Families Surrey West Jan-Feb 2013

The really useful magazine for families with children aged 0-12

FR EE ®

Jan/Feb 2013 Child benefit changes explained

Family Holidays Nurseries

What’s on

Netmums Winner Best pre-school activity in Surrey

Experienced music teacher for piano, saxophone and voice • Competetive rates

Now in Lightwater Farnborough Frimley Green West Byfleet, Woking Guildford and Mychett

• Free trial lesson • CRB checked • All levels welcome

Emma Hawksley MMus GSMD emma.hawksley@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07841 502733

Call Alysia on 07811 346482

Parties for children up to 7!

Hattie’s Nannies

FREE

DELIVERY!

& Wedding Crèches

Godalming’s Premier Nanny Agency

01483 415 406

www.hattiesnannies.co.uk

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

FREE

DELIVERY!

perform.org.uk

0845 400 1280

Covering Woking, Guildford, Farnborough, Farnham, Haslemere, Godalming, Cranleigh and surrounding areas

Rosina Wenham School of Dance

under the direction of The Susan Handy School of Dancing

Boost your child’s confidence

Classes in Eton, Datchet, Pyrford, Windsor and Woking

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Farnborough Sharon Gallagher 01252 750 644

Guildford North Anna Dalglish 01372 378 377

Pyrford Sabita Panda 01932 402 737

Guildford East Uma Krishnan 01483 859 396

Haslemere Carole Coulson-Gilmer 01428 642 863

Woking Lesley Collier 01483 726 961

kumon.co.uk

Tap u u Ballet u u Modern Jazz u u Baby Ballet Classes (from age 2 / ) u u Dance Themed Birthday Parties u u

1

2

Enquiries:

Telephone: 01753 542672 / 07515 270432 Email: office@susanhandydance.co.uk www.susanhandydance.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

EME V A S D N CHE A H ITCHING S W S C Y G T R SWI ’S HASSLE FREE ENE REY JOIN SUR £ ON YOUR BILL £ TO SAVE £

walking to 5 years

Kiko

soccer schools

More than just football skills...

• Developing physical skills, balance and co-ordination • First football skills and technique • Learning about numbers, shapes, letters • Building confidence and self esteem Sessions Weekdays and Saturdays Throughout Guildford and Waverley BC

FREE Trial SE SSIO N

To find out more and register, visit www.surreyswitchandsave.org or call: 0800 048 8264 before 25 February 2013

Call Bruce Laudy on

01372 451352 or email: kikosoccerschools@btinternet.com

www.surreycc.gov.uk

www.kikosoccerschools.co.uk www.kikosoccerschools.com

Making Surrey a better place

CS2431 - Families magazine ad.indd 1

14/12/2012 12:07

What’s in this issue Happy New Year!

The 7th January is when the child benefit changes come into force, so if you don’t know what’s changing or if you are affected, have a look at our article on page 6 which explains it all.

In half term we have the Family Festival at The Electric Theatre and the Children’s Festival at The West End Centre with loads of great shows, activities and workshops - some of which are free so do check out what’s happening, it’s all in our What’s On section.

Parties feature in the next issue!

4-5 News and Views 6 Child Benefit Changes Explained New Local Energy Switching Service 8-9 Family Holidays 10-11 Nurseries 12-14 Independent School Open Days & Dyslexia - What is it?

16-23 What’s On 16-20

Activities, events, children’s workshops - by date

21

Sports Courses & Holiday Camps in Feb half term

22-23 23

24

Sarah Hatch, Editor

Children’s Theatre Farmers’ Markets and Nearly New Sales

Classifieds

Next issue: March/April - Parties Feature!

Ad booking deadline: 1st February If you would like to reach over 24,000 local families call Sarah on 01737 558898 or email editor@familiessurreywest.co.uk Front Cover: Children in the snow, Image by Lillian Spibey Photography (www.lillianspibeyphotography.com). Lillian is a professional photographer specialising in portraits of families and children. She documents your family having fun in your favourite place, along your favourite walk or in your home in your favourite spot on the sofa! Lillian believes the best photographs are taken when youAdvert and your children are relaxed and having16:44 fun. Page 1 SPC (95x60):Layout 2 25/1/11 SPC Advert (95x60):Layout 2

25/1/11

16:44

Special Offers

• A new Service from Surrey County

Council could save you money on your energy bill - page 6 • £2 off per person to Bocketts Farm from 2 Jan - 15 Feb - page 19 • Save 20% at Super Camps if you book by 5 March - page 23 • Discounts for Families Readers with Larah Au Pairs - page 24

Page 1

Registered charity:1093411

SportsCoach Guildford is now taking bookings for SportsCoach Guildford the Spring term is now taking bookings for the Spring term

Book a taster session Multi-sports at weekends FREE two week trial for 4-16 year olds Multi-sports at weekends for 4-16 year To book call: olds

01737 842710 www.sportscoach.co.uk/guildford 01306 886986 To book call:

www.sportscoach.co.uk/guildford

Early Sporties for 4-6 year olds Main School for 6-16 year olds

Sportscoach is ideal for girls and boys of all abilities!

Childcare vouchers accepted

Rugbytots classes are now running in your area.

To find your nearest, please visit www.rugbytots.co.uk or call us on 0845 313 3242

enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

www.braintumourresearch.org ®

Surrey West

3

Picture by Nicola Light

News and Views Surrey Mum launches ‘Babycup’

Busylizzy launches Saturday classes Busylizzy is excited to be hosting a range of Saturday classes in Guildford. At G Live there will be Twinkle Ballet classes for over 3 year olds at 10am and under 3's at 10.30am. Also at G Live at 11.30am will be “Family Zumbatomic” - a Zumba Fitness® class designed and tweaked exclusively for kids under 5 with specifically choreographed high energy dance routines. Parents can join in or leave the kids to it and grab a coffee and pastry in the G live cafe. For Dads there is “Daddy Bootcamp” at 9.30am in Stoke Park designed to give Dads some fitness fun in the park with their little ones.

Families can now enjoy 30 different classes 6 days a week as part of Busylizzy's unique monthly membership for only £45. For details see www.busylizzy.co.uk

Make a difference to maternity services in Surrey Have you had a baby in a Surrey Hospital in the last 4 years? Do you belong to an organisation with an interest in maternity? Or do you attend a group with other parents, such as a parent and toddler group? The Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC) for Ashford St Peters Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Royal Surrey Hospital is looking for new user representatives to come along and help inform and improve how maternity services are run and developed in Surrey.

This committee consists of people like you, as well as midwives, doctors and other health professionals. They are lively groups which meet during the day 4 times a year, babies are welcome at the meetings. The groups are keen to welcome members from all different backgrounds to reflect the diverse community, which is served by the Surrey Hospitals. The next meeting which will focus on Normalising Birth will be held at St Peters Hospital on Tuesday 29th Jan 1-2.30pm. If you are interested in joining the MSLC please contact: Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford julieherbert1@ nhs.net 01483 406725 St Peters Hospital, Chertsey danielle.brooks@ asph.nhs.uk 01932 722903 Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley sarahlawdayturner@yahoo.co.uk 01276 522140

The new Babycup range of open drinking cups from local Surrey mum Sarah Keel meets the advice of experts who believe that no-spill valves and spouted drinking cups can lead to a plethora of childhood problems and that open drinking cups are the healthy choice. There are concerns amongst dentists regarding rotting teeth and worries amongst orthodontists that prolonged sucking alters facial growth. The American Dental Association advises that to help prevent tooth decay children should be encouraged to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

Extremely simple - no lid, no handles, no spout Babycup is purely and simply a ‘cup-shaped cup’, with the added bonus of being miniature. Made from durable, non-toxic plastic, it is BPA free and phthalates free and fits neatly in the palm of a young child’s hand. Sold in packs of four for £8.99 + P&P at www.babycup.co.uk

Special Indoor Offer from Fishers Farm Park From 7th-31st January Fishers Farm Adventure Park have a special entry price to use the indoor soft play! Adult entry is just £1 and a child (2yrs+) is £5. The offer is valid on a 2-person ticket (ie one paying child with one paying adult) and is available all day!

You will also have access to the coffee shop, restaurant and shop as well so why not take advantage of the reduced entry and let the kids burn off some steam and have fun in the soft play while you have a coffee! Terms & conditions apply see www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk for details.

Baby MOOve Launches!

As Molly Moocow approaches her 10th birthday the business’ co-owners Leigh Fisher and Sam Southworth are very excited to announce ‘Baby MOOve’, their new programme developed specifically for very young babies.

Molly’s music and movement classes have always used music as a means to engage, excite and stimulate children to learn at all the key stages of their development. The Baby MOOve curriculum uses sensory materials expressly designed to help each baby achieve their potential. The programme is based on the Montessori method and philosophy of education that Leigh Fisher, a qualified Montessori teacher, has been using with her own children since their birth. Leigh explains “Molly Moocow has always been about nurturing little people’s development and this new curriculum continues with that established ethos but focuses on babies in the first year of their life with the emphasis very much on the baby and their carer sharing experiences together”.

For more information on Baby MOOve or the rest of the Molly Moocow programme please call 01428 658858, email info@mollymoocow.com or visit www.mollymoocow.com

Seriously FUN Back in Chertsey!

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools are delighted to be back in the Addlestone and Chertsey area with their new venue at Philip Southcote School. They run term time lessons after school and at weekends plus intensive courses during the school holidays for children aged 3 to 12 years. With small classes, water safety lessons every term and the Seriously FUN Awards Scheme, children can learn to swim in a safe and FUN way!

You can book your child’s place online at www.seriouslyfun.com or give the Seriously FUN team a call on 0844 35 11 461.

New Parent Pack launched Media Smart launches a new guide for parents to help them educate children about the commercial nature of the online world. Children may encounter all sorts of digital advertising on the internet, from search engine results to advergames, and this pack, developed primarily for parents of 6-11 year olds, provides tips to help parents explain the intent of online advertising to children. Download the free Media Smart Digital parent pack at www.mediasmart.org.uk.

Bespoke Childcare Solutions

Covering Surrey & SW London Nannies & Night Nannies Sleep Trainers Babysitting Service Maternity Nurses Temporary Nannies Emergency Cover Birth & Postnatal Doulas

Please contact: 01483 825807/0208 3330952 enquiries@hushabyenannies.co.uk www.hushabyenannies.co.uk

4

®

Surrey West

Contact us on editor@familiessurreywest.co.uk

Cake and biscuit decorating partie

-98=?6>+8> +8. +?>29< Cooking workshops and courses %2/ A<3>/= +8. <?8= Chocolate parties 9<3138+6 -9?<=/= >2+> Special recipes for children 38=:3</ =?::9<> +8. with food /7:9A/< 89> 986C allergies >/+-2/<= ,?> +6=9 Gymboree :+</8>= +8. /+<6C C/+<= :<90/==398+6= 38 0+-> +8C98/ A29 -+</= +,9?> -236.</8 Children’s cooking parties Franchises available across the U

News and Views

Exciting changes at West Byfleet

Crafty Chefs

Franchises available ac Telephone: 01428 64866 info@craftychefs.c Special recipes =:/-3+63=> +8. ./:?>C 2/+.=23: >9 ><+38381 for children Gymboree classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to>/+-2/<= A3>2 381=>98 '83@/<=3>C 38 help young children learn with food www.craftychefs.c as they play. There are lots of different classes on offer including Sensory Baby Play classes for newborns 01428 648663 / 653251 98.98 %2/ ,/1+8 ./@/69:381 2/< A3./6C allergies

An open afternoon is being held at Gymboree West Byfleet on Saturday, Cake and biscuit decorating parties 01428 648663 / 65325 Telephone: 9th February from 1.30 to 5pm. Louise Newlands, who has recently Cooking workshops and courses info@craftychefs.co.uk 63 2+= 9@/<

C/+<= 90 /B:/<3/8-/ 38 taken over ownership of the local branch of Gymboree, is opening the doors for anyone who would like to www.craftychefs.co.uk Chocolate parties >/+-2381 09669A381 >2<9?12 0<97 7?=3see what classes involve, so do go along - it’s all free on the day and you don’t need to book.

Illustrations and artwork © Isabel

Franchises available across the UK

which introduce babies to new sights, sounds and sensory experiences. Play & Learn classes are for ages info@craftychefs.co.uk www.craftychefs.co.uk +--6+37/. -9?<=/= 09< :+</8>= >/8 C/+<= +19 6 months to 5 years and have six different developmental levels designed to support your child’s specific growth stage and abilities on purpose built equipment. Also on offer is Family+8. 3= 89A + -98=?6>+8> 09< #+</8>381 ' Play & Learn which is a &9.+C A9<5=29:= ,+=/. 98 2/< </-/8> ,995 mixed age class for families with two or more children. Music classes enhance children’s development and love for music through song, dance, movement and instruments while theE Art classes allow your child +5381 3> />>/< 09< 9C=F +</ 0</;?/8>6C to become the artist with hands-on activities. With such a wide range of classes, there’s something for Franchises available across the UK 9@/<=?,=-<3,/. everyone. Free trial classes are available.

Telephone: 01428 648663 / 653251 info@craftychefs.co.uk

Gymboree West Byfleet can be found at 42 Station Approach, West Byfleet. 63 3= :+==398+>/ +,9?> =?::9<>381 -236.</8 For more information please www.craftychefs.co.uk e-mail westbyfleet@gymboree-uk.com, call 01932 353313 or visit www.gymboree-uk.com A3>2 -2+66/81381 ,/2+@39?< >2/3< :+</8>=

Illustrations and artwork © Isabel Stoole 2011

New Attraction for Guildford Guildford Borough Council has agreed a licence with Wild Wood Adventure Ltd, for a brand new aerial adventure park in Stoke Park, opposite The Spectrum.

The proposed adventure facility is to be one of the largest in the UK comprising over 30 separate aerial-stations. There is to be both a high and a low-rope course, incorporating zip-wires, towers, wobbly bridges and complemented by challenging obstacles, a 15 metre descender along with other physically taxing tasks for children and adults alike. The aim is to make the attraction attainable for all levels of ability; with young children from the age of 4 able to have a go, accompanied by an adult. A planning application is likely to be submitted this winter, with an estimated opening for Spring 2013, subject to approval.

+8. >2/3< >/+-2/<= +8. 3= -?<</8>6C +::6C381 >23= >9 &2/ </+>3@/ ?<<3-?6?7 %/+76/== Kiko Soccer Schools Launch %-2996= +8. EAAA :+</8>-2+88/6 >@F 63 3= Bruce Laudy is bringing Kiko Soccer Schools to Guildford and +->3@/6C 38@96@/. A3>2 =-2996= 8?<=/<3/= Waverley. Bruce says “Kiko Soccer Schools, for children +8. 0+7363/= +8. A3>2 >2<// C9?81 ,9C= 90 aged 2-5 years, are all about learning whilst having fun. At KSS we develop all round basic2/< 9A8 =2/ -98>38?/= >9 6/+<8 0<97 >2/7 football skills including Parenting Courses by Ali McClure /@/<C .+C passing, dribbling and controlling the ball, using specially

Behaviour, Learning & Trust designed equipment which also develop children’s agility, Wed 23 Jan 8-10pm balance and co-ordination. As 63F= A9<5 38=:3</= +8. well as ball skills, children Understanding Boys Learning develop hand eye coordination,/7:9A/<= >29=/ A29 -+</ social skills and their Tues 29 Jan 8-10pm confidence. It’s not just about football either, during our +,9?> -236.</8 /7:2+=3=381 break for a quick drink, we practice our numbers, letters Positive Power Wed 13 Feb 8-10pm and colour matching. We also /849C7/8> +8. :9=3>3@/ learn how to work as part of </6+>398=23:= 09< >2/3< a team. Every activity is intended to improve co-ordination Dads and Discipline 6/+<8381 +8. 0?>?</ skills but more importantly they are designed to be fun!” For Tues 26 Feb 8-10pm more information please contact Bruce on 01372 451352, All courses held in Woking area.

07771 646181 or kikosoccerschools@btinternet.com Call 07974 855971 Early booking discounts!

Watch out for Artificial Sweetners We always welcome feedback, so we were grateful to reader Jacquie for contacting us after she read the article in our Nov/Dec issue on sugar. Jacquie says “I have just been reading the great article on sugar in our children’s diet, but I think there should have been a mention about artificial sweeteners eg aspartame and it’s dangers. I think a lot of people would see this article and think of cutting down on sugar by replacing it with the “no added sugar” things like no added sugar cordial, I am not an advocate of sugar but I think it is better than aspartame. Just thought I would point it out as I feel this generation is a bit of a science experiment, and people are not aware”. Thanks very much for taking the time to contact us Jacquie.

Business Mums Wanted Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your families needs please call:

Katie 01737 766403 or 07909 681884 Girls Jewellery Making Parties a fun & rewarding time....

Necklaces Bookmarks Handbag Charms Call 07879 622720

www.pendantmoon.com CRB Checked

Agency & Bab ys ny it an

The Sur rey

N

01252 319 133 01737 216 794 0845 055 6376 01483 235 216

er vice gS tin

Godalming Guildford North (Worplesdon) Liphook Woking

A Professional, Personal Service Tailored A Professional Babysitting Service toby your requirements. the individual Surrey Nanny Agency 24/7 Emergency Response Mobile Crèche Friendly, Personal Service Babysitting Register Daily/Night Nannies Competitive rates Consultancy/Troubleshooting 0845 8878468 Telephone 01483 091035 0845 88 78560320 468 Mobile 0795107951 091 035 www.surreynannys.co.uk lorrainegordon@surreynannys.co.uk

.. .

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Say you saw it in

Untitled-1 1

. .

®

Surrey West

5

Noticeboard CHILD BENEFIT CHANGES EXPLAINED

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners.

If you are trying to bring your net income down (so you don’t lose child beneift) you could take some of your salary as childcare vouchers. Even if you aren’t trying to do this, it can be financially beneficial to take some of your salary in childcare vouchers. Guy Ker, Super Camps’ Managing Director, is keen to spread the word so that working parents aren’t missing out.

“Surprisingly, only 30% of Super Camps’ bookings made during the summer of 2012 were paid for using Childcare Vouchers.

We think parents are missing out and want to encourage them to pay for their children’s holiday activities using their company’s salary sacrifice scheme.”

Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January 2013, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they’re married or not.

URGENT PROOF URGENT PROOF URGENT PROOF Deadline 10 October 2007 Deadline 10 October Deadline 10 October 2007 2007

The tax charge increases in line with your income. For every £100 of income you or your partner have between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments. It’s the higher earner who pays the tax.

A Quick Reference Guide to Childcare Vouchers

Proof issued Proof issued on 13 October 2007 Proof issuedon on13 13October October 2007 2007

Your income is based on your adjusted net income.

Even if you or your partner have an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn’t apply. This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income. This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme). You could even consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down.

What are childcare vouchers? A special government scheme operated through employers that allows you to pay for childcare from your pre-tax salary and National Insurance income.

Replies must bebe sent BY Replies must sent BYRETURN* RETURN* Replies must be sent BY RETURN* Who can use them? Parents with children aged up to 15 Please respond via email, post or phone: Please respond via email, or phone: years.post If each parent they can both claim for childcare Please respond via email, post orworks, phone: vouchers, so there’ll be twice as many to use.

Email: debbie@thegrapevine.co.uk Email: Why should I bother? You can save over £1,000 a year. A basic rate Email: debbie@thegrapevine.co.uk debbie@thegrapevine.co.uk You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit. If taxpayer can pay for up to £243 of childcare with vouchers a month.

Post: Redline PO Box 520, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 KT130ZB 0ZB Post: Redline Media Ltd, you or your partner’s adjusted net income is over £60,000, it couldMedia make senseLtd, to stop Post: Redline Media Ltd, PO PO Box Box 520, 520, Weybridge, Weybridge, Surrey, Surrey, KT13 0ZB receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won’t have to complete a tax return. But if you don’t know exactly how much your income will be, or you’re under the £60,000 threshold, it’s best to carry on getting it.

How can I get vouchers? Employers can either give you

vouchers in addition325328 to your normal salary as a perk, or they Telephone: 01932 854690 Fax: 01932 Telephone: 01932 325328 may ask you to sign up for a “salary sacrifice” scheme in which Telephone: 01932 01932 854690 854690 Fax: Fax: 01932 325328 part of your pay is turned into vouchers. MoneySavingExpert. *IfBenefit, we not hear from by return we will conclude thatthis: your booking **IfIf do we do hear from you return we will that booking isiscc offers the example to explain You give up If you decide to keep Child have to do ayou weyou’ll do not not hear from you by bycom return wefollowing will conclude conclude that your your booking is

£1000Ifof salary (but after taxadvised and National of Insurance onlychange every detail. are not of anythat’s copy chan below is in IfIfwe we not copy If either you or yourbelow partner hasisan acceptable adjusted net incomein of £50,000 below is acceptable acceptable in every every detail. detail. weinare are not advised advised ofgetany any copy change worth £700ish your pocket), in return, you £1,000 of or more then the highest earner mustAt complete a tax return, declaring the Child our discretion we may publish, or decline to publish, advertisements forwh w At discretion we publish, or decline to publish, advertisements vouchers (so you’re £300 per £1000 better off). The vouchers for At our our discretion we may may Benefit as income. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure they’re registered for publish, or decline to publish, advertisements for wh aren’t specific to each child and can be banked until needed. So self-assessment by 6 October 2013 or they’ll face a penalty. They then have until 31 if you need to use more of them to cover the school holidays, October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online). you can store them up.

Information provided by MoneyVista.com. By entering your information, Money Vista works out Where can I use them? They can be used for registered and what tax and national insurance you pay, your projected state pension and what your savings, regulated nurseries, playgroups, nannies, childminders, holiday investments and property might be worth in the future. Joining all these together lets you see playschemes like Super Camps and some term time activities the impact of financial decisions you are considering. See www.moneyvista.com/families like Sportscoach.

tax return.

JOIN TOGETHER AND SWITCH Would you like to pay less on your electricity and gas bills? If so, why not join Surrey’s new ‘collective switching’ scheme, which offers a hassle-free helping hand to get the best energy deal. Collective switching works by getting a group of people to buy the energy together, at a cheaper rate. It could mean you save up to £200 on your annual energy bills, particularly if you’ve not switched suppliers recently.

If you’re interested to find out what you could save, just give some information about yourself and your energy usage. After 26 February 2013 you’ll be contacted with the price of the deal, when you can decide whether to take it up. Visit www.surreyswitchandsave.org or call 0800 048 8264 to register. Full details of terms and conditions are available online.

Ask your employer if they run a childcare voucher scheme themselves; they might use a voucher company to do it for them.

What if my employer doesn’t run a voucher scheme? Don’t be afraid to ask them to start one. It needn’t cost them anything – and in fact they’ll save money as they won’t have to pay National Insurance on wages you use for vouchers. If you are self-employed, ask your accountant as you too are entitled to childcare vouchers.

What’s the catch? For most people there isn’t one! If you claim Child Tax Credits, using childcare vouchers may affect the amount you receive – so it’s worth checking if you’ll be better off with the HMRC’s online calculator. http://www.hmrc.gov. uk/calcs/ccin.htm

Soft Play & Fun for 0–5 year olds Soft Fun for 0–5year year olds SoftPlay play olds Play && & fun Fun for for0-5 0–5 year olds Saturday 9 February, 1:30 – 5:00pm Free Gymboree activities and arts and crafts throughout the afternoon.

Free tea, coffee and afternoon refreshments.

No booking required.

Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn, Music, Art and Parties.

42 Station Approach, West Byfleet, KT14 6NE 01932 353 313 westbyfleet@gymboree-uk.com

gymboree-uk.com

6

®

Surrey West

Bouncy Castle Pool ***Bouncy Ball Pool Pool*** Bouncy Castle Castle *** Ball Ball Baby Area ***Baby Sit & Rides*** BabyArea Area ** Sit Sit && Rides Rides * Café * Free Parking **Café Parking*** Café ** Free Parking Children’s ***Children’s Parties*** Children’s Parties Parties Tues,Wed Wed & & Fri Fri 10.30am-2.30pm Tues, Tues, 10.30am–2.30pm Tues, Wed Wed & & Fri 10.30am–2.30pm 10.30am–2.30pm Scout Knaphill Scout Hall, Waterers Rise, Knaphill Scout Rise,Knaphill Knaphill ScoutHall, Hall, Waterers Waterers Rise, Rise,

www.RainbowTots.com www.RainbowTots.com Hazel 07885 07885 702 Hazel 702 414 414 info@rainbowtots.com info@rainbowtots.com

Razzle Dazzle Cheer and Dance Our bespoke children parties are a great way to entertain your child and their friends.

Now offering hula hooping and street dance parties, classes and workshops as well as Cheerleading!

Email us for more details. info@razzledazzlecheerleading.com Parties Classes Workshops Aftershool Clubs

www.razzledazzlecheerleading.com

TAP JAZZ In the heart of Guildford BALLET DRAMA SINGING MUSICAL THEATRE

Fully qualified professional teaching staff

ACHIEVE EXTRAORDINARY THINGS...

GUILDFORD

THEATRE

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR FREE CLASS! www.guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk

SCHOOL 01483 45 72 70 TRINITY CENTRE GU1 3RR

WEEKLY CLASSES  NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS  PUBLIC PERFORMANCES  HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

www.littlekickers.co.uk Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years Localclasses classesatataavenue venuenear near you you Local For Merrow, Fernhurst, Guildford and Godalming call Call 01753 831902

00000 000000

For Farnham, Crondall and Fleet call 01252 651 329 For Chobham and Lightwater call 01276 600393 for details

For Woking, Pyrford and Byfleet call 01932 847439 info@littlekickers.co.uk

Where learning’s a ball

From Budget Bouncers to Serious Show Stoppers Stunning Castles for All Occasions

.

.

.

.

Castles Soft Play Sports Slides Toys

www.BestBounce.co.uk

0800 8620909 / 07890 400909

Please let our advertisers know you saw their details here - thanks

®

Surrey West

7

Family Holidays

How to have your best family holiday ever: our top ten secrets Joanna Moorhead, who has been planning her family’s holidays for the last 20 years, shares her insider tips to help you plan for a summer to remember in 2013 Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters. Of course everyone loves spontaneity - but for spontaneous decisions to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place...and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

So how do you do it? Here are our top ten secrets.

1. Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may

have to spend a long time on research. Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/villas/ hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

2. Don’t expect a bargain. After two decades of

planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between ten and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

3. Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep

4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room? Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague. Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grownups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

4. Location, location, location.

Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority.

Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

5. Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with. However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

6. Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing

up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

7. Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-

packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today. If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today. Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8. Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to

what you find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down.

You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

9. Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move

on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

10.

1. Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure

everyone – especially the parents – get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the crèche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day.

But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and do what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

Where to go....the Alps The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports, and kids adore it). Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at www.chillypowder.com

8

®

Surrey West

Family Holidays Where to go...north Devon Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hard-pressed family.

There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer. More information at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Half Term treat The Supreme Court in India has recently lifted its ban on tourism in over 40 tiger reserves, re-opening the door to tourists. The ban was put in place back in July 2012 following concerns that tourism was having a detrimental effect on the tiger population. Families Worldwide has spaces on its 11-day Taj and Tigers trip departing 14 February. Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworldwide.co.uk

Ski with an independent tour operator Established 21 years ago, Ski Famille offers families a range of handpicked properties in France and Austria. All chalet holidays include 5 days of free childcare and all properties are ski in/ski out or very close to the piste. Chris Thompson, managing director says: “the business has a high rate of repeat business and the majority of new guests choose Ski Famille as the result of a personal recommendation.” The Ski Famille office team are all keen skiers or boarders with young children of their own so they know how to ensure families book the right holiday for their needs. Visit www.skifamille.co.uk for more details.

Superb gite complex in France...

...specialising in family holidays.

Parents it is time to relax and enjoy the sun.

We have thought of it all for you: • Babysitting • Baby equipment • Playground with play house, climbing frame and outdoor toys • Free craft activity for the under 5's • Kids club ( 3's +) • Pottery Painting • Arrivals meal and weekly food options • Free wifi For further information visit www.livingfrance.org email: dorte@triliving.co.uk

stay on a farm Farm Stay UK is a farmers cooperative that celebrates it’s 30th birthday next year.

All it’s members are working farms, small holders or rural enterprises and they offer holiday accommodation ranging from B&B in a farmhouse to self-catering in converted barns and even a converted pig sty. Many also run traditional campsites. Chief Executive Andy Woodward says “in the last few years many of our members have begun to offer alternative accommodation such as pods, wigwams and shepherds huts. They are great because you have all the fun of camping, with a bit of glamour. Some pods sleep 2 but there are also family pods which sleep 4-6. Facilities at each site will differ with some being part of an established Farm Stay UK campsite, and others are part of a smaller venue”. For more details visit www.

Farmstay.co.uk and if you are interested in staying in a pod, wigwam or shepherds hut search for “alternative & camping” in the “accommodation type” field.

The National Youth Hostel Association also offer pods at two of their Youth Hostel sites - Hawkshead, Ambleside in the Lake District and Grinton Lodge in North Yorkshire, which have proved very popular with visitors. The pods come equipped with power, heat and light and are insulated with sheeps wool to ensure a warm night’s sleep for all the family. They also have a covered seating and cooking area. See www.yha.org.uk for further details.

Where to go....France The kids have fun and parents can relax and enjoy the peace at La Garenne family friendly gites. This is what La Garenne is all about, specialising in family holidays in the Charente Maritime region of France. There are 6 stylish gites fully equipped for a fantastic family holiday. All the charm and beauty has been kept in this 16th Century fortified farm with beautiful exposed charentaise stone walls and oak beams through out.

What makes this place so special is the setup of all the gites and the safety with in the walled garden. Each of the gites have a patio facing the communal walled garden with a fantastic wooden wendy house, toys, climbing tree, tree swings, slides and trampoline. The large pool and the small toddler and baby pool are both heated and securely fenced with child safe lock.

The children have freedom to run around and have fun while parents have a chance to relax and enjoy the sun, a book, good food etc. There are lots of activities at La Garenne such as kids club for the over 3’s, craft activity for the 2- 5 year olds, pottery painting classes and welcome BBQ. You can also book babysitting if you want to go out. Arrivals meal can be ordered making your travel much easier and during the week you can order a delicious 3 course meal. which you can enjoy, while the children play in the garden or are safely tucked up in bed. The weather is warm through out May – October as this region is the second sunniest in France. If you don’t fancy driving airports nearby are Poitiers, La Rochelle and Bordeaux. Airlines such as Easyjet, Flybe, BA and Ryanair all fly to these destinations.

Discounts are available on some weeks in May, June and September. Please quote Families when enquiring. For more details please contact Dorte on dorte@triliving.co.uk or visit www.livingfrance.org

®

Surrey West

9

Nurseries

N

Nurseries

Is a nursery right for your child (and you)?

urseries aren’t the cheapest form of childcare, but studies show that attending a nursery can increase a child's confidence, because it involves mixing with adults, and other children, from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery 'key worker' scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security.

birthday. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can offer help towards your nursery costs through the childcare voucher scheme. Under this, money is taken out of your pay packet before deductions, giving you savings on tax and National Insurance - in return, you are given a voucher or e-voucher that you forward to your nursery, and the amount is deducted from your bill. So it's a way of getting more childcare for your money - though it requires your employer's co-operation (see more about childcare vouchers on page 6).

By Joanna Moorhead

Watch the children while they're playing, and pay attention to how much they're interacting with the staff. How do the staff come across - do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests?

Ask about organised play sessions - weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling. Are there trips to the library or to the park? How are these organised, and how often do they take place?

Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision: staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately: staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child's likely interests and potential.

Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (for example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings?). How many weeks a year is the nursery open? How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it's difficult for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off: nurseries often open early in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder. On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice - so they're more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency.

Is all well when I'm not there?

They may be prohibitively expensive if you have more than one child, although many nurseries do offer a sibling reduction. But if you like the idea of a social environment and a place with plenty of activities and trained carers, a nursery could be the place for your child and for you.

How to reduce nursery costs The government is currently considering cutting staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of reducing what many see as unsustainable prices - but the move is controversial, and organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance is warning such a change could risk children's safety and well-being. Under current regulations, there must be one staff member for every three under-twos, and one for every four children aged two and three.

Most nurseries provide funded places for three and four year olds under the government Free Early Education scheme, which will start from the beginning of the term after your child’s third

How to choose the right nursery Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you're actually going to need to leave your child: the more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you'll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents' views on what nurseries are like in your area.

Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to do the journey to and from the nursery at rush hour) and don't hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

Make sure you read the most recent Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are considering, and ask whether they have any awards of excellence. Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery: it may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas: are the spaces pleasant, bright, welcoming, and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served. Are you able to provide input for your child's food - suggestions for what s/he would like to eat, or recipes? What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available?

Some nurseries have webcams which allow parents to see live images of their child at play from their desk at work. But while some parents welcome this idea, others are sceptical - they say they want their child's nursery to know they trust its workers, and worry that they'll be seen as a way of spying on care workers. Others say they like the idea of watching their child at play so much that they'd spend too much time doing it - and wouldn't ever get any work done!

As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it's going. You know your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented, that's almost certainly the case. Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual - nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically. Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up.

Try not to drag out your goodbyes: leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both. Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives: think about why you're working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Nursery News

New Montessori pre-school in Wonersh Ladybirds Montessori pre-school is opening in April 2013 in the village of Wonersh near Guildford. It is the sister site of the well-established Guildford Montessori in the town centre of Guildford. They offer free places for three and four year old children, and for two year olds who qualify for Surrey FEET funding (please contact them for more details).

Montessori is a unique kind of pre-schooling, letting the children discover through play and specialised equipment, the world around them. It leads naturally into reception schooling. Ladybirds also offer Music and Movement classes, Dance, Fun Yoga and French. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9.30am - 3pm and Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm. For more information please call 01428 713 854 or 0777 333 20 84 or email surreymontessori @btinternet.com

www.ladybirdsmontessori.co.uk

10

®

Surrey West

Day Nursery

Nurseries New Montessori preschool in Wonersh!

Children’s Day Nursery Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am – 3.00pm and Friday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

• Ages 2 – 5 years • French • Yoga • Music sessions • Optional lunch club until 1.00 pm

Tel: 01428 713 854 / 0777 333 20 84 surreymontessori @btinternet.com www.ladybirdsmontessori.co.uk

Open Day Sat 9 Feb 10am to 2pm

French

Open Excellent qualityYoga Excellent quality Children’s Day Mon & Wed quality Day Nursery Nursery Excellent combining traditional Children’s 9.30am – 3pm Music Children’s Nursery loving care withDay stimulating and Tues, combining traditional combining traditional educational programme Ages 2 – 5 Thurs, Fri to provide a well balanced loving care with care with loving environment for your child.

9.30am – Optional stimulating educational stimulating educational 12.30pm programme to provide lunch club Children from 6 weeks to 5 years 7.30am - 6.15pm a well balanced with French, Music and Spanish Lessons until 1pm programme to provide environment for Positive Steps Day Nurseriesa well balanced 01428 713 854 / 0777 333 20 84 your child.

Hanover House, Cross Lanes, Guildford GU1 1UG surreymontessori @btinternet.com environment for 01483 569112 www.bisleymontessori.co.uk www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk Families Surrey West advert [130x87mm]_Layout 1 28/03/2012 17:27 Page 1 your child.

m

m

Treasure Montessori Treasure Montessori Montessori Treasure Montessori Treasure Montessori

Treasure Montessori

m

NurseryNursery & Preschool & Preschool

Nursery & Preschool Nursery & Preschool Call 01628 623777

Nursery & Preschool

www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

... xplore Explore & learn... & &learn...

Explore & learn...

Explore learn... m

Treasure Montessori www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

CallExplore 01628 623777 & learn...

Nursery & Preschool

m

Now Open pen Now Now Open Open Now Open Treasure Montessori Full Montessori Day Care Full Day Care

Nursery & Preschool Full Day Care ull Day Full Care Day Care

Now Open Call us on 01276 29774 •

Age 3& Months to 5 Years Explore learn...

3toOpening Months 5 Years ars ge 3 Months AgeAge 3 Months 5 Years toto 5 Years times: 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday •Opening Safe Environment times: 7.30am 6.30pmMonday Monday to Friday Friday mpening to 6.30pm Opening times: Monday 7.30am times: to7.30am to Friday 6.30pm toto6.30pm Monday to Friday to

Excellent Pre-School Education Explore &on learn...

Full Day Care Call us 105 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA. 01276 29774 CallCall us on us on •105Caring and Competent Portsmouth Road, www.treasuremontessori.co.uk Frimley, Surrey GU16Staff 7AA. visit our website: 05 ey,Portsmouth Surrey 105GU16 Portsmouth Road, 7AA. Frimley, Road, Surrey Frimley, 7AA. GU16 7AA. Age 3 Months to GU16 5Surrey Years visit our website: www.treasuremontessori.co.uk • Excellent Food Cooked On Site sit remontessori.co.uk our website: visit Full our www.treasuremontessori.co.uk website: Day www.treasuremontessori.co.uk Care

01276 29774 01276 01276 29774 29774 Now Open ■

Artwork

■

G

■

ThornTon

■

GorinG road

■

ThornTon

■

GorinG road

■

WoodcoTe

■

readinG ■ oxfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■ Telephone: 0844 375 4043

TM rk B ann e r _ AW _ 0 3 . i n dd

1320

Now Open Call us on 01276 29774

WoodcoTe

■

TM 1320

TM_N OW OPEN _Banner_AW_03.indd

TM

F INAL S IZ E 1200 X 1200 ARTWO R K S E T AT 1/4 S IZ E

back

r04 eadinG xfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■1Telephone: 0844 375 4043 / 08■ o / 11

C

M

Y

K

Age 3 Months to 5 Years Opening times: 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday

FINAL SIZE 1200 X 1200 ARTWORK SET AT 1/4 SIZE b ack

TbMa_ck N OW OPEN _Ban n er _AW _0 3 .in d d

04 / 08 / 11 1 200 X 120 0 FI NA L SI Z E 1 2 0 0 X 1 2 0 0 ET AT 1/4 SIZE A RT WOR K S E T AT 1 / 4 CS I Z E

08 / 11

1

Y

C

M

Y

K

M

C

M

K

Y

K

Full Day Care

105 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA. Call us on 01276 29774 Age 3 Months to 5 Years visitPortsmouth our website: www.treasuremontessori.co.uk 105 Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA.

Opening times: 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday

■

ThornTon

■

GorinG road

TM 1320

Call us on

WoodcoTe

■

readinG ■ oxfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■ Telephone: 0844 375 4043

T M _NOW OP EN_Ban n er_AW _ 03. i ndd ■

TM

visit our website: www.treasuremontessori.co.uk

■

ThornTon

■

TM 1320

04 / 08TM / 11

GorinG road

■

WoodcoTe

■

ba ck

readinG ■ oxfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■ Telephone: 0844 375 4043

F I NAL S I Z E 1200 X 1200 ARTWO R K S E T AT 1/ 4 SIZE T M _ N OW O P E N _ B a n n e r _ AW _ 0 3 . i n d d b a ck

C

C

M

1

Y

K

Y

M

01276 29774

ThornTon

■

GorinG road

■

www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk

K

visit our website: www.treasuremontessori.co.uk ■

For the benefits of a Toad Hall Nursery, a brochure or to arrange a visit please contact us at: Haslemere: 01428 654117 Email: Haslemere.nursery@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Ottershaw: 01932 874286 Email: ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Ripley: 01483 222020 Email: ripley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Woking: 01483 486116 Email: woking.nursery@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Felcott Road, Walton-on-Thames: 01932 252858 Email: walton@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames: 01932 226975 Email: manorroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

105 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA.

1F INA L

S IZ E 1 2 0 0 X 1 2 0 0 A RT WOR K S E T AT 1 /4 S IZ E

04 / 08 / 11

Come and see how we can support your child to learn and develop in the welcoming, friendly and spacious environments of our nurseries in Surrey. We would be pleased to show you our facilities and the range of services and activities we offer at our nurseries at Haslemere, Ottershaw, Ripley, Woking and at Felcott Road and Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames.

Opening times: 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday

TM_NOW OPEN_ Banner _AW_03.indd back TM o■xfordshire ThornTon■ rG8 ■ GorinG 0Qd1320 r■oad Telephone ■ WoodcoTe : 0844 375 ■ readinG 4043 ■ oxfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■ Telephone: 0844 375 4043

ork

Providers of are quality childc n and educatio

WoodcoTe

■

readinG ■ oxfordshire ■ rG8 0Qd ■ Telephone: 0844 375 4043

®

Surrey West

11

Independent Schools

INDEPE NDENT SC HOOL OPE N DAYS Please contact the school to see if you need to register in advance for their open day

12

School

Open Day Date

Aldro School, Shackleford 01483 409020

Sat 2 March Boys 7-13 years.

Amesbury School, Hindhead 01428 604322 l.wright@amesburyschool.co.uk

Thurs 7 Feb, Thurs 16 May Mixed 3-13 years.

Barfield School, Runfold, Farnham 01252 782271

Fri 25 Jan 9.30-11.30am Mixed 2-13 years.

Barrow Hills, Witley 01428 683639

Fri 1 March, Mon 4 March 10am-12noon. Mixed 3-13 years.

Belmont Preparatory School Holmbury St Mary 01306 730852

Fri 15 March 10.15am Mixed 2-13 years.

Coworth Flexlands School, Chobham 01276 855707

Thurs 14 Feb 9.30-11am Wed 1 May 9.30-11am Boys 3-7 years, Girls 3-11 years.

Cranleigh Prep School, Cranleigh 01483 542051

Sat 2 March 10-12pm (last tour 11.30am). Mixed 7-13 years.

Cranmore School, West Horsley 01483 280340 Boys 2 ½-13 years, Girls 2 ½-4 years.

Fri 1 March, Sat 2 March 9.30am-12noon. 10.30am Meet the Headmaster

Duke of Kent School, Ewhurst 01483 277313

Fri 8 Feb, Sat 9 Feb 9.30am.

Mixed 3-16 years.

Edgeborough, Frensham 01252 792495

Thurs 23 May Mixed 2-13 years.

Farlington School, Horsham 01403 254967

Thurs 10 Jan, Tues 12 Feb 9.15am Boys 3-4 years, Girls 3-18 years.

Frensham Heights, Rowledge 01252 792561

Thurs 14 Feb Mixed 3-18 years.

Glenesk School, E Horsley 01483 282329

Thurs 14 Feb 10am.

Mixed 2-7 years.

Greenfield School, Woking 01483 772525

Sat 9 March 10am-12noon.

Mixed 3-11 years.

Guildford High School, Guildford 01483 543853 Girls 4-18 years.

Jnr School: Thurs 31 Jan, Tues 5 March 10am.

Snr School: Wed 30 Jan, Tues 12 Feb, Thurs 14 March 10am.

Halstead Prep School, Woking 01483 772682

Sat 23 March 10am-12pm Girls 3-11 years.

Haslemere Prep School, Haslemere 01428 642350

Please call the school.

Boys 2-13 years, Girls 2-4 years.

Hoe Bridge School, Woking 01483 760018

Thurs 28 Feb Mixed 2 ½-13 years.

International School of London Woking 01483 750409

Please call the school.

Mixed 2-13 years.

Lanesborough School, Guildford 01483 880650

Fri 15 March Boys 3-13 years.

Longacre School, Shamley Green 01483 893225

Fri 8 Feb, Thurs 9 May 9.30am-12noon.

Mixed 2 ½-11 years.

Manor House School, Bookham 01372 457077 Girls 2-16 years.

Tues 12 Feb and Wed 8 May 9.30-11am, starting with a welcome by the Head at 9.30am.

Moon Hall School, Holmbury St Mary 01306 731464

Fri 15 March Specialist school for dyslexic children aged 7-11 years.

Pennthorpe School, Rudgwick 01403 822391

Tues 12 and Sat 16 March 9.3012noon. Mixed 2-13 years.

Ripley Court, Ripley 01483 225217

Please call the school.

Mixed 3-13 years.

The Royal School, Haslemere/Hindhead 01428 603052 admissions@royal-school.org

Senior School Tues 12 Feb 9-11am Girls 6 wks-18yrs, Boys 6 wks-5yrs (2013: 11yrs +)

Rydes Hill School, Guildford 01483 563160

Please call the school.

Boys 3-7 years, Girls 3-11 years.

St Andrews School, Horsell 01483 760943

Fri 15 March 9-11.30am Mixed 3-13 years.

St Catherine’s School, Bramley 01483 899665

Mon 21 Jan, Mon 4 March 9.30am.

Girls 4-18 years.

St Edmund’s School, Hindhead 01428 609875

Sat 2 March 10am-12noon.

Mixed 2-16 years.

St Hilary’s School, Godalming 01483 416551

Thurs 24 Jan 10.30am-12noon and Sat 2 March 10am-12.30pm.

Boys 2 ½-7 years, Girls 2 ½-11 years.

St Ives School, Haslemere 01428 643734

Fri 8 Feb, Sat 9 Feb 9.30am-12pm Girls 2-11 years, Boys 2-4 years.

St Nicholas’ School, Fleet 01252 850121

Sat 2 March 10am-1pm.

Boys 3-7 years, Girls 3-16 years.

St Teresa’s School, Effingham 01372 452 037

Fri 3 May 10am-12.30pm.

Girls 2-18 years.

Tormead School, Guildford 01483 796040 Girls 4-18 years.

Junior School: Fri 1 March 9.3011am. Senior School: Tues 12 March 9.30-11am

Barfield 01252 782271 • admin@barfieldschool.com • www.barfieldschool.com Registered in England. Company No. 755754 - Registered Charity No 312085

Independent Schools

St Ives School; their future starts here.

Open Mornings Friday 8th & Saturday 9th February 9.30am - 12.00pm

We look forward to seeing you.

Pre-prep & prep for girls 4-11 yrs.

Co-ed nursery from 2 yrs.

Education awards and bursaries.

Daily school transport.

Three Gates Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2ES t. 01428 643734 www.stiveshaslemere.com

In federation with Haslemere Preparatory School for Boys.

A foundation for life and learning

NG OPE NIpN MOR am- 1 m 10

• Boys 3-7 years. Girls 3-16 years • High academic attainment • Individual attention • Superb facilities for Sport, Drama, Art & Music • Beautiful rural setting • Wide ranging extra-curricular activities • Extensive school bus service - Alton, Basingstoke, Chineham, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet

St Nicholas’ School st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk 01252 850 121 FLEET

•

HAMPSHIRE

Regd. Charity number 307341

registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

St Nicholas’ School Redfields House Redfields Lane Church Crookham Fleet Hampshire GU52 ORF

®

Surrey West

13

Independent Schools Cranmore School Cranmore School

GCSE

Independent School IndependentPreparatory Preparatory School for Boys (4 to 13 years) for Boys (4 to 13 years) Plus Bright Stars Co-ed Nursery (2½ +) Bright Stars Co-ed Nursery (2½+)

80% A* – B 2012

Working with you to fulfil your son’s potential ‘Working with you to fulfil your son’s potential’

‘‘unashamedly academic... amazing sports facilities... music standards to Grade 8’ Good Schools’ Guide 2012

manorhouseschool.org

Open Morning Come and look around the school, meet the staff and pupils and discover what makes us unique.

Tuesday 12th February 2013 | 9.30–11.00am Head’s welcome talk at 9.30am

Nursery and School

Success without pressure

Open Mornings

A school for girls aged 2–16

‘unashamedly academic …2013 amazing Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March 9.30am - 12 Noon 10.30am Meet the Headmaster

sports facilities’

Manor House School, Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4EN

Request a prospectus 01372 457077 Good Schools Guide 2011

Crèche facilities available

Cranmore School is one of Surrey’s leading Mrs H Perry, Registrar 01483 280340 independent prep schoolst: offering an e: admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk unrivalled all-round education that allows www.cranmoreprep.co.uk Epsom Westtheir Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT pupilsRoad, to fulfil individual potential.

An excellent academic record (over 150 senior school scholarships in recent years) ST HILARY’S SCHOOL is complemented by outstanding sport and IAPS Preparatory Day School & Nursery Boys 2-7, Girls 2-11 on and off the music opportunities both extensive 24-acre site.

Mrs H Perry, Registrar t: 01483 280340 EXPLORE • ENCOURAGE • EDUCATE e: admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk www.cranmoreprep.co.uk Epsom Rd, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT

www.sthilarysschool.com OPEN DAYS

Thursday 24th January • 10.30am-12pm Saturday 2nd March • 10am-12.30pm registrar@sthilarysschool.com T: 01483 416551 Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ

14

®

Surrey West

Contact Families Surrey West on 01737 558898

Independent Schools GLENESK GLENESK

prE-prEparatory prE-prEparatorySchooL SchooL cENtrEoF oFEXcELLENcE EXcELLENcEFor For cENtrE EarLyyEarS yEarSEDUcatIoN EDUcatIoN EarLy • • All Allcore coresubjects subjectsplus plusMusic, Music,Dance, Dance,Drama Drama&&French French • • 100% 100%Organic OrganicMenu Menu • • Early EarlyMorning, Morning,After AfterSchool Schooland andHoliday HolidayClubs Clubs • • Sport Sport- -Football, Football,Athletics, Athletics,Tennis, Tennis,Netball, Netball,Hockey Hockey and andSwimming Swimming(heated (heatedindoor indoorpool) pool) • • Saturday SaturdayFamily FamilySplash Splash • • Tots Tots&&Toddlers Toddlersfor for0-2 0-2years yearson onTuesday Tuesday (swimming (swimminglessons lessonsavailable) available)&&Thursday Thursdayafternoons afternoons For Forfurther furtherinformation informationand and a atour tourofofthe theschool, school,please please contact contactthe theschool: school: Ockham OckhamRoad RoadNorth North East EastHorsley Horsley KT24 KT246NS 6NS 01483 01483282329 282329 info@gleneskschool.co.uk info@gleneskschool.co.uk www.gleneskschool.co.uk www.gleneskschool.co.uk

Glenesk GleneskNursery Nursery

Dyslexia – so what is it? Some common myths and how to recognise it By Corrina Shepherd My interest in dyslexia and my passion to help those who struggle with it started around seven years ago. At that time my son was struggling with literacy and was reluctant to learn. At the same time I was on a workplace course, learning about dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Because of what I learnt, I suspected he might be dyslexic, so I had him assessed privately by an educational psychologist.

She confirmed that he was indeed mildly dyslexic. My personal experience and interest in dyslexia led me to establish The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January 2007. Out of my work, I came to realise there was little on the market to engage and inspire dyslexic children specifically with the world of words and imagination. I decided it was up to me to do something about it, so I developed the Dancing Kites Creative Learning brand with a range of interactive, illustrated books for ages 4 to 15.

So what exactly is dyslexia? Dyslexia is often misunderstood, hard to diagnose and those affected by it often do not receive adequate support. So what is it and how does it affect children?

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning “difficulty with words”.

The condition can affect spelling and reading and many people believe that is all it is. But it can also affect individuals in other areas, such as: • confusing dates and times • difficulties getting ideas down on paper • confusing left and right • following verbal instructions.

• sequencing numbers and information Also working memory is usually poor. This shows itself when new information needs to be processed effectively and quickly. While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning difficulty, it can also be seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive, being good with their hands. They are often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations. Children with dyslexia often have above average intelligence, yet they struggle with words and processing new information.

I have regular conversations with parents about their child, who is struggling at school, yet the school says he or she is doing fine. The child is often frustrated and has poor self-esteem. He or she might be seeking attention or not concentrating as a way of coping. By the time the parent phones me, their child is often falling further and further behind, in literacy especially, and they do not know where to turn to for help and advice.

Having an assessment is a positive step towards getting the support your child needs. Rather than seeing this as a label, view it as a step towards unlocking your child’s potential.

Who is affected? Dyslexia is generally thought to affect between 8% and 15% of the population, 4% severely. So, in a class of 30 children, 3 are likely to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or possibly severe. So everyone is likely to know at least one child or adult who is dyslexic. Children with dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant to traditional teaching methods and benefit from a one-toone, multi-sensory, creative learning environment.

Dyslexia often runs in families, with a close relative struggling with it too. Most are born with it and do not grow out of it, though learn to cope with it. It is not directly linked to intelligence. Children and adults with other learning difficulties or sensory disabilities may have dyslexic difficulties also.

How to recognise dyslexia. More information can be found at www. dancingkites.co.uk/resources/dyslexia-test. The BDA and Dyslexia Action are also good sources of information. Find them at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/aboutdyslexia.html and www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/ There is much you can pick up about your child as a parent or carer, just by sitting down with your child and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level. Areas of difficulty to look out for include: • Does your child struggle with reading or spelling?

• Does he or she avoid picking up a book?

• Does the child guess at a word, looking at the whole word or just the initial letter?

• Does he/she forget how to read or spell a word as soon as he/she has turned the page?

• Can he/she find it hard to sound out individual letters in simple 3 letter words e.g. cat, bat?

• Does the child find it hard to rhyme simple words?

• Does he/she skip little words, such as and, the?

• Does he/she miss out words when reading?

The presence of any, most or all of them does not necessarily mean your child is dyslexic, but I would recommend further investigation if you have any concerns.

I think my child might be dyslexic. What should I do now? Speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher. I can also be contacted for a confidential chat on 07721-368978 or visit www.dancingkites.co.uk/dyslexia-support/ chilterns-idl-centre. For more information on my books and a mini dyslexia test visit www.dancingkites.co.uk/resources/dyslexia-test

®

Surrey West

15

What’s On Diary TUESDAY 8 JANUARY

SATURDAY 26 JANUARY

MONDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Stars at Clandon, Clandon Park West Clandon 01483 222482 5-7.30pm. Come for an evening of stargazing with the help of telescopes and expert advice. There will be indoor and outdoor activities for all the family and the shop and restaurant will be open. Please bring warm clothes and your astronomical interest! Adult £2, child £1, prebooked schools free.

Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher 01372 467806 10am-3pm. Join in with the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Admission + 50p for identification sheet.

Pop Up Adventures – Chinese New Year, Enchanted Wood Toys 1-3 East St, Farnham 10-10.45am.

For under 5s. Includes a story, drama & dance and a craft activity.

Free, but places must be pre booked.

Contact Joanne on 07956 182 488 or joanne@actoneadventures.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY Stars at Clandon, Clandon Park See entry on 8 January.

FRIDAY 11 JANUARY Painting for under 5s The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 Please pre-book. 11-11.45am. £3 per child, accompanying adult free.

SATURDAY 12 JANUARY Sneak Peek House Tours Polesden Lacey Gt Bookham RH5 6BD 01372 452048 Sat and Sun throughout January and February 11am-3.30pm. Discover the house in winter with special sneak peek tours. House entry is limited and by guided tour only.

Please book on arrival. Special family tours available at 11.40am, 12.40pm and 2.20pm. Normal admission.

SAT 12 JAN - SUN 24 FEB Warm Up With Butterflies RHS Garden Wisley Woking, GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 Included in admission. Exotic butterflies from South America will be released into the Glasshouse to create a tropical paradise.

TUESDAY 15 JANUARY Storytelling for under 5s The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 11-11.40am. Suggested donation £2. Stories and hands-on creative fun. For under 5s with an adult.

Spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at Reception from 10.30am on the day.

FRIDAY 18 JANUARY Terrific Toys Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 10.30 am – 11.30 am. Have a look at toys from the past and play with replicas of Victorian toys. Listen to a story and make your own simple toy.

For under 5s with an adult. Adult £1, child £2. No need to book.

Museum Monkeys Chertsey Museum 33 Windsor St, Chertsey 01932 565764 9.30-11am. Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. For under 5s with an adult. Please prebook. £4.50 per child (discounts for siblings).

16

Bocketts Farm

®

Surrey West

Big Garden Bird Watch Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 Free family drop-in event from 11am-4pm. Have fun making bird cakes, doing craft activities and discovering the birds in both the Museum grounds and galleries.

SUNDAY 27 JANUARY Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend Claremont Landscape Garden See listing on 26 January.

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY Open Day Gymboree West Byfleet 42 Station Approach, West Byfleet 01932 353313 1.30-5pm. Free Gymboree activities and arts & crafts throughout the afternoon - no booking needed just turn up!

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY

Storytelling for under 5s The Lightbox See listing on 15 Jan.

Storytelling for under 5s The Lightbox See listing on 15 Jan.

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY Fidgety Fish and Friends Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 Join in this story and learn all about the friends living in the sea. 1.302.30pm. For under 5s with a carer.

Adult £1, child £2, no need to book.

SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY King of the Castle Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 To coincide with Woolmer Hill School’s exhibition - a morning of discovering and making castles.

10.30am–12noon. For 5–11 year olds. Mem £5, non-mem £7, booking advisable.

Writing from Art: Folk Lore and Fairy Tales, Watts Gallery Down Lane, Compton, Guildford 01483 813593 10.30am-1.15pm £5 (Friends £4). For ages 10-15 years. Working with the Writer in Residence, get a sneak preview of the Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale exhibition and use the characters you find to help create your own fairy stories and folk tales. Please pre-book.

Little Explorer Special – Love the Forest, Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS 01420 23666 For ages 3-4 yrs with an adult. 10-11.30am or 2-3.30pm. £6 per child. Please pre-book.

Have some fun from tree hugging to Valentine’s wishes.

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY Oi! Get Off Our Train!

Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 Listen to this story and decide which Museum characters you want to ride on your train. For under 5s with an adult. 10.30am–11.30am. Adult £1, child £2. No need to book.

Painting for under 5s The Lightbox See entry on 11 Jan. Museum Monkeys Chertsey Museum See 18 January.

Wiggly Week Fishers Adventure Farm Park Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green RH14 0EG Wiggle your way to Fishers this Half Term to meet a fang-tastic selection of creepy critters! Hug a bug, cradle a corn-snake, giggle with a gecko or tickle a tarantula… there’s so many new creatures to meet this week! Place your bets at the “Wiggly Piggly Racing” and see who’s the fastest porker! Discover the exhilarating new high-wires attraction “Squirrel Scramble” or snuggle inside the Barn Theatre for a special “Wiggly Week Show”.

Wiggly Week, Fishers Farm Park

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY Cosmic Bowling Guildford Spectrum 01483 44 33 22 6-10.30pm. A bowl disco session with xtreme lighting.

Booking advised.

SAT 16 – SUN 24 FEBRUARY

15 Minutes of Fun Chertsey Museum 33 Windsor St, Chertsey 01932 56576.

Free drop-in craft activity for all the family. Celebrate Chinese New Year with a dragon!

Children’s Half Term Trail Winkworth Arboretum Hascombe Rd, Godalming 01483 208477 10am–4pm. Get some fresh air as you walk around the Arboretum with the children’s trail.

Normal Admission + 50p for trail.

Tudor Cookery Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace 0844 482 7777 The Royal kitchens are brought to life with traditional recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare feasts fit for a king!

Trails and Make and Takes Aldershot Military Museum Queens Av, Aldershot 0845 603 5635 Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 11am-4pm. Closed Mon & Tues. Entry Adult £3.20, Child 5-15 £2.10 (under 5 free).

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Half Term Trail, Polesden Lacey Gt Bookham RH5 6BD 01372 452048 11am-3.30pm. A fun family trail.

Normal admission + £1 per trail.

Tudor Cookery, Hampton Court See listing on 2 February.

Half Term at Bocketts Farm Young Street Fetcham, Leatherhead 01372 363764 Enjoy a great day out on the farm with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 90 lambs due from Feb 14th - you may even see one being born! Birds of Prey will also be at the farm everyday where you can meet them up close and watch the flying demonstrations twice daily, along with the Pony Parlour, which will be open for pony grooming sessions throughout the day. There is also a full programme of fun farm activities including pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing plus the large indoor area with 2 giant playbarns, trampolines and ride.

Butterfly Half Term Week RHS Garden Wisley Woking GU23 6QB Sow and grow your own plant with butterfly-like white flowers on 16-18 Feb, make antenna crowns on 19 and 20 Feb, make a butterfly mask on 21 and 22 Feb and make butterfly wings on 23 and 24 Feb. From 10.30am12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm.

There’s also den-building at Wisley play area and bird-watching at the bird hide during opening times. Activities free with Normal admission; booking not required.

Last entry at 3.30pm.

We took every care preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment.

What’s On Diary

spring...

we

Exciting forest activities for all ages.

Winter Welly Adventure, Den Building, Family orienteering, Willow bird feeders and much more!

Booking essential call 01420 23666 forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt

Alice Holt Forest

18TH-24TH FEBRUARY Meet Wallace and Gromit, book clay modelling sessions with a real life Aardman modeller* and enjoy a cracking bit of cheese from local producers.

Ride the steam trains all day and find out more about the railway’s mechanical gadgets and gismos, all for our great value standard fares!

Bocketts Farm Park 16th - 24th feb 2013

february

half term fun

*additional fee applies.

All subject to availability.

70

gorgeo newbo us lambs rn due

enjoy free range family fun this february half term!

› Daily birds of prey flying demonstrations!

(Mon-Fri) › Plenty of indoor Plus play and activities!

Animal handling, goat milking, › Early Spring tractor rides, pig racing and lambing starts! pony rides daily!

NFORE2W013

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

# ©Aardman Animations Ltd 2012

www.watercressline.co.uk

Special

Offer

£2 off full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid any day from 2nd January 15th February 2013. Only with this voucher.

®

Surrey West

17

What’s On Diary SAT 16 –SUN 24 FEB CONT.

MON 18 – FRI 22 FEBRUARY

Children’s Half Term Trail Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher 01372 467806 Trail available daily 10am- 4pm.

Get some fresh air as you walk around the Garden with the children’s trail during this half term holiday. Admission + 50p for trail.

Half Term Fun Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 11am-3pm. Free entry. Craft activities, priced individually from £1.50 and Lego Exhibition. Lego building Contest – exhibit your lego model and you could win – details on www.denbies.co.uk. Other activities run in half term, these are listed by date.

Sunday 17 February Free Storytelling Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 4.30pm.

MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (U) 5pm, free arty fun from 4pm, £5.

Suitable for the whole family. Fast and friendly with a magical auto, lots of adventure, a nutty old grandpa and a couple of scary moments.

Caractacus Potts invents all sorts of wacky machinery, but none of it ever works quite as he’d planned – until the day that he invents a car so special that some people will do anything to get their hands on it.

Free Storytelling Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 3.30pm.

A PAG Festival of Roald Dahl Characters, West End Centre 48 Queens Rd, Aldershot 01252 408040 10am-3.30pm, £3.

A funtastic festival for disabled children and their families. Come dressed up in your favourite Roald Dahl character and enjoy loads of accessible arty activities, including singing, music and making. The day ends with a performance to a specially-invited audience. Children remain the responsibility of parents or carers at all times. Bring a packed lunch! Please pre-book.

Glove Puppets Farnham Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham 01252 745444 10.30am–12pm. £7.50. For ages 6-10. Funky junk has gone puppet mad! Come and create your characters. Dress for mess. Please pre-book.

An Adventure to Outer Space Enchanted Wood Toys 1-3 East St, Farnham 10-10.45am.

For under 5s but older siblings welcome. Includes a story, drama & dance and a craft activity. Free, but places must be pre booked.

Contact Joanne on 07956 182 488 or joanne@actoneadventures.co.uk.

Birds of Prey Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 10am-2pm (12noon display). Free admission.

18

We took every care preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment.

®

Surrey West

Half Term Fun Squire’s Garden Centres There will be some half term family fun at your local Squire’s Garden Centre (Badshot Lea, Cobham, West Horsley and Woking – not at Chertsey). Please see www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk for details.

Happy Hour (Early Bird Special) Guildford Spectrum 01483 44 33 22 9.30am-11am. One hour of bowling for up to 6 people, including shoe hire for £25. Booking advised.

Half Term Family Activities Brooklands Museum Weybridge 01932 857381 Vintagestyle car rides from 11am-1pm and from 2-3.30pm (subject to weather).

Look out for Bertie the Brooklands Bear, who will be making guest appearances. There will be trails for children up to 12 years old plus usual displays, including the Concorde Experience (extra charge applies).

Wet weather activities will be provided if necessary.

MON 18 – SAT 23 FEBruary Radio Live- Things That Go Bump in The Night, G Live London Rd, Guildford 0844 7701 797 glive.co.uk 10am - 4pm. This half term G Live team up with Eagle Radio to give young people aged 1318 the chance to create and produce a radio play with a spine-chilling twist and achieve an accredited Bronze Arts Award. Please book.

MON 18 – SUN 24 FEBRUARY Wallace and Gromit Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk Join Wallace and Gromit for a Grand Day Out at the Watercress Line!

Learn how to make animation models out of clay with a real life Aardman modeller (1 hour modelling workshop must be booked in advance, suitable for all ages, additional fee per person), find out more about the gadgets and gismos in the loco sheds and enjoy some cheese tasting at Ropley station. Catch the BIG steam trains to Alresford where Wallace and Gromit will be making appearances at various intervals on each day and where you will find face painting, colouring and activity sheets plus DVD shows for younger children.

It’s great value too as standard fares apply giving unlimited travel along the full length of the 10 mile railway on the day of your visit! Book your tickets in advance at www. watercressline.co.uk or pay on the day. Adult £14, child (2-16 yrs) £7, under 2s free, family (2 + 2) £35 (1 child effectively travels for FREE).

Advance tickets include all booking fees and tickets cost the same on the day.

TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS 01420 23666 Winter Wellies For 3-5 yr olds with an adult. 10.3011.30am. £4 per child. Please pre-book. Come out for some wild games to keep you warm. It might be wet and windy but you’ll have fun. Welly boots are essential.

Den Building For 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £8. Please pre-book. This activity is always popular, so book early and wrap up warm!

Half Term Disco for Under 5’s Mummas & Beans 10 Queen St, Godalming 10-10.45am. £5 and £2.50 siblings. Come and have a boogie with toddler friendly tunes, party dances, disco lights and lots of fun. (Older siblings welcome).

Places must be pre booked.

Contact Joanne on 07956 182 488 or joanne@actoneadventures.co.uk.

Princess & Pirate School 01252 727979 www.mylittleprincessparties.co.uk Tinkerbell leads an action packed 2 hrs full of arts, crafts and games, for ages 3-6yrs. £12.50. 11am-1pm.

Venue to be confirmed. Please call for details and to book.

Upstairs, Downstairs February Half-term, Clandon Park West Clandon 01483 222482 Come along to Clandon Park and discover more about Victorian life in a country house with costumed reenactors. (Please note: not all rooms will be open). Garden open subject to weather. Adult: £9, Child £4.40, Family £23.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children) NT members free.

Tropical Rainforest Road Show Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 11am & 2pm. See, handle and learn about creatures from all over the globe. Child £6.50. Please book.

Den Building at Alice Holt West End Centre 48 Queens Rd, Aldershot 01252 408040 Music in the Morning 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.15pm, FREE! Hosted by Len Tyler for pre-school children and their families. A funfilled 40 minutes of music games, songs and percussion activities.

Please pre-book.

Willow Tower Drop-In Drop-in anytime from 10.30am-3pm to help weave an enormous fairytale tower from willow decorated with magical beasties and butterflies, led by artist Judith Needham. Free!

Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Enchanted Toy Shop Workshop Places are limited so early booking is advisable. 10am or 2.30pm, £4.50.

Suitable for ages 5-12.

Free storytelling Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 3.30pm.

Making a Photo Mobile Farnham Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham 01252 745444 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm. £10. For ages 7-12. Angela Walker will show you how to design and make your own photograms, without a camera, then create a unique mobile with your pictures to take home. Please pre-book.

What On Earth!

Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 A spectacular voyage through the 4 billion year story of life on Earth using a coat of 14 pockets, a series of everyday objects and a giant edition of the What on Earth Wallbook of Natural History. Family drop-in from 11am-3pm. Mem £2, non mem £4.

Birds Family Workshop The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm.

Suggested donation £2. Make your own model birds using card and recycled material. For ages 4+ with an adult. Materials included. You may need to wait if the Studio is full.

Holiday Activities Chertsey Museum 33 Windsor St, Chertsey 01932 56576 11-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm. For ages 5-12 years old. Please pre-book. £4.50 per child.

TUES 19 – SAT 23 FEBruary The Glorious Georgians Surrey History Centre 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking 01483 518737 Get creative with a range of Georgian themed craft activities suitable for 2 – 13 year olds with an adult. Drop in during open hours: Sun and Mon closed, Tues 9.30am-5pm, Wed 10.15am-5pm, Thurs 9.30am-7.30pm, Fri 9.30am5pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm.

What’s On Diary

WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY Mini Book Draw Pre School Drama and Music Workshop, Guildford Spectrum 01483 44 33 22 10-10.30am, 18 months - 2 ½ yrs, £3.90. 10.45-11.30am, 3-5 years, £5.40. Please pre-book.

Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Rhymetime Specially devised for 1-2 year olds, this playful interactive session will be lots of fun including finger rhymes, games to make you giggle, silly songs and magical stories. Early booking is advisable. 10am. £3.50.

Boogie Dance A street dance class packed full of fun and cool moves. Dance like the stars from your favourite television shows and films in this enjoyable class aimed at children between 4-7 years. Early booking is advisable.

11.30am or 3pm, £4.

Toddler Fun Specially devised for children aged 3-4 years, this energetic session combines live music and songs, drama games and good old playtime fun! Please prebook. 1.30pm, £4. For ages 3-4 years with an adult.

The Dragon and his Princess need your help! The start of the story is written, and they’ve come up with a spectacular end...but what happens in the middle is up to you! Join artist and author Paul Clarke for a session of storytelling magic where you are the story makers. Ideas, drawings and collaboration are all welcome.

Materials provided (including shrink plastic!) and the characters, all you need to bring is enthusiasm and a mind full of ideas. 10am - 12.15pm, £6.50. For ages 7 - 12 yrs. Please pre-book.

Manga Book Draw An afternoon of Manga and comic art hints, tips and practical lessons.

Local artist and author Paul Clarke will work through the basics from characters to speed blurs, computer art and colouring and everything in between. 1.45-4pm, £6.50.

Suitable for ages 9 - 15 yrs. Please pre-book.

Free storytelling Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 2.30pm.

GUILDFORD

Family Shows at G Live

WED 13 & THU 14 FEBRUARY

MAZYMEG AND THE HONEY BEES

SPOT’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sun 3 March

Thu 28 – Sat 30 March

TICKET DESK 0844 7701 797

Mini Book Draw at the Electric Theatre

BOOK ONLINE GLive.co.uk

| London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA

®

Surrey West

19

What’s On Diary WED 20 FEBRUARY CONT. Unravel Craft Fun Museum of Farnham 38 West St, Farnham 01252 715094 Half Term drop-in activities from 11am-3.30pm. £3 per child, under 3s free. If tangled balls of wool are your idea of fun then this is for you.

There are lots of fun things you can do with wool beyond making pom poms, so get in the spirit for the Maltings’ unravel festival and make your own fantastical wool creations.

Accompanied children only.

West End Centre 48 Queens Rd, Aldershot 01252 408040 Circus Skills Workshop 10.15am or 11.45am, £5. Learn juggling, balancing and cigar box manipulation with experienced circus practitioner and magician Matt Blossom. Suitable for ages 6+ with a participating adult. Please pre-book.

Fake Wounds 2.15pm (age 7-12), 3.40pm (age 3+), £5. Try your hand at creating a gruesome wound and shock your friends with your bloody finger stump – was it bitten off by a zombie? Or sliced off by a combine harvester? Great fun for the less squeamish! All children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Please pre-book.

Amazing Art Afternoon 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm & 4.30pm, FREE! This blast of hands-on art for all the family is usually the highlight of the festival! Make something amazing in just 45 minutes. Suitable for children under 12 with a participating adult. Please pre-book.

Magical Theatre Performance from Cat’s Grin Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 11am & 2pm. See the magical tale produced by the Cat’s Grin Theatre company. Child £6.50. Please pre-book.

Animal Sculpture, The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 1-2.30pm (for 4-8 year olds) and 3-4.30pm (for 8-16 year olds). £6.50 per child/young person. Make your own amazing animal sculptures using wire, pipe cleaners and paper.

Please pre-book.

Family Activity: Fairy Tale Puppets, Watts Gallery Down Lane, Compton, Guildford 01483 813593 www.wattsgallery.org. uk 11am-1pm or 2-4pm £5 (Friends £4). As a family, create your own puppet using the Eleanor FortescueBrickdale paintings as inspiration.

Please pre-book.

Painting Surrey Heath Surrey Heath Museum Knoll Rd, Camberley 01276 707284 Children’s drop in workshop from 10.30am-12pm. £2.50.

20

®

Surrey West

We took every care preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment.

Upstairs, Downstairs, Clandon Park See entry on 19 February.

Family Orienteering Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS 01420 23666 10-12 noon. £5 per group (children must be with an adult). Please pre-book. Use the fixed course of orienteering posts around the forest to test out your map reading skills. Rangers will be on hand to give you top tips before you start and a small prize as an incentive to keep going.

Young Cooks The Old Rectory Cookery School Bentley, Farnham 01420 520528 10am-2.30pm for ages 11+. £50 please pre-book.

Young Cooks The Old Rectory Cookery School Bentley, Farnham 01420 520528 10am-12.30pm for ages 7-11. £30 please pre-book.

Willow Bird Feeders Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS 01420 23666 Family activity for ages 5+. Under 8s must be accompanied. 10-11am, 11.15-12.15pm,1-2pm & 2.153.15pm. £5 per feeder. Please pre-book. Encourage feathered friends into your garden by making a hanging willow bird feeder. If you bring more than one child per adult (max 3) it is best to make one feeder at a time with all of you working together.

Jungle Bugs and Butterflies Farnham Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham 01252 745444 10.30am–12pm. £7.50. For ages 3-8. Create a bug from a variety of materials to wear or hang on your wall. Dress for mess and bring an adult. Only participating children pay. Advance booking essential.

Draw with String The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm.

Free entry, suggested donation £2. Create your own string relief drawings. For ages 4 with an adult.

Materials included. You may need to wait if the Studio is full.

Play in a Day, Princes Hall Princes Way, Aldershot 01252 329155 10am-4pm. For ages 7-11yrs.

Learn new theatrical skills, meet new friends, build confidence and work on a short play that will be performed to parents at the end of the day. Please pre-book.

Free storytelling Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 3.30pm.

THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY West End Centre 48 Queens Rd, Aldershot 01252 408040 Aardman Animations Workshops 10.45am, 2pm, 3.30pm, £8.

Cracking workshop, Gromit! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make your own Shaun the Sheep or Gromit and learn the tricks of the animation trade with Aardman’s Senior Model Maker, Jim Parkyn, whose credits include Chicken Run, Curse of the Were Rabbit and Creature Comforts. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Running time 60 minutes. Suitable for ages 5-12. Please pre-book.

SoCo Music Project – Vegetable Orchestra 1.30pm or 3pm, £6. Carve out your own musical instrument – choose from carrot flutes and whistles, courgette castanets, pepper shakers and more. Then make glorious music at the end of the session. Suitable for ages 5+ with a participating adult. Please pre-book.

Holiday Activities Chertsey Museum See entry on 19 February.

Upstairs, Downstairs February Half-term, Clandon Park See entry on 19 February.

Lego Build Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking www.denbies. co.uk 01306 876616 Various times throughout the day – pre-on-line booking required. Free admission.

Princess & Pirate School Please see listing on 19 February.

Willow Bird Feeder Workshop Cranleigh Arts Centre 1 High St, Cranleigh 01483 278000 Fun half term workshop for ages 8+. Discover how to make a bird feeder out of natural materials with artist Judith Needham. All materials provided. 10.30am-12.30pm. £10.

Please pre-book.

Make Oil Paint Haslemere Educational Museum 78 High St, Haslemere 01428 642112 10.30am-12noon. Learn how oil paint was made in the time of Rembrandt. Have a go at making oil paint and then use it to create your own masterpiece. For 5-11 year olds. Booking advisable. Mem £5, non mem £7.

Unravel Craft Fun Museum of Farnham See listing on 20 February.

Aardman Animations Workshops at the West End Centre

Fun with Photography Farnham Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham 01252 745444 10am–12pm. £10. For ages 8-16.

A fun guide to digital photography with resident photographer Angela Walker. Learn more about your camera, and then take some great pictures. Bring your camera, handbook and outdoor clothes.

Please pre-book.

THUR 21- Fri 22 February Dressing-Up Box Drama G Live London Rd, Guildford 0844 7701797 glive.co.uk 10am – 4pm. A fun storytelling workshop where young people aged 6-10 bring an item of dressing up clothes and create a play around it. £60 (£45 for each additional child). Please pre-book.

FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY West End Centre 48 Queens Rd, Aldershot 01252 408040 Hippo-Pots 10.30am, £6 Mud, mud, glorious mud! Have fun making your own Hippo out of clay, and after it’s fired you can take it home and decorate it. For ages 3–12 years and their families. Please pre-book.

Write a Song and Create a CD in a Day 10.30am – 4pm, £20. Work in a group with accomplished multi-instrumental musician and songwriter Chris Redmond to create a CD in a day. Learn how to write a song then rehearse and record it onto a CD ready to take home. Bring a packed lunch and an instrument if you want to. Suitable for ages 7–12. Please pre-book.

Punch & Judy Denbies Wine Estate London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 10.30am, 12pm & 2pm. Traditional family fun. Free admission.

Parent & Toddler Bounceabout Guildford Spectrum 01483 44 33 22 9-10am, from walking - 4 yrs, £5.40. Please book.

Free Storytelling Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Storytelling for ages 7 and under.

No need to book, you can just turn up. 3pm.

Clay Masks, The Lightbox Chobham Rd, Woking 01483 737837 1-2.30pm (for 4-8 year olds) and 3-4.30pm (for 8-16 year olds). £6.50 per child/young person. Make marvellous masks in air-drying clay, inspired by the ‘Elisabeth Frink’ exhibition. Please pre-book.

What’s On

All Holiday Camps & Sports Courses need to be pre-booked.

SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY Animal Prints Surrey Heath Museum Knoll Rd, Camberley 01276 707284 Free drop in activities for the under 5’s from 10.30am-12pm.

Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Circus Workshop 12.30-1.30pm, £3 per child.

Suitable for the whole family. Ever wanted to learn how to juggle or fancied being in a circus? Join Mr Alexander in this unique circus workshop. Early booking advisable.

Free Storytelling Storytelling for ages 7 and under. No need to book, you can just turn up.

1.30pm.

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY Storytelling for under 5s The Lightbox See listing on 15 January.

Holiday Camps & Sports Courses in Feb Half Term ActivKids ‘Multi-Sports’ and ‘Football Only’ Camps for 3-11 year-olds will be taking place at Edgeborough, Nr. Farnham (GU10 3AH) between Mon 18 Feb – Fri 22 Feb. Single day bookings upwards taken on all camps. Half day option for 3-5 year olds from 9.30am-1pm. Standard day 9.30am-3.30pm (8.30am early drop-off available - £3 per child). £17 per day, £30 per day for two children and £45 per day for three children. £12 per half day (3-5 years only). Register online at www. activkidsclubs.co.uk (bookings page).

Casa Holiday Club Holiday camp runs during all school holidays and half terms. For ages 4-12 at St Polycarps School Farnham and Frimley Community Centre. £110 per week. First visit £15 for a day. Half days available. Some of the activities include: drama & dance, table tennis, archery, football, art & crafts, cookery, themed days and lots more. www.casaclubs.co.uk or call 01252 727000.

Farnborough Grange Nursery & Infant School Playscheme in half term. Call 07592310246 or 01252 541879 (9am3pm). For ages 3-12.

Guildford Spectrum 01483 44 33 22 Xtreme Activate holiday camp runs in half term. For ages 5-12 years, 10am- 4pm, £22.50 per day. Xtreme Activate Xtra, runs from 8.30am-

6pm, £30.90 per day.

Mini Musketeers Wed 20 Feb 2-3pm, 6-10 yrs, £8.60 Archery Mon 18 Feb 12.30-2.30pm, 8-14 yrs, £14.10 Trampolining Tues 19 Feb or Thurs 21 Feb 2.304pm, 4-12 yrs, £8.30 per session Rugby Tots Wed 20 Feb 10-10.30am, 2-3 ½ yrs, £5, 10.45-11.45am, 3 ½-5 yrs, £7.90 Little Golfers Fri 22 Feb 12.30-3.30pm, 5-11 yrs, £15.80 Heat Basketball Camp Thurs 21 Feb 10-4pm, 8-16 yrs, £28.10 Mini Tennis Munchkins Wed 20 Feb 1-2pm, 3-5 yrs, £8 Mini Tennis Red Wed 20 Feb 2-4pm, 5-10 yrs, £9.80 Ice Skating 5 Day Courses For ages 5-10 years, £47.50 Mon 18 - Fri 22 Feb 10.30-11am or 11-11.30am.

Learn to Swim Courses 5 day courses £30.25 for 4 yrs + Mon 18 - Fri 22 Feb 9-9.30am, Non Swimmers, 9.30-10am, Ability 5-10m 10-10.30am, Ability 10-15m 5 Day Diving Courses £30.25 for 5 yrs+ Mon 18 - Fri 22 Feb 9.30-10am, Flip n Fun, 1010.30am, Flip n Fun, 10.30-11am, Diving Beginners.

KOOSA Kids 0845 0942322 Holiday camps for children aged 4-13 run at Ash, Fleet, Godalming, Guildford and Liphook from 18-22 Feb. Standard Day 10am-4pm, Extended Days available from 8.15am-6pm. Over 200 activities on offer.

Seriously Fun Swimming Intensive Swimming courses run from 18-22 Feb at Philip Southcote School, Addlestone. £50 for the week. 30 minute lesson each day.

Intensive 5 day swim courses really help children to build confidence and improve technique. Book at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 0844 35 11 461.

Surrey Sports Park Guildford 01483 689111 Tennis (Red, Orange & Green Ball) 6-10 yrs. Mon 18 Feb - Wed 20 Feb 9-11am, Mem £36, non-mem £39.

Tennis (Yellow Ball) 10yrs+. Mon 18 Feb - Wed 20 Feb 11am-1pm, Mem £36, non-mem £39.

Tiny Tots Tennis 3-6 yrs. Thurs 21 Feb. Mem £8.75, non-mem £9.75.

All-Day Tennis Camp Fri 22 Feb 10am-4pm. Mem £40 non-mem £45.

Badminton Camp 8-12yrs. Thurs 21 Feb 10am-3pm.

Mem £40, non-mem £45.

Multi-Sports Adventure Camps Wed 20 Feb 10am-5pm. Mem £40 non-mem £45.

Junior Storm Netball Camp

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2013

OVER 80 OFSTED REGISTERED VENUES WITH CRB CLEARED STAFF 40+ ACTIVITIES SPORTS, ARTS AND CRAFT OPEN 8AM-6PM MON-FRI WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS AS PAYMENT

BOOK BY MARCH 5TH TO

SAVE 20% USING OUR EARLY BOOKING RATE

WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK • 01235 832222

For Years 4, 5 & 6. 21-22 Feb 10am4pm. Mem £85, non-mem £90.

Senior Storm Netball Camp For yrs 7,8 & 9. 18-19 Feb 10.30am4.30pm. Mem £85, non-mem £90.

Elite Storm Netball Camp For years 10+. Wed 20 Feb 10am4pm. Mem £32.50, non-mem £35.

Swimming Mon 18 Feb - Fri 22 Feb Customised Sessions for Club swimmers £90 per 30 mins each day, available 12.30-4pm Learn to Swim 1:1 30 minute lesson each day. Available 1.15-4.45pm.

Learn to Swim ASA Stages Group Holiday Courses 4yrs+ £35. 30 minute lesson each day. Available 1.45-2.15pm.

Learn to Swim Specialist Group Holiday Courses £35. 30 min lesson each day. Available 2.45-3.15pm.

Bronze Challenge and Personal Survival 1 £35. 30 minute lesson each day. 3.45pm.

Silver Challenge and Personal Survival 2 30 minute lesson each day. 4.15pm.

Pleiades Spring ‘Teen Camps’ 18 - 21 Feb 10am - 3pm daily.

Three Peaks Outdoor Pursuits Activity day camps at Barfield School, Farnham for all 4-13 year olds - all camps are open to nonBarfield pupils. Activities include High Ropes, Low Ropes, Aeroball, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Swimming,

Team Games, Zip Wire, Climbing, Quad Biking, Assault Course and more plus new activities for 2013!

The children are placed in age specific groups. The camps regularly sell out so make sure you book early!

18 Feb - 22 Feb. 8.45am-4pm (early drop off and late pick up available, no late pick up on Fridays). 0700 393 2610 www.3pks.co.uk Wild Learning Half term adventure holiday club for children runs from 18-22 Feb 10.15am-4pm (8.30am drop off available) for children aged 5-12 years.

Have fun and explore the woods with Wild Learning Outdoor Adventures – lots of fun activities including make a shelter, devise an assault course, track animals, make a rope bridge, arts & crafts (such as making wild crowns and dream catchers) and lots more. Running at Winkworth Arboretum (Godalming) and Claremont Landscape Garden (Esher) and Gatton Park (Reigate). Book a place at www.wild-learning.net.

Wild-life Camps Outdoor camps will be running at Stoke Cricket Club, Cobham from 18-22 Feb and at The Scout Hut, Goose Green on Thurs 21 Feb. From £17.50 per day for early bookings.

01483 238267 or www.wildlifecamps.co.uk

®

Surrey West

21

Children’s Theatre Camberley Theatre Knoll Road, Camberley 01276 707600 Spot’s Birthday Party Tues 12 Feb 1.30pm, Wed 13 Feb 10.30am & 1.30pm. £10, schools £8. milkshake! Live Sat 23 Feb 1pm & 3.30pm, Adult £12, child £10, family £42.

Cranleigh Arts Centre 1 High St, Cranleigh 01483 278000 Peter & The Wolf Sat 9 Feb 2pm. An energetic and fun adaptation for families with ages 3+. £6.50 (£5.50 group of 8+).

James Campbell Comedy 4 Kids!

Fri 22 Feb 2pm. For children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. £7.

Dorking Halls Reigate Road, Dorking 01306 881717 Wrestling Spectacular Thurs 21 Feb 7.30pm. Suitable for all the family. Adult £12, child £10, family (2+2) £40. Savings if book before 31 Jan. Electric Theatre Onslow St, Guildford 01483 444789 Little Sparks Regular Saturday morning show for under 5s. 11am in the theatre’s Cafe Bar - lasts approximately 40 minutes. Featuring music, games, songs, stories and puppets. £4.50 per child (adults and babes in arms are free). There is no need to book just come along on the day. Please pay cash or cheque on the day after the show. For more details please contact Geoff on 07949 821 567.

Family Festival Sun 17 – Sat 23 Feb The Electric Theatre’s Family Festival offers excellent and affordable entertainment for families during the February half term. There is free arty fun and storytelling, the colouring corner as well as first class children’s theatre and workshops. The shows are listed below and the other activities are listed in our what’s on diary.

Rumpelstiltskin and the Wheel of Fortune Sun 17 Feb 2.30pm & 5pm. £5.50.

Suitable for ages 3-7 yrs. Poor Polly Buckwheat, the Miller’s daughter, is in a bit of a pickle! If she doesn’t turn a roomful of straw into gold by morning, the greedy King will turn a bit nasty. But should she accept the kind help of an eccentric dwarf who mysteriously appears in her prison cell?

Snow Play Mon 18 Feb 11am. £6. Suitable for ages 3-7 yrs. What would you do if one year Winter decided he didn’t want to go back to the north-pole but wanted to stay in your house instead? When Mr Green comes back from his holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house and fallen asleep!

22

®

Surrey West

Twisted Tales Tues 19 Feb 11.30am & 4pm £5.50.

Suitable for the whole family. Just when you think you know a story…

Openbox comes along and twists it!

In their unique versions of Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, Openbox show how stories can change. Full of laughter and audience participation, enjoy these traditional tales as you’ve never seen them before! (Some children will even get to try on costumes!)

Musical Menagerie Thurs 21 Feb 2pm & 3.45pm £6.50.

Suitable for the whole family. Come and join the irrepressible Alasdair Malloy and the members of the Guildford Philharmonic Concert Party in this amazing Musical Menagerie full of animal antics featuring furry, feathered and finned friends. Bring a toy animal along with you to join in the fun and listen out for music about cats and dogs, kangaroos and koalas, birds and bees and creatures that live under the sea or in the jungle!

Rock Pool Fri 22 Feb 11am & 2pm, Free.

Suitable for 2 - 6 yrs. When a big storm whips up the sea, two very different creatures are left stranded in an isolated rock pool, far from the open water. As their little pool starts to drain away, Prawn and Crab don’t have long to find a way of getting on and getting home. Funny, tender, exuberant, partially-submerged theatre from award-winning company Inspector Sands. (Contains loud rock music and splashy dancing.) This is a partnership project with Arts Partnership, Surrey. Priority booking has been offered to families on low incomes in the Guildford Borough area and therefore tickets will have limited availability.

The Gruffalo’s Child at G Live

Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show Sat 23 Feb 11am & 2.30pm £5.

Suitable for the whole family. In a magical blend of juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion, the wonderful festival finale show is just like the variety shows of years ago. Taking place in the auditorium, and closely choreographed to ragtime music, Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show will appeal to young and old alike. From his spectacular and gravity-defying three chair balance to the fascinating linking ring routine (which has been praised as the finest in Britain), the show guarantees to amuse, entertain and delight all who watch.

Why not come along early before each show to meet Mr Alexander and see his wonderful magic close up.

Farnham Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham 01252 745444 Suitcase Circus Sat 26 Jan 2.30pm £7 (£6 if you book 3+ different shows from the spring children’s theatre Photo by Gianluca de programme).

Girolamo Meet Wobulous Discombobulous, the anarchic sock, as he presents a line-up of extraordinarily talented performing objects, including the world’s only acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove, and an incredible dancing milkshake straw. For 4yrs+.

Pinocchio Sat 16 Feb 2.30pm £7 (£6 if you book 3+ different shows from the spring children’s theatre programme). Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and the shadow of two saws transforms into a giant shark. For ages 5+.

Three Little Pigs Sat 9 March 2.30pm £7 (£6 if you book 3+ different shows from the spring children’s theatre programme). Danny has been sent a storytelling kit in a crate. All the props for the story are contained within... or are they? Danny has to try against the odds to enact the story. He will recount the curly tale with lots of huff and puff, hilarious physical comedy and circus skills.

Snow Play at the Electric Theatre

G Live London Rd, Guildford 0844 7701797 The Gruffalo’s Child Mon 28 & Tue 29 Jan Mon 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Tues 10.30am & 1.30pm. £11 + booking fee. Based on the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. “The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should Ever set foot in the deep dark wood…” But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 4+ and their adults…

High School Rocks Mon 11 Feb 6.30pm. A high energy, foot stomping, totally interactive production featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical 1, 2 & 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee! £12.50 (+ £2 per ticket booking fee).

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Wed 13 & Thurs 14 Feb Wed 1pm & 4pm, Thurs 10am & 1pm. This BAFTA award winning animation is live on stage for the first time ever!

Join the young fairy Princess Holly and her best friend Ben the Elf on a magical adventure. £13.50/£15.50 Family ticket (2 +2) £45.

Michaela Strachan’s Really Wild Adventures Thurs 21 Feb 2pm Adapted from her own book of children’s poetry, popular presenter Michaela Strachan will take families on a delightful journey through an alphabet jungle of animal rhymes. From Orphaned Orangutans to Polar bear dentistry, this is a whistle stop interactive show full of poetry, dancing, music and fascinating wildlife facts. £13.50 (+ £2 per ticket booking fee).

LDN Wrestling Sat 5 May Ringside £16, General £13.50. Championship wrestling is coming to the G Live!

In the G Live Studio: MazyMeg and the Honey Bees Sun 3 March 11am & 3pm.

AngelHeart Theatre return, weaving threads of Devon folklore and song and their trademark puppetry. For ages 4+. £10, child £8 (+50p per ticket booking fee).

What’s On Grayshott Village Hall Pantomime in Grayshott – Beauty and the Beast Fri 8 March 7.30pm, Sat 9 March 2pm & 5.30pm. Tickets from Grayshott Books towards the end of Feb. New Victoria Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 Goodnight Mister Tom Tue 5 – Sat 9 March The critically acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production of Goodnight Mister Tom comes to Woking for one week only. Now a modern classic, Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting tale is brought gloriously to life.

The Gruffalo’s Child Mon 1 – Wed 3 April. Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s sell out tour comes The Gruffalo’s Child – with attitude! Just how brave is she? Find out for yourselves by joining her at the New Victoria Theatre! Suitable for ages 3+.

Princes Hall Princes Way, Aldershot 01252 329155 Chinese State Circus Thurs 21 Feb 7.30pm, Fri 22 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £13-£23.

All Star Super Slam Wrestling Friday 1 March 7.30pm £12-£15.

Moscow Ballet - ‘Coppelia’ Sun 3 March 3pm. £20-£22.

West End Centre 48 Queens Rd Aldershot 01252 408040 Children’s Festival 18-22 Feb The Children’s Festival has lots of great workshops, sessions and shows for children and families - many of which are free! The shows are listed here and the other activities are in our what’s on diary.

Rapunzel Tues 19 Feb 2.30pm, £6. Welcome to Dame Gothel’s garden, where you can let your hair down with Rapunzel. This fun adaptation has all the elements of a traditional tale… the witch, the beautiful girl locked in a tall tower and, of course, the handsome prince. With specially recorded music, beautifully made rod puppets, and masterly puppetry skills. Suitable for ages 4+.

Pied Piper Fri 22 Feb 2.30pm, £6. When the Pied Piper plays his flute the rats run, the greedy mayor rubs his hands and the children dance...

Norwich Puppet Theatre’s humorous and irresistible one-

person show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping live music and storytelling. World-class puppet theatre that will entertain parents as much as children. For ages 3–7.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford 01483 440000 Farm Boy Mon 18 - Tues 19 Feb Mon 7.30pm, Tues 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Adult £13; U18’s £11. Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to War Horse. A magical tale of the bonds linking grandfather to grandson.

Andy & Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Fri 22 Feb 11am & 2pm. Adults £11; U18’s £9.50. CBeebies star Andy Day travels back in time for a marvellous adventure. For 3 yrs +.

The Mill Studio at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre: Little Red Riding Hood and Friends Sat 2 Feb 11am & 2pm. £8.

Opening up the world of books to young audiences. For ages 4-7yrs.

Rapunzel Sat 16 Feb 11am & 2 pm. £8. With live music and magical design. Most suitable for ages 3 yrs+.

Hansel, Gretal and You…Who?: Sat 2 March 11am & 2pm. £8. A fast, funny show with lots of opportunities for audience participation. Most suitable for 4-7yrs.

Mr Honk and his Sad Trombone Sat 9 March 11am & 2pm. £8. Mr Honk’s trombone only plays the blues, so he determines to cheer her up. Most suitable for ages 5 yrs+.

Farmers’ Markets

Camberley Park Street, Camberley Sat 26 Jan, Sat 22 Feb 9.30am-2pm Farnham Central Car Park, Off Victoria Road Sun 27 Jan, Sun 24 Feb 10am-1.30pm.

Guildford High Street Tues 5 Feb 10.30am-3.30pm.

Haslemere High Street Sun 6 Jan, 3 Feb 10am-1.30pm Milford Secretts Farm Shop Car Park, Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU Sun 20 Jan, Sun 17 Feb 10am-1.30pm Ripley Ripley Village Green Sat 12 Jan 9am-1pm (Free hot chocolate to all children under twelve to keep little hands warm), Sat 9 Feb 9am-1pm.

Woking Town Centre Thurs 17 Jan, Thurs 21 Feb 9am-2.30pm.

Pied Piper at the West End Centre

Nearly New & Jumble Sales

Chilworth CofE Infant School Jumble Sale Sat 19 Jan 1-3pm at Chilworth CofE Infant School, New Road, Chilworth.

Dealers entry from 12pm, cost £5.

General public from 1pm, entry by donation. If you have any jumble to donate, please drop off at the school from 9am on day of the sale, or previous day 3-4pm. Any queries email chilworthinfants@gmail.com Dorking NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 9 Feb 10.15am-12noon (10am for NCT members with a n NCT card) at North Holmwood Village Hall, Spook Hill, Dorking.

DorkingNNS@nct.org.uk Godalming & Cranleigh District NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 9 March at Godalming Borough Hall. 11.15am-1pm (pregnant ladies from 11am, NCT members with an NCT card get priority entrance), entry is a £1 donation. To sell or volunteer to help on the day, registration will open online on 4 Feb for NCT members and from 7 Feb for non-members. www.nct.org.uk/branches/ godalming/sales/nearly-new-sale sale@godalmingnct.org.uk.

Guildford NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 23 Feb 11am-12.30pm. Entry

at 10.45am for NCT members with a valid card. At St. Joseph’s Church Hall, York Rd, Guildford, GU1 4AZ. Seller registration will open a month before the event and all details can be found at www.nctguildford.org.uk.

Haslemere and Midhurst NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 6 April 10.30am-12.30pm at Haslemere Hall, Bridge Road, Haslemere. For more info, or to register as a seller, please contact haslemereandmidhurstnns@ googlemail.com.

Knaphill & District NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 9 Feb 10.30-12noon (10.15am for NCT members with an NCT card) at Knaphill Methodist Church, The Broadway, Knaphill. knaphillnctsale@yahoo.co.uk Mummies’ Marketplace Children’s Nearly New Sale Sat 26 Jan 10-1.30am New Haw Community Centre, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Surrey. For further information please e-mail mummiesmarketplace@yahoo.co.uk or find them on www.facebook.com/ MummiesMarketplace Woking NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 9 March 3.30-5pm (3.15pm for NCT members with an NCT card) at Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Road, Woking, GU21 4LH For more information or to register as a seller, please email nns_woking@yahoo.co.uk ®

Surrey West

23

CLASSIFIEDS WINDOW CLEANERS

TUITION

Yoga for adults

MICHAEL WINDOW CLEANER PLUS

GuildfordYoga www.guildfordyoga.co.uk Drop-in classes, £9/class with equipment, all abilities, experienced teacher. 07932 712644

Domestic and commercial. Houses, flats, schools etc. Open 6 days a week. 8am-8pm.

01252 782584 or 07976 675437.

Health & Beauty

Art & Ceramic studio

Lilli's Cabin

Firing Earth www.FiringEarth.co.uk

Complementary & Beauty Therapy Facial Massage Waxing Tinting Shaping Manicure Pedicure Australian Body Care Ear Candling Chertsey

.

Paint your own art and ceramics studio.

Parties, workshops, baby prints.

Smithbrook Kilns, 01483 268788 Cranleigh

buy/sell 2nd hand Pre-owned quality kid’s clothing.

Smithbrook Kilns, Cranleigh.

The Kids Shed Tel 01483 272529 Open Tues-Fri 10-2.30, Saturday 11-4 The online marketplace for 50% discount with 5 or quality, nearly baby gear. more ads new by quoting: 50% discount with 5 or

www.nappyvalley.co.uk 5plus more ads by quoting:

ironing

5plus

The Iron Lady 07900 567000

Do you hate ironing or have no time? Help is at hand for a fast and reliable service at competitive rates with FREE local collection and delivery. Call The Iron Lady on 07900 567000 7 days a week.

.

.

.

.

.

www.Lilliscabin.com 0789 181 3542

Parties

CHILDCARE Spanish Au Pairs. Making a difference in families’ lives. Police checked. Surrey & Hampshire. 01252 694 277 www.kangurosaupairagency.com

Larah Au Pairs 01932 341704 Au pairs, mother’s helps and couples with refs and police checked. Personal, friendly service. All areas. Discounts for www.larahaupairs.co.uk Families readers

MR.MAGIC

Great Fun for any kids party

Nannies, Maternity Nannies, Mobile Crèches Surrey, Hampshire, W.Sussex 01483 415406 www.hattiesnannies.co.uk

Magic / Punch & Judy / Balloon Modelling

01428 684423 / 07768 436607 www.themrmagic.co.uk

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Explore helps children make fantastic academic progress, in addition the vibrant atmosphere keeps them engaged and focussed enabling them to have fun while they learn.

As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. The individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or are top of the class! www.explorelearning.co.uk

“The hesitancy and lack of confidence that held her back is gone. Now she tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

Explore Parent.

Book your free trial session today to find out how Explore Learning can help your child to gain confidence, enthusiasm and new skills.

Camberley Cobham Farnham Walton Woking

01276 406 868 01932 500 265 01252 727 673 01932 252 033 01483 600 903

Families Surrey West.indd 1 01/08/2012 14:03 Copyright: Families Surrey West Magazine 2012. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’s risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Surrey West nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Surrey West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor any consequence.