that they can make good choices by themselves on how to use their time.

That last one is really important. The child who understands their parents’ arguments about the importance of getting good grades at school to the establishment of a worthwhile and interesting career, may internalise those arguments and do their homework willingly because they see the value of doing so; they have become autonomously motivated.

Wendy Berliner, with co-author Judith Judd, are authors of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledge and available from amazon and good book stores.

Sources: Deci, E. L. (1971). ‘Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation’. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1), 105-115. http:// dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0030644, Deci, Edward L., Ryan, Richard M. (1985) ‘Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior’. Springer Science & Business Media.

Independent School Open Days

Please contact schools to see if booking is needed.

School

Barrow Hills School, Witley 01428 683639 Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Belmont School Holmbury St Mary 01306 730852 Mixed 3-16 yrs.

Cranmore School. Boys 2-16 years and girls 2-7 years.

Ripley Court School 01483 225 217 Mixed 3-11 years.

The Royal School, Hindhead Mixed 6 weeks-18 years.

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery, Guildford 01483 544973 Girls 3-11 years, Boys 3-7 years.

St Andrews School, Horsell 01483 760943 Mixed 3-13 years.

St Catherine’s School, Bramley 01483 899665 Girls 4-18 years.

St Edmund’s School, Hindhead Mixed 2-16 years.

St Hilary’s School, Godalming 01483 416551 Mixed 2-11 years.

St Ives School, Haslemere Mixed 2-11 years.

Open Day Date

Please contact the school.

Please contact the school.

Fri 12 May.

Tues 14 March 9.30am-11am.

Please contact the school.

Please contact the school for a personal tour with the headmistress.

Fri 10 March 9am-11am, Fri 12 May 9am-11am.

Thurs 9 March 9.45am

Fri 12 May 9.45am

Fri 9 June 9.45am.

Sat 20 May 10am-12pm.

Sat 22 April 9.45am or 10.45am. Or contact the school for a personal tour.

Fri 3 March 9.30am-11am

Fri 5 May 9.30am-11am.

OPEN MORNING from 9.45am

Thursday 9 th March 2023

Friday 12 th May 2023

Friday 9 th June 2023

St Cat herine’s Prep, Bramley

How to Improve your Child’s Concentration and Listening Skills

Many young children need help developing the skills of listening and concentration required in the classroom.

Here are some ways you can help your child:

Concentration

* DEFINE focus and concentration –primary aged children need to feel things in their body to help their brain properly understand the meaning.

* To help your child FEEL concentration, ask them to balance a book on their head! After the book has stopped falling off, the giggling has ended and you see that they are focussed, TELL them that what they were feeling whilst trying to balance the book is ‘concentration.’

* EXPLAIN that concentration means using all your energy to do one thing at a time. If you get distracted you need to take control inside yourself to get back to the job. Taking control is a grown-up thing to do!

* Teach the Bubble Strategy (see right column) to use in class.

Listening

Only around 2% of the population ever have any formal training in listening and yet it’s one of the most important skills we need for learning. Help your child get off to a great start with the following steps:

Talk with your child about what they think listening really means and the difference between listening and hearing. For example, hearing is something that happens automatically. Listening is something we DO which means we can get better at it with practice;

Tell them you’re going to see how well their brain is learning to listen. Say a simple sentence for them to repeat back to you exactly as it was said:

e.g. I put my coat on and went outside to play.

Can your child repeat it word perfectly? They might need to do it several times. Suggest they repeat the sentence in their head when you say it because that will help their brain remember it. They can do this when their teacher is speaking to them at school too.

Gail Hugman is the founder of Lessons Alive. Gail has 46 years’ experience teaching and motivating children to be the best they can be in school and in life. This article contains extracts from her book 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, available at www.theendlessbookcase.com For further information, visit www.lessonsalive.com

By Gail Hugman

The Bubble Strategy

This will help your child manage distraction in the classroom. Talk about the classroom and what distracts them.

Look at the school timetable and show your child the blocks of time when they need to be listening and concentrating.

Tell them to help their brain focus in the classroom, they need to imagine they are inside a big, invisible bubble. It can be any colour they like!

Inside the bubble all they can hear is their teacher talking; all other noise is outside the bubble and in the distance. They can shake off their bubble when they go out to play and go back into it in the next lesson.

Give them a small, pretty stone or bead for their pencil case and tell them that every time they see it, it will remind them to concentrate and listen and check that they are using the bubble when they need it.

After school, ask them how their concentration was in the lessons where it was needed.

Please check event details with organiser and confirm if booking is needed

S ATURDAY 4 M ARCH

Beautiful Books

Haslemere Educational Museum

10.30am-12pm. For 5-11s. A morning of book related art and crafts. Mem £5, nonmem £7. Book online.

15 Minutes of Fun

Chertsey Museum

33 Windsor St, Chertsey

KT16 8AT Free craft session for all the family - drop-in anytime from 1.30-3.30pm.

Animal Encounters Tour

Merrist Wood College

Guildford 11am or 2pm. On the two hour tour you will see animals including meerkats, tortoises, black throated monitor lizard and a wide selection of birds and reptiles. You’ll learn about the different species, and meet some of the animals. For ages 5+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). £18 per person. Book online.

S UNDAY 5 M ARCH

Natural Art for Families

Nower Wood Educational

Nature Reserve

Leatherhead 1-3pm. Family art in the woods for ages 4+. Family of 4: £27.80. Book at www.surreywildlifetrust.org.

Frimley Lodge Miniature

Railway

Frimley Lodge Park

Miniature train rides from 11am-4pm. Buy tickets from the ticket office on the day. £1.50 per ride, under 3s free.

M ONDAY 6 M ARCH

Little Twigs

Ripley Court School

9.30-11am. Woodland stay and play for children aged 18 months-3 years with an adult. The sessions take place in Ripley Court’s Forest School which includes a bug hotel, mud kitchen and more. Enjoy a snack and hot chocolate at the end! £5 per child, please book online. Little Twigs runs every Monday in term time.

T UESDAY 7 M ARCH

Busy Bee Toddler Session

St Hilary’s School

Godalming An afternoon of play and activities for toddlers and their parents. Everyone is welcome! These free sessions take place weekly on Tuesdays during term time from 2-3pm. No booking needed.

Toddler Tuesday

Surrey Heath Museum

33 Obelisk Way, Camberley Craft, stories and play for 1-5s with an adult. £1.50 no booking needed.

Toddler Time

Rydes Hill Prep School

Guildford Free session aimed at children aged 18 months3 years with an adult, although younger siblings welcome. 10-11am. These sessions are weekly in term time with a mixture of fun and engaging activities. Booking is essential at www.rydeshill.com/toddlertime

Mini Gallery Explorers

The Lightbox

Woking Interactive stories, rhymes and creative crafts for under 5s with an adult. 11-11.40am. First come, first served basis from 10.30am. Free, donations welcome.

T HURSDAY 9 M ARCH

Martin Brown – Illustrator of Horrible Histories

UCA Film and Media Centre Farnham 4.30-5.30pm. Aimed at 5-9yrs and those interested in illustration. Book at farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk

F RIDAY 10 M ARCH

Mummy! Haslemere

Educational Museum

1.30-2.30pm. Egyptian themed session for under 5s with an adult. Adult £1, child £2. Book online.

S ATURDAY 11 M ARCH

Animal Adaptations Science Workshop

Godalming Library

For ages 6-10. 2.30-3.30pm. Learn how an animal’s environment can connect to how they have adapted to survive in extreme environments, plus model a spider glow worm. Tickets are £3 from Godalming Library or email godalming.library@ surreycc.gov.uk.

Open Day

Surrey History Centre

130 Goldsworth Rd, Woking

10.30am-3pm. Free. Discover Surrey’s diverse heritage from maps to archaeological finds, plus talks and free family activities including mini digs. No need to book.

Lions, Tigers, Football & Unicorns, Farnham Library

A family session of word fun with poet Coral Rumble, aimed at ages 5-11. 10.30am12.30pm or 2-4pm. Book at farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk

S UNDAY 12 M ARCH

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, Farnham Maltings

For ages 0-8 with their adults. Space-themed Family Rave. Book online.

Family Morning Bird Walk Wellesley Woodlands

Aldershot 9-10.30am. Free but booking essential at: wellesleywoodlands.co.uk.

T UESDAY 14 M ARCH

Special Science Storytime for British Science Week

Godalming Library

4pm. Learn about the science behind a classic fairy taleThe Three Billy Goats Gruff. After reading the story make your own mini bridge out of recycled materials and see if it is strong enough for

What’s on diary

Bertram the Library Bear to cross... For ages 3+. Free for all to attend but donations welcomed.

W EDNESDAY 15 M ARCH

Paper Hand Flowers

Farnham Library

3.45-4.45pm. Come and make some beautiful paper flowers. A perfect gift for Mother’s Day! £1 per child. Limited spaces so please sign up at the library or contact farnham.library@surreycc. gov.uk.

F RIDAY 17 M ARCH

Create a Lava Lamp Woking Library

3.30-4.30pm. Free, no booking needed. For ages 5+. For British Science Week.

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Wisley is steeped in history and blazing a trail as a glorious garden of the future. Discover RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of gardeners. Explore the abundant produce in the World Food Garden, sit and reflect in the Wellbeing Garden, or spot insects skimming the water’s edge in the Wildlife Garden. For a day out that delights all the senses, race the kids up Battleston Hill, explore the colourful Exotic Garden, and wonder at the tropical Glasshouse. For Easter activities at RHS Wisley please see the listing on page 19.

Easter at Godstone Farm

From 1 - 16 April, The Great Easter Grotto Escape sees families and friends searching for clues in a fun and interactive experience, where success leads to a meeting with the Easter Bunny! Wholesome fun continues all around the farm, with bunny hop sack races, a duck trail, egg & spoon races plus exciting crafts to make and take. With over 500 animals to see there’s also all the usual farmyard fun, along with extensive indoor and outdoor play areas. Booking online in advance guarantees the best price tickets.

Zog Trail at Alice Holt Forest

Everyone’s favourite dragon has returned to Alice Holt Forest, Farnham with a brand new family activity trail and free app! Join Zog on his latest forest adventure to collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest and how the forests can care for them. There’s lots more to do at Alice Holt Forest including exploring the trails, discovering play areas and enjoying the cafe. Sat Nav Postcode: GU10 4LS

© RHS

Hever Castle

Make some special family memories this Spring with an Easter quest and an egg-cellent craft egg decorating workshop at Hever Castle in Kent from 1-16 April. Children are invited to help the Easter bunny find sweet treats as part of a quest around the grounds or get creative with a free egg decorating workshop. Round your day off with a spring themed face paint (additional charge - selected dates).

As well as the Easter activities, a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens. Enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from late daffodils to tulips. Run off some steam in three play areas which include the Tudor Towers adventure playground. Or why not challenge yourself not to get wet in the Water Maze. You can also enjoy seasonal home cooked food and mouth-watering cakes from the restaurant or bring a picnic to enjoy in the stunning grounds.

Easter at the National Trust

Easter Trail at Hatchlands Park, East Clandon from Sun 1 –Sun 16 April, 10am-4pm. See how many eggs you can spot on the Easter nature trail, with games and challenges to enjoy along the way. Admission +£3 (includes a chocolate egg).

Easter Trail: Run wild through time at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham from Sat 25 March – Wed 19 April, 10am–3.30pm. On the trail journey back in time to when elephants, wolves and lynx would have roamed free, with a few surprises along the way. Dressing up is encouraged. Everyone wins a chocolate egg prize. Admission + £3 per trail.

Easter Trail at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford from Fri 7 – Mon 10 April. Enjoy activities along the trail including den building, crafts and bunny hopping! £3 for the trail with an Easter egg prize, there is no charge to enter the Wharf.

Easter trail at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl from Sat 1 – Sun 16 April, 10am-4pm. Enjoy an adventure in nature with activities and fun for all the family. £3 per trail, includes a chocolate egg.

Easter Trail at Winkworth Arboretum

This Easter, take a voyage of discovery winding your way through the arboretum on an activity-filled nature trail while taking in the landscape springing into life and colour. Kids can have a go at making their own masterpiece with items found across the woodland floor, search for wildflowers or predict the weather. Sat 1 - Sun 16 April, admission + £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from egg.

Easter at Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher

The activity trail runs from Sat 25 March - Mon 10 April. Join in with games in the garden whilst taking in the picturesque views. Plus you can stroll through swathes of daffodils and feed tiny goslings. Admission + £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from egg.

Hedgehog fun and Egg rolling at Box Hill, Tadworth Hedgehog

Fun from Sat 1 – Sun 16 April, 10am-4pm. Enjoy lots of free hedgehog games and crafts for all the family. On Thurs 6 and Sun 16 April at 10.30am & 2.30pm there are workshops with Lucy Reynolds, author of ‘Hedgehogs don’t live in the city’ including readings and a craft workshop. Free, but booking online is essential. From Fri 7 – Sun 10 April there is free egg rolling at 11am & 3pm. Either bring a decorated egg to roll down the hill or visit the egg decorating station. Best decorated egg wins a prize!

S ATURDAY 18 M ARCH

Mother’s Day Crafts

Godalming Library

2.30-3.30pm. Come and make a special pop-up flower mother’s day card. Tickets £2 from Godalming Library or email godalming.library@ surreycc.gov.uk. For ages 5+.

Family Craft Time

The Mayford Centre

Mayford Green, Woking Make something special for Mother’s Day or get an Easter decoration ready! Hot drink and home baked cake included. 11am-1pm or 2-4pm. Book at www. strawberrypatchcrafters.com

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon, Guildford For ages 6-10. Join the animal keepers for a day, working with a huge variety of animals including tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds, meerkats and more. £70, book online.

Mother’s Day Craft

Haslemere Library

10.30-11.30am. Make personalised paper flowers to give to someone you love on Mother’s Day. For 3-8 years, £1.50 per child. Reserve your place by emailing haslemere. library@surreycc.gov.uk

Mother’s Day Gift, Byfleet Community Library

2-3.30pm. Make a lovely gift for your mum on her special day. For ages 4-12. £1 per child, book by reserving your place at the library desk.

S UNDAY 19 M ARCH

Mother’s Day

Hatchlands Park

East Clandon GU4 7RT

10am-5pm. Treat your mum to a day at Hatchlands Park with free entry for mums.

LEGO Exhibition & Build Denbies Wine Estate Dorking Buy tickets for one hour sessions which include brick building and play areas. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm. £3.75 for ages 6+. Under 5s free with paying adult. Book online. There is also a display of official and custom LEGO models (tickets not required for the display).

All Aboard Club

The Lightbox Woking Inclusive train play session for autistic, ADHD and SEN children. 11am12.30pm. Book at www.allaboardclub.com.

Junior Animal Keeper Experience

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon, Guildford For ages 11-14. Book online.

F RIDAY 24 M ARCH

Hatch, Egg, Hatch! Haslemere Educational Museum

10.30-11.30am. How do eggs hatch? Listen to the story to find out and make a nest for your own chick. Adult £1, child £2. Book online.

Mini Painters

The Lightbox

Woking For under 5s with an adult. 11-11.40am. £5 per child, adult free. Book online.

S ATURDAY 25 M ARCH

Easter Craft

Farnham Library

10.30-11.30am. Enjoy some fun eco-friendly craft using pages from old picture books to make colourful paper plate chickens! £1 per child. There are imited spaces so sign up at the library or email farnham.library@surreycc. gov.uk.

Easter Funday

The Grove Primary School

Frimley GU16 8PG 1-3pm

Easter activities include an egg hunt (£3.50 per child includes a prize!), competitions, drinks and cakes. All welcome.

Kids Craft - Easter Crowns Cranleigh Arts Centre

9.30am or 10.30am. £8. Book online.

Animal Encounters Tour Merrist Wood College

See listing on 4 March.

S UNDAY 26 M ARCH

Stoke Park Railway

Guildford GU1 1TU Miniature train rides from 2-5pm. Train rides are £2 or six for £10. No booking needed.

W EDNESDAY 29 M ARCH

Children’s Crafts

Elm Farm Cafe

Sutton Green, Guildford

£10 includes crafts, egg hunt, hot drink and cake. 10am12pm. Book online at www. strawberrypatchcrafters.com

S ATURDAY 1 A PRIL

April Fool, Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-12pm. For ages 5-11. Learn the origins of this tradition of practical jokes with a look at some famous April Fools and some silly activities. Book online.

© National Trust Images Megan Taylor

Credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

S AT 1 A PRIL CONT.

Easter at the Museum Museum of Farnham

11am or 1pm. Meet real lambs and other furry friends and enjoy woolly activities such as spinning, weaving and friendship bracelet making. Plus Easter crafts and scavenger hunt. £5 per child, adult free. Book online.

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon, Guildford For ages 6-10. Join the animal keepers for a day, working with a huge variety of animals. £70, book online.

15 Minutes of Fun

Chertsey Museum

33 Windsor St, Chertsey

KT16 8AT Free drop-in family crafts from 1.30-3.30pm.

Godalming Spring Festival Town Centre 10am-4pm. Food, stalls, Dobby Horse carousel, facepainting, and free Punch & Judy Shows (in Crown Court at 11am, 1pm and 3pm).

Enchanted Woodland

Easter Adventure

My Little Unicorn Ash Green 11am-12.30pm. Lots of fun including Unicorns and Bunnicorns, giant team Easter Egg Hunt, crafts and games. Book at mylittleunicorn.co.uk

S AT 1 - S AT 8 A PRIL

British Birds Egg Hunt

Aldershot Military Museum

GU11 2LG During museum

opening hours. Eight eggs are hidden around the museum, can you match them to their British bird species? Once completed, spotter sheets can be used to birdwatch at home. Included in admission. Suitable for 4+.

S AT 1 - S UN 16 A PRIL

Jungle Boat VR Ride

Longacres Garden Centre

Bagshot Enjoy a virtual reality boat ride into the mysterious rainforest with this fullyimmersive experience with headsets and movement! £5. For details see longacres.co.uk

Egg-straordinary Dragon Trail, Painshill Park

Cobham KT11 1JE 10am-4pm. Find all the dragons and their eggs with the family statue trail. Included in admission, book online to save on tickets.

S AT 1 - M ON 17 A PRIL

Easter Adventure into the woods

RHS Garden Wisley

Woking GU23 6QB This Easter, go on a larger-thanlife egg hunt at RHS Garden Wisley. Search for giant eggs designed by 2022 competition winners hidden in the garden and win a chocolate prize, and join in family seed planting and craft workshops in the Clore Learning Centre. No booking required, included in admission.

Coins, Crowns and Kings

Coronation Fun

Guildford Museum

Castle Arch Open Wed-Sat 12-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Get ready for King Charles III’s coronation with a family friendly interactive display at the Museum. Make a crown and take a selfie on the royal ‘throne’. For ages 4-11. Free, no booking needed.

S UNDAY 2 A PRIL

Easter Adventure, My Little Unicorn See 1 April.

Junior Animal Keeper Experience, Merrist Wood College Worplesdon, For ages 11-14. Book online.

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway

Frimley Lodge Park Miniature train rides from 11am-5pm. £1.50, no booking needed.

M ONDAY 3 A PRIL

Clay Pot Characters

Bourne Mill Tea Room

Bourne Mill Antiques, Farnham 10.30am-12pm. Have fun making your own clay pot character. For ages 6+. £12.50 per person. Book at: https://bookwhen.com/ artfulkidsuk

Early Birds, Haslemere

Educational Museum

10am-12pm. Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Book online.

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies Wine Estate

See listing on 19 March.

Sustainable Resilience for Kids, Solar Sisters Guildford 10am-12pm Free session for accompanied 4-8 year olds. For details see: resilientkids.co.uk

The Easter Adventure at Willinghurst Estate, Shamley Green, GU5 OSQ is from 1st8th April, 10am to 3pm. Take a tractor ride into the woods to find the Easter bunny and friends. Fun for the whole family, with prizes and treats for all children. Refreshments will be available. No booking required just turn up with your wellies for an eggcellent Easter themed morning/ afternoon of fun! Keep an eye on @willinghurstestate or willinghurstestate.co.uk to find out more information.

Guildford Spectrum

Guildford Spectrum offers a wide range of activities, including tenpin bowling, ice skating and four swimming pools. In the pools, you can show off your skills on the diving boards, race down the waterslides or test your stamina during a lane swimming session. Everyone can enjoy the indoor ice rink all year round, perfect for experienced skaters or beginners with the help of penguin skating aids. Challenge your friends and family to a game of bowling and show off your strike celebration!

There’s also exciting soft play, ‘Specky’s Pirate Ship’ for your little ones to explore. All activities can be booked online.

AirHop

Rain or shine, skies are always blue at AirHop! Enjoy over 30,000sq ft of ultimate bouncing fun for kids and big kids with loads of attractions to keep the whole gang happy! Standard jump sessions are open to everyone aged 4+. Younger trampolining enthusiasts (6 months - 6 years) can explore the park in a safe and fun environment during dedicated MiniHopper Takeovers. These sessions include extra toys, ride-ons, a visit of a special guest and the ever-so popular bubble time. On Friday and Saturday 6-8pm you can experience the park in a cool club atmosphere during a 2-hour bargain After Dark session at only £17.50. Find out more on airhop-guildford.com and #jumpintohappy.

Elm Nursery

From Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April, there will be a bunny hunt on the farm at Elm Nursery, Sutton Green, near Guildford. Entry includes farm admission and costs £5 per person, under 2’s are free and includes a treat prize! Open 10am-3.30pm daily (last admission 3pm). There’s plenty to see on the farm; alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies, guinea pigs, rabbits & more. The café and shop will be open. Face painter and pottery painting are on selected dates, see website for details (closed Easter Sunday).

RHS Garden Wisley

What’s on diary

M ON 3 - F RI 14 A PRIL

Easter at the Museum

Rural Life Centre

Tilford Unlimited rides on the Old Kiln Light Railway on Wednesdays are included in entry. Plus extra activities for children on Thursdays (included in entry). On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday there’s an Easter Egg trail (admission + £1), for all ages with treats at the end.

M ON 3 - M ON 17 A PRIL

Find Camberley’s Bunnies!

Find all of the Easter Bunnies around the town and write down the letter on it’s collar, work out the word and post in the ballot boxes in The Square & The Atrium. Pick up a handy map and help sheet at The Square or The Atrium.

T UESDAY 4 A PRIL

Easter Pop-up Craft Café

Ash Victoria Hall

Ash GU12 5DN Lots of Easter themed crafts for the kids. Tea, coffee and cake for the grown ups. For ages 3+, with an adult. 10.30am-12pm.

Child £7, adult £2.50 (adult ticket includes a free hot drink) Please book at: https:// bookwhen.com/artfulkidsuk

T

UES 4 - T HUR 6 A PRIL

Wild Wildlife

Surrey History Centre

130 Goldsworth Rd, Woking Free drop in family activities

9.30am-12.45pm and 1.455pm. Discover Surrey’s wildlife with free wildlife themed craft activities. Ages 3-10. No need to book. Also on 11-13 April.

W EDNESDAY 5 A PRIL

All Day Synergy Camp

QEP Centre

Guildford 10am-4pm. For ages 5-12. Activities include learning a themed dance routine, obstacle course, parachute fun, arts and crafts and a snow disco. £35 per day, plus if you book this camp, you can book a Guildford Spectrum Synergy workshop for half price! For booking and details see bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Synergy Dance Workshops

Guildford Spectrum Book these workshops at bit.ly/synergy-workshops. Children will be grouped by age. £8.50 per workshop, or combo price for both.

Frozen Winter Wonderland Workshop

For ages 3-8. 2.30-3.30pm. Act, sing and dance as you explore the scenes and songs from smash hit films Frozen 1 and Frozen 2. Includes dance and drama games with parachutes, an obstacle course, pom poms, ribbons and snow disco.

Superheroes and Princesses Workshop

Make a Hoop Suncatcher

The Hideaway Café

Guildford Age 5+. 30 minute sessions available from 10am-2pm - book a place at the table or drop in. £5 per child, accompanying adult free. Book at: https:// bookwhen.com/artfulkidsuk

Paper Tube Hares

The Lightbox

Woking Drop in craft from 1.30-4pm. Free, for all ages.

Drop in Craft Table

West End Centre

Aldershot GU11 3JD

2-2.45pm and 3-3.45pm. For ages 3+ with an adult. Free but book online in advance.

T HURSDAY 6 A PRIL

Artful Kids Workshops

Haslemere Youth Hub

Book at: https://bookwhen. com/artfulkidsuk. £9.50 per session. Lunch is available from the cafe for those wishing to stay for both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Drama Workshop

10-11.30am. Drama fun for children aged 6+. Mini World Creations

1-2pm. Let your imagination run wild in this craft workshop for ages 4-8. Create a Woven Wallhanging 2.15-3.45pm. Craft workshop for ages 8+. Learn how to make your own wall hanging.

Egg Decorations

Aldershot Military

F RIDAY 7 A PRIL

Surrey SME

Mill Lane, Leatherhead Miniature train rides 11am4pm. £2, no booking needed.

Easter Egg Hunt, The Cranleigh Showground

Egg hunt for children 10 years and under with an adult. Find the plastic eggs in the woods and win a chocolate egg! Prompt 10.30am start. Free, donations welcome.

Easter Party, QEP Centre Guildford 2.30-4.30pm For 5-12s. £12.50. Learn an Easter themed dance routine plus Easter obstacle course and dance games, parachute fun, role play, snow disco and Easter egg hunt! Children will be grouped by age. Book at: bit.ly/synergy-workshops.

F RI 7 - M ON 10 A PRIL

Easter at Hollycombe

Steam in the Country Liphook Gates open 11.30am with rides from 12pm plus Easter surprises.

S ATURDAY 8 A PRIL

Easter Egg Hunt

Rowhill Nature Reserve Aldershot For details please see rowhillnaturereserve.org.

S UNDAY 9 A PRIL

Mizens Railway

Knaphill GU21 2JW Miniature train rides from 2-4pm. For ages 1+ (under 10s need to be accompanied by an adult). No booking needed.

Easter Egg-citement

Haslemere Educational Museum

Family event from 10.30am1pm. Make Easter themed crafts plus Easter garden trail for children with a chocolate treat. Book online.

Toddler Tuesday

Surrey Heath Museum

33 Obelisk Way, Camberley

Craft, stories and play for ages 1-5 with an adult. ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ theme. £1.50 no booking needed.

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies See 19 March.

The Lightbox

Woking

Monoprint Stories

1.30-3pm. For ages 5-10. £9.50 per child, adult free. Book online. Learn how to print and create a story through the animals you see.

Mini Gallery Explorers

See listing on 7 March.

For ages 4-8. 3.45pm4.45pm. Harness your superpowers and dress to impress in this holiday workshop.

Museum GU11 2LG For ages 3+ with an adult. Decorate a wooden Easter egg. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.303pm. Included in admission.

Easter Camp, St John’s Farncombe GU7 3EJ 2-4pm. For ages 5-12. £12.50. Easter themed dance routine, Easter obstacle courses and dance games, parachute fun, role play, snow disco and Easter egg hunt! Children will be in age-appropriate groups. Book at: bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway

Frimley Lodge Park

Miniature train rides 11am1pm and 2-4pm. No booking needed. £1.50, under 3s free.

Kids Craft – Fantastic Fish

Cranleigh Arts Centre 9.30am or 10.30am. £8. Book online.

Enchanted Woodland

Easter Adventure, My Little Unicorn See 1 April.

Picasso, Haslemere Educational Museum

10.30am-12pm. For ages 5-11. Learn about the Cubist movement and make a cubist picture. Book online.

Wild Rangers Conservation Club, Nower Wood Leatherhead 9.30am-3.30pm for ages 11-17. Book at www.surreywildlifetrust.org.

Sculpture, The Lightbox Woking 1.30-4pm for ages 11-16. Book online.

M ON 10 - S UN 16 A PRIL

British Birds Egg Hunt

Aldershot Military Museum See listing on 1-8 April.

T UESDAY 11 A PRIL

Play in a Day – Matilda

Princes Hall

Aldershot 10am-5pm. For ages 7-11. £21. Book online.

Animal Marionette

The Lightbox

Woking 1.30-3pm. For 5-10s. Child £9.50, adult free. Make a marionette. Book online.

Cold Coral & Rocky Reefs

Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-12pm. For 5-11s. Look at some corals, learn about our cold coral and rock reefs then make some coral inspired art. Book online.

Lego Open Build & Display

Cranleigh Arts Centre 10am, 12pm, 2pm or 4pm. £5 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied. 5s and under are free. Book online.

Easter pop-up craft café with Artful Kids

Superheroes and Princesses workshop

T UES 11 A PRIL CONT.

Synergy Dance Workshops

Guildford Spectrum

Book these workshops at bit.ly/synergy-workshops. Children will be grouped by age. £8.50 per workshop, or combo price for both available. Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Dance Party

For ages 5-12. 2.30-3.30pm. Lots of Easter fun including dance routine, obstacle course, snow disco, Easter egg hunt and lots more! Easter Disco

3.45-4.45pm for ages 5-12. Learn some great moves! For all levels and abilities.

T UES 11 - T HUR 13 A PRIL

Wild Wildlife, Surrey History Centre See 4-6 April.

W EDNESDAY 12 A PRIL

Dance in a Day, Princes Hall

Aldershot 10am-5pm. For ages 6-10. £21. Book online.

Animal Masks, The Lightbox Woking Drop in from 1.30-4pm for craft fun. Free, for all ages.

Frimley Lodge Miniature

Railway See listing on 5 April.

Coronation Coins

Guildford Museum

Castle Arch, GU1 3SX 12-1pm and 2-3pm. For 4-11s. See old coins in the museum’s collection from Roman times onwards and then make your own coin for a new king. Free, drop in; no booking required.

Family Fun Day

Guildford Cathedral

10am or 11am. An hour of fun themed activities and crafts. Free but online advance booking needed.

T HURSDAY 13 A PRIL

Rainforest Rampage

Bramley Library

Fun themed lego sessions with Brilliant Bricks Club. 10-11am or 11.15am-12.15pm. Build the challenges and whatever your imagination invents! Book at: www.brilliantbricks.co.uk

Watercolour Illustrations

The Lightbox

Woking 1.30-3pm for ages 11-16. Book online.

Creative Corals

Haslemere Educational Museum

Family event from 10.30am-1pm. Look at the museum’s corals and make a coral picture. Book online.

F RIDAY 14 A PRIL

Artbox Easter Workshop

Farnham Maltings

For 6-16 year olds. 10am3pm. Create a collection of seasonal inspired mixed media work. Book online.

An Otterly Wild Escape

Guildford Museum

Castle Arch, GU1 3SX For 4-11 years old. Join Otto the otter to create a collage of his perfect habitat. See website for further details. Free, drop in, no booking required.

S ATURDAY 15 A PRIL

Community Drum Circle

Cranleigh Arts Centre 3pm. Family friendly event open to everyone. No experience needed, book online. £5.

S UNDAY 16 A PRIL

Open Sunday

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Compton GU3 1DL

Start at 2pm with a tour of the site followed by tea, coffee and cakes. Meet the horses and learn about what the Sanctuary does. Adult £3, child £2, under 5s free. Online booking essential.

F RIDAY 21 A PRIL

Mini Painters

The Lightbox

See listing on 24 March.

Pond Dipping, Haslemere

Educational Museum

10.30-11.30am For under 5s with an adult. Discover the creatures living in the Museum’s pond. Book online.

S ATURDAY 22 A PRIL

Kids Craft – Still Life

Painting, Cranleigh Arts Centre 9.30am or 10.30am. £8. Book online.

Earth Day & The Wild Escape, Haslemere

Age groups of 5-8, 8-11 and 12+

MERRIST WOOD HOLIDAY CLUB

3 - 6 APRIL

Need a holiday club during the Easter holidays and your children love the outdoors? Why not come along and join in the fun at our Merrist Wood Holiday Club!

We are a college with all rare breed animals for your children to meet and learn about. There are lots of activities for your children to do on our themed days during our Animal week including:

Meet the sheep

Pig wash

Owl spotting Mouse house making

Farm walks

Meet the meerkats

Wash the tortoise and much more...

The club runs from 9am-4pm or you can extend your hours to 8am-5pm

Day ticket - £30 Extended hours ticket - £35 Pick any day you need or the whole week

www.merristwoodevents.co.uk

Fleecy Frolics Lambing

Weekend

Merrist Wood College

Guildford 10-4pm A celebration of nature and countryside crafts. Meet the lambs, watch countryside craft demos, visit the farm, watch sheep shearing and see falconry displays, all included in admission. For an extra charge there will be face painting, horse drawn trailer rides and animal handling. Book at merristwoodevents.co.uk

Fleecy Frolics Lambing Weekend

S UNDAY 23 A PRIL

Little Explorers

Book here!

Stoke Park Railway See listing on 26 March.

T UESDAY 25 A PRIL

Little Explorers

Claremont Landscape Garden Esher 11am or 2pm. Fun outdoor exploration and activities for ages 3-5 with an adult. Book online.

S ATURDAY 29 A PRIL

Farnham Duck Race River Wey at Gostrey Meadow Farnham 12-3.30pm.

Fun family event, sponsor a duck for charity and watch it race down the river!

S UNDAY 30 A PRIL

Run Frimley 2023

Egg Decorations, Aldershot Military Museum See 6 April.

Stoke Park Railway

Guildford GU1 1TU Miniature train rides from 10am-1pm. £2, no booking needed.

Educational Museum Family day of activities to celebrate Earth Day. Children’s activities, information on Wild Escape projects from across Surrey, talks and more!. Details at haslemeremuseum. co.uk/whatson

Claremont Landscape Garden Esher 11am or 1.30pm. A fun-filled adventure investigating Spring through outdoor exploration and activities. For ages 5-9 with an adult. Child £6. Online booking essential.

Fleecy Frolics Lambing Weekend, Merrist Wood College See 22 April.

All Aboard Club, The Lightbox See 19 March.

Frimley Lodge Park

As well as a 10k and 5k route, there is also a 1k ‘colourful’ family fun runthere’ll be powdered paint and bubbles and you are encouraged to wear your wackiest, craziest, and most colourful outfit for the fun run. This event raises funds for local NHS hospitals. To register and for more info see www. frimleyhealthcharity.org

Rainforest Rampage

Merrist Wood College Holly Lane Worplesdon Guildford Surrey GU3 3PE

What’s on All Easter holiday camps and drama workshops need to be booked in advance

Easter holiday camps

Ultimate Activity Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding Ofstedregistered activity day camp childcare for children aged 4-14 during the school holidays, where the children’s welfare and fun are at the heart of all they do! Children will enjoy a fantastic range of over 40 sports, games and art activities every week led by engaging staff at amazing locations, including:

* Amesbury School in Haslemere

* St. Andrew’s School in Woking

* Prior’s Field School in Godalming

All camps are running during the Easter and summer school holidays for ages 4-14 years. For more details and to book visit www.ultimateactivity.co.uk.

SportyKidz Holiday Camps

Sporty Kidz will be running their popular Football or MultiSports Camps for 3-13 year olds in Woking at the Winston Sports Centre from Mon 3 - Fri 14 April led by their excellent coaches. Standard day 9am-3pm, extended day 8.15am-5pm! Football campchildren will learn new skills and enjoy fun competitions with the wonderful FA Qualified coaches. Multi-Sports Camp - children will learn from a variety of 15 sports each week and play fun games, parachute games and mini Olympics. Childcare vouchers and HMRC tax free payments accepted. Book online at SportyKidz.co.uk.

Xtreme Activate Holiday Day Camp

OFSTED registered funfilled holiday camp that runs at Guildford Spectrum entertaining and challenging children aged 5-8 and 9-12 years. The Camp runs from Mon 3rd - Thurs 6th and Tues 11th - Fri 14th April 8.30am6pm. Bookings can be made in person at Customer Services or call 01483 443322, option 3.

Easter Half-Term Football Camps

Pitch Pals are running more fantastic football Camps on April 3, 4, 5 at Broadwater School, Godalming. All days will run 9am-3.30pm (late pick-up of 4pm and halfdays available). Your child can expect a camp full of fun games, activities and tournaments suitable for all. Expert coaching from FA-qualified Coaches in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. Early booking is recommended to guarantee your child’s space. You can book at https://pitch-pals.class4kids.co.uk

Casa Clubs

Quality, fun, active and affordable multi activity holiday clubs for children aged 4-12 in Frimley, Camberley, Weybridge and Aldershot. See https://casaclubs.co.uk.

Age groups of 5-8, 8-11 and 12+

New venue!

MERRIST WOOD HOLIDAY CLUB

3 - 6 APRIL

Need a holiday club during the Easter holidays and your children love the outdoors? Why not come along and join in the fun at our Merrist Wood Holiday Club!

We are a college with all rare breed animals for your children to meet and learn about. There are lots of activities for your children to do on our themed days during our Animal week including:

Meet the sheep

Pig wash

Owl spotting

Mouse house making

Farm walks

Meet the meerkats

Wash the tortoise and much more...

The club runs from 9am-4pm or you can extend your hours to 8am-5pm

Book here!

Day ticket - £30

Extended hours ticket - £35 Pick any day you need or the whole week

www.merristwoodevents.co.uk

nature explore, multi-sports classes, cooking, dance and movement class, arts and crafts to name just a few! Half day or full day options. For details see muddybootscamps.co.uk.

Holiday computer workshops

Spark4kids Easter Computer Workshops

020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com

For children who love computers, Spark4Kids offer the ultimate holiday activities including coding, touch-typing and games design, from beginners upwards. Learning is encouraged through exploration, creativity and fun as children naturally develop their computational skills while coding. These workshops are perfect for both beginners and those children who are looking to expand their coding skills. For ages six to teens.

Baby and Children’s Market

On Saturday 4th March and Saturday 1st April from 10am-12pm at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. £2 entry, kids are free. Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% profit on the day. For more information email ellie@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk.

NCT Haslemere & Midhurst Nearly New Sale

On Sun 23 April 10.30am-12pm (10.15am entry for NCT members and expectant mums + guest). At Camelsdale Primary School, Haslemere. For details see www.facebook.com/haslemerenct

Merrist Wood College Holly Lane Worplesdon Guildford Surrey GU3 3PE

Holiday drama workshops

Surrey Theatre Academy

School of Rock

Easter Camp runs from Mon 3 – Thurs

6 April at Godalming Borough Hall for ages 6-16 years and at Haslemere Hall for ages 6-18 from Mon 10 – Fri 14 April.

Both workshops are from 9am-3pm and it is £120 for the 4 day workshop and £150 for the 5 day workshop. Book at www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk/ holiday-workshops

Stagecoach Guildford Easter Workshops

Stagecoach Guildford’s Easter workshops will be running at Christ’s College, Guildford from Tues 11 - Fri 14 April. The Early Stages Workshop for ages 4-6 is from 9.30am-12.30pm (3.30pm finish on Friday) and children aged 6+ attend from 9.30am-3.30pm. Put on an incredible show in just 4 days - this year you’ll be heading to space and taking part in a performance of ‘Starstruck The Musical’ on stage, with lights and professional photography! Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

Stagecoach Farnham Easter Workshops

Put on a show in 4 days from Mon 3 – Thurs 6 April at Farnham College. Enjoy classes in dance, acting, singing and musical theatre. ‘Pirates VS Mermaids’ is for 4-6 year olds from 9am1.30pm and ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ is for 7-18 year olds and runs from 9.30am4.30pm. Book at stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

Stagecoach Guildford North Easter Workshops

Running at King’s College

Guildford from Tues 11Fri 14 April these Easter workshops are set to be an all singing, all dancing extravaganza! Children aged 6+ will be working on ‘Get Ready to Rock’n’roll’ putting on an incredible show in just 4 days inspired by some of the best rock musicals of all time. 4-6 year olds will have a week of creativity and fun becoming Rockstars with a performance at the end of the week for family and friends. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/guildfordnorth

Stagecoach Farnborough Easter Workshops

Running at Samuel Cody School, Farnborough, you’ll put on a show in a week making friends along the way. Running from Mon 3 - Thurs 6 April with ages 4-6 attending in the morning whilst ages 6+ come for the whole day (9.30am-3.30pm). Don’t miss this all singing, all dancing week of fun putting on a performance of ‘Starstruck the Musical’. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough

Children’s theatre

Guildford

Mouse and Sam

Wed 29 March

11.30am & 1.30pm. Join a timid mouse in an interactive storytelling show. An original tale for ages 0-4, this heart-warming story includes interactive roleplay and sensory exploration. We Are Family

Wed 5 April 10.30am-11.30am. Join children’s author, Lucy Reynolds, to celebrate the many different ways that baby animals grow up on our planet… includes a naturethemed mini workshop, an interactive storytelling and a colourful creative activity. For ages 4-7 but all welcome.

George McGavin:

It’s a Wild Life

Wed 5 April 7.30pm. Join Dr George McGavin on a riveting adventure, as he shares stories of the wild and wonderful places he has visited and the amazing discoveries he has made. Recommended for 10+. Room on the Broom

Fri 7 – Sun 9 April. Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in this fun-filled adaptation. The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitchhikers – but this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two... For ages 3+.

CAMBERLEY THEATRE

Dinosaur Adventure Live

Tuesday 4 April 2pm & 4.30pm. Journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs. For ages 6+.

Pop Divas Live!

Sun 16 April 4pm.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Thurs 11 May 11.30am.

RHODA MCGAW THEATRE

Woking

Pinocchio

Sun 5 March. For ages 4+.

CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE

Spontaneous Storytelling –With Danyah Miller

Thurs 6 April 11am. A playful hour of storytelling fun and games aimed at ages 6-11.

PRINCES HALL

Aldershot

Three Little Pigs

Fri 14 April 2pm. Musical adventure for ages 2-7.

WEST END CENTRE

Aldershot

Breathe

Wed 5 April 2.30pm. A story told from the perspective of an acorn. For ages 5+.

FARNHAM MALTINGS

Dinosaurs and All That

Rubbish

Sun 26 March 11.30am & 2.30pm. For ages 3+. An environmental tale with dancing dinosaurs. The Bubble Show

Thurs 6 April 2.30pm. Magic, science and bubble art.

Animals!

Sat 15 April 11.30am. Fun, interactive and featuring original songs.

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

Woking

Dick and Dom in da

Bungalow Live

Sat 18 March 7.30pm.

Sing-a-Long-a Encanto

Sun 26 March 1pm. For 4+.

G LIVE

Guildford

Ministry of Science Live: Science Saved the World

Tuesday 11 April 6pm. For 6+. Explosive science show.

T HE ELECTRIC THEATRE

Guildford

Let’s All Dance – Cinderella

Sun 2 April 11am & 2pm.

Suitable for the whole family. The Bubble Show

Sun 16 April 2pm. For 3-12s.

DORKING HALLS

Easter Panto – Rapunzel

Sat 1 April 2pm & 6pm.

Fireman Sam LIVE

Tues 11 April 1pm & 3.30pm.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE

These holiday drama workshops are open to all - you don’t need to be an existing student, and no experience is necessary!

Room on the Broom, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

The giant Easter egg hunt