Families Thames Valley West Issue 70 March-April

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Thames Valley West

March/April 2014 Issue 70 www.familiestvw.co.uk

Try before you buy!

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

Easter Days Out Childcare Performing Arts

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 a self-employed background or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

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Parents have been trusting us for over 25 years to help their children develop in a safe, supportive, Call your local Stagecoach to Enrol nurturing, Newbury 0870 061 3526 Bracknell 0800 707 6684 inspiring Reading East 01932 348844 Bracknell North 0845 055 6382 environment.

Reading West 0844 800 9482 Henley 01494 533 203 Maidenhead

0118 942 3038

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Wokingham

01183 712 998

Photo courtesy: www.next.co.uk

RECRUITING NOW

Bursaries Apply now! available for Years 7 & 8

Open Morning

Open Morning

Thursday 20 March Prep School: 9.15am - 11.00am College: 10.30am - 12.00pm

Tuesday 13th May

9am to 11.30am. Headmaster’s welcome at 9.15am

The College Open Morning commences with an address by the Headmaster.

To reserve your place at the Open Morning please call admissions on 0118 984 6910 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk. Alternatively you can book online at www.sjcr.org.uk/opendays.

www.sjcr.org.uk

Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 9BL | 0118 987 1810

Our Lady’s Day Nursery

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Visit www.crosfields.com to register online in advance.

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~where every child is an individual~

Our children are nurtured • and encouraged to learn and develop in a warm, caring • and happy environment.

For children from 3 months to 5 years on a full or part-time basis Children participate in Forest School, Jo Jingles, 3 language classes, crafts, story time and messy play

• From 3 years, weekly swimming and football lessons • Babies receive freshly prepared meals according to their own stage of weaning • Priority on application for school.

Open Days We do have a number of Open Days throughout the year, however parents are welcome to arrange an appointment to view the school at any time.

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Thames Valley West

E: office@olps.co.uk

www.ourladysprep.co.uk

01344 773394 The Avenue, Crowthorne, Berks RG45 6PB

MARCH/APRIL 2014

inthisissue ISSUE 70 • MAR/APR 2014

Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

4 News & Views 7 Mothers Know Best Some words of wisdom from real mums

8 Flexible Working Tips on how to ask for (and get) a better work/life balance

9 Dance & Drama The benefits, plus local class news

12 Education What is a prep school, school news

15 Stop feeling guilty!

Why we need to cut ourselves a little slack

16 Holiday Clubs and

Workshops

Camps and workshops galore

18 Childcare Feature News plus advice on choosing childcare

20 What’s On

Editor’s Letter

This terrible weather has kept us trapped indoors for so long we’re all going a little stir-crazy. Hurrah then for the longer, warmer and (hopefully) less storm battered days to come. It’s time for us to pull on our wellies and venture out once more.

And there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and places to go. Just take a look at our bumper Easter fun feature for pages of activities for all tastes - from getting up close to butterflies, airplanes and baby lambs to inventing chocolate bars, finding witches and even meeting the Georgians.

If you’re returning to work soon don’t miss our childcare feature which has advice on choosing the best options for your family plus details of some important new government changes to funding. We’ve also got some tips on flexible working on page 8.

We celebrate Mother’s Day with some words of wisdom from real mums and on page 15 Abi Foss tells us why we all need to stop feeling so guilty about the trials and tribulations of motherhood.

Enjoy the Easter holidays and have a lovely Mother’s Day. Karen and Jane

Diary dates for the coming months

27 Competitions Lots of great prizes up for grabs

28 Easter Fun

Ideas for places to go and things to do To advertise: Tel: 0118 954 6893 adverts@familiestvw.co.uk Contact us: editor@familiestvw.co.uk Designed by: Graphic Resolutions 01438 871600 Next issue: May/June – Parties!

Booking Deadline – 1 April

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Front cover photo courtesy of www.next.co.uk

Don’t miss these great offers and competitions 10% OFF at the Little Print Co – page 6 Special OFFER with GO-KART Party – page 10 £40 OFF Perform Newbury classes – page 11 10% OFF LABELS4KIDS products – page 13 WIN a StageAbility summer workshop – page 27 WIN a term of Kiddikicks football classes – page 27 WIN tickets to an evening of Abba at The Hexagon – page 27 WIN Bump & Beyond personal training sessions – page 27

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1283 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

Thames Valley West

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News & Views Painting and Drawing lessons to help your little artist blossom

Alekhya Art Classes offer fun, imaginative and instructional lessons in drawing and painting to school age children. Founded by Shalini Nayak in Maidenhead back in 2007, the classes have proved so popular that Shalini now plans to expand to new locations in our area.

Shalini is an artist and art teacher with a Masters in Painting. She is passionate about equipping children with knowledge and skills alongside nurturing their innate creativity. Her students have won art bursaries from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (including Madison Foxcroft, pictured) and scholarships at various independent schools.

“We keep the children motivated in more than one way,” she told us, “but our proudest moment is definitely our biennial art exhibitions of the selected works of all students. We also facilitate and encourage children to take part in the Art Awards at 5 different levels accredited by Trinity College, London.”

Shalini is currently gauging interest in new courses in the Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell and Finchampstead areas, so if you are interested please email her at shalinib@gmail.com or call 01628 634 418/0789 616 5819.

More details at www.alekhyaartclasses.wix.com/maidenhead

Looking for a new business opportunity?

Do you dream of running your own business, one that not only delivers financial reward but offers a great work-home life balance? Then look no further…

Swimkidz are expanding fast and looking for new franchisees to meet the demand of their ever increasing aquatic programme.

It all starts pre-birth with Aquabumpz classes for mums-to-be and continues with a swimming programme for babies, toddlers and children up to ten years so the client base is substantial. You don’t need to be a swimming teacher; Swimkidz can offer you

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Thames Valley West

all the training you need including their own in-house courses.

Trish Hare of Swimkidz told us: “We are absolutely passionate about what we do and how we deliver our programme. The Swimkidz team are like a family. We are there for each other and have an amazing support network so you are the best you can be! There are quarterly meetings to share best practice, new ideas and success stories!”

If you would like to find out more email franchising@swimkidz.co.uk, call on 07702 808 396 or visit www.swimkidz.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2014

News & Views New Play Park opening at Dinton Pastures April sees the opening of an exciting new play area at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst. Featuring three giant nest towers and tree top tunnels along with a double zip wire, sand areas, underground tunnels and a giant slide, it’s sure to be a hit with children of all ages. The emphasis is on natural materials and playful planting to complement the countryside setting with den-building structures, climbing trees and log swings. A woodland picnic area surrounded by willow art features allows families to relax and enjoy the setting.

Play Away Your Children’s Phobias Do creepy crawlies make your child scream? Are you worried you have passed your own fears on to your child? If these problems sound familiar, you’re not alone: 90% of children experience at least one fear between the ages of two and fourteen, and fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, is the most common phobia in the UK. So what can you do to make spiders less scary?

A difficult task you might think, but a new NHS-approved App may have the answer. Created with the help of psychiatrists, the Phobia Free App aims to cure sufferers of their phobia – for good. It uses ‘systematic desensitisation’ so won’t force your child to come face to face with a real spider straight away. Instead, it gives you the chance to play games with a cute, pink, cartoon creature called Itsy, unlocking achievements and new levels as you gradually move towards conquering your child’s fear together.

Find out more at www.virtually-free.com/phobia-free/

Boatability launches at Bisham Abbey The Rivertime Boat Trust is embarking on a new joint venture with Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School called Boatability. The scheme will give non-abled participants the opportunity to participate in physical activity on the water. The Trust currently works with disabled participants to offer them the opportunity for trips on the Thames, in its specially modified river cruiser, at Henley.

Boatability will offer bell boating as a first step before providing the opportunity to go dinghy sailing, rafting, powerboating and kayaking. These sessions will be offered to special needs schools and charities for the disabled. The classes will be solely for disabled groups, which will enable close supervision and allow for the participants to relax, which will in turn help improve skills and abilities.

The scheme is aimed at local, regional and national participants, to allow the site to become a National Centre for Accessible Boating. As well as working with schools and charities, the new venture will look to strike partnerships with various groups and clubs supporting the disabled.

Personal injury solicitors Specialising in a wide range of accidents and injuries, we have been helping accident victims for well over 30 years.

Members of all the relevant specialist panels including the Law Society, Headway and the Spinal Injuries Association.

We hope it never happens to you, but if you do have an accident, call Kim Smerdon Freephone 0800 884 0719 Email advice@claims-personalinjury.com www.boyesturnerclaims.com Let us show you that it really is true ... not all law firms are the same.

Families Mag 2013v2.inddnews 1 Visit us www.familiestvw.co.uk forTVwest theMarlatest Visit now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

PAGE 5 06/02/2013 12:42:49 Thames Valley West

News & Views World Book Day This year’s World Book Day hits the shelves on 6 March, and they need your help! Which books have changed your life? Which books thrill you, scare you, make you laugh? Which books do your children devour again and again?

Nominate your favourites now at www.worldbookday.com World Book Day is the biggest celebration of books anywhere, with millions and millions of book tokens given out, great free books for kids plus events taking place in schools, libraries and bookshops. Don’t miss out – register online to keep up to date with the exciting Big Booky Events and to get your free books.

The perfect gift this Mother’s Day If you are looking for something truly special and unique this Mother’s Day, then look no further than The Little Print Co in Reading. They offer a wide range of personalised keepsakes, including 3D hand and foot casts and raised impressions. The most popular choice for Mums on their special day is finger, hand and foot print jewellery made from pure silver. You could even get your favourite doodle made into a charm! Starting at just £35 there’s no better way to keep your little (and not so little!) ones close to your heart.

Go to www.facebook.com/thelittleprintco for lots more pictures or call Kelly on 0118 975 6382 to book a print appointment.

Mention Families Magazine and you will get 10% discount too!

Thames Valley Museums Did you know that the Thames Valley boasts a greater concentration of museums than anywhere else in the UK outside the capital? Over 70 museums in fact, and a new website, www.thamesvalleymuseums.org, has been set up to encourage us to visit them more often. Some have an international reputation, such as the Ashmolean in Oxford and the River & Rowing Museum in Henley, both of which were rated in the The Times’ top 50 Museums in the world. But there are other gems such as the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, MERL and the Chiltern Open Air Museum that make a great day out. Look out for those with a Family Friendly logo; they offer a relaxed atmosphere and feature activities for adults and children to enjoy together. Many are also running special Easter activities and trails. Turn to our What’s On pages for local museum activities.

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MARCH/APRIL 2014

Mother’s Day

Mothers really do know best!

Mothering Sunday is on 30 March and here at Families we think we should be celebrating the universal wisdom of mothers. Often our advice goes unheeded but we are (nearly) always right. We’ve asked our readers via Twitter and Facebook to share the best advice given by their mothers.

1. My own mother always says, “You shouldn’t need a specific day to celebrate mothers and that mums should be appreciated every day”. This is of course true, but who can resist giving your children the opportunity to present you breakfast in bed with their beautiful homemade gifts and cards, even if the carefully prepared meal usually consists of a cold cup of tea and some soggy cereal on a tray?

2. This one is not for the fainthearted! Karen says that her mother told her she could, “Try anything once”.

There’s nothing wrong with encouraging our children to be adventurous but I might get them to sign a disclaimer with the added caveat of no illegal activity.

3. Lois says, “When I was having a moan about someone, she told me that the faults we most dislike in other people are often

the ones we have ourselves”.

A great bit of maternal advice for any child.

4. Layla May says her Mum used to have: “There are no problems in life, only opportunities.” stuck up on her wall. A good one to remember when your children have scribbled on the furniture, have said no for the 100th time or they have kept you up all night.

5. Thanks to Melissa, owner of Messy Monets, whose mum told her, “You can do anything!”

6. “Take a deep breath and count to 20....” a simple but great bit of advice from the matriarch in Emily’s family.

7. Phoebe’s mum used to convince her to do things that she didn’t want to do by saying, “feel the fear and do it anyway”.

8. Thanks to Nandie, who had a major career change later on in life, for: “It’s never too late. Just go for it. Follow your dreams and if it turns out it’s not for you, try something else.”

9. Nikki, a local Zumbini and Zumba instructor has a great bit of wisdom that was passed

Mother’s Days eventsfamiliestvw.co.uk are listed on page 23 Visit us now at www.

down from her mother in Wales, “Trust your instinct - you know your children better than anyone”.

10. Lastly thanks to Petra, whose mother Janet has come up with my favourite bit of advice: “It’s 5’o’clock somewhere”.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 7

Work/Life Balance 55x70_multiple_Layout 2 27/01/2014 12:08 Page

For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy Earley, Woodley, Caversham, Burghfield, Purley and Arborfield

Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley, Charvil and Twyford

Photo © Frank Gärtner - Fotolia.com

Call Trish on 01189 77 0050 trish.nawacki@madacademy.com

Birthday Parties too!

Call Emma on 0118 979 2695 emma.lelliott@madacademy.com

Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!

Aiming to work flexibly?

Then think carefully before you ask your employer, says Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk This year the right to request flexible working, which has previously only applied to parents and carers, will extend to all employees. Employers can turn down a request on any of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a request.

Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you need.

• Check out what your company’s policy is on flexible working. All companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more innovative in their policy than others and may already have trialled different forms of flexible working such as term-time only working, working from home or annualised hours.

• Be clear about the hours you want to work and how you want to work them, for instance, could you do some of your work at home in order to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time? Or is working full-time and paying full-time childcare uneconomical? Can your partner also go part time so you can split the childcare or picking up times?

• Make a business plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from both your and your employer’s perspective and prepare a compromise solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you go on maternity

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•

• •

•

•

leave rather than a week before you return, even if your situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth.

Talk to other people in your company and elsewhere who have negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and tips.

Put your request in writing to your line manager and sign and date the letter.

Your employer then has 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations.

Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat (this is actually proof that they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you down).

Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the legislation. Try to preempt any concerns they have and suggest ways that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing within 14 days of the meeting.

If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures properly or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out.

If this appeal is not successful, you could lodge a claim with an employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if the decision forces you to leave your job.

Mandy Garner is editor of Workingmums.co.uk, a jobsite and community for working mums. Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find advice on flexible working or starting your own business.

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Dance & Drama

Reasons to take to the stage “Don’t put your daughter on the stage ...” goes the old song, but it couldn’t be more wrong. The performing arts, as well as being great fun, can offer real long-term benefits to both girls and boys.

You only have to watch young children at play - dressing up in their own little makebelieve worlds or jumping around to the beat of the music - to realise that dance and drama come naturally to us all. Indeed research has shown that these types of activity are crucial to physical and social development.

Channelling energy and creativity As we get older we become much more inhibited and this imaginative playfulness becomes lost.

Performing arts classes, however, help to channel this natural energy and movement and encourage children’s physical expression and creativity. Young imaginations can be stimulated and developed all within a safe and fun setting.

Developing social skills

help children with public speaking. Twenty years down the line, they’ll thank you when it comes to addressing a meeting room or interview panel.

Role-playing and improvisation, where being different is positively encouraged, helps youngsters to develop empathy for other people’s feelings.

And shy and reserved children, in particular, can be brought out of their shells, learning new skills to help them deal with their fears and improving their confidence and self-esteem.

Poise and discipline Dance provides a great exercise that also brings other advantages such as coordination, balance, strength and endurance. The poise and confidence gained will pay real dividends throughout life.

There is also a discipline to classes, and a need to follow directions and work with a group that enhances maturity and self-awareness.

Children blossom as they develop their singing, dancing and acting abilities but they are also learning a whole range of social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives - how to communicate effectively, present themselves professionally and respond appropriately to constructive discipline.

Performing in front of an audience, for instance, can Costume by www.performplay.co.uk

Choosing a class There are dance and drama sessions to suit all ages and abilities, so why not start by taking a look at some of the great classes listed on these pages? You’ll find lots more on our website at www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes

You’ll find lots more news about local classes at

www.familiestvw.co.uk/clubnews

It could be the start of a whole new adventure for your child!

KEEP ON DANCING!

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Learnusabout dance styles – www.familiestvw.co.uk/dancetypes Visit now atdifferent www. familiestvw.co.uk

Thames Valley West

PAGE 9

Dance & Drama

CLASS ROUND-UP Berkshire ARTs Academy A��r� ��n���g ��s�� ��a��e� ��r ���i�� � ��u�� ��i��r�� NEWBURY,

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READING

BRACKNELL

BARTA students are no strangers to the world of performing arts with credits including Matilda, Oliver, HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones, numerous TV shows, films and many performances with local theatre companies including musicals, plays and pantomimes.

Don’t miss their talented bunch of youngsters take to the stage in eight fantastic splurge-filled performances of Bugsy Malone at South Hill Park, Bracknell between 29 May and 1 June. Tickets are on sale now from SHPs box office, 01344 484123 www.southhillpark.org.uk Do you know a child that loves to perform? Why not register them for a free trial at one of BARTA’s schools running Saturday afternoons or after school on Tuesdays and Fridays. Call Sally on 07825 558757 or email mail@berkshireartsacademy.com www.berkshireartsacademy.com

CAVERSHAM

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A fantastic introduction SOTA SAPPHIRES: 5-6 yrs to performing arts.

SOTA SCHOOL: 7-16 yrs

3x hrs of dance, singing & acting masterclasses

We also offer ISTD Modern, Tap & Ballet & LAMDA Acting Exams gaining pupils valuable UCAS points.

OUTSTANDING DANCE, SINGING & DRAMA TRAINING

Tel: 07833 221135 Email: enrol@sota.uk.com

Book online: www.sota.uk.com

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Thames Valley West

StageAbility StageAbility offers high-energy, after-school drama classes for children aged 5 and above.

Classes are for the budding superstar as well as those who need to build confidence and increase their self-esteem. There is no pressure to perform - shows and diplomas are optional and are run outside of the main class.

The StageAbility format means that youngsters never gets bored, can’t wait to get to class and develop a cross-section of life skills such as teamwork, confidence, clarity and self- discipline, exploring all the disciplines of theatre.

Why not join them for a Free Trial Class. No pressure, just lots of fun with like-minded friends. Find out more at www.berkshire. stageability.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Dance & Drama

Stagecoach Wokingham This term saw 15 students from Stagecoach Wokingham hit the West End theatre, Her Majesty’s (home of Phantom of the Opera) with their performance of Generation NXT - a street dance/ theatre piece based around their own ideas of youth culture today. The troupe had been rehearsing with their teachers Claire, Fay and Kim for weeks before hitting the big stage along with 10 other Stagecoach schools from around the country. The students were completely professional and outstanding as always.

For more information on Stagecoach Wokingham opportunities, give Claire a call on 0118 371 2998.

Shine Performing Arts

Shine Performing Arts goes from strength to strength. Children performed The Pantomime Remix to their largest audience yet.

The show was devised by the children and written by Nicole Davis, actress/writer for CBeebies. She told us: “I took the children’s ideas and created a bespoke short play incorporating panto stories, pop songs and street dance. I know each child well, so I wrote characters to suit them and their individual goals. They were fabulous!”

Shine develops communication skills through dance, music and drama in Reading, every Saturday from 10am-1pm for 4-11 year olds.

“So proud that my daughter is part of the SHINE family.

Everyone’s talent shines through and there is a welcoming and positive Vibe.” M. Pounds Book your Free Trial now by calling 07912 289 777 or visit www.shineperformingarts.co.uk

kids who love to ACT! * Tilehurst * Wokingham * Lower Earley * Burghfield * Email jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk for full information pack and an invitation to try a class FREE! T: 0118 933 3791 W: berkshire.stageability.co.uk

Perform drama, dance and singing workshops are delighted to announce that they are opening a brand new branch in Newbury on a Saturday Morning from Easter. Perform helps children develop confidence, communication, coordination and concentration skills whilst being the best fun of the week.

To take advantage of a special reader offer please call 0845 400 4000 to book your child’s Free Trial Lesson. And if your child would like to continue then you can claim a special £40 discount on your child’s first ten sessions, just quote FAMI010514. www.perform.org.uk

SOUTH HILL PARK

Inspiring, high-energy drama classes for

New classes for Perform Newbury

ACADEMY (BA SHIRE ARTS RTA) BERK

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29TH MAY – 1ST JUNE 2014

Lots of more classes at www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes

Thames Valley West

PAGE 11

Education

School News Berkshire’s best kept secret For over twenty years Meadowbrook Montessori has been providing a truly child-centred approach to education; one in which, despite high academic expectations, the ‘whole child’ is considered important. The Montessori philosophy of providing an ‘education for life’ remains intact and careful planning and assessment enables staff to individually follow the needs of each child between the ages of 3 and 11 years.

To allow younger children to benefit from Montessori schooling, new afternoon sessions for 2 year-olds are planned. The school has also recently pulled out of the Government’s free entitlement scheme due to the financial limitations imposed on funded schools. By doing so, Meadowbrook is able to keep its long standing cohort of exceptional teaching staff rather than replacing them with lower paid child care workers.

Meadowbrook enjoys purpose built facilities and a relaxed family atmosphere. After the pure Montessori practice of the pre-primary department, children move on to a unique hybrid primary curriculum which encompasses the best of The National Curriculum and Montessori Programme of study. The application of Positive Discipline© is also unique to Meadowbrook and enhances personal and social development as well as behaviour and work ethic.

From weekly parent and toddler sessions through to graduating successfully at 11, Meadowbrook families benefit from a seamless education - safe in the knowledge that children are not only being treasured but are also prepared fully for the next step.

A longer version of this article can be found at www.familiestvw.co.uk/meadowbrook

Glowing report for the Oratory Prep The Good Schools Guide last year described the Oratory Prep as a “vibrant, welcoming community” and this was re-affirmed by a recent ISI inspection where the pupils overall achievement and personal, spiritual, moral and social development was classed as excellent and where pupils’ attainment was judged to be excellent in relation to national age-related expectations.

This was all good news and in particular, the comments made about their EYFS setting where a newly built woodland nursery (pictured) has just opened for boys and girls between 2-4 years old and where children are “highly motivated and participate enthusiastically in all learning experiences”.

Find out for yourself what the Oratory Prep has to offer your child at their next Open Morning on 8 March between 10am and 12.30pm.

Email office@oratoryprep.co.uk to book your place.

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Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Education Top 100 for Waverley Waverley Preparatory School and Nursery in Finchampstead has been placed 55th nationally in this year’s prestigious Times Top 100 Prep Schools.

Waverley is an independent, non-selective school which teaches from nursery through to year six. It provides a rounded education with an emphasis on sports, drama, music and the arts as well as academic success. Scholarships are offered to both academically gifted children and those who have talent in performing arts.

Head Teacher, Tammy Howard said: “The Times Top 100 tables are based on the percentage of pupils reaching level 5 (above National expectations) unlike the main state school tables. Last year we were placed at 66th and we are delighted to have risen to 55th place this year. We were also so pleased with how well our pupils are still performing at level 6 which is just exceptional.”

For more information about the school visit www.waverleyschool.co.uk

Catholic independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13

“The Oratory Prep is a vibrant, welcoming community” Good Schools Guide 2013

Open Morning 2014 Saturday 8 March, 10.00am - 12.30pm Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire, RG8 7SF tel: 0118 984 4511 email: office@oratoryprep.co.uk website: www.oratoryprep.co.uk

Labels4Kids Labels4Kids can cater for any of your requirements after the closure of Cash’s name tapes. The new website includes the introduction of the snappy school pack, containing snap on tags and vinyl labels. The advantage of vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags and snap on snappy tags etched with a name. Snappy tags have the added benefit of being removable and reusable. Other new lines include personalised TSA luggage straps with security locks and sew on labels with pre-sealed edges to stop fraying.

Sign up for the newsletter for updates and offers right to your inbox.

You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids facebook page for competitions and more offers.

Families customers get 10% discount with the code ‘families’ at the checkout, so go to www.labels4kids.com/fam and buy today! Be prepared for next year before the rush.

The independent day school in Reading for girls aged 3–18

Teachers’ pay could skyrocket A new performance-related system of pay for teachers could see their salaries rise to £70,000 within 5 years of qualifying, according to a report by thinktank Policy Exchange. Under a new time-based system the best performing teachers could earn higher wages in a shorter period of time, although Policy Exchange does recommend that evaluations should be based on several measures, not just test or exam scores.

‘We want to treat teachers like professionals,’ says Jonathan Simons, head of education at Policy Exchange. ‘Teaching is one of the most important jobs in this country. Yet for too long we have been running systems that seem to suggest exactly the opposite - treating teachers the same in how we recruit, train, develop, appraise and pay them, regardless of their performance.’ However Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union which fiercely opposes the scheme, is concerned that however hard a teacher works and however well they perform, there is no guarantee of any pay progression. The good news is that this new Government scheme could attract more graduates to the profession, driving up the quality of teaching in schools across the country.

Join us for an Open Morning where our girls will show you around and tell you why they love their school

Senior School Open Morning Friday 2 May 9.00 - 10.30am

Junior School & Nursery Open Morning Friday 9 May 9.15 - 11.00am

For times of Head’s talks and for more information please visit our website. For enquiries contact Admissions on 0118 987 2256 or email admissions@theabbey.co.uk

www.theabbey.co.uk

More on education at www.familiestvw.co.uk/education

Thames Valley West

PAGE 13

Education

What is a Prep school?

Traditionally a preparatory school was where children went to ‘prepare’ to go to one of the major British public schools, such as Eton and Harrow, working up to them sitting the Common Entrance exam at 13. However, while that picture still exists in some cases, the situation now varies widely.

Broadly, there are two kinds of prep school – one where the children leave at 11, perhaps after an 11+ exam, and one where the children sit the Common Entrance exam then leave at 13.

In some cases youngsters attend a prep school until they reach their 11+ exam and then transfer to a local (state) grammar school. The smaller classes and more focused attention in a prep school can improve their chances. This is particularly appealing to parents who think their child won’t get what they require from the nearby state primaries.

Traditionally boys attended prep schools up to age 13, either to sit the Common Entrance exam (part of the admissions process for academically selective secondary schools) and then to move on elsewhere or to graduate to the attached senior school almost automatically. However, girls as well as boys now attend prep school on this basis as across the board the trend is to move from singlesex education to co-ed.

But it isn’t just about the exams, in both cases the prep schools can provide far more, including a

wide range of sports and more specialised subjects, such as Latin, the pupils will need as they move through their education.

Julie Robinson, a former prep school head and Education and Training Director at the Independent Association of Prep Schools said: “They say the independent sector seems to bring a set of high expectations: a huge amount of time invested in pastoral support and personal development for the children, excellent facilities and a focus on learning.

“Parents believe their investment in fees is an investment in their children’s future.”

However, the range of places to invest and ways to ensure the best for your children is enormous. At first glance the decision about whether or not to use a prep school and, indeed, which one is best can seem bewildering.

There are more than 1,000 prep schools in the UK taking children to 11 and 13, traditionally they are boarding schools but nowadays many parents chose to send their children daily. Equally some prep schools will be part of ‘all-through’ schools catering for from the age of three up to 18 and some will be attached to a senior school.

Some prep schools adhere to the National Curriculum but they are not bound to, which can give them freedom to offer a broader and more varied curriculum that isn’t burdened by tests.

There isn’t always an entrance exam for prep schools, in many cases the school will just want to interview you and your child, perhaps inviting him or her to spend a ‘taster’ session in class. This also allows teaching staff to observe how your child fits in.

BEARWOOD COLLEGE

The decision is easier when you look to the end destination – the senior school – and work backwards. Your decision will be narrowed by considering if there is a school attached to your preferred secondary and what kinds of criteria they use to select pupils.

Ask yourself the following questions: • Does the school fit the basic requirements of you and your child in terms of gender, day and/ or boarding, religious denomination, curriculum and location?

• Does it meet your educational objectives in terms of offering the exams your child will need to sit?

• Will your child be happy there? Do you get good feedback from other parents and children?

• Does the school get a good report? How are the exam results, the general atmosphere and the teaching quality?

• Do you like the ethos of the school? It’s usually very clear and follows strong leadership from the Head.

• What is the teaching and staff turnover like?

• What is the curriculum?

• How big are the classes?

• What is the school’s approach to discipline and rules?

• What did the most recent inspection report say?

• What are the pastoral care facilities like?

• Does the school offer the facilities you would like to see, such as for sport, music or drama?

• Is there a wide-enough range of extra curricular activities?

• Does the school give value for money for what you want? Be careful to take extras into account.

Senior School at Work: Wed 5 March 9.15am Whole School Family Open Day: Sat 10 May 10am -12pm

Personal tours available at your convenience, please call Nursery 0118 977 3912, Prep 0118 989 2562 or Senior 0118 974 8300 Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5BG www.bearwoodcollege.co.uk

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Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Photo courtesy Dunnes Stores

Ellen Arnison tells us about prep schools and how to choose the right one.

Parenting

Stop feeling guilty…

Abi Foss says our biggest mothering mistake is believing that we shouldn’t be making any.

Nothing prepares you for first time motherhood does it? There is a life BC (before children), and an utterly different kind of existence afterwards; one where you are never top priority anymore, where your life revolves around others’ scheduled needs: nap times, school times, meal times, milk times, bath times, bed times. Yes, you are now in service to the next generation.

For the rest of your life, you will probably find something about your children to worry about, no matter what age they are.

Fake it till you make it There is this crazy assumption that when motherhood hits, we will somehow, intuitively know what to do; it will all just flow naturally.

The reality, I think, goes more like this: we hit the ground running, muddle through and do the best we can. And it is, as they say, just one thing after another. Once we have the routine and sleeping through the night thing nailed, then we have the joys of encouraging them to eat healthily, along with the Herculean challenges of boundary setting. After the umpteenth request to ‘please, do NOT leave your rollerskates at the bottom of the stairs,’ or ‘no, it is not OK to chew on your baby brother’s ear,’ is it any wonder we start sounding like our own frustrated parents when we yell: ‘If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times... Why don’t you LISTEN??’

Angels in training Mothers aren’t supposed to shout or be cross or tear their hair out or cry and scream with frustration, are we? Especially not in supermarkets. We’re supposed to be sweet and kind and giving and patient and perfect with angelic supplies of unconditional love. We’re not supposed to park them in front of CBeebies for the morning and go back to bed nursing a hangover. No. We must provide educational activities, bake cakes, rustle up fancy dress costumes out of remnants in the recycling box, present a clean and tidy house, organise schooling, lay proper meals on the table and, often, hold down a job and even a marriage too.

But we can’t and we don’t. And we feel guilty about it.

The best advice I ever heard about mothering went something like this: ‘Look, you have to accept that you are going to get it wrong. You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. It is the only way you learn. So the best thing you can do is just resolve to love your children as much as you possibly can.’ My rules are that I always apologise for my appalling behaviour and then tell my son I love him. Our biggest mothering mistake really, is believing we shouldn’t be making any.

I have a little sign in my kitchen that reads: ‘mothers are angels in training’. Feeling guilty is how we punish ourselves for not reaching impossibly high standards. I don’t know any mother who thinks she ticks all the ‘perfect

mother’ boxes. And you know what? Maybe we are right. Maybe, we weren’t even designed to meet every single one of our children’s needs.

Tribal Heart There is an African saying that goes: ‘It takes a whole village to raise a baby.’ In her book ‘The Spirit of Intimacy’, Sobonfu Some, a woman from the Dagara tribe of West Africa, says that it is also true that it takes a whole village to keep parents sane. In fact, it was not until she was nearly six years old that she understood that she came out of one particular woman’s womb, that she did not biologically ‘belong’ to all of the women in her village who breastfed and cared for her.

We would do well to remember that one-toone parenting is a pretty recent evolution in our species. Back in the day there would be aunties, sisters, cousins, neighbours and grandmothers all on hand for mass childcare duties. Sobonfu insists that if a child has a problem that their parents can’t sort out, he or she needs to have

More parenting articles at www.familiestvw.co.uk/parenting

other adults to turn to. If nothing else, there is a much better chance the child will actually listen to sage advice. Let’s face it: children just don’t like having to listen to their parents. (I mean, did you?

I certainly didn’t!)

Hang up your halo ‘Motherhood,’ Oprah once said, ‘is the hardest job in the world. Women everywhere must declare it so.’ In my opinion, it is also the most undervalued, the most rewarding and the most important job in the world too. Hey, we’re at the coalface of building the foundations – the veritable bedrock – of society here. Let’s hang up our halos and, through example, teach our children that we are all on a lifelong learning curve, that we are all lovable despite our imperfections. That, in itself, is a great education.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist who writes about all things holistic and spiritual. www.abifoss.co.uk Thames Valley West

PAGE 15

DRAMA

FACTORY

Holiday Fun! There are lots of camps, courses and workshops running over the school break. We’ve listed a few of our favourites below and you’ll find lots more at www.familiestvw.co.uk/eastercamps

Classes available aCross berkshire & oxfordshire Ages 4-18

www.berzerkProductions.com 07863 734 830 | enquiries@berzerkproductions.com

Britain’s leading physical play programme for babies and children from 6 months to 7 years

Barracudas Activity Day Camps at The Holt School,

Wokingham is running from 7-17 April. For 4½-16yrs, the camp offers a varied choice of FUN and exciting activities including archery, motor sports, fencing, football, art & crafts, dance and circus skills to name a few! They offer FUN at a FAIR price and the great option to use childcare vouchers as payment. The camp runs from 8.30am-5.30pm with 8am-6pm extended day available. 0845 123 5299, www.barracudas.co.uk

FREE TRIAL SESSIONS AVAILABLE

Alekhya Art Classes since 2007

Drawing and Painting lessons for children aged 4-19 years by a professional Artist.

New in Wokingham

shalinib@gmail.com

01628 634418 07896 165819

www.alekhyaartclasses.wix.com/maidenhead

KOOSA Kids Affordable,

Ofsted approved childcare throughout the Easter holidays.

With over 350 activities on offer for 4-13 year olds, your child is sure to have a fun packed day with KOOSA Kids! Clubs running at Waingel’s College in Woodley, and in Bracknell at Birch Hill Primary and Meadow Vale Primary from 7th – 18th April. Standard Day 10am-4pm, Extended Days from 8.15am6pm. Fantastic low prices from £18.75, 8% discount when booking full week, 3rd child goes free. www.koosakids. co.uk 0845 0942322 info@koosakids.co.uk

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club in Woodley has holiday

sessions for children from walking to 12yrs from 10am-2.30pm on Tuesdays 8 and 15 April. £6.50 per hour session, £12 for two hours. 0118 926 3686, admin@ bulmershegymnastics.co.uk www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

The Apollo Holiday Care Club, close to Reading town

centre is open from 7-17 April for 4-11yrs. 8.30am-5.30pm. £16 full day, £8 half day. Childcare vouchers accepted. Need to bring packed lunch. Activities include cooking, drama, special trips and arts & crafts. 0118 916 8416, www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk

Dramatix Productions are

running a performance Easter school from 14-17 April 10am-4pm (6pm on Friday) at Cranford House in Moulsford for 6-16yrs which includes acting, singing, musical theatre, master classes and a showcase for parents on Friday at

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Thames Valley West

5.30-6pm. £125, sibling discounts.

To book contact Janine Pegg at janine@dramatixproductions. co.uk 07886 918 492, www.dramatixproductions.co.uk

Eddie Catz Newbury is

Contact Helen Davey for more details 0118 973 6711 helen.davey@tumbletots.com www.tumbletots.com/reading

Explore Learning

running a range of workshops over the holidays including science experiments, arts&crafts and a family fun day. Individual events are listed in our What’s On pages. 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com

Explore Learning, who provide

Maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds, are offering free interactive maths and literacy workshops on 15 April at all their centres including the one in Sainsburys at Calcot, Reading.

Spaces are limited so book your place now. 0118 942 4002, www.explorelearning.co.uk

Star Hotshots Multi Activity Sports Camps run at St Joseph’s

College, Reading and Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning staffed by qualified PE teachers. For ages 4-10yrs there are games and activities to develop sports skills plus sport specific sessions, including swimming. Ages 11-14yrs can enjoy a variety of new sports such as Archery, Global VX, Golf, Handball, Street Dance, Street Surfing, Taekwondo, Tchoukball and Trampolining. 8am-6pm. OFSTED registered. 0845 301 0450, www.star-hotshots.co.uk

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club runs

at Ark House, School Rd, Padworth Common, RG7 4JA from 4-17 April for 5-11yrs. Enjoy woodland adventures, animal care, quad biking, trampolining, football, team challenges, arts, crafts and much more. 8am-6pm. Full or half days available. Book and pay online. 0118 983 4108, www.jubileejets.co.uk

Kids’n’Action will be running various Easter themed activities throughout the holidays, such as egg hunts, face painting, arts and crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny!

More details will be announced nearer the time via their Facebook page so for more information please visit www.facebook.com/ kidsandaction

The Multi-Activity Centre at Dinton Pastures near Hurst has 4 and 5-day sailing and paddlepower courses. Wild Days, multi-activity days offering sailing, rock climbing, map reading, raft building and other adventurous activities, are also running from 7-17 April. 9.30am-4.30pm, suitable for 8+yrs. 25% discount for members. 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Reading Between the Lines is holding a musical theatre workshop at South Street Arts Centre in Reading from 7-9 April based on Toy Story for 4-8yrs, 1.30pm-4.30pm, £47. 0118 960 6060, www. readingbetweenthelines.co.uk Reading FC has various soccer schools running between 7-17 April for boys and girls aged 5-14yrs, including goalkeeping courses. Locations include the Dome at the Madejski Stadium; the Goals Centre in Woodley; Henwick Playing Fields in Thatcham; Palmer Park, Reading; and Church Crookham.

0118 968 1460, www.readingfc. co.uk/club/community

Rivermead Leisure Centre is running a Holiday Play Scheme for over 8’s, from 7-11 April and 14-17 April, 8.30am- 6pm. If you book before 1 April and Quote ‘Families Magazine’ you can book for 2013 prices - just £17 per day. Drop in sessions are available daily; for more information and to book call 0118 901 5008.

South Hill Park in Bracknell offers 8-16year olds the opportunity to appear in the SHP Easter show Just So. No experience necessary just lots of enthusiasm. Rehearse at the week-long performance school, then perform over the Easter weekend on the Wilde Theatre. £160, sibling discount and bursaries available. 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk StageAbility Stage School is running Drama workshops over the Easter holidays in Wokingham and Burghfield. They are guaranteed to be high-energy and fun. For details see the website or call. 0118 933 3791, www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Easter Activities Super Camps are running Multiactivity Camps from 7-17 April at Trinity School, Newbury and Hurst Lodge School in Ascot. These offer over 40 different sports, arts and crafts activities for 4-14yrs, from archery to quad bikes.

RAW Adventure camps for 7-14yrs are also running at Hurst Lodge School from 14-17 April, offering the chance to learn outdoor survival skills. All camps offer optional extended hours from 8am-6pm. 01235 467 300, www.supercamps.co.uk Waverley School Holiday Club based at Waverley School

in Finchampstead is open from 7-22 April for 3-11yrs. Themed weeks with arts, crafts, cooking, sports, dance, music and more. 8am-6pm, half days available. 07557 379591/ 0118 973 1121, www.waverleyschool.co.uk

SuperCamps for all ages

MuseumWorkshops The Museum of English Rural Life Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl 9 April Decoupage Egg Cups - be inspired by the Museum’s intriguing egg-related artefacts and then decorate your own egg cup using decoupage techniques, for 4+yrs, 10-11.30am, 11.30am-1pm, 2-3.30pm, £3, please book; 10 April Rag Easter Basket Weaving - explore some of the beautiful baskets in the Museum’s collection and, using material, weave your own, 3+yrs, £3, 10-11.30am, 11.30am-1pm, 2-3.30pm, please book; 11 April Bird’s Nest Making - come and get messy making a nest from tissue paper, yarn and glue, for 2+yrs, £2, drop in between 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm; 16 April Peppermint Cream Eggs - mix, shape and decorate some tasty peppermint cream Easter treats with artist Alison Quinn, for 3+yrs, £3, drop in between 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm. See page 23 for other activities at the museum.

The River & Rowing Museum Henley, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Workshops cost £8.50 per child and must be booked in advance. 8 April Pom Pom Ratty - learn the skill of making pom poms which can then be turned into a water vole in his burrow, ages 4-7yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm; 9 April Taylor Tug’s Holiday Happenings - join Taylor Tug for lots of creative Easter fun, make, sing and play for ages 18 months-5yrs, 11am-12.30pm; 16 April Sweetie Shower Party Piñata - it’s raining sweets from a party piñata based on a mascot from a rowing club, for 4-7yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm

T H E I R

HOLIDAY ADVENTURE

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Reading Museum Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Photo courtesy Reading Museum

Most activities are themed to mark the Museum’s exhibition Reading at War. 8 April Dig for Victory: Grow your Own Seeds - create your own recycled paper pots and plant some seeds to help beat rationing, 5+yrs, £3, 1-hour drop in sessions for families starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm; 8 April Second World War Schoolroom Experience - a special wartime version of the Museum’s schoolroom experience, ages 5+, 11.30am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm, £1, drop in but arrive early as places limited; 9 April Wartime Toys - get creative to make your own toy from recycled materials, £1, drop in half-hour sessions for families between 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.303.30pm; 15 April Make Do and Mend: Easter Egg Cosies - celebrate Easter by making your own bright felt egg cosy, 5+yrs, £3, drop in 1-hour sessions for families starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm; 16 April Rabbit or Chick Easter Hats - create a modern version of the Easter bonnet, 50p, half hour drop-in sessions for families between 10am–12noon & 1pm–3pm; 17 April Whizz, Bang, Wallop! - create some fun experiments with everyday materials, including bubble printing and making cornflour gloop and foaming monsters, 2-hour sessions for 7+yrs at 10am & 1pm. £7, please book.

Indoor and outdoor fun for 5-11 year olds.

FOR EASTER!

Friday 4th to Thursday 17th April

www.jubileejets.co.uk February Half Term booked out fast!

Don’t miss out.

info@jubileejets.co.uk | 0118 983 4018 Ark House, School Road, Padworth, RG7 4JA

Classified

REME Museum of Technology Arborfield, RG2 9NH, 0118 976 3375, www.rememuseum.org.uk 8 April Eggstravaganza Egg Painting workshops - fun and messy workshops, suitable for 4-10yrs; 15 April Kit Bag workshops - explore the uniforms REME soldiers have used over the years, for 3-8yrs; 16 April Flight workshops - planes, helicopters and parachutes are all a part of this workshop for 7-12yrs. Workshops are free with admission charge and can be pre-booked.

FDA approved, nonallergenic materials.

Experienced, friendly & reliable service.

07505 104 376 www.facesbysarahmaie.co.uk

Lots more Easter camps at www.familiestvw.co.uk/eastercamps

Thames Valley West

PAGE 17

Childcare

Choosing your childcare

Photo © mickyso – Fotolia.com

Childcare costs are increasing – but it’s quality that matters the most for any parent.

Joanna Moorhead looks at which option might suit you best, plus what’s new in 2014.

According to a recent survey from findababysitter. com, childcare costs are soaring – up by 19% over the last year. Every parent knows that what matters most about any sort of childcare is its quality – it’s vital that your child is safe, happy and in a stimulating environment while you’re at work – but the money matters too. So what are the factors you need to take into account when you’re choosing childcare in readiness for returning to work?

A nanny might suit you if...

• You’re a reasonably high earner – nannies can be expensive, though they’re a lot more affordable if you share them with another family. As well as basic pay, there are a lot of extras to be aware of when you employ a nanny – particularly her tax, which you are required to pay, but also car insurance if she’s driving your car, and the costs of all the outings and visits your child is taken on.

• You work irregular hours. That’s because you can pay a nanny to work the hours you work, whereas a nursery or childminder will be less flexible about time.

• You have two or more children, or have one baby and hope to have another very soon, because you will pay your nanny for her

time, not for the number of children she’s looking after.

• You have quite rigorous ideas about, for example, the food you want your child to eat, and the schedule you want for his or her day.

You can be a lot more prescriptive as a parent

Organisations offering advice and information on childcare include: • Childcare.co.uk is an online social networking platform for parents, childcare providers and private tutors. www.childcare.co.uk • The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with a helpful bank of information for parents. www.familyandchildcaretrust.org • The Pre-school Learning Alliance is England’s largest early years membership organisation. www.pre-school.org.uk • Working Families aims to help parents and carers achieve a work-life balance. www.workingfamilies.org.uk

with a nanny than you can with a nursery or childminder, where your child will have to fit into a pre-existing schedule established by the institution or minder.

A childminder might suit you if...

• You work part-time or are not a high earner (childminders are usually the cheapest or, as many would prefer to put it, the best-value option).

• You have two or more children and would like them to see a lot of each other through the day.

• You like the idea of another mother caring for your child – most childminders are mothers themselves.

A nursery might suit you if...

• You have an only child or this is your youngest child and you are unlikely to have more in the near future – because a nursery will give him or her plenty of opportunities to play with other children.

• Your child is not a small baby, and so may benefit particularly from the organised activities a nursery can offer.

• You like the idea of a setting where events are regulated in a way that involves a lot of carers, rather than just one.

Do you feel a sense of frustration or failure surrounding any aspect of giving birth?

Do you feel helpless, guilty, alone or overwhelmed by motherhood?

I help mums to feel valued, acknowledged, manage their expectations and recognize their self-­‐worth Catherine@hopebirthandbeyond.co.uk

07811 907911

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Thames Valley West

www.hopebirthandbeyond.co.uk www.facebook/HopeBirthandBeyond

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Childcare

What’s New? Childcare is always a political hot potato – and with a General Election looming in just over a year’s time, politicians are saying more and doing more about it.

Here’s what’s new on the childcare horizon: • From September this year, more two-year-olds will be offered 15 hours of free childcare each week, because the eligibility criteria are being expanded. See your local authority website for more information – they’ll be publishing full details of who’s eligible and how to find a place.

• Free universal childcare for all pre-school children is being promised

by Labour in their election manifesto. If they’re elected to power next time round, the Labour leadership is likely to make a dramatic announcement about the way childcare will be organised in Britain in the coming years.

• The new tax-free childcare scheme comes into effect from 2015.

Parents will be able to claim 20% of the cost of registered childcare up to £1,200 per child per year.

Both parents must be working to qualify, or a single parent must be in employment.

• Last year’s report from the Department of Education that proposed making changes to the child to staff ratios in nurseries and for childminders was shelved after the Liberal Democrats objected, but the government has

consulted on relaxing ratios and quality criteria for out-of-school childcare with the aim of making it easier for schools to offer provision. At the moment the issue is with the Department for Education, and an announcement is expected soon.

Photo © Dmitri Maruta – Fotolia.com

• Under the Children and Families Bill, currently going through Parliament, Ofsted will be made ‘the sole arbiter of quality’. This means that local authorities will not be able to impose their own quality conditions on providers who offer childcare under the existing scheme offering free places for three and four year olds (provided these providers are not rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted).

Some parents will see this as a good thing, as it could lead to a wider choice of providers; or they might see it as a bad thing, as local authorities will be able to do less to force childcarers to improve their services.

variableNot-

We're having a Ball!

Making Music Magic!

For babies & pre-schoolers

For details and availability call: 0118 328 23 21 (Little Kickers Reading & Wokingham)

or email the team at nempson@littlekickers.co.uk

Bracknell, Wokingham & Crowthorne Contact Liz 07985 935662, liz@hartbeeps.com Henley Contact Anna 07887 571375, anna@hartbeeps.com

www.hartbeeps.com

Classes in Winnersh, Woodley, Reading, Tilehurst, Caversham, Wokingham & Crowthorne. Classes run throughout the week and weekends, mornings and afternoons.

01628 526 584 (Little Kickers Maidenhead) or email Ben at bevans@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Marlow & Henley-onThames. Classes run during the week and weekends, mornings and afternoons.

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Find a nursery at www.familiestvw.co.uk/nurseries

Thames Valley West

PAGE 19

www.harrisonclinic.co.uk

Osteopathy Physiotherapy Acupuncture Cranial Osteopathy Sports Massage Nutritional Consultancy

Exceptional care in a friendly, relaxed environment 0118 976 2253

How to choose your child’s nursery

Bridge Farm, Farley Farms, Reading Road, Arborfield,Reading, RG2 9HT

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve to make for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know?

Joanna Moorhead shares some tips.

Over 22 years’ experience in complete childcare and education Treetops Nursery, Henley 01491 413336

Cookham Dean Nursery 01628 481401

Beeches Nursery, Burnham 01628 603800

Forest Lodge Nursery, Ascot 01344 877533

Sunninghill Nursery 01344 875179

Little Willows Nursery, Flackwell Heath 01628 532738

William Street Nursery, Windsor Willow Tree Nursery, Flackwell Heath 01753 851002 01628 533445

www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk

Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or the area where you work). Look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising.

Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re

Photo © Maygutyak – Fotolia.com

Countryside Nurseries

There are all sorts of different nurseries out there and choosing one can seem very daunting. But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

going to miss something vital.

Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

Baby Sensations Baby Sensations is a small independent Berkshire company offering Baby Massage classes and Sensory sessions.

For more details find us on facebook or visit www.babysensations.co.uk

0118 935 3759 or 07738 566 646 E-mail info@babysensations.co.uk

PAGE 20

Thames Valley West

Children’s Party Planners www.popinparties.co.uk

• Bear Making Parties • Fabric Painting Parties • Theme Parties Visit our website for current prices. or call us on 07764 849828 or e-mail: popinparties@tiscali.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2014

What‘s On

We take great care in compiling these listings but please always contact the venue in advance to check details are correct.

Diary Dates Ongoing events Every Friday during term time – TODDLER TIME at The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Rhymes, songs or craft activities based on objects in the museum collection or garden. 10-11am. For families with children 2-4yrs. £2, drop in.

Weekends and school holidays – THE BOGGLING BRAIN SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, www. bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre The show that investigates how the human brain works, including memory, imagination, and optical illusions.

Participants will have to think fast as their reactions are tested in special brain games. Suitable for 4+yrs. Additional fee.

Shows throughout the day, subject to minimum numbers.

Weekly – BIG SCREAM, TODDLER TIME & KID’S CLUBS at

The Regal Picturehouse Cinema, Henley, 0871 902 5738, www.picturehouses.co.uk/Henley Big Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11am exclusively for parents with babies under 1yr so you can catch the latest film releases and includes a free coffee and brioche. For pre-school children, Toddler Time Tuesdays at 11am offers special 30-minute shows designed to introduce little ones to the big screen followed by activities. For the older ones there's Kid's Club every Saturday showing a classic film at 11am plus pre-screening activities.

March Weekends during March – WILD & WACKY ENTERTAINERS at Odds Farm Park, 01628 520188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk The crazy entertainers return to Odds Farm Park with a mix of magic, fun, entertainment and more with performances throughout the day. Free with entrance fee.

1 March – GREATWOOD CHARITY RACEDAY at The Racecourse Newbury, RG14 7NZ, 01635 40015, www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk Alongside some of the season’s best Jump racing, enjoy an equestrian themed raceday in aid of the racehorse rehabilitation charity, Greatwood. Gates open at 11.30am with first race at 1.30pm.

1-2 March – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Ride behind ‘Thomas’, see the Troublesome Trucks in action, find out about Duck’s Dilemma and meet Diesel and the Fat Controller. Plus a variety of children’s entertainment including magic shows, Punch & Judy, balloon modelling and a circus workshop. 10am-5pm, with entrance from 9.30am. Tickets: £12, child £10, family (2+2) £39. Tickets available on the day or book in advance either online or by phone.

1-2 March – ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 5218 218, www.cornexchangenew.com Dinosaur Zoo brings prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before. Observe and interact with amazing lifelike dinosaurs, from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, in this

entertaining and imaginative live show for 3+yrs. Tickets: £12.50, front row £15.

3-4 March – THE GRUFFALO at The Hexagon, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake. Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? An ideal introduction to theatre for 3+yrs with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun.

3-15 March – HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL at various venues around

Henley, www.hyf.org.uk A varied programme on the theme of ‘Heroes’ which includes performance arts, sports, competitions, events and workshops. Lots of free workshops on offer including Story time, judo, Taekwondo, ukelele playing, choral singing, arts & crafts, fencing, Disco Divas & Dudes and cricket, plus lots more. Visit the website to find out more and to book.

5-28 March – LITTLE EXPLORERS JUNGLE ADVENTURE at

various Wokingham Libraries, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Crocodile tales and crafts for the under 5s, just drop-in. 10.30-11.15am unless stated. £1.50 charge.

5 March Wokingham Library; 7 March Lower Earley Library; 12 March Woodley Library; 13 March Spencers Wood Library; 19 March Winnersh Library 10.15-11am; 22 March Maiden Erlegh Library 11-11.30am; 26 March Wargrave Library; 28 March Twyford Library.

8 March – DAVID WOOD: THE GINGERBREAD MAN at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635 46044, www.watermill.org.uk A storytelling with magic, music and audience participation of David’s famous tale featuring Herr Von Cuckoo, Mr Salt, Miss Pepper, the Old (Tea) Bag, the ever hungry Sleek the Mouse and, of course, The Gingerbread Man. 11am. Tickets: £6.

8 March – POSITIVE DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME at Meadowbrook Montessori, Malt Hill, Warfield, RG42 6JQ, www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Saturday workshop that focuses on the everyday challenges of raising children and the importance of understanding age appropriate behaviour as well as teaching non-punitive discipline strategies. Details and a registration form can be downloaded from the website. 10am-3pm.

11-15 March – HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN at

The Hexagon, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Can you beat battling Boudicca? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Can King Charles keep his head? All this and lots more in this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in.

13 March & every 2nd Thursday in month – STAY & PLAY SESSION at Charvil Pre-School Find out more about the Pre-School and participate in activities that encourage learning through play. Aimed at 2-5yrs.

No charge. 10-11am. Term-time only.

Find out more from Carole Trezise on 0118 934 3499 or admin.charvil@ weyfs.org.uk

Saturday 10 May - Sunday 1 June 0118 937 2771 lucy.daniels@reading.gov.uk

www.reading.gov.uk ReadingChildrensFestival

@Reading_CF

Try our new What’s On calendar at www.familiestvw.co.uk

Thames Valley West

PAGE 21

What‘s On 13-16 March – THE BIG BANG FAIR at the NEC, Birmingham, www.thebigbangfair.co.uk The largest celebration of science and engineering for young people in the UK. Designed to inspire 7-19 year olds to make the link between the classroom and great careers, it allows them to meet some of the country’s leading scientists and engineers and to see interactive exhibits and explosive theatre shows such as Gastronaut Extreme and Kaboom! The event and shows are all free but you do need to register on the website.

Giant Softplay Padded Toddler Area Dressing Up & Reading Area Disco • Café Baby & Toddler Classes Holiday Workshops & Events Birthday Parties Laser Tag Parties Make a Bear Parties Eddie Catz Newbury

Northway House, York Rd, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7NF Tel. 0845 2011268 www.eddiecatz.com

Putney

68–70 Putney High St London, SW15 1SF

Football training for under 7s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun & exercise CRB checked & FA qualified coaches

kiddikicks.co.uk 020 7937 7965 The fun starts from 18 months!

CALL To FIND oUT ABoUT

PAGE 22

Franchise Opportunities

Thames Valley West

14-23 March – READING SCIENCE WEEK at various locations around Reading, www.nsew.org.uk Part of the National Science and Engineering Week celebrations, this annual event includes talks, demonstrations and exhibitions. Visit the website for the full programme of events. Includes 15 March Science Busking - join members of the Reading Science Week team as they demonstrate brilliant and bedazzling science throughout the day at the Oracle Shopping Centre.

15-16 and 22-23 March – LAMBING OPEN DAYS at Rushall Farm, Back Lane, Bradfield, RG7 6DL, 0118 961 6107, www.rushallfarm.org.uk, www.msreading.org.uk Enjoy a day out at this organic farm in the beautiful Pang Valley. Visit the lambing shed to see lambs being born and try some bottle feeding. Look out for calves and piglets too. Other attractions include tractor and trailer rides and refreshments including soup, hot dogs and homemade cakes. 11am5pm. Proceeds to local MS Society and John Simonds Trust. Suggested donation: adult £5, child/senior £3.

Pregnant women advised not to attend.

RG12

Training sessions, courses & parties across London

14 March – LEGOLAND RE-OPENS at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk For 2014 Pirates Landing has had a revamp with a new name, Pirate Shores, and the addition of an all-new pirate play area, Castaway Camp, complete with a forgotten fortress, fearsome battle ships, high rope-walks, nets and slides. Closed some midweek days in low season.

16 March – MOTHER’S DAY CLAY WORKSHOP at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk A fun workshop for 7-12yrs to make and decorate a special and unique gift for mum. All work will be glazed and fired ready for Mother’s Day. 11am-1pm. £18/£17 members, please book.

22 March – ARTHUR’S DREAMBOAT at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 5218 218, www.cornexchangenew.com The amazing story of a little boy called Arthur who starts growing a beautiful green boat on his head, but no one seems to notice. This playful children’s show uses puppets and music to celebrate the richness of our imaginations and the joy of immersing ourselves in innocent fantasy. For ages 2+yrs. 11am. Tickets: £10, conc. £8.

22 March – BIG BUILD FAMILY FUN DAY at Loddon Hall, Twyford Organised by Happy Hours Pre-School.

12noon-2.30pm. Hot dogs, games, tombola, craft table, face painting and much more. Free entry.

22-23 March – STARGAZING at the Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Explore the Universe from the comfort of Reading. Fun for all the family, regardless of the weather. With the help of the local astronomical society, there will be the chance to look through some powerful telescopes, hear talks and have a go at activities.

6-11pm. Part of Reading Science Week. Free event.

22-23 and 29-30 March – LAMBING WEEKENDS at Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham, Oxon, OX14 4QZ, 01865 407 792, www.earthtrust.org.uk Visit a real working farm for their annual lambing weekends. See some lambs being born and enjoy craft activities and refreshments. 10am-4pm.

Entry: adult £6, child £3, family £15. No need to book.

24-27 March – MOTHER’S DAY STORYTIME at various Wokingham libraries, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Stories and a craft for accompanied children aged 2-5yrs, free event, just drop-in. 24 March Wargrave Library & Spencers Wood Library both 4pm-4.30pm; 25 March Wokingham Library 2-2.30pm; 27 March Lower Earley Library 2-2.30pm.

29 March – GET READY FOR MOTHER’S DAY at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/basildonpark A self-led craft activity to make a small gift for your mum. 11am-4pm. Free with admission price.

29 March – LIFE IN THE ANCIENT WORLD at The Ure Museum Of

Greek Archaeology, University of Reading, RG6 6AA, 0118 378 6990, www.reading.ac.uk/Ure/ Discover all the different things that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians did to have fun. Explore the Museum to find out how much they liked to party and be inspired to create your own ancient musical instrument to take home.

Suitable for accompanied 6+yrs. 2pm4pm. £3 per child, please book.

30 March – WORLD POOH STICKS CHAMPIONSHIP at Days Lock on the River Thames at Little Wittenham, near Didcot, 01491 838 294, www.pooh-sticks.com Come and drop your Pooh Stick over the bridge in this annual competition, awarded the title of Britain’s ‘favourite quirky event’. Plus children’s entertainment and refreshments. Visit the website to find out how to enter and details of the one-way traffic route to the parking at The Earth Centre, Wittenham Clumps.

30 March – Country Fair Raceday at Ascot Racecourse,

0844 346 3000, www.ascot.co.uk Superb jumps racing plus a host of countryside inspired activities and free family entertainment that includes pony rides, a family farm, falconry, face painting and the Lamb National. Gates open 10.45am. Advance tickets from £20, under 18s free.

30 March – KIDNAPPED at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk An adventure tale for all the family, this fast paced adaptation tells the story of Davie Balfour as he survives shipwreck and murder to dramatically escape through the Highlands of Scotland in an exciting, gripping adventure story packed full of physical storytelling and imagination. Suitable for 6+yrs. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets: £12, child £8, family £32.

MARCH/APRIL 2014

What‘s On

Mother’s DayEvents 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE leaving from Hobbs of Henley Ltd, Station Rd, Henley, RG9 1AZ, 01491 572 035, www.hobbs-of-henley.com Treat your mum to a unique Mother’s Day lunch and cruise aboard The New Orleans.

Tickets cost £38.50 pp which includes an arrival drink, 3 course lunch and live entertainment. A children’s menu for under 10’s costs £12. 12.30-3.30pm.

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Celebrate Mother’s Day by visiting Cliveden. Mums go free and can enjoy the beautiful grounds plus a free wine

Easter Holidays 29 March-15 April – EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Bucklebury Farm Park, Bucklebury, RG7 6RR, 0118 971 4002, www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Enjoy the fun down on this popular local farm park. Come and help bottle feed the baby lambs and go on a great Easter egg hunt through the woods!

30 March-21 April – EASTER ACTIVITIES at REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Rd, Arborfield, RG2 9NH, 0118 976 3375, www.rememuseum.org.uk Join in the Easter Egg Hunt and spot all the eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny with a prize for the winner, plus a small prize for all entries. On 13 April The REME Museum Model Show will see some great military and transport models displayed by clubs from around the country. Workshops are also running over the holidays, for details see page 17. All activities are free with admission charge.

1-21 April – EGGSTATIC FUN at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark Look for eggs in the house and win a prize by solving the Easter trail in the garden. £2 plus admission charge.

10am-5pm.

5 April – CHARVIL PRE-SCHOOL EASTER FAYRE at Charvil Village

Hall, Park Lane, Twyford, RG10 9TR Fun for all the family with children’s

tasting (while stocks last). Between 11am3pm children can make a Mother’s Day gift at the craft workshop, £2 additional charge. Open 10am-5pm.

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY MADNESS CRAFT FAIR at The

Railway, Chinnor, OX39 4ER, 01844 353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Mums travel free when accompanied by a fare paying passenger and receive a complimentary posy of flowers.

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY @ DINTON at Dinton Pastures, near

Vyne, Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Have a look around the craft fair selling special gifts, many of which will be handmade. Children are also invited to make a gift for their mum (suggested donation £2). 11am-5pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Hurst, 0118 974 6343, www. wokingham.gov.uk/dac Enjoy a day out with your mum as you warm up around an open fire before going on a daffodil trail around the park. 11am-4pm. Adults £12, child £9, under 4s free, members discount, please book.

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY at Chinnor & Princes Risborough

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, RG9

entertainment, arts and crafts activities, local handcraft stalls, gifts and treatments for the adults, tombola, raffle, games and refreshments. Children bring a bonnet for the Easter Parade to win a prize. 1-4pm.

Free entry.

5-16 April – EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at Museum of English

Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Follow the Easter trail and locate the Easter eggs in the Museum and garden with prizes for all. Suitable for all ages, £2 per child. On 8 & 15 April you can also enjoy Family Tours, fun, interactive 30-minute tours of the museum and hear stories about what it was once like to live and work in the countryside, 11am & 2.30pm, free drop in event for all ages. Admission is free to the museum. Lots of family workshops are also running over the holidays, see page 17 for details.

5-21 April – EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at Wellington Country

Park, Riseley, RG7 1SP, 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-countrypark.co.uk Alongside all the normal attractions there are lots of special events running at the Park over the Easter period. All activities are included in the normal admission price.

5-6 April Big Foot - Big Foot is back with his silly shows; 8-9 April Crazy Bikes - an assortment of unicycles, bicycles and even tricycles for you to try if you dare; 12-13

April Magic Shows - be dazzled by Dave Croft’s mystical magic shows; 15-16 April Circus Skills - try your hand at a host of activities such as tight rope walking, stilt walking and even the trapeze; 18-21 April The Baby Big Top Circus - this family show is back by popular demand; 20 April Easter Sunday ‘Mega Egg Hunt’ - join in the ‘Mega Egg Hunt’ around the Park, meet the Easter Bunny plus much more.

5-21 April – EASTER TRAIL starting from The Savill Building, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU, www.theroyallandscape.co.uk Set off on the Easter Trail to enjoy the spring plant collections and fine floral displays of The Royal Landscape, which provide the perfect backdrop for a great family day out. There are fun clues to solve, and things to look out for, with a special prize at the end for participants. £3 per leaflet (and prize) which can be purchased from The Savill Building from 10am. Participants must return by 5.30pm to collect their prize. Normal parking charges apply.

5-21 April – EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS at Marwell Zoo, Winchester, SO21 1JH, www.marwell.org.uk Get creative with free fun Easter crafts.

Enjoy the Sky Warrior’s Birds of Prey Display on 5-6 and 12-13 April and take part in the popular Easter egg trail with a Dino twist running from 18-21 April.

5-21 April – EASTER EVENTS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley, RG9 1BF,

4PG, 01494 755 564, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court Celebrate Mother’s Day at Greys Court, a family celebration with a special lucky-dip gift for all mums. 11am-5pm. Free with admission price.

30 March – MOTHER’S DAY at The Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU, theroyallandscape.co.uk Mums enjoy free entry for the day into The Savill Garden. Enjoy the gardens, the Savill Building with gift shop, plant centre, restaurant and art gallery. Horse drawn carriage rides run all day between 11am-4pm (weather permitting). Normal parking charges apply.

01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk 5-21 April Easter Egg Hunt - meet Sidney the Swan in the Museum’s Swan-Upping exhibition and explore the Museum Galleries looking for clues.

Help solve a swan puzzle to claim a mini Easter egg. 10am-5pm. Free with admission.

11 April A Great Big Art Extravaganza - join Mr Toad in lots of Wind in the Willows themed activities.

Hang your work in Mr Toad’s very own gallery and go home loaded with your own creations. Free with admission.

10.30am-4pm. For details of holiday workshops see page 17.

5-22 April – EASTER FAMILY FUN at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Youngsters can follow the Easter Bunny Trail around the farm and get a yummy treat. Plus, with plenty of cute lambs to bottle feed, the return of tractor and trailer rides (weather permitting) and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn, there’s so much to do.

5-22 April EASTER TRAIL at Beale Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW, 0844 826 1761, www.bealepark.co.uk There will be an eggstra special Easter trail at the Park over the holidays. Just complete the trail, hand it into the Park's restaurant and you will get the chance to dig for a chocolate egg.

10am-4pm.

Meet the Easter Cuties From Baby Lambs to a fun Egg Hunt, join in stacks of Easter Fun

OPEN DAILY 10AM – 5.30PM

T:01628 520188

NR BEACONSFIELD, HP10 0LX (M40, J2)

Try our new What’s On calendar at www.familiestvw.co.uk OFP-AM-14-017 – 118x70-FM.indd 1

Farm Park O The Y f ear 2013

PAGE 23 Thames Valley West 12/02/2014 08:39

What‘s On 6 April – SORCERER’S APPRENTICE at South Street Arts

9 & 16 April – WILD WEDNESDAYS at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Get stuck into some fun outdoor adventures, ideal for accompanied children aged 4-11, drop in between 11am-3pm, £2 per child (normal admission charges apply). 9 April Plant it, Grow it, Eat it - learn about planting seeds and growing your own flowers and vegetables, take your own potted seed home to grow; 16 April Outdoor Fun – get involved and learn more about Cliveden.

Centre, Reading, RG1 4QU, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com A bewitching tale full of mystery and enchantment with a blend of physical theatre, humour and technical wizardry.

Puppets, mime and a touch of real magic will leave adults and children enthralled.

For ages 3+yrs. Tickets: £8.70.

6 & 13 April – GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB at The Vyne, Sherborne St John,

Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Learn how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness. Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can’t be found on the ground and if you’re feeling brave take the zip wire back down. 11am-5pm.

Suitable for ages 6+yrs. £15, please book.

7-16 April – HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at Wokingham Libraries, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Captain Underpants activity sessions for 7-10yrs, £1.50 charge, please book: 7 April Wokingham Library 10.30-11.30am; 8 April Lower Earley Library 2-3pm; 10 April Woodley Library 2-3pm.

Pant-tastic Antics with tales of pants plus a craft activity for 5-7yrs, just drop-in, £1.50 charge: 7 April Spencers Wood Library 3.30-4.30pm & Maiden Erlegh Library 2-3pm; 8 April Twyford Library 10.3011.30am; 9 April Winnersh Library 2pm3pm & Finchampstead Library 10.3011.30am; 10 April Woodley Library, Wokingham Library& Lower Earley Library all 10.30am-11.30am; 16 April Wargrave Library 10.30am-11.30am.

Creative writing workshop free session with Explore Learning on creative writing for 7-10yrs: 8 April Lower Earley Library 11am-12noon, please book.

Beastly Bugs, 10 April Illustrator visit with Nicholas Allan for 4-7yrs, hear the tale of The Queen’s Knickers, take part in some drawing and decorate a pair of paper knickers for the Queen, £3.50 charge, please book: 11 April Lower Earley Library 2.45pm3.45pm, Woodley Library 1pm-2pm & Wokingham Library 10.30am-11.30am.

Get Arty drop in craft session for under 13s, £1.50 charge: 17 April at Wokingham Library, Lower Earley Library & Woodley Library, all 10.30am-11.30am.

7-17 April – EASTER CRAFTS at Reading libraries, www.reading.gov.uk/libraries There are lots of free craft activities taking place in Reading libraries over the holidays.

No need to book unless stated.

7 April Palmer Park Library - Bunny with Handprint Whiskers for 5+yrs, 15 places on a first come first served basis, 10am-11am; 8 April Tilehurst Library - Easter Baskets for 4-10yrs, 3pm-4pm; 10 April Southcote

10 April – WILD ONES: BEASTLY BUGS at Westmorland Park Pavilion, Off Westmorland Drive, Warfield, RG42 3QP, 01344 354 441, www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/parksandcountrysidevents Go on a spring-time bug hunt; then make your own felted mini beasts from fleece and weave a willow snail. 2pm-4pm, suited for 5-11yrs, £4, please book.

Library - Solar System Crafts for 6-10yrs, 10.30-11.30am, please book; 11 April Whitley Library - Bird gliders for under 10s, 10.30am-11.30am, please book; 11 April Reading Central Library - Spring Crowns workshop for 6+yrs, 10.3011.30am; 11 April Battle Library - Easter Cards, 3-4pm; 14 April Palmer Park Library - Peek-a-boo Chick for 5+yrs, 15 places on a first come first served basis, 10am-11am; 15 April Tilehurst Library Easter Rabbits for 4-10yrs, 3pm-4pm; 17 April Southcote Library - Design a Badge for 6-10yrs, 10.30-11.30am, please book; 17 April Caversham Library - Springtime Fun, 2.15-3.15pm.

11 April – EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY at Eddie Catz Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Enjoy Easter themed fun with musical games in the disco room and football games on the sports pitch, face painters and tons of prizes. Children get unlimited access to all activities as well as a free child’s meal.

For 3-11yrs but younger siblings welcome.

10am-5pm. Tickets: £7.50 per child, £1 per adult, please book, free for members (except food) but you must book.

8-17 April – EASTER ACTIVITIES at Reading Museum, Town Hall, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Holiday activities with a wartime-theme are running to mark the Museum’s exhibition Reading at War. See page 17 for details.

12 April – DUBAI DUTY FREE DAY at The Racecourse Newbury, RG14 7NZ, 01635 40015, www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk A day of top quality racing, as well as a host of entertainment for all the family. Gates open at 11am with first race at 1.15pm.

Open daily from 10am-6pm

0118 971 4002 info@buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Latest research shows that just five minutes of exercise in a “green space” such as a farm park can boost physical and mental health.

Researchers at the University of Essex looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem from exercise in a green space

r doorstep ou y on t h g ri , y a It’s a world aw

At Bucklebury Farm Park, you can run, jump, swing, go-kart, ramble and relax in the fresh air all year round.

You can feed our friendly farm animals and watch the deer in the park.

www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Sat nav postcode: RG7 6RR

PAGE 24

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2014

What‘s On 19 April – EASTER EGG TRAIL at Caversham Court Gardens, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AD, www.fccg.org.uk The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Egg Trail on a nature theme in these lovely riverside gardens. All young competitors will win an Easter Egg prize. Entry is free, but donations welcome. The Tea Kiosk will be open for refreshments all afternoon. 2pm-4pm.

12-21 April – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Mid Hants Railway

(Watercress Line), Alresford, 01962 733 810, www.watercressline.co.uk Ride with Thomas and meet some of his friends including The Fat Controller, plus magic shows, bouncy slide, face painting, miniature railway and Thomas DVDs showing. Advance booking recommended: £18 adult, £12 child, under 2s free.

13-14 April – ALICE IN WONDERLAND at The Hexagon,

19-20 April – EASTER EGG TREASURE TRAILS at Dinton

Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com A show for the whole family with a live band, comedy and magic. The cast includes Steve Hewlett, the ventriloquist from Britain’s Got Talent, and magician Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee in the roles of the King of Hearts and the White Rabbit.

Pastures, near Hurst and California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT, 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Follow the treasure trail at Dinton Pastures and California Country Parks. Look out for the Easter Bunny whilst walking the trail and searching for chocolate. 11am-4pm. £3 per child.

14 April – MAKE A BUNNY WORKSHOP at Eddie Catz,

19-20 April – MAPLEDURHAM AT WAR at Mapledurham House,

Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Choose, stuff, fluff and adopt your very own cuddly bunny or teddy. £18 per child which includes: a soft deluxe bear or bunny to take home, a play at Eddie Catz, lunch and refreshments. 10am-1pm. For 4-8yrs, please book.

Reading, RG4 7TR, 0118 972 3350, www.mapledurham.co.uk Step back in time to World War 2. Taste the atmosphere of army and civilian life with the opportunity to see vehicles and equipment, meet the re-enactors and see static displays and battle re-enactments.

15 April – Wildlife WATCHING Thames Cruise leaving from

Hobbs of Henley Ltd, Station Rd, Henley, RG9 1AZ, 01491 572 035, www.hobbs-of-henley.com Join the Chilterns Conservation Board and Hobbs of Henley for a wildlife watching voyage of discovery with an expert guide to spot hidden natural treasures between Henley and Hambleden. 3pm-4.15pm. Adult £8.75, seniors £7.25, child £5.25.

15 April – WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT at South Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ parksandcountryside Can you solve a series of clues by walking around the park and earn yourself a chocolate prize? The course will take about an hour to solve. Booking required (prizes only available for those who have pre-booked). Meet in gazebo on rear lawn. 12noon-3pm. £2.

16 April – CREATION STATION EASTER FUN at Eddie Catz Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Join the Creation Station for some Easter arts and crafts; with plenty of sequins, sparkles and glitter to go around it’s sure to be a creatively ‘messy’ session. 10.40-11.30am. For accompanied 2-7yrs. £5.50 per child (sibling discount) including a play at Eddie Catz. Email: sallystevens@ thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 874 7332 to book.

16 April – WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ parksandcountryside Can you solve a series of clues by walking around the park and earn yourself a chocolate prize? The course takes about an hour to solve. Booking required (prizes only available for those who have pre-booked).

Meet in the North car park, off Lily Hill Road. 12noon-3pm. £2.

16-17 April – ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 5218 218, www.cornexchangenew.com This zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is brought to life with stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course).

For 3+yrs. Tickets: £12.50, family (of 4) £46.

19-21 April – IVOR THE ENGINE at Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, 01491 826 303, www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com A full size Ivor the Engine locomotive will be steaming between Cholsey and Wallingford over the Easter weekend. Take a ride and meet favourite characters such as Jones the Steam.

Crazy Science at Eddie Catz, 17 April 17 April – HANSEL & GRETEL at Kenton Theatre, Henley, RG9 2BP, 01491 575 698, www.kentontheatre.co.uk A feel-good show for all the family with a star-studded cast, puppets, illusions and lots of fun. 11am, 2.30pm. Tickets: £9, family £30 17 April – CRAZY SCIENCE WORKSHOP at Eddie Catz Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Get hands on with science - race tornados, make giant bubbles and exploding volcanoes, have fun with magnetic cars, blow up balloons with chemical reactions and lots more fun for 5-10yrs. 10am-1pm. £22 per child to include lunch, refreshments and a free play at Eddie Catz afterwards, book early to avoid disappointment.

17-21 April – JUST SO at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Based on the short stories of Rudyard Kipling, this musical, set at the beginning of time, takes you on a journey along the banks of Africa’s Limpopo River to meet an amazing collection of strange and wonderful creatures.

18-21 April – EASTER EGG HUNT at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, RG9 4PG, 01494 755 564, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court Follow the clues to win a Cadbury Easter Egghead. £2 per trail plus admission charge. 11am-4pm.

18-21 April – FAMILY FUN DAYS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk All the usual attractions of the railway museum plus lots of special children’s activities including a magic show, balloon modelling and activities in the Science, Learning and Railways carriages. An Easter treasure hunt will be running, and on Friday and Monday Didcot’s own Chipper the Squirrel will be appearing.

18-21 April – EASTER EGG HUNT at Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, near Hurst, 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac Join in the Easter fun and hunt for eggs as you paddle around Black Swan Lake and its islands. Look out for the Easter Bunny and win a chocolatey prize on completion, for 8+yrs. Hour-long sessions between 11am4pm. Adults £12, child £9, under 4s free, members discount.

18-21 April – EASTER EGG HUNT at Nuffield Place, Huntercombe, Oxon, RG9 5RY, 01491 641 224, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/nuffield-place Follow the clues to win a Cadbury Easter Egghead. £2 per trail plus admission charge. 11am-4pm.

18-21 April – EASTER TRAIL at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Take part in an ‘eggstra’ special Easter Trail, sponsored by Cadbury. Hunt for clues around the grounds and enjoy a delicious prize at the end. £2.50 per child, normal admission charges apply. Plus other fun activities. 11am-4pm.

18-21 April – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Bucks Railway Centre, HP22 4BY, 01296 655 720, www. dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/bucks Take a ride behind Thomas and meet the Fat Controller, plus children’s magic show, Punch and Judy, miniature railway, arts and craft, storytelling and Thomas cinema. Advance tickets: £13 adult, £9 child, family £41.

18-21 April – EASTER SPECIALS at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, OX39 4ER, 01844 353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Steam train rides with Easter eggs for children and hot cross buns for adults, plus Easter chick hunt. Trains at 10.15am, 11.45am, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.

Try our new What’s On calendar at www.familiestvw.co.uk

20 April – NAOMI HOUSE EASTER EGG HUNT at Highclere Castle, Nr Newbury, RG20 9RN, www.naomihouse.org.uk/events/ Help raise funds for Naomi House at this annual event held in the grounds of Highclere Castle - home of TV’s Downtown Abbey. As well as the Easter egg trail enjoy a bouncy castle, farm animals, a bird of prey demonstration and vintage fairground rides. Plus an Easter bonnet parade with prizes, vintage cars and military vehicles, face painting, live music, refreshments and a special guest appearance from Peppa Pig. Tickets on gate: £5 pp (does not include entry to the house). 11am-4pm.

20-21 April – EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at The Vyne,

Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII and his hunters on your search around the grounds for a Cadbury chocolate egghead. Every child gets a chocolate prize (while stocks last). £2 per trail. Normal admission charges apply. 10am-5pm.

22-28 April – LITTLE EXPLORERS MONKEY ADVENTURE at various

Wokingham Libraries, www. wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Monkey tales and songs for the under 5s, free drop-in. 22 April Wokingham Library 2pm-2.30pm; 24 April Lower Earley Library 2.30pm-3pm; 25 April Twyford Library 10.30am-11am; 26 April Maiden Erlegh Library 11-11.30am; 28 April Spencers Wood Library & Wargrave Library both 4pm-4.30pm.

24-25 April – TODDLER DAYS OUT: CRAZY CREATURES at The Look Out

Discovery Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Alongside the fun to be had in the handson science and nature exhibition, there will be extra toddler activities including art and craft, play dough, face or hand painting and story telling.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 25

What‘s On 15 March – NEWBURY & DISTRICT NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Kennet

26-27 April – BLUEBELL WALKS at Rushall Farm, near Bradfield, RG7 6DL, 0118 961 6107, www.msreading.org.uk An entry donation in support of Reading MS Society gives access to various walks along ‘permitted paths’ through woodland carpeted with bluebells and other spring flowers. Walks are of various lengths from 5 miles down to a short, ‘wheelchair friendly’ circuit. Refreshments are available and there are lots of baby lambs in the fields. Visit website to confirm the dates and details.

School, Stoney Lane, Thatcham, RG19 4LL, www.nct.org.uk/branches/ newbury-district/nearly-new-sales Children’s and babies’ clothes, toys, maternity wear and equipment. 11.15am12.30pm (11am entry for NCT members).

For more information email nearlynewsales@ newburynct.org 11am-12.30pm 22 March – HENLEY & TWYFORD NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Christ Church Centre, Reading Rd, Henley, RG9 1AG, www.nct.org.uk/branches/ henley-district/nearly-new-sales Children’s and babies’ clothes, toys, maternity wear and equipment.

10.30am-12noon. (10.15am for NCT members). For more information email henleyanddistrictnct@hotmail.com

26 April – FAMILY FUN DAY at Scout Hall, Armour Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6JH, www.79threading.org.uk 79th Reading Scout Group are holding a Family Fun Day with lots to do including a climbing wall, tombola, games, BBQ, crazy golf and more. Entrance is £1 per adult, children free. 12noon-2.30pm.

22 March – BINFIELD TODDLER

26 April – KIDMORE END PRESCHOOL EASTER EGG HUNT at

Kidmore End School, Kidmore End, nr Reading, Oxon, RG4 9AU, www.kidmoreendpreschool.co.uk This popular annual Easter Egg Hunt this year takes place at a new venue. As well as the hunt itself, they’ll be craft activities, games, BBQ, cakes, refreshments, silent auction and more. 11am-2pm. Tickets: £3.50 per child, adults free, see website for ticket details.

26 April – LIFE IN THE ANCIENT WORLD at The Ure Museum Of Greek Archaeology, University of Reading, RG6 6AA, 0118 378 6990, www.reading.ac.uk/Ure/ Discover how important beauty was in the ancient world. Learn about the use of make-up in ancient Egypt, the hairdos of the Greeks and the art of the ancient jewellers. Follow a trail around the museum and be inspired by the collection for a craft activity. Suitable for accompanied 6+yrs. 2pm-4pm. £3 per child, please book.

26-27 April and 3-5 May – LAMBING DAYS at Amners Farm, Burghfield,

RG30 3UE, 0118 983 3437, www.amnersfarm.co.uk See lambs being born and have a very ‘hands on’ experience with lots of farm animals and their offspring. Sheep shearing demonstrations, pet’s corner, falconry, straw play barn, tractor and trailer rides, crafts, refreshments and lots more fun. Pony rides and steam train rides available at extra charge. 11am-6pm. Pregnant women are advised not to attend. No dogs.

GROUP’S NEARLY NEW SALE at Binfield CE Primary School, Benetfeld Rd, Binfield, RG42 4EW, www.binfieldtoddlers.co.uk Nearly new toys, children’s clothes, maternity wear and equipment. 2.30pm4pm. Admission £1. Cash purchases only.

See the lambs being born at Amners Farm, 26-27 April and 3-5 May

27 April – ON YOUR BIKE 2014 at Sonning Common School, Grove Rd, RG4 9RJ, 0118 972 4487, www.onyourbikesonningcommon.co.uk Family bike ride to raise money for the Sue Ryder charity and Sonning Common School. Choose from 6, 12 and 20 mile marshalled routes in the Chiltern countryside (under 16s must be accompanied) or a supervised playground cycle for 4-7yrs. Entry £5 per person, £7 on the day, £2 for playground cycle. Visit website for more information and to register.

Nearly New Sales 1 March – MEGA BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Rd, Bracknell, RG12 9SE, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Stallholders selling excellent quality nearly

new and new baby and children’s items from birth to 8yrs plus unique family products and services. 2-4pm. £1 entrance, children free. For more details email Aimee Foster at aimee@babyandchildrensmarket. co.uk or call 07885 658 394.

1 March – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at Swallowfield Parish

Hall, Swallowfield, RG7 1QX, www. babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Lots of stalls bursting with quality nearly new and new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. 2pm-4pm. £1 entry, children free. For more details email Nicki Mitchell at nicki@babyandchildrensmarket. co.uk or call 07809 628701.

7 March – WOODCOTE WINDMILL SALE at Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Rd, Woodcote, RG8 0QY Nearly new sale of children’s toys, games, nursery equipment and clothes. 8am12noon. 30p entrance. To sell call 01491 681 449 or email bpenniall@globalnet.co.uk

29 March – KESA NEARLY NEW SALE at Kidmore End Primary School, Kidmore End, Oxon, RG4 9AU, KidmoreEndNearlyNewSale@outlook.com Items include branded clothes for all ages, maternity wear, baby and children’s clothes and equipment, curtains, rugs, crockery.

1-3.30pm. Free entrance. Refreshments.

5 April – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead, RG40 4ES, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Lots of stalls bursting with quality nearly new and new baby & kids items from birth to 8 years. Contact Aimee Foster at aimee@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or call 0788 565 8394. 2pm-4pm. £1 entry, children free.

13 April – BRACKNELL NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Hilton Hotel, Bagshot Rd,

Bracknell, RG12 0QJ, www.nct.org.uk Doors open at 11.45am, 11.30am for members.

Email bracknellnctnearlynewsale@hotmail. co.uk for more details.

If you would like details of your production or event to appear in the What’s On pages, please email us at editor@familiestvw.co.uk The deadline for the May/June issue is 1 April.

Join Thomas & Friends™ as you experience a ride on a real steam engine and take part in Thomas-themed activities at

1st & 2nd March 2014 Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ Telephone: 01235 817200 www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/didcot Day Out With Thomas ™ Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends ™ Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2014 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2014 HIT Entertainment Limited.

PAGE 26

Thames Valley West

Find lots more ideas for a great family day out at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout MARCH/APRIL 2014

Great Competitions from STAGEABILITY

BUMP AND BEYOND

StageAbility is offering the chance for one lucky youngster to win a place on StageAbility’s 1 Week Summer Theatre Workshop. Catering for children aged 7 – 16. They’ll sing, dance and act their way through the week, rehearsing a specially written musical. There is a full theatre performance on the Saturday for which the winner will receive a free family ticket. The workshop runs from Mon 4 - Sat 9 August 2014 in Wokingham, Burghfield and Tilehurst. No experience is necessary, just lots of enthusiasm!

Bump and Beyond provide specialist Antenatal and Postnatal group exercise classes, 1 on 1 personal training sessions and weight management programmes to all pregnant women, new mums and mums. Enter today for your chance to win 3 free personal training sessions with Polly Simpkins, Pre & Postnatal exercise specialist, personal trainer and founder of Bump and Beyond.

For further information call 0118 933 3791 or visit www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk

For more information call 07936 578810 or visit www.bumpandbeyond.org.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today. Closing date April 9th.

To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today. Closing date April 9th.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC - HEXAGON

KIDDIKICKS

Kiddikicks runs super-fun football classes for young boys and girls at Jennett’s Park, Bracknell on Sundays, 10am-12 noon for children aged 18 mths to 5 years. Classes are ageappropriate. Nippers for 18mths -2.5 yrs, Runners for 2.6-3.5 yrs and Racers for 3.6-5 yrs and Overs 5s is for 5 -6 yrs. Our lucky winner can enjoy a full term of Kiddikicks football classes plus a super Kiddikicks kit, consisting of a football top and shorts. There’s also two free trial classes and a Kiddikicks kit for each of our 10 runners up.

For more information call 020 7937 7965 or visit www.kiddikicks.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date April 9th.

WIN tickets to an evening of ABBA Celebrating the 40th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision triumph, hit stage show Thank You for the Music is coming to town.

N O TI TI PE M CO

N O TI TI PE M CO

WIN a term of football classes

N O TI TI PE M CO

WIN 3 Personal Training Sessions

N O TI TI PE M CO

WIN a Summer Theatre Workshop

An all-new, Spandex and sequins spectacular is promised for 2014. The cast will take fans back to 1974, the night when Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida arrived as pop superstars by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit ‘Waterloo’. We have a pair of tickets to this fantastic event at the Hexagon on April 26 at 8pm for one lucky Families’ reader.

To book tickets call 0118 960 6060 or visit www.readingarts.com To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date April 9th.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 27

Family Fun Photo courtesy Lisa Scott

Eggtastic things to do this Easter Schools out and hopefully the sun will shine and the holidays will be full of fun – here are some ideas to beat the boredom blues.

Meet the Easter Bunny Wellington Country Park is holding lots of eggstra-special events to keep the children happy over the Easter holidays, from silly Big Foot shows and mystical Dave Croft magic to getting hands-on with some crazy bikes and even walking the trapeze. All activities are included in the Park’s entrance price and take place mostly under cover, so no matter the weather the show will go on! Take a look at page 23 of our What’s On diary for dates and details.

Easter Bank Holiday weekend sees the return of the Baby Big Top Circus with family shows running from 18-21 April; and on Easter Sunday, visitors can join in the ‘Mega Egg Hunt’ and even meet the Easter Bunny.

The Park has been given a good spruce up over the winter break with improvements being made to the entrance paving and drive, better hand washing facilities at the Animal Farm and enhancements to the Dinosaur trail and the bandstand. Other attractions include nature trails to explore, Welly Wheels, mini golf, a miniature railway and lots of great play areas to keep the kids busy for hours. www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Have a Wonka inspired day at Kew Gardens One of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be brought to life at Kew Gardens this Easter (5-21 April) in partnership with the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Get your golden ticket to celebrate 50 years of this famous tale. There’ll be arts and crafts workshops based around the four main Chocolate Factory rooms featured in the book. In the Chocolate Room you can create your own chocolate bar with a chef from the Roald Dahl Museum café (small charge). You can also come up with your own recipes and designs for sweets and chocolates in the Inventing Room and go nutty drawing and colouring in the Nut Room. Finish the day by listening to revolting rhymes, storytelling and poems by Dahl in the Television Room. Plus there’ll be a traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 20 April. www.kew.org

Make some yummy Easter nests Get the kids cooking, chocolate nests are easy to make and taste delicious. Just melt 200g chocolate (milk, dark or white) in the microwave (best to do in 20 second bursts, stirring in between) or over a pan of simmering water. When it’s melted, stir in 100g of All Bran until coated. Then spoon into cupcake cases, leaving a small dent on the top.

Add a few mini eggs on top in the dent so it looks like a nest with eggs in it. Leave to set for about an hour – and then enjoy!

Amners Farm Lambing Days Open 26 & 27 April and 3rd, 4th & 5th May 2014 th

th

11am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)

6.00 Adults: £ £4.50 n re Child 0.00* es Family £2 lud ticket inc *(Family s) n, 2 adult 2 childre

Pregnant women are advised not to attend the Lambing Days.

No dogs allowed.

• Seeing lambs being born • Steam train rides • Pets Corner • Straw play barn • Crafts & refreshments • Archery • Tractor and trailer rides • Pony rides • Falconry and more...

t!

A Great day ou

Find us between Junction 11 and 12 south of the M4. Follow the signs on the day.

For more information go to

www.amnersfarm.co.uk

or call us on 01189 833 437 Amners Farm, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire RG30 3UE

PAGE 28

Thames Valley West

Join us this Easter!

Family tours at MERL

• 8th & 15th April, 11.30 & 2pm • Free, drop-in

Join us in the holidays for our Easter bunny trail, craft workshops & fun family tours

Visit our website for details of our Easter bunny trail, craft workshops and fun activities.

www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Competition Winners from Jan/Feb issue Dinky Fingerprint Company print: Nicola Skevington Bucklebury Farm Park tickets: Gemma Humphrey Beale Park tickets: Juliana Becroft Harrison Clinic treatment: Emma Knight

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Family Fun See the baby lambs Spring is of course lambing time and two of our local farms are throwing open their doors to the public. Visitors can enjoy meeting baby lambs, and maybe even see one being born. Please note though, pregnant women are advised not to attend.

Meet the lambs at Rushall Farm

For two weekends in March, 15-16 and 22-23, Rushall Farm, near Bradfield, is open from 11am-5pm with all proceeds going to local charities. Visit the lambing shed to see lambs being born and try some bottle feeding. There will be calves and piglets too, refreshments and tractor and trailer rides around this working organic farm. Find out more at www. msreading.org.uk On 26-27 April and 3-5 May Amners Farm, near Burghfield will be holding its annual Lambing Days. These offer a real family day out with a host of activities including pet’s corner, falconry, pony rides, archery, straw play barn, miniature railway rides, tractor and trailer rides, craft stalls Falconry at Amners Farm and lots more. www. amnersfarm.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you heard about them in

53647 Beale Park Gen Ad '14 87x130mm.indd 1

29/11/2013 15:09

Visit Bucklebury Farm Park Situated in the beautiful West Berkshire countryside, Bucklebury Farm Park offers activities for all the family. Developed from a real working farm, there are animals galore here and over the Easter holidays little visitors can help to bottle feed the lambs, ‘pat a pet’ or visit the cute baby boarlets and piglets. There will also be an Easter Egg hunt running in the woods.

Older members of the family can appreciate the area’s peace and tranquillity on a Wild Walk nature trail and maybe spot one of the wild muntjac deer that roam freely; then take a tractor and trailer ride to see the farm’s own herd of red deer. Children can let off steam enjoying the adventure playgrounds, have a go at den building or test their skills on the go-kart track; and if the weather takes a seasonal turn for the worse, you can always warm up in Woody’s cosy café or visit the indoor playground with its challenging Astro slides and Bertie the double-decker playbus, full of soft play for the under 9s. www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

Find more ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout

Thames Valley West

PAGE 29

Family Fun VE 5 SA O £

*

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MANYDOWN FAMILY FUN

LAMBING Open daily 29th March - 21st April 2014

y out

A great family da

Inflatable

fun

Enjoy a Family Fun Day at the Railway Why not visit the Didcot Railway Centre this Easter and enjoy the Family Fun Days that are running from 18-21 April? This ‘living railway’ museum is based around the original 1930’s Great Western engine shed and depot and contains a unique collection of GWR steam locos, carriages and wagons. There’s plenty to keep the little ones interested with steam train rides and lots of special children’s activities. The fun includes magic shows, a street organ, balloon modelling and activities in the Science, Learning and Railways carriages, see below. An Easter treasure hunt will be running, and on Friday and Monday Didcot’s very own Chipper the Squirrel will be appearing.

The centre’s entrance is located directly through the Didcot Parkway station subway, so why not make it a real ‘rail’ day and arrive by train? If you do come by car bear in mind there is no car park so visitors will have to use a public car park, either at the mainline station or, if there are spaces, at the cheaper car park opposite. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Easter B

unnies

Newborn

Lambs

Frolicking Fun this Easter!

Newborn lambs Sheep Racing Lamb bottle-feeding demonstrations Easter Egg Woodland Trail Trampolines Chicks & Bunnies - animal handling Tractor Tyre Mountain Bouncy Castle Easter Arts & Crafts Farmyard Animals Tractor and Trailer Ride Adventure Play Mega Bale Mountain Under 3's Play Area Mini Tractors Go-Karts Human Rabbit Warren Inflatable Slide Giant Sandpit Refreshments Free Car Parking

Open daily 10am - 4pm

Manydown Family Fun Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Road, Basingstoke RG23 8PU

Tel: 01256 220398 www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk

There are plenty of new arrivals at Beale Park this year but some of them are very tiny! The former Pet’s Corner area of the Park has been transformed into ‘Bertie’s Bugs and Beasts’, complete with a tropical waterfall and new species including giant stick insects, hissing cockroaches, red-footed tortoises, a tarantula and lots more little beasties.

Other attractions include the Park’s most popular adventure playground, ‘Pirate Island’ (pictured). Here little ones can have swashbuckling adventures playing on the wooden adventure ship and fort, dig for treasure and explore challenging walkways, slides, rope nets and a mini climbing wall.

An ‘Eggstra Special Easter Trail & Dig’ will be running from 5-22 April (extra 50p) plus lots more holidays activities, so visit www.bealepark.co.uk for more details or call 0844 826 1761.

*

UP

VE 5 SA O £

MANYDOWN FAMILY FUN

Have some ‘beastly’ fun at Beale Park

T

LAMBING

* This voucher entitles you to £1.25 off the admission price for up to 4

admissions with one voucher when visiting Manydown Easter Lambing.

Terms & Conditions: 1. This voucher entitles the holder to £1.25 off a child or adult admission price, for up to 4 admissions per voucher. 2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 3. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer, online tickets, vouchers or promotions.

4. A maximum of four adult or child admissions per voucher in one transaction. 5. This voucher must be given up at the time of use. 6. There is no alternative offer or cash alternative. 7. Photocopies, downloads from electronic versions of publications, forged or defaced vouchers are not accepted.

8. This voucher is only valid 29th March – 21st April 2014.

CODE:E/FTVW/14

Activities and events are weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

PAGE 30

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Family Fun

Take a trip to the Abingdon Air and Country Show Fasten your seatbelts… this year’s Abingdon Air and Country Show will once again be taking to the skies on Sunday 4 May at the former RAF Abingdon airfield, just off the A34. Flying displays will include top aerobatic teams the Breitling Wingwalkers and Trig ‘Pitts Pair’ plus an Army Lynx helicopter that will ‘loop-the-loop’. The iconic Canberra PR9 (pictured), a first generation jet bomber turned Cold War spyplane, returns to the air show scene alongside WW2 classics like the Hawker Hurricane, Curtis Kittyhawk and a Catalina flying-boat.

There’s also plenty to enjoy on the ground including live music, falconry, re-enactment groups, a large gathering of vintage and classic vehicles, tank rides, trade and craft stalls and children’s amusements.

Bring a picnic or enjoy the on-site food and drink outlets. Tickets cost £15/£12 in advance, child £5/£4, OAPs £10/£8, under-5s free. And there’s plenty of free parking available, with the gates open at 10am and the show finishing around 5.30pm.

Visit www.abingdonairandcountry.co.uk to find out more and see all the latest news.

Although famous as a Tudor palace, Hampton Court was also home to the Georgian royal family and a new exhibition opens on 17 April celebrating this era.

The ‘Glorious Georgians’ celebrates the 300th anniversary of George I’s accession and there will be lots of themed activities over the Easter weekend including the grand arrival of George himself on his horse, and chocolate making in the palace’s original Georgian Chocolate The King’s chocolate maker at work Kitchen.

You can easily fill a day here there’s so much to see and do both in and around the Palace. Highlights include the Tudor Kitchen, Henry VIII’s crown, the Real Tennis Court and of course the famous Maze. Costumed actors perform at various times throughout the day and they really help to bring the fascinating history of the place alive as they act out scenes from the past.

If the weather is kind, take a picnic and enjoy the gardens which are particularly beautiful at Easter time with lots of spring flowers to enjoy.

Inside families are well-catered for with children’s audio guides and lots of fun trails - including a ghostly one!

All-inclusive tickets: adults £18.20, child £9.10, Under 5s free, family (of 5) £46.80. www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/

Copyright Historic Royal Palaces/Richard Lea Hair

Photograph by Peter March

Meet the Georgians at Hampton Court Palace

Catch a butterfly Sensational Butterflies, an interactive exhibition that allows you to wander among hundreds of the beautiful free-flying creatures, returns to the Natural History Museum this April.

Housed in a specially constructed tropical enclosure on the Museum’s east lawn, it takes you on a journey through the life cycle of the butterfly – spot caterpillar eggs waiting to hatch, get up close to silk-like chrysalises and enjoy hundreds of adult butterflies and moths from around the globe taking flight around you. To find out more, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/sensationalbutterflies

Plan an Easter show This one can run all holidays long – get the kids to plan a show, complete with egg-related jokes, for a performance at Easter. This is good for getting children to think about words and stories, as well as getting creative – designing a programme or making costumes, you could even take a trip to the charity shop for props.

Find a witch in a bottle Take a trip to Oxford’s kookiest attraction, the Pitt Rivers Museum.

Founded in 1884 to house the personal collection of General Augustus Pitt Rivers (1827–1900), Victorian soldier turned ethnologist-cumarchaeologist, the total collection now includes half-a-million artefacts and comprises an enormous curiosity box of the weird, the wonderful and the downright wacky. The madly eclectic displays include musical instruments, textiles, puppets, jewellery, votive offerings, model boats, suits of armour and everything in between, with most exhibits still bearing their original, painstakingly handwritten labels. Look out in particular (on the ground floor) for the spooky shrunken human heads collected from cannibals in Indonesia and a famous witch in a bottle, although no one has yet dared open it to see if she’s still in there! www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Find more ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout

Thames Valley West

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