Families TVE Sept-Oct 2010 issue

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Back to School

CLUBS & CLASSES EDITION Packed with information and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Ascot, Slough & Egham

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News & Info Little Red Hen Day Nurseries Ltd Grove Park, White Waltham Nurturing, happy, calm and structured environment in new setting To book a visit or find out more call 07948 073118 www.littleredhendn.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

“for parents with young feet . . .”

Children’s continental shoes Ecco, Angulus, Babybotte, Ricosta, Gabor, Skechers, Petasil and many more...

Autumn/ Winter collection now in!

Black, brown and navy school shoes always in stock 14 Oxford Road, Marlow, Bucks. SL7 2NL. 20 High Street, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 0BP.

01628 475576 info@doogies.co.uk

www.doogies.co.uk

BOOK NOW to be included in the Christmas Issue of Thames Valley East 01628 627 586 Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info

in this

issue

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News & Information Clubs & Classes Health Back to School Healthy Lunch Boxes Dyslexia: Myths and Misconceptions Maths Review Cooking: Delicious Pumpkin Scones PO.P in the Park Competitions Time Out Gardening Parenting Ed’s Reading Room Bumps ‘n Babes Mums Who Mean Business Classified

21 22 23 25 26 30 31 32 33 34 35

Welcome back. This is now my second year as a Families editor and I would like to thank all of you and my advertisers for their support. The months have literally flown by. The prospects for year two look rosy, as I proudly send my eldest daughter back to school with shiny shoes and newly ironed PE kit. Standards will obviously slip as the term progresses (see page 15 for tips on how to stay calm on the school run). I have also enjoyed choosing eco-friendly lunch boxes for my younger two, who will be eating lunch at nursery for the first time ever, (see page 19 for more ideas).

Check out our annual Clubs and Classes Special on pages 5 -11. And don’t forget to look at our exciting competitions on page 25.

Enjoy the Autumn and we’ll see you in November with our Christmas issue.

IVER APPLE DAY UNDER THREAT IVER Apple Day, one of the largest community events in the area, is at risk of disappearing due to lack of funding.

In previous years South Bucks District Council provided grant aid to assist with the costs but in this year's financial climate that help is not available.

Whilst several local companies including Relay Europe and the recently opened Indian Nights have been very generous in donating funds, more donations are still required in order to secure the future of this popular event.

Last year more than 3,000 people attended the event, there were also over 40 stalls, including local produce, traders and charities.

The event is due to be held on 16 October 2010, with any proceeds from the day going to the Church Fund for St Margaret’s, Iver Heath.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or would like to make a donation please contact Sally Orland at appleday.iverheath@googlemail.com

NEW PROVIDER FOR SCHOOL MEALS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH 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: November/December featuring: Christmas due out: Monday 1 November copy/advertising deadline: 11 October TVE 01

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ol o Scho Back t

in TION family SSES EDI do with the to & CLA & Egham CLUBS and fun things ot, Slough Asc rmation , Marlow, dsor with info Packed denhead, Win Mai

Cover credits: Photographer: MARK HENDERSON 01628 855863 07976 354031 www.markhphoto.co.uk Models: OLIVIA and LARA

Cookham Montessori School

A NEW company has been awarded the contract for school meals in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The council has awarded the £1.5million per year schools catering contract to Cater Link Ltd, the UK's leading contract caterer in the education market They will supply meals to 41 schools in the borough for five years from this September.

The decision follows a strict tendering process in which seven companies bid for the contract. Schools and governors were consulted for their views and visits were made to schools to test sample menus.

OPEN DAYS AT SILCHESTER MANOR NURSERY TWO Open Days promote the newly developed and refurbished Silchester Manor Day Nursery. They offer excellent. affordable, fully inclusive care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Full- and part-time places are available Monday to Friday between 7.45am and 6pm. They are

WRAPAROUND CHILDCARE

open all year, with the exception of bank holidays and Christmas. The nursery was also recently awarded a “Good” in their Ofsted Inspection (October 2009).

They have Open Days on 27 September and 18 October; please contact the Nursery Manager on 01628 778890 if you would like to attend, quoting ref: FAMSEPT10

Kids Party in Style Windsor’s premier nightclub is available to hire for kids’ parties

For children aged 2-5 years

Ages 7 to 13

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

FREE daily 2½ hour sessions for 3, 4 + 5 year olds.

01628 529414

www.cookhammontessori.com Telephone: 01628 627 586

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

Available Saturday & Sunday afternoons/early evenings For further information please visit www.barindigo.co.uk/kidsparties or call 01753 842332

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

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

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Bellydancing lessons with

Rachel

News & Info NEW FITNESS FEATURE AT CLIVEDEN

for all ages and levels in Ascot, Crowthorne, Maidenhead, Windsor and Twyford.

Call Rachel on 07858 480 814 Rachel@rachelbellydancer.com www.rachelbellydancer.com Photo by Maani Vadgama

Briar Cottage Day Nursery Extremely high standards of care and learning Fantastic Ofsted report – April 2009 Just 10 places for children aged 2-5 years Friendly, qualified and experienced staff Healthy, freshly made meals and snacks Full and half days available Discount for full time places

THE National Trust’s famous gardens at Cliveden offer a great new way to let off steam and burn calories this Autumn. A new Fitness Trail has been created specially for their area of native woodland. Comprising of ten pieces of equipment, from parallel bars to a ladder walk, this woodland workout covers a 900m circular route and is suitable for children aged six and over.

Another new addition is the Imaginative Play Area.

Skilled wood carvers working with chainsaws on a selection of wood from the estate have created life-size models of some well-loved story book characters, like Peter Pan and Captain Hook.The area is for younger children and its aim is to get them closer to nature, which is why they have used only natural materials. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

NEW TELEPHONE ADVICE SERVICE FOR PARENTS

Open Monday to Friday 8 ‘til 6 48 weeks per year 01628 829896

e-mail: bcdn@hotmail.co.uk

PARENTING Matters are now offering a confidential telephone consultation and advice service for parents.This is bookable online with an experienced coach along with simultaneous computer support and followed up by email.

More details available on the web site www.parentingmatters.co.uk. 01494 677575.

BESPOKE STORAGE WILL MAKE CLUTTER DISAPPEAR ARE you struggling with storage in your house?

Richard van Spall Bespoke Storage Solutions has been making fitted storage and built-in furniture in Berkshire since 2004.

Many of their customers are families with a clutter problem.

The company specialises in all areas of domestic storage – wardrobes, alcove cabinets and

bookshelves, loft space storage, children’s bedrooms and home office solutions.

Whether you have a Victorian semi or a new build, Richard can produce a finish and style to suit. Because the units are hand-made to measure, he can work with almost any awkward shaped space or corner, helping you to maximise the space available. 01753 622159. www.rvs-bespoke.co.uk

NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR FAMILIES LOCAL company, Mark Henderson Photography, specialises in taking natural pictures of families in a wide variety of natural locations.

Mark Henderson, from Maidenhead, says he likes to take photographs that aren’t posed and in an environment that children are happy in.

After 20 years of working as professional photographer in advertising, he decided to widen his business to include taking family portraits, children and weddings.

“Having two young children at school made me realise that parents don’t have many options when it comes to family photography.

We all know about the well known companies that initially seem great but then charge outrageous amounts for prints. I offer an affordable service and reasonably priced prints.”

For more information call 01628 855863 or visit www.markhphoto.co.uk

NEW PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP IN BRACKNELL A NEW Parent and Toddler group opens its doors this September in Bracknell. Sessions are for children aged between 18 months and 21/2 years of age.They run for two hours each week with one parent or carer attending with their child.This new group follows on from the success of two existing groups based at Meadowbrook Montessori School.

During the sessions, information is given to parents on child development and they are shown how to introduce their children to a wide variety of activities that can be implemented at home.

Further information can be obtained from www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

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

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PERFORM GO TO THE WILD WEST

Clubs & Classes News

THIS term, Perform children will be galloping off to The Wild West, They will be learning songs, dances, tongue twisters, rhymes and raps, and acting out weekly improvisations. The classes are for 4 to 8 year olds and have a showcase for friends and family at the end of term.

In addition, Perform Plus, for 8 to 12 year olds classes is celebrating the theme, The Christmas Carol and, due to popular demand, a school for the older children is opening in Windsor this September.

Classes are also available in Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Cookham Dean,Virginia Water and Warfield.

To book or for a free trial session call 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk

frustrated, as can their mothers. That’s why thousands of parents and babies across the UK are learning to baby sign. During Tiny Talk classes they sing nursery rhymes and learn everyday baby signs, followed by playtime and refreshments.

To find out more call 07876 338925 or elained@tinytalk.co.uk to book a class. www.tinytalk.co.uk

MOVE WITH ME MONKEY! MOVES LOCATION Move with me, Monkey! will be running fun yoga-style activity sessions for 21/2 to 5-year-olds at Woodlands Park Village Centre and Village Life this Autumn.

The six week term will start at the centre on Wednesday September 15, from 2- 2.45pm. To launch the term, there will be a free taster class on Wednesday September 8. Please call or email Liz for more information. 01628 639727 or email info@movewithmemonkey.co.uk. www.movewithmemonkey.co.uk.

DO THE JITTERBUG WITH THE MUSIC BUGS CHILDREN in Dedworth, Cippenham and Langley are coming on in leaps and bounds thanks to the launch of Music Bugs classes for the under-5’s.

The colourful play based classes encourage children to get involved in nursery rhymes, knee bouncers, finger play rhymes and action songs and a large selection of colourful and exciting props such as puppets, bubbles, parachutes and hobby horses.

For details of your nearest class, call Roxanne on 0844 578 1048 or email roxanne@musicbugs.co.uk. Free taster classes are available but they must be pre-booked. www. musicbugs.co.uk

DEBUTOTS MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN STAINES & EGHAM BRAND new Debutots classes are coming to the Egham and Staines area this September. Debutots classes involve a unique blend of interactive storytelling and dramatic play.

There are two classes for different age ranges. Baby Story Play for 6 months to two years, which explore the magic of stories, sounds and words through play, and Early Years Drama classes for 2 to 7 year olds, which explore stories through play, drama and acting.

Debutots also offers classes to nurseries, schools and mother and toddler groups, and birthday parties for children aged 1 to 7.

Call Rachael for more details or a FREE trial class on 0118 9472698 or email swhomecounties@debutots.co.uk. www.debutots.co.uk

LET THEIR HANDS DO THE TALKING TinyTalk, the popular signing class, is starting new classes in Windsor and Slough.

Babies have a lot to say and because they can’t speak, they can often get very

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Clubs & Classes How to choose?

DEVELOPING interests outside the home is rich in rewards, from new social skills to those of the particular activity. If you’d like your child to join a local class but don’t know which one, let their interests guide you. There’s no point sending a painfully shy child to a drama class if they’ll be cowering in the corner when a good drum-bashing session or an IT club would bring them out of themselves more effectively. If they babbled from an early age, they may find a second language comes easily; if they’re forever throwing themselves all over the sofa, consider a gym, swimming or dance class to focus their energies. There are hundreds of clubs and classes in the area and we’ve compiled a great selection to choose from.

ACADEMIC TUITION ACADEMY OF ENGLISH SATS, GCSE, A-Level, IELTS/HE preparation. ESOL: Academic, business and general English. Based in Slough, individual and small group tuition, very competitive rates and excellent success record. www.academy-of-english.co.uk or call: 07725 300 061.

CHRISTINE SHAW, Tutor: Reading, English and Maths to KS3, 11+. Burnham, Taplow, Slough, Farnhams.

01628 663411.

FLEET TUTORS (One-to-one tuition in prep school entry, 11+, common entrance exams, SATS, and for dyslexia/remedial help). Location: pupil’s home. 0845 644 5452. www.fleet-tutors.co.uk HOWLAND TUTORS (Maths, English, 11+, Sats, GCSE, A-Level). Age: 5 -18+. Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 01628 477164. www.howlandtutors.co.uk ANNA SLATER, Qualified Primary Teacher, available for Maths, Literacy and Science tutoring in your own home, covering Maidenhead and surrounding areas.

Contact: 01628 531272 or 07932 642289.

ARCHAEOLOGY YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB (field trips, games, crafts). Age: 8-16. Location: Chertsey Museum.

Booking required. 01932 565764; www.chertseymuseum.org.uk

ARCHERY BERKSHIRE ARCHERY ASSOCIATION. Junior classes from 9 +. www.berkshirearchery.co.uk

ART AND CRAFTS AMANDA’S ART CLASSES (drawing, painting, collage and fun after school and in the holidays with artist Amanda Kavanagh). Ages: 6-12. Location: north Ascot. Book termly. 01344 885086.

CREATION STATION (Art and Craft Exploration Sessions in Term Time and School Holidays, Arty Parties and Arty Event Entertainment).

Ages: 1-11. Location: Wokingham, Bracknell, Sandhurst and Windsor. 0845 303 9448.

IFASHION. Become the next hot fashion designer in workshops after school, during school holidays or with an iFashionDesign party. Age: 8 – 14 years.Various locations across Bucks and beyond. Phone for more details 07980 706574 or visit our website www.ifashiondesign.co.uk ALEKHYA ART CLASSES (small art classes for children taken by a trained artist). Catering for children of all ages. Location: Maidenhead.

01628 634418, shalinib@gmail.com: www.shalinibhat.com Fun at the Farm with MESSY MONKEYS (art for accompanied children). Age: pre-school. Location: Maidenhead. Pre-book. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org

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ATHLETICS British Athletics has lists of local clubs. See www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs MAIDENHEAD JUNIOR ATHLETICS CLUB (track and field sports). Ages: 7-15. Location: Braywick Park (summer) or Courthouse Junior School, Blenheim Road (October to March). Go to www.maidehnheadac.co.uk to go on the waiting list.

SUPERTRACK. Age: 5-15. Location:Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton, after school on Wednesdays.

01753 770037. www.sloughleisure.co.uk/tvac Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow Athletics Club. Age: 11+. Location: Pococks Lane, Eton, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm. 01753 686169.

BABY DEVELOPMENT BABY COLLEGE (baby development classes). Ages: birth to 3. Locations: Esporta Health Club, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Mondays and Tuesdays. Pre-book. 01344 885146. www.babycollege.co.uk .

BABY MASSAGE THE MATERNITY NETWORK. Directory of local classes including Baby massage, yoga and recommended classes on chat forum. Bucks, Berks and Oxon. www.thematernitynetwork.co.uk

BABY SIGN LANGUAGE TINYTALK (baby signing classes for 0-18-month-old babies). One term is 12 x 1 hour classes, which costs: £60 pre-booked. For more information please contact Elaine Dennis: www.tinytalk.co.uk; elained@tinytalk.co.uk; 07876 338925.

BOARD GAMES MAIDENHEAD JUNIOR CHESS CLUB (play and tuition). Ages: 5-18. Saturdays 9.30am-11.15am term time at Ridgeway School, Maidenhead Thicket. Just turn up. £3.

01491 576052. nigelwdennis@btinternet.com.

COOKERY CRAFTY COOKS (pre-school cookery club). Age: 2 1/2-5. Location: Marlow. Bookable termly. 01628 476670. www.craftycooks.co.uk

CRICKET Lots of local cricket clubs have a junior section and coaching. For more information, go to www.bycl.org EGHAM CRICKET CLUB COLTS. Ages: from under 8s to under 15’s. Location, Egham, on Monday evenings.

01784 435762.

DANCE BELLYDANCING LESSONS with Rachel for all ages and levels in Ascot, Crowthorne, Maidenhead,Windsor and Twyford. Rachel is CRB checked and a family-friendly entertainer who adds sparkle to special events, from parties to weddings. Call Rachel on 07858 480 814, email Rachel@rachelbellydancer.com or visit www.rachelbellydancer.com.

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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BLOSSOM BALLET (Pre school dance for 18 months – 5 years) Classes in Windsor throughout the week and in Bracknell on Monday mornings. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place info@blossomballet.com. 07813084283 HAWTHORNE SCHOOL OF DANCE Classes in Ballet, Tap and Street Jazz and Adult Fitness in Windsor on Monday afternoons. Free taster class for all new pupils.

Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place info@hawthorneschoolofdance.com.

07813 084283 ELITE ACADEMY OF DANCE (ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street jazz, musical theatre, ballroom and Latin, wedding dances, private tuition, exam coaching). Ages: From 3 years, teenagers and adults, beginners to advanced in Maidenhead and at our studio in Beaconsfield. Free trial lesson. 01628 825028.

JEANNINE GREVILLE DANCE ACADEMIES (RAD ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics). Age: 21/2+. Locations: Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford. Free trial lesson.

01491 572000. www.jgdance.co.uk POPSTARS DANCE ACADEMY. Street Dance Classes for ages 4-11 featuring choreographed routines & dance techniques to current chart music and Popstar favourites – Street, Hip-Hop & Freestyle Dance with dance props. Classes in Burnham, Iver & Maidenhead. To Book a FREE Trial call 01753 538 525 or visit www.PopstarsAcademy.com THE SUSAN HANDY SCHOOL OF DANCING (Cecchetti dancing school teaching ballet, contemporary, tap, modern jazz and music and movement). Ages: 21/2-18+. Locations: Eton, Windsor, Datchet and Lyne. Book termly. 01753 542672 or 07515 270432.

ORCHARD ACADEMY OF DANCE AND THEATRE ARTS (I.S.T.D. Ballet, Tap & Modern Theatre Dance). Pupils can join at any age from rising 3’s to early 20’s.

NEW for Autumn 2010: Musical Theatre Classes, Street Dance lessons and Tap for Adults. Location: St Andrew’s Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. Pre-book with Principal JEAN ORCHARD L.I.S.T.D. 01753 663484 or email OrchardAcademy@aol.com. www.OrchardAcademy.com REDROOFS (ballet, modern, jazz, tap). Age: 3-18. Location: Maidenhead.

01628 822982. www.redroofs.co.uk BOLLYWOOD DANCE (classical dance mixed with a more contemporary style).

Age: 6 +. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead.

01628 682555. www.nordenfarm.org ELIZABETH FENTON SCHOOL OF DANCING (ballet, modern, tap, national and jazz). Age: 3+. Location: Four Marlow Road, Maidenhead. 01628 625343.

KATHAK DANCE (classical dance of northern India). Ages: 4-18. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org.

NORDEN EXPOSURE YOUTH DANCE (contemporary dance). Age: Junior Norden Exposure, 9-14 years, Norden Exposure Academy, 15+. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org TWINKLE TOTS (Fun introduction to ballet). Age: 2-4 years. Classes running in Langley, Windsor, Dorney, Sunningdale. Contact Maggie on 07828 857061; www.twinkletotsdance.com

Clubs & Classes

FOOTBALL Most local football clubs also have junior teams. Look at www.thefa.com under the Grassroots section for local contacts.

LITTLE KICKERS (football training). Ages: 18 months – 7 years. Locations: Licensed Victuallers, Ascot, Langley Grammar School, Windsor Boys School, TVAC, Eton and Clewer Youth and Community Centre, Windsor; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead, Sir William Borlase, Marlow, Court Garden, Marlow and Bourne End Community Centre, Henley Leisure Centre, Harpsden Village Hall, Henley and Stokenchurch. For Ascot, Langley, Windsor and Eton call 01993 851550. For Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley, Marlow and Stokenchurch call 01628 526584. www.littlekickers.co.uk

GOLF THE GOLF SCHOOL. Ages 7+. Location: Bisham Abbey. 07792 219 490. www.thegolfschool.org.uk MAIDENHEAD GOLF CENTRE (individual and group tuition, including Young Masters Golf courses). Ages: 7+ for courses; younger for individual tuition). Location: Braywick Park. 01628 676910.

GYMNASTICS/EXERCISE GYMTOTS (pre-school gymnastics). Age: walking to 3+, accompanied by adult.

Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, 10am Wednesday to Saturday. 07957 223124 GYMTOTS (advanced class). Age: 3-5 years, unaccompanied. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead at 3pm, Weds. 07957 223 124.

MAIDENHEAD GYMNASTICS CLUB Age: 4-14. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, after school and Saturdays. 07957 223 124.

PHOENIX GYMNASTICS. Ages: teeny gym, 18 months to 3 years, mini gym, 3-5 years, bridging class, 5-7 years, recreational gym, 7+. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881. www.phoenixgym.co.uk LET’S GO MUMMY! A Fun New exercise class which allows mummy and baby to exercise together. Suitable from 8 weeks to crawling. Location: Maidenhead. For more info call: Sarah 07938-588-029 or visit www.gofigure.org.uk SIMA’S ACTION KIDS (fun fitness classes set to music). Age: walking to 5.

Locations: Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead. 07956 993 439. www.simasactionkids.com

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

L RO EN W! NO

HOCKEY For details of your nearest club, see www.englandhockey.co.uk MAIDENHEAD HOCKEY CLUB. Age: 6-18. Location: Maidenhead and Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. 01628 622669. www.maidenheadhc.org.uk/

HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING COLTS AND FILLIES CLUB at Ascot Racecourse. Free membership for young racegoers under 16 who receive badge and binoculars, and Turf Talk newsletters every quarter, with clubs news and details of family days. Members also get access to an exclusive viewing at the Parade Ring and a behind the scenes tour. 0870 727 1234. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk WINDSOR HORSE RANGERS (voluntary organisation that teaches children about riding and looking after horses). They have a two year waiting list. Age: 8+.

Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield. 01628 636255. www.windsor-horse-rangers.org.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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

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NEW CLASSES IN WINDSOR & SLOUGH! Please contact Elaine Dennis for further information Tel: 07876 338925 E-mail: elained@tinytalk.co.uk Website: www.tinytalk.co.uk

ICE SKATING BRACKNELL ICE RINK (ice skating lessons). Age: 5yrs+. Parent and toddler sessions on Friday’s.

Location: John Nike Leisuresport Complex, John Nike Way, Bracknell. 01344 789 000. www.bracknellskislope.co.uk ABSOLUTELY ICE. (ice skating lessons).

Age: under-5s; 6-16. Location: Montem Lane, Slough.

01753 894810.

LANGUAGES DISCOVER DUTCH (fun language club for children). Age: 2-5, 5-8 years. Location: Marlow.

07948 246281. www.discoverdutch.co.uk

MARTIAL ARTS LITTLE SAMURAI, Children’s Kickboxing Age:4 +.

Location: Pinder Hall, Cookham, on Saturday mornings at 9am. Windsor on Saturday mornings at 11am. Call Matt Collins on: 07828 534817 for more details.

MUSIC

Marlow Tennis Academy Mini Tennis for ages 5-7 Indoors and outdoors LTA licensed coaches with international experience Call Richard Mole: 01628 488438

The Elizabeth Fenton School of Dancing The School holds children’s dance classes at Four Marlow Road, Maidenhead, with special Pre-School Ballet classes.

Older children can enjoy Ballet, Jazz, Modern, National and Tap classes.

All Teachers are R.A.D or I.S.T.D. Registered.

Enquiries Tel: 01628 625343

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BERKSHIRE MAESTROS (singing lessons and instrument tuition) Age:babies-19. Locations: in schools and at its own music centres. 0118 901 2370, email: minimaestros@berkshiremaestros.org.uk; www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk KODÁLY MUSIC SCHOOL of Runnymede (kindermusik classes; tuition in violin, piano, flute, recorder and saxophone). Age: 2-18+. Locations: Various venues in Egham area. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/KMR MAD ACADEMY (Music-And-Dance with rhythms, songs, instruments, listening, games and birthday parties). Ages: 3 months to 4 years. Locations: Throughout the Families area. For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley, and Charvil call Emma on 0118 979 2695. For Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale and Farnham Royal call Nikki on 0118 978 8221; www.madacademy.com MUSIC BUGS (Fun music class for the under-5s) Ages: 6 months to 4 years. Locations: Dedworth, Cippenham and Langley. Call Roxanne on 0844 578 1048 or email roxanne@musicbugs.co.uk. musicbugs.co.uk MUSIC MATTERS. Not a franchise, Music Matters is a fun, active music group led by qualified Kodaly music teacher. Ages: babies to 11 years. Location: babies and pre-school – Wooburn Green, Thursday a.m; Maidenhead, Wednesday a.m and Friday p.m.

Knowl Hill, Friday a.m. Also, 4 to 11 year olds in Maidenhead after school, Tuesday. Booking required.

First lesson free. 01628 622651. www.lynsmusicmatters.co.uk MUSIC WITH MUMMY (fun programme teaching basic aspects of music in three age groups: Jolly Babies (0-1 year) Music with Mummy (1-3 years) and Three Four Time (3-5 years, unaccompanied). Locations: Maidenhead, Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale, Datchet, Iver and Langley . For Maidenhead 07966 197035; Windsor 01344 301954; Ascot 01753 850772; Datchet, Iver and Langley 01753 540949. www.musicwithmummy.co.uk STEPPING NOTES MUSIC SCHOOL (structured programme of group musicianship classes for children).

Ages: 2-8. Location: Jurgens Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

TAPLOW CHOIRS (four choirs, for young children, boys and girls). Ages: 7-19. Location: Taplow village centre. Turn up on Saturday in term time for children’s and boy’s choir. Auditions for girls and youth.

07799 413 746. www.taplowchoirs.org.uk TEDDIES MUSIC CLUB (live music, action rhymes, instruments, puppets). Age: 0-5. Locations: Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor, Burnham, High Wycombe and Twyford. Contact: Maidenhead and Marlow: 01628 671146/639878; Twyford 01628 825315; Windsor: 01628 671146; Cippenham and Burnham: 01628 605091; Beaconsfield: 01628 630714/605091. www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk JO JINGLES (music, movement, instruments). Ages: from 3 months to 5 years, in different age bands.

Locations: throughout the Families area, booking required. For classes in Maidenhead, Burnham and Windsor call Andreas on 05603 258601. For classes in Marlow, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe call Val on 01494 814174. For Winkfield Row, Bracknell and Forest Park call Jackie on 01344 484473. www.jojingles.co.uk.

TABLA (the art of Indian Drumming). Age: none specified. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org

NATURE IVER NATURE STUDY CENTRE. Ages: 3-5 (pre-school nature play). Also, nature-based craft sessions for children aged 5-9 during the holidays.

01895 270730. www.ivernature.com BRAYWICK WILDLIFE WATCH GROUP (hands-on education in wildlife and the environment, run by the Royal Borough). Ages: 7-12. Location: Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead.

01628 777440.

NETBALL MAIDENHEAD & DISTRICT JUNIOR NETBALL. Ages 7-14. Locations: Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot. 01628 633714.

ORIENTEERING BERKSHIRE ORIENTEERS (events held once a month from September to April at various locations) Ages: 3+ with an adult. 0118 934 5412. www.bko.org.uk

PERFORMING ARTS AZURE THEATRE SCHOOL (Provding classes in all apects of performing arts, ISTD dance examinations & regular performances in a fun nurturing environment) Ages 2 – adult. Location: Maidenhead, Slough, Marlow & Cookham. Booking required. FREE trial class. Call Kelly-Marie Gibbs, Principal on 07789 264 639 or email azuretheatreschool@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.azuretheatreschool.com DEBUTOTS (Early Years Drama). Ages: 6 mths-2 and 2-7. Locations: Egham and Staines. Baby Story Play and Early Years Drama classes will improve confidence and self esteem. FREE TRIAL CLASS. Call Rachael Cunningham on 0118 9472698 or email swhomecounties@debutots.co.uk for further details. www.debutots.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes Blossom Ballet Pre-school dance for 18 months - 5 years

Blossom Ballet offers a

new way to learn through exciting movement classes derived from imaginative play, providing a sound foundation for dance, education and social needs.

Inspirational pictures, props and instruments are used but most importantly, Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes in Windsor throughout the week and in Bracknell on Monday mornings Free taster class for all new pupils Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a space info@blossomballet.com 07813084283 For pupils over 5 years, please contact info@hawthorneschoolofdance.com

Children’s Kickboxing Classes Age 4+ Locations: Pinder Hall, Cookham, on Saturday mornings at 9am and The Broom Farm Community Centre, Windsor, SL4 4XW at 11am Visit www.martialartsclassesforchildren.com or call Matt Collins on: 07828 534817 for more details.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Clubs & Classes PERFORM (weekly dance, drama and singing workshops). Ages: 4-8. Perform Plus. Ages 8-12.

Locations: over 100 including Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Cookham Dean,Virginia Water and Warfield.

Free trial session. 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk REDROOFS (musical theatre, jazz, creative drama, dance, singing). Age: 3-18. Locations: Bath Road, Maidenhead and School Lane, Littlewick Green. 01628 822982. www.redroofs.co.uk STAGECOACH (singing, acting and dancing). Ages: 4-7 and 7-16. Locations: the whole Families area. For Ascot call 0845 055 6369; Maidenhead 0118 950 0999; Bracknell 01753 664 105; Bracknell Warfield 0845 055 6382; Henley 01628 634539; High Wycombe & Marlow 01494 533203; Wokingham 0118 950 0999, Staines 0845 055 6356 www.stagecoach.co.uk TOP CLASSES (Dance, Singing and Drama Master classes) Ages:4+. Location, Windsor. NEW for 2010 TOP Drama Club, Ages: 4-8 & 8-12. Location: Windsor Leisure Centre. Regular workshops, filming days and one off Master Classes from professional performers.

07895 644443 or info@top-classes.co.uk www.top-classes.co.uk NORDEN LIGHTS YOUTH THEATRE. Age: Junior Norden Lights 6-9 years, Norden Lights 10-15 years and 16+ years. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 788997. www.nordenfarm.org STAGE FEVER (dance and drama). Age: 4-6 years, 9.30-10.15am, 7-11years, 10.30am to 12 noon.

Location: The Function Room, The Moor, Cookham.

07901 995 265. www.stagefever.co.uk VOICEWORKS. Voice Works! (drama-based classes, with role playing, improvisation, games, public speaking, poetry, breathing/vocal exercises). Ages: 3-18. Location: Maidenhead. 0845 505 0122.

REMOTE CONTROL SLOUGH RC MODEL CLUB. Ages: all, but junior members must be accompanied by a club official.

Location: Upton Court Park, Slough. www.srcmc.co.uk

RUGBY For details of local rugby clubs see www.rfu.com which can do a postcode search.

RUGBY TOTS. Weekly play session for children aged between 2-7. Location: Maidenhead, Henley, Marlow and Windsor. Call 0845 313 3255; www.rugbytots.co.uk MAIDENHEAD RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB. Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground. Maidenhead. www.maidenheadrfc.com.

SKIING / SNOWBOARDING BRACKNELL SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE (skiing lessons for 4+; snowboarding for 10+). Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell.

01344 789 000. www.jnlbracknell.co.uk

SPORTS – MULTIPLE There’s a sport for everybody. The Sport England website www.sportengland.org has an A-Z of the different options, with links that take you to sporting bodies and venues at local levels.

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SWIMMING JEMA SWIM SCHOOL (ASA Learn to swim and stroke improvement). Age: 3-18. Location: St Mary’s, Ascot. 01784 455205 or 07885 476279.

SERIOUSLY FUN SWIM BABIES. Baby swimming classes for little ones aged 4 to 36 months.Venues: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Marlow; Teikyo Japanese School, Wexham; St. Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham; Thames Club, Staines; Maplewood School, Downley. Call 01753 251 029 or visit www.seriouslyfun.com.

SERIOUSLY FUN SWIMMING SCHOOLS. Swimming lessons during school terms and school holidays for kids aged 3 to 12 years.Venues: Teikyo Japanese School, Wexham; St. Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Wycombe Abbey School, High Wycombe; Maplewood School, Downley.Visit www.seriouslyfun.com for more info.

TENNIS DELGADO TENNIS (junior coaching led by Paul Delgado, former England Junior player). Age 4-16.

Locations: St Piran’s School and the Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead; High Wycombe LTC. New term starts 7th September, see website for lesson times and bookings. Call: 07818 052 206. www.delgadotennis.co.uk MARLOW TENNIS ACADEMY. Ages: 5-16.

Location: Court Garden Leisure Complex, Marlow.

Indoor and outdoor tennis. LTA Licensed coaches. Call: Richard Mole on 01628 488438.

SLOUGH TENNIS CENTRE (group and individual lessons). Ages: 4-adult. Location: Salt Hill Park, Slough.

01753 875587.www.sloughleisure.co.uk WINDSOR LAWN TENNIS CLUB (junior coaching). Age: 4-18. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01753 830820. www.wltc.co.uk MAIDENHEAD LAWN TENNIS CLUB (junior coaching). Age 5-16. Location: 79 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead. Tel: 01494 766464; www.ndmtennis.co.uk

UNIFORMED To find your local GUIDES (ages 10-14), BROWNIES (ages 7-10) and RAINBOWS (ages 5-7), call 0800 169 5901. girlguiding.org.uk To find your local SCOUTS (ages 10-14), CUBS (ages 8-10) and BEAVERS (ages 6-8), call 0845 300 1818. scouts.org.uk ST JOHN BADGERS (first aid, arts and crafts, games, run by St John Ambulance). Ages: 5-10.

Locations: various. St John Ambulance Cadets. Ages: 10-18. Locations: various. Berks 0118 933 5511; Bucks 01296 744360. sja.org.uk THE BOYS BRIGADE and THE GIRLS BRIGADE (games, crafts, sport, music, holidays and Christian teaching): Ages: 5-18. 01442 231681 (boys). boys-brigade.org.uk. 01235 510425 (girls). girlsb.org.uk THE SEA CADETS (fun, friendship and adventure with water-borne activities). Age: 10-18 (junior section, 10-12. Locations: include Mill Lane Taplow (01628 623089) and Stovell Road, Windsor (01753 860022). seacadets.ms-sc.org.

WATERSPORTS LONGRIDGE (sailing, kayaking, bell boating and paddle sport). Age 8-14 years. Location: Marlow. After school, weekends and school holidays. 01628 483252. www.longridge-uk.org

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Clubs & Classes BRAY LAKE WATERSPORTS JUNIOR CLUB (windsurfing,dinghy sailing and kayaking) Age`8+. 01628 638860; www.braylake.com

YOGA MUMMY AND BABY YOGA (safely rebuild core strength, stabilise lower back and pelvis, release upper back along with gentle yoga stretches and rhymes for babies) 6 weeks to crawling, classes in Burnham and Marlow. 07954 578 439. www.phenixyoga.com PREGNANCY YOGA (boost energy, ease stress, relieves aches and pains, cultiivates breath awareness, prepare physically and emotionally to give birth) 13-42 weeks pregnant, classes in Burnham and Marlow. 07954 578 439. www.phenixyoga.com

CLASSES AT THE LEISURE CENTRES BOURNE END JUNIOR SPORTS CLUB, New Road, Bourne End. 01628 528110. www.bejsc.co.uk. Badminton (12+), basketball (8+), canoeing (8+), climbing (6+), football (5+), judo (6+), inline hockey (under 13 – under 19), swimming (6+).

CHARTERS LEISURE CENTRE, Charters Road, Sunningdale. 01344 628686.

Football (ages 5-7), trampolining, beginners and advanced (ages 6-14), gymnastics, netball (ages 8-14).

COURT GARDEN LEISURE CENTRE, Pound Lane, Marlow. 01628 405200.

Trampolining (ages 3+, 6+, 8); swimming (4months +).

EGHAM LEISURE CENTRE, Vicarage Road, Egham. 01784 437695. www.eghamleisurecentre.co.uk. Tiny Tots (soft play, trampolining) for ages 6 months to 4 years); Toddlers Tramp (trampolining for ages 3-4) and Toddlers Gym (games, singing and basic gymnastics for ages 3-4); Trampolining (4-16+), gymnastics (4-10).

EVREHAM SPORTS CENTRE, Swallow Street, Iver. 01753 672610. Trampolining (ages 5+); soccer (5-8 years); badminton (13-18), supervised fitness (12-16), gymnastics (3-8 years); Tai Chi (all ages).

LANGLEY LEISURE CENTRE, Parlaunt Road, Langley. 0845 146 1781.

SwimSkool (parents and toddlers; lessons for ages 3+, unaccompanied).

MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE, Maidenhead. 01628 685335.

Boys soccer (4-10), trampolining (3+), netball (7-11), basketball (6-12), swimming lessons (3 months +), roller disco (5+).

MONTEM LEISURE CENTRE, Slough. 01753 894700. Swimskool (parent and toddler or 3+ unaccompanied), gymnastics (3+).

WINDSOR LEISURE CENTRE, Stovell Road, Windsor. 01753 778577. Ballet (3-11), trampolining (3-15), football (5-12), short tennis (5-11), Royals Netball Club (10-16), basketball (7-16), Junior Netball (6-10), gymnastics (3-10).

We recommend you call to double check details of classes, as they do change.

For an even longer list, log on to www.familiestveast.co.uk, click on local directory and then go to Activities, Clubs and Classes.

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

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

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

07 957 223 124 for details FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Overcoming limiting beliefs

Health eliefs are what we hold to be true about our world and they change as we get older and have new experiences. For example, as small children we believed in Father Christmas but then later we found that he did not exist. We believed what our parents told us, what we learned at school and what we read about and saw on TV. Beliefs come from many different sources and are constantly reassessed in the light of new information.

Our beliefs probably change most though when we become parents and our world changes considerably. Suddenly we are novices at what may be the most important and responsible job we will ever have. What beliefs about parenting do we bring to this new role? We read mother and baby magazines, watch TV programmes, read books and talk to friends who have had babies but our beliefs will also come from our own parents and what they did. The beliefs we accumulate from all these sources can either empower us or limit us.

Beliefs that empower us are those which reassure us that we can trust our intuition and that we know best what our baby or child needs. We have skills we can draw upon from our work and social life that can be transferred to parenting. Some of us tend to forget this and separate the two roles not realising that skills are resources. Write down all the things you did in your job. Then write down what that means you can do as a parent. I’ll start the list off with an example of my own.

What I did in my job What that means I can do as a parent Meet deadlines Prioritise tasks and focus on the important ones _________________________________

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Now go through the list on the right and read it out starting each one with “I am someone who can ...” Believing that you can do these things may challenge some of the beliefs you have inherited

By Judy Bartkowiak from your childhood. Parents often say things to their children in anger and frustration not realising that their children will remember and hold these beliefs. If the belief prevents us from achieving what we want and need as parents this can restrict us, so in NLP we call this a ‘limiting belief’. Here are a few examples of these: “You’re just not very academic” = I’m not very clever so there’s no point in taking exams “You won’t get anywhere in life” = There’s no point going for what I want because I won’t succeed “What would you do without me?” = I can’t cope on my own These limiting beliefs about what we are capable of, and the skills we have as parents, are like weights we carry round with us, holding us down and making life difficult because they limit our choices.

How can someone who has a limiting belief about themselves be a confident and self-assured parent? How can we love our children if we have a limiting belief about how lovable we are?

We can choose who we are and one of the many joys of NLP is that we learn how, by changing our own behaviour, we can change that of those we live with. One of the first things to get rid of is our limiting beliefs.

First we need to identify what they are.

1) Notice when you experience self talk that goes like this “I can’t ...”

Here are some I’ve heard; “I can’t get a job that fits into school hours”, “I can’t make ends meet”, “I can’t afford a holiday”, “I can’t get Jack to do as he’s told”, “I can’t get a moment to myself”, “I can’t get on top of the ironing”.

2) Answer “But what if I could?” What would that mean? How would life be different? Visualising being able to do something is the first step to doing it. If you can’t imagine it, how will it happen?

3) Decide what skill you need to achieve this.

4) You need to believe that you have this skill in order to change your behaviour and get what you want.

5) You do have the skill you need. It’s like losing the keys – we have to remember where we last had them and that’s where they’ll be. So think back when you last had that skill and you will find with it the belief that you need.

6) Apply it and lose the limiting belief.

Judy Bartkowiak is an NLP Master Practitioner and coaches parents and children from her home in Taplow 01628 660618. She is the author of Teach Yourself: Be a Happier Parent (Hodder Education - Jan 2011).

For more information go to www.nlpkids.com

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STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE DEFENCES

Health News

ne of nature’s key secrets to keeping ourselves in good health has emerged once again from the extraordinary olive tree. The virtues of the olive fruit have now been surpassed by the lesser known but rather more impressive olive leaf.

Scientists have discovered that the extract of freshly picked olive leaves is a vital source of many of nature’s most important compounds and it beat 55 other medicinal herbs to be identified as the most powerful, radical-scavenging antioxidant according to research by Australia’s Southern Cross University. This is great news for the tired, overworked body that requires constant, long-life protection from everyday environmental stresses.

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Nature’s flu jab…

Olive Leaf Extract’s powerful immune-supporting properties are also derived from its unique antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal qualities.Valued worldwide for its ability to fend off flus and colds, this essential extract proves a remarkable treatment for various types of infections. It remains clear why Dr. Morton Walker once called this extract “nature’s antibiotic.”* Olive Leaf Extract is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial flavours, colourings or preservatives and free from alcohol, sugar, lactose, yeast and gluten – a natural and effective way to prevent, maintain, revive and recover! www.comvita.co.uk *Olive Leaf Extract – by Dr. Morton Walker (1997)

LEARN BELLYDANCING FOR A YUMMY MUMMY TUMMY EW bellydancing classes are being launched this September in Ascot, Maidenhead, Windsor and Twyford by the Rachel Bennett School of Bellydance.

The classes are taught by Rachel Bennett, who is a full-time professional bellydancer and an experienced, fully qualified teacher.

Rachel promotes bellydance as an art form that celebrates femininity. “The moves themselves accentuate our body’s natural curves; it’s a brilliant way to tone Photo by Maani Vadgama muscles, improving fitness and flexibility whilst boosting self-confidence.”

But she also points out that the classes are great fun too. “It’s a type of dance that is very accessible.You don’t need to be super fit, flexible, look a certain way or have any previous dance experience to start learning. It’s fun and sociable, suitable for all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. In fact, it’s often said in bellydancing: if it doesn’t wobble, you may not be doing it right!”

For details about her classes go to rachelbellydancer.com.

Call 07858 480 814 or email Rachel@rachelbellydancer.com

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

Get your figure back quickly, the celebrity Mum way, using the famous Power Plate Wonder Machine.

Strong Vibes, the Power Plate Studio in Windsor, has classes on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with a post-natal specialist trainer. Maximum of five in a class, babies welcome!

For information and class times - Phone 01753 858357 or email info@strongvibes.co.uk FIRST FLOOR, DONNELLY HOUSE, 4 VICTORIA STREET (OPP. 39-45) WINDSOR, SL4 1EN

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Education, Education, Education Free schools and academies: the ‘New Big Idea’ Education, education, education. That was another government’s mantra – Tony Blair adopted it as his slogan in 1997 – but it could as easily fit the bill for the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition.

By Joanna Moorhead. hy so? Well, according to education secretary Michael Gove, major changes are afoot ... and they’re the sort of changes that many parents have campaigned for over the last few years. In an age when an increasing number of mothers and fathers have questioned all sorts of issues around their children’s schools, Gove has a new message: do it yourself.

‘Free schools’ are the government’s ‘New Big Idea’, and here’s how the idea will work. First, you need a group of parents (plus maybe teachers, and other interested parties) who feel there’s a need for a brand new school in their area.

Next, you need to gather your case – and get as many supporters as possible.You also need to put together evidence for why the school you’re planning is necessary. Which may be, for example, that it’s providing a secondary school in an area that doesn’t already have one, and where a lot of children have to travel large distances to get to where they’re being educated. Or, you may want to set up a school with a particular faith bias. Alternatively, you may think that the existing schools in your area are too large, and that some children would benefit from a much smaller establishment.

There’s an organisation called the New Schools Network whose job is to talk through whether plans for a new school are viable –

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Compass

their website is parker coat, packed with Black £35; useful advice on Easy-care how to go about trousers, Dark Grey, gathering the from £6; momentum, the John Lewis single documents, the velcro strap funding and the leather shoes, premises you Black £20. need to make a 08456 049 049. school happen. www.johnlewis.com Setting up a new school, as the site says, isn’t easy – but the network aims “to make it as easy as possible” and promises that it will “shortly be publishing data on sites, budgeting and detailed guides on the process of setting up a school from start to finish”.

Despite the major cuts that lie ahead in public spending, Mr Gove has promised £50 million to cover start-up costs for free schools. He’s also given his word that the current planning laws and building regulations, which conspire to make life difficult for parents’ groups trying to set up schools, will be reformed.

The government believes that ‘free schools’ have the potential to raise achievement in areas where local authority-run schools aren’t providing a good education. Gove points to the US for evidence that his scheme will work. There, he says, some of the most successful schools have been set up by groups backed by parents and teachers – and he’d like to see the same thing happen here.

There’s also a similar scheme in Sweden, which has seen the foundation of many successful schools.

But the free schools scheme is only part of the new government’s plans for education. The other main policy concerns academies; shortly after being appointed education secretary, Mr Gove wrote to every primary, secondary and special school in England inviting them to apply for academy status.

Academies, like free schools, are outside of local authority control and are funded by private organisations, or by central government. Earlier this summer, Mr Gove said seven in ten top secondary schools had expressed an interest in getting academy status – and he hoped that the ones who did forge ahead with this would help to drive academic standards higher, giving them more autonomy than they have at the moment.

Parents and teachers have worried about academies being too exclusive, and discriminating against special needs pupils; but Mr Gove has promised that academies will be governed by admissions codes which will guarantee fair access to all and safeguard the inclusive character of comprehensive schools.

In all, the reforms Mr Gove is promising have the potential to provide the biggest shake-up in state education in a century, with parents in the vanguard. Watch this space!

Where to find out more The Department for Education website, at www.education.gov.uk, has lots of information about both academies and free schools.

The Free Schools Network is at www.newschoolsnetwork.org

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Avoid back to school bedlam on the school run!

Stress-free School run

By Rebecca Morris sk parents what they think is the most fraught part of the day and the majority will probably say that it’s the school run. Whether you walk, bike or go in the car, if you’re anything like the average mum, that journey to school always seems to be a last minute frantic dash, topped off with a bundle of school bags and rushing back for forgotten items.

It goes without saying that leaving the house with plenty of time will inevitably help to make that journey a less stressful and therefore happier environment in which to start the day. However, getting your brood out on time in the mornings can require military-style organisation especially at the beginning of term.

Even the most organised of mums can find it difficult to get back into routine after the summer holidays so, to give you a helping hand, we’ve put together some top tips for getting them off to school in the mornings: • Make sure you set your alarm and allow enough time for the whole family to get ready – take into account slow eaters and week day sleepy heads (that group of children who like to get up at the crack of dawn at the weekend but sleep in on school days).

• So that everyone knows the routine for getting to school on time, make a school

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morning timetable and put it somewhere where everyone can see it, such as in the kitchen or on their bedroom door.

Encourage your children to be independent and get themselves ready so that you have more time to get dressed yourself or do jobs such as clearing away breakfast. Reward charts can be a great way to do this and can be a reminder for what they need to do in the mornings: to clean teeth and get dressed for younger children, or to polish shoes or remember homework for older ones. With Organised Mum’s Made By Me Reward Chart each child gets a chart to themselves so that they can list their individual goals.

Make sure bike helmets, shoes, coats and car keys have a place and are always returned there at the end of the day so you don’t waste time in the morning looking for them.

Get things ready the night before: put reading and homework books, lunch money or show and tell items in their bags by the door ready to go.

Make sure you know what’s coming up in the day ahead. A new school year means there is a whole new timetable for parents and children to get used to, with different PE and homework days, new school clubs and show and tell sessions.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

As soon as you receive information from school, make sure you write it in your diary or calendar. (Organised Mum calendars have a handy pocket at the back for paperwork so you can store letters to refer back to if needed.)

• If possible, allow enough time to walk to school rather than going in the car. Not only is it the healthier option but the fresh air will improve their concentration levels. Plus, research has shown that parents who walk their children to school gain valuable social time (over a third of parents who walk to school said this was the time that they found out the most about their child’s life, compared to 44% of parents who drove admitting that they spend 5 minutes or less engaging in quality conversation with their child on the journey to and from school).

Organised Mum specialises in creating high quality calendars, diaries and school & family organisers to help organise the busiest people, homes and families.

Diaries and calendars run from September for 16 months to incorporate the school year and have clever tools that will help you to stay organised. 2011 range now available from www.organisedmum.co.uk

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Spotlight on Schools NEW FACILITIES FOR CLAIRES COURT SCHOOLS CLAIRES COURT Schools has seen some exciting additions to the facilities for their Pre and Junior Prep pupils. At Ridgeway, their new outdoor classroom has had the boys hard at work sowing and planting in their garden, and watching the fruits of their labours appear.

At the College, a new outdoor classroom has been installed providing a shaded area and games tables. In addition, a whole new playground area has been developed and was opened recently by the Mayor, Councillor Katherine Bursnall. The playground equipment includes a range of climbing apparatus, musical instruments and playground markings on which the children can play.

01628 411472. www.clairescourt.com

HIGHFIELD PUPILS RECEIVE TOP GREEN AWARD GREEN-FINGERED pupils at Highfield School in Maidenhead have transformed their garden into a thriving educational nature zone and their efforts have been recognised with a prestigious national award.

The school have achieved the Green Award status from The Big Wildlife Garden’ scheme, organised by Natural England, the government’s statutory conservation advisor for England.

Over the past year, the Highfield girls have been involved in building a pond, growing vegetables, nurturing a wild flower garden and creating a habitat for wild animals.

A former pupil, Kate Humble, the wildlife television presenter, says that Highfield is an enduring inspiration. “We would always be off doing stuff outdoors, getting cold and muddy, collecting leaves, finding caterpillars to study, that sort of thing. The whole atmosphere at my very small school was about enjoying learning.”

01628 624918 www.highfield.berks.sch.uk

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AN ALL ROUND EDUCATION AT HERRIES THE education children receive in their formative years from the age of three to 11 sets the pattern for the rest of their lives.

Herries is committed to providing a breadth of education that gives every child the opportunity to excel, grow in confidence, and achieve their full potential. Herries has an excellent record of success in both the 11+ and common entrance examinations. All pupils progress to the leading grammar, independent and maintained schools.

They hold regular Open Mornings for all ages and run Stay and Play sessions for under 4’s. 01628 483350. www.herries.org.uk

BRIGIDINE ALLOWS PUPILS TO EXCEL BRIGIDINE SCHOOL Windsor is an independent school which offers an excellent education for young people. Students are given the opportunity to shine and develop their potential by combining excellent academic results and personal growth of character. They offer a broad and balanced education from the age of two to five years for boys and girls, continuing up to 18 years for girls.

The school currently offers a bus service from Hillingdon, The Chalfonts, Staines, Ashford, Hounslow and Maidenhead.

01753 863779. www.brigidine.org.uk

A UNIQUE EDUCATION AT DOLPHIN SCHOOL DOLPHIN SCHOOL offers high academic standards supported by a unique field and walking trip programme both at home and abroad which takes education beyond the classroom and brings it to life. By the age of seven, children are already benefiting from the careful guidance of subject specialist teachers and are able to flourish in small classes.

Their Nursery has an Ofsted Outstanding Provider rating and offers a school environment where the structured, hands-on learning programme, based on Montessori principles, is designed to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

The school is an independent, co-educational day school and nursery for children between the ages of three and 13 and is situated in the rural Berkshire village of Hurst, just off the A4 near Twyford and Wargrave.

0118 934 1277. www.dolphinschool.com

For more news, go to www.familiestveast.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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GREAT SCHOOL REPORT FOR ETON END ETON END School in Datchet is a “happy, caring and flourishing community” where “pupils from the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards receive high standards of education and are extremely well cared for”, according to the recent findings of the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The Headmistress, Mrs Vanessa Pilgerstorfer, and the Governors are delighted with the outcome of the inspection.

The report said that the school for three to 11 year olds in Eton Road, Datchet, is one at which “pupils gain a strong grounding in knowledge, understanding and skills”.

Inspectors also commented very favourably on the school’s direction: “The quality of leadership and management throughout the school, including the EYFS, is excellent”.

01753 541075. www.etonend.org

A GREAT LEARNING SITUATION WINBURY is a small, friendly independent school in a perfect parkland environment in Bray, taking children from age two. The classrooms provide a safe and colourful haven where all children, from the youngest to the oldest develop confidence and independence through an exciting learning programme.

Their activities are planned with the development and wellbeing of the whole child in mind right from the start of their time with the school so that all pupils gain confidence and possess a healthy self-esteem.

01628 627412 or email info@winburyschool.co.uk. www.winburyschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Open Days Brigidine, Queensmead, King’s Road, Windsor. Private girls’ school, ages 2-18, nursery for boys and girls. Open Morning Saturday October 9 from 9.30am12.30pm. 01753 863779. www.brigidine.org.uk Claires Court Schools, Maidenhead. Independent Day Schools for boys and girls. Ridgeway boys 4-11yrs Maidenhead Thicket; Claires Court boys 11-16 yrs, Ray Mill Road East; The College, (co-ed nursery – 3-5yrs, girls – 4-16yrs, and co-ed sixth form – 16-18yrs) 1 College Avenue. Open mornings at all sites Thursday 7 October, Tuesday 2 November. 9.30am-12noon (nursery from 9.30am-11.30am). 01628 411472. www.clairescourt.com.

Eton End Preparatory Day School, 35 Eton Road, Datchet. Boys aged 3-7yrs and girls aged 3-11yrs. Open Day, Friday 15 October. 9.30am-4.30pm.

01753 541075. www.etonend.org.

The Dolphin School, Waltham Road, Hurst. Independent Day School and nursery for boys and girls aged 3-13 years. Open Day Thursday October 7.

10.30am-12.30pm. Head’s welcome at 10.45am. 0118 934 1277. www.dolphinschool.com Herries School, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school and nursery, 3-11yrs. Open Mornings are on the last Wednesday of every month.

Starting with a talk by the headmaster at 9:30am, followed by a tour around our school. Tel: 01628 483350. www.herries.org.uk Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead. Independent girls’ school, 2½-11yrs. Please ring to register your place at the next Open Mornings on Friday 17 September, Friday 15 October or Saturday 16 October.

01628 624918. www.highfield.berks.sch.uk.

Meadowbrook Montessori School, Warfield, Bracknell, 5-12yrs. Contact the school for dates of Open Days. 01344 890 869. www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Winbury School, Hibbert Road, Bray, Maidenhead. Independent co-ed pre-preparatory, 2½-8yrs. Open mornings Thursday 30 September, Thursday 14 October, 9.30am-12noon and Saturday 16 October, 10.00am-12.30noon.

01628 627412. www.winburyschool.co.uk Please ring the school concerned to check that the Open Day is going ahead.

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Suggestions for

A Healthy

In search of fresh inspiration for packed lunches, we asked some mums for their top tips to blow away the boring cheese sandwiches and create envious looks at the lunch table.

1. A healthy option: Spread a tortilla with soft cheese and grated carrot or cucumber, then fold and slice. Add a frozen smoothie in a container – it keeps everything cool and it’s one of your five a day.

2. Cheesy egg tarts: This is good for the making too – kids can join in making the pastry and do all egg and milk whisking. Find a recipe on the web or in a good cookbook.

3. Another yummy wrap: Mix boiled eggs, potatoes, any veg and cheese – place in a tortilla, fold in half and cut into triangles.

4. Homemade pizza: Split an English muffin and toast it, add tomato sauce, top with cheese and grill.You could add carrots or red pepper to the tomato sauce and then blitz it, so the vegetables are disguised.

5. A little extra: Try cutting cheese into different shapes with a pastry cutter, draw a smiley face on a banana and for birthdays or grumpy days try a banana and chocolate spread wrap – yummy!

Math Mantra Vedic Maths Classes For 8-12 years old

Improves academic performance Increases speed and accuracy Improves memory Increases mental agility Promotes creativity Easy & fun

EMPOWER YOUR CHILDREN Call 01784 481279 email: kram@mathmantra.org www.mathmantra.org

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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y Lunch?

Eco-friendly containers

Ok, so you’ve packed the carrot sticks and houmous, with wholemeal sandwiches and a fruity snack … but is the lunchbox itself very healthy for your kids or the environment?

Plastic bags, bottles and food wrap can potentially leach chemicals into food and drink.

Many countries have banned BPA’s and PVC from children’s toys and food containers.

And don’t forget how much of the non-biodegradable packaging will end up as landfill; worldwide over 60 billion tons of plastic waste is produced every year. By Hannah Hunter ever fear, all of the items on this page are long lasting, re-usable and don’t contain any harmful chemicals. So they’re perfect for a truly healthy lunch.

Happened” is perfect for holding lots of different lunch box items, and is free from any harmful chemicals, with a handy lead free zip to contain any crumbs. £4.26 from www.coochie-coo.co.uk, 01481 242979.

This lovely retro patterned lunchbox from family-run Norwegian company Blafre looks great and avoids the plastic problem altogether – it’s made from non-reactive aluminium. The matching bottle is also lightweight aluminium, so no worries about any nasty chemicals in your little one’s drinks. Lunchbox £10.99, drinks bottle £8.99 from www.peanutandpip.co.uk, 01234 766094.

How fantastic is this penguin lunch bag by Skip Hop? It’s not only beautifully designed, but it’s also BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC free. Insulated to keep things cool, the bag has a wipe clean interior and zips open to make a tray. It also has a little clip to attach it to the equally cute penguin Zoo backpack. £12.50 from www.peanutandpip.co.uk, 01234 766094.

You won’t find cleaner, greener cutlery anywhere else – this set from Bambu is made from organic, fairly traded, sustainable bamboo. Carved from a single piece of bamboo, hand-shaped and finished, the cutlery is not only beautiful but also functional – it’s heat and stain resistant and does not impart or absorb flavours.

Bambu spoon and fork £4.50 from www.greentulip.co.uk, 01380 818 515.

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Instead of plastic bags, why not try this washable snack bag by Itzy Ritzy. Available in lots of different colours and patterns, “Snack

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Academy of English Quality individual and small group tuition in Slough/Windsor/Bucks

4

Keep your little one’s fruit from getting bashed, and give them a giggle at lunchtime with this handmade fruit cozy, hand knitted by zisforzebra. Each item is unique, is fully washable at 40 degrees, and all are made in the UK using left-over yarn and buttons. £3.50 from www.folksy.com/shops/zisforzebra Instead of throwing away your sandwich wrappings, keep them fresh in this sandwich wrap from Re-Wrap-It, which can be

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The LunchBots duo is a healthy alternative to plastic containers – made from high quality, dishwasher safe stainless steel, there’s no danger of any chemical leaching.

Divided into two sections, the Duo is perfect for keeping your sandwich and snack separate in eco-friendly style. £12.99 from www.littleacornstomightyoaks.co.uk, 08451161907.

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Ditch your plastic bottles in favour of Sigg’s aluminium one.

The Swiss brand makes the definitive metal drinks bottle and their high quality kids range is a great choice for durablilty and quality.

The baked-on lining of the bottle is leach-proof and resistant to fruit acids and even energy drinks, so it doesn’t retain the taste of previous contents.

Monkey bottle, £13.50 from www.sigg.com.

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HOWLAND TUTORS (MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency (established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

SATS/GCSE/AS/A LEVEL ESOL – all Cambridge examinations Including business/academic/general English IELTS and university preparation

offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome

Tel: 07725300061 e-mail: heathercd@btinternet.com

Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

used over and over. Cleverly folding and fastening with Velcro, when opened the Wrapper makes a mini table cloth for your lunch. With wipe-able coated fabric on one side with cotton on the other, the wrap can be machine washed, and comes in a wide range of prints. £4.75 from www.re-wrap-it.co.uk, 0141 954 4739.

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Dyslexia – common myths and how to recognise it Dyslexia can often be misunderstood and hard to diagnose. Those affected by it often do not receive adequate support. So what is it and how does it affect children?

Corinna Shepherd explains. born with dyslexia and don’t grow out of it, y interest in dyslexia and passion to help those who struggle with it started around five years ago. At the time, my son was struggling with literacy and lost interest in learning. At the same time, I was on a course for work on dyslexia and other learning difficulties.This caused me to realise he might be dyslexic; I had him assessed by an educational psychologist who confirmed that he was indeed mildly dyslexic. In response the school did not offer much support and advice, as they felt he was performing adequately, but I knew he was not reaching his potential. My interest in this subject and the fact that dyslexia is often not picked up or addressed satisfactorily led me to establish The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January 2007, with two further centres following over the next few years.

although they do learn to cope with it.

Although it’s not directly linked to intelligence, children and adults with other learning difficulties or sensory disabilities may also have dyslexic difficulties.

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So what is dyslexia?

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning ‘difficulty with words’.The condition can affect spelling and reading and many people believe that’s all it is. However, it can also affect individuals in other areas such as confusing dates and times or left and right, difficulties in getting ideas down on paper, sequencing numbers and information and following verbal instructions.Working memory is often also poor.This shows itself when new information needs to be processed effectively and quickly.

While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning difficulty, it can also be seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive and being good with their hands.

They’re often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations.

Children with dyslexia can have above average intelligence, yet struggle with words and processing new information.

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How to recognise dyslexia Sometimes it is hard to get a diagnosis of dyslexia. However, there’s a lot you can pick up about your child just by sitting down together with them and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level. Areas of difficulty to look out for include: Does your child struggle with reading or spelling?

Do they avoid picking up a book?

Do they guess at a word, looking at the whole word or just the initial letter?

Do they forget how to read or spell a word as soon as they’ve turned the page?

Do they find it hard to sound out individual letters in simple 3 letter words, for example cat, bat?

Do they find it hard to rhyme simple MY DOG NICK is words? now available in Do they skip little words such ‘as’, ‘and’ Waterstones and Corinna will be doing a or ‘the’? book signing and children Do they miss out words when reading? activity session on the These are all potential indicators of Who is affected?

18th September at Waterstones in the dyslexia. Other non-language indicators in The exact percentage Oracle in primary-age children include difficulty with of the population is debated, Reading. tying shoe laces, ties or dressing generally; but it’s generally thought to difficulty telling left from right, ordering affect between 8% and 15%, 4% severely. the days of the week, months of the year That means that in a class of 30 children, 3 etc; having a poor sense of direction, are likely to have dyslexic tendencies. So lacking confidence and having a poor everyone is likely to know at least one child self-image. or adult who is dyslexic. Children with The presence of any, most, or all of the dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant above does not necessarily mean your to traditional teaching methods and benefit child is dyslexic, but I would recommend from a one-to-one, multi-sensory learning further investigation if you have any environment. concerns.

Dyslexia often runs in families, with a close relative struggling with it, too. Most are I think my child might be dyslexic.

What should I do now?

Speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher. Or ask to speak to the SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator). Every school must now have a teacher with this responsibility. If your child is at nursery, their nursery teacher or health visitor will be able to point you in the right direction, although there is often a reluctance to consider dyslexia at this early age.

You could also look at the Code of Practice, which sets out the way schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should provide extra support to meet children’s special educational needs.The Code of Practice is available free from DCSF Publications, tel: 0845 60 222 60, CoP Ref: DfES/581/2001; copies can also be downloaded from www.beingdyslexic.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Can you grow out of dyslexia?

As children grow up, they learn to compensate for their difficulties, the more successful ones using their strengths to overcome their condition. Support during the formative years is vital to unlock their potential in literacy and in other areas.

As a parent, you can help your child at home by encouraging them to enjoy the world of words through fun books. Books that are relevant to their interest and developmental age are best, particularly if they have been designed with the dyslexic child in mind. Children struggling with dyslexia love pictures and colours, so colourful illustrations relevant to the words are engaging and helpful for these children.

The multi-sensory approach is best, so supporting reading and writing with games or activities will help your children in an enjoyable way. This may help your child be less resisitant to more formal learning tasks, such as homework set by school.

Keep talking to key members of staff at your child’s school to ensure your child gets the best help and support that they need.

Seek out extra private tuition, if you feel more help is needed and you can afford it.

One-to-one tuition based on a multi-sensory approach with a dyslexia specialist is best.

Further information Corinna can be contacted for a confidential chat on 07721 368978, or visit the Chilterns IDL Centre website at www.cstraining.info British Dyslexia Assocation, www.bdadyslexia.org.uk.

Dyslexia Action, www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

For more information on Corinna’s new series of books developed specifically for dyslexic children and a mini test visit www.dancingkites.co.uk.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

TIPS FOR TAKING THE PAIN OUT OF MATHS HOMEWORK

Maths

aths is the school subject that worries parents the most. Sometimes we are anxious about our own maths ability. Just as often, it’s discovering that the methods we learned at primary school look completely different from the ones being taught today.

3. Play board games Maths for Mums & Dads (Square Peg, involving dice and money £10.99) is packed with explanations, with your child. Car games and insights into how to help games such as pub children with their maths. Here are some tips from the book: cricket are great for maths interaction, too.

1. Make maths part of your everyday 4. Learn some interactions with your child. Ask them to help you to work out the change at mathematical magic tricks (you’ll find plenty in the book). Children love magic the shop, to check how many minutes and will happily do maths if it is part of until the train is due, weigh ingredients etc. Pose mathematical questions out performing the trick.

5. When helping with homework, be loud to yourself (“let’s see, how much patient. Children rarely ‘get it’ change will I need?”) and pause so that immediately. And if things are getting your child can ‘come to the rescue’. fraught, take a break. Often the best way 2. Learn about the new methods being taught, particularly the grid method for to tackle a problem is to sleep on it.

6. Don’t say “I was always hopeless at multiplication and chunking for maths”. It’s usually not true, and it can division. These are more connected make your child think maths isn’t worth to the methods you learned than the effort. you might think.

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HELP YOUR CHILD ENJOY LEARNING MATHS WITH MATHLETICS he award winning Mathletics program is helping over 3,000,000 children enjoy maths and improve their results. There are thousands of online activities covering the complete K-12 National Curriculum. Mathletics also adds a competitive dimension to learning, allowing children to compete against each other in live games of mental arithmetic in a completely safe, online environment.

Parents are also able to set tasks for their children and closely monitor their progress through the Mathletics Parent Centre. Children have access to Rainforest Maths, animated Times Tables and the Concept Search where they reach a deeper conceptual understanding through visual clues and interactive animations.

The program is designed to ensure that your child’s interest in maths continues to grow, from personalising their learning environment to earning a place on the live World Hall of Fame. For more information call 0117 370 1990 or go to www.mathletics.co.uk.

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Cooking

Pumpkin scones

by Crafty Cooks

A great way to use up all the extra Pumpkin during Halloween, these yummy scones taste great too.

Method: 1. Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl, ad the butter and rub together until it looks like sand.

Add the baking powder and sugar.

2. Add the pumpkin and slowly add milk until you have a nice dough – if the pumpkin is very wet you may not need any milk.

If it is too wet just add a bit more flour.

3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is as fat as your little finger and cut out lots of little circles.

Ingredients 2oz /50g Pumpkin – cooked and mashed 1oz/25g Butter 2.5oz/37.5g Plain Flour 1dsp Brown Sugar 2tsp Baking Powder 3tbs Milk

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4. Transfer onto a greased baking tray and cook for 12-15mins at 200ºC/390ºF. Crafty cooks runs pre-school cookery classes and in Marlow as well as after school clubs and parties. In the last year they have started a licensee program and are now looking for

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

licensees throughout the UK. If you’d like more information please contact Anna@craftycooks.co.uk or call 01628 476670

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Polarn O. Pyret, the Swedish brand of kids’ clothes, gave Families a selection from its Autumn/Winter range to road test. The kids put the clothing through its paces at Odds Farm Park. Local photographer Mark Henderson captured them hard at work ... testing out the play equipment, feeding the animals and generally having a whole lot of fun! By Claire Winter

PO.P in the park

he kids all said the clothes were really comfortable and easy to play in. The waterproofs didn’t make them sweaty and the fleeces really did withstand the rainy showers that came our way.

Our models liked the thumb holes in the fleeces, which were like fingerless gloves. They also help when putting a second layer on top, no more lost sleeves!

All the clothes are machine washable and the mud washed out easily, leaving the clothes looking as good as new.

Whilst Polarn O.Pyret clothes are slightly more expensive than other high street brands, they really do last. I bought all three of my children their winter coats last year. They retail at £65 each, which is a significant investment, but my kids are wearing them for a second year in a row, plus they can double up as ski wear.

For a 20% PO.P discount voucher turn to page 24.

For more information about the clothes go to www.polarnopyret.com

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▲ Famous for their stripes, PO.P tops don’t shrink and are in a really soft cotton. Pink stripy top £18.50. The company also does a vast array of brightly coloured denim, which have adjustable waists,a great cut and are unisex, for boys and girls.

Pink Jeans £25.

▲ These wellies really will stand the test of time, they are weighted at the bottom so they won’t slip off. They are highly visible at night because the stripes are reflective and there’s also a reflective strip at the back. Red stripy wellies £16.50.

Blue Fleece £39. ▲The fleece is one of PO.P’s most popular products and again comes in a variety of great colours. It is wind proof and water repellent and made from a soft breathable material that does not crease or bobble. It also has 3M reflectors and reflective zip pullers, which are perfect way for your children to stay visible on Autumn nights. A great option instead of a jacket for going back to school. Black Fleece £39.

LOCATION: Odds Farm Park – wwws.oddsfarm.co.uk ▲ The raincoat and trousers are breathable, so your child won’t overheat.They are also made to withstand the most torrential of downpours.

Red raincoat £22.00.

The trousers are really tough and won’t let water in even if your child sits in a puddle which, let’s face it, is exactly what puddles are for!

Blue Waterproof trousers £17.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Henderson – www.markhphoto.co.uk, MODELS: Esmee, Michael, Carys & Grace.

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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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Great competitons from ASCOT RACECOURSE

ODDS FARM PARK

WIN

WIN tickets to

a Family Day out at ASCOT RACECOURSE

ODDS FARM PARK this Halloween

No Tricks just Treats at Ascot this Halloween!

Ascot Racecourse hosts the first meeting of the new 2010 /2011 Jumps Season on Saturday 30th October, featuring the £100,000 United House Gold Cup Chase over three miles. There will be free rides open on the Plaza Lawns including Dodgems, a carousel, Ghost Train, Waltzer, children’s slide, tea-cups, Formula 2000 and a Paratrooper ride. Then after the racing you’ll enjoy a Charity Firework spectacular in association with the Ascot Round Table and Ascot Rotary Club.

Under 18’s go free and adult tickets cost from £16 for a Grandstand ticket. We have FIVE sets of two Premier tickets worth £52 to win in this great competition.

If you are not a lucky winner and would like to attend the firework spectacular then visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0870 727 1234 TO ENTER the Ascot competition just visit www.familiestveast.co.uk and click on ‘offers’ in the top bar.

Closing date October 10.

Every weekend from 9 October and all of Half Term Week, there’s plenty of Halloween Family Fun at Odds Farm Park and we have FIVE Entry Tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children to give away!

Youngsters can visit “My First Boo Barn” (new for 2010), carve their own Scary Pumpkin (small charge is made to cover the cost of the pumpkin) and follow the Wicked Witches Trail to win a free Halloween treat. Plus they can watch Spooky Puppet Shows and, during half term, enter Ghoulish Fancy Dress Competitions to win a prize! Plus elsewhere at Odds Farm Park, expect more exciting activities; board Tractor and Trailer Rides, race Go Karts; solve the Adventure Maze and pet cute animals in the dedicated Animal Feeding Area. Combined with the Indoor Playbarn complete with Astra Slide and Bale Climb, plus a jam-packed Animal Demonstration Programme, there’s so much to do, whatever the weather!

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including other special Autumn events and prices, visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk.

TO ENTER the Odds Farm competition just visit www.familiestveast.co.uk and click on ‘offers’ in the top bar.

Closing date October 10.

ORGANISED MUM Get Organised and WIN a Home Planner Keep up to speed with all the events and activities of the new school term with a fantastic Home Planner from Organised Mum. Their 16-month-to-view wall calendar (Sept 2010 to Dec 2011) has large spaces in which to write all the families’ activities and incorporates many clever organisational features including stickers to highlight important events, a paperwork pocket and room for lists and reminders.

Available from www.organisedmum.co.uk we have 6 Home Planners worth £10.99 each for you to win.

This is just one in a whole range of products from

Organised Mum designed to help mums keep on top of family life.

Visit www.organisedmum.co.uk to see their full range or call 0845 644 7507 for a brochure.

TO ENTER the Organised Mum competition just visit www.familiestveast.co.uk and click on ‘offers’ in the top bar.

Closing date October 10.

★★★★★★★★★★★★ Bouncy Castle Hire A Family Business based in Wooburn Green, Bucks.

WE CAN PROVIDE SOMETHING FOR ALL OCCASIONS. ★ Indoor/Outdoor ★ Small/Large ★ Back Gardens ★ Schools ★ Fêtes ★ Weddings ★ Christenings ★ Birthdays All inflatables have been tested and have certificates All electrical equipment is PAP tested

07903 940168

www.bouncy-castles-4-hire.co.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★ Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Postman Pat at the Wycombe Swan, September 5

SEPTEMBER Saturday September 4. COOKHAM REGATTA, Marsh Meadow, Cookham. 10am-5pm. Fun regatta for the whole family with boat races and landside activities, stalls and events.

Cookhamregatta.org.uk.

Saturday September 4. ART IN THE PARK, art activities near the cafe in California Country Park, Finchampstead.

11am-3pm. Puppet making, textile jewellery, felt making, print making and mask making. Free. Wokingham.gov.uk.

Saturday September 4. 28TH MEDIAEVAL CHURCH FAYRE at St Laurence’s Church, Datchet Roundabout, Slough.

10.30am-4pm. Mediaeval street market, guided tours, mediaeval service at 12pm. Entry by donation, children free.

Saint-laurence.com.

Saturday September 4 and Sunday September 5. END OF SUMMER FUN DAYS at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. 9.30am-5.30pm. 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Sunday September 5. SWAN LIFELINE OPEN DAY at Cuckoo Weir Island, South Meadow Lane, Eton. 11am-4pm. Free parking on the Brocas or take the river cruise from Windsor promenade for a small donation. 01753 859397; swanlifeline.org.uk.

Sunday September 5. MODEL BOAT CLUB REGATTA at Black Park, Wexham. 10.30am-4pm. Free. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Sunday September 5. POSTMAN PAT LIVE – A VERY ROYAL MISSION at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 1pm and 3.30pm. Tickets: adult £13.50, child £11.50.

01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Friday September 10 to Sunday September 12.

NATIONAL CARRIAGE DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS in Queen Victoria’s Review Ground, Windsor Great Park. Arena events. Dog agility show on Saturday, classic vehicle show on Sunday. 0845 643 2116; windsordriving.co.uk.

Saturday September 11. TOMMY’S BABY RACE in Windsor Great Park. 10am. Warm-up with Buggyfit instructors.

8km sponsored power walk or run in aid of Tommy’s, the baby charity. Wide flat course, perfect for prams. Children’s activities and entertainment. Entry: £10. Register via tommys.org/babyrace; 020 73983448.

Saturday September 11. HOLYPORT VILLAGE SHOW in the War Memorial Hall, Holyport Green. 01628 636891.

Saturday September 11. THE FIRESTATION’S BIG PICNIC in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor. 12-6pm. Free event.

Live acts, licensed bar, food stalls, art exhibition from Art on the Street and a bring and buy art sale. 01753 866 865; firestationartscentre.com.

Saturday September 11. HENLEY SHOW at Greenlands Farm, Mill End, Hambleden, Henley. 9am-5pm. Lots of stands, animals, entertainment and activities. Tickets: adult £9.50, child £4.50. 01491 410948; thehenleyshow.com.

Saturday September 11 to Sunday September 12.

SLOUGH CANAL FESTIVAL, Bloom Park, off Middlegreen Road, Langley. 11am-5pm. Boat trips, children’s activities, arts and craft stalls, arena events. Free. Slough.gov.uk.

Saturday September 11 and Sunday September 12.

AMAZING MACHINES at Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor. 0871 2222 001; legoland.co.uk.

Saturday September 11 and Sunday September 12.

DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, Aylesbury.

Magic shows, Punch & Judy, DVD theatre, storytelling, arts and crafts. Tickets on the day: adult £13, child £10 (£2 cheaper if booked in advance). 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org.

Sunday September 12. COOKHAM DEAN GRAVITY GRAND PRIX. Fun event to raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance. For rules and how to enter, visit cookham.com.

Sunday September 12. OPEN DAY at Taplow Court, Cliveden Road, Taplow. House and grounds open to the public, with tours of the house available between 2.30-5.30pm. Free.

01628 773163.

Sunday September 12. HERITAGE OPEN DAY at Danesfield, Henley Road, Marlow. 2-5pm. A Scheduled Ancient Monument with an illustruous past. During WWII it was the location of the Allied Photo Intelligence and Interpretation Unit.

Tours run by the Marlow Society start at 2pm until 4pm.

Marlowsociety.org.uk.

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Roald Dahl Day, September 12 © Jan Baldwin Saturday September 11. HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

at many venues. At National Trust properties in the area, including Cliveden, Taplow; Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading; Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley; Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury (which is organising a Community and Emergency Services Day) and Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-5pm. Free entry. Special children’s activities and trails.

Heritageopendays.co.uk; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday September 11. MAGICAL TRAIL AND TALES at Popes Manor, Pope Meadow car park, St Marks Road, Binfield. 2-4pm. Treasure trail for children, with poet and writer Clare Bevan. Booking essential. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Sunday September 12. HERBS ARE HAPPENING at the Colney Valley Park Centre, Denham Court Live, Denham.

11am-2pm. Family fun learning about growing, drying and cooking with herbs. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Sunday September 12. PANN MILL OPEN DAY, The Rye, London Road, High Wycombe. 11am-5pm. See the restored water mill on the Rye in action. Sales of flour, books, plants, bric-a-brac and teas. Water trail at 2.30pm. Organised by the High Wycombe Society. 01494 534876.

Sunday September 12. ROALD DAHL DAY at the Roald Dahl Museum, High Street, Great Missenden, and Gipsy House.

11am to 5pm. Guided village trails, magicians, face-painting, tours, workshops and Matilda-themed storytelling with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Gipsy House is also open for the day.

01494 892192; roalddahlmuseum.org.

Sunday September 12. BABY & CHILDREN’S NEW & PRE-LOVED MARKET, at Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow SL7 1DD. From 10 am - 12:30 pm. Children’s entertainment and refreshments available. £1 Entry per adult (Kids free).Visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19. GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. Shows at 11am, 1.30pm (Friday only) and 3pm. Tickets: adult £12.50, child £10. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Friday September 17 and Saturday September 18.

CONTINENTAL MARKET in the High Street, Maidenhead.

Saturday September 18. COOKHAM DEAN VILLAGE FETE at the Old Cricket Common, Cookham Dean. 1-4.45pm. £1 entry. Line dancing evening from 8pm. 01628 810755.

Saturday September 18. MARLOW CARNIVAL in Higginson Park, Marlow. 11am-5pm. 01628 472558; marlowcarnival.co.uk.

Saturday September 18. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE in The Link, St John’s Church Hall, Windlesham. Opening at 10.15am for members, 10.30am for non-members. 07894 328 014; nct.org.uk.

Saturday September 18. APPLE DAY at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley. 12-5pm. Stalls, tastings and family activities. 01491 628529; nationaltrust.org.

Saturday September 18 and Sunday September 19.

THE ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE SHOW at the Newbury Showground, just off J13 of the M4. 8am-7pm (6pm on Sunday). Arena events, livestock, food, stalls, rides, crafts tent and more. 01635 247111; newburyshow.co.uk.

Saturday September 18 to Sunday January 9. FIRE AND LIGHT SHOW at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. Shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. Cost: £1.85. 01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Sunday September 19. BABY & CHILDREN’S NEW & PRE-LOVED MARKET, at WAMDSAD, Braywick Sports Grd, Maidenhead SI6 1BN From 10am-12 noon. Children’s entertainment and refreshments available on the day. Entry £1 per adult (kids free).Visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Sunday September 19. ADVENTURES IN THE MAGICAL KINGDOM, a children’s concert by the Southbank Sinfonia at the Eton College Music Schools, Eton. 11am. Tickets: adult £8, child £6. 01753 740121; windsorfestival.com.

Sunday September 19. SUNNINGDALE AREA CARNIVAL at the Broomhall Recreation Ground, Broomhall

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

Amazing Machines at Legoland, September 11 and 12 Lane, Sunningdale. From 11am. ‘Around the World in 80 Days’: with food, cultural activities and entertainment. 01344 624758; sunningdaleareacarnival.co.uk.

Sunday September 19. TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC at the Colne Valley Park Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham.

12-1.30pm. Bring a picnic and a teddy; arts and crafts, games and a group picnic for the under 7s. 01895 833375; colneyvalleypark.org.uk.

Friday September 24. BOOKSTART BEAR visits Waterstones bookshop, Peascod Street, Windsor. 11am-12pm.

Morning of stories, songs, rhymes and crafts. Teddy Bears welcome. For 0-5yrs. Windsorfestival.com.

Friday September 24. TIPPING POINT – AN ECO CIRCUS at the Sunningdale Recreation Ground, Broomhall Lane. Circus show about climate change. Sunday September 26.

SUNNINGDALE STREET PARTY in Church Road, Sunningdale.

Free. Partyroundtheparish.co.uk.

Saturday September 25. HOLLY WEBB at The Firestation Arts Centre, St Leonards Road, Windsor. 12pm. Author of Lost in the Snow, about her latest character Rascal, a puppy who always gets himself into mischief. Tickets: children under 16 £3, adults free. 01753 740 121; firestationartscentre.com.

Saturday September 25. HAPPY CAKES AND CRAFT COOP AFTERNOON TEA at 47 Ray Lea Road, Maidenhead.

3-5pm. Family afternoon tea with lots of organic, fairtrade cakes, refreshments and local crafts for sale. Fundraising raffle for Family Friends. Admission free. 07949 449216.

Saturday September 25. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Egham Leisure Centre,Vicarage Lane, Egham. 10.30am-12pm.

Entrance: £1. Nct.org.uk.

Saturday September 25. FUNDRUN 2010 at Braywick Athletic Track, Braywick Road, Maidenhead. For more details and entry forms, phone 01628 625672; maidenheadlions.org.uk.

Saturday September 25. THE JINGLE DRESS at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 3pm. For ages 3-5. Cultural dance and music from different corners of the world. Tickets: adult £10, child £8. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Saturday September 25. WI CRAFT WORKSHOP: FRENCH KNITTING at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. 10.30am or 1.30pm. Cost: £3. Booking required. Suitable for ages 6+. All materials supplied and a kit to take home. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday September 25. EARLY NATURE WALK in Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver Heath. 6-8am. In search of wildlife at dawn. Booking essential. Free. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Saturday September 25. ETON COLLEGE CHARITY FAIR at Eton College. 11am-4pm. Fundraising event by the boys of Eton College. Stalls, entertainment and refreshments.

Admission £1 (50p for children).

Saturday September 25. MORRIS DANCING in Windsor with the Windsor Morris Dancers plus guests. 11am-12pm at Eton/Windsor Bridge, 12.15-1.15pm Peascod Street, 3-4pm Windsor Royal Shopping and 4-4.45pm Peascod Street. 01494 871465; windsormorris.org.uk.

Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26.

GARDEN GRUB at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe.

12-3pm. British Food Fortnight; cooking demos at 12pm and 2pm in the walled garden, plus family activities. 01494 755565; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday September 26. CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY on the Grand Drive, Cliveden, Taplow. 12–4pm. Normal admission fees apply. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk/thamesandsolentevents.

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Happy Cakes and Craft Co-op Afternoon Tea, September 25 Sunday September 26. ASCOT ARTS FESTIVAL – FAMILY FUN DAY at Ascot Racecourse. 11am-5.30pm. Racing and free craft activities, cartoon workshops, fairground rides and magic shows. Tickets: from £16 for adults, under 18s go free. 0870 727 1234, ascot.co.uk.

Sunday September 26. WILD AUTUMN HARVEST at Larks Hill, Warfield. 11am-1pm. Meet at Larks Hill car park.

Guided walk foraging for fruits and nuts. Suitable for all.

01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Monday September 27 and Tuesday September 28.

CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BEST BESTEST PLAY at the Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading. 4.30pm both days, also at 10.30am and 1pm on Tuesday. For ages 3+. 0118 960 6060; readingarts.com.

Thursday September 30. OPERA MAGIC by the London Festival Opera at Theatre Royal, Windsor. 2pm. Opera medley for a young audience (ages 7-13), with pieces by Mozart, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini. Tickets: adult £10, child £7. 01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

OCTOBER Every weekend in October and daily during half term.

PUPPET WORLD AND HALLOWE’EN FUN at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common. 10am-5.30pm. Spooky puppet shows, pumpkin carving and witches trail. Fancy Dress competitions. 01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

Saturday October 2. DARREN SHAN – MASTER OF HORROR at Theatre Royal, Windsor. 11.30am. Darren Shan tells the life story of vampire Larten Crepsley, star of his new series of books. Tickets: adult £6, child £4. 01753 853888; theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Saturday October 2. BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MUSHROOMS AND OTHER FUNGI at Marlow Common with the Wycombe Rangers. Meet at 10am. Suitable for all.

Booking essential. Tickets: adult £4, child £2. 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday October 2. BABY AND TODDLER NEARLY NEW SALE at Little Fishes Pre-School, Furze Platt Memorial Hall, Furze Platt Road, Maidenhead. 2-4pm. To sell: £12 a table; keep 100% profit. To buy: entry £1 per person. 07957 186984.

Saturday October 2. SEASONAL WALK – APPLES AND APPLE PRESSING at Waltham Place Farm, Church Hill, White Waltham. 2pm at the Ormandy Centre. Cost: adult £6, child £3 for walk and refreshments. Under 5s free. Booking essential. 01628 825517; walthamplace.com.

Saturday October 2. INSPIRATION ON ICE at the Bracknell Ski Centre, John Nike Way, Bracknell. Fundraising gala in aid of Cancer Research, hosted by Dancing on Ice Judge Nicky Slater and appearances by Dancing on Ice Celebrities. 01344 789000; jnlbracknell.co.uk.

Saturday October 2 and Sunday October 3. CARTERS STEAM FAIR at Englefield Green, Egham. 1-11pm on Saturday, 1-8pm Sunday. 01628 822221; carterssteamfair.co.uk.

Honey, Maidenhead High Street, October 9

Puppet World and Halloween Fun, Odds Farm Park, every weekend in October

Saturday October 2 to Saturday October 9. POETRY WEEK at Colne Valley Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham.

Poetry competition. Send in your poems about the park or nature in your area. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Sunday October 3. MAIDENHEAD BOUNDARY WALK. Six- or 13-mile charity walk around the original boundary of Maidenhead. Cost: adult £3, child 50p. Start at Boulters Lock car park between 9-10.30am. Sponsor forms and registration on boundarywalk.org.uk Sunday October 3. THE BIG DRAW: MAKE IT 3D at Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. 2-4pm. Make a sculpture from reclaimed materials. Also: CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS in the Gallery by the WI. 2.30-4.30pm.

How to make corn dollies. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk/museum.

Sunday October 3. WORLD ANIMAL DAY – Open Day at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading.

See the wolves, children’s activities, nature trail, birds of prey.

0118 971 3330; ukwct.org.uk.

Thursday October 7 to Saturday October 9.

CONTINENTAL MARKET in Bracknell Town Centre.

Friday October 8. NIGHT WALK in Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham. 6.30-8pm. Guided walk looking for nocturnal animals. Booking essential. Cost: child £1.80, adult £2.50. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Saturday October 9. BABY & CHILDREN’S NEW & PRE-LOVED MARKET, at Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Rd, Windsor SL4 5JB. From 9am - 12pm. Children’s entertainment and refreshments available on the day. Entry £1 per adult (kids free). For more info visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Saturday October 9. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, Marlow. 1.30-3pm (NCT members from 1.15pm). Entry: £1. Nct.org.uk.

Saturday October 9. HONEY – Performance in the High Street, Maidenhead, as part of Norden Farm’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Shows at 11am, 11.45am, 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm.

Learn about the world of bees with movement and props, music, video and song. Tickets: £4. Nordenfarm.org.

Saturday October 9 and Sunday October 10. THE BIG DRAW at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Find out how to draw a building, and other art activities. 01494 871117; coam.org.uk.

Saturday October 9 and Sunday October 10. APPLE DAYS at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-4pm.

Displays, tastings and fun activities. 01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday October 9 and Sunday October 10. CARTERS STEAM FAIR at Holyport Green, Holyport. 1-11pm Saturday; 1-7pm Sunday. 01628 822221; carterssteamfair.co.uk.

Sunday October 10. BLITZ DAY at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield. 11am-3.30pm. 0118 976 3375; rememuseum.org.uk.

Tuesday October 12 to Saturday October 16. SWAN LAKE ON ICE at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 7.30pm. Tickets: £18-£31.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Friday October 15 to Sunday October 17. GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND LIVE CRAFTS at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road,Windsor. 10am-5pm. 01494 445105; hdfairs.co.uk.

Saturday October 16. APPLE DAY at Home Cottage Farm, Bangors Road South, Iver Heath. 11am-4pm. In aid of St Margaret’s Church, Iver Heath. Stalls, producers, children’s activities, apple pressing, pony rides, archery, craft-making. Entry: £1 per adult, £2 parking, children free. 07870338712.

Saturday October 16. JAMES CAMPBELL’S COMEDY AND SONGS 4 KIDS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am. Brand new stand-up comedy for kids aged 6+. Tickets: £6.50, family £22. Meal and ticket: adult £12.50, child £10.50. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Sunday October 16. APPLE DAY at the Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading. 2-4pm.

Free. Tastings and activities. 0118 378 8660; reading.ac.uk/merl.

Sunday October 17. WOODLANDS IN AUTUMN WALK at Cliveden, Taplow. 11am-12.30pm. Meet at the Woodland car park. Guided walk with one of the foresters.

Booking essential. All tickets: £6. 01628 605069.

Sunday October 17. SEED GATHERING SUNDAY at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver Heath. 10am-12pm. Family-friendly seed gathering workshop. Free. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

More information about seed gathering and nut and fruit foraging on treecouncil.org.uk.

Wednesday October 20. MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 7.30pm. Powerful drumming on huge taiko drums combined with dance. Tickets: £17-£19. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Sunday October24. BABY & CHILDREN’S NEW & PRE-LOVED MARKET, at WAMDSAD, Braywick Sports Grd, Maidenhead SI6 1BN From 10am - 12 noon. Children’s entertainment and refreshments available on the day. £1 Enry per adult (Kids free).Visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Thursday October 28. WILDLIFE IN THE BOROUGH at Cookham Library, High Road, Cookham Rise. 2.30-3.30pm.

Nature presentation with a ranger from the Braywick Nature Centre. Where to find wildlife, how to make your garden wildlife friendly. Suitable for all. Free. Booking essential.

01628 526147; rbwm.gov.uk

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

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Legoland at Night, Fireworks display, October 23

Fungus Foray, California Country Park, October 24

Cinderella Ashputtel, Norden Farm, October 27

HALF TERM AND HALLOWE’EN

Monday October 25 to Friday October 29. CLOWNS IN THE PARK at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley.

9.30am-4.30pm (5pm weekends). Three clown shows a day.

Sunday October 31. HALLOWE’EN FUN at the Park.

With apple dunking, mummy wrap and a witches treasure hunt.

Come in full fancy dress and get in free. 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Monday October 25 to Sunday October 31.

HALLOWE’EN WEEK, family fun at the Hell Fire Caves, Church Lane, West Wycombe. 11am-5pm. Fun and games hosted by friendly ghosts. FRIGHT NIGHTS from Thursday to Saturday, 6-9.30pm. Good, but scary, fun so may not be suitable for under 8s. Entry: £6 per person (under 8s only when accompanied by an adult), family £20. 01494 533739; hellfirecaves.co.uk.

Monday October 25 to Sunday October 31.

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWE’EN FUN at Village Life.

Spooky stories, pumpkin carving, face painting, boo barn, ghoulish games and scary sweets and treats. 01628 828801. www.myvillagelife.co.uk Tuesday October 26. BUILD A BUG HOME at the Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Build a bug box for your garden. Learn about the insects you can find at the Beeches.

Reserve a kit for £5 at 01753 647358; cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Tuesday October 26. SUPER HEROES at California Country Park, Finchampstead. 11am. Carry out super hero training and then look for evil Dr Waste. Booking essential. Cost: £4 per child.

0118 934 2016; wokingham.gov.uk.

Tuesday October 26 and Thursday October 28. HALF TERM CRAFT SESSIONS at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. Timed tickets on the day. Cost: £2.

Tuesday: Spooky Spoon Puppets. Thursday: Corn dollies. Suitable for ages 6+. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Wednesday October 27. THE BIG BUG EXPERIENCE, Family Day at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. 10.30am-4pm. Science show featuring bugs from around the world. Free with admission. 01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Saturday October 23. FEED THE BIRDS at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. 1-4pm. Free, drop-in event. How to help garden birds survive the winter. Make a bird feeder and some bird food. 01494 421 895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday October 23, Sunday October 24, Friday October 29 to Sunday October 31, Saturday November 6. WIZARD’S FIREWORKS – A MAGICAL GATHERING at Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor.

0871 2222 001; legoland.co.uk.

Sunday October 24. FUNGUS FORAY with a member of the Thames Valley Fungus Group into the woods of California Country Park, Finchampstead. Meet in the main car park at 11am. Cost: £3. Booking essential. 0118 934 2016; wokingham.gov.uk.

Monday October 25. PAINTING CANAL BOAT ROSES at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. 2-4pm.

Paint a small bucket in the traditional style used to decorate narrow boats. For ages 4-14. Cost: £40 and £10 for materials.

Booking required. 01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Monday October 25 to Friday October 29. PUMPKINS IN THE PARK at the Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. Pumpkin growing competition, recipe competition for all ages, ‘Pumpkin Shop’. Thursday October 28 to Sunday October 31. 11am-5pm. PUMPKIN PAINTING for children in The Gallery. Free. 01784 435544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

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BUY YOUR PUMPKINS from farm shops in the area: Emmetts Farm Shop, Wilton Farm, Marlow Road, Little Marlow. (01628 484094). Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham. Farm shop not open, but pumpkins available. (01628 825517). Copas Farm Shops in Lower Mount Farm, Long Lane, Cookham (01628 529511) and Calves Lane Farm, Billet Lane, Iver (01753 652727). And the Farmers’ Markets in Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow and Ascot.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Halloween Pumpkin Party, Windsor Royal Shopping Centre, October 30

Bonfire Night for the Cookham Scouts, Cookham, Saturday November 6

Wednesday October 27 and Thursday October 28. AUTUMN EVENTS in Bracknell.

Wednesday: MUSIC FROM THE FOREST at Braybrooke Recreation Ground Hall, Makepiece Road, Priestwood. 2-4pm. Make instruments from wild plants. For ages 5-11. Cost: £3.50. Thursday: FUNGAL FORAY at Lily Hill Park. 2-4pm. Forage for fungi with an expert. Cost: £2 per person.

Booking essential for both events. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Wednesday October 27 to Friday October 29. HALF TERM SHOWS AND HALLOWE’EN CRAFT WORKSHOPS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. SHOWS - Wednesday: CINDERELLA ASHPUTTEL. 11am and 3pm. One woman play with puppets and props.

For ages 3-8. Thursday and Friday: ARABIAN NIGHTS. 11am and 3pm. Be transported to a mystical land by three tales told from the Arabian Nights. For ages 4-7. Tickets: £6.50. Meal and tickets: adult £12.50, child £10.50. WORKSHOPS – Wednesday: FAIRY TALES DRESSING UP. 10-10.45am and 2-2.45pm. Cost: £5 per child, adults free. Thursday: SPOOKY SPIDERS. 10-10.45am. Cost: £6.

For ages 5-7. BATTY BAT MOBILE. 11-11.45am. Cost: £6. For ages 7-10. MONSTER MASKS. 12-12.45pm. Cost: £6. For all the family. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Wednesday October 27 to Friday October 29. SPOOKS AND SPIES – Family activity days at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield. 11am-3.30pm. 0118 976 3375; rememuseum.org.uk.

Wednesday October 27 to Sunday October 31. THE BIG DRAW at Windsor Castle.

11am-4pm. Creative activities in the Moat Education Room, exploring different drawing techniques.

Ages 5-11. Drop-in. 020 77667304; royalcollection.org.uk.

Wednesday October 27 to Sunday October 31. SPOOKTACULAR at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading. 11am-5pm. Week of family fun including trails, storytelling and craft activities. £2 per trail. 0118 984 3040; nationaltrust.org.

Thursday October 28. SHAKERS AND MOVERS at Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. Sessions at 3-3.45pm and 4-4.45pm. Make your own board game to play at home. Free, but booking required. 01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Friday October 29. MONSTER PARADE at the Colne Valley Park Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham. 2-4pm. Decorate a scary monster and join the parade around Denham Country Park. Ideal for under 10s. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Friday October 29. BIG SUGAR DRAW at the River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley. 10.30am-4pm. Help create a sweet version of the Museum’s 17th century painting of Henley from the Wargrave Road by Jan Siberechts. Drop-in; no need to book. 01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Friday October 29. HALLOWE’EN SPECTACULAR at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. 6–9pm. Candlelit trail through the village, with trick or treat, fire eaters, face painters and other activities. 01494 871117; coam.org.uk.

Friday October 29 and Saturday October 30. CREEPY CRAFTS at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-4pm. 01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Friday October 29 to Sunday October 31. CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BEST BESTEST PLAY at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. Shows at 4.30 on Friday and Saturday, 11am and 1.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. For ages 3+. Tickets: £11.50-£12.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Saturday October 30. HALLOWE’EN PUMPKIN PARTY at Windsor Royal Shopping. 1-4pm.

Pumpkin carving (while stocks last), fancy dress competition and magic show. Judging starts at 3.30pm. Free. 01753 797070.

Saturday October 30. HALLOWE’EN EVENTS in Maidenhead Town Centre. Also, FARMERS’ MARKET in the High Street. 01628 796128. www.maidenheadtownpartnership.org.uk Saturday October 30. WITCHES’ BROOMSTICKS at Stoke Common, Stoke Common Road, opposite The Pickeridge, Fulmer. Make a broomstick from birch, tools provided. Booking required.

07912 731500; cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Saturday October 30. FUNGAL FORAY in Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver Heath. 10am-1pm.

With members of the Bucks Fungus Group. Not suitable for young children. Free. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Saturday October 30. FAMILY FUN DAY AND FIREWORKS at Ascot Racecourse. Racing between 12.45-4.15pm. Fireworks start at 6pm. Fairground rides and children’s activities all day.

Tickets: adults from £16, under 16s free. 0870 727 1234; ascot.co.uk. Firework only tickets for sale via ascotfireworks.org.uk and local shops.

Saturday October 30. FRIGHT NIGHT at California Dreaming Cafe, California Country Park, Finchampstead. 4-7pm. Witch hunt, unlucky dips and wall of horror. 0118 973 5519; wokingham.gov.uk.

Saturday October 30 and Sunday October 31. SPOOKY HALLOWE’EN TRAINS at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, from Cholsey Station or Hithercroft Road, Wallingford. Free Spooky Bags for under 8s. Fares: adult £7.50, child £4.50. Cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.

Sunday October 31. HIGH SPIRITS! The only, and original, public ghost walk of the year in Windsor, by the Rendez-vous Guides. Tickets: £3-£6. To book, and for more information, call 07770 933117 or 01628 828279; rendezvousguides.co.uk.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Longridge Firework Festival, Saturday November 6

Sunday October 31. HALLOWE’EN TREASURE HUNT at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver Heath. From 5pm, spooky trail through the park. Booking essential. Cost: £2 per child. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Sunday October 31. HALLOWE’EN PARTY at the Colne Valley Park Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham. 6-8pm. Creepy crafts, games and stories for under 10s. Entry: £3 per child, includes a goodie bag. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk.

Sunday October 31. HALLOWE’EN at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. Children in Hallowe’en costumes will receive a present. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Sunday October 31. SWAN LAKE at the Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading. 7.30pm. The classic ballet performed by the Moscow Ballet. 0118 960 6060; readingarts.com.

Monday November 1. FLAWLESS at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

7.30pm. The Britain’s Got Talent stars in their first solo show. Tickets: £19.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Tuesday November 2. AUTUMN COLOURS WALK in Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver Heath.

10am-noon. Enjoy the autumn on a guided walk through the park. Booking essential. Free. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Tuesday November 2. HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS! At the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 7pm. All the very best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, & 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee. Tickets: £13.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

FIREWORK NIGHTS Saturday November 6. FIREWORKS AND FUN at Maidenhead United Football Club,York Road, Maidenhead. Organised by and in aid of The Link Foundation. 01628 860310; linkfoundation.co.uk.

Saturday November 6. BONFIRE NIGHT by the Cookham Scouts at Formosa Meadow, Mill Lane, Cookham. Gates open at 5.30pm, firelighting procession at 6.30pm, fireworks shortly after at 7pm. Tickets: £5 if bought in advance or £6 on the gate, under 5s free. For sale at Countrystores,Village Hardware and Hillcrest Stores, Cookham.

Saturday November 6. FIREWORKS AND END OF SEASON PARTY at Longridge, Quarry Wood Lane, Marlow. Tickets available from Longridge, Marlow Tourist Office and local schools. 01628 483252; longridge-uk.org.

Saturday November 6. FIREWORKS FIESTA at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. Fundraising spectacular supported by the Lodden Lions. 7.30pm prompt. 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

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Gardening – The individual garden If you want your garden to stand out from the rest, a bespoke design will definitely make your neighbours sit up and take notice. The right garden layout and style will allow you to make better use of your outdoor space and to include special, personal features, furniture and plants, adding your personal stamp to it. rom outdoor showers to fire pits, water features and clever storage ideas, there’s a whole host of possibilities you may never have thought of. A designer will able to advise you about the type and style of garden features that will work in your outdoor space.

Jamie Higham at Green Dot Gardens says: “We work collaboratively with all our clients, coming up with ideas that fit with the way garden is used by everyone in the family. Whether it’s a child-friendly water feature or built-in storage, we always like to find out how you plan to use the garden so we can come up with the right design solution. It’s important to look at the garden as a whole - then we can look at how to incorporate some more unusual details that give it a unique look. ” Working with a garden designer will ensure that you can incorporate everything you need into the plan. Slick, discreet, built-in storage is an important, functional part of any garden and can be a good starting point. Toys and tools can be hidden in storage benches, or cupboards built into pergolas so they are completely hidden. If you’re eco-conscious, you might want to have a water butt or a compost bin. Neither of these items would win prizes for being aesthetically pleasing, so why not hide them from view too in a discreet wooden store?

Furniture is also worth considering as part of the garden design process. With a bespoke design, seating can be built in to the layout to incorporate storage, or you could work with your designer to create a seating area that fits perfectly in an

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awkward spot. The materials used will complement the other textures you have chosen for the garden and will be treated with exterior finish, so you don’t need to worry about storage or protection over the winter months.

Water in a family garden is often thought to be too much of a safety hazard while children are young.

But making room for water gives a garden a relaxing focal point. You could opt for a sculptural feature in stone or metal that incorporates a restful trickle of water. Be imaginative and look at new materials, shapes and textures that capture the beauty of this natural element. A water feature should work with the garden as a whole, and should look great whether the water flow is turned on or off.

If you want your water feature to be practical, rather than just ornamental, why not try an outdoor shower? Fun on hot summer days, they can even have a use in the winter too – small, handheld showers can come in very handy for washing down muddy boots, dogs or children!

By working with an experienced garden designer you can make sure that whatever special feature you want to incorporate, it is part of the overall design solution and fits with your lifestyle and how you plan to use the garden.

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What Did Cavemen Do? Parenting PARENTING expert and author Duncan Fisher has gone back to the days of Neanderthal man to look at how we share the roles of looking after our kids, in a different light.

HUNTING for meat could never bring in enough calories to survive on – foraging was always essential. Everyone helped get the food. Mothers have always worked.

Mothers have shared the care of children with others within their families.

For most of human history we have lived in extended families. Raising children takes a lot of effort and a long time – by sharing this around, human beings have thrived.

Mothers have mostly shared the care with other women in their families, but again and again in history these women have been in short supply and men have been pulled in. Sometimes men are deeply involved, sometimes not at all – it depends on what is needed of them. Men’s hormones are triggered by being close to pregnant women and babies, and the more their hormones are triggered, the more they react – they become sensitized. This is nature’s way of pulling men into the caring role when they are needed.

Children have adapted to this method of care. They thrive on being cared for by different people. They have the ability to make adults fall in love with them (very different from some of the closest species to humans where the instinct is to kill the children of others). Babies are extremely

Telephone: 01628 627 586

sensitive to which adult can give them the best care – anthropologists believe this is how humans developed the ability to read each other’s minds.

A mother staying at home in a small family unit by herself to look after children is very unusual compared to the way we’ve been operating over the last 200,000 years.

If the time-line for the whole human race were 24 hours, the “mum at home/dad at work” model started about 30 seconds ago.

TOP TIPS FOR NEW PARENTS Don’t end up with one parent doing all the caring and the other doing all the earning unless you really cannot avoid it.

Both spend time alone with your baby.

Both become competent and confident with him/her, learn and appreciate your different parenting styles – your child will.

Mothers: put yourself first sometimes (and fathers – let them do this). Mothers who make the children such a big part of their lives that everything else is forgotten often become depressed.

Fathers: move mountains to get flexible work, even if it gives you only a few extra hours with your baby every week.

Talk and listen. Don't just barge into the role you think is yours – find out if your

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

partner is happy with what your choice means for them. Do they feel put-upon or pushed out by you? Things will then feel fairer, you will be more loving and less stressed – which will also be good for your sex life.

Make time for each other and do things you used to do before you had children.

A happy couple relationship means happier children.

Don’t feel guilty about working – nearly all mothers and fathers for all of human history have had to work. Try to organize work so that one of you is looking after the baby as much as possible; babies have always been looked after by several people.

If moving house could mean a smaller mortgage or more involved grandparents, think hard about it.

Each agree to do the one task around the house that the other likes least. If you can afford it, pay for some of the tasks to be done for you.

Duncan has just written the book ‘Baby’s Here! Who Does What?’ (How to split the work without splitting up).

For more information about the book go to www.whodoeswhatbook.com

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn 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 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Mudcrusts: Chief Troubles by Damian Harvey

Grubtown Tales:Trick Eggs and Rubber Chickens

by Philip Ardagh

(A & C Black £4.99)

(Faber and Faber £4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Meet the Mudcrusts, the ice-age family with a difference! Lowbrow challenges Chief Hawknose to a trial to become chief of the tribe. He feels sure he will make a better chief. But how will he deal with Hawknose if he tries to cheat again as he did previously? Can Lowbrow make a cunning plan in time?

‘Here is a delightful story, sure to keep young readers amused. This book with its super illustrations can be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.’

ED SAYS: ‘This is another hilarious saga in that amazing place – Grubtown!

The new Grubtown Aquarium and Carwash is set to open, Mayor Gomez finally finishes knitting his new home and the Fox family are out for revenge – just some of the everyday goings-on in this zany place.

‘Crazy capers, dodgy dealings and mad moments fill the pages of this fantastic story written by one of our most popular children’s writers.’

Spy Pups: Circus Act by Andrew Cope (Puffin Books £4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘The Spy Pups, Spud and Star, are following hot in the paw prints of their mum, Lara – Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal. The circus is in town and in this episode of their exciting life the pups have to join the circus to sniff out the villains when priceless jewels go missing. Can the pups stop them before they vanish with the loot?

‘This is an exciting new adventure in the Spy Pups series. If you enjoy it as much as I did, you will be able to look out for other stories written by the brilliant Andrew Cope.’

Jordan Stryker Bionic Agent

by Malcolm Rose (Usborne Publishing £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘After a huge explosion, the near-lifeless body of Ben Smith is taken.

Jordan Stryker comes to life, a technologically-enhanced version of Ben. With unbelievable powers, Jordan acts for the secret Unit Red, hunting the perpetrator of the lethal crime. He tries to come to terms with the loss of his previous life, particularly when he meets up with his old friend Amy. ‘Here is another actionpacked page-turner of a book written by this amazing author. It is sure to be another best-seller!’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher for 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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The battle to

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

breastfeed ot all women find breastfeeding their baby easy; many expect it to happen naturally but it can be a struggle. When her daughter was born, Louise had no idea of the pitfalls or how hard she’d have to fight to continue breastfeeding.

The Maternity Network supported her through the tough times with general information and helped her find specialists to support her decision to breastfeed.

Below are extracts from her diary recounting her daughter Amilee’s first five months.

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My daughter Amilee was born by vaginal breech three weeks early, weighing 5lbs 10oz. On top of this, by the time she was three days old she had reflux, oral thrush and could not latch on when she tried to breastfeed. She was also jaundiced and tongue-tied.

Tongue-tie symptoms can include cracking, distortion, blanching or bleeding from your nipple, sometimes followed by blocked ducts or mastitis, severe breast pain, thrush (you and baby), baby’s poor latch, a sleepy baby (from sucking hard), slow weight gain, wind, reflux, incessant crying and inability to settle. Later on it can affect eating solids and speech development, depending on the severity.

Looking for support, I went to a breastfeeding clinic run by Maternity Network member and Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) breastfeeding counsellor, Sarah Bridges, and Lactation Consultant and tongue-tie specialist, Pam Lacey.

for the first time without any other equipment! I am extremely sore though, so I used shields for the rest of the day. We went back to the breastfeeding clinic and I am devastated to find out that her tongue-tie is still there and that it will need to be cut again.

4 weeks: Another tongue-tie specialist (I didn’t feel the first lady was for me as it didn’t work out the first time) came to the house and assessed A’s tongue-tie and said it didn’t look like it needed doing. The thrush in her mouth is still bad which means we boil all her dummies, teats, bottles and nipple shields for 20 minutes every time we use them (I feel sorry for the electricity board).

11.5 weeks: The paediatrician has recommended giving formula to boost A’s weight (6lbs1oz) but breast milk has more calories than formula! A and I still have thrush, which makes feeding extremely painful without the shields. My nipples are fluorescent pink and sore, breastfeeding is agony and I’m dreading the next feed.

Day 9: I visited Sarah’s clinic where they diagnosed a severe tongue-tie and thrush.

No wonder it has been so hard to feed Amilee. It explains why she won’t latch on and why it’s so painful. They helped me get her onto the breast with a nipple shield. At least she’s at the breast.

14 weeks: This time, Pam Lacey cut A’s tongue-tie today. It wasn’t nice, but she breastfed for 45 mins! It wasn’t painful or uncomfortable and I have a renewed enthusiasm to breastfeed! The thrush went 24 hours after she had her tongue-tie cut. She also put on 5½ oz this week.

Sarah Bridges also stretched A’s tongue and it has made a HUGE difference to her mouth. I am hoping that this will be the turning point when it comes to feeding her.

Day 20: We had Amilee’s tongue-tie cut by a specialist and she went onto my breast

17 weeks: A is now gaining 1oz a day. I am topping up twice a day with expressed

Let’s Go Mummy!

“Getting back in shape was a real priority for me, so finding Sarah’s mum and baby class has enabled this in a really positive, fun and friendly way.

It’s also great that my daughter enjoys the class – meeting new babies, stimulating music and lots of movement.”

– Meinir Hughes

BREASTFEEDING BUTTERFLY FROM www.fayeandlou.co.uk, £24.95

breast milk and my supply is increasing to 6 oz every morning.

20 weeks: I’m now totally breastfeeding A. She doesn’t cry after a feed, she doesn’t bob on and off and she now drinks much more efficiently in one stretch which means I don’t need to express any more, all the hard work has been worth it; Amilee can breastfeed and I am over the moon!

For more information and an online directory of local support, visit: www.thematernitynetwork.co.uk Association of Breast Feeding Mothers www.abm.me.uk Breastfeeding Network www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk The Breastfeeding Manifesto www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk

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

Call Sarah 07938-588029 Visit www.gofigure.org.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Mums Who Mean Business LOCAL MUMPRENEUR REACHES FINALS OF NATIONAL AWARDS

OCAL mum and entrepreneur Lisa Long has reached the finals of The Mumpreneur Awards, a conference and awards ceremony aimed at celebrating women throughout the UK who manage the difficult task of juggling business with family life.

The mother of two, from Maidenhead, is the creative owner of More Than Words, an online business selling bespoke and limited edition typographic artwork.The business was launched in February 2010 as a way for Lisa to stay at home with her young children, while maintaining a career.

Lisa has been shortlisted for the Most Unique Product Award. Having launched the business only six months ago, More Than Words now sells online at www.MoreThanWords.uk.com and also through three online boutiques. Her products have featured in national magazines and top UK blogs. She has recently created a design commission as a keepsake for Dannii Minogue’s new baby.

As well as being shortlisted for this category, Lisa is also in with a chance of winning the title of The Inspirational Business Mum

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2010, which will be awarded to the mum who is an inspiration to all women in business, and could walk away with a range of fantastic prizes.

We featured Lisa in the May/June issue of Families and wish her the very best of luck.

The award winners will be announced at the Mumpreneur Conference on September 18 at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Warwickshire.

Lisa says the business has really taken off in the last few months: “Within a week of launching my ‘Vintage Framed Canvas’ it was featured in the national Wedding Ideas magazine and I have since been asked to decorate their new headquarters with my artwork. The product has also recently been featured in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire County Wedding magazine. Plus a beautiful interiors shop on Eton High Street, Hush Home, will now be stocking a range of my non-personalised typographic artwork.”

To find out more about More Than Words, please visit Lisa’s website www.MoreThanWords.uk.com.

More Than Words can be found on Twitter (@MoreThanWordArt) and on Facebook and the blog is at morethanwordstypography.blogspot.com/

COMPETITION WINNER, ISSUE 49: Family ticket to Marwell Zoo: Karen Richardson

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CAKE BUSINESS DREAM BECOMES A REALITY FOR GREEN MUMS RIENDS Maria Bates and Deborah Jones met eight years ago and recognised a shared passion for all things ethical, local and organic. This year they realised a dream when their new business Happy Cakes was born over a slice of banana cake and a fairtrade coffee.

“We spent hours discussing business ideas, always with a slice of cake in front of us,” says Maria, who lives in Maidenhead. “Suddenly we realised that cake was the answer.

We could stay true to our principles of organic, fairtrade and local, and make other people happy too. Happy Cakes is the perfect business for two cake-loving armchair eco-warriors!”

They bake traditional homemade cakes with only organic and fairtrade ingredients. The cakes are made fresh to order and are perfect for children’s parties, morning coffee or lunch boxes.

All the recipes are family favourites and Maria and Deborah’s children are their best critics, tasting all their new products.

Deborah is very enthusiastic about the ethos behind their cakes.

“We can’t claim that our cake is truly healthy because it is cake, after all, but our cakes are perfect as a delicious treat. We don’t use anything artificial, we care about the environment and we only ever use organic free-range eggs because we really like chickens.

As our children would say ‘it’s a no-brainer!’.”

To find out more call Maria on 07949 449216 or Deborah on 07742 714971 or email info@happycakes.biz.

Why not go to the next Happy Cakes and Craft Co-op Afternoon Tea on Saturday September 25, 3-5pm at 47 Ray Lea Road, Maidenhead?

There will be lots of delicious cakes and unique handmade items for sale.

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www.happycakes.biz

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Classifieds Earn Extra Income from Home • £100-£500+per month • No stock to buy or hold • Work from home, No staff • Up-front bonuses • Income you can bank on • Part-time, full-time, any-time for ANYBODY • No experience necessary – full training provided – Free Email: info@extraincomestar.co.uk Mob: 0796 180 5998

Take 20% to 30% off from your house bills every month Save money on your household bills every time you buy: • Food and Fuel • Clothing • DIY • Health and beauty products • Household and electrical goods Email: info@saving-guru.co.uk Mob: 0796 180 5998

Does your child need help with Reading? English?

Maths? 11+ preparation?

Mary Poppins Entertainments

Ex-headteacher offers friendly, patient tuition in Burnham/Taplow area. 1st Class Hons degree, member of IFL, CRB checked.

NOW WITH AMAZING ANIMAL PUPPETS As seen on Paul O’Grady Show.

For ages 3-103

Christine Shaw 01628 663411

Tel: 01753 663374 or 0781 1084 325 www.jeanpurdy.co.uk

Pregnancy Yoga & Mummy and Baby Yoga Relax, boost energy, ease aches & pains, prepare for birth, connect with your baby, rebuild core strength safely

www.phenixyoga.com Call Jennie on 07954 578 439 or email jen@phenixyoga.com

Dutch

songs games stories activities every other Saturday morning Marlow Group 1: 2-5 year olds Group 2: 5-8 year olds NEW! 07948 246281 info@discoverdutch.co.uk www.discoverdutch.co.uk

www.suriajuni.com Maternity Wear Online Affordable and fashionable, stylish and elegant maternity wear for all occasions.

Email info@suriajuni.com Tel: 07940 925 521

FizzyBubbles Soap and Jewellery making Parties for Children

Music Fun Parties Singing, Jumping, Colourful, Loud Ideal for pre-schoolers 0-5yrs Contact Mrs Ekta Kaur Ross tel: 07939-233098 email: musicfun@fsmail.net

www.fizzy-bubbles.co.uk Email: fizzybub@gmail.com

07748 – 645161 Alekhya Art Classes Learn to draw, paint and also do crafts!

Tel: 01628 634418 or email shalinib@gmail.com

Flexible Property Law Firm URE Property Law is a new legal practice Nadine Blacklock and Maya owned by Donna Spence and Nadine Blacklock.

Ascot-based Nadine says they both wanted jobs that fitted around family life. “As mothers we wanted to take control of our careers and so Pure Property Law was born.”

The practice covers all areas of property law; residential conveyancing, landlord and tenant, commercial property, possession proceedings and litigation.

Nadine feels one of their main strengths is flexibility.

“As working mums we know life is busy and so we work around our clients, meeting clients at their home or office, daytime or evening.”

They also make sure their clients are fully informed at all times by using email and text updates to let clients know when they reach the key stages in their transaction.

They also pride themselves on the personal service that they give. “Clients always speak to one of us, not an automated telephone machine. We are very competitively priced and because we own the business we care about the service our clients receive.”

For more information go to www.purepopertylaw.com. 01344 876854.

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www.familiestveast.co.uk

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk