Families Surrey West May June 2023 Print

Half term Summer holiday camps And lots more!

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

Helping

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

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

FARNHAM 01252 216277 stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

GUILDFORD 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

Helping children believe they can do anything

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 418 year-olds

LIPHOOK

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 418 year-olds

A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Helping children believe they can do anything

News & Views

Your feedback is wanted

A new partnership has launched in Surrey putting families at the heart of improvements for local NHS community health services for 0-5 year olds. The Birth to Five Years Community Health Partnership has been devised by health staff and local people representing families across Surrey. Local families are invited to talk about their experiences of health visiting and therapies services and to work with staff to co-produce community health services to make changes for the better. There are four partnerships, chaired by eight independent representatives known as Lay Chairs across the health visiting areas of Surrey - North West, South West, North East and South East. They are reaching out to families in their local communities at baby and toddler groups, family centres, and other local settings to listen to their experiences.

To contact your local team and give your feedback visit: www.surreyheartlands.org/birth-to-five-years-chp https://www.facebook.com/bfpswsurrey (for Guildford and Waverley)

https://www.facebook.com/BFPNWSurrey (for Runnymede, Surrey Heath and Woking)

Award winning business for sale

Popolo Ceramico Guildford, Farnham and Aldershot is for sale and would make a great business opportunity for someone creative who wants to work flexibly around their children. The areas included in this franhcise are Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Aldershot, Haslemere and many surrounding villages.

Current own Julija says “I absolutely loved running my own business and bringing so much joy to the families creating and receiving personalised gifts and keepsakes. My daughters loved helping and painting up lots of ceramics too! We also have the best Popolo dream team – super friendly and supportive, always there for you. Now I am looking for a new person to take over my franchise and continue growing it”.

It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants the flexibility of owning their own business whilst still having the amazing support from the franchise team. There are already a lot of established groups, venues, nurseries and contacts in place which makes it perfect for someone who is keen to hit the ground running. For more information, please contact Julija at guildford@popoloceramico.co.uk

New SEND activity classes

FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, 7-12s will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class. Classes run in Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere and Woking. Just visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Perform fun continues into the summer holidays with a Wizard of Oz holiday course in Guildford this summer (details on page 14) and don’t miss the Perform in the Park summer festival of children’s theatre, see page 23 for details or visit performinthepark.uk.

I can too SEND is both an online and in person support and advice group for families and professionals involved in Special Needs and Disabilities. They can be found on facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/icantoosen/ Aysha, the founder of I can too SEND, is starting the first brand new activity class for children aged 0-5 on Wednesday 26th April at 10.40 -11.20am in The Ash Centre, Ash Vale. The classes will run every week in term time and you can book a one-off class or for the whole term. Booking is essential by emailing icantoosend@outlook.com, it is £7 per session. The classes will be full of sensory activities, sensory stories and Attention Autism stages to engage your child with additional needs, support parents to engage with their child in different ways as well as chat with parents who are in a similar situation. The classes are all led by a master’s Level trained SEN teacher with 10 years professional experience and nearly 30 years personal experience.

Discover your local library

If you haven’t visited your local library recently, do pop in or have a look at their website as there is more going on than you might think - lots of it is free or only a £ or two! Many libraries run free Rhymetime and Storytimes for under 5s (with an adult) and lots of libraries run additional children’s activities in the school holidaysfun craft activities, one-off events and lots more! If deadlines allow we include these in our What’s on diary at the back of the magazine. There are also other clubs that run at libraries - we haven’t got the space to list them all here, but here are just a few:

Starting on Wednesday 3rd May, for ages 8-12, Woking Library is running Page2Stage Drama Club - a weekly drama club for children where they can play some fun drama games every Wednesday from 4pm-4.45pm. Tickets are free but limited, so it is essential to book your space at Woking Library’s main desk or email woking.library@surreycc.gov.uk.

There’s a free Construction Club at Aldershot and Farnborough Libraries every Saturday from 2-4pm. Have fun with Lego ® bricks - no booking needed, but children must be accompanied. Many local libraries also run a Chatterbooks group - these are children’s reading groups for ages 7-11, which are also free.

And it’s not just for children, there are loads of groups and activities for parents too!

Please listen to me!

By Tanith Carey

When we have non-stop days, it’s easy to lapse into ‘one-way-street parenting.’ That’s where as the more powerful grown-up, you tell your child how to behave. But parenting becomes so much easier when it’s a two-way transaction and you make a conscious effort to listen to what your child has to say as well.

As they grow, children are in a constant process of learning to recognise and describe their needs and emotions. However, with their developing vocabulary they can’t always clearly articulate their big feelings so they don’t always feel heard. Children who don’t feel heard often act out how they feel. There could be angry tantrums, strops, defiance or attention-seeking behaviour to force you to pay attention. Sadly, this behaviour has the opposite effect.

The good news is that just one simple shift can transform your relationship with your child. Next time your child explodes, understand they are struggling with giant feelings. Rather than thinking about how to discipline them, observe their behaviour with curiosity, followed by empathy.

For example, we grown-ups tend to hear repeated requests for the things kids want as whingeing or nagging. Rather than ignoring them, show them you heard them the first time by looking at them, getting down on their level if they are still little, repeating what they have just said and giving them a response that works in that moment, even if it’s an explanation for why you are saying ‘no’.

Of course, you can’t be expected to drop everything, every time or give kids whatever they want.

For children ages 4-7

Name emotions: Experience shows that the more words you use to name your child’s emotions, the more accurate they will be when describing them.

Be interested in what they love: Be curious about what your child has to say, even if you’ve heard the same dinosaur fact one hundred times. If you say: ‘Tell me more,’ your child will open up to you at other times too. If you feel yourself getting bored, go on an adventure to find new facts to fascinate them.

Calm your nervous system: When you feel angry or irritated when dealing with your child, whatever you are doing, take a few deep breaths to slow yourself back to empathy mode so you can listen to what they are trying to say.

Limit your phone use: Put away your phone during the special one-on-one times with your child, whether it’s bath times, mealtimes or story time. When they don’t have to compete to be heard they can relax into being with you.

Keep some phrases in your back pocket like: ‘I know it’s hard to wait. I’ll be there soon,’ or ‘I heard you calling me. Give me five minutes while you finish your Lego house.’ Even if it’s not the answer they want to hear, they will ease off once they know the message has got through. Just make sure you stick to your word.

This kind of listening is not about giving in or letting them have their own way. It’s about remembering that children are on a steep learning curve towards naming and managing feelings that continues well into their teenage years.

Tanith Carey is co-author, with Dr Angharad Rudkin, of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents. The book includes many topics including the best ways to communicate with children. Published by DK books and available from www.bookshop.org

For children ages 8-11

Listen more than you talk: Once children can be clear about what’s bothering them, often responding with just a nod, an ‘I see’ or ‘That sounds tough’ is enough. Resist the temptation to offer judgement or criticism, even if you think it sounds constructive. It’s often what you don’t say rather than what you do which makes you the best sounding board.

Set aside time: Spend regular unhurried time just doing the things they like to do. These ‘emotional deposits’ remind tweens that you like as well as love them and they will be more likely to listen to you at other times.

Validate feelings: Simply try to accept and understand how they feel, even if that feels uncomfortable for you. For example, your tween contains their behaviour all day at school. So when they come from school and moan, remember that most of the time you don’t need to do anything except listen. You could ask: ‘Do you need to vent, or do you want suggestions? Either is fine.’

Taking children abroad in the school holidays – do you require the other parent’s permission?

By Hart Brown Solicitors

If you are separated from your children’s father or mother, you may find yourself in the position of having to share the care of your children during the school holidays. If you’re planning on taking a holiday abroad with your children, what are the things you should consider?

Taking your child abroadthe law

Many people don’t realise that noone can remove a child from the UK without either the permission of every person who has parental responsibility or permission from the Court- and that it is a criminal offence to do so.

That means that if you want to take your child to Spain on holiday, you will need the permission of the other parent, if they have “parental responsibility”. Parental responsibility means all the legal rights, duties powers, responsibilities and authority a parent has for a child.

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility for their children. Fathers have parental responsibility automatically if they were married to the child’s mother at the time of the child’s birth, or are registered on the child’s birth certificate.

In many cases you will need the other parent’s consent before taking your child abroad.

One useful exception to this is that if there is a Court Order in place confirming that the child lives with you, then you do not need the other parent’s consent to take your child abroad for a period of less than 28 days.

What to do if the other parent won’t consent to you taking your child abroad?

If the other parent refuses to allow you to take your child abroad then there are a few steps to consider.

The first is that you need to speak to the other parent and find out why they don’t agree. See if you can reach a compromise so that you are both happy. For example, it might be

you agree that your child can phone or Facetime the other parent every second or third night while you are away. You can confirm that you will provide full details of where you will be staying and any plans you have in case of emergencies.

If you still aren’t able to agree then it might be worth you both speaking to an independent third party to help you reach agreement. Mediation can be a really good way for you to speak about the issue together with a neutral person who is trained to help you come to an agreement. It can be a relatively rapid and inexpensive way to reach agreement.

If however there is still a dispute then it is possible to apply to the Court for a “Specific Issue Order” to ask the Court to decide on whether you can take your child abroad. Your child’s welfare will be the Court’s paramount consideration in making a decision. The Court will look at certain factors including the child’s wishes (dependent on the child’s age and understanding) and any risk to the child. To be successful on an application like this therefore you need to show that you have thought carefully about

the holiday and that the child will be returned safely at the end of the trip. Provided the child will be safe and the plan is well thought through, the Court is likely to agree to a child going abroad to enjoy time with their parent and see the world.

A good tip with all of this is to start discussions with the other parent as soon as possible, to allow time to reach agreement before the holidays begin. That way you all know what is happening and you can start to relax and look forward to your time away.

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

*This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

Helping children find their autistic identity

By Rebecca Duffus

Whena young person gets a diagnosis of autism, it does not always come with the opportunity to explore their personal autistic identity. Research shows that having a positive understanding of this is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. Thankfully with the right knowledge and tools, parents can initiate important conversations and support their journey.

So often, autistic young people are told to stop their repetitive physical movements, taught neurotypical social skills and even disciplined purely because of their autistic behaviours. We need to be actively promoting autistic pride and creating communities in which autistic youngsters can understand their strengths and have their needs catered for.

It is important that young autistic people gain a sense of their own unique story and understand feelings of difference and what difference means to them. It helps if they can also learn from the role modelling of other autistic individuals.

Giving children space and time to explore and embrace their autistic identity, in a way that is positive and empowering, is essential for their sense of self and belonging. Here are a few ideas:

Highlight differences in a positive way in everyday life. For example, apples and oranges, pens and pencils, different roles within a sports team. Each share similarities and differences and are equally good and valid. Use these examples to explain the concept of neurodiversity: how some people’s brains simply work differently.

Use visuals to explore autism characteristics and what your child’s unique autistic identity looks like. For example, show pictures related to sensory differences to prompt discussions around overreactivity and under-reactivity to different senses. The Autism, Identity and Me Workbook includes a range of visual prompts and space to personalise each section, so the book becomes truly theirs.

Help them develop a diary or workbook in which they can reflect on their identity. Consider buying personalised notebooks or help them to set up their own system for processing information on an ongoing basis. This could be recording voice notes, videos or typing into a document.

Explore accounts from other autistic individuals, particularly those they have something in common with, so that they feel represented.

Develop an ‘Autism Identity Statement’ together that they can use to explain to others what autism means to them.

Continue the conversation and not always verbally: use links, articles and videos. If appropriate for their age, encourage them to watch or follow autism advocates such as The Aspie World, Purple Ella and Chloe Hayden.

For parents, Chris Packham’s recent Inside Our Autistic Minds, available on iPlayer, is an illuminating and informative insight into the minds of young autistic adults.

The neurodiversity pencil case

Featured in the AIM workbooks, this analogy can help to understand difference. Sometimes people feel different from everyone else. Imagine a neurodivergent person is a pen within a classroom where the neurotypical pupils are pencils. They might feel like the only pen.

Both the pens and pencils are good at what they do.

The neurodivergent people may be different from the neurotypical people but they all share similarities.

They are not the only pen…. about one in seven people are neurodivergent!

Local contacts:

Follow their lead. You want to develop your child’s autistic pride but it is very important to respect their communication preferences. Do they want to share their Autism Identity Statement with other family members and friends or just with specific people?

Rebecca Duffus is an Advisory Teacher working with students and educators in mainstream and specialist schools, plus local council and education services. She has created Autism, Identity and Me (AIM) personalised workbooks for young people aged 10+, with an accompanying guidebook for parents. Together they help autistic young people establish and reflect upon their own unique story. Order from https://bit.ly/AIMbook

Creating an autism identity statement

Your child can choose who they talk to about autism and what they say but it can sometimes be easier if they have a set phrase they can use to explain what autism means to them. This statement is liable to change over time as they develop their understanding of their autistic identity. Start with something like:

I’m really good at...

I sometimes find it harder to...

When I feel stressed it helps me to...

And even: My superpowers are...

BRAAIN is an Information Network for parents of children with ADHD, Autism or SEN. www.facebook.com/BRAAINSurreyHants www.braain.co.uk

I can too SEND is an online and in person support and advice group for families and professionals involved in Special Needs and Disabilities.

www.facebook.com/groups/icantoosen/

School News

New Head for Barrow Hills School

Mr John Towers joins Barrow Hills School as the new Head in September 2023 from Homefield Prep where he is currently Headmaster. He has over 30 years experience in the education sector and has been a Head in two schools, leading his first to be judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and, under his leadership, Homefield has been rated ‘excellent’ across both academic achievement and pastoral development in the latest ISI inspection.

Scholarship Success for Rydes Hill Preparatory School

Year after year, Rydes Hill Preparatory School achieves an excellent level of senior school scholarship awards. It’s always an achievement for the pupils of any preparatory school to be awarded a senior school scholarship. However, for a nonselective school such as Rydes Hill, the accomplishment is even more special. Over the past 4 years, 66 Rydes Hill girls have been offered 42 scholarships and 126 prestigious senior school offers. As a commitment to widening the access of excellent education and enrichment, Rydes Hill also offers scholarships to girls entering Years 3 and 5. Scholarships recognise a child’s achievements by offering a discount on school fees and are awarded to candidates that demonstrate an all-round ability across a breadth of academic and non-academic subjects. If you believe your child would benefit from a scholarship, please visit https://rydeshill.com/admissions

Longacre Judged ‘Excellent’ in ISI Inspection

In June 2022 Longacre was visited by ISI Inspectors, and they are incredibly proud to confirm that Longacre was adjudged to be compliant in all areas and ‘Excellent’ (the highest available rating) in the two areas measured regarding Educational Quality: Academic and other achievements and Personal Development.

Educational quality was assessed by numerous lesson observations, pupil, staff and governor interviews and examining pupils’ work. Headmaster Matthew Bryan said “we welcome not only the ‘excellent’ judgements and warm words about children’s achievement, progress, attitudes and characters, but also the two recommendations to broaden the pupils’ study skills around research materials, and also developing their appreciation of cultural diversity within the wider world. As a school, we are committed to environmental and social responsibility, as well as ensuring that Longacre is the most welcoming, friendly, tolerant and joyful place that it can be. You can be sure that this will remain a key point of focus for all of us in the coming terms and years”.

Family Fun Day at Belmont School

Belmont School warmly invites families to come along to its Family Fun Day on Saturday 13th May from 2 –4pm. Prospective parents will be able to visit its Early Years setting, The Mews, and join in with coronationthemed celebrations.

Those looking for entry into Years 3 and above are invited to attend the School’s Prep and Senior School Open Morning on Thursday 4th May at 9.30am.

Visitors will listen to a talk from the Head followed by a pupil-led tour of the school.

Whilst families with children aged 2 – 5 years, may be interested in Belmont Explorers, a fun activity session where children engage in craft, cooking or woodland activities in the School’s grounds. Sessions run on Mondays at 1.30pm. To find out more about any of these events, please visit www.belmont-school.org.

Independent School Open Days

Please contact schools to see if booking is needed.

School Open Day Date

Barrow Hills School, Witley 01428 683639

Mixed 2-13 yrs.

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

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

Longacre School Shamley Green 01483 893225

Mixed 2-11 years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Ives School, Haslemere Mixed 2-11 years.

Fri 16 June 9.30am or please contact the school to arrange a personal visit.

Family Fun Day 13 May 2-4pm.

Year 3 and above entry: Thurs 4 May 9.30am.

Fri 12 May.

Fri 5 May 9.30am-12pm.

Sat 13 May 10am-12pm.

Please contact the school.

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

Fri 12 May 9am-11am.

Prep school:

Fri 12 May 9.45am

Fri 9 June 9.45am.

Sat 20 May 10am-12pm.

Please contact the school for a personal tour.

Fri 5 May 9.30am-11am.

Summer camps

Whether you are looking for childcare or just some holiday fun, here are some great workshops and camps for the summer!

Xtreme Activate Holiday Day Camp

OFSTED registered funfilled holiday camp that runs at Guildford Spectrum entertaining and challenging children aged 5-8 and 9-12 years. The Camp runs every school holiday from 8.30am6pm. Children will take part in activities such as ice skating, bowling, swimming (everyday for 9 years + and on certain days for ages 5-8), track time (weather permitting) and arts and crafts. Bookings can be made in person at Customer Services (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm) or by calling 01483 443322, option 3.

In2Drama

In2Drama is back this year with Broadway and West End Star Kerry Ellis at the Cranleigh Arts Centre. (Cats, Wicked, We will Rock You, Les Miserables). She will be running audition Master Classes at the five-day academy which runs from 24th-28th July, 9am-5pm. The academy suits aspiring actors and filmmakers. The focus is on developing skills for musical theatre, film, acting, music production, dance and tech. Age related groups of 11-15 and 16-21 allows for better 1:1 focus. The In2Drama students will have the opportunity to perform to a public audience each day. There are strictly limited places. For more information and to book today go to www.in2drama.com

Synergy Dance

Synergy Dance will be running their signature holidaythemed workshops at Guildford Spectrum and QEP Centre, Guildford, this summer, alongside their dance parties for birthdays throughout Surrey. Activities include mainstream themed dance and activity workshops and also Saturday afternoon SEND Dance & Movement workshops for juniors & teens, for children & families with special needs and disabilities. For more details and to book please visit: https://bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Pitch Pals

Pitch Pals are running more fantastic football camps at Broadwater School, Godalming throughout the Summer holidays. All days run 9am3.30pm (late pick-up and half-days available). Your child can expect a camp full of fun games, activities and tournaments suitable for all. Expert coaching from FA-qualified Coaches in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. Early booking is recommended to guarantee your child’s space. You can book at https://pitch-pals.class4kids.co.uk

Guildford Summer Youth Project

Are you between 8 and 16 years old? Do you have a passion for dance, drama and singing? Join Guildford Theatre School’s one week course and put on a show at The Electric Theatre this Summer!

Singin’ in the Rain Jr runs from Mon 31 July - Fri 4 Aug from 10am-5pm. This one week workshop stimulates and inspires young and upand-coming performers and learners. To book contact The Electric Theatre at www.electric.theatre

SportyKidz Holiday Camps

Sporty Kidz will be running their popular Football or MultiSports Camps for 3-13 year olds in Woking at the Winston Sports Centre from Tues 30 May - Fri 2 June and Mon 24 July - Fri 25 Aug led by their excellent coaches. Standard day 9am-3pm, extended day 8.15am-5pm! Football camp - children will learn new skills and enjoy fun competitions with the wonderful FA Qualified coaches. Multi-Sports Camp - children will learn from a variety of 15 sports each week and play fun games, parachute games and mini Olympics. Childcare vouchers and HMRC tax free payments accepted. Book online at SportyKidz.co.uk.

Haslemere Performing Arts

The 5-day Summer School courses take place in July and August (dates to be confirmed). 10am - 2pm (3pm on the final day). Each course provides the opportunity for anyone from 5-16 to rehearse the musical Annie Warbucks (Miss Hannigan’s Revenge). Previous productions include Oliver!, Wicked, Hairspray and Bugsy Malone. The young cast learn dialogue, dance routines and songs ending on the final day, with a performance for parents, family and friends. For more details phone 01428 652360 (answerphone) or email: haparts@aol.com

Surrey Theatre Academy

Have a serious amount of fun and perform in a show on the last day to friends and family in one of these fantastic summer theatre camps, taught by highly experienced teachers. At Haslemere Hall:

Mini Matilda Theatre Camp Mon 31 July-Fri 4 Aug for 5-9s 9am-12pm.

Matilda Summer Theatre Camp

Mon 7-Fri 11 Aug for 6-16s 9am-3pm.

At Godalming Borough Hall:

2-Day Spongebob Theatre Camp

Mon 14-Tues 15 Aug for 5-10s 9am-12pm.

2-Day Little Mermaid Summer Theatre Camp

Thurs 17-Fri 18 Aug 9am-12pm for 5-10s.

Matilda Summer Theatre Camp Mon 21-Fri 25 Aug 9am3pm for 6-16s. Book at www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Summer camps

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will have an exciting mix of drama and theatre-making workshops on offer to inspire and keep creative minds buzzing on 30th and 31st May and 31st July-11th August. There will be workshops for all ages with activities such as storytelling, drama, games, crafts and more! Follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the latest details on these fun workshops! Bursary places are available, contact Rhiannon Fisher on rfisher@yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

MultiSports Guildford

Summer Holiday Camp runs from Mon 24 - Fri 28 July at St Peter’s School, Guildford. Suitable for boys and girls of all abilities, with half days for 4-6 year olds and full days for 6-16 year olds. Students will take part in 16 sports with professional coaches and mini tournaments.

OFSTED registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted. No previous experience necessary, applicants do not have to be regular MultiSports students. For more information or to book please contact Ingrid on 0844 8009096. www.multisportsguildford.co.uk

Perform Drama

Perform are off to see the wizard this summer, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday course which runs from 31 July – 4 Aug at Christ Church Hall, Guildford. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. Suitable for ages 4-10, children attend from 10am-3pm. Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard.

Merrist Wood Holiday Club

Children aged 5-12 who love animals, conservation and being outdoors will love the Merrist Wood Holiday Club. The college near Guildford has lots of rare breed animals to meet and learn about. There are loads of activities on the themed days during the Animal or Wildlife and Conservation weeks including: nature trails, DIY seed bombs and bird feeders, meet the meerkats, mouse house making and farm walks. 9am–4pm (£30 per day) or 8am–5pm (£35). Wildlife and Conservation weeks run 24-28 July, 7-11 Aug and 21-25 Aug and Animal Weeks are 1-4 Aug and 14-18 Aug. For details and to book visit merristwoodevents.co.uk.

Ultimate Activity Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps

Book by 6 June to save!

(UAC) provide an inspiring programme of over 40 stimulating and outstanding activities during the school holidays for children aged 4-14 to enjoy at some of the UK’s leading independent schools. The award-winning OFSTED registered camps are delivered by qualified and motivating staff. During the summer holidays, UAC will be running locally at St Andrew’s School in Woking, Amesbury School in Haslemere, Prior’s Field School in Godalming and Manor House School in Bookham.

Children will be able to enjoy a huge range of sports, games and craft activities each week. Camps run Monday to Friday and you can book by the day or week for ultimate flexibility. Extended hours are available each day if needed. Take advantage of the special offer for summer dates and save £20 per week or £4 per day when you book before Tuesday 6th June. Childcare vouchers accepted. Their camps are about making memories for children, through fresh air, fun and friendship. For details please visit www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Stagecoach Summer Workshops

Enjoy a fun filled week of singing, dancing and acting; putting on a musical extravaganza on the last day for friends and family. Childcare vouchers and tax free childcare accepted. You don’t need to be a Stagecoach student to attend these workshops.

Stagecoach Farnham

Stagecoach Farnham are excited to announce they are putting on Frozen Jr for their summer workshops which run from 24-28 July at Farnham College. 9.30am-3.30pm for ages 6+ while 4-6 year olds attend from 9am-1pm. Make new friends and have loads of fun! Book your place at www.stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

Stagecoach Farnborough

Don’t miss this all singing, all dancing week, putting on a performance of ‘High School musical Jr’. Running at Samuel Cody School, Farnborough from 14-18 Aug, ages 4-6 attend 9.30am12.30pm (3.30pm on Friday) whilst children aged 6+ attend from 9.30am-3.30pm. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough

Stagecoach Camberley & Yateley

Sing, dance and act all week creating a show at the end with costumes and lights. ‘Cave of Wonders’ workshop for ages 6-18 runs from 31 July - 4 Aug 10am-4pm at Kings International College, Camberley. Children aged 4-6 will attend from 9.30am12.30pm and work on ‘A Whole New World’. Book online at www.stagecoach.co.uk/camberley.

Stagecoach Liphook

Workshops run from 24-28 July at Liphook Infant School with end of week performances at Liphook Millenium Hall. 7-18 year olds will be performing the hit musical Matilda Jr with it’s catchy songs and high-energy dance numbers and attend from 9.30am-4.30pm (7pm performance on Friday). 4-6 year olds have a week of fun creating a show based on the popular ‘Gangsta Granny’ story, attending from 9.30-12.30pm. Book at: www.stagecoach.co.uk/liphook

Stagecoach Guildford

Stagecoach Guildford’s Summer workshops will be running at Bushy Hill Junior School, Guildford from 21-25 Aug. The Early Stages Workshop for ages 4-6 is from 9.30am-12.30pm (3.30pm on Friday) and children aged 6+ attend from 9.30am-3.30pm. The workshop will culminate in a production of ‘High School Musical Jr’, with professional lights, costume and photography. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

Markets 4 Parents

Markets 4 Parents is the new name for the great sales run by Ellie, which used to be Baby and Children’s Market. The next sales will take place on Saturday 3rd June and Saturday 1st July from 10am12pm at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. £2 entry, kids are free. Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% profit on the day. For more information or to book a stall visit bookwhen.com/ markets4parents or email info@markets4parents.com @markets4parents

rhs.org.uk/wisley

Sow Awesome – May Half Term

Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun

Our gardens are bursting with lifethere’s no better time to learn how to grow your own. Discover how fun and easy it is to plant and harvest vegetables and learn more about where our food comes from, as a family. Your visit supports our work as a charity.

What’s on diary

SAT 29 APRIL

Coronation Crown Craft

Haslemere Library

10am-12pm. £1.50. Booking required, email haslemere. library@surreycc.gov.uk or call in to the library.

Mini Golf, Polesden Lacey

Gt Bookham Have fun on the pop-up 9 hole mini golf course. Admission + £3 per player, pre-booking online recommended.

SUN 30 APRIL

Mini Golf, Polesden Lacey

See listing on 29 April.

MON 1 MAY

Chobham Carnival

Recreation Ground Arena acts, fun fair, stalls and more.

Surrey Society of Model

Engineers

Leatherhead KT22 9AA

Miniature train rides 11am4pm, no booking needed.

Horsell May Fayre

Wheatsheaf Recreation

Ground Woking, GU21 4BL 11.45am. Free entry.

Blackheath May Fair

Blackheath Lane, Blackheath

Traditional fair from 2pm.

Mini Golf, Polesden Lacey

See listing on 29 April.

TUES 2 MAY

Little Foresters

Longacre School

Shamley Green 9-10am. Forest School parent & toddler group with different nature-based activities each week. Runs every Tuesday in term-time. £2.50 per session including refreshments. Book at www. longacre.surrey.sch.uk/ nursery/little-foresters/

Mini Gallery Explorers

The Lightbox Woking 11-11.40am. Fun for under 5s with an adult. Limited spaces allocated on the day from 10.30am. Suggested donation £5.

Toddler Time

Rydes Hill Prep School

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

Coronation Crown Craft

Ash Library

3.30pm. £1. Sign up at the library or contact ash.library@ surreycc.gov.uk. For 4+.

Please check event details with organiser and to see if booking is needed

Toddler Tuesday

Surrey Heath Museum

The Square, Camberley Drop in from 10.30am-12.30pm. £1.50 donation. Activities, toys and games for under 5s.

TUES 2 – SUN 7 MAY

Majestic Crowns Trail

The Lightbox

Woking Tues-Sat 10.30am5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Find crown pieces in this trail around The Lightbox to create a crown. Show your design to the reception team to get a sweet treat. Children must be with an adult. Free.

WED 3 MAY

Cathedral Tots

Guildford Cathedral 10am. Free. Informal service for under 5s and their carers with activities, a faith-based story, a prayer, songs and craft. No booking needed.

FRI 5 MAY

Swallow Tale

Haslemere Museum

1.30-2.30pm. For under 5s with an adult. Child £2, adult £1. Learn about the life of the swallow and make a swallow puppet. Book online.

Boogie Bears

Longacare School Yurt

Shamley Green 9.4510.30am. Toddler group that brings to life favourite children’s story books each week through song, movement and imagination. For ages 18 months - 3 years with an adult. For details and to book see www.longacre. surrey.sch.uk/boogie-bears/

SAT 6 MAY

Eco Explorers

By the KFC crossroads, Union St, Aldershot Free, drop-in from 10am-2pm. Create a bird feed ornament and plant flowers for the bandstand.

Animal Encounter Tour

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon 11am-1pm. For ages 5+ (under 16s must be with an adult). You’ll see a wide selection of birds and reptiles including bearded dragons, corn snakes, tortoises and more plus you’ll see the meerkats (weather permitting). Book online.

Surrey Celebrates the Coronation

University of Surrey

Guildford GU2 7XH Bring a picnic and watch the coronation on a big screen by the Lake. There’ll be food and drink to buy plus family entertainment. Free entry and free car parking.

Coronation Celebration

Gostrey Meadow

Farnham 10am-6pm. Watch the coronation on a big screen plus live bands, food, drink and stalls. Free face painting and free Coronation cross stitch workshop (workshop from 12-5pm).

The King’s Coronation Party, Bagshot High Street 1-5pm. Rides, stalls, food and live entertainment.

Haslemere Library

Chatterbooks

11.10-11.50am. Reading group for children aged 7-11. To join email haslemere.library@ surreycc.gov.uk or call into the library.

SAT 6 – MON 8 MAY

Celebrating the Coronation of The King and Queen Consort, Polesden Lacey Gt Bookham There’ll be a range of celebrations across Polesden Lacey. Bring a deckchair and picnic and enjoy vintage-style live music from The Polka Dots and The Candy Girls as they perform on the South Terrace. Try your hand at a real game of popup mini golf (mini golf is £3 per player + admission, pre-booking online recommended).

Eco Explorers

By the old Peacocks unit, Queensmead, Farnborough Town Centre Free, drop-in from 10am-2pm. Hands on Eco activities.

Coronation Family Fun

Day, Frimley Lodge Park Sturt Rd, Frimley Green 10am-4pm. Games, stalls, bouncy castles, arena events, dog show and more.

Mizens Railway

Barrs Lane, Knaphill GU21 2JW 2-5pm. Miniature train rides for ages 1+ (under 10s must be with an adult). No booking needed.

Coronation Celebration

Wood Street Village Green 12-4pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy maypole dancing, children’s races, children’s entertainment and more.

Animal Encounter Tour

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon GU3 3PE 2-4pm. For ages 5+ (under 16s must be with an adult). See and learn about the reptiles, birds and meerkats at the College. Book online.

Coronation Celebration

Chobham Recreation

Ground 12–4pm. Fun fair, bouncy castle and more plus a hog roast or bring a picnic.

Grayshott Coronation

Festival, Village Green

Grayshott From 12pm. Live music and lots of food and drink stalls, plus children’s games on Lyndon Green.

Stoke Park Railway

Guildford GU1 1TU Miniature train rides 2-5pm. No booking needed.

MON 8 MAY

May Fair

Send Recreation Ground 12-3pm. Folk dancing, stalls, music and lots more fun.

Coronation Celebration

The Pavilion

Shaftesbury Rd, Bisley 2-5pm. Bring your own picnic. Children’s crafts and games plus tea and cake.

Normandy’s Coronation

SUN 7 MAY

Cranleigh’s Coronation Celebration

Cranleigh High Street 11am-5pm. Live music, children’s entertainment, stalls and more.

Great Cockcrow Railway

Chertsey KT16 0AD Miniature train rides for ages 2+. From 1pm, booking office closes 4.15pm.

Fair, Manor Fruit Farm 1-4pm. Children’s games, animal encounters, BBQ, bar, tombola and more.

Haslemere Coronation

Celebration, Lion Green Village fête from 12.30pm with funfair, games, hot food, and festival bar. Carnival procession to Lion Green at 1.30pm. The evening will end with a laser light show.

Merrist Wood College

Polesden Lacey

mini golf at Polesden Lacey

What’s on diary

Hever Castle

Please check event details with organiser and to see if booking is needed

MON 8 MAY CONT.

SUN 14 MAY

Unleash your artistic side during May half term at Hever Castle & Gardens (27 May – 4 June). Become an artist for the day and depict the Castle or gardens in any style, take part in a free art challenge or be inspired by the artists in the grounds. Meet actors, as they portray the famous artists Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo. Join them as they take you on a journey through the grounds, and take part in some art challenges. Finish off your day by becoming a walking piece of art with a creative face paint (extra charge – weekends only).

There is also the popular Water Maze, the thrilling Tudor Towers adventure playground, the natural Acorn Dell play area as well as ‘Have-a-Go’ Archery* and boating* on the 38-acre lake (*additional charge, only available during weekends and school holidays).

See page 22 for details of the Home Front Event on 24-25 June.

Guildford Spectrum

Guildford Spectrum offers a wide range of activities, including tenpin bowling, ice skating and four swimming pools. In the pools, you can show off your skills on the diving boards, race down the waterslides or test your stamina during a lane swimming session. Everyone can enjoy the indoor ice rink all year round, perfect for experienced skaters or beginners with the help of penguin skating aids. Challenge your friends and family to a game of bowling and show off your strike celebration! There’s also exciting soft play, ‘Specky’s Pirate Ship’ for little ones to explore. All activities can be booked online.

RHS Garden Wisley

Steeped in history, RHS Wisley is also blazing a trail as a glorious garden of the future. During May half term, families can discover how fun and easy it is to plant and harvest vegetables and discover where our food comes from.

Inspire the next generation of gardeners at RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, discover the abundant produce in the World Food Garden, explore the colourful Exotic Garden and wonder at the tropical Glasshouse. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

Mini Golf at Polesden Lacey

In 1923 Bertie and Elizabeth (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) began their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey and enjoyed a game of golf in the gardens. On 29 April – 1 May, 6 – 8 May and 27 May – 4 June you can retrace their steps at a pop-up 9 hole mini golf course. Admission + £3 per player, prebooking online recommended.

Polesden Lacey are also celebrating the coronation in style - see the listing under 6-8 May on page 16 for more details.

Lightwater Coronation Music Festival, Lightwater

Recreation Ground

Behind All Saints Church 126pm. Music, face painting, inflatables, food and more.

Coronation Dog Show

Leatherhead Parish Church

KT22 8BD 12-4pm. Free entry to visitors.

DorKing Coronation

Dorking Town Centre

12-4pm. Kids crafts and face painting, live entertainment, free art trail and more.

Coronation Garden Party

St Mark’s Church

Westfield Rd, GU22 9QA Tea, cake, music, bouncy castle, face painting, tombola and more. 2.30pm. Free entry.

WESTfest, Cradhurst

Recreation Ground

Westcott RH4 3PS 12-4pm. Royal fancy dress, dog show, horse & carriage rides and more. No on site parking.

FRI 12 MAY

Mini Painters, The Lightbox Woking Painting fun for under 5s with an adult. Book in advance online. 11-11.40am. Child £5, adult free.

SAT 13 MAY

Farnham Maltings

Book workshops online. Beads, Buttons, Badges & Brooches Pottery fun at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm or 2.30pm. For all ages. £12. Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace 10.30am-12pm. £40. For 10+.

WitStock, Chichester Hall

Petworth Rd, Witley GU8 5PL 12-4pm. Music, stalls, kids zone, refreshments, dog show and more. Free entry.

The Compton Fete

Compton Village Green

The Street, Compton GU3 1JQ. Fun on the village green from 12-4.30pm. Cash only.

Family Fun Day

Belmont School

Holmbury St Mary 2-4pm. Free Coronation themed family fun day for children up to 10 years and their families including bouncy castle, crafts and refreshments. Please book your space by emailing: admissions@belmont-school. org by 30th April.

Spring Fest, Secretts

Chapel Lane, Milford

Celebration of seasonal food, live music and children’s activities. Book online.

Dragon Boat Race & Family Fun Day

Goldsworth Park

Woking 10am-4pm. Watch the colourful dragon boats on the lake, plus face-painting, BBQ, tombola and more.

Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 7 May.

Farm Open Morning

Merrist Wood

Worplesdon 10am-12pm. £5, under 3s free. Meet all the farm animals – piglets, goat kids, lambs, donkey, alpacas and more! Get up close and pet the animals, animal feed will be available at an extra charge. Book online.

Visiting Locos Day

Mizens Railway

Barrs Lane, Knaphill GU21 2JW 2-5pm. Miniature train rides for ages 1+ (under 10s must be with an adult). No booking needed.

Spring Fest, Secretts

See listing on 13 May.

FRI 19 MAY

Harry & the Dinosaurs

Haslemere Museum

10.30-11.30am. For under 5s with an adult. Child £2, adult £1. Enjoy a story, look at the fossils and do some dinosaur colouring. Book online.

SAT 20 MAY

May Fair, Holy Trinity CofE Primary School

Benner Lane, West End, Woking Lots of family fun –everyone welcome.

Bramley Village Fete

Gosden Common Bramley 12-4pm. Food, drink, games, rides and entertainment.

Self Portraits

Cranleigh Arts Centre

Kids’ craft at 9.30am or 10.30am. £8. Book online.

The Spring Fair St John’s Church

Farncombe GU7 3EJ

Coldharbour Village Fete

Coldharbour Memorial Ground RH5 6HF 2-5pm. Magic show, children’s games, refreshments, fun dog show and lots more. Cash only.

RSPCA Fun Dog Show

Lion Green

Haslemere Register on the day from 12pm. Show from 1.30-4.30pm.

Lightwater Fete Recreation Ground

Traditional fete from 12-4pm.

SAT

20 MAY CONT.

Frog Craft

Farnham Library

11am-12pm. Make some cheeky frogs. For 5+. 50p per child. No booking needed, just drop in on the day.

SUN 21 MAY

Hopefest

All Saints Church

Tilford 11am-5pm. Bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, children’s zone and more.

Stoke Park Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Great Cockcrow Railway

See listing on 7 May.

All Aboard Club

The Lightbox

Woking Inclusive train play session for autistic, ADHD and SEN children. 11am-12.30pm. Book at www.allaboardclub. com.

Mizens Railway

See listing on 7 May.

SAT 27 MAY

Macramé Bracelets and Keyrings

The West End Centre

Aldershot For adults and children aged 10+. 10.30am12pm. £18. Book online.

DogFest, Loseley Park Guildford 9.30am-5pm.

Elmer Day Craft

Farnham Library

11am. For ages 5+. Celebrate everyone’s favourite literary elephant by making colourful suncatchers. £1 per child. Limited spaces, sign up at the library or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.

Fun Dog Show

Millbrook Animal Centre

Chobham GU24 8EH

Registration from 10am. ‘Have a go’ activities, face painting, refreshments and young children’s funfair ride. Cash only.

27 MAY - 4 JUNE

May Half Term: Sow

Awesome RHS Garden Wisley

Woking The garden is literally bursting with life so there’s no better time to learn how to grow your own! Discover how fun and easy it is to plant and harvest vegetables and learn more about where our food comes from, as a family. No booking required, included in admission. 01483 224234 Rhs.org.uk/wisley

Art Week, Hever Castle Enjoy half term with lots of art activities at Hever. See listing on opposite page for details.

Mini Golf, Polesden Lacey

Gt Bookham Enjoy a pop-up 9 hole mini golf course. Admission + £3 per player, pre-booking online recommended.

Come and Play the Nature Way, Godstone Farm Half term is all about getting in touch with nature! Activities include a woodland spirit trail, rainbow colour walk, nature origami and all the usual farmyard fun. Book online.

Half-term Mini-beast Trail Hatchlands Park East Clandon GU4 7RT 10am4pm. Discover the miniature world of minibeasts on a trail around Hatchlands Park. Included in admission.

27 MAY - 25 JUNE

Bugs and Butterflies Trail Painshill Park Cobham KT11 1BE 10am4pm. Included in admission. Book in advance and save!

SUN 28 MAY

Music in the Meadow Gostrey Meadow

Farnham 3-5pm. Live music, charity tea tent and free family craft creating colourful yarn wrapped mandalas.

Farm Open Mornings

Merrist Wood

See listing on 14 May.

Open Sunday

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Compton GU3 1DL 2pm. Tour of the site followed by tea, coffee and cakes. Meet the horses and learn about what the Sanctuary does. Adult £3, child £2, under 5s free. Online booking essential.

Great Cockcrow Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Mizens Railway

See listing on 7 May.

DogFest, Loseley Park Guildford 9.30am-5pm.

Day out with Bluey Rural Life Centre

Farnham Bluey will make meet and greet appearances through the day. Book online.

MON 29 MAY

Surrey Society of Model Engineers See 1 May.

Farnborough Donkey Derby, King George V Playing Fields

Farnborough GU14 6PQ 10am-6pm. Donkey races, stalls, fairground, arena entertainment and more.

Day out with Bluey, Rural Life Centre See 28 May.

Rowledge Village Fayre Rowledge Recreation Ground 12-4pm.

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies Wine Estate

Dorking 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm. £3.75 for ages 6+. Under 5s free with paying adult. Book online.

29 MAY - 2 JUNE

Nature Train Ride

Denbies Wine Estate

Dorking Train ride around the vineyard with Denbies Woodland friends! Child £9.50, adult £5.50. Book online.

TUES 30 MAY

Guildford Spectrum

Book workshops at: https:// bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Synergy Dance Frozen Workshop

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

Princess and Superheroes

3.45-4.45pm. For ages 4-8 in age-appropriate groups. Harness your superpowers and dress to impress for this fantastic holiday workshop. Activities include learning a themed dance routine, dance games, parachute fun, role play and more.

Decorate and Fill

Your Own Flower Pot Haslemere Hub

10.30-11.30am. £3 per child, for ages 3+ with an adult. Decorate a flower pot and then plant seeds in it! Prebook via FIXR online booking.

Animal Art, The Lightbox Woking For ages 5-10 with an adult. Learn how to develop a simple animal shape and paint it. 1.30-3pm. Child £9.50, adult free. Book online.

Pond Dipping

Haslemere Museum

10.30am-12pm. For 5-11s. £7 (mem £5). Book online.

Synergy Dance Workshop

What’s on diary

AirHop Guildford

Rain or shine, skies are always blue at AirHop! Enjoy over 30,000sq ft of ultimate bouncing fun for kids and big kids with loads of attractions to keep the whole gang happy!

Please check event details with organiser and to see if booking is needed

TUES 30 MAY CONT.

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience

Merrist Wood College

Terrific Transport

Surrey History Centre

Open jump sessions are open to everyone aged 4+. Younger trampolining enthusiasts (6 months - 6 years) can explore the park in a safe and fun environment during dedicated MiniHopper Takeovers. These sessions include extra toys, ride-ons, a visit of a special guest and the ever-so popular bubble time. On Friday and Saturday 6-8pm you can experience the park in a cool club atmosphere during a 2-hour bargain Sunset Session at only £17.50. Find out more on airhop-guildford.com and #jumpintohappy.

The Derby Family Festival

Half term in full colour! Experience racing’s most spectacular carnival in The Derby Family Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse, 2-3 June 2023. Watch history in the making from the ticketed enclosure on the world-famous Hill. In a new location for 2023, closer to the action on the racetrack, there will be all day entertainment for the whole family, from tots to young teens. Don’t miss the return of the Main Stage, a new food festival and selected free rides and activities. Tickets from £20, under 12s go free! www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsomderby/plan-your-day/enclosures/hillside-enclosure/

Godstone Farm

Godstone Farm invites you to share their love of the outdoors and all things nature during Whitsun half term. As ever when the kids are off school, this farm packs heaps of fun into a daily schedule, including numerous up-close encounters with the resident animals. In addition there are craft sessions and exciting trails to discover, all with a nature theme. You’ll have a field day with all that’s on offer. Booking online guarantees you the best price tickets www.godstonefarm.co.uk

The Little Welly

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

Worplesdon For ages 6-14. 10am-3pm. Join the Animal Keepers for a day, working with lots of animals including tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, meerkats and more. £70. Book online.

Half-term Craft

Haslemere Library

10-11.30am. £1.50. Booking essential, call in to the library or email haslemere.library@ surreycc.gov.uk.

Play in a Day – The Little Mermaid, Princes Hall Aldershot 10am-5pm. For ages 7-11. £21. Book online.

Farnham Maltings

Pre-book workshops online. Clay Modelling for Kids

10-11.30am. £20. For ages 8-12, under 8s welcome with an adult. Book online. Painting with Watercolours

1-3pm. For ages 10-16. £20.

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies Wine Estate

See listing on 29 May.

Family Butterfly Walk

Wellesley Woodland

11am-12.30pm. All are welcome on this leisurely walk to explore the nature along the Wellesley Woodland trails. Free, please book your space on Eventbrite.co.uk.

Creative Workshops

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford Workshops will be available with activities such as storytelling, drama, games, crafts and more! Follow them on social media for details. Bursary places are available, contact Rhiannon Fisher on rfisher@yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

Origami Birds Puppets

Farnham Library

10.30-11.30am. Make origami bird finger puppets. For ages 5+. 50p per child. Sign up by emailing farnham.library@ surreycc.gov.uk or drop in on the day.

30 MAY – 1 JUNE

Pitch Pals Football Camps

Broadwater School

Godalming Camps run 9am3.30pm (late pick-up and halfdays available). Fun games, activities and tournaments suitable for all. Expert coaching from FA-qualified Coaches in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. Early booking recommended. Book at pitch-pals.class4kids.co.uk

130 Goldsworth Rd, Woking GU21 6ND 9.30am-5pm. Find out about the history of Surrey transport and make a paper car, rocking boat and plenty more. For ages 2-10 with an adult. Free parking onsite, via Kingsway Road.

30 MAY – 2 JUNE

Xtreme Activate Holiday Day Camp

Guildford Spectrum

OFSTED registered fun-filled holiday camp for 5-8 and 9-12 years from 8.30am6pm. Children will take part in activities such as ice skating, bowling, arts and crafts and more. Book in person at Customer Services (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm) or call 01483 443322, option 3.

WED 31 MAY

Animal Finger Puppets

The Lightbox Woking Drop-in craft from 1.30-4pm. Suggested donation £5.

Creative Workshops

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre See 30 May.

Climate Change Workshop

Surrey Heath Museum

The Square, Camberley 11am-1pm. For ages 4-11. Fun workshop learning about climate change and what we can do to prevent it. Book by contacting: 01276 23771 or museum@surreyheath.gov.uk

Dance in a Day Princes Hall

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

Coronation Coins

Guildford Museum

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

Frimley Lodge Miniature

Railway Frimley Lodge Park

Frimley Green GU16 6HY

Miniature train rides from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. No advance booking needed.

Pitch Pals Football Camps

WED 31 MAY CONT.

Early Birds

Haslemere Museum

9-10am. Family event. Entry by donation. Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Book online.

Farnham Maltings

Please book online.

Lino Cut Printing for Kids

10-11.30am. £18. For ages 6-10 using pre-prepared matrices in exciting themes. Intro to Crochet

For ages 8-16. £30. 11am12.30pm. 2 day course, also on 1st June 11am-12.30pm.

Family Fun Day

Guildford Cathedral

10am. Fun themed activities and crafts. Free but reserve your place online.

Crafty Kids: Half Term Museum of Farnham

38 West St, Farnham, GU9 7DX 10am-12pm. £3.50 per child. Fun and messy drop-in crafts. For 3-7s with an adult.

Cupcake Decorating Haslemere Hub

10.30-11.30am. £3 per child, for ages 3+ with an adult. Decorate yummy cakes to take home. Please book via FIXR online booking services.

THURS 1 JUNE

Zombies and Cheerleading Workshop

Guildford Spectrum

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 5-12 in age-appropriate groups. This holiday workshop mixes fun activities and a Zombie dance routine with Cheerleading! Suitable for girls and boys with the option to be a zombie or cheerleader. Come dressed to impress! Book at https:// bit.ly/synergy-workshops.

Bracelet and Keyring

Making, Haslemere Hub

10.30-11.30am. £3 per child, for ages 3+ with an adult. Make your own beaded creation. Please pre-book via FIXR online booking services.

Badge Making

Farnham Library

2.30-3.30pm. Use the badge making machine to create your own badge! For ages 4+. 50p per badge. Sign up by emailing farnham.library@ surreycc.gov.uk or drop in on the day.

Frozen Sing-a-long Princes Hall

Aldershot 2.30pm. Book online. £8, one free adult with every child ticket.

Mill Cottage Farm

Experience

Haslemere Museum

11am-3pm. Family event. £5 (mem £3). A selection of friendly farm animals to feed, groom and stroke in the Museum’s garden, along with activities inside. Book online.

Stoke Park Railway Guildford GU1 1TU Miniature train rides 10am-1pm. No booking needed.

Pet Portraits in Pastels

The Lightbox Woking For ages 11-16. 1.30-4pm. £20. Book online.

Crafty Kids: Half Term Museum of Farnham

See listing on 31 May.

FRI 2 JUNE

Artbox Workshop

Farnham Maltings

For 7-16 yrs. 10am-3pm. £65. Create a collection of mixed media work.

Synergy Dance Activity Camp, Farncombe 10am-12pm. Fun ageappropriate activities for ages 5-12 including learning a dance routine, arts & crafts, parachute fun, snow disco and more! Dress in your favourite costume. Book at https://bit.ly/synergyworkshops.

The Derby Family Festival Epsom Downs Racecourse

See listing on 3 June.

The Story Detectives Farnham Library 11am, 1pm or 3pm. Join the Story Detectives as they collect letters, solve clues, and build an adventure story. For all ages, especially 3-8s. Booking essential, suggested minimum donation of £1. Book at: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/598346298887

SAT 3 JUNE

Free family Fun Day

G Live

Guildford 10am-2pm. Activities include pottery painting and DJ workshops, face painting, dance classes, arts & crafts, reading corners and a sensory spectacular area plus games for the little ones. Free, no booking needed but some participatory workshops will require first come first serve sign-ups on the day.

15 Minutes of Fun

Chertsey Museum

33 Windsor St. 1.30-3.30pm. Free drop-in family craft activity, no booking needed.

The Derby Family Festival

Epsom Downs Racecourse

As well as exciting racing, there will be all day entertainment for the whole family, from tots to young teens. Don’t miss the return of the Main Stage, a new food festival and selected free rides and activities. Book at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Eco Explorers

By the KFC crossroads, Union St, Aldershot Town Centre

Free hands-on Eco activities. Drop-in from 10am-2pm.

Godalming Town Show & Carnival, Burys Field

12-7pm. Circus themed High Street parade at 12pm. Entertainment, stalls, food, drink and more from 1pm.

ShyneFest

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon 11am-11pm. Family friendly festival.

SEND Dance and Movement

Workshops

Guildford Spectrum for ages 12+.

QE Park Centre, Guildford for ages 6+. 2-5pm. Dance, music and movement, improvisation, musical theatre and imaginative expression in role play and dance. Suitable for students with SEN or a disability. Verbal and nonverbal students are welcome. Siblings welcome (they will need to book a place). Book at https://bit.ly/synergyworkshops. £5 subsidised rate. Chase & Skye, Birdworld Chase & Skye will be making appearances through the day, included in admission.

Favourite Food-Fruit

Sculptures

Farnham Maltings

£12. Pottery fun at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm or 2.30pm. All ages welcome, under 8s must be with a paying adult. Book online.

Save Our Seas

Haslemere Museum

10.30am-12pm for ages 5-11. £7 (mem £5). Look at some of the amazing life in our oceans and how we can help protect it. Book online.

All About Trees, Nower

Wood Nature Reserve

Blooming Picnic Castle Grounds

Guildford 12.30-4pm. Free. Bring a picnic and enjoy entertainment from the bandstand. No booking needed.

SUN 4 JUNE

Great Cockcrow Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Eco Explorers

By the old Peacocks unit, Queensmead, Farnborough Town Centre Free hands-on Eco activities. Drop-in from 10am-2pm.

Classic Cars Day

Mizens Railway

Barrs Lane, Knaphill GU21

2JW 2-5pm. Miniature train rides for ages 1+ (under 10s must be with an adult). No booking needed.

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, Frimley Lodge Park Frimley Green GU16 6HY Miniature train rides from 11am-5pm. No advance booking needed.

Festival of Transport

Farnham 10am-1pm.A range of cars including vintage, supercars, commercial and novelty vehicles gather in the Upper Hart car park. Plus there are bands, food and stalls. The vehicles take part in a Parade through the town. Free for spectators.

TUES 6 JUNE

Mini Gallery Explorers

The Lightbox See 2 May.

Toddler Tuesday

Surrey Heath Museum See listing on 2 May.

WED 7 JUNE

Story Explorers

Polesden Lacey

Gt Bookham 10.30am-12pm. Fun for pre-schoolers with a story, rhymes and a fun nature-based craft. Included in admission but online booking advised. Runs every Wednesday until 19 July.

Cathedral Tots, Guildford Cathedral See 3 May.

THURS 8 JUNE

Ocean Day Craft

Farnham Library

and bark, be creative

Leatherhead 1-3pm. Family event for ages 6+. Learn to identify trees by their leaves and bark, be creative and play games. Family of 4 £27.80. Book at www.surreywildlifetrust.org.

3.45pm. Celebrate the oceans by creating your own sea creatures. For ages 5+. £1 per child. Limited spaces so sign up at the library or contact farnham.library@ surreycc.gov.uk.

What’s on diary

FRI 9 JUNE

Where the Wild Things Are, Haslemere Museum

10.30-11.30am. For under 5s with an adult. Child £2, adult £1. Be transported to a far away land as Max travels to find where the wild things live. Book online.

SAT 10 JUNE

Milford Village Fete

Jubilee Field

Milford 1pm.

Abinger Medieval Fair

Abinger Common

RH5 6HZ 2pm. Village fair with villagers dressed up in Medieval costume.

The Little Welly

Henley The UK’s biggest obstacle course for children! There are also loads of extra activities and entertainment making it a fantastic family day out. Book tickets online.

Please check event details with organiser and to see if booking is needed

SUN 11 JUNE

Sustainability Festival

Gostrey Meadow

Weyside, Farnham GU9 7RH 11am-4pm. Local artisans, food & drink producers, small businesses and charities; all with a shared passion for sustainability. From 12-5pm families can take part in the Textile Collage with Natural Dye and Eco Fabrics drop-in workshop (free) - you can bring old fabrics eg T-shirts, tote bags or tea towels.

The Little Welly

See listing on 10 June.

Mizens Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Farm Open Mornings

Merrist Wood

See listing on 14 May.

Chiddingfold Village Fete

The Green Chiddingfold 12-4.30pm. Lots of family fun including food, craft stalls, a dog show, games and much more!

Surrey Society of Model Engineers See 1 May.

Great Cockcrow Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Father’s Day Card Craft Farnham Library 11.30am. Make a rosette shaped card to award to someone special! For ages 4+. £1 per child. Limited spaces so sign up at the library or contact farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.

SUN 18 JUNE

Great Cockcrow Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Mizens Railway

See listing on 7 May.

Open Sunday

Mane Chance Sanctuary

See listing on 28 May.

MON 19 JUNE

Belmont Explorers

Belmont School

Holmbury St Mary Free fun cooking session for 2-5s with an adult. 1.30-3pm. Book at www.belmont-school.org/ belmont-explorers

FRI 23 JUNE

Weird and Wonderful Weaving Haslemere Museum

1.30-2.30pm. For under 5s with an adult. Child £2, adult £1. Book online.

Home Front Event

Hever Castle

Edenbridge TN8 7NG Step back in time to 1940s Britain - meet re-enactors from the US Army, get up close to a replica Spitfire and find out more about the food from the 1940s when rationing was in place. Enjoy toe tapping music in the dance tent, browse vintage stalls and watch model boats on the Inner Moat.

Farnham Carnival Gostrey Meadow

Live bands, fun fair, stalls, bar and food from 2-9pm. Carnival Parade 6pm from Upper Hart Car Park.

SUN 25 JUNE

Proms and Pop in the Park Gostrey Meadow

Shamley Green Village

Fete & Dog Show

Village Green

1pm. Loads of fun games, Punch & Judy, stalls, refreshments and more.

West End Fete

Recreation Ground

Benner Lane, West End 1-5pm. Arena displays, dog show, music, Punch & Judy BBQ, bar, games, and more.

Windlesham Fete

Field of Remembrance

Kennel Lane GU20 6AA

From 1pm.

Animal Encounter Tour

Merrist Wood College

Worplesdon GU3 3PE 11am or 2pm. For ages 5+ (under 16s must be with an adult). See and learn about the reptiles, birds and meerkats at the college. £18 per person. Book online.

Victoria Day

Aldershot Town Centre

10am-4pm. Day of family activities, music, dance and stalls. Grand parade at 11am.

Summer Fair

Folly Hill Infant School

11.30am-2pm. Lots of family fun celebrating 50 years at Folly Hill.

Churt Fete

Recreation Ground

From 2pm.

Stoke Park Railway

See listing on 7 May.

FRI 16 JUNE

Mini Painters, The Lightbox See 12 May.

SAT 17 JUNE

Frensham Fayre

Hollowdene Recreation Ground 1-5pm. Family fun including live music, grand parade, food and drink, stalls, games and more!

Camberley Armed Forces Day 10am-4pm. Free family fun event to show support for our Service Personnel. Roaming street entertainment and free family activities across the town including free face painting on High Street.

Lyne Village Fete

Lyne Village Hall

Lyne KT16 0AN Traditional village fair with attractions and entertainment.

Bookham Village Day

Old Barn Hall

KT23 3PQ 11am-4.30pm. Children’s entertainment, stalls, music, food and more.

Pirbright Village Fair

The Green 11am-5pm. Stalls, games, food, drink, music and more.

SAT 24 JUNE

Aldershot Armed Forces Day Prom in the Park Princes Gardens

Aldershot 2.30-5pm. Bring your flags, rugs and picnics to enjoy the live music plus there’ll be a bar, tea tent and street food stalls, alongside children’s activities and stalls on Princes Way.

Cranleigh Carnival & Fun Dog Show

Cranleigh Common Family entertainment, live music, sideshows, stalls, refreshments and more. The parade starts at approx 12.30pm from the Common.

St. John’s Village Fete and Fun Dog Show

St. Johns Lye

Woking GU21 7SQ 12.304.30pm. BBQ, bouncy castles, refreshments, coconut shy, raffle, music, dance and more! Free entry.

Summer Fair

Onslow Infant School 12pm-2.30pm Loads of fun activities for the kids including favourites like Hook a Duck, Splat the Teacher and Jolly Jam Jars. There will be a BBQ, cakes and Pimms at the bar! Cash only on activity stalls, card machines available for refreshments.

Weyside, Farnham GU9 7RH 12-6pm. Free entry. Bring a picnic or buy food and drink from the refreshment stalls. From 12-5pm there’ll be a free drop-in family craft –weaving on a basic cardboard tapestry loom.

All Aboard Club, The Lightbox See 21 May.

North Camp Summer Fayre, Queens Road

Recreation Ground GU14 6JX Fun fair, arena events, stalls and more.

Strawberry Fayre Bisley Village Green

Children’s fun fair, entertainment, stalls, refreshments and more.

Home Front Event

Hever Castle See 24 June.

Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 7 May.

Funfest 2023

Yateley Manor School

GU46 7UQ 11.30am-4pm. A fun packed day for people of all ages with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. Free, but you must register at www.lions-funfest.org.uk

Landrover Day

Mizens Railway Knaphill 2-5pm. Miniature train rides for ages 1+ (under 10s must be with an adult). No booking needed.

The Little Welly

Home Front Event Hever Castle

G LIVE Guildford

Family Fun Day

Sat 3 June 10am-2pm. Free family fun day, see listing on page 21 for more details.

Sing-A-Long-A Encanto

Sat 24 June 1pm. Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly Magical.

Jurassic Earth

Sat 15 July 12pm & 3pm. Talk to a Triceratops, roar with a T-Rex, look up to a Brontosaurus, scream with a Spinosaurus and run from a Raptor!

Bugsy Malone

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Aug. G Live’s Summer Youth Project is Bugsy Malone - based on the hit 1976 film and featuring Mobsters, show girls, a catchy swinging score and of course splurge guns and a custard pie showdown Bugsy Malone is a masterclass in musical comedy.

Horrible Histories – Barmy

Britain

Tues 22 Aug 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Britain’s favourite history show is back. It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

Milkshake Live!

Wed 23 Aug. Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

CAMBERLEY THEATRE

Bring Your Own Baby

Comedy

Thurs 11 May 11.30am. 15 month age limit for little ones.

The Little Mermaid

Tues 30 May 2pm. Sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes plus you can meet the characters after the show.

FARNHAM MALTINGS

Kids’ Symphonic Sundays

Sun 14 May, Sun 11 June 10am. Bring your family to hear professional musicians give an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. For primary and pre-school children. £8.

Bossy

Tues 30 May 11.30am & 2.30pm. Brand new show celebrating Black culture. Featuring a kickass Caribbean soundtrack, and performed in BSL and English. Most suited to 7-11s.

Alfie’s First Fight by Oliver Sykes

Thurs 1 June 11.30am or 2.30pm. For ages 5+. Boxing action, surprising plot twists and an inspiring boy hero.

HASLEMERE HALL

The Bower Bird and The Gruffalo with Julia Donaldson

Mon 29 May 11am & 2.30pm. The UK’s best-selling author acts out her stories and sings her songs, along with four other actors, including her guitar-playing husband Malcolm.

PERFORM IN THE PARK

22 July – 28 Aug. A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London, with shows running daily. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields (WC1N), families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Shows include The Three Billy Goats Gruff (for 2-6 years), Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! (for 3-8s), Mermaids & Pirates, a brand-new Caribbean adventure for ages 4-11 and, for ages 7-14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark.uk for more information and to book tickets.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE Guildford

The Gingerbread Man

Wed 24 May 11.30am & 1.30pm. An energetic spin on an old fairy tale. This tall tale will enthral and inspire your little ones’ creative imaginations. Adapted for storytelling for under 4s. The Smeds and The Smoos

Fri 9 – Sun 11 June. Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3+.

The Hare and The Tortoise Wed 21 June 11.30am & 1.30pm. This inventive and energetic retelling follows the Hare and the Tortoise through, over and round the forest obstacles and working together, your little ones learn that it isn’t all about who wins the chase, slow and steady wins the race.

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE Woking

Annie

Mon 19 June - Sat 24 June. For ages 5+.

Ministry of Science LIVEScience Saved The World Sun 2 July 2.30pm.

GUILDFORD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Half Term Family Concert

Tues 30 May 10.30am. Book at www.bachtobaby.com

THE LEATHERHEAD THEATRE

Top Secret – Magic of Science

Sat 13 May 2.30pm. Magical science show with mystery, suspense and lots of mess!

PAINSHILL PARK

Outdoor Theatre: Robin Hood

Sat 3 June gates open 5.30pm, performance 6.30pm. For 5+.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Sat 24 June. This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way.

Around the World in 80 Days

Tue 11 – Sat 15 July. Based on the novel by Jules Verne and adapted and directed by Juliet Forster, this brandnew, fun and colourful family production tells this story as you’ve never seen it before. Best for ages 5+.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Fri 11 - Sun 13 Aug. Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh and friends come to life in a beautifully crafted musical.

Milkshake Live! at G Live

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

© Steve Ullathorn

The Smeds and The Smoos at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre