Families Thames Valley East May-June 2011

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Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow Ascot - Slough - Egham

Tel: 01628 828258

Email: montessorischool@aol.com

School Lane, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3QY

We are a very well-established Montessori Nursery set in a once Victorian primary school at the heart of the picturesque village of Littlewick Green.

Ages 18 months – 5 years Operating a 43 and 48 week year Open 8am-6pm Full days or morning and afternoon sessions Covering the EYFS & Montessori curriculum Quality day care in a warm and friendly environment Football & Multi Sport coaching available for ages 3-5 Mouse Wizards (I.C.T.) for the 3-5 year olds Drama, Music & Movement Classes Free funded sessions for 3-5 year olds

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The Marlow Day Nursery Ltd Simply the best……

New Pre-School Unit!

We are pleased to announce the opening of our newly refurbished pre-school unit from May 2011, which is now offering funded sessions for 3 and 4-year-olds alongside our usual full day sessions.

We offer: 15 hours of funded time which can be taken in a variety of ways to suit individual needs.

Large indoor areas designed to allow maximum ‘play space’ Lovely gardens with lots of play opportunities which children can access in all weathers Optional extras such as Ballet, French and Music Freshly cooked meals and snacks.

Please call to book an appointment or come to our coffee morning on Thursday 9th June from 9.30-11.00.

01628 488114

(Sandygate Road, Marlow, SL7 3AZ) (with each new place booked this voucher will entitle you to one month of optional extras free of charge)

Where your little ones blossom into independent confident learners

• Poppies is owned by two qualified childcare practitioners with over 30 years’ experience.

• We carefully select our dedicated childcare team who provide an outstanding level of care to children aged birth to five years.

• Children are cared for in beautiful settings, a home away from home.

• Excellent Parent Carer Partnerships • Freshly cooked organic food.

• Large safe and secure nursery garden.

“I will always be most grateful for the most wonderful settings you have created and for meeting my children’s appropriate needs. Thank you and well done.

Poppies will always hold a special place for me and as I watch my children progress I know where it all began.” K.H. (parent) Poppies Day Nursery Furlong Road Bourne End Bucks SL8 5AE Tel: 01628 521522 poppiesdaynursery@fsmail.net

Poppies Day Nursery Crown Road Marlow Bucks SL7 2QG Tel: 01628 487772 poppiesdaynurserymarlow@fsmail.net

www.poppiesdaynursery.com

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info

in this

issue 3 News & Info 8 Childcare Special 11 Holiday Review 12 It's Picnic Time 15 Summer Holiday Activities 20 Get Crafty 22 Reader Offers & Competition 23 Time Out 27 Nature 28 Ed's Reading Room 29 Bumps & Babes 30 Mums Who Mean Business

IT’S A regrettable sign of the times. Two local arts centres are losing their Arts Council Funding and will have to find an alternative source of money if they are to continue the great work they do for their local communities.

Norden Farm in Maidenhead has lost its yearly grant of £133,000 and South Hill Park in Bracknell will lose £100,000 in 2012-13 and stop receiving its grant altogether the year after.

Whilst some might view the arts as a luxury, in my opinion they are a necessity.

The fact is they give people hope and an escape from their daily routine. In these tough times, we still need to experience culture and most importantly enjoy ourselves. The kids’ and adults’ activities and shows on offer are really varied, educational and great fun. The best thing you can do is to vote with your feet. I encourage you to look in Time Out (pages 23 to 26) and book a ticket for a show!

We also have our annual childcare special in this issue and our great summer activities listing. Turn to page 22 for our Great Reader Offers and Competition, which includes a ‘Child goes Free’ voucher to Legoland.

We’ll be back in July with some more great ideas for the summer holidays.

THE CLIVEDEN MAZE IS OPEN

This great picture illustrates the Cliveden maze in all its glory. After a two year wait, it is now open to the public. It was officially opened by Alan Titchmarsh and Lord Astor and nearly 4,000 people visited the maze during its opening weekend. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Cover Credit: www.monsoon.co.uk Boy Trilby Hat, £12, Hawaii T-Shirt, £16-£19, Paolo Patch Short, £16-£19

PO Box 3902, Maidenhead, SL60 1AD web: FamiliesTVEast.co.uk tel: 01628 627586 fax: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) e-mail: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,000 next issue: July/August 2011 featuring: SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN due out: July 1 copy/advertising deadline: May 20

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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News & Info THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO FRIETH

Frieth School are gearing up for a ‘Big Top’ experience this June, when they welcome Cirque Normandie to the school for a week-long unique teaching experience. During the summer term the school’s curriculum is focused on an ‘All the World’s a Stage’ theme.

For the first two days of the professional circus’ stay with the school, the children will get to take part in circus skills training from the circus professionals. This golden opportunity to learn through a very ‘hands on approach’ will be later reflected in their topic work for the rest of the term.

The week-long preparations will culminate in a unique private performance, including 50 school pupils, for parents and friends on June 9.

To support this venture the Cirque Normandie is holding two professional, public performances on Saturday June 11. Performances will be held at 11am and 3pm. Tickets are £7.50 each or £27.00 for a family ticket for 4 (booked in advance) or £10.00 on the door (under 2’s are free on laps). For more information go to www.frieth.ik.org

HATCHING TIME AT BRIAR COTTAGE NURSERY

A MUCH anticipated annual event at the Briar Cottage Nursery in Maidenhead is the arrival of an incubator and hen eggs from a local farm.

Every year the children at the nursery watch patiently as the eggs slowly crack open and the chicks emerge, they can then watch them grow and give them plenty of cuddles for the next ten days, until they are returned to the farm.

“Not only is this a fantastic experience for any child, but a useful learning tool for our spring ‘Life Cycles’ topic. It is also incredibly beneficial for all other areas of the curriculum too.” says owner, Emma Murphy. She also adds. “If any of the parents are interested, the female chicks that hatch are free to a loving home – complete with delicious, daily, free-range eggs!”

Briar Cottage Nursery is situated on Cannon Lane and caters for children aged 2 to 5 years old. For more information call 01628 829896 or go to www.bcdn.co.uk

NATURAL BEAUTY AT MONKTON BARN

WENDY ALDISS is well known for her beautiful portraits of children and families shot on location, or in the gardens and grounds of her farmhouse just outside Marlow. With stunning views of the Chiltern Hills it’s a perfect setting for her portraits and now Wendy has a converted barn next to her home to create her studio ‘Monkton Barn Galleries’. Its calm, homely interior makes for relaxing photo shoots, and the huge windows allow her to produce her lovely natural light portraits.

She often combines the studio with outside shots for variety too. There’s a swing and trampoline as well as chickens and cows to amuse children. On the third Thursday of every month, Wendy runs a mother and baby portrait morning.Visit www.wendyaldiss.co.uk for more details.

Monkton Barn Galleries is also available for events. It’s a wonderful party venue, offering 1200 square feet, ample parking and easy access, so perfect for wedding receptions and private parties, with or without her award winning photography.

To find out more please visit www.monktonbarngalleries.co.uk. Wendy can be contacted on 01494 523 162 or 07768 980 604.

MARY POPPINS TO THE RESCUE

STUCK for a birthday party idea? The Mary Poppins Show has been performed by Jean Purdy since the film was first released. She entertains with puppets, balloons, magic and many other wonderful surprises that children just love.

Jean never needs to shout as the children are under her `spell` from the word go. She is always punctual, smart and very gentle. Children of all ages love her performances.

The sophisticated older boys and girls enjoy the magic element of her act because she is also a member of The Magic Circle.

For more information please ring 01753 663374 or email Purdymarypoppins@aol.com. www.jeanpurdy.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info FOCUS ON THE FAMILY ifocus PHOTOGRAPHY are expanding their business to focus on family portraits, taken on location or at their home studio.

Owner of ifocus and photographer, Philip Dewey Bruce says: “At ifocus we know how time flies and how quickly kids grow up; our aim is to capture some special moments that may otherwise be forgotten.

Our family friendly approach to photography means that the hour you spend with us is intended to be as much fun and as memorable as the photos themselves. We use a reportage style of photography on location so that the natural bonds and quirks of your family unit will shine through. Our aim is to capture truly magical and personal memories that you can keep forever.”

Special reader offer exclusive to Families. Get a FREE one hour session at a location of your choice or at their home studio. This session will include a free A4 print of your choice and if you join them on Facebook you will be given a further £25 off any orders you make.

To book a session call 07867 508925 or visit www.ifocusphotography.co.uk

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY BARGAINS FANCY a last minute holiday or one at a reduced rate in France, UK, Ireland, Cyprus or even Morocco? Then why not visit RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com – the place to find independent self-catering family friendly holiday accommodation that is recommended by other mums and dads.

Summer school holiday availability is filling up fast so if you are able to go outside of this period, availability tends to be very good and there are already some great offers around.

For example, 20-25% off on some French properties before the end of May, 10% discount on peak summer availability in a catered villa in South West France, 5% discount for 14 day bookings in Devon, free Sundays on some weekend stays. www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

The Windsor Club Day Nursery & Crèche at The Windsor Club Helston Lane, Windsor. SL4 5AP Independent Day Nursery from 3 months – 5 years Ofsted approved, grant funding available for 3 years+ We offer music, french, gym, ballet, cooking and ball skills as well as freshly prepared meals and a large enclosed garden.

A friendly and secure environment open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm

01753 855543

GOLD PARTY TIME WOULD you like to earn some extra money? You could host a ‘Precious Party’ – a unique and easy way to boost your income. All you have to do is invite your friends to bring their unwanted gold, broken chains or single earrings, that they no longer wear, to be valued. As host you’ll receive 10% of the total value sold, which has previously averaged at around £250.00. To make it fun Precious Party will provide free wine for all your guests and everyone will receive a no obligation offer with cash paid on the spot. Precious Party is a Windsor based family business. To book call Debbie on 07730 315004 or email debbie@preciousparty.co.uk

ORCHARD Academy of Dance & Theatre Arts Est. 1981 – Principal: Jean Orchard L.I.S.T.D.

L RO EN W! NO

2 NEW CLASSES for BOYS & GIRLS

Street Dance & Musical Theatre Ballet ~ Tap ~ Modern Theatre Dance ~ Adult Tap Classes Outstanding Exam Results and Spectacular Shows

01753 663484 Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Education MUSIC UNDER THREAT AT STATE SCHOOLS THE future of music in state schools is in doubt, with councils across the country laying off music teachers in a bid to reform and cut budgets.Teachers and heads of local authority music services have already been threatened with redundancy as a result of the Coalition Government’s squeeze on

council spending, with at least 64 councils issuing redundancy notices to staff, according to the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

Professor Sue Hallam, of London University’s Institute of Education says: “Music education always suffers when there are cuts. It is seen by some as a Cinderella service – although it is not.The long-term consequences can be disastrous.”

The redundancies are the beginning of an assault on music education in 2011 – later in the year £80 million aimed at providing music education will cease, followed by the withdrawal of funding for the teaching of arts and humanities courses at university, meaning they will be solely dependent on finance from student fees.

“There’s already a shortage of primary school teachers trained in music,” says Carole Lindsay-Douglas, secretary of the School Music Association. “We’re going to get to a case of the blind leading the blind.” She adds: “We’re in danger of creating a divide between the state school system and the public schools, which value music very highly and teach to very high standards”.

‘OUTSTANDING’ RESULT FOR WINDSOR SCHOOL WINDSOR Montessori School has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report. The inspection, which took place earlier this year, highlighted the high standards of care that children receive at the school.

“Children excel in a setting where the ethos of inclusion is at the heart of the school. Children achieve exceptionally well in a conducive learning environment where they are valued as unique individuals. The outstanding leadership and dedication of the staff team work exceptionally well together where all are valued and moral is high.”

Menik Ellawala, the directress of Windsor Montessori School is delighted

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with the report. “We are very happy that Ofsted recognised the outstanding care and education we provide for our children.

We are a dedicated group of adults who are passionate about what we do.”

The school is situated in the beautiful setting of the home park in Windsor and caters for children aged 3 months to six years. For more information, email menik@windsor-montessori.com or call 01753 868 399. www.windsormontessori.co.uk

HERRIES STUDENTS PLANT TREES PUPILS at Herries School are helping to conserve their local environment by planting trees in the Conservation Area in Marsh Meadow, Cookham.They share access to the area with children from other primary schools in the village.

This March, staff, parents and children (and several dogs on leads) planted trees, which included Silver Birch, Beech, Oak, Rowan and Sweet Cherry trees.

The school’s head, Miss Hodgson, says, “It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a most valuable educational and environmental experience. The children will be able to observe the growth of our trees when they visit Marsh Meadows in the summer term.”

“In addition, we all had great fun and the ice creams eaten at the end of the morning were well deserved, whilst several dogs cooled off with a quick swim in the Thames!”

The school takes all of the year groups to this area during the summer to take part in science activities, such as pond dipping.

The dates for Herries stay and play sessions for under-4s are from 9.30 to 11.00am on May 9, May 23, June 6, June 20, and July 4. For more information go to www.herries.org.uk.

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes NEW MUSIC SENSATION IN MAIDENHEAD AN EXCITING new multi-sensory music class for babies and toddlers – Hartbeeps – is launching in Maidenhead this summer.

The highly interactive sessions transform everyday environments into colourful, tactile wonderlands using clever state of the art music production, songs and sound play, lighting effects, puppetry, innovative props and a vast array of multi-sensory techniques.

To launch, there will be a four-week summer course on Wednesdays August 10, 17, 24 and 31 at Four Marlow Road in Maidenhead priced at £25. Hartbeeps, for walkers to four year olds, will be from 10:45-11:30, and Babybeeps, from six months to nearly walking will be from 9:45-10:30am.

To book or for more information, email Liz at liz@hartbeeps.com or call 01628 639727.

Visit www.hartbeeps.com for more details on the sessions.

BLAST OFF WITH PERFORM! PERFORM children aged 4 to 8 will not only be exploring outer space during the summer, but they’ll also be rocketing into a star-studded galaxy, learning the zero gravity groove and even meeting the man on the moon.

Perform’s principal Lucy Quick says, “As well as being educational, we have some amazing improvisations, songs and role play about outer space.The terms will be fun packed and exhilarating, and a must for any young explorer who want to learn about the planets and have fun at the same time.”

Classes are held in Windsor on Tuesdays,Wednesdays in Warfield,Thursdays in Marlow, Saturdays in Maidenhead, Eton and Virginia Water. Free trial session. 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk

LOCAL MAYOR JUDGES STAGECOACH TALENT SHOW LAST month, the local Mayor and actress Roxanne Palmer were part of the panel that judged the Stagecoach Staines talent show.

Roxanne is a former student, who has just finished a leading role in Legally Blond in the West End. The show was the product of 12 weeks of hard work by the Stagecoach students, who either performed a song, dance, drama piece or a combination of all three.The children, aged 6 to 18, all performed brilliantly, making the judges’ job incredibly difficult.

Stagecoach Staines is for children aged 4-18. For more details, please call 0845 055 6356.They are enrolling for their summer workshop now.

NEW SATURDAY CLASS FOR TWINKLE TOTS TWINKLE TOTS Dance is starting a Saturday class at Clewer Youth and Community Centre in Windsor, following the success of its Thursday morning groups. Classes will begin on April 30, with a two week taster session available to any new pupils.The Saturday classes will include a two to four year old Twinkle Tots class from 2.45-3.15pm, followed by Budding Ballerinas for four to five year olds from 3.15-4pm. Email info@twinkletotsdance.com to book your place. www.twinkletotsdance.com

Fun and friendly singing groups for 0-5 year olds and their parents or carers.

We have a singer and musician at each group to create exciting live music.

Children and parents love the action songs, rhymes, knee-bouncers, dances, percussion instruments, story songs and colouring pictures.

There is ½ hour after the session for coffee and a chat.

All sessions are drop-in Maidenhead, Marlow & High Wycombe Tel: 01628-671146 or 639878 Twyford: Tel. 01628-825315 Windsor: Tel. 01628-671146 Burnham Tel: 01628-605091 For further information visit www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Childcare Special

The cost of paid work

Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive. Joanna Moorhead explains why. e’re all in this together – we’ve all heard that, many times, from our politicians about our country’s financial problems.

But, if you’re a working parent you could be forgiven for thinking you were maybe taking more than your fair share of the hit.

Why so? Because from this April onwards cuts to state-funded help with childcare announced in last year’s comprehensive spending review start to kick in: and what they’ll mean is a cut in income of up to £1,300 a year to some families in London, according to the thinktank Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced last year that the percentage of childcare costs recoverable through the working tax credit system would be reduced form 80% to 70% this month. But, says the Resolution Foundation, many families are still unaware of the changes – and, says its chief executive Gavin Kelly, those on middle-to-low incomes are the ones likely to find the losses hardest to bear.

“Many parents find support with childcare costs absolutely essential to staying in work, and the big worry is that some will now find that work doesn’t pay,” he says. And he points out that, coming after recent rises in travel costs, the cuts come at a time when families are feeling the pinch very hard indeed.

After all, for working parents childcare cuts don’t just represent a loss of income: they force parents to think about whether working when their children are young is actually worth the effort at all. Given that the government is committed to helping parents to work if they want to, that doesn’t make much sense.

To be totally fair about it, of course, a two-parent family should view the costs of childcare as a proportion of their joint income. But in practice, how it’s seen by most couples is as a proportion of the mother’s wage. And if the proportion of that income spent on travel, lunches and childcare becomes too high, then many mothers start to think: what’s the point of carrying on working?

After all, life is hard enough when you’ve got a small child or small children; if the money you’re bringing in is making a big material difference to your family, then it’s worth it. But when it ceases to do that, you might as well reduce the stress in your own life and increase the amount of time you spend with your

W

Little Red Hen Day Nurseries Ltd Grove Park White Waltham

Nurturing, homely, calm yet stimulating and structured environment for children aged 3 months – 5 years.

Good quality healthy meals Dedicated sleep room Large garden Free sessions for 3-5 year olds All Childcare Vouchers accepted

To book a visit or find out more call 07948 073118 www.littleredhendn.co.uk

Beehive Pre-school - Open 9.00am to 3.00pm.

- Excellent Ofsted.

- Front and Rear Garden.

- Own premises and car park.

- Close to Magnet Leisure Centre.

- Children from 2yrs 3 months.

- Up to 15 hrs free for over 3’s.

- Registered Charity.

The Hut, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Registered Charity No : 1029550

Tel : 01628 777243

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child or children, and quit work.

The problem in the UK, as compared with many other countries in Europe, is that childcare costs already eat up a huge proportion of a family’s income – 33%, according to recent figures from the OECD, compared with 4% of a family’s income in Belgium, 11% of a family’s income in France, and even compared with 19% of a family’s income in the US. And many campaigners argue that failing to invest in childcare, and so reducing the proportion of a family’s income spent on childcare, is failing the long-term economic future of the country. After all, working mothers are extremely valuable to the economy: they’re paying into their pensions, they’re learning new skills, they’re keeping their confidence up, and even if they only tread water while their children are young, they’re keeping connected with the world of work in a way that will make it much easier to up a gear when their children are at school.

From the government’s point of view, of course, the changes to working tax credit are all part of a cuts package that has to affect everyone in the land. This month’s changes to the childcare element of the credit will save £270m next year, rising to £385m by 2014-15.

The policy is one of several deficit reduction measures which will hit families, including an end to the £250 child trust fund for new babies, and the cutting of child benefit from 2013 to families where one parent is a higher-rate taxpayer.

What’s especially unfair is that, if women leave the workplace when their children are tiny, they often find their working choices hugely reduced when they try to return to work three, or five, or even ten years down the line.

And given that we’re being encouraged to anticipate living longer, and working for longer, that makes no sense.

Photo: www.brightsandstripes.com

Extra information: Daycare Trust http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/ Working Families http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/ Childcare tax credits: http://www.direct.gov.uk/

MAY /JUNE 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Top Ten tips for hiring a nanny

Childcare Special

Rachel Newson from Lollipop Childcare has given Families some advice on how to choose the right nanny for your family.

1. Consider what you really need from a nanny – write a basic job description, factoring in the school runs, nursery duties (domestic work pertaining to the children) and cooking. And think about your children – what type of personality and previous experience would benefit them and their mental, physical and social requirements?

2. Contemplate how much focus you want your nanny to have on child development. All nannies will automatically develop their wards but some are more qualified and experienced than others. Some families expect a nursery-like schedule of activities and outings to aid and stimulate development, others prefer a more laid back ‘parental’ approach – where do your expectations lie?

3. Analyze yourself as employers. How confident are you in giving directions and how much input do you want to have on a daily basis? Could you manage a nursery nurse taking their first nanny post or a mature nanny with vastly more childcare experience than you?

4. Think about your family philosophy, rules, boundaries etc. and be ready to talk about them with the applicants.

Be 100% honest about your methods as you and the nanny will be a team providing consistent care for the children.

5. Consider what you’re offering to an employee; think about what you

Photo: www.roomseven.com

perceive the high points and low points of the job to be. Is there anything you could change to make the role as appealing as possible to a wider net of candidates?

6. If you’ll be working from home, consider how this will affect the children and nanny and how you plan to make it work (children usually prefer a parent if they know they’re around!) Do you have a home office and will you be able to relinquish responsibility and support your nanny in her role as the children’s carer? If not, consider a mother’s help rather than a nanny.

7. Weigh up how much time you want the nanny to be focused on nursery duties or domestic work rather than childcare. Also bear in mind that the general rule is this: the more domestic work included in the job specification the fewer applications you’ll receive!

8. Communication is the key to a successful relationship between parents and their nanny – pick a nanny

with good communication skills who you feel really comfortable talking to about any issues that may arise with either the children or their performance as an employee.

9. Personality. Hiring a nanny is probably the most ‘personal’ recruitment decision you’ll make and a strong working relationship is vital for the children’s well-being.

However, don’t look for your new best friend, this nanny will undoubtedly become close to you and your family but they will always be an employee and issues may arise that become difficult to discuss if you’ve crossed the line between employer and friend.

10. Don’t forget your budget, make sure you’re considering the total cost of employing someone and not just their net wage – it’s a significant difference!

To discuss your childcare needs call 01753 832124. www.lollipopchildcare.co.uk

Memories are made of this ...

LITTLE IMPRESSIONS

Unique casts of your child’s hands and feet

Tel 01672 811242 Mob 07780 853545 claireh@little-impressions.com

www.little-impressions.com

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Childcare News NURSERY STAFF LTD TO CHANGE NAME NURSERY STAFF Ltd (NSL) are pleased to announce their merge with Appleberry Care Ltd. NSL has been supplying childcare staff since 1998. Appleberry Care is already established as a Domiciliary Care Agency specialising in caring for children with special needs. Kelle Roffe will manage ‘Appleberry Care – Childcare’ and focus on providing Nannies and Mother’s Helps to private families along with the supply of permanent and temporary staff to schools and nurseries. Kelle also has a growing client list for our ‘Sitters’ service. To contact them about your childcare needs, please call Kelle on 01628 664555, email: kelle@appleberrycare.co.uk.

10%unt discofees on

Music with Mummy Themed, fun music classes for children aged up to 5 years in small groups Jolly Babies – specially designed for babies under one year Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954 Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772 Emma @ Maidenhead: 07966 197035 Alison @ Langley, Datchet & Iver: 01753 540949

SUMMER NANNIES AT SMILEYS IF YOU need cover this Summer then one of Smileys’ childcare consultants, Amanda Jales, can help. She will be concentrating on providing Summer nannies and mother’s helps to families requiring childcare whilst they continue to work through the holidays. Babysitters are also available throughout the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire areas.

Smileys continues to expand and has moved premises to 1 Bell Street in Maidenhead. They are an established company of 23 years and personally interview all their nannies. They also verify their qualifications and make sure they are OFSTED & CRB checked.

To register please email enquiries@smileys-childcare.co.uk or call 01628 675442. www.smileys-childcare.co.uk.

HOW ABOUT HIRING A NANNY WITH THEIR OWN CHILD? JOANNE WHITE, owner of Chalfont Nannies, says that hiring nannies who bring their own child or children to work with them can be great for families. “Being a mother and a former nanny, I can safely vouch for the fact that it can work really well for families. I have brought my own children to work with me and it was good for me and the families I worked for”.

Nannies with their own children tend to be older and more experienced, they can also be cheaper. They are more likely to consider part-time roles, plus their child can become a playmate for the family’s children.

If you are worried about favourtism don’t be, says Joanne. “An experienced nanny who is used to looking after her own child would be able to balance the needs of all the children in her care”.

For more information or to discuss your childcare needs call 01753 825449, email mail@chalfontnannies.co.uk. www.chalfontnannies.co.uk

THE RISE OF THE LIVE-IN NANNY TINIES Childcare, one of the UK’s leading childcare recruitment agencies, reports that the number of parents looking for a live-in nanny is on the increase. Jane Sims, owner of Tinies Berkshire Nannies, says that there has been a 30% increase in live-in jobs since 2010. Jane goes on to say: “Parents are looking for the longer hours of childcare that a live-in nanny can offer, and if they have a spare room in the house, it makes sense. The fact that they get 2 nights’ babysitting thrown in is an added bonus.” For more information call 01189 589646/01189 589647 or email berks.nannies@tinies.com. www.tinies.com

GYMTOTS! PRE-SCHOOL GYMNASTICS

FUN + SAFE + CHALLENGING Classes for Children walking to 3 years plus.

Enjoy participating with your child in our safe indoor environment with its exciting up-to-date play equpment, based within the Altwood School, Maidenhead. Every day at 10am from Wednesday to Saturday. Our programme has been developed through more than 25 years’ experience with young children and their parents. Gymtots will enable your child to gain confidence by expanding their physical ability, coordination and social skills, with your involvement and under the guidance of our experienced staff. Our advanced class for 3 to 4 years plus, without parent participation, on Wednesdays at 3pm, is more structured and builds upon the earlier classes.

Telephone

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07 957 223 124 for details

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE

Holiday Review

A holiday in the UK can be much easier for all the family than going abroad if you choose the right accommodation. Claire Winter took a week off to review some child friendly cottages in rural Devon. iling all the children in the car, we told them that we were going on a Devon adventure and we weren’t wrong. As we neared our destination, the roads turned into lanes and we passed rolling fields, picturesque streams, got lost and had to ask directions for how to get to Libbear Barton, in the tiny village of Sheepwash.

It took us just under four hours to get there (with a long stop for lunch) and when we arrived, we were not disappointed as we turned the corner into the farm and spied not one but two duck ponds and the most beautiful Georgian farmhouse that would be ours for the whole week.

The children couldn’t wait to explore the amazing countryside that surrounded the farmhouse and cottages. The farm has its own trout fishing lake, for those who like to catch their own dinner and a private ‘wild wood’ to explore.

Not to mention the indoor swimming pool and games barn, which has a toddler soft play area. There is also plenty of outside space for the kids to let off steam, including a play area with its own slide and swings. Sitting in the sunshine at the front of house on some perfectly positioned picnic benches, we thought we had died and gone to heaven.

Our children couldn’t get enough of the swimming pool and play area and would have swum three times a day, if we had let them (and on some days we did!)

We were also grateful to the owners of the cottages, who had literally thought of everything you would need for children and babies, so packing for a week’s stay was easy. They can provide stair gates, pushchairs, steamers, sterilisers, children’s books, small bikes and even toys for the bath. When you book, they give you a long list to choose from.

As well as the main farmhouse, there are also three stone cottages, with four bedrooms each, which were converted from a barn. All three have their own distinctive style and enclosed gardens. When I got the grand tour, I was struck by all the thought and attention to detail that the owners had put in to each house.

The house we were staying in was breathtakingly gorgeous.

Every room had been decorated beautifully and it felt like someone’s home rather than a rental property. There were piles of towels, sumptuous bedding and our bedroom had a gorgeous en-suite, complete with rolltop bath. The house has seven bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shower room, so it can comfortably accommodate 14 people. It has three great sitting rooms and a beautiful kitchen, complete with Aga and the biggest

P

kitchen table I have ever seen.

My eight year old and her cousin were quite taken with the kids’ dorm that had four beds and its own TV with a built-in DVD player.

They absolutely loved it and banned the younger children from entering their domain.

It’s only a 30 minute drive to the coast, where there are some lovely beaches to explore. We went for some great walks in Bude and had some fish and chips on the seafront, which I have to do every time we take a trip to the coast.

We found that trips to the seaside and staying at the farmhouse was enough for us, although we did make a trip to the Original Minature Pony Centre in Dartmoor, which our three loved. They got to ride the ponies and meet the other animals at the centre – a great day out for younger children.

Back at the house, there is plenty for the adults to do too.

Trout fishing at the lake costs just £15 for the day. There is also a sauna in the swimming pool, which is perfect for unwinding after a busy day with the kids and a small gym if you want a workout.

We all took turns playing with the kids in the pool, so all the adults could have a sauna. If you fancy a cosy night in, you can borrow DVDs from the games room, which has a good range of films to choose from.

By the end of the week, we were enjoying the relaxed pace of the countryside. We got dinner slowly cooking on the Aga and a nice bottle of wine cooling in the drinks’ fridge. We then all went to the pool for an early evening swim, then put the kids straight into their PJs and took them home for their tea. We read them a story, popped them in bed and enjoyed a nice glass of wine in one of our three living rooms. Perfect …

It’s great to find a place to stay where you can have fun whatever the weather and that caters for children and adults alike. We would definitely go back, as a week just didn’t feel like long enough.

I asked the children what they thought of the holiday and my eldest said sensibly: “There was something for everyone”, whilst one of my three and half year old twins summed it up by asking “Can we stay here forever?”.

Libbear Barton Holidays is offering Families readers an exclusive discount of 5% off for any holiday booked this year.* Just quote ‘Families2011’ when you contact them. Call 0791 809 0081 for more information, or visit www.libbearbarton.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Picnics

Eating Out(side) – It’s P finding an idyllic spot to bring the whole family, with a couple of trestle tables, a linen cloth and a beautifully prepared hamper with proper cups and plates. More than most ‘child-friendly’ days out, a good picnic can provide real entertainment for young and old, with plenty of delicious food, drink and outdoor games to tire everyone out, without having to spend a fortune.

There are so many beautiful spots to enjoy locally, that you don’t have to travel far. Here are some family favourites: Along the Thames, near the locks at Hurley Lock, on the Maidenhead to Henley road, there are sloping shallows good for paddling and beautiful views across to the grounds of Danesfield House. Cookham Moor leads to Winter Hill which has beautiful views and is good for walks. Jenners Park in Maidenhead is near Boulter’s Lock and has a playground, a crazy golf course, a café and a large playing field lined with trees that are perfect parasols against a burning sun (let’s be hopeful here) whilst the children can play a game of cricket or football without getting in the way of others too much. You could also try by the river at Bray, Boveney (Dorney), Cookham, Hambleden, Henley or the Runnymede playpark beside the river between Old Windsor and Egham.

There’s nothing more British than a good picnic, whether it’s a Famous Five-style feast with lashings of Ginger Beer and cucumber sandwiches on a gingham cloth or a car-bound cheese and pickle sandwiches whilst escaping the (inevitable) summer rain. he beauty of a picnic is that you can have one almost anywhere and go to whatever lengths you feel like. It could be a simple flask of coffee, a few cartons of orange juice for the kids and some cake. Or you could take it to another level by

T

The Burnham Beeches, between Burnham and Farnham Common, are beautiful with lots of shady woodlands and open spaces, as well as having good facilities. There is an a café, information point, public toilets, nature trails and a new Sensory Trail to follow with wooden sculptures and audio guides. The Common near the café is huge and is great for impromptu games or more general running around. On sunny days on the weekends, it does get busy and it might be hard to find somewhere to park. If at all possible, arrive by bicycle!

Another good place to go with bicycles is Windsor Great Park.You can park near Bishopsgate, at the Englefield Green end,

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s Picnic Time

By Trynke Casale

Picnics

and walk or cycle around the park. There is a loop that includes the cricket ground and the little village shop (for ice-creams or sweets) and ends up at the ‘Horse’ at the top of the Long Walk. The children love clambering over the rocks, there’s a brilliant view over the valley and lots of space to run around in a (mostly) car-free environment.

the M25, off junction 2 of the M40, and is a good place to start exploring the area.

The playground and recreation ground in Dedworth, Windsor, is a family favourite in summer. The little ones enjoy the adventure playground which includes a big pirate ship and lots of sand (a smaller version of the Princess Diana memorial playground in Kensington Gardens, London, see below). It is attached to the recreation ground which has enough space to accommodate the older children’s ball games.

Country parks in Berkshire are a good bet too, including Dinton Pastures in Hurst, California Country Park in Finchampstead or the Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell with its playground, bicycle hire and Let’s Go Ape centre. All of these have visitor centres, cafes or kiosks for ice-creams and public toilets. There is a large paddling pool in California Park, which is great for toddlers and non-swimmers and only costs £1 to enter.

Beautiful parks in South Bucks include Black Park with its lake and a large playground, café and Let’s Go Ape attraction for the older children as well as lots of space for picnics and games.

Langley Park boasts ancient woodland, eighteenth century parkland, heathland, wetland and grassland, and is great for exploring. Denham Country Park is surrounded by the Grand Union Canal and the rivers Colne and Misbourne, and is a mosaic of farmland, woodland and water, with 200 miles of river and canal and over 60 lakes. The Colne Valley Visitor Centre lies just inside

Visit Cliveden or some of the other National Trust properties such as Grey’s Court, Hughenden Manor and Basildon Park.

At Cliveden, you can enjoy the many different gardens, the woodlands, the new Maze and sit by the river to have your lunch.

Why not climb up the hill at West Wycombe, with St Lawrence’s Church and the Mausoleum on the top. There’s lots of space for kids to run around, lots of grass to sit on and great views to enjoy. The National Trust-owned village of West Wycombe is interesting too, with its Hell Fire Caves and West Wycombe Park.You can park near the garden centre, just off the A40, which is handy as it also sells ice-creams.

Of course, you might want to venture a bit further afield.

Central London may seem an unlikely picnic venue, but Kensington Gardens has a great playground and it’s just through the park from the Serpentine where you can go for a pedalo ride on the lake and then chill out in the park with your picnic! Take the train into Paddington, underground to Bayswater or Queensway, and then it’s a short walk. With a little preparation it’s a simple day trip, but very exciting for the children.

Being in the fresh air always make your food taste better, so, pack up your rug and the all-important sarnies and find a nice spot by the river, under a tree or even your very own garden.

See overleaf or go to familiestveast.co.uk/picnicfood for some easy recipe ideas.

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL “Staff ensure they have an exceptional knowledge and understanding of each child’s individual needs. This is achieved through the superior partnership with parents.”

8.30am to 4pm – 6 months to 8 years Pre Parent Infant and toddler sessions 01753 868399 / menik@windsor-montessori.com www.windsormontessori.co.uk HOME PARK, WINDSOR, SL4 6HX

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Picnic Food Homemade treats will help make your picnic perfect. Crafty Cooks has come up with two tasty recipes, which you can make with the kids the day or morning before you set off.

PIZZA ROLLS Delicious little rolls of pizza, less messy than normal pizza and much easier to transport.

You will need: 3oz/84g Self Raising Flour 1oz/28g Butter Passatta 2oz/56g Cheese Milk 1. Using your fingers rub together the flour and the butter.

2. Add a spoon of milk and use your hands to make a nice dough 3. Roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle.

4. Spread on the passatta (you could always add garlic and herbs or vegetables to the sauce if you have more time).

5. Grate the cheese over the top 6. Roll the dough up as you would a swiss roll and cut into slices two fingers wide.

7. Place on a greased baking tray and bake for 12 minutes at 190ยบC/375ยบF

CARROT CAKES A yummy, healthy treat to have for pudding or a teatime snack (be sure to make enough for everyone!).

You will need: 1 /2 Medium Carrot 2oz/56g Self Raising Flour 1oz/28g Butter 1oz/28g Brown sugar 2oz/56g Raisins 1 /4 tbs Honey 1 /2 tbs Orange Juice 1 /4 tsp Mixed Spice.

Cake cases 1. Rub the butter and flour together until the butter disappears and you have a sand-like mixture.

2. Grate in the carrot and stir in the remaining ingredients until thoroughly combined.

3. Divide equally between your cake cases on a baking tray.

4. Bake for 12-15mins in the oven at 190ยบC/375ยบF. Crafty Cooks pre-school cookery classes are designed to teach young children a range of lunchbox recipes, whilst introducing them to new foods (great for fussy eaters) and teaching them about the origin of the ingredients we use. Classes are held in Marlow more information see www.craftycooks.co.uk or call Anna on 01628 476670.

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Our Care Support Workers are all enhanced CRB checked, trained to a high Standard & have many years experience working with people of all ages and abilities.

We provide a wide rage of services including activities and support unique to your own needs.

We can assist with: Personal care Plan visits, outings & trips Help with shopping trips Respite care for Adults & Children 24 Hrs Emergency Respite Service For more information, please contact us:

01753 525796 Registered Charity No: 1093472

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The Best Summer Ever….

We all want our children to have a summer to remember; so below is a selection of courses and activities to suit every child, and all parents’ needs this summer. Whether you’re looking for all day childcare, or just the chance for your child to have some fun or learn a new skill, Summer Holiday Activities seem to get more exciting every year…

Compiled by Leah Parr MAIDENHEAD and district

Claires Court Schools are running a SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB from Monday July 18 to Friday September 2 at Claires Court School venues in Maidenhead. Activities split into Minikidz (ages 3-6) and Koolkidz (ages 7-12), with over 50 activities on offer including football, softball, yoga, spy school, circus skills, fame academy, singing, dancing, film making, swimming and arts and crafts projects. New ‘Xplorers Activities’ for ages 8 and over that are ready for a greater challenge. Professional instructors will provide a programme of specialist activities to motivate and entertain. Look at our programme on the website for full details. Times: 9am-4.30pm, extended hours 8am-6pm. Cost: £150 per week, £30 per day. 01628 687440; www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub or email holidayclub@clairescourt.com Delgado SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS will be running MINICAMPS for children aged 4-6 and JUNIOR CAMPS for ages 7-16 at St Piran’s School, Gringer Hill, from Monday July 25 to Friday September 2. Whether you are an absolute beginner or budding superstar, the camps will give you the opportunity to improve your tennis whilst having loads of fun. All players are given the opportunity throughout the camp to play different sports such as football, Swedish handball and rounders. All abilities welcome. Early booking and group discounts. 07818 052206; www.delgadotennis.co.uk Summer Fun In The Sun The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenheads GET ACTIVE RANGERS will be running a five week programme of activities, in borough youth centres for young people aged 8-13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: Belly dancing, street dancing, fashion workshops, canoeing, climbing, pool competitions and more.

For more information on give us a call on 01628 685856 or visit www.wamster.org.uk Little Kickers SUMMER COURSES will be running during August, for children aged between 2 and 7. Call 01628 526584 for times and venues. www.littlekickers.co.uk Mad Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August, across a wide number of locations in the area. Please call for more information: Emma 0118 9792695; www.madacademy.com Move with me, Monkey! will be running four-week courses of YOGA-STYLE MOVEMENT CLASSES for babies and toddlers this summer in Maidenhead. Sessions offer an exciting mix of movement, yoga poses, play with sensory props and relaxation for mums and little ones alike.

The course is priced at £25 for four classes, and will be taking place on Wednesdays 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st August at Four Marlow Road in the centre of Maidenhead. Baby yoga (3 months to crawling) will be taking place from 2:15-3pm, and toddler yoga (18 months plus) from 3:15-4pm. For more information or to book, call Liz on 07985 935662 or email info@movewithmemonkey.co.uk.Visit www.movewithmemonkey.co.uk , or look us up on Facebook.

Seriously Fun Swimming Schools will run INTENSIVE SWIMMING COURSES for beginners to stroke improvers at St Piran’s School, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead from Monday July 25 to Friday July 29 and Monday August 1 to Friday August 5 for ages 3-12. 30-minute morning lessons. Cost: £60 for five day course. 0844 351 1463; www.seriouslyfun.com Sima’s Action Kids FUN STRUCTURED ACTIVE SESSIONS for kids at the Magnet on Tuesdays August 2, 9and 16. Times: from 11.15am-noon. Cost of £4.30 for 1 kid and £6.50 for 2 kids. Booking is essential: 01628 685333 (Magnet); information contact Sima: 07956 993 439; www.simasactionkids.com Stagecoach is running a one-week THEATRE HOLIDAY WORKSHOP from Monday August 15 to Friday August 19 at Altwood School. Ages 4-6: half days from 9.30am-12.30pm. Ages 6-16: full days from 10am-4pm (10am-7pm on Friday). Cost: £130 per full day week/£75 for siblings; £75 per half day week/£50 for siblings. 0118 950 0999; maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk A week of fun, from Monday August 1 to Friday August 5, is on the cards at Voice Works, whose HOLIDAY PROGRAMME in Denmark Terrace, Maidenhead, includes games, stories, poem and performances. ‘A Teddy Bears Picnic’ runs from 9.30-11am for under-5’s; ‘A Pirate and Princess High Seas Adventure’ from 11.30am-1pm for 5-7 year olds; and ‘Film Making Week’ from 2-6pm for 8-16 year olds. Call: 0845 5050122. Email; jan.icke@btinternet.com Learn To Touch Type In A Week. One hour daily. 25-29 July and 1-5 August. MULTI-SENSORY READING/SPELLING PROGRAMME. Yvonne is a qualified teacher specializing in different learning styles including dyslexia and dyspraxia. Call:Yvonne Thomas, Cert Ed. SpLd. 01628 622916, m: 07929528642; Yvonne_thomas123@btinternet.com Bray Lake Watersports will be running courses at their centre in Monkey Island Lane, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, from July 11-September 2.

Beginner, improver and advanced (coaching) courses – windsurfing, sailing

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Summer Holidays or kayaking. Times: 9.30-12.30 (beginner) or 1.30-4.30 (improver). Age: 8-15yrs. Cost; £149.

WATERSPORTS WEEKS – beginner, improver and advanced. Times: 9.30-5pm. Ages: 10-15yrs. Cost: £235 per child.

MULTI-ACTIVITY WEEK – Spend five days learning a new activity each day; windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Times: 9.30am-4.30pm. Ages:8-12 yrs, cost: £220 for five days. Early booking advisable. Sibling and group discounts available. 01628 638860. www.braylake.com Rugbytots CLASSES running through summer holidays at selected venues, flexible term available. Call 0845 313 3255, or email michele@rugbytots.co.uk. www.rugbytots.co.uk GO WILD ADVENTURES at Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, during July and August. Booking required: 01628 777440. www.rbwm.gov.uk

Play sessions for under-5s at the Phoenix Gymnastics Club Have fun in this fully equipped gym with your kids.

Sessions Monday: 10.30-11.30 Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 -10.30 & 11.00–12.00 Tuesday & Thursday: 1.00-2.00pm Cost just £3.50 per child (must be accompanied by adult)

Refreshments available Phoenix Gymnastics Club Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Maidenhead Road, Windsor Tel:01628 778881 www.phoenixgym.co.uk

Holiday Club At Claires Court Schools, Maidenhead Providing quality care and peace of mind every school holiday Masses of fun, structured play and activities including: sports, team games, arts and crafts, swimming, computers and much more.

Open to all children aged 3-12 years May Half-term: 31 May - 3 June Summer Holiday: 18 July - 2 September 9am-4.30pm (extended day option 8am-6pm) Cooked lunch and tea available We Accept Childcare Vouchers Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub to see details of our current programme and booking information, or call

01628 687440 New ‘Xplorers’ Activities For children aged 8 and over that are ready for a greater challenge. Professional instructors will provide a programme of specialist activities to motivate and entertain.

Look at our programme on the website for full details.

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Park, Laser Quest, Coral Reef, fruit picking and the cinema).

A healthy lunch and tea provided.

Times: 9am-5pm, extended day 8am-6pm.

08445611606; www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk SUMMER ACTIVITY WEEKS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road include:Summer Circus Week, led by Albert and Friends; Mon 25-Fri 29 Jul 10am-4pm. A week of fantastic circus skills, spectacular puppet making and amazing performing. Learn to walk on stilts, ride a unicycle and hang on a trapeze. Suitable for ages 7-13 years. SUMMER THEATRE WEEK, led

by Troublemaker Theatre Company; Mon 1-Fri 5 Aug 10am-4pm. Create an entire show from idea to performance based on the theme ‘Creatures, Kings and Lost Things’. Experience all aspects of stage production, from lighting to stage blocking to acting. Suitable for ages 10-18 years.

SUMMER DANCE WEEK led by Newbury Contemporary Dance Company, Mon 8-Fri 12 Aug 10am-4pm. Learn a mixture of dance styles with workshops in contemporary dance, jazz and street dance. Experience the daily routine of a dancer’s life; morning class, choreographic sessions, rehearsals and then more rehearsals.

Suitable for all levels of experience. Ages 9-18 years. www.nordenfarm.org Magnet Leisure Centre and Cox Green Leisure Centre will be running a SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES during July and August. The days will involve a mixture of the following fantastic sports and games.

Parachute games, football, netball, tennis, badminton, cricket, bouncy castle, uni-hoc, climbing wall and arts & crafts. Come and join the team and try your hand at a variety of FUN activities aimed at all abilities, and make some friends along the way. Please see www.rbwm.gov.uk for full information on times, prices and booking.

Summer Holidays KS Academy of Dance will be holding a SUMMER DANCE CAMP for ages 5-16 at Altwood School, Altwood Road, from Monday August 1 –Friday August 5. Times: 10am- 4pm.

Cost: £105, 20% sibling discount. Lessons in cheerleading, tap, irish, street dance, musical theatre, lyrical, drama and singing. T-shirt, medal and certificate included. Showcase at the end of the week. Please call 07985 252129 or email ksacademyofdance@hotmail.co.uk for more information on this or our Easter and Christmas dance camps. All teachers are local qualified dance teachers.

Maidenhead Lawn Tennis Club will be offering SUMMER HOLIDAY TENNIS SQUADS from Monday July 18 to Friday August 26 at its All Saints Avenue venue. Times: 9am-noon or 1-4pm. All ages. Coaching according to age and ability. 07941 094 274, 01494 766464 or www.ndmtennis.co.uk for more information Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday July 18 to Friday September 2. JUNIOR CLUB for ages 3-8 (sports, play and craft activities with outings to places of fun or interest such as Odds Farm, Madhouse, Beale Park and the cinema) and DISCOVERY CLUB for ages 8-13 (football, dancing, yoga, judo, horseriding and tennis with outings to places such as Thorpe

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SLOUGH

Iver Nature Study Centre, Slough Road, Iver Heath, will be running SUMMER ACTIVITIES for ages 5-9 during July and August. 01895 270730; ivernature.com Little Kickers will be running HOLIDAY CLASSES during August at Langley Grammar School, for ages 18 months-5 years. Fun introduction to football. 45-minute sessions over five consecutive days. Call 01993 851550 for details; www.littlekickers.co.uk Slough Sure Start’s CHILDREN’S CENTRES will be open during the holidays.

Several sessions available between 8am-6pm for ages 6 months-8 years. Breakfast and lunch available. Cost: depending on age and session.

Discounts available for those on benefits. Penn Wood: 01753 574420; Claycot, Britwell: 01753 578691; Montem, Chalvey: 01753 574387; Cippenham: 01753 476566. Marish, Langley: 01753 540797.

Rugbytots. CLASSES running through summer holidays, flexible term available. Call 0845 313 3255, or email michele@rugbytots.co.uk.

Burnham Lighthouse will be running their SUMMER CAMP at Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, from Monday July 25 to Friday July 29. Free camp run by volunteers from local churches for ages 4-11; ages 11-18 can register as ‘lamplighters’ and help lead groups of the younger children. Stage sessions, crafts, sports and games. Times: 10am-3pm; 10am-12.30pm for ages 4-5. www.lighthouseburnham.org.uk

WINDSOR

Little Kickers will be running special HOLIDAY CLASSES during August at Windsor Boys School, Windsor, for ages 18 months-5 years. Fun introduction to football.

45-minute sessions over five consecutive days.

Call 01993 851550 for details; www.littlekickers.co.uk The GAP Club will be running its SUMMER CAMP at St Johns Beaumont, Priest Hill, Old Windsor from July 25-August 19. 25-29 July – SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER- fun and frolics, crazy capers etc. 1-5 August – FAMILIES UNITED; 8-12 August- THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ROALD DAHL; 15-19 August – DREAM HOLIDAYS. Times: 8.30-4.30pm or 6.30pm. From 3 years upwards, book days, weeks or sessions.

07854 078 728; www.thegapclub.com; hc_thegapclub@yahoo.co.uk Blossom Ballet SUMMER SCHOOLS will be running at the Windsor Arts and Culture Centre, St Leonards Road from August 8-12 and August 29-September 2. Seeds, Saplings, Buds and Blossoms will enjoy daily themed classes including Adventures on Treasure Island, Teddy Bears Picnic and Magical Mysteries at the Royal Ball. Pre-primary and Primary classes will work towards a short recital on the Friday of each week. For children aged 18months-5 years.

Please contact Lucy at lucy@blossomballet.com or on 07813084283 for more information or to book a place.

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Summer Holidays

Book now for the July/August issue!

Tel: 01628 627586 or email editor@familiestveast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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SUMMER HOLIDAY KIDS CLUB at Hands-on Art: a different ‘make & take home’ arts & crafts activity each day, age range 7-13years, Mon-Fri, 10-11:30am, cost £12 per session (£5 discount if 5 sessions booked in advance). Activity range: printing, modelling, decopatch (collage), painting on canvas and glass, design technology projects such as clock-making, masks & doorhangers ... see website for weekly programme.

We are also planning a ‘Pottery Camp’ where children will design and make their own clay creations. www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk; t: 01753 206265; office@hands-onart.co.uk Summer Fun In The Sun The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s GET ACTIVE RANGERS will be running a five week programme of activities, in borough youth centres for young people aged 8-13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: Belly dancing, street dancing, fashion workshops, canoeing, climbing, pool competitions and more.

For more information on give us a call on 01628 685856 or visit www.wamster.org.uk Mad Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME during August, at a number of locations in the area. Call Nikki for more information on 0118 978 8221; madacademy.com Perform HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOPS include 5 day all singing, dancing and drama courses for 4-8 year olds based on Peter Pan; 25-29 July at Clewer Youth and Community Centre, Windsor. Join Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys for a thrilling adventure in Netherland, based on JM Barrie’s enchanting story. With original songs and live music, your child will enjoy a fun-packed week ending with a lively performance and colourful costumes and props that will delight family and friends. Prices £140 (with a 25% discount available for siblings). 0845 400 1282; www.perform.org.uk Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding two SUMMER SCHOOLS for over-5’s from Monday – Friday, w/c August 1 and w/c August 8 from 1-2.30pm. Cost: £60 per week members/£65 non-members. 01628 778881 or www.phoenixgym.co.uk for information and booking.

The Creation Station – Award Winning ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS for 1-11yrs, 10.00-10.50am. Wed 3, 10, 17, 24 August at Windsor Methodist Church Windsor .

0845 303 9448, carly@thecreationstation.co.uk, www.thecreationstation.co.uk Windsor Leisure Centre will be running its HOLIDAY PROGRAMME for children, include arts and crafts, football, cricket and hockey, netball, skateboarding and trampolining, daytrips and swimming for over 8s. Times vary, but full days are 9am-3.30pm; extended days 8.30am-5.30pm. Contact the centre on 01753 778577 for details. Also, HOLIDAY SWIMMING

Summer Holidays CHILDRENS KAYAKING COURSES are running at Eton college pool for children aged 8 and over, throughout the school holidays. For further information on dates, times and prices, please e.mail a.price@etoncollege.org.uk

CRASH COURSES over five days, 30-minutes a day, from 9-11am for children from 5 months onwards.

MARLOW and M40 CORRIDOR

Delgado SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS will be running MINICAMPS for children aged 4-6 and JUNIOR CAMPS for ages 7-16 At Wycombe High Lawn Tennis Centre, Bassetbury Lane, from Monday July 25 to Friday September 2. Whether you are an absolute beginner or budding superstar, the camps will give you the opportunity to improve your tennis whilst having loads of fun. All players are given the opportunity throughout the camp to play different sports such as football, Swedish handball and rounders. All abilities welcome.

Early booking and group discounts. 07818 052206; www.delgadotennis.co.uk Longridge, in Quarry Wood Road, Marlow, is running HOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS for ages 8-14 through the summer from 8.45am-5.30pm. Mainly water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, rafting and bell boating.

01628 483252; longridge-uk.org Stagecoach High Wycombe And Marlow will be at Wycombe High School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from July 25- 29. A FAIRYTALE FUN WORKSHOP for 4-7 year olds; join Shrek, The Gingerbread Man, Buzz and many more of your favourite characters for singing, dancing, adventure and laughter. Prices: £85, £60 siblings. And a GLEE-TASTIC MUSICAL MEDLEY WORKSHOP for 6-16 year olds; well loved characters, familiar storylines and glee-full pop songs culminating in an energetic performance for family and friends. Prices: £130, £90 sibling.

Call 01494 849595; www.stagecoach.co.uk.

Little Kickers SUMMER COURSES are running in the Marlow area during August for ages 2-7. A fun introduction to football. Call 01628 526584 for times and venues. littlekickers.co.uk Perform HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOPS 5-day all singing, dancing and drama courses for 4- 8 year olds based on Peter Pan and for 8-12 year olds based on Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Peter Pan running from 25th July at: Beaconsfield – The Curzon Centre, Marlow – All Saints Church.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 8th August at Beaconfield – The Curzon Centre. Join Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys for a thrilling adventure in Netherland, based on JM Barrie’s enchanting story. With original songs and live music, your child will enjoy a fun-packed week ending with a lively performance and colourful costumes and props that will delight family and friends.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Perform Plus Drama course for 8-12 year olds. Updated with a modern twist, your child will enjoy five fun-packed sessions of singing, dancing and drama ending in a fabulous show for family and friends. Prices £140, with 25% sibling discount.

0845 400 1282; www.perform.org.uk iFashion SUMMER FASHION SCHOOL at The Beaconsfield School, Beaconsfield. Five day courses from Monday July 25-Friday 26 August.

Times: 9.00-3.30pm; Costs: £115 for the week or £26 per day.This Summer students will design and create their own clothes and accessories, getting

Netball SUMMER Coaching Camps Venue : Brigidine School, Windsor Date : 1st - 5th August 2011 Monday to Friday 9.30 - 3.15pm Experienced NZ Coaching team Learn new Skills, Attack, Defence & Shooting

Comprehensive week – Open to all players 9 – 16yrs Book your place online at www.rucksnmauls.co.uk/netball Check out our other camps too Office 01623 870707 or email info@netballdynamix.co.uk

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all business minded and participating in fashion enterprise challenges.

BRAND NEW! SENIOR DESIGNERS for ages 15 years to adults for all levels and abilities.The workshops are welcoming and friendly and you’ll meet new people while you design and create. 07980 706574. www.ifashiondesign.co.uk Wycombe Sports Centre, Marlow Hill, will have SUMMER HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEMES, call 01494 688100 for details.

Court Garden Leisure Complex will be running CAMP ADVENTURE during the holidays. Details and booking available soon www.leisurecentre.com, 01628 405200 Marlow Tennis Academy will run TENNIS CAMPS at Court Garden Leisure Complex, Pound Lane, Marlow, during July and August.

Please call 01628 488438; or visit www.marlowtennisacademy.co.uk for further information.

ASCOT and BRACKNELL district

A PASSION FOR... DANCE. Supercamps have teamed up with Popstars Academy at LVS Ascot, for the second year running to bring a choice of two week-long workshops for ages 6-10 concluding with an informal Friday Afternoon Performance! The Popstars Academy Instructors are all qualified dance teachers who are committed to excellence & ensure that each student can meet their true potential whilst building confidence and enjoying themselves.

Popstars Academy teach Street, Modern & Freestyle Dance to current chart music with an array of Dance Props, taking pride in being up-to-date with the latest chart tracks & new trends. Contact Super Camps to book, T: 01235 832222 info@supercamps.co.uk www.supercamps.co.uk/apassionfor/dance.html Amanda’s Art CLASSES for small groups aged 6-12 will be running in North Ascot during July and August. Times: 10-11.45am. Cost: £16. 01344 885086/0796 882 4560 for further details.

Mad Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August, at a number of locations in the area. Call Nikki for more information on 0118 9788221; madacademy.com The Creation Station – Award Winning ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS for 1-11yrs, 10.00-10.50am. Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 August at Sindlesham Baptist Church Wokingham; Friday 5, 12, 19 and 26 August at Birch Hill Community Centre Bracknell, call: 0845 303 9448, email; carly@thecreationstation.co.uk, www.thecreationstation.co.uk TwinkleTots SUMMER BALLET SCHOOL 2011 presents ‘Ballerina Magic’. Monday 15 – Friday 19 August. Create your own Fairytale; Ballet adventures exploring magical lands, dancing like ballerinas and princesses with a performance at the end of the week for friends

and family.

Sunningdale Village Hall.

Twinkle Tots (ages 2-4), 2.30-3.30pm. £8 per day/£40 per week. Budding ballerinas (ages 4-5), 2.30-4.30pm, £16/£80. RAD Ballet (ages 6+), 2.30-4.30pm, £16/£80. Call 07828 857061; summerschool@twinkletotsdance.

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at Charters Leisure Centre, Charters Road, Sunningdale, include: ARCHERY SESSIONS, ARTWORKS, FENCING SESSIONS, MULTI-MAYHEM DAYS, SIMPLY SOCCER DAYS and TRAMPOLINING SESSIONS. Booking essential for all activities. 01344 628686; rbwm.gov.uk

Summer Holidays R.O.A.R will be running FREE OPEN ACCESS PLAY SESSIONS in parks, open spaces and community venues across the Borough during the summer holidays for children aged 5-13. Full information including dates and times will be published on runnymede.gov.uk/leisure Details correct at time of going to press (April 2011) but may be subject to change.

EGHAM and BERKS/SURREY BORDERS

Stagecoach Staines is running LITTLE SUMMER FUN WORKSHOP for 4-7 year olds and SUMMER FUN WORKSHOP for 7-18 year olds (Excerpts from Mama Mia).

1-5th of August 2011 at Thomas Knyvett College, Stanwell Rd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 3DU. A week of singing, dancing and drama culminating in a show for friends and family on the last day. This exciting workshop is a week of fun fun fun! No Stagecoach experience necessary. 7 -18 yr old: 10am-4pm, Mon – Thurs and 10am-5pm on Friday; 4-7 year olds: 9.45am-12.45pm. Please call 0845-0556356 or www.stagecoach.co.uk for details or to register.

Genevieve The Gallery will be open every day during the holidays at 13 Victoria St., Englefield Green. Select from a wide range of mugs, vases, bowls and egg cups etc. And add your own design in our workshop. Call: 01784 430516; www.genevievethegallery.co.uk Egham Leisure Centre’s SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES are running during July and August . PLAY FOR £1 SESSIONS where families can book badminton, short tennis, squash, indoor football and table tennis sessions for £1 per person (one person has to be under 16.) Bookings between 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday. EGHAM 5s FOOTBALL COACHING COURSES for ages 4-12 with qualified coaches.

5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL outdoor pitch available for hire. 01784 437695; www.eghamleisurecentre.co.uk Lightwater Leisure Centre will be running a VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, including: NETBALL SKILLS DAY for boys and girls FISHING DAYS and TENNIS COURSES for all standards. Also organising COUNTRYSIDE FUN DAYS for ages 8-12: Pre-Booking essential. 01276 707543; ww.surreyheath.gov.uk Runnymede Borough Council is running a HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME for ages 41/2-7 and PLAY PLUS for ages 8-11 for four weeks during the school holidays at various locations.

Maximum 80 children per day. Only bookable on site. Full information including venues, dates and times will be published on website. 01932 425693; www.runnymede.gov.uk/leisure

All about fun!

The ultimate experience in children’s entertainment for 2-13 years Interactive party games Hi-energy action rhymes Multi-coloured parachute Assault course Mini indoor football Limbo dancing Fairies and pirates dressing-up adventure Sweets, stickers and prizes galore!

Disco parties Going Home Presents

For further information contact Maxine Tel: 020 8573 6288 Mob: 07814 605175 www.chuckleparties.co.uk

Blossom Ballet

For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy: 07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet Pre-school dance school for boys and girls

aged 18 months - 5 years Blossom Ballet and its syllabi were created specifically for babies, toddlers and young children. Blossom Ballet offers a new way to learn through exciting movement classes derived from imaginative play. Inspirational pictures, props and instruments are used but most importantly, Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week in Windsor and Bracknell.

Summer Schools

Themed classes, different every day from Adventures on Treasure Island, Teddy Bears Picnics and Magical Mysteries at the Royal Ball. Pre-Primary (4+yrs) and Primary classes will work towards a short Recital on the Friday of each week.

Week 1 - 8th-12th August Week 2 - 29th August - 2nd Sept

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Handmade tre

Get Crafty

There’s a growing trend for crafting at home and the wartime mantra of ‘make do and mend’ has been revived due to the current economic climate. It’s no longer the preserve of your granny either, as handmade items can now be seen in most fashion magazines, with handmade websites like Etsy, Folksy and Not on the High Street doing a roaring trade. aking things at home is fun and satisfying as well as thrifty, and there are lots of useful things you can make yourself with a minimum of time and effort. Don’t worry if you don’t have the skills – there’s a wealth of classes, workshops and clubs out there, from mosaics to cake decoration. With so many locally, it’s hard to know where to start, so here’s a guide to a few:

M

out the session before you invest in lots of art equipment. They also run a ‘Girls’ Night In’ on the last Tuesday of every month, where you can bring a group of friends and have a ceramic painting evening together, producing a finished piece by the end of the night.

For more information call 01753 206265, email office@hands-onart.co.uk, or visit www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk

ART CLAY SILVER An art clay silver workshop will fulfil the ambitions of all budding silversmiths. Elaine Martin teaches from her home in Taplow, either in groups or a one-to-one basis. Silver clay is made from reclaimed silver, ground with a binder into clay form. You can mould and shape it like normal clay, but when it’s fired the binder burns off, leaving 99% pure silver, that can be hallmarked. An introduction to silver clay starts at £85 for the day, where you would make a ring, pendant and silver earrings to take home with you. Elaine is planning to start a weekly evening class, which will be £15 per session, plus the cost of materials.

For further details call Elaine 01628 627306 or mobile 07792 793867, or visit www.artclaysilverstudio.com.

HANDS-ON ART If you feel that you have little or no artistic ability, then Hands-on Art may have the solution. The adult evening club, ‘Art for the Terrified’, runs every Tuesday evening in the studio at 42a St Lukes Road, Old Windsor. Participants are encouraged to try out new skills and techniques, and you can pay a one-off fee of £10 if you want to try

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Slightly further afield, Corinna (of Green River Studio) also teaches silver clay courses for beginners, at Arty Giraffe in West Reading. At the day-long workshop you will make a simple pair of earrings and a necklace, for £60 including basic materials.

Visit www.greenriverstudio.co.uk, email greenriverstudio@ntlworld.com or visit www.artygiraffe.co.uk, tel 0118 9418 683.

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reasures

Get Crafty

By Hannah Hunter NORDEN FARM

Norden Farm arts centre in Maidenhead isn’t just a theatre venue – they also run a host of evening art and craft courses from still-life painting to beaded jewellery making. Some are day workshops, like June’s mosaic tile making class on the 25th, where for £45 you can make your own mosaic tile.

Others, like the drawing and painting class, are half-termly courses – so depending on your level of commitment and available time, there should be something for you.

For a course list visit www.nordenfarm.org or call 01628 788997.

SEWING SKILLS Altering your own clothes, mending and sewing basic items isn’t as hard as it may seem. The Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor run evening courses in both ‘Credit Crunch Sewing’ in Maidenhead and ‘Basic Sewing Skills’ in Windsor – all you need then is access to a sewing machine, and you’ll be able to make your own clothes and curtains for a fraction of the high street’s prices.

For more information visit www.rbwm.gov.uk/education_learning or email adult.education@rbwm.gov.uk.

BERYL WARE Whether you want to learn to knit and crochet, or improve your pattern cutting skills, knitwear designer Beryl Ware will have a workshop or class for you. Based in her studio in High Wycombe, students can expect ‘lashings of tea and biscuits’ while they learn new skills in a friendly and intimate setting, taught by different expert tutors who pride themselves in making their students feel ‘at ease and confident’.

Contact Beryl for more information on 07793054622, email beryl@berylware.com or visit www.berylware.com.

SUSAN DAY CERAMICS

FURTHER INSPIRATION If you need more inspiration look out for local craft events such as Bucks Open Studios (www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk) which gives you access to different artist’s work spaces, and runs from 18 June to 3 July.

You could also check out The Windsor Emporium. This collection of arts, crafts and antiques exhibits on the first Saturday of every month at The Parish Hall of All Saints Church, Frances Road, Windsor. The artists are mainly local and quite a few have exhibited at the Windsor Fringe, which is where the idea initially sprang from. Visitors can enjoy beautiful ceramics, textile art, paintings, jewellery, furniture, knitting & felt work and photographic art and more – alongside purveyors of antiques.

Also available is home-made lunch and very yummy cakes and tea – served in vintage cups. Open from 10am until 5pm with an admission fee of £1, but children go free.

HANDS-ON ART STUDIO Pop in & Paint: ceramics or canvas Kids Clubs: after-school, Sat & holidays Grown-ups: Art Club, Girls Night In …

Parties: book a Table or the Studio

If you want to try your hand at ceramics, Susan Day could be the woman to teach you. She usually teaches with porcelain, the clay she uses in her own delicate and ethereal work. Her evening classes at East Berks College have been popular for the last ten years, and she also runs short courses and taster sessions in conjunction with events such as Bucks Open Studios, as well as holding private classes.

For more information visit http://www.eastberks.ac.uk/courses/parttime, or www.susandayceramics.co.uk.

First Saturday of every month!

Arts

●

Antiques

Saturday 7th May 2011

The Parish Hall, All Saints Church, Frances Road, Windsor, SL4 3AJ

Homemade Lunch & Refreshments available Admission – Adults £1/children free FREE weekend parking at King Edward VII Hospital, St Leonard’s Road

www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk tel. 01753 206265 email: office@hands-onart.co.uk 42a St Lukes Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2QQ

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Crafts

●

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All Enquiries & Bookings 07900 285919 or 07771 580152 Kindly sponsored by

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Great Days out with THE LOOK OUT

LEGOLAND WINDSOR

The Look Out Discovery Centre is a fantastic place to discover, experience and enjoy hands-on science and nature. Educational, fun and suitable for all the family, including plenty to do for toddlers.

For more information call 01344 354400 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

When accompanied by a Full Paying Adult Valid until 30 June 2011

✃

E TV er m Fa ad fer Re Of

Admit One Child Free Not valid with any other discount offer. Voucher must be redeemed to obtain the discount.

Only original voucher accepted. Only one child free per voucher per full paying adult.

CLAIRES COURT HOLIDAY CLUB Be the hero of your very own adventure and experience over 55 interactive rides and attractions at LEGOLAND Windsor as it celebrates its 15th Birthday. You can captain your own vessel, earn your own driver’s licence or get the whole family together for high energy fun at the Fire Academy. All ages will be fascinated by the LEGO® models throughout the park, carefully crafted from over 55 million bricks. From early summer, join LEGO® divers on a fun fishy mission that the whole family will enjoy – a new World First ride coming to LEGOLAND. For more information visit www.legoland.co.uk

Win Holiday Club Passes!

We have one five day pass worth £150 and five one day passes worth £30 for Claires Court Holiday Club in Maidenhead to give away to readers in a prize draw.

Claires Court Schools has become a registered Arts Award Centre offering young people aged from 11 years the opportunity to gain an Arts Award, which is a national qualification for young people to develop as artists and arts leaders.

As part of the programme they have appointed Frances Ackland-Snow, a professional fine artist specialising in sculpture, drawing and printmaking. Frances will be leading an exciting programme of Art Master classes at the holiday club that will support delivery of the award. The activities will aim to ignite each child’s creativity in a fun and inspiring environment.

Claires Court Holiday Club offers parents real peace of mind knowing their children are safe, professionally supervised by experienced adults and most importantly enjoying themselves. The club runs during each school holiday with summer opening from July 18 to September 2 in Maidenhead.

Visit www.clairescourt.com for more information or call 01628 687440 TO ENTER just visit wwwfamiliestveast.co.uk/competitions. Closing date June 9.

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Time Out

Compiled by Trynke Casale

Dorney Court – Monday to Friday in May and June

Bottle Feeding Lambs at Odds Farm Park – throughout May

Stanley’s War exhibition, Stanley Spencer Gallery – throughout May and June

ONGOING EVENTS IN MAY AND JUNE Mondays to Fridays in May and June, plus Bank Holiday Sundays in May. DORNEY COURT OPENING TIMES. 1.30-4pm.Visit the Tudor manor house in Dorney, near Eton, used in many period dramas, and visit The Walled Garden Centre’s tearoom afterwards. Tickets: adults £7.50, children over 10 only £5. 01628 604638; dorneycourt.co.uk.

Throughout May. BOTTLE FEEDING LAMBS at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common. Till May half-term, help bottle feed the lambs at Odds Farm Park. Watch the piggies at their teatime or go and see the daily goat shows. Milking demonstrations are

Telephone: 01628 627 586

held every day. 01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

Tuesdays to Sundays throughout May and June. OPENING TIMES of the new WINDSOR AND ROYAL BOROUGH MUSEUM, Guildhall, High Street, Windsor.

10am-4pm, 12-4pm on Sunday. The Museum opened on Saturday March 12 and the collection includes prehistoric tools, Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon artefacts, maps, textiles, books, paintings and lots more.

01628 796846; rbwm.gov.uk/web/museum.

Throughout May and June. SUMMER EXHIBITION: STANLEY’S WAR at the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham.

10.30am-5.30pm. Exhibition of Spencer’s

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Shipbuilding on the Clyde series, an artistic record of shipbuilding in Glasgow in the Second World War, depicting the major trades involved in ship construction. Free entry for children and Explorer work sheets to help them enjoy the exhibition.

01628 471885; stanleyspencer.org.uk.

Every day till Sunday June 12.

MAIDENHEAD AND THE MOVIES, an exhibition at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Park Street, Maidenhead. Celebrating a film heritage which stretches from Ivor Novello and James Mason via Kind Hearts and Coronets and Hammer Horror to Kate Winslet and other Oscar winners. 01628 780555; maidenheadheritage.org.uk.

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Time Out

Cookham Festival – May 12-22

Nancy Astor Day at Cliveden – May 15

Monday May 2. Meet Peppa Pig at the BARBADOS FAMILY FUN DAY at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road,Windsor. Afternoon races and family fun.

Tickets on the day: from £10. Under 18s free. 01753 498400;Windsor-racecourse.co.uk.

Wednesday May 4 to Sunday May 8. PETER PAN ON ICE at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. Shows at 7.30pm and 2.30pm, at 1.30pm on Sunday. Tickets: £15-£31.50. 01494 512000.

Saturday May 7. THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT by Hiccup Theatre at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am and 3pm. For ages 3-8. All tickets £6.50, family (4 people) £22. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Saturday May 7. BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET at the Old Windsor Memorial Hall, Straight Road, Old Windsor. 10am-12noon. 07881641614; babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk.

Saturday 7 May. ART ON THE STREET in the High Street and Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Maidenhead. 10am-5pm. Visit www.maidenheadartmarket.org for more info.

Saturday May 7. FAMILY SATURDAY at the Moat Education Room, Windsor Castle.

Visit on the first Saturday of every month and do something crafty. Also on Saturdays June 4 and July 2. 020 7766 7304; royalcollection.org.uk.

Saturday May 7. SPRING FAIR at the Braywick Heath Nurseries, Braywick Road, Maidenhead.With Taeppa’s Tump Morris dancers.

Saturday May 7. A WALK IN THE WOODS at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver.

10am-12noon. Guided walk with the Langley Park Gardener. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Meet at Langley Park Tea Room. Booking essential. Cost: adults £4, children £2, family (2+3) £10. 01753 511060.

Saturday May 7 and Sunday May 8. CARTER’S STEAM FAIR on Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead. 12-11pm. Carterssteamfair.co.uk.

Sunday May 8. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at the Hilton Hotel, Ringmead, Bracknell.

2-3.30pm (early entry for NCT members at 1.45pm). Entry: £1 per adult.Volunteers will be allowed a preview of the goods at 1.30pm. 0844 243 6058; bracknell-nct.org.uk/events/nns.html.

Saturday May 14 to Friday May 27. SPORTS BUG FORTNIGHT at leisure centres, sports clubs and community centres across the Royal Borough with lots of events and activities for children and their families. Try out a new sport and sign up for free taster sessions during the Fortnight. 01753 778565; rbwm.gov.uk.

Tuesday May 10. COME AND SING at Eton College Chapel. Come and sing the Messiah choruses. Doors open at 6.30pm, rehearsal at 7pm, performance at 8.30pm. Free car parking in Parade Ground, Common Lane. 01628-669770; w-ecs.org.uk/home/concerts.

Wednesday May 11 to Sunday May 15. ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Tickets on the door: adult weekday £16, weekend £20, child £8/£10, family £8/£46. 0871 230 5568; rwhs.co.uk. THE WINDSOR CASTLE ROYAL TATTOO will take place in the evenings from Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 15. Military musical spectacle with special guests the French army, navy and air force.

Tickets: between £25-£65. 0871 230 5570; windsortattoo.com.

Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 22. COOKHAM FESTIVAL 2011. Music, Drama,Art and Comedy in and around Cookham. Thursday May 12: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Odney Club at 8pm. Saturday May 14: Make your own pavement art at the Station Parade.

10am-noon.Also, art and craft workshops. Sunday May 15: Street Festival in the High Street, with food, arts & crafts, live music and entertainment. For info, visit cookham.com/cookhamfestival.

NEW WEEKLY KNIT AND NATTER GROUPS starting in May at libraries across the Royal Borough. Suitable for all ages and abilities – just drop in. Free. For specific libraries go to rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries. 01753 545310.

Saturdays May 7 and 21, and June4 and 18. SEW, KNIT AND NATTER groups at Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, Burnham. 10.30am-12.30pm01628 559513. At Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road: Wednesdays May 11 and June 8, 10.15am-12.15pm, Saturdays May 30 and June 25, 10.15am-12.15pm. 08452303232.

Every second Thursday of the month (May 12 and June 9). KNIT AND CHAT at Costa Coffee, West Street, Marlow. 10am. An informal group meeting upstairs in Costa Coffee to knit or crochet. No need to book, no fee. 01628 474954.

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Let’s Rock the Moor concert Cookham Moor – May 21

Saturday May 14. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM in Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading. After-dark tours, activities and a midnight feast. For ages 7+, starting at 7pm. Cost: £20 per child, £15 per adult (max. 3 children per adult). Booking essential. 0118 937 3400; readingmuseum.org.uk.

Saturday May 14. LISTEN TO THIS! In the Garden Room at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 3pm. Family concert exploring the world of classical music. For ages 3+. Tickets: adults £12, children £5.50, under 5s £3. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Saturday May 14.WINDSOR CROWN AND TIARA WALK starting from the Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. Charity walk for Sebastian’s Action Trust through Eton,Windsor and Windsor Park.Walk either 7 or 13 miles. Entry: £15 (£10 for children).Walk starts at 5pm.Website: 2mevents.com/event/windsor-crown-and-tiara-walk.

Saturday May 14.TAEPPA’S TUMP MORRIS DANCERS at the Windsor Royal Station opposite the Castle. 1-2pm. Free performance.

Sunday May 15. NANCY ASTOR DAY at Cliveden. 10am-5.30pm. Family day out, 30s style. Celebrate Nancy Astor’s birthday with live music, fresh food, vintage cars and bicycle display, and boat trips. Dressing up in period costume optional. Children’s activities. 01628 605069, nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15.VICTORIAN SOLDIERS TRAINING WEEKEND with The Diehards at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Living history camp. 01494 875542; coam.org.uk.

Saturday May 14 to Wednesday August 31. OLD THATCH GARDEN OPENING TIMES. Visit Old Thatch, Enid Blyton’s old house in Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End. Award-winning gardens and house. Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday between 2-5.30pm. Tea and home-made cakes available. 01628 527518.

Sunday May 15. SPORTS BUG OPEN DAY at Longridge Boating Centre, Quarry Wood Road, Marlow. Sessions will run from 16.15 to 17.30. Book your place in advance.

Cost: £1 per activity. 01628 483252; longridge-uk.org.

Wednesday May 18. DORNEY WALK with the East Berks Ramblers starting from the Walled Garden Centre car park in Dorney at 10.15am. Easy walk around Dorney including the Jubilee River, Dorney Lake and Dorney Court. 01865 810224; nationaltrail.co.uk.

Wednesday May 18 to Saturday June 11. WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT, exhibition of contemporary textiles at Slough Museum, High Street, Slough. 11.30am-4pm (Wednesday to Saturday). Family activities and textile workshops during May half-term.

Websites: tvcq-whateverfloats.blogspot.com; sloughmuseum.org.

Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, a Forum Players’ youth production performing at the Bourne End Community Centre Theatre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets: adults £8, concessions £6, available from Leigh Robinson on 01628 523291, and from Bourne End Library.

Saturday May 21. DENHAM LITTER ACTION at Denham Country Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham. 9am-12noon. Litter pick Denham Country Park. Gloves and equipment provided. Meet at the car park. Free parking for volunteers. Free, just turn up on the day. 01753 511060.

Saturday May 21. RAILWAY OPEN DAY at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor. 10am-4pm. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Saturday May 21. MEDIEVAL MAY FAYRE AND MAYOR MAKING on Frogmoor, High Wycombe. 9am-5pm. The Mayor and fellow officers are weighed in and out of office and booed or cheered at by the townsfolk. 11.45am-1pm. Medieval activities throughout the day. 01494 421895 (museum); wycombe.gov.uk/museum.

Saturday May 21.TVAP SPONSORED WALK raising money for the Thames Valley Adventure Playground, Bath Road,Taplow, Maidenhead. Choose from a 5, 10 or 15 mile walk out along the Jubilee River and back along the Thames.To register: 01628 628599; tvap.org.uk.

Saturday May 21. LET’S ROCK THE MOOR CONCERT on Cookham Moor. Gates open at 11.45am, concert start at 12noon. Grand finale of the Cookham Festival with Rick Astley, T’Pau, The Real Thing, Curiosity Killed the Cat and lots more. Also, a Let’s Rock The Moor Danz Skool and an Indoor Cinema for children of all ages, alongside crowd entertainers and much more. Tickets: adults £20, children (3-12) £12 and family (2+) £55.

Buy online from letsrockthemoor.co.uk or from local retailers, see website.

Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22. PRELUDE TO D-DAY at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Meet British MPs, the Home Guard, field medics, American nurses, RAF pilots and many more. 01494 875542; coam.org.uk.

Sunday May 22. JUBILEE JAUNT, short, guided walk along the Jubilee River flood relief channel. Meet in the public car park in Marsh Lane, Taplow. 10.30am-12.30pm. Free.

01628 605084; bbowt.org.uk.

Sunday May 22. DUCK DERBY & FAMILY FUN DAY at Ray Mill Island, Boulters Lock, Maidenhead. 1–5pm. Lots of children’s and family activities. Duck Race at 4.30pm.

All proceeds to local charities. Free admission.

Sunday May 22. WOODLAND SAFARI at Lightwater Country Park, Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater. 2-3pm. Search the area to find and identify the creatures that ‘hide’ in the woodland. Free. 01276 707166; surreyheath.gov.uk.

MAY /JUNE 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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West Wycombe Civil War re-enactment, West Wycombe Park – May 29 and 30

A Little Bird Told Me, Norden Farm – June 1

The Balloon Gardener, Norden Farm – June 2 and 3

Monday May 23 to Monday May 30. SPRING GARDENS WEEK at the Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. Including horse drawn carriage rides through The Royal Landscape, starting at the main entrance and run to the Totem Pole. 10-minute carriage rides from 11am to 4pm. £5 per seat. 01784 435 544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

Saturday May 28. DONKEY DERBY from 12noon in Burnham Park. With donkey races, arena displays, stalls and food tents.

Saturday May 28.TOTEM MAYPOLE MADNESS at Lightwater Country Park, Lightwater. Paint a totempole with colourful wildlife themes. Paints and poles provided.

Cost: £5 per child. Booking essential. 01276 707166; surreyheath.gov.uk.

Tuesday May 31 to Saturday June 4. ROYAL TRAVELS, Family Activities at Windsor Castle. 11am-4pm. Celebrate HRH Prince Philip’s 90th birthday (10 June) by looking at the photographs, paintings and gifts acquired on his many travels.

On Saturday:Telling Tales Sessions at 12.30pm and 2pm in the Moat Room. 020 7766 7304; royalcollection.org.uk.

Saturday May 28. MARLOW MAY FAYRE in Higginson Park, Marlow. 10am-5pm. Free family fun with lots of stalls, rides, games, real ale tent and the traditional annual “Duck Race” in the Thames. Check marlowroundtable.co.uk for further details.

Saturday May 28. GUIDED RHODODENDRON WALK at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver. 2-3pm. With the Langley Park Gardener. Meet at Langley Park Tea Rooms.

Free, but booking essential. 01753 511060.

Saturday May 28 to Monday May 30. SAXONS AND VIKING WARRIORS at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Meet the Saxons and Vikings in their camp as they cook, work and practice their fighting skills. 01494 875542; coam.org.uk.

Saturday May 28 to Monday May 30.TEDDY BEAR DAYS at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor. Free rides to all children who bring a teddy. Plus children’s entertainment all day.Trains from 10am to 4.15pm.

No need to book.Tickets: adults £9, children 3-15 £4.50, family 2+2 £22.50. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Saturday May 28 to Sunday June 5. DIZZY’S GAMES at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-5pm.

Play croquet on the South lawn or try other traditional Victorian games Sir Benjamin Disraeli may have played.

Suitable for all ages. 01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday May 29. WINDSOR OLYMPIC WALK with a Blue Badge tour guide, starting from the Windsor Tourist Information Centre in the Royal Windsor Station.

11.30am-12.30pm. Tickets: adults £7, under 14s £3.

01753 743900; windsor.gov.uk.

Sunday May 29. COME AND MEET PADDINGTON BEAR at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, nr Aylesbury.

10.30am-4.30pm. Tickets: adults £12, children (5-15) £9, family (2 + up to 4) £33. No need to book. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org. (Annual Bus Rally on Monday 30 May.) Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30. THE CLIVEDEN SET LIVE – Step Back in Time at Cliveden.

12.30-4.30pm. Mix and mingle with celebrities from the 1930s. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk. (Also on Sundays June 12 and 26).

Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30. WEST WYCOMBE’S CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT at West Wycombe Park. 2-5.15pm. Free event.West Wycombe returns to the English Civil War with the Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment. 01494 513569; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30. SOLENT DOG DISPLAY TEAM AND THE WELLY DOG SHOW at the Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. Enter your own dog in some fun competitions.

0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Monday May 30. OPEN DAY at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading.

11am-5pm. See the wolves, plus falconry displays, snakes and reptiles, spiders, huskies, hedgehogs; children’s tent with storytelling, archery, nature trail, pond-dipping and bouncy castle. Talk by Polar Explorer Jim McNeill about Arctic wolves at 3pm. 0118 971 3330; ukwct.org.

Monday May 30. RIVER EXPLORERS AND CREAM TEAS at the Colne Valley Visitor Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham. 11am—4pm. River dipping for the kids and cream teas for the grown ups.

01895 833 375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Tuesday May 31. THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 11am and 3pm. For 3-8 year olds and their families. Tickets: adults £10.50, concessions £5.50. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Tuesday May 31. HOW THE KOALA LEARNED TO HUG by The People’s Theatre Company at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am. For ages 4+. All tickets £6.50, family (4 people) £22. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Tuesday May 31 to Saturday June 4. BUGSY MALONE- THE MUSICAL at the Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor. 7.30pm, also at 2.30pm Wednesday to Saturday. Slapstick musical comedy and film noir spoof. Great fun for all. Tickets: £11-£33.

01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Saturday June 4. BIRDS OF PREY AND COUNTRYSIDE DAY at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. See the birds in action.

Crafts and activities for the whole family. Free event.

01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk/museum.

Saturday June 4. SHOW ME with Chris & Pui at the Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading. 11am and 2pm.With songs, rhymes and sketches for pre-school children and their families.Tickets: adults £12.50, under 16s £10.50, family ticket £42. 0118 9606060; readingarts.com, chrisandpui.com.

Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5. MEDIEVAL COOKING AND WEAPONRY at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Medieval camp with cooking demonstrations.

Weaponry skills and demonstrations at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. 01494 875542; coam.org.uk; pelican-in-her-piety.co.uk.

Sunday June 5. PUBLIC OPEN DAY at Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Taplow. 10am-5pm. Guided tours of the house and cream teas.Visit Taeppa’s Mound, the 7th Century Anglo-Saxon burial mound. Free entry.

01628 773163; sgi-uk.org. (Also open on July 3.)

Sunday June 5. GARDEN PARTY at the Founder’s Building, South Quad, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham. 1-5.30pm. An annual event in aid of local charities. Craft and local community stalls, children’s activities and shows, music, raffle and talks. Admission: £1, children under 10 free. 01784 414375; rhul.ac.uk.

Friday June 10 to Sunday June 12. MAIDENHEAD CARNIVAL in Kidwells Park and town centre. Sunday: The Link Foundation Maidenhead Relay Marathon in Kidwells Park, including a children’s race before the main marathon. For more information nearer the time: maidenheadtownpartnership.org.uk.

Friday June 10 to Sunday June 12. OLD WINDSOR CARNIVAL in the Recreation Ground, Old Windsor.

Donkey Derby on Friday from 7.30-10.30pm with fireworks. Saturday: procession of floats from 12noon, falconry displays, marching band, stalls, raffles, side shows.

Sunday: sports tournaments, climbing wall and animal man on the Rec. from 11.30am. 01735 864397.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

JUNE Wednesday June 1. SPRING HALF-TERM TRAIL at Cliveden, Taplow. 10.30am-4pm. Cost: £2 per child.

Also, WOODLAND WEDNESDAYS, a series of free guided walks with one of the Cliveden foresters through the historic woods. Every Wednesday in June; 11am-12.15pm. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Wednesday June 1. A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME by Snails Tails at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am and 3pm. Short stories created by children and adapted by professional storytellers. For ages 3+. All tickets £6.50, family (4 people) £22. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Wednesday June 1 and Friday June 3. BEASTS AND BUTTERFLIES at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe.

11am-12.30pm. Guided walk for children. Cost: £4 per child.

Booking Essential. 01494 755573, nationaltrust.org.uk.

Wednesday June 1 to Friday June 3. MINI ASSAULT COURSE at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, near Reading.

11am-3.30pm. Bring a clean set of clothes. Tickets: child £4, adult £5, family £15. 01189 763254; rememuseum.org.uk.

Wednesday June 1 to Saturday June 4. HALF TERM FAMILY WORKSHOPS at Slough Museum, High Street, Slough. 11.30am-1pm. Free, drop-in activities, related to the Whatever Floats Your Boat exhibition of contemporary textiles. 01753 526422; sloughmuseum.org.

Thursday June 2. MR TOAD’S JOLLY BIG ARTY PARTY at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. 10.30am-4pm (drop in any time). Lots of arty activities for children and parents. Free with admission.

01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Thursday June 2.WILD BATH TIME, at the Colne Valley Visitor Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham.

2–4pm. Make a Wild Bath Bomb or two. Cost: £1 per child.

Booking essential. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Thursday June 2 and Friday June 3. THE BALLOON GARDENER by Circo Ridiculoso at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am and 3pm. Danny the Wild Balloon Tamer has run out of balloons and tries to grow them himself... For ages 4+. All tickets £6.50, family (4 people) £22. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Thursday June 2 to Saturday June 4. BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. Performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets: adults £16, members £14, concessions £15, family £47. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

MAY /JUNE 2011

CHILDREN’S DAY NURSERY in Maidenhead (St. Josephs Centre) Under New Management Excellent quality Children’s Day Nursery combining traditional loving care with stimulating educational programme to provide a well-balanced environment for your child.

SPRING PROMOTION

10% Discount for the next 10 places booked • Children from 6 weeks to 5 years old • Open 7.30 a.m. – 6.15 p.m. Monday to Friday • Full-time or part-time (51 weeks) • Pre-School educational curriculum • French, swimming and music classes

To reserve your show-around Telephone 01628 623777 www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Boat Show, Beale Park – June 10-12

Runnymede Through The Ages – June 12

Twelfth Night, Greys Court, near Henley – June 18

Friday June 10 to Sunday June 12. MARLOW TOWN REGATTA AND FESTIVAL in Higginson Park, Marlow. Friday: Marlow’s Battle of the Bands.

Saturday: Marlow Town Regatta race day. Sunday: Dragon Boating and Party in the Park, with Overtures, a 60s tribute band. 07407 712093; marlowtownregatta.org.

Friday June 10 to Sunday June 12. BOAT SHOW at Beale Park, Lower Basildon, Pangbourne. 10am-6pm (5pm on Sunday). Tickets: adults £8, children 5-15 £3, family £18.

0118 976 7498; bealeparkboatshow.co.uk.

Saturday June 11. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE in the Link, St Johns Church, Windlesham. Doors open at 10:15am to NCT members; 10:30am for non-members.

Entry: £1. Nct.org.uk.

Saturday June 11. FAMILY FUN DAY at Ascot and Cranbourne Pre-School, Lovel Road, Winkfield Row. 11am-2pm. Tumble Tots sessions, Teddy Bears Picnic, farmers market and lots of activities. Free entry.

Ascotandcranbournepreschool.co.uk.

Saturday June 11. ETON COLLEGE GARDENS OPEN DAY. 2-5pm. Parking off B3022 Slough to Eton road, walk across playing fields to entry. Eton College Natural History Museum also open. Admission: £4, children free. Ngs.org.uk.

Sunday June 12. OPEN FARM SUNDAY at Rowley Farm, Black Park Road, Wexham, Slough. 10.30am-5pm.

Dairy farm. Meet the animals, see the cows being milked, tractor and trailer rides. Park in Black Park car park, opposite the farm. 01753 521856; Also, Kensham Farm, Cadmore End, High Wycombe. Arable farm. Display and explanation of farm machinery, tractor trailer rides. Free refreshments. 01494 881373; farmsunday.org.

Sunday June 12. RUNNYMEDE THROUGH THE AGES at Runnymede, Old Windsor/Egham.

11am-12.30pm. ‘The most famous meadow in the world’.

Guided walk with a local historian and National Trust Ranger. Tickets: adult £6, child £2. Booking essential.

01784 432891; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday June 12. SPONSORED BIKE RIDE in the Burnham Beeches, starting from the car park in the centre, Sir Henry Peeks Drive. Choose between a 5 mile, 10 mile, 15 mile or even 20 mile route. Entry fee: £15 per person, £10 for under 16s. 01753 642741; burnhamlions.org.uk.

Tuesday June 14. CANAL WALK starting from Denham Country Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham.

10.30am-12noon. Walk around the countryside and the Grand Union Canal. Booking essential. Cost: adults £4, children £2. 01753 511060.

Tuesday June 14 and Wednesday June 15. DRAW ME A BIRD with Peut-être Theatre at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 10.30am and 2pm. About a little bird in a big city, based on poems by Jacques Prevert and with music fusing bird song and French folk music. Tickets: adults £10.50, children £5.50. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Thursday June 16 to Saturday June 18. THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD by Tall Stories at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 10.30am and 1.30pm. The sequel to The Gruffalo. Tickets: £10.

01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Saturday June 18. SUMMER FAIR at Iver Village Infant School, West Square, Iver. 1-4pm. Organised by the Friends of Iver Schools Association. All proceeds to Iver Village Infant and Junior Schools. Entry: adults 50p, children 12+ 20p, under 12 free.

Saturday June 18. TWELFTH NIGHT at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, near Henley. 7.30-10pm (gates open at 6.30pm). Open air Shakespeare comedy with Illyria.

Booking essential. Tickets: adult £14, child £9.

0844 2491895; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday June 19. MAKE DAD’S DAY at Cliveden.

10am-3pm. Free admission for all Dads and beer tastings from midday to keep him happy (while stocks last).

01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday June 19. FATHER’S DAY at the Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. Free entry for fathers.

01784 435 544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

Sunday June 19. HEAVY HORSE SHOW at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Arena events at 12pm and 3pm. In association with the Hertfordshire Heavy Horse Association (hhha.co.uk). 01494 875542; coam.org.uk.

Sunday June 19. HISTORIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE RALLY at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, nr Aylesbury. Tickets: adults £12, children £9, family £33. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org.

Saturday June 18. COOKHAM VILLAGE FAIR on Cookham Moor, organised by the Cookham Scout Group. 11am-4pm. Fun Dog Show and live Bands and many charity stalls. Bar, BBQ and refreshments.

Sunday June 19. TEDDY BEAR PARACHUTE ON FATHER’S DAY at St Paul’s Church, Wooburn.

2-4.30pm. Bring your Teddies to parachute from our church tower. Cost: £2.50 per Teddy, includes a certificate.

Refreshments and cakes available. 01628 532394.

Sunday June 19. FATHER’S DAY at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. Dads travel free when accompanied by a fare paying passenger.

Tickets: adults £9, children 3-15 £4.50, family 2+2 £22.50.

01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Sunday June 19. FATHER’S DAY at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, or via Cholsey Station on the GWR line to Oxford. Free rides for dads. Trains between 11am and 4.30pm.

01491 835067; cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.

Tuesday June 21. SUMMER SOLSTICE WALK starting at 7pm from Pound Lane car park, Marlow.

Evening walk along the river with a Wycombe Woodland Ranger. Booking essential. Tickets: adults £4, concessions £2, family £10. 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Friday June 24. BATS AND BEASTS OF THE NIGHT at Little Marlow Gravel Pit, Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End. Meet at the Spade Oak public car park at 9pm.

Guided walk. Booking essential: adults £4, children £2, family ticket £10.WDC Woodland Service, 01494 421825.

Saturday June 25. SPIRIT OF THE 60S DAY at Cliveden, Taplow. 10am-5.30pm. Fifty years after the Profumo affair, travel back to the 60s with special appearances, live music, classic cars, boat trips and lots of fun for all the family. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday June 25. BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET at the Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley. 2-4pm. 07881641614; babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk.

Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26. THE WITCHES, Young Windsor Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Production at New Lodge, Windsor. 2.30pm and 4pm. Written by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood.

A summer pantomime. 01753 860578; windsor-theatre-guild.org.uk.

Sunday June 26. NATURE DETECTIVES: WILDFLOWERS at Runnymede, Old Windsor/Egham.

11am-12.30pm. Guided walk with a National Trust Ranger.

Booking essential. Adult £5, Child £2, Concession £4.

01784 432891; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday June 26. SCOUTS RAFT RACE at Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham. 11am-3pm. Watch the Hayes and Harlington Scouts do their annual raft race on Black Park Lake. Free. 01753 511060.

Sunday June 26. WINDSOR’S OLYMPIC HERITAGE WALK with a Blue Badge tour guide, starting from the Windsor Tourist Information Centre in the Royal Windsor Station. 11.30am-12.30pm. Tickets: adults £7, under 14s £3. 01753 743900; windsor.gov.uk.

Sunday June 26. SUITCASE CIRCUS at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. Meet Wobulous Discombobulous, the anarchic sock, as he presents a line up of equally extraordinary performing objects. Tickets: adults £10.50, children £5.50. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Sunday June 26. FAMILY FUN DAY at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. Gates open at 12pm, last race at 5pm. Free entry for children. With Bob The Builder, Wendy and Spud live on stage. Adult tickets: £10-£23. 01753 498400; windsor-racecourse.co.uk.

Sunday June 26.ARMED FORCES DAY in Bracknell Town Centre. 10am-4pm. Enjoy parades, stalls and local entertainment.The main parade will be between 1-1.30pm.

Wednesday June 29. TEDDY BEARS PICNIC at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Off Binfield Road, Bracknell. 11am-2pm. Family fun day with fun fair rides, bouncy castles and lots of activities. Tickets: £2 per person, £7 for a family ticket (only in advance), under 18 months free; from Bracknell’s Children Centres, Jocks Lane Cafe or Bracknell Council. 07740 457389.

MAY /JUNE 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY Friday July 1. WIND IN THE WILLOWS, children’s outdoor theatre in the grounds of the Savill Garden,Wick Lane, Englefield Green. 01784 435 544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3. DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, nr Aylesbury. Advance tickets: adults £13, children £9 (2-15). On the day: £15/£11. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org.

Saturday July 2. SUMMER FETE at Birch Hill Primary school, Leppington, Bracknell. 1–4pm. Fun family day out.

Arena events, bouncy castle, jousting and assault course, craft stalls, game stalls, penalty shoot outs, and much more. Entry: 50p adults, children free. 01344 303098.

Saturday July 2. SUMMER FAIR at St Peters Combined School, Minniecroft Road, Burnham.

12.30-4pm. Website: st-peterscofe.bucks.sch.uk.

Saturday July 2. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at St Piran’s School, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead. From 1.30pm, early entry for valid NCT card holders.Website: nct.org.uk.

Saturday July 2. ST PAUL’S SCHOOL AND NURSERY FETE, Stratford Drive, Wooburn Green.

12–4pm. Come in your Red, White and Blues to celebrate everything ‘Typically English’. Entrance : £1 per adult, children go free.

Sunday July 3. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Sir William Ramsey School, Rose Avenue, Hazlemere, High Wycombe. 11.15am-12.45pm (NCT members 11am) Entry: £1. nct.org.uk/in-your-area/highwycombe/nns/nns-contacts.

Go Wild with the RSPB

Nature

The RSPB Wildlife Action Award scheme is designed to help children, families and groups discover wildlife and do practical things to help. From pond dipping and birdwatching, to making homes for mini-beasts and planting trees, there are plenty of activities to inspire young people as they work their way towards bronze, silver and gold awards. he scheme is open to anyone. Children can do it on their own, as a family, if they are home educated or belong to a community group. The flexibility of the scheme has meant that Guide and Scout groups have been able to fit many of the tasks within their various badge activities.

Connor White, aged 5, achieved a gold award by taking part with his family. Connor said: ‘I really enjoyed feeding the birds, digging in the garden and drawing things from nature. I also liked recycling things at the bottle bank. I like hearing the bottles break and it is better to take all the tins and glass to a safe place so it does not hurt the animals and the world.’

T

Place some banana in the tub to attract the minibeasts.

Leave the pitfall trap overnight and check in the morning what creatures have been caught.You could put your catches into a pot or jar so you can have a closer look at them.

Don’t forget to release any creatures once you have identified them.

Only put a pitfall trap out on a dry night because minibeasts will drown if the trap fills with rainwater.

And remember – always put minibeasts back where they came from.

BE A BUG HUNTER There are currently over 6,000 young people stepping up for nature and working their way through the scheme. There are 33 activities to choose from including feeding birds, being environmentally friendly and writing to an MP. One activity you can take part in is to get close up to minibeasts. Here’s your chance to discover what crawls, slithers, creeps and scuttles in your garden or school grounds.

Insects, bugs, creepy-crawlies and minibeasts are names used to describe a huge range of different creatures from insects to spiders to slugs and snails. Minibeasts come in huge range of shapes, colour and sizes.

One of the best things about them is that they are everywhere and you can easily make your garden a great place for minibeasts. If you don’t have easy access to a garden or school grounds, you can visit your local park, nature reserve or woodland.

Here are just a few suggestions on how to encourage minibeasts:

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? If you would like to find out about all the activities you can do, and how to take part in the awards, you can send off for a Wildlife action awards booklet. The booklet costs £3 and has all the information you need to achieve the awards. Every child that takes part receives a special certificate and stickers.

Send your name and address, and a cheque for £3 to: RSPB Wildlife Explorers, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL. (Cheques should be made payable to the RSPB) or you can visit the RSPB youth website www.rspb.org.uk/youth

Leave a long patch of grass, ideally in a sunny spot – good for butterflies, grasshoppers and crickets.

Pile up leaves in a shady corner of the garden – good for worms, woodlice and slugs.

Bind twigs together tightly with string and wedge it in a fork in a tree, or place it on the ground in an out-of-the-way spot – good for ladybirds and other beetles.

Plant nectar-rich flowers like honeysuckle, lavender and marigolds – good for small tortoiseshells, hoverflies and honey bees.

Finding and catching minibeasts is the best way for you to get close to look at them and identify them.

You can make your very own pitfall trap to catch some bugs.

You don’t need to buy any special equipment – you can make everything with stuff you can find at home.

HOW DO I MAKE A PITFALL TRAP? Choose a site for your pitfall trap – try somewhere with plenty of plants, under a hedge or tree or in a flowerbed are good places.

Dig a hole the size of a margarine tub. Remove the lid of the tub and put the empty pot into the hole so that its rim is level with the ground.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY /JUNE 2011

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools at www.edontheweb.com. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum, in Ed’s Imaginarium. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

For Ages 5 to 7 years Barney the Boat Dog: Very Brave Dog

by Linda Newbery (Usborne £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Barney lives on a narrowboat. He loves his life on the canals and rivers with his owner, Jim. There are so many people to meet and so many adventures to enjoy.

However Barney doesn’t like tunnels because of their gloominess and frightening echoes. When Barney is separated from Jim he finds he has to face his ordeal alone.

‘You will be on the edge of your seat finding out if Barney can prove that he is indeed a very brave dog. And you can read more about this adorable character in this exciting new series.’

For Ages 7 years plus Iggy & Me On Holiday by Jenny Valentine

(HarperCollins £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘It’s the end of term for Iggy and Flo. They are very excited about going on holiday especially when Iggy’s teacher gives her something very important to do for the holidays.

As usual, fun abounds in Iggy’s house – her idea of packing is to wear all her clothes to travel and fill her bag with toys. And the family even have a special holiday car which seems to have magical powers!

‘Here is another super book in the Iggy and Me series. It is brilliantly written with warmth and humour and is a delight for boys and girls alike.’

The Great Cat Conspiracy

by Katie Davies (Simon and Schuster £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Anna and Tom have a New Cat but they are not too thrilled by the ‘presents’ he brings into the house, particularly the head of the vicar’s very expensive Koi Carp. When the New Cat vanishes, they feel sure he has been kidnapped – but who is responsible? So begins the investigation…

‘This is a hilarious adventure written with great insight into children’s relationships with animals – and with grown-ups.’

Theodore Boone by John Grisham (Hodder £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘With both parents in the legal profession, the law is second nature to Theodore Boone, even at the age of thirteen. There is to be a murder trial in Theo’s home city and although Theo is keen to follow the case as closely as possible he suddenly finds himself dragged into the middle of this sensational trial.

Is Theo the only person who knows the truth?

‘This is a fantastic page-turner of a book. It is brilliantly written, informative and entertaining – altogether it is a stunningly good read.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

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Make Friends for Life with the NCT

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

By Kate Robinson

xpecting a baby or just moved into the area and want to meet other new parents? NCT, the UK’s largest parenting charity, is well known for its antenatal classes, but many expectant and new parents are not aware of the other benefits becoming a member can bring.

These days, few of us live near our extended family. When a baby is on the way we might up and move to a new area, a bigger home. Sometimes old friendship groups just get left behind when the patter of tiny feet shifts our priorities and focus. As a society we are so rich in some respects, most parents can buy all the essentials for the arrival of a new baby, and yet so poor in others, such as support networks.

Becoming the newest of NCT’s 105,000 members means having the support of the UK’s largest charity for parents behind you. Every year the NCT supports thousands of people through the incredible life changing experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Each NCT branch is run by local parents and offers other new parents the chance to find support, friendship and to share their experiences. There is a busy calendar of social events for parents from days out with other families, to Bumps & Baby groups and NCT Nearly New Sales.

“I became a member when I moved to the area and I didn’t know any mums,” says Emma, mum to Ella, 18 months. “ The branch newsletter is really useful for details on groups and activities I otherwise wouldn’t know existed. Most days there’s something to do – when I was at home with a little one for the first time I realised how difficult it would be without people to go out and do things with. I really appreciated the support.”

Other benefits of becoming an NCT member include:

Early entry to NCT Nearly New Sales, which offer new and expectant parents an alternative to forking out for brand new baby products.

Quarterly NewGen magazine, packed with articles and information on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Monthly member exclusive discounts from NCT Shop www.nctshop.co.uk and the new eco outlet range www.ecoutlet.co.uk.

Meet new friends through your local NCT branch.

Newsletters from your local NCT branch with local contacts, pre-school activities and Bumps and Babies groups.

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

Representation at Government and local policy levels.

Remember, your membership is helping to fund the NCT’s vital work across the UK, and becoming a member is also a way of supporting fellow parents.

The NCT are now running more classes in the local area, with three types of classes to suit all circumstances, running continuously throughout the year to cover all due dates.

Classes are run by NCT antenatal teachers. They are informal and typically made up of 6-8 mums, with partners always welcome. The classes offer support, information, practical skills and resources to help parents make informed choices for themselves and their babies. Being able to talk through concerns with other prospective parents and ask questions really helps.

MAY /JUNE 2011

Antenatal Classes – For first time parents, this course prepares for labour, birth, feeding and early parenthood.

Refresher Classes – For your second or even fifth baby!

This course includes antenatal and postnatal information but also considers the prospect of bringing a new baby into the family. They’re a good way of concentrating on the new baby, often overlooked when caring for older children.

Early Days Classes – For parents with babies up to 6 months old. Topics are tailored to the needs of the group, e.g.

‘Changing Relationships’, ‘Sleeping and Crying’, ‘Feeding’ and ‘Returning to work or not?’

Those first few months can be daunting. This class helps parents adjust and gain in confidence.

Many parents have found that NCT classes are a great way of making friends, for themselves and the new addition.

“I attended NCT classes to prepare for both of my children’s births.” says Kate, mum to Jessica, 6, & Jack, 3. “I still keep in contact with one mum from my first antenatal group.

Our children are now six.They were born on the same day and we both had a stay in hospital together.We’ve forged such a strong bond.There were four mums in my refresher class.We all had boys; they are coming up to three now. We still meet every two weeks at a soft play centre.They have been there every step of the way.”

Your local NCT branch is the Marlow and Maidenhead Branch, which includes Cookham, Bourne End and the surrounding villages. To find out more about membership, classes, Nearly New Sales, your local branch and a whole lot more, visit www.nct.org.uk.

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Mums Who Mean Business RIVERSIDE JAM & CHUTNEY BOOKKEEPER I have my own home-based office and deal with all types of bookkeeping tasks including: Invoicing, Dealing with Creditors and Debtors control accounts, VAT returns, bank reconciliation etc.

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I choose to have a small practice and handle everything myself, with flexible contact hours for any queries.

For further information please email me at sandhuh@btinternet.com

Childcare Wrapped Around Your Needs Open From 5am-11pm

We are open seven days a week, offer fixed and flexible childcare and pick-up/drop-offs from designated areas

17 William Street, Windsor, SL4 1BB For more information call:

01753 853155 Email us at: wraparoundchildcare@hotmail.co.uk www.wrap-aroundchildcare.co.uk

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533 362

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

t all started with Pudsey Bear five years ago, when a friend asked local mum, Karen Reeve (right) to make something to raise money for Children in Need. Karen, who has two children aged 14 and ten, decided to make some homemade jars of jam, marmalade and chutney for the sale. Once she started, she didn’t stop.

Karen and her husband Keith, who is the lock-keeper at Bray Lock, live in an idyllic location, the lock-keeper’s house on an island in the Thames. They have several apple, pear and plum trees, three greenhouses and enough space to grow all their own ingredients. As the land is owned by the Environment Agency, the use of pesticides of any kind is strictly forbidden, so everything they grow is organic.

The jams and chutneys were initially sold at Harvest and Christmas Fairs at schools.

People loved them so much that they kept on coming back for more. She started using the name River Minx for the business, as they live by the river and her daughter is also a self-proclaimed ‘minx’. It is a real family affair and Karen likes it that way. She prefers to be there for her children, who love their riverside life, while she can.

With her trade now spreading locally by word of mouth, Karen also gets business from passersby on the towpath and the boaters who stop by in the lock. Karen hopes that her sideline in pre-prepared picnic lunches (all locally sourced), will really take off with the upcoming Olympics next year.

The busiest times for Karen are in the summer and autumn. It is also hard work, a ‘labour of love’, she admits, and after the expenditure of the necessary equipment, she is just breaking even. But Karen and her family enjoy the whole process of growing, cooking and inventing new recipes.

Her best-sellers are her mango chutney, onion marmalade and Cliveden apple chutney, based on a recipe from the National Trust.

The red onion chutney has a soft but tangy taste of caramelised onion – perfect on a cheese sandwich and so much better than sour supermarket pickles. Karen’s marmalades are very popular at Christmas fairs and she also makes a yummy elderflower cordial, with freshly picked elderflower heads.

River Minx prices range from £3 to £4.50 per jar. You can contact Karen on 07896 192472 or email her on riverminx@tiscali.co.uk.

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YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO CHANGE DIRECTION randmother and mother Sonia Amos, who lives in Windsor, made a decision in 2007 to change her career and follow her dream. Having worked quite happily in an office for many years, she had reached the stage where it was no longer fulfulling her needs and decided to make a positive move into the world of complementary therapies.

Sonia’s interest in alternative health led her to enrol onto a Reflexology Course with the International Institute of Reflexology in London.This more than fulfilled her expectations, and also rekindled her hunger for learning.

After passing her exams, she went straight on to a course with Neal’s Yard Remedies to become an aromatherapist, a course she finished successfully in 2010. “This was also a wonderful experience, learning about oils and the effect they have on individuals.”

Sonia had originally intended to use her qualifications to keep her occupied in her retirement, brought forward when she was made redundant last year.

This is when she thought about starting her own reflexology and aromatherapy business.

Fortunately, Sonia has a very supportive husband, who is also a builder. He created a very special place at the end of their garden where she welcomes her clients, hence the name of her practice: The Garden Sanctuary.

“It has been an amazing journey,” Sonia says, “and it still is. I have met wonderful people and made some good friends.These things are priceless.”

Since launching in June last year, she has had a steady flow of people through her door with many becoming regular clients who appreciate her work and enjoy the surroundings.

Sonia has shown that it is never too late to re-train and as she says, “Age is just a number, follow your dream and live what’s in your heart and soul, and most of all enjoy each day”.

Sonia also offers Hopi Ear Candling treatments and practices Indian Head Massage. For more information on Sonia and The Garden Sanctuary, please visit her website at www.reflexaromawindsor.co.uk or call her on 01753 840847.

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Classified

By Trynke Casale

FROM ACADEMIC TO YOGA TEACHER orinne Sellers from Stoke Poges is a yoga teacher and mum of two boys aged three and four. She runs Hatha yoga classes in Stoke Poges Village Hall every Thursday evening at 7.30pm, especially for people with back and neck pain and for those who want to improve their posture.

Having gained weight after the birth of her children, Corinne turned to yoga to retain her figure. She found yoga more effective in improving her figure than running, for example.

“Yoga is not only about exercises,” Corinne says. “It takes a more holistic approach.

A lot of it is also about finding time for self-reflection through meditation, thinking about your breathing, improving your diet and nutrition, and being healthier in general.”

She also teaches Zen meditation, and incorporates half an hour of meditation at the end of her yoga class, to teach people the techniques to switch off after a hard day’s work. “Meditation teaches you to breathe deeply so that the oxygen reaches all the parts in your body and help it function better. A lot of people don’t realise it, but they take very shallow breaths, especially when stressed.”

Furthering her interests, she is also following courses in advanced stress management as well as Ashtanga Yoga, which is a form of power yoga. Corinne hopes to start up classes especially geared towards businesses with some early morning classes for people who want to get an invigorating boost before going to work.

Whilst training to teach Hatha Yoga and practising a lot at home, her children loved joining her on the mat. “They love it. They know so many postures and exercises now. It keeps them healthy and supple; it stops them from stiffening up, like most people do when they grow up.” This inspired her to take a course on how to teach children’s yoga too.

Corinne also offers private one-to-one clients who work long hours in important but highly stressful jobs, who are in need of a little ‘me time’. She comes up with weekly tailor-made programmes to suit her clients’ busy schedules and they work through them together at their own pace in the comfort of their homes.

For more information, call Corinne on 07788 856948 or email her on corinne.sellers@yahoo.co.uk. She is thinking of starting up a Saturday morning class in the area. Please send Corinne an email, if you are interested in joining.

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SWIMMING LESSONS Saturday & Sunday 12-2.30pm – ages 31/2 to 16 Monday 4-5pm – ages 4 to 12 Summer holidays: children’s Kayaking courses at Eton college pool, for children over 8 throughout the school holidays Contact Alan on 01753 868005 or email a.price@etoncollege.org.uk

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

MAY /JUNE 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk