Families Thames Valley East Issue 71 Mar-Apr 2014

Thames Valley East March/April 2014 - Issue 71

Try before you buy!

01628 660 893

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

Easter Fun Under 5s Special Great Competitions

The really useful magazine for parents of children between 0 and 12 Packed with information and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham

GYMTOTS! PRE-SCHOOL GYMNASTICS

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

Enjoy participating with your child in our safe indoor environment with its exciting up-to-date play equpment, based within the Altwood School, Maidenhead. Every day at 10am from Wednesday to Saturday. Our programme has been developed through more than 30 years’ experience with young children and their parents. Gymtots will enable your child to gain confidence by expanding their physical ability, coordination and social skills, with your involvement and under the guidance of our experienced staff. Our advanced class for 3 to 4 years plus, without parent participation, on Wednesdays at 3pm, is more structured and builds upon the earlier classes.

Telephone

07 957 223 124 for details

For Young Performers age 7-13 Monday 7th -Friday 11th April 2014 10-4pm daily at Redroofs 26 Bath Road Maidenhead SL6 4JT. Wrap around care 9-10am and 4-5pm daily.

Musical theatre and acting, team building challenges, choreography and lively rehearsals in our mirrored studios for the show. Our own traditional Victorian Style theatre offers an exceptional performance space with seating capacity of 150 and tickets available at no charge £220.00 for the week and

Redroofs Easter Senior Dance and Musical Theatre Intensive for ages 13-18years Monday 7th -Wednesday 9th April

“Sarah has introduced me to and nurtured me through, post natal circuit classes, personal training, circuit classes, training for and running a half marathon and Pilates. She makes exercise safe, fun and fit for purpose.

She spends a lot of time making sure she understands you and your needs, limits and physical state and works to push you safely to get you to a fitter and stronger place.” Sarah Nutbrown 2013

Go Figure offers a range of classes to suit all abilities and lifestyles, Personal Training and One to One Pilates.

• Pilates 1 to 1 Personal Training • Pregnancy Pilates, Postnatal Pilates and General Pilates.

Dance workouts, technical dance, classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, conditioning, musical theatre repertoire, and more £120.00 for three days An ideal insight into the life of a performer or dancers preparing for dance colleges or wishing to extend their dance experience.

Beginners to advanced.

Please call 01628 674092, email info@redroofs.co.uk or download a form from our website: http://www.redroofs.co.uk/

Pilates is a total body conditioning regime that works by rebuilding strength, flexibility and improving your body’s posture at any stage of life.

• Let’s Go Mummy Buggy Class This is a buggy class focusing on exercises which will help rebuild and strengthen your body, helping you drop some of those extra baby pounds along the way.

• Pelvic Floor Course.

Learn how to activate and strengthen your pelvic floor, and reduce your waist line in the process! Baby welcome For more information please visit

www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah on: 07938 588029

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info Clubs & Classes News Education Under 5s Special - How to Choose a Nursery - How to pay for Nursery - Nursery News They grow up too fast Mothering Sunday How to make a Bee Den Things to do this Spring Easter Camps & Activities Competitions - Win a £399 sofa - Win a Personalised Apron - Win Tickets to see Thank you for the Music What's On Don't leave me, coping with separation anxiety Who's in charge of your life?

Ed's Reading Room How to prevent pelvic pain during pregnancy Mums Who Mean Business Classifieds

web: FamiliesTVEast.co.uk tel: 01628 627586 fax: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) e-mail: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,500 next issue: May/June 2014 due out: May 1, featuring: Summer Holiday Activities and Camps copy/advertising deadline: April 4

Cover Photo: www.bigstock.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

As I write this many local residents are fighting to keep the flood waters at bay and many have already lost their homes temporarily to the flood. Local businesses and the community are galvanizing their efforts to help those most in need. I hope that by the time the magazine is out the waters will have receded and that the community will be working hard to help with the big flood cleanup. So much work will be needed to restore people’s homes and businesses.

We are thinking of all those affected by the floods and want to thank everyone who has helped them.

We hope you enjoy our March/April issue that features our annual UNDER 5s special, fantastic competitions on page 21 (including the chance to win a sofa) and much more.

See you next issue.

Photo: Maria Ashby Giles www.ashbygilesphotography.co.uk

in this

Flood stricken Longridge needs volunteers The Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow is calling on local people to come and help the flood damaged centre to get back to its former glory, during the weekend of March 15 and 16.

It has suffered particularly badly this year, with most of their buildings having been submerged. The site often floods, but because of this year’s unseasonably high rainfall it has suffered more damage Photo: Maria Ashby Giles www.ashbygilesphotography.co.uk than normal.

The centre manager Amanda Foister says, “Our aim is to get the centre back to being the beautiful fulcrum for adventurous activities that we all know it to be, the charity are looking for lots of help and donations of equipment for this weekend. The aim is to get centre looking even better than before. All ages and all abilities are very welcome, as there will be jobs for all.”

“In the lead up to the weekend we are also calling on local businesses to volunteer a team to help with the cleanup – what an amazing Team Day, to work to put Longridge back together and allow the charity to carry on helping young people grow in confidence and learn new skills.”

If you can help with time, equipment or ideas then please contact the Longridge Site Manager, Emmaleen Dean on 07540 411782. They’ve also launched an appeal on their website, where you can make donations or offer your help; www.longridge.org.uk

Building confidence through Performing Arts The largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the UK Nurturing and developing young potential through the performing arts For 4–18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops

Book now! - limited places!

Ascot: Bracknell Warfield: Maidenhead: Windsor:

0845 055 6369 0845 055 6382 0118 930 5200 0845 293 7207

Bracknell: 0800 707 6684 Henley, High Wycombe & Marlow: 01494 533 203 Staines: 01483 235216

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MARCH/APRIL 2014

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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News & Info Celebrate World Book Day Altwood School - ages 4-16 years Easter Workshops 7th-11th April Summer Workshops 4th-8th August Summer Workshops 18th-22nd August Open to beginners, learn a show in a week, call now for theme!

Prices £75 for 4-6yrs and £125 for 6-16yrs

Recruiting now!

Call: 0118 930 5200

Susan Handy School of Dance BRANCHES AT: ETON•DATCHET•ICKENHAM•OLD WINDSOR•PYFORD•WINDSOR•WOKING

 Ballet  Tap  Modern Jazz  Musical Theatre   Contemporary  Music & Movement (from age 2½ upwards)  Dance Themed Birthday Parties  Enquiries: 01753 542672/07515 270432 Email: office@susanhandydance.co.uk www.susanhandydance.co.uk

Maths and English tuition for children Individualised tuition sessions for children with Special Needs

Not only will every school child receive a £1 token to buy one of ten new books on March 6 to celebrate World Book Day, but they also can watch new online TV show The Biggest Show on Earth 2014. Available for the whole of March, the show will include all the famous World Book Day authors and illustrators, presented by CBBC’s Dick and Dom. Schools, parents and children across the nation can register, then log on and enjoy watching it together at a time that suits.

You can register by going to www.worldbookday.com/biggest-book-show.You can also visit www.worldbookday.com for more information.

Commission a local artist Let Martin Stratton create a bespoke, hand-drawn portrait of a loved one, from your first newborn to the trusted family pet, as a gift or to just capture a special moment in time! He can work from a good quality digital image that can be emailed to art@martinstratton.com along with any additional information you wish to include. All prices depend on each individual portrait, content, size and colour. Art can be framed or unframed. For a quote or to find out more call 07769 722607.

Find out more about local museums

Fun Interactive learning mapped to the National Curriculum Award winning software used in over 76,000 schools across Europe Childcare vouchers accepted

Book your FREE trial lesson now!

Hounslow: 020 8581 1637 • Slough: 01753 569909 Email: info@steps2learn.co.uk • Website: steps2learn.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Did you know that the Thames Valley boasts a greater concentration of museums than anywhere else in the UK outside the capital? Over 70 museums in fact, and a new website, www.thamesvalleymuseums.org, has been set up to encourage us to visit them more often. Some have an international reputation, such as the Ashmolean in Oxford and the River & Rowing Museum in Henley, both of which were rated in the The Times’ top 50 Museums in the world. But there are other gems such as the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, MERL and the Chiltern Open Air Museum that make a great day out. Look out for those with a Family Friendly logo; they offer a relaxed atmosphere and feature activities for adults and children to enjoy together. Many are also running special Easter activities and trails. Turn to p22-25 for our what’s on guide.

Bespoke Hand Drawn Portraits Contact: MARTIN STRATTON

art@martinstratton.com Tel: 07769 722607

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

News & Info Play Away Your Children’s Phobias

Going for gold Congratulations to the Chiltern Open Air Museum, who won Gold Award for Small Attraction of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards in January. Run by Tourism South East (TSE) for over 20 years now, the Beautiful South Awards celebrate the very best the South East has to offer.

Museum Director Sue Shave said, ‘We are very honoured to be awarded Gold for Small Attraction of the Year and to represent the best of Buckinghamshire attractions in these awards.

This award is a testament to the hard work of all our staff, volunteers and Friends of the Museum who provide such a great visitor experience in our fantastic historic buildings collection.’

Chiltern Open Air Museum reopens on 29 March, visit www.coam.org.uk for more info.

Do creepy crawlies make your child scream? Are you worried you have passed your own fears on to your child? If these problems sound familiar, you’re not alone: 90% of children experience at least one fear between the ages of two and fourteen, and fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, is the most common phobia in the UK. So what can you do to make spiders less scary? A difficult task you might think, but a new NHS-approved App may have the answer. Created with the help of psychiatrists, the Phobia Free App aims to cure sufferers of their phobia – for good. It uses ‘systematic desensitisation’ so won’t force your child to come face to face with a real spider straight away. Instead, it gives you the chance to play games with a cute, pink, cartoon creature called Itsy, unlocking achievements and new levels as you gradually move towards conquering your child’s fear together.

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

Wishes and smiles all come true at a party planned just for you!

Amazing, energetic and fun entertainment for children at Birthday parties and events!

Call Debi Party Entertainer and Face Painter

07531 928075 Email:

clickityclackparties@gmail.com

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

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

Quality Day Care for Ages 0-5 years Open all year 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday • Friendly and homely environment • Experienced and qualified staff • Covering the EYFS & Montessori curriculum • Excellent & Safe outdoor play area • Free funded sessions for 2-5 year olds • Childcare Vouchers accepted • Freshly cooked meals Our childcare philosophy is to promote a warm, safe and stimulating environment for every individual child so they develop a unique curiosity for knowledge and potential for learning.

helping to improve skills and abilities.

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

For Little Kickers & Little Rugby classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley, Marlow & Stokenchurch. Call 01628 526 584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk.

For Little Kickers classes in Ascot, Langley, Windsor & Eton call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk.

For further information please call: 01628 665621 email: oratorymdn@gmail.com

BOOK NOW for advertising in our May/June 2014 issue Due out May 1st email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Spanish and French for children with La Jolie Ronde

A unique structured language course established for 30 years

For more information please contact Marzena

Mobile: 07718989950 Email: info@linguas-novas.co.uk Website: www.linguas-novas.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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News & Info Charity film screening in Maidenhead

Embrace the use of Real Nappies

A charity film event is being held on 27 March at Volition Bar, Queen Street in Maidenhead. A screening of the Film Any Day Now will be shown (doors open at 7pm and films starts 8pm).

Tche cost is £10, which includes a glass of fizz and popcorn. The event is in aid of two charities that support children with Down Syndrome, Chatterbox and Sparkles.

Taking place 28 April - 4 May this year, Real Nappy Week is all about celebrating reusables – for those who are already converted to cloth and those not yet tempted. Get involved in nationwide events, competitions and a whole lot more - there are loads of events where you can meet people who use real nappies and get great advice, as well as getting your hands on nappies to see how they work.

Choosing the right nappy can be an important decision for new parents, and real nappies are now more popular than ever. They can save you upwards of £500 per child (more if you use your nappies on a second child), are better for the environment, save on waste to landfill, are comfortable for your baby and, best of all, are super stylish. www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

All tickets MUST be reserved in advance to avoid disappointment as numbers are strictly limited to reserve your ticket or for further information please e-mail - samantharelph@hotmail.com

Name your stuff

BOOK NOW for advertising in our May/June Issue - Due out May 1st email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Kids lose stuff – a water bottle, school jumper and guitar all in one week, if our house is anything to go by. If your kids are as absentminded as mine, check out the new Labels4Kids Snappy Tags school multi-pack, including snap-on tags complete with applicator for clothes, plus vinyl labels for lunch boxes and shoes, and two bag tags. Other new Labels4Kids products include TSA luggage straps personalised with their name, as well as cut and bagged sew-on labels with pre-sealed edges to stop fraying.You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids facebook page for competitions and more offers.

Go to www.labels4kids.com/fam and use “pass” for 10% off

MARCH/APRIL 2014

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Free maths and English activities - 15th April!

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities.

Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On the 15th April Explore will be hosting a Community Open Day! There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5 – 14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Local Gym club receives sponsorship from local company The Phoenix Gymnastics Club has had an exciting six months. They have been sponsored by the 3 mobile network, who have helped them with a complete rebrand, including creating a new logo and refreshing their website.

They have also won a British Gymnastics grant to open a new Satellite Trampolining Facility at East Berkshire College, Langley. After Easter they will be offering sessions on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Plus the option of booking a trampolining party between 10am to 12pm on a Saturday.

The main Phoenix gym, which is conveniently located on the Maidenhead Road, half way between Maidenhead and Windsor, caters for all age ranges, whether your child is 8 weeks or 18 years old, there is a class suitable for them.

For the young ones, they run a Fun4Babies class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daily preSchool gym classes for children aged 18months to 5 years. The gym also runs action packed one hour drop-in play sessions for the under-5s and their carers, every day from 9.15am to 12.30pm, where they can explore the fully equipped gym.

Older children can attend recreational Gymnastics classes for five and up. Illusion and Evolution festival gymnastics teams participate in displays all over the country. Children showing aptitude in gymnastics will be invited to join the very successful Phoenix Squads who compete at both County and National level. Gymnastics birthday parties are also available at the gym.

To find out more visit www.phoenixgym.co.uk call 01628 778881 or email www.phoenixgym.co.uk

Clubs & Classes News Baby Loves Spanish classes expand Baby Loves Spanish is a new parent and child music and movement class in Berkshire. Languages teacher Ellie Baker has been running the popular baby and toddler programme since September and is now expanding into other areas due to growing demand.

These exciting sessions offer parents with young children the opportunity to learn a new language from scratch in an environment which supports the development of their child through music, singing, movement and play.

Baby Loves Spanish offer a free taster class to every parent and child (subject to availability). For further information email ellie@babylovesspanish.co.uk, call 07868 711581 or visit the website at www,babylovesspanish.co.uk

Creative sewing classes for adults Dhaaga sewing club has been successfully running sewing clubs for children and hosting great sewing parties for kids aged 7+ and now they are launching dress making and sewing classes for adults in Maidenhead.

Anita Kulkarni the business owner and sewing teacher says, “I have been working in the sewing and fashion designing field for the last 20 years. I have taught all different ages to sew. I can teach a variety of subjects, such as, curtain, cushion, bag, pattern and children clothes making, alterations, hand embroidery, etc.”

During the last seven years she has also taught adults in the lifelong learning sector for the Windsor and Maidenhead council and Slough borough council.

Class participants will get the opportunity to learn a variety of sewing techniques and also to make pattern with their own measurements.

Classes will be held during the day and in the evening for beginners and intermediates, plus an option of a separate class teaching alteration techniques. Classes will be limited to four people a session and last for two hours.

To find out more call Anita email anita_dhagga@yahoo.co.uk or call 077822 53565 or 01628 626012.

photo: Patricia Taylor

ACTING & MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

Build confidence, socialize and learn new skills from an industry professional in a friendly and fun environment.

For more Information or to book your Free Trial session

call Amber on 07889 311414 or email info@sparkysdrama.co.uk

www.sparkysdrama.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Education News

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Does dividing PE lessons by gender cause discrimination?

Berkshire’s Montessori specialists

Teachers should stop separating boys and girls in school sports because it is fuelling gender prejudice in later life, an academic has warned.

Dr Sian Lawson of Northumbria University believes that PE should be gender-neutral, with girls playing rugby and boys tackling netball. ‘There is no physical reason to view girls as more fragile when given the same level of exercise,’ says Dr Lawson. ‘If we aspire to believe in individual variation over stereotyping, and equality of opportunity, then why not let our children start with that?’ She adds that the controlled environment of the school playing field is the ‘best opportunity these potential adults have to learn to respect each other’.

However Chris McGovern, a former independent school headmaster and chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, says, ‘There are clear physiological differences between boys and girls. It’s possible to mix them in the early primary years but it’s commonsense to split them when they get older and you’ve having full-blown tackles in rugby and football because boys are stronger. It’s an absurd idea and will horrify parents.’

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

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

Meadowbrook enjoys purpose built facilities and a relaxed family atmosphere.

After the pure Montessori practice of the pre-primary department, children move on

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to a unique hybrid primary curriculum, which encompasses the best of The National Curriculum and Montessori Programme of study. The application of Positive Discipline© is also unique to Meadowbrook and enhances personal and social development as well as behaviour and work ethic.

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

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

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

The importance of Early Years education

Under 5s Special

The Early Years Foundation Stage sets out the welfare and developmental goals for children under-five. The skills learnt at nursery or pre-school are the steppingstones that children need to allow them to enjoy more formal learning after the age five. Headmistress of Highfield Prep School, Annie Lee explains. ike many new mothers, when my daughter was born I was rather overwhelmed by the responsibility that had been handed to me. My beautiful bundle of joy was a living, breathing and, at times, demanding little person, and it was up to me to answer her needs. This was exciting and rather daunting. From the moment she opened her eyes, I was aware that she was seeing the world for the first time and I wanted it to be perfect for her. I was also aware that she was learning at a rate that was incredible to behold. Every day there was some fascinating little change and I felt so proud of her. This fascination with how children learn has stayed with me.

It is often said that our children’s brains are like sponges, soaking up all that is around them as they try to make sense of their world. They explore with their fingers and mouths, and learn so much by experiencing the taste and feel of things. They continue with this insatiable appetite for trying new things and seeing what it feels like. Before you know it they are crawling, talking and then, most exciting, asking questions! Questions about how and why and where and what if? This can be quite challenging and the hardest question usually comes at the crucial moment when you are negotiating a new double roundabout in the rush hour. None of us are perfect parents and we don’t always get the answer right or think of an answer at all, but this questioning is a crucial part of our children’s learning and we need to encourage them to retain this approach.

L

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Since your child has been learning from the moment they entered the world, giving them experiences at home that feed their natural curiosity or sending them to a nursery where this learning can really take off in a more structured way, is going to help them to maintain this interest in the world around them. Nursery is a great way to help them learn to play with others, follow little routines, listen to instructions and learn about themselves. The three prime areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage development are communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. If secure foundations are laid in these areas they provide the bedrock for further learning to be built upon.

Children should be allowed to explore, build, create, imagine, try out and fail, if they are to become truly independent. These three prime areas are the most important for anchoring your child’s love and enthusiasm for learning, forming positive relationships and helping them to thrive when they move on into school.

Nursery children are able learners and should be allowed to move at their own pace so that when they want to learn to write, they can be given the opportunity to do so. Three and four year olds are often very eager to learn their letters and sounds and should not be held back from doing this, as it is just the next stage in their insatiable appetite for learning new things, in a world that is endlessly fascinating to them. www.highfieldprep.org

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Under 5s Special

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CHILD’S NURSERY It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in their life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? By Joanna Moorhead. here are all sorts of different nurseries out there – big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council; and ones run by independent companies.

There are nurseries attached to primary schools and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the sheer choice of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting (for a more detailed breakdown see our box opposite).

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice.

Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best because it will mesh in with your own and

T

your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in their life.

All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online and look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, spaces.

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

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

Englefield Green, Surrey

Set in beautiful woodland, close to Windsor Great Park, Bishopsgate’s Nursery is blessed with a glorious learning environment.

Children join our Nursery at the age of three. Our trained staff and spacious learning areas ensure that each child is given the best possible start to life at school.

There is a warm family atmosphere as we recognise how important it is for children to feel happy and secure. We place great emphasis on building a solid foundation of social skills and a love of learning, enabling each child to settle confidently to school life. A wide variety of activities is on offer with plenty of opportunities for healthy outdoor learning, including regular visits to our Forest School. An introduction to French, Music, PE, Singing and Dance is provided by specialist teachers. Nursery swimming sessions take place in the School’s new 25-metre indoor pool.

A copy of our prospectus can be requested via our school web site, or by contacting the Registrar directly at admissions@bishopsgate.surrey.sch.uk or on

01784 430460 www.bishopsgate-school.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Nursery checklist What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery? Here are some things you need to think about: • Start early Putting your name down when you’re pregnant might seem crazy, but if you’re going back to work when they’re tiny it’s not that long and a lot of nurseries have long waiting lists.

• Cover the basics Check what the fees include (nappies, food, formula?); make sure you are happy with the security (how are parents/visitors allowed in and out of the premises?); is the equipment clean and in good condition? What is their policy on sickness (most nurseries have quite strict rules on sickness, but how about coughs and colds?).

And ask about communication – how will they feed back to you how your child has been during the day – a detailed sheet or just verbal feedback?

• Staff Look at the ages of the staff – it’s good to have a mix of ages, enthusiastic youngsters and older staff who have perhaps had children themselves. Ask about staff turnover, if they stay

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Under 5s Special a long time it means more continuity of care for your children and that they are happy working there. Also ask about the ratio of staff to children and whether your child will have a keyworker and the chance to bond with one particular member of staff.

• Flexibility Check how flexible they are, if you have to work an extra day one week is there the opportunity to add another session?

And how flexible are they to your child’s routine – if your toddler has to have a nap in a dark room, is there the chance to do this or are they expected to just drop off in the corner with the other children playing around them?

• Food Does the nursery provide food or do you have to bring it in every day? Is there a choice and how can you see what your child has eaten? How important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model – which some nurseries practice?

• Outdoor play space This varies hugely from nursery to nursery, think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it.

• Wifi Do you have worries about wifi and its potential impact on young children? If so, make sure you ask about whether there’s a wifi network at the nursery, and how extensive it is.

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What’s in a name?

Day nurseries Usually open 8am–6pm for most of the year (some close for a week at Christmas), these nurseries often take babies from three months and are a good option for working parents.

Nursery schools and preschools Usually take children from 2.5 to 3 years, they are often quite small and allow children to make friends of the same age. Often only open for half day sessions, usually in the morning, so not convenient for working parents.

Nursery classes in schools Convenient if you have already have siblings at the school and a good introduction to a school environment but often only offer short sessions. Remember a school nursery place does not guarantee a place in Reception in that school.

Playgroups Again sessions are generally short, for a few hours, with the aim of helping your child get used to a sociable learning environment. Some playgroups encourage parents to stay, often good value for money as they are run on a not-for-profit basis.

Montessori schools Based on a method which fosters and guides children’s in-built curiosity and develops their whole personality, the children can often choose their activity from work stations around the school.

Steiner schools Aim to foster imagination – formal education isn’t introduced before the age of six and creative play is focused on more than the three Rs. Workplace nurseries Very convenient if your child is close to you, but consider the location – if it takes you an hour to get to and from work, hauling your children around might not be such a good idea.

For more articles on nursery education, visit www.familiestveast.co.uk

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Under 5s Special Little Roos Day Nursery in Taplow celebrates ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted.

A highlight of the report concludes that: “Children purposefully engage and explore new challenges with real enthusiasm both indoors and outside. Children are secure, happy and confident to express themselves in the warm, welcoming and stimulating environment. The key person system very effectively supports children to form bonds and settle in the calm atmosphere. Management bring a wealth of childcare knowledge and passion for quality. There is a strong commitment to continued professional development of all practitioners. The well-established partnership and very effective staff communication with parents ensures children's needs are fully met.”

The nursery was founded with a dedication to care and education in a fun and stimulating environment. These principles are at the heart of this new family run nursery. The owner Mrs Raminder Arora is a highly respected lead Ofsted Inspector. Her daughter Sonia Panchal is an experienced Deputy Head teacher and Head of the Nursery, and another daughter Kiran Pandya is Nursery Business Manager. As soon as you enter Little Roos, the environment feels inviting and homely, just as a nursery should be. This impressive building has been recently renovated, has CCTV throughout, a new outdoor multi-sensory play area and another unique offering is their ‘Techy Tots’ programme of learning through technology, supporting the new generations hunger for IT gadgets. All of this in partnership with excellent communication, management expertise, innovation and dedication to improve, this is what makes Little Roos Day Nursery an outstanding place to send your child.

To find out more email contact@littleroosdaynursery.co.uk or call 01628 660962. Please see their Facebook page and website for more information including parent testimonials: www.littleroosdaynursery.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Premier Nurseries Premier is a group of nurseries in Iver and Uxbridge that have been established for over 23 years. They have a great wealth of knowledge in children's development and believe in giving them the best start to their lives in a caring, nurturing and fun environment.

They have qualified and experienced staff who work as part of a team and are skilled in ensuring that the time your child spends at the nursery will be filled with discovery, stimulation and enjoyment. They ensure all of their staff is fully vetted to ensure their high standards are always maintained.

All their children have free access to the outdoor areas, which are equipped and designed to enhance their learning and capture

Littlewick Green Montessori School

their imaginations through the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The extra curricular activities they provide are complimentary and include Yoga, Football, Music and Movement and French. They also provide nappies, all meals and formula milk and organic milk.

Feel free to visit any time or call Laura or Karen on 01753 783 838 for a friendly chat. www.premiernurseries.co.uk

Poppies Day Nurseries Ltd opens a new nursery in Old Windsor Poppies Day Nurseries has appointed a trusted member of their team, Nikki Paton, to become the manager of their new nursery in Old Windsor. The nursery opens this summer and will be located in St Luke’s Road.

Nikki is very excited about her new role, “I have worked at Poppies Bourne End for over five years and I have recently returned from maternity leave after having my son in June last year. I have 15 years experience within the Early Years sector, with most of my time being spent within Day Care nurseries. I am very excited about the opening of Poppies Old Windsor and I look forward to meeting so many new faces and being a part of such a wonderful experience.“ “Within the Poppies family we recognise how beneficial it is to the children to be cared for by highly skilled and qualified staff. We understand that starting at a nursery can be an anxious time for both the children and their

families. Therefore parent partnership is essential to our nursery and the team.”

The activities offered to the children will be based around the their individual needs and personal learning experiences. The nursery will offer a full range of resources chosen especially for the age of the children. Both the indoor and outdoor areas have been designed to offer a stimulating environment. The practitioners will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure the children are reaching their potential whilst at Poppies.

All Poppies nurseries provide the children with home cooked organic food. Their nursery chef is very experienced in producing a variety of foods including supporting children with special dietary requirements.

If you would like more information about the nursery, then please contact Nikki by email on poppiesoldwindsor@gmail.com.

School Lane, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3QY We are a well-established Montessori Nursery set in a once Victorian primary school at the heart of the picturesque village of Littlewick Green.

Operating a 48/38 week year We take children aged 3 months ­ 5 years Open 8am­6pm Full days , school days and morning or afternoon sessions Covering the EYFS & Montessori curriculum Quality day care in a warm and friendly environment Large outdoor garden space

At Herries, ...... every child is an individual and every child is known and loved.

Come and visit us at our Open Mornings on 26th March and 30th April from 9.30 – 11.00am See our website for full details:

Chinese New Year Fun at Godstowe At the end of January, children in the Nursery and Pre-Prep at Godstowe celebrated Chinese New Year, much to the delight of the school’s four new Chinese pupils who started this term.

In the run up to January 31, the Nursery listened and danced to Chinese music and even improvised with a tunnel to make their own Chinese dragon at playtime. The children enjoyed using chopsticks to eat the stir-fry, which they made in their cooking lesson.

Tel: 01628 828258 Email: montessorischool@aol.com

www.herries.org.uk

The Nursery children continue to flourish at Godstowe, led by the three members of staff, Mrs Felt, Mrs Harris and Mrs Gwiazda. To celebrate Easter they will be helping the children make their Easter bonnets, which they will wear at the Easter Bonnet Parade at the end of March.

To contact the nursery, email nursery@godstowe.org or telephone 01494 429013. www.godstowe.org

Herries Preparatory School, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean, Berkshire SL6 9BD Tel: 01628 483350 Email: office@herries.org.uk

Maidenhead Open Day - Friday 21st March 2014 9.30am - 11.30am and 2pm - 4pm

NEW Baby Signing and Cookery Club Children from 6 weeks to 5 years 7.30am - 6.15pm with French, Music and Swimming Lessons

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Under 5s Special

How to pay for nursery Childcare costs are increasing, so what’s available to help with the bills?

By Joanna Moorhead. ccording to a recent survey from findababysitter.com, childcare costs are soaring – up by 19% over the last year. Every parent knows that what matters most about any sort of childcare is its quality –but the money matters, too. So what’s available to help pay?

Childcare vouchers Ask your employer if they are part of a childcare voucher scheme, as they can potentially save you a chunk of money each year. It’s a salary sacrifice scheme, which means you pay for your nursery (or holiday childcare) costs out of your pre-tax wages and National Insurance contributions, saving you lots of money.

For instance, if both parents are working, pay basic rate tax and claim the maximum amount of childcare vouchers (£243 per month each), they can pay for £486 of their monthly childcare costs with vouchers and save up to £930 each per year.

If your employer doesn’t currently run a childcare voucher scheme, why not suggest it? There are lots of providers and it shouldn’t cost your employer anything.

You can also claim vouchers until your child is 15, and pay for holiday camps as well as other childcare providers.

Free nursery places All children aged three and four are entitled to 15 hours free ‘early education’ per week (for 38 weeks of the year), and some two year olds are, as well. This can be in a Children’s Centre, nursery, some playgroups and preschools, nursery schools, nursery classes in schools and academies or with a child minder. Once your child is three, you can start claiming their free place after the following dates: 1 September, 1 January or 1 April (so if your child was born on 5 August, they could start nursery on 1 September following their third birthday).

For your two-year-old to be eligible for free early education, you must be claiming one of a number of benefits and from September 2014, the number of qualifying benefits will increase, so more two-year-olds will be eligible (see below).

Tax Credits Tax credits are payments from the government. If you’re responsible for at least one child or young person, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit.You can often get both types of tax credits. They aren’t taxable.

What’s happening in 2014?

Childcare is always a political hot potato – and with a General Election looming, politicians are saying and doing more about it. Here’s what’s new on the childcare horizon: • From September this year, more two-year-olds will be offered 15 hours of free childcare each week as the eligibility criteria are being expanded. See your local authority website for more information – they’ll be publishing full details of who’s eligible and how to find a place (visit https://www.gov.uk/find-yourlocal-council to find out how).

• The new tax-free childcare scheme comes into effect from 2015. Under that, parents will be able to claim 20% of the cost of registered childcare up to £1200 per child per year if they are under 5. Both parents must be working to qualify, or a single parent must be in employment.

• Last year’s report from the Department of Education that proposed making changes to the child to staff ratios in nurseries and for childminders was shelved after the Liberal Democrats objected, but the government has consulted on relaxing ratios and quality criteria for out-of-school childcare with the aim of making it easier for schools to offer provision. At the moment the issue is with the Department for Education and an announcement is expected soon.

• Under the Children and Families Bill, currently going through Parliament, Ofsted will be made ‘the sole arbiter of quality’. This means that local authorities will not be able to impose their own quality conditions on providers who offer childcare under the existing scheme offering free places for three and four year olds (provided these providers are not rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted). Some parents will see this as a good thing, as it could lead to a wider choice of providers; or they might see it as a bad thing, as local authorities will be able to do less to force childcarers to improve their services.

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Where your little ones will blossom into independent confident learners in a wonderful environment, cared for by dedicated and qualified practitioners.

Come and meet our team and see what makes Poppies Day Nurseries different.

Bourne End Marlow Beaconsfield 01628 521522 01628 487772 01494 677116 www.poppiesdaynursery.com

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

The one about growing up too fast

Mothering Sunday

Natalie Trice reminisces about the days when her boys were babies and reminds us all that they aren’t little for long… long with the ‘helpful’ comments about the weight of your baby, whether breast is best or which nursery to choose, the most uttered phrase I remember from my baby days was: ‘enjoy this time it won’t last forever’.

Of course when you are knee-deep in nappies and puree recipes or delirious from an extreme lack of sleep, time does anything but fly. However looking back those pearls of wisdom were so true and I wonder where the past seven years have gone?

Last week I sat in the bath and sobbed big, fat, self-obsessed tears after putting my four year old into a big boys bed for the first time.

He was delighted to have the same space bedding as his brother, but as I looked at him swamped in a single duvet with his mop of blond hair sweaty with sleep, I suddenly realised that my baby days were over.

Of course my husband walked into the bathroom and thought I was mad. He chuckled as he recalled the time I was so tired I lost my car and phoned him to tell him it had been stolen. Then there was the night feed when I hadn’t tightened the bottle lid and the kitchen got plastered in formula.

Not forgetting the birth wounds that left me sitting on a swimming ring, swearing that I would NEVER do it again!

Yes, he was right, it was hard work and sometimes relentless, but time is a healer (in more ways than one). The brain blocks out the bad bits, leaving fuzzy warm memories of that newborn smell, your first proud walks in the park and the amazing moment you connect and your baby realises you are their mummy.

However, after medicinal vodka, I got a grip and accepted that they aren’t babies anymore.

Every day they grow bigger, stronger and more aware of the world around them.

There is nothing I can do to slow time down, so it is best to enjoy the road ahead rather than grieve for times past.

I am not alone I am sure! Luckily there are, of course, ways to make sure you don’t miss a minute: When your baby is sleeping, watch them and breath in their scent rather than dashing around hanging out the washing and doing admin.

Enjoy those early newborn days and go with the flow, rather than getting stressed out about a routine, a la Gina Ford, getting your baby to sleep through the night before you have unpacked your Bounty pack.

Hold their little hands, cuddle them and stare into those innocent eyes for as long as you can, as those are great memories to cherish.

TINYTALK BABY & TODDLER CLASSES WINDSOR, MAIDENHEAD & SLOUGH Please contact Elaine Dennis for further information;

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

NEW

Tel: 07876 338925 E-mail: elained@tinytalk.co.uk Website: www.tinytalk.co.uk

Hug and kiss your child like there is no tomorrow because when they’re older you won’t get that privilege on tap anymore.

Spend less time on your phone and computer and more time playing with your little ones and doing stuff that is fun.

Start a memory box when you have your first baby. Take lots of pictures, keep hospital bands, invitations, cards and anything else that will make you smile in years to come.

Whatever else you do, tell your children you love them as there is no better feeling for them or you.

The next time your child has a meltdown or is screaming for you when you’re trying to cook dinner, remember that all too soon your house will be quiet, your kids will be grown up, and you will be longing something other than the TV to fill the quiet.

Instead of feeling like ‘I’m losing them to friends and life’, think ‘I am excited and proud as I watch them develop into funny, clever little men who make me laugh everyday’.

Secretly I am starting to wonder if it is time for number three - or can I really let go of my baby days forever?

Natalie Trice is a freelance journalist, writer and award-nominated blogger, she knows a thing or two about PR and social media too.

She’s also a Mummy to two small boys, wife to Oliver and an owner of a cat and a dog. When she isn't writing or networking on Facebook, Natalie is an avid shopper, coffee drinker and collector of handbags and shoes. www.passionateaboutwords.co.uk

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Mothering Sunday

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

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

2. This one is not for the fainthearted!

Karen says that her mother said she could, “Try anything once”. There’s nothing wrong with encouraging our children to be adventurous but I might get them to sign a disclaimer with the added caveat of no illegal activity.

3. Lois says, “When I was having a moan about someone, she told me that the faults we most dislike in other people are often the ones we have ourselves”. A great bit of maternal advice for any child.

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

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

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

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

8. Thanks to Nandie, who had a major career change later on in life, for: "It's

never too late. Just go for it. Follow your dreams and if it turns out it's not for you, try something else.”

9. Nikki, a local Zumbini and Zumba instructor has a great bit of wisdom that was passed down from her mother in Wales, “Trust your instinct - you know your children better than anyone”.

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

Dhaaga Sewing and dress making classes for adults

Enter the creative world of sewing We offer maximum flexibility in these very sociable classes. Enjoy the relax atmosphere of sharing a great hobby with like minded people and learn new skills too.

✔ Sewing beginners – Learn how to operate sewing machine and various sewing techniques. ✔ Sewing for improvers and Intermediate – learn how to make a pattern and sew a garment from scratch. ✔ Techniques of alteration. ✔ Classes will be 2 hours long, during the day and evenings and limited to four people per class. ✔ One day Sewing Workshops for adults also available

Contact Anita on 077822 53565 or 01628 626012 Or: anita_dhaaga@yahoo.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

(Closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday) The Gap Club c/o Kings Court First School, Ash Brook Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2NE

G TAKIN S ING BOOK R ASTE FOR E NOW!

Tel: 07854 078 728

email: hc_thegapclub@yahoo.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

QUALITY ASSURED HOLIDAY CHILDCARE

Easter Holidays: Monday April 7 - Thursday April 17

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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School’s out! Hopefully the sun will shine and the holidays will be full of fun days out – here are some ideas to beat the boredom blues.

Go on an egg hunt!

Photo: Roald Dhal Museuem

Once again Cadbury is supporting the National Trust Easter egg trails, with lots of special events planned. Over the Easter weekend (18 to 21 April) there are trails at most properties including Cliveden, Greys Court, Nuffield Place and Stowe, as well as other fun activities. At Hughenden there’s even more time to find your chocolate goodie, with the trail running from 5 to 22 April. For more info, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk and search via venue.

Have a Wonka inspired day at Kew Gardens

One of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will be brought to life at Kew Gardens this Easter (5 – 21 April) in partnership with the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Celebrate 50 years of this famous tale with arts and

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crafts workshops inspired by the book’s four main Chocolate Factory rooms. In the Chocolate Room you can create your own chocolate bar with a chef from the Roald Dahl Museum café (small charge). Come up with your own recipes and designs for sweets and chocolates in the Inventing Room and go nutty drawing and colouring in the Nut Room. Lastly listen to revolting rhymes, story telling and poems by Dahl in the Television Room. Plus there’ll be a traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 20 April. www.kew.org Pirate fun at the Legoland® Windsor Resort

Ahoy there me hearties! The hugely popular Pirates Landing has been renamed Pirate Shores, it's perfect for all LEGO® fans. It now features a brand new themed play area, the Castaway Camp. There are 100 brand new LEGO® models as well as a new treasure quest on the Pirate Falls Treasure Quest log flume ride, a new themed restaurant, along with the familiar Jolly Rocker Pirate Ship ride and gold-panning with Pirate Goldwash.

Pirate Shores promises a swashbuckling adventure for the whole family. Check www.legoland.co.uk for full details.

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Find a witch in a bottle

Find a witch in a bottle Take a trip to Oxford’s kookiest attraction, the Pitt Rivers Museum (www.prm.ox.ac.uk).

Founded in 1884 to house the personal collection of General Augustus Pitt Rivers (1827–1900),Victorian soldier turned ethnologist-cum-archaeologist, the total collection now comprises half-a-million artefacts and an enormous curiosity box of the weird, wonderful and downright wacky.

Displays include musical instruments, textiles, puppets, jewellery, votive offerings, model boats, suits of armour and everything in between, with most exhibits still bearing their original, painstakingly handwritten labels.

Bored with bunnies? Go piggy mad at Paultons Park instead Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World, has lots of exciting Peppa-themed rides for all major pig fans. The park is also launching a brand new, handcrafted,Victorian carousel in time for the Easter break (April 4 to April 22). There are plenty of more scary rides in the park for older children like Cobra the rollercoaster ride or Magma the Raging River Ride. Hungry guests will also be able to visit the brand new ‘Wildwoods Restaurant’, where there is a wide range of healthy options for children. www.paultonspark.co.uk.

Search for some bluebells

Photo: Tim Crauford

Spring into action EGGTASTIC THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING

Many of the Thames Valley woods are classified as ancient woodland and their age, combined with the lime-rich soil, means that

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Photo: © The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

Spring into action

we are often treated to a fantastic display of bluebells in spring. Good places to see a wonderful carpet of blue are in the Maidenhead Thicket, the woods near Hambleden, Cowleaze Woods (near Stokenchurch), and the Christmas Common woods, near Watlington. For more info and ideas, visit www.bbowt.org.uk or www.chilternsaonb.org.

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

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

Step back in time at the Chiltern Open Air Museum The Chiltern Open Air Museum reopens on 29 March and there will be lots going this spring for all the family to enjoy.

Meet the lambs (12–13 April) and find out all about Victorian lambing traditions, before having a truly scrumptious day out over Easter (18–21 April) with a celebration of all things sweet and sticky – make some traditional Easter treats, join in with historic cooking and enjoy lots of family friendly crafts.You can also play with historic children’s games; dress up as a Victorian; meet the animals, including the heavy horses Joshua and Samuel; and explore the woodland walk, visiting the bird hide. Find out more at www.coam.org.uk.

Enjoy the grandeur of Blenheim Palace If you fancy a bit of stately pomp and glamour mixed in with your Easter fun, how about heading up the M40 to Blenheim Palace?

Birthplace of Winston Churchill, this world heritage site sits among grand formal gardens with over 2,000 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland.

For family fun, head to the Pleasure Gardens where you’ll find a miniature train, lavender garden and tropical butterfly house.

Children can run off some steam in the giant maze and adventure playground. An Easter Egg Hunt will be running on 18 and 19 April with clues to be solved and prizes to be won; then on 20 and 21 April, Peppa Pig and family, plus Fireman Sam, will be making appearances throughout the day. Other family activities will include a bouncy castle, crafts and traditional fairground rides (extra charge).

Entrance to park and gardens cost £12.50 for adults, £6.50 for children and £33 for a family of 4. Entrance to house is extra. www.blenheimpalace.com Explore the colourful spring woodland at Windsor Great Park Follow the Easter trail this holiday from 5-21 April.

This family event, with fun clues for all ages, takes you around the woodland surrounding the Savill Garden, past the ducks and the children’s play area (suitable for under 8s).

There are things to look out for as well as clues to solve, with a chocolate prize at the end. The trails are £3 each (one prize per trail), purchased from The Savill Building from 10am to 5pm. Normal car parking charges apply. Complete your day out with a visit to The Savill Building, and enjoy a delicious lunch or a snack from their awardwinning restaurant. For more information visit: www.theroyallandscape.co.uk or call 01784 435544.

Bottle feed lambs at Odds Farm Park There’s plenty of Family Fun this Easter at Odds Farm Park, voted “Farm Park Of The Year 2013”! From 5-22 April, children can follow the Easter Bunny Trail around the farm and get a yummy treat, bottle feed the lambs and, back for 2014, board the daily tractor & trailer rides* for a fun tour of the farm. If it rains there’s the giant Indoor Playbarn - a massive adventure play area including a 4 lane Astra Slide, 2 large drop slides, a netted area with zigzag chicanes & tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. With special Toddler and Under 5’s areas, there’s bags of fun for all ages. And adults can relax too with a delicious speciality coffee from the fantastic Espresso Bar! With the outdoor play, including the Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play areas, Crazy Golf and plenty more new baby animals to meet, there’s so much to do.

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield.

For full details, visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk. *(April-October, Weather Permitting).

To win one of three sets of family tickets to Odds Farm Park go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

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Easter Camps & Activities We have some egg-citing camps and activities to keep children of all ages entertained during the Easter holidays.

Whether you just want one day or a weeklong activity, there’s something for everyone.

AMANDA’S ART CLASSES for small groups aged 6-12 will be running in North Ascot on April 15 and April 17. Times: 10am-12pm. Cost: £18. 01344 885086/0796 882 4560 for further details. www.amandasart.co.uk BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE STUDIO is holding a Creative Easter Camp from 7 to 17 April (excluding weekends) at Trinity St Stephen CE First School, Vansittart Road, Windsor SL4 5DF, for 6-14 year olds to learn essential life skills and have fun exploring creative activities ranging from puppet making, filmmaking, animation, costume-making, prop-making contributing towards making an animation film based on 'The Wind in The Willows'. To find out more email contact@busybuttons.org; 07952418212. www.busybuttons.org

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Promo Code: TVEFamilies Offer Ends April 4th 2014

HANDS-ON-ART ADVENTURES will be running Pottery Workshops each morning 10am11.30am (Tues-Fri) over the Easter Holidays. The Potters Wheel can also be booked on Wednesdays in the holiday. For special offers on Art & Craft Activities, visit www.handsonartadventures.co.uk; 01753 206265.

PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB is running EASTER ENERGIZE! At Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Windsor Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5UJ during 7 April to 17 April. Gymnastic sessions for children aged 5 to 16 years of age. Attend all 9 sessions or just 1 or 2 over the Easter holidays. Each session is from 1.00 to 2.30 p.m. with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches. Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic gymnastic apparatus.1-2.30pm. Price: £10 per session. www.phoenixgym.co.uk and click on forthcoming events to download your application form.

STAR HOTSHOTS MULTI-ACTIVITY SPORTS CAMP is holding an Easter Camp at St Pirans School, Maidenhead, St Joseph’s College, Reading and Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning from 7- 11 April and 14-17 April from 8am to 6pm (half days also available) for children aged 4-14. Staffed by qualified PE teachers. For ages 4-10yrs there are games and activities to develop sports skills plus sport specific sessions, including swimming every day. Ages 11-14yrs can enjoy a variety of new sports such as Archery, Global VX, Golf, Handball, Street Dance, Street Surfing, Taekwondo and Tchoukball. 8am-6pm. OFSTED registered. 0845 301 0450, www.star-hotshots.co.uk. EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER. To get 10% off your booking quote TVEFamilies* when booking. *Valid until April 4th.

JR RUGBY is holding Easter Camps at Maidenhead RFC from 14 -16 April; Bracknell RFC from 7-11 April and Windsor RFC from 9 -11 April, for boys and girls age 4-12 from 9am (8.30am drop off) to 3pm. 4-8 years will learn rugby skills in the ‘Tag rugby group. 9-12 years will be in the ‘contact group’ and learn skills such as tackling, support play and decision-making. Extended hours are available. £25 per day, £65 for 3 days, £110 per week. 07809 222815; email enquiries@jrrugby.co.uk; www.jrrugby.co.uk.

LONGRIDGE ACTIVITY CENTRE is running daily activity days at Quarry Wood Road, Marlow from April 7-11 and April 14-17. The activity day starts at 8:45am and either finishes at 4pm (cost £40 for 4 activities) or at 5.30pm (costs £50.00 for 5 activities). Activities will be chosen on the day depending on the weather and water levels. They will also be running kayaking, rowing, sailing and fencing courses. Tel: 0330 303 0101; www.longridge.org.uk MESSY MONETS is holding an Easter Fun Day on April 9, 10am-3pm at Ellington Childrens Centre, West Dean, Off Ray Mill Road West, Cookham Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7JB. Drop in to make spring windmills, decorate Easter eggs and much more festive fun. Arts & crafts activities for pre-schoolers and primary school aged children. £5.00 per child. Take a look at their website for further details www.messymonets.co.uk or email melissa@messymonets.

REDROOFS EASTER SCHOOL FOR STARS April 7-11 from 10am - 4pm at Redroofs Theatre School, Maidenhead, age 7-13 years. All abilities and beginners welcome. The week will include musical theatre, team building and lively rehearsals, plus an end of week performance in their own traditional Victorian style theatre.

Cost £220. Wraparound care available from 9-10am and 4-5pm daily. Senior Dance & Musical Theatre Intensive, April 7- 9 from 10am to 4pm at Redroofs Theatre School, Maidenhead, age 13-18 years. Suitable for beginners to advanced. Dance workouts, technical classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and more. Cost £120.

01628 674092; www.redroofs.co.uk.

STAGECOACH MAIDENHEAD is running HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Altwood CofE School, Maidenhead, from 7 to11 April, for ages 4-16yrs. Cost £75 for 4-6 years, £125 for 6-16 years. Call 0118 930 520. www.stagecoach.co.uk STEPS2LEARN is running tuition throughout the Easter holidays. The centre is conveniently based in Tesco in Slough. They offer fun and engaging tuition in Maths and English based on the National Curriculum. They also cater for 11+ plus tuition and Special Educational Needs. SPECIAL OFFER: If you sign up for weekly tuition before April 30 you get 2 weeks FREE and a £20 Tesco Voucher.* To find out more email info@steps2learn.co.uk or call 01753 569 909; www.steps2learn.co.uk *T&Cs apply THE GAP CLUB is running a Holiday Club at King's Court First School, Ashbrook Road, Old Windsor, from 7-17 April (closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday). Times: 8.30am-4.30pm or 6.30pm. Cost: £22 per regular day, £27 per full day. 07854 078728, email: hc_thegapclub@yahoo.co.uk.

MARCH/APRIL 2014

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Great Competitions with

WIN A SOFA WORTH £399

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC One lucky reader has the chance of winning four tickets to see the spectacular production of Thank you for the Music at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading on April 26 at 8pm.

Families has teamed with Hello Sofas, a family run business in Yorkshire who make bespoke sofas to give you the opportunity to win a corner sofa worth £399, in a choice of five colours.

All sofas are handmade to order for customers throughout the UK. Hello Sofas offer the unique service of made to measure sofas which is hard to find affordably these days when looking to buy new sofas.

The main focus of Hello Sofas is offering a bespoke service to customers where the customers can design their own sofa. They allow customers to choose a sofa design, get it made in any size and they can pick fabric or leather for upholstery. Unlike other sofa

retailers Hello Sofas remain a supporter of British workmanship and quality so you can always expect a quality sofa that has been carefully made just for you.

To find out more go to www.hellosofas.com For this amazing chance to win a sofa go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions

The world’s favourite ABBA and Bee Gees concert show is coming to town with an all-new, sequin-spangled production celebrating the 40th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision triumph with their first worldwide hit Waterloo.

Tickets cost £20.50 (Concs: £19.50) to buy tickets call 0118 960 6060 or go to www.readingarts.com or www.easytheatres.com For your chance to win four tickets to Thank You for the Music go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions

WIN A PERSONALISED APRON Five readers have the chance of winning an apron from CobWebKnits’ vintage inspired range of aprons.

Show mums how much they’re loved by personalising it. They’ve made a few suggestions but any phrase or name can be embroidered on request.You can also choose from one of their many appliquéd motifs. Cupcakes, gingerbread men, cooks,

fruit or flowers.

The aprons are 100% machine washable cotton in dusky pink, sage green or powder blue with cream twill ties. Available in three sizes – toddler, junior and adult, prices start from £14.95.

presentation boxes, they are happy to include a gift card with message at no extra cost and they also offer a gift wrap service.

For your chance to win a personalised apron go to: www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions

Available on-line from www.cobwebknits.co.uk, all their products are handmade in the UK. Packaged in pretty rustic brown tissue-filled

Blossom Ballet JR Rugby is a rugby coaching specialist, which can offer:

For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:

• After School Cubs in your child’s school • School Holiday Camps in your area • Birthday Party packages

07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

All our coaches are:

• CRB checked • RFU Qualified • First Aid Trained Whatever you choose JR Rugby for, you can be rest assured that your child will learn new or improve their skills in rugby in a fun, safe environment.

For more information please e-mail enquries@jrrugby.co.uk or call on 07809 222815 • www.jrrugby.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Birch Hill and Maidenhead.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

21

What’s On

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Look for Signs of Spring, Basildon Park, Reading, March 1-30.

Live screening of the National Theatre's War Horse, Norden Farm, Maidenhead, March 4 & 5

Caption 3: Historical Trail, Burnham Beeches, Farnham Common, March 16.

ONGOING

Sunday 2 March – DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, nordenfarm.org - Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes.You see, Biff doesn't think he's a dog, Biff thinks he's a ballerina...

Suitable for ages 2+ years. 11am, 1pm, 3pm. Price: £8.50.

Sunday 2 March – SNOWDROPS AT MAGNOLIA HOUSE - Magnolia House, Grange Drive, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0QD, www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=196 13, Over 10,000 snowdrops plus Hellebores and spring flowers. Soup, tea and coffee on sale. 11am – 2pm. Price: £4.00 - children go free.

Monday 3 March – HAND PRINT CLASS - Gilchrist Thomas Village Hall, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3RF, kashasshed.blogspot.co.uk. Six week class every Monday morning learning how to make your own print. Create something beautiful, jam, labels, cards to a picture for your wall using lino, wood and stencils.

9.45am.

Monday 3 March and Tuesday 4 March –THE GRUFFALO. The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7UA, www.readingarts.com. This popular book comes to life in this fun production. An ideal introduction to theatre for 3+yrs with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun. Price: £12.

Tuesday 4 Tuesday– TODDLER TIME. The Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BZ, www.picturehouses.co.uk/Henley. Toddler Time is especially designed to introduce children to the big screen, featuring 30-minute shows for pre-school children and their parents/carers. Showing every Tuesday. Admission is just £3 per child, accompanying adults free, when they become members of Toddler Time. Membership is free.

11am. Price: £3 per child.

Tuesday 4 March - DYSLEXIA COURSE Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre - Monkton Barn, Monkton Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3RF, www.arkellcentre.org.uk. Join us on Tuesday mornings for 3 hours over a period of 6 weeks and we will help to demystify dyslexia, give you ideas and strategies to help you support your child and guide you on the best way to talk to and liaise with the professionals in your child’s life.

10am-1pm. Price: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions.

Tuesday 4 March to Wednesday 5 March - National Theatre Live: National Theatre’s WAR HORSE. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, nordenfarm.org. An encore screening of the National Theatre’s original stage production of War Horse, broadcast live from London’s West End. 14:00, 8pm, Price: £15.00.

Every Wednesday from 5 March – TAYLOR TUGS UNDER-5S CLUB. The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, rrm.co.uk.

Creative activity sessions for parents to enjoy with their children, include craft, stories and song. For 18 months-5 years. Term-time only. Morning session 10am-11.30am, must book. Afternoon session 3-4pm, drop in. £3 per child.

Friday 7 March – BIG SCREAM CLUB. The Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BZ, www.picturehouses.co.uk/Henley. At Big Scream Club films are screened exclusively for parents and guardians with babies under one year old.You can enjoy the latest releases from their regular programme accompanied by baby in a safe and comfortable environment. Screenings every Friday at 11am.

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

10am-3pm Wednesday 12 March - SIMPLY WALK. Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches. In association with Bucks county Council, join us for a moderately paced health walk through Burnham Beeches.

New walkers are welcome! Arrive early to register at 11am to 12pm. Meet at the café and information point, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches. 1 hour. No need to book, contact the Burnham Beeches office on 01753 647358 or Fiona Broadbent on 01494 475367 for more details.

Friday 14 March -TINY TALK TIME: PEEPO! Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX, www.wycombe.gov.uk. Please book as there are limited places. A special time at Wycombe Museum for the under- fives. Enjoy stories, trails and craft activities, inspired by the Museum collection and gardens. Not run during the school holidays. Children to be accompanied by an adult.

10.30-11.30am and 1.15 -2.15pm Price: £2.00 per child to be paid in advance with the booking. Sorry no refunds.

Sunday 16 March - HANDS-ON SCIENCE. Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX, www.wycombe.gov.uk. A lively afternoon of scientific activities for the curios and inquisitive, whatever your age. A National Science and engineering Week event. 2 - 4.30pm.

Every Friday during term time – TODDLER TIME at The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl.

Rhymes, songs or craft activities based on objects in the museum collection or garden. 10-11am. For families with children 2-4yrs. £2, drop in.

Every weekend – WILD AND WACKY - Odds Farm Park, 01628 520188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk. Crazy entertainers return to Odds Farm Park in 2014 with a mix of magic, fun, entertainment and more. 12pm, 1 pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Price: Included in the entrance fee to the farm.

Every weekend and School Holidays THE BOGGLING BRAIN DRAIN. The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre.

The show that investigates how the human brain works, including memory, imagination, and optical illusions.

Suitable for 4+yrs. Additional fee. Show runs at various times throughout the day at weekends and in school holidays. Shows at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm & 3.15pm (subject to minimum numbers).

Every Saturday – THE KIDS' CLUB. The Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BZ, www.picturehouses.co.uk/henley. Join the Regal Picturehouse every Saturday for a family-only matinee of a specially chosen children's film, plus fun activities, at pocket-money prices. For accompanied children aged 3-12 years. 11am.

MARCH Saturday 1 March - BAYEUX TAPESTRY. Reading Museum, The Town Hall , Blagrave St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH, www.readingmuseum.org.uk/events. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous full-size copy of the Tapestry – no need to book. Every Saturday in the Bayeux Gallery.

2.15pm-3pm. Suggested donation £2.

Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 March - LOOK FOR SIGNS OF SPRING. Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. A self-led trail in the parkland with a sweet treat prize.

10am-5pm. £2 plus admission price.

Sunday 2 March – BACH’S ST JOHN PASSION Norden Farm Festival Chorus Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, nordenfarm.org.

JS Bach’s dramatic and devotional masterpiece from 1724 is performed by the Festival Chorus, professional soloists and orchestra. 3pm. Price: £15.00.

Personal Development Workshops (10 sessions) open to all. Includes: 1. Communication skills to improve relationships and negotiate win win deals.

2. Techniques to tap in to the unconscious mind ‐ the driving force to build confidence.

3. Develops your creative potential.

4. Using powerful coaching skills to set goals and actions.

5. Addresses limiting beliefs & releases negative emotions.

Every Thursday 10 – 11.30am at Boulters Lock Hotel, Maidenhead. Cost £150

To book visit: wwwkreativefutures.co.uk

22

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

MARCH/APRIL 2014

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

What’s On

Compiled by Barbara Meredith Event times and dates to change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you set out.

Mums go free on Mothering Sunday, Cliveden,Taplow, March 30.

Easter Fun, Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, April 5-22.

Easter Egg Hunt,The River & Rowing Museum, Henley, April 5-21.

Sunday 16 March - HISTORICAL TRAIL. Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. Join the rangers as they guide you round one of our most popular trails. Learn about the history of the reserve, from Iron Age hill forts to the D-Day landings. Morning walk. Sorry, no dogs, 2.5 hours.

Booking is compulsory for this walk. Contact the Burnham Beeches office on 01753 647358 to book.

Tuesday 18 March - BODEN SHOPPING PARTY. Claytons PTA. Claytons Primary School, Wendover Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, SL8 5NS, www.claytonsprimary.ik.org/home.ikml. A Boden shopping party. If you bring a new customer who's never ordered from Boden before, you get £25 credit on your Boden account if they buy something. Customers will receive at least a 20% discount on all purchases and the first 40 people to place an order will also receive an exclusive free gift. Refreshments will be available, 4-10pm.

Friday 21 March – LADIES PAMPER EVENING. Our Lady of Peace Catholic Nursery, Derwent Drive, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6HW. www.ourlady-inf.slough.sch.uk. A range of beauty and holistic mini- treatments available, including: manicures, shellac nails, massage, reflexology, reiki and lots of stalls to browse too. 7-9pm. Price: £5.00 (includes drinks and nibbles).

Saturday 22 March and Sunday 23 March – STARGAZING: Exploring the universe from the comfort of Reading. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX. www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek.

Fun for all the family, regardless of the weather. With the help of the local astronomical society, there will be the chance to look through some powerful telescopes, hear talks and have a go at activities. 6pm-11pm. Free event.

Suitable for all.

Sunday 23 March - GO WILD ABOUT NATURE CLUB. Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX, www.wycombe.gov.uk. Join in the fun and go wild about nature with different activities each month including crafts, investigations and discoveries. Suitable For: Age 6+, 2.30 4pm. Price: £4.00 Thursday 27 March - CHARITY FILM EVENT, Volition Bar, Queen Street in Maidenhead. A screening of the Film 'Any Day Now' will be shown (doors open at 7pm and films starts 8pm) and the cost is £10, which includes a glass of fizz and popcorn. The event is in aid of two charities that support children with Down Syndrome, Chatterbox & Sparkles. All tickets MUST be reserved in advance to avoid disappointment as numbers are strictly limited - to reserve your ticket or for further information please email - samantharelph@hotmail.com Friday 28 March - TINY TALK TIME: BROWN BEAR, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX, www.wycombe.gov.uk. The morning sessions are repeated in the afternoon. Please book. Enjoy stories, trails and craft activities, inspired by the Museum collection and gardens. Not run during the school holidays. Children to be accompanied by an adult.

10.30-11.30am and 1.15-2.15pm. Price: £2.00 per child to be paid in advance with the booking. Sorry no refunds.

Saturday 29 March – GET READY FOR MOTHER’S DAY. Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. A self-led craft activity to make a small gift for your mum. 11am-4pm. 11am-4pm.

Price: Free with admission price.

Sunday 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY. Savill Gardens, Wick Lane, Englefield Green , Surrey, TW20 0UU. www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/events. Spoil your mother and take her out for the day. Free admission into The Savill Garden for all mothers on Mother’s Day. Sunday 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY @ DINTON. Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, Sandford Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0SU. www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac.

Enjoy a day out with your mum as you warm up around an open fire before going on a daffodil trail around the park.

11am-4pm. Adults £12, child £9, Under-4s free, members discount.

Sunday 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE. Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Station Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1AZ, www.hobbsofhenley.com/mothers-day-cruise.

Treat your mum to a unique Mother's Day lunch and cruise aboard The New Orleans. 12.30-3.30pm, Tickets cost £38.50 pp, which includes an arrival drink, 3 course lunch and live entertainment. A children’s menu for under-10's costs £12.

Sunday 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY AT GREY’S COURT. Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 4PG. A free lucky dip for all mums visiting. 11am-5pm. Price: Free with admission price.

Sunday 30 March – MAKE MUM’S DAY. Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Skip the greeting card store this year and create your own Victorian Mother's Day card to make her day truly special. Plus Mums go free! 11am - 4pm.

Price: Free event with normal admission price.

Sunday 30 March – MOTHERING SUNDAY. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PX, sirchristopherwren.co.uk. Relax and enjoy a traditional 3 course choice menu on Mothering Sunday, with coffee and petit fours. Our Jazz Trio will provide the entertainment and Mums will receive a small gift with our compliments and appreciation. £32.50 per adult, £15.95 per child (5-12 years), Children 4 or under-eat free.

Sunday 30 March – MOTHER’S DAY. Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Mother’s Day Sunday 30 March, 11am – 3pm. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Cliveden by bringing your Mum to Cliveden for free and treating her to free wine tasting (while stocks last!). Children can also make their mum a special gift at the craft workshop. All Day Price: £2 per craft activity. Normal admission charges apply, Adults £9.00, children £4.50 (except for mums!). No booking required.

Wednesday 2 April to 5 April - ODYSSEY THE MUSICAL. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, www.nordenfarm.org. Award winning original rock opera combining Homer’s Odyssey with contemporary music and dance. Book a group of 10 or more and receive 1 free ticket. 7.30 pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm Price: £13.00.

Saturday 5 April to Tuesday 22 April – EASTER FAMILY FUN. Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0LX, www.oddsfarm.co.uk. At Odds Farm Park – voted “Farm Park Of The Year 2013” – there’s heaps of Easter Fun! Youngsters can follow the Easter Bunny Trail around the farm and get a Yummy Treat. Plus, with plenty of cute Kid Goats to Bottle Feed, the return of Tractor & Trailer Rides (weather permitting) and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn.

Saturday 5 April to 21 April - EASTER FAMILY TRAIL. Savill Gardens, Wick Lane, Englefield Green , Surrey, TW20 0UU. www.theroyallandscape.co.uk. Set off on the trail and enjoy a great family event, with fun clues for all ages taking you around the woodland surrounding The Savill Garden. Look out for the ducks and take in the fun children’s play area suitable for under 8s.There are things to look out for as well as clues to solve, with a chocolate prize at the end. The trails are £3 each (one prize per trail), purchased from The Savill Building from 10am to 5pm. Normal car parking charges apply.

Saturday 5 April to Sunday 6 April – BIG FOOT SHOW. Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Berkshire, RG7 1SP, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Big Foot is back at the Park for another silly show. Free with admission.

Saturday 5 April - CHARVIL PRE-SCHOOL EASTER FAYRE. Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9TR. Fun for all the family. Children bring a bonnet for the Easter Parade to win a prize. 1pm-4pm.

Price: Free entry.

Sunday 5 April to Monday 21 April. EASTER EGG HUNT. The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF. www.rrm.co.uk/whatson. Meet Sidney the Swan in the Museum's Swan-Upping exhibition and explore the Museum Galleries looking for clues. Help solve a swan puzzle to claim a mini Easter egg. 10am-5pm. Free with admission.

Sunday 5 April to 16 April - EASTER TRAIL. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX, www.reading.ac.uk/merl. Follow the Easter trail and locate the Easter eggs in the Museum and garden. Prizes for all.

Suitable for families with children of all ages. Drop-in event. During museum opening hours, £2 per child.

Saturday 5 April to 22 April. EASTER PUZZLE TRAIL. Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnhambeeches. The famous puzzle trail is back, and even more puzzling than usual!

With two trails, one easy and one devilishly difficult!

Contact the Burnham Beeches office on 01753 647358.

APRIL Tuesday 1 April to 21 April - EGGTASTIC FUN. Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Look for eggs in the house and win a prize by solving the Easter trail in the garden.

10am-5pm. £2 plus admission charge.

Pre-school cooking classes coming to Winkfield - February 2014 **BOOK NOW** Jenn@minimasterchefs.co.uk www.minimasterchefs.co.uk tel: 01344 526 451

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MARCH/APRIL 2014

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

23

What’s On

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Louis the Bubble Man, Norden Farm, Maidenhead, April 7.

Stop! Animate, Norden Farm, Maidenhead, April 7-11.

A Great Big Art Extravaganza,The River & Rowing Museum, Henley, April 11.

Saturday 5 April to Sunday 20 April - EGG HUNT. Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX, Search the Museum and gardens for the hidden eggs to win a chocolate prize.

10am- 4.30pm (Except Bank Holidays) Price: £1.50.

Sunday 6 April – BUNNY FUN RUN, Maidenhead, The Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club has organised the fun run. Bunny ear outfit and T-shirt will be provided. Full details, with Entry & Sponsorshop form can be downloads from www.BunnyFunRun.co.uk Monday 7 April to 17 April. EASTER ENERGIZE! Phoenix Gymnastics Club, Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Windsor Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5UJ www.phoenixgym.co.uk. Gymnastic sessions for children aged 5 to 16 years of age. Choose from 9 sessions over the Easter holiday. Each session is from 1.00 to 2.30 p.m. with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches. Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic gymnastic apparatus. Price: £10 per session Monday 7 April – LOUIS THE BUBBLEMAN. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, www.nordenfarm.org. Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles! He combines comedy and artistry with lots of involvement from the audience. With square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and even people inside bubbles! Suitable for all ages. 11.30am, 2pm, Price: £8.50.

Monday 7 April to Friday 11 April - REDROOFS EASTER SCHOOL FOR STARS. Redroofs Theatre School, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4JT, www.redroofs.co.uk/Easter. Wrap around care available 9-10am and 4-5pm daily Monday to Thursday at their fully equipped rehearsal studios and Friday on stage at the Novello Theatre with performance at 3pm. Musical Theatre and Actor Warm-ups; Acting Technique, Team Building Challenges, Choreography and plenty of lively rehearsals. Final performance at their own Theatre, which offers an exceptional performance space with a seating capacity of 150 and tickets are available at no charge.

Price: £220 for the week.

Monday 7 April to Friday 11 April - STOP! ANIMATE. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, www.nordenfarm.org. Led by Creative Workshop.

Get involved in all aspects of making an animated film.

Create storyboards, make scenery and characters, and use stop motion software. Then see your film as a download on the internet. 10am to 4pm. Price: £100.00

Tuesday 8 April – FUN WITH CLAY WORKSHOP. South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA, www.southhillpark.org.uk. A fun workshop designed for children aged 7-12yrs to design, make and decorate a clay item. 10am-12noon. £18/£17 members, please book.

Tuesday 8 April - MERL FAMILY TOURS. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX www.reading.ac.uk/merl. Join members of the MERL team of family tour guides for a fun, interactive 30 minute tour of the museum and hear stories about what it was like to live and work in the countryside. 11am & 2.30pm. Free drop-in event.

Tuesday 8 April - POM POM RATTY. The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, rrm.co.uk. Learn the skill of making pom poms in this perfect activity to prepare for Spring – with a little imagination you can turn them into a water vole in its burrow! Suitable for 4-7yrs. Please book.

10.30am-12.30pm. Price: £8.50.

Tuesday 8 April - SECOND WORLD WAR SCHOOLROOM EXPERIENCE. Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH. www.readingmuseum.org.uk/events. What were schooldays like over 70 years ago? To mark the exhibition Reading at War the Museum will be running a special wartime version of their unique schoolroom experience.

Drop in sessions for 5+yrs at 11.30am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm.

Arrive early as places are limited. Price: £1 per person Tuesday 8 April to Wednesday 9 April - THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S CAT. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, nordenfarm.org. The lighthouse keeper’s cat is too plump to catch the lighthouse mice, so he runs away. But he is scared of everything he meets – like cows and bicycles and screaming babies! Hamish’s hilarious antics finally lead him up a tree where he is trapped. Can he find his way back home? Will he ever eat Mrs Grinling’s delicious pie again?

And will the mice help him? 11:30am, 2pm. Price: £8.50.

Wednesday 9 April – EASTER ART FACTORY. South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA, www.southhillpark.org.uk. Spend the morning using clay, collage, drawing and sculpture with lots to take home at the end of the session. Expert advice and guidance given. Dress for mess! For ages 4-11, 10am-12noon, £18 (Members £17), please book.

Wednesday 9 April – SIMPLY WALK. Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. In association with Bucks County Council, join us for a moderately paced health walk through Burnham Beeches.

New walkers are welcome! Arrive early to register.11am.

Meet at the café and information point, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches.1 hour. No need to book.

Contact the Burnham Beeches office on 01753 647358 or Fiona Broadbent on 01494 475367 for more details about these health walks.

Wednesday 9 April – TAYLOR TUGS HOLIDAY. The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk. Join Taylor Tug for lots of creative Easter fun based on our beautiful Museum objects. Make, sing and play the morning away.

For 18 months to 5 years. Please book. 11am-12.30pm, Price: £8.50.

Wednesday 9 April and Wednesday 16 April – WILD WEDNESDAY. Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Outdoor adventures for families, every Wednesday in the local school holidays.

Themes to be confirmed. Ideal for children aged 4 to 11years. 11am to 3pm, Price: £2.

Thursday 10 April and Friday 11 April – TREE CLIMBING. Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. A tree top adventure in Cliveden’s woodlands provided by The Big Tree Climbing Company. 10.30am to 5pm Price: £17.50 per person for an hour session (plus normal admission charges) Thursday 10 April - RAG EASTER BASKET WEAVING. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX, www.reading.ac.uk/merl. Explore some of the beautiful baskets in the Museum's collection and, using material, weave your own. For families with children aged 3+yrs.

Please book. 10am-11.30am, 11.30am-1pm, 2pm-3.30pm.

Price: £3.

Friday 11 April - A GREAT BIG ART EXTRAVAGANZA! The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk. Join Mr Toad in an art extravaganza with lots of activities with a Wind in the Willows theme. Hang your work in Mr Toad’s very own gallery and go home loaded with your own creative creations. 10.30am-4pm, Free with admission.

Music with Mummy Making Music Magic!

For babies & pre‐schoolers Maidenhead, Windsor, Cookham, Burnham, Stoke Poges & Bracknell Contact Liz 07985 935662, liz@hartbeeps.com For Marlow Contact Kerraleigh Child 07866 656366, kerraleigh@hartbeeps.com

Themed, fun music classes for children aged up to 5 years in small groups Jolly Babies – specially designed for babies under one year Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954 Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772 www.musicwithmummy.co.uk

www.hartbeeps.com

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

What’s On

The REME Museum Model Show, Reading, April 13.

Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, Norden Farm, Maidenhead, April 17.

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails, various National Trust properties, April 18-21.

Friday 11 April - BIRD'S NEST MAKING. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX, www.reading.ac.uk/merl. Come and get messy making a nest from tissue paper, yarn and glue.

Use your imagination to create a fantastic colourful home that any bird would be proud of. For families with children aged 2+yrs. Drop in between 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm.

Price: £2.

Sunday 13 April – CLIVEDEN’S CAR. Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Enjoy a tantalizing line-up of extra special cars along Cliveden's spectacular Grand Avenue. Come along and admire some marvellous motors and have the opportunity to find out more from their owners. 12pm-3pm. Price: normal admission charges apply Sunday 13 April – BRACKNELL NCT NEARLY NEW SALE. Hilton Hotel, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 0QJ. www.nct.org.uk/branches/bracknell/events/nearly-new-sale.

Children’s and babies’ clothes, toys, maternity wear and equipment. 11.30am-1.15pm. (11.15am for NCT members).

For more information email bracknellnctnearlynewsale@hotmail.co.uk.

Sunday 13 April – THE REME MUSEUM MODEL SHOW. The REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 9NH, www.rememuseum.org.uk. A chance to see some great military and transport models displayed by clubs from around the country. Entry to the model show is included in the museum admission price. Suitable for the whole family.

11am-4pm Price: Free with admission.

Tuesday 15 April – SWEETIE SHOWER PARTY PINATA. The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk. It’s raining sweets from a party piñata based on a mascot from a rowing club.You hit your piñata and sweets fall out then you eat them! For 4-7yrs. Please book.10.30am-12.30pm. Price: £8.50 Tuesday 15 April – WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT. South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-events-winter-spring.pdf.

Can you solve a series of clues by walking around the park and earn yourself a chocolate prize? The course will take approximately an hour to solve. Booking required (prizes only available for those who have pre-booked). Meet in gazebo on rear lawn.12noon-3pm. Price: £2.

Wednesday 16 April - PEPPERMINT CREAM EGGS. The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX. www.reading.ac.uk/merl. Mix, shape and decorate some tasty peppermint cream Easter treats. With artist Alison Quinn. For families with children aged 3+yrs. Drop in between 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm. Price: £3.

Wednesday 16 April – WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT. Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2RX. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-events-winter-spring.pdf.

Can you solve a series of clues by walking around the park and earn yourself a chocolate prize? The course will take approximately an hour to solve. Booking required (prizes only available for those who have pre-booked). Meet in the North car park, off Lily Hill Road.12noon-3pm. Price: £2.

Thursday 17 April – SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD. Little Angel Theatre Company. Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, www.nordenfarm.org. A fairy grants the King and Queen a wish and they have a baby.

But when the fairy is not invited to the baby’s christening, she casts another spell. On her 16th birthday, the princess will prick her finger and everyone in the kingdom will fall asleep for 100 years. An adaptation of the story of Briar Rose by the Brothers Grimm, conjures a dreamlike fantasy of palaces and forests, ogres and fairies, princes and babes. 11:30am, 2pm.

Price: £8.50.

Thursday 17 April – HANSEL & GRETEL. Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BP, www.kentontheatre.co.uk. A feel-good show for all the family with a star-studded cast, puppets, illusions and lots of fun.

11am & 2.30pm. Tickets: £9, family £30.

Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April – CADBURY EASTER EGG. Nuffield Place, Huntercombe , Near Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 5RY, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Follow the clues to win a Cadbury Easter Egghead.11am-4pm. Price: £2 plus admission charge.

Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April – CADBURY EASTER EGG. Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk.Take part in our 'eggstra' special Easter Egg Trail over the April bank holiday weekend. Hunt for clues around the grounds, get your face painted and enjoy a delicious Cadbury chocolate egghead prize at the end. 11am 4pm. Price: £2.50 per child plus usual admission prices. No booking required.

Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April – EASTER EGG HUNT. 0118 974 6343, Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, Sandford Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0SU. www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac. Join in the Easter fun and hunt for eggs as you paddle around Black Swan Lake and its islands.

Look out for the Easter Bunny and win a chocolatey prize on completion. Ages 8+yrs. Hour-long sessions between 11am-4pm. Adults £12, child £9, Under-4s free, members discount.18-21 April.

Sunday 20 April - NAOMI HOUSE EASTER EGG HUNT. Highclere Castle, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN, www.naomihouse.org.uk/events/showevent/easter-egg-hunt.

Help raise funds for Naomi House at this annual Easter Egg Hunt held in the grounds of Highclere Castle - home of TV's Downtown Abbey. Tickets on gate: £5 per person (does not include entry to the house). 11am-4pm.

Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April – EASTER EGG HUNT. 0118 974 6343, Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, Sandford Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0SU. www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac. Join in the Easter fun and hunt for eggs as you paddle around Black Swan Lake and its islands.

Look out for the Easter Bunny and win a chocolatey prize on completion. Ages 8+yrs. Hour-long sessions between 11am-4pm. Adults £12, child £9, Under-4s free, members discount.

Sunday 20 April - EASTER SUNDAY. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PX, sirchristopherwren.co.uk. Celebrate Easter with Chocolate and Jazz. Enjoy our traditional Sunday lunch, featuring a 3 course choice menu with coffee and petit fours, while our Jazz Trio play some popular tunes. All children will be given a delicious Chocolate Egg. £32.50 per adult £15.95 per child (5-12 years). Children 4 or under eat for free.

Saturday 26 April – BIRDS OF BURNHAM BEECHES. Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Join the rangers on a morning walk though Burnham Beeches and find out about the many feathered residents of this National Nature Reserve. 2 hour-long morning walk.

Sorry, no dogs. Booking is compulsory for this walk. Start time and meeting point will be given when you book. Contact the Burnham Beeches office on 01753 647358 to book a place or for more details.

Cupcake Decorating Parties Making Cupcake Decoration fun for children aged between 6 and 16

BrightSparks Education Centre in Marlow provides a range of tutoring services for children from ages 5 to 16.

We are committed to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential in a happy and secure learning environment.

• 1 demonstrated themed cupcake • 3 free design cupcakes starting with piped buttercream swirls • 1 cupcake to eat decorated by Cakin' Faerie Each guest will receive a certificate of attendance and take home 4 vanilla cupcakes that they have decorated in a presentation box.

All equipment is provided and demonstrated along with a selection of decorations and sprinkles. All that Cakin' Faerie asks is that you can provide sufficient tables and chairs for all of your guests.

BrightSparks offers: • Weekly Maths and English tuition for ages 5 – 16 • Weekly 11+ and Common Entrance Exam tuition • Touch typing courses for all ages

10 Almond Road, Burnham, Bucks SL1 8HA

Tel: 01628 543963 or 07979 807553

www.brightsparksmarlow.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Email: suzanne@readmantcs.co.uk www.facebook.com/cakinfaerie

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Under 5s Special

Don’t leave me!

Does your little one find it hard to be without you? Dr Lucy Russell explains what you can do to help. f course, children are all different.

Some are the first to join in at every party or playgroup, and others cling like trembling limpets to their parent. Both can be healthy responses, and show that these children are at different stages in feeling safe enough to explore away from the ‘secure base’* of their parents, which is a gradual process. And naturally personality interacts with this important life stage, but if you’re the mum at the back of the party with your child hiding behind your knees, or if every dropoff at preschool means floods of tears, separation anxiety can be upsetting for everyone involved.

When babies are born, evolution has led them to seek close proximity to a parent or caregiver. The world is a scary, threatening place and, to be blunt, without this caregiver they will die. So they have sophisticated means of keeping us close (such as crying). As they grow, they begin to look to their adult constantly to help them make judgements about the world. ‘Is this situation safe? I will check Mum’s face.

If she looks relaxed and happy, that means I’m safe.’ The adult caregiver is their ‘safe base’. As the child slowly begins to grow more confident, they’ll explore further and further away but still check in at the safe base at regular intervals. After a while, children begin to be confident enough to judge the safety of situations for themselves. At a party with a preschool class of familiar children, they may head into the action without giving you a second glance. In new or unexpected situations, however, they will still need the safe base.

Children develop this confidence at their own pace and a large amount of variation is normal. Why does my child cling to me

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each morning before school, when all their friends are confidently chatting and lining up ready to go in?

Well, the chances are, this is absolutely normal. They are still very young, and school (or preschool/nursery) is a daunting place, full of noise and complex social interactions, and demanding a big leap in independence.

It’s not surprising that some children would rather be at home with mummy or daddy. Most children just need a bit of time and reassurance. Crucially, they need to be assigned a warm and caring adult at school (or preschool or nursery) who can be their temporary safe base, the person they look to for reassurance. Sometimes, it can help to provide your child with a ‘transitional object’ to help them feel safe – this is something of yours (like a scarf or picture) that can remind them of you and help remind them of the feeling of safety and security.

There are a few things which can interrupt this gradual development of independence, some of which may set a child back just temporarily, and others which may require extra support from a professional. Sometimes life events, such as a bereavement or illness in the family, can prevent a child from getting the secure, contained feeling they need in order to progress in their development; this is because these events increase uncertainty and may disrupt this crucial process. If a parent is physically or mentally unwell, they may not be able to offer a child the high level of reassurance and safety they need.

Or if a parent has experienced a high level of stress or worry, when a child ‘checks in’

MARCH/APRIL 2014

with the parent to ensure a situation is safe, they may not get the reassurance they need, instead picking up on a parent’s stress, fear or worry and feeling ‘the world is not a safe place, so I’d better not explore it’. If you fear that your child’s separation anxiety is severe enough to warrant support from a professional, do not worry.

It is not your fault, and there is much that can be done. Over time, a professional such as a clinical psychologist, will help you to help your child feel safer and more secure, so that they develop the confidence to separate from you in the knowledge that you will always be there when they return. * This term was first used by John Bowlby, founder of attachment theory.You can read more about this in the books Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development by John Bowlby and Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain

by Sue Gerhardt Written by Everlief Child Psychology in West Wycombe. For an informal discussion, or to make an appointment, call 01494 521332 or email contactus@everlief.co.uk, or visit www.everlief.co.uk. picture © Lorelyn Medina - Fotolia.com]

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Health

Who’s in charge of your life?

Life coach and education specialist, Leysa Henderson, tells Families how being true to yourself is one of the key ingredients to leading a happy and fulfilled life.

ong ago in ancient China, a childless Emperor had to find an heir. He called all the boys from the area to the palace and gave each one a seed and told them to return in a year. Ling was one of those boys.

For the next year, despite his devotion to his seed, Ling’s plant did not grow.

The year was coming to an end and Ling was anxious that the Emperor would be angry at his barren pot. The day finally arrived.

As the Emperor walked down the line of boys, Ling’s fear increased. Eventually, the Emperor stood in front of him frowning.

‘What’s your name?’ the Emperor enquired.

‘Liiii…nnng,’ he stuttered.

The Emperor nodded his head and moved on.

At the end of the line the Emperor boomed, ‘Ling come here!’

‘Even though I had given you all a dead seed, you managed to grow a plant. The only person who followed their integrity was Ling.

We need people who live their lives honestly and persevere against all the odds. By anointing Ling Emperor, I know that you will be ruled fairly and wisely.’

This story is not just about how to rule and lead a country, but also how we can take charge of our own lives. No matter what happens around us we need to remain true to our own integrity.

The problem with this is that we have to be very clear about what is our truth. Each one of us, through our values and beliefs, has created our own reality, in other words our own truth. When you understand that, it then becomes possible to create your own truth, a truth that fuels your passion. When you are in flow with your purpose, life becomes easy and opportunities endless. Then you can create a bespoke life.

If you have no goal or destination then you end up ambling around, allowing others to hijack you for their goals. It makes you feel disempowered and always at the mercy of others’ whims and emotions.You realise you have lost your identity and no longer know what is important.Your goals do not have to be big or ambitious, they just have to reflect what is essential to you and to align with your values, moving you forward to fulfil dreams that you never thought possible.

There are many barriers to setting or achieving goals - two powerful ones are lack of confidence and feeling undeserving. These immobilise people. The longer people stay where they are, the harder it becomes to take action.

However, with action comes confidence. It is better to take action, albeit imperfect action, than do nothing. Nothing comes from nothing. There is no such thing as failure only feedback - so what do you have to lose if you do take action? What do have to lose if you do not take action? Nobody ever achieved his or her life’s ambition doing nothing.

Not long ago, I asked an artist how long it took him to paint a particular picture. He thought for a while before answering, ‘all my life.’ The response made me reflect on my own path and I realised that everything I had done and every decision I had made had lead me to this point. Therefore it is important to take charge of your own life now and to have the courage to make the decision to forge your own path.

L

Telephone: 01628 627 586

You must nurture and tend your own spirit, as this in turn will help you guide your life to be in flow with your greater purpose and you will learn to be fair and wise. If we only have one life, make it count and leave behind a legacy that you can be proud of.

Leysa is holding a Personal Development course for ten weeks in Maidenhead, from 10am to 11.30am, starting on March 20th. To find out more go to www.kreativefutures.co.uk

• Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties 12‐6pm Tues‐Fri (after‐school parties & pottery painting!)

10am‐5pm Sat & School Hols

As Featured in Business Traveller

Get involved with Tai Total Fitness Boot Camp

Weight loss | Toning | Improving stamina | Nutrition advice All levels welcome | Men and women | One-to-one personal training also offered It’s great to work as part of a group to get motivated and push through fitness barriers you thought were insurmountable.

6 sessions for £55 and bookings are required in advance.

All you need is an exercise mat and a bottle of water.

Monday 10am 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead Tuesday 8.15pm St Pirans School, Maidenhead

To find out more about Tai Total Fitness visit www.taitotalfitness.co.uk Call 07923 438 740 now or email info@taitotalfitness.co.uk

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online at www.edontheweb.com and from good bookstores.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

For Ages 5 to 7 years

For Ages 7 years plus

Arthur and the Witch by Johanne Mercier (Phoenix Yard Books £4.99)

My Funny Family Gets Bigger by Chris Higgins (Hodder £4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Arthur discovers a secret hiding-place full of blueberries and picks lots of them as a surprise for his grandmother. She is delighted and makes a pie for Arthur and his grandfather but when she realises where Arthur found the fruit she becomes rather worried. So Grandma calls Cousin Eugene who she knows will have good advice in these difficult – but amusing – circumstances.

ED SAYS: ‘Mattie is excited about going back to school but realises not all children are as happy as she is, particularly one of her sisters whose rather odd behaviour causes a lot of concern. The family are expecting a very special delivery at Christmas time – could this be part of the explanation? In this delightfully humorous tale, the strength of family life shines through.

‘This is a super story for boys and girls alike, reading on their own or reading together – and it is complemented by fantastic illustrations throughout.’

‘This lovely book with its super illustrations will be enjoyed by newly-confident readers. It is also ideal for reading together.’

The Great Brain Robbery

by Anna Kemp (Simon and Schuster £5.99)

The Woebegone Twins by Christopher William Hill (Orchard Books £9.99)

ED SAYS: ‘All the children in Frankie’s class are desperate to get their hands on the latest toy, a mechanimal.

Frankie is delighted to receive a Gadget the Rabbit for his birthday – but it soon becomes obvious that all is not right. There is a dreadful scheme afoot to infiltrate children’s minds using these robot toys. Will Frankie and his friends be able to stop this evil scheme before it is too late?

ED SAYS: ‘Here is the latest tale from Schwartzgarten, the town children love to read about but would probably sooner not live in! The twins Greta and Feliks live with their adored Aunt Gisela who used to be an actress. Through her they come across some amazing people such as Mr Morbide who has a remarkable resemblance to a vampire. The twins soon learn that people and events are not always as they first seem!

‘This madcap actionpacked adventure is a real page-turner. There are fantastic characters in this laugh out loud tale that is enhanced by amusing illustrations.’

‘This is a brilliant story with wonderful characters. It will delight readers who prefer the extraordinary to the ordinary and who enjoy books in which imaginative ideas burst from the pages.’

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

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Bumps ‘n’ Babes HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT PELVIC PAIN DURING PREGNANCY Marlow based osteopath Eva Winter explains the causes of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), which can affect nearly a quarter of pregnant women.

PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) is a condition that affects a large number of pregnant women, some studies suggesting the incidence is as high as 1 in 4. It was formerly known as SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), but the term implied that only the joint at the front of the pelvis is affected, which is not always the case.

There is a wide range of symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and the severity of pain also varies between women. PGP can develop at any point during pregnancy (more common after 20 weeks gestation) and even after delivery.

Symptoms include pain at the front and/or back of the pelvis, pain when climbing stairs, walking, turning over in bed and getting dressed (i.e. standing on one leg). Pain can radiate into the buttocks and down the legs and is often misdiagnosed as a trapped nerve.

Women are often told that their pelvic pain is due to: • Sciatica • Normal aches and pains of pregnancy • Low back pain • Nerve irritation that it is not treatable and will get better on its own Some studies suggest that the risk factors for developing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy are: a history of previous low back pain, trauma of the back or pelvis, multivariate (having 2 children or more) and higher levels of stress. It is important to remember that PGP is common and, in most cases, a treatable condition.

A registered Osteopath with the appropriate skills and experience can safely treat pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. PGP is usually caused by an asymmetry, change of normal

movement or alignment of the pelvic joints. The increased load on the pelvis due to the growing baby, postural change due to the pregnancy and the hormone relaxin, can all contribute to the development of PGP. Osteopathic treatment involves assessing the joints and muscles of the pelvis and lower back then returning them to normal function, with hands-on therapeutic techniques. Treatment typically involves a combination of joint realignment or mobilisation, soft tissue treatment on muscles and gentle cranial sacral techniques. Specific strengthening exercises tailored for the individual may also be given.

The Pelvic Partnership (a support organisation for women with PGP) urges: “Pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is common, but not normal, so don’t put up with it.” Women should seek treatment for pelvic pain as soon as they develop symptoms to avoid symptoms worsening throughout their pregnancy.

If you are experiencing similar symptoms to those mentioned in this article it is important not to self-diagnose, but seek the help of a qualified health professional, such as an Osteopath.

TOP TIPS: AIM TO • Wear flat, supportive shoes.

• Sit down to get dressed.

• Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car.

• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs and support underneath your bump.

• Use a maternity support belt if standing for long periods of time.

• When turning over in bed try to keep your knees together.

• Take the stairs one at a time, or try sidestepping.

• Sit straight and use supportive pillows if necessary.

• Carry your baby in front of you and NOT on one hip.

AVOID • Exercises that load the pelvis like squats, lunges and stretches with the legs apart.

• Bending and twisting to lift.

• Sitting with your legs crossed.

• Standing for long periods.

• Lifting heavy objects, such as shopping bags.

• Pushing heavy objects, such as a supermarket trolley or vacuum cleaner.

Eva Winter has a First Class (Hons) degree in Osteopathy and has a Masters level postgraduate diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy. She has also worked as a Clinic Tutor at The Osteopathic Centre for Children in London teaching Osteopathy. Eva has built a considerable reputation in paediatric and pregnancy care helping women prepare for delivery and providing post-natal osteopathic treatment for both mother and baby. She now works in private practice in busy clinics in Harley Street, Kensington and Marlow. For appointments please contact her on 07776448700, evaosteopathy@gmail.com; evawinter.co.uk

Eva Winter Osteopath BSc (Hons), DPO • Providing safe and effective hands-on treatment for adults, children and babies • The Marlow Clinic, 1st Floor Crown House, Crown Road, Marlow, SL7 2QG

For more information T: 01494 482028 E: evaosteopathy@gmail.com W: evawinter.co.uk Registered with the General Osteopathic Council, British Osteopathic Association and Alumni for Paediatric Osteopathy

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Mums Who Mean Business

Local actress, drama teacher and coach, Amber Edlin, tells Families how she's using the skills gained during 20 years of acting, working with the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian Mckellin, to teach at her own drama school in Cookham.

Who you are and where do you live?

I’m Amber Edlin and I live in Cookham with my husband and two children aged 5 and 3.

Why you set up the business/or why have you changed career?

Having taught in other peoples’ drama schools, between acting jobs, for 20 years, I thought it was about time I set up my own classes! I love teaching as much as I love acting, and am always thrilled to watch a little person's confidence and abilities grow and thrive. My father used to tell me the story of Sparky's Magic Piano as a child and then he used to play Chopin. I was absolutely mesmerized – hence the name Sparky’s. He taught me that you can be good at anything with patience and practice.

What did you used to do?

I graduated from Guildford School of Acting, and over the years I've appeared in theatres

(West End, nationally and abroad), on television in TV drama and soaps (Eastenders, Heartbeat, Holby City etc.) as well as in numerous TV commercials. I've worked with some amazing actors and directors, but having a family changes your life and your priorities. I've always loved teaching - sharing and passing on the knowledge and skills I've learnt. Over the years I've taught in lots of drama schools and franchises both in London and in Bucks and Berks.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I've always wanted to run my own classes independently, to teach and inspire children and develop their confidence. Whatever career you have these days - whether as a performer or otherwise, you invariably have to make presentations or speak in front of others, and I hope that the skills I teach are skills for life not just for 'Acting'.

I wanted to set up classes locally, teaching the full range of performance skills. Not just standard singing, dancing and acting - but insider tips and knowledge I really wish I'd have known about, but that I had to learn 'on the job'.

Every term we focus on a different aspect of acting: Autumn term was Theatre Skills, Spring Term is currently Acting for Camera and Summer Term will be Text. Every class involves games, fun and improvisation to keep exercising those little imaginations!

Another thing I do is give back to my lovely local community: at Christmas I took the children in to perform some of their Musical Theatre work for the elderly at Cookham Riverside Residential Home - a lovely experience for both the children and for the residents! I'm busy preparing the next project for Easter. As an actress I am frequently asked to perform locally and for charity - I am only too happy to give back wherever I can. If you can practise your art and give back to others, it's always a 'win win' in my book.

What are your plans for the future?

Due to my current waiting list on the Sparky's Monday classes (Infants & Juniors) I have decided to open more classes in Cookham on a Wednesday, and this time add a Teens class too! I'm looking forward to creating a friendly and safe class where Teens can hang out and socialise as well as learn practical new skills and build confidence.

There aren't that many clubs that appeal to both girls and boys equally at that age.

I offer private sessions and audition coaching for drama school as well as private Lamda exam tuition. I have 100% pass rate with Merits and Distinctions.

I still have an acting agent and get called into castings, but it’s mainly just TV and commercials that don't take me away from the children for too long.

I'm busy preparing a proposal to bring a Drama category to the Marlow Festival.

I've also been asked back to perform at Henley Literary Festival this year, which is always fun!

So lots in the pipeline - as well as being a mummy of course!

To find out more visit www.sparkysdrama.co.uk

This photo is a few of us performing poetry at the River Readings. Michael Buerk was lovely to work with and extremely witty. He had us all in stitches!

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

MARCH/APRIL 2014

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Classifieds

Another Cookham local, Sarah Parfitt, tells us how she juggles motherhood with a varied media career.

Who you are and where do you live?

I’m Sarah Parfitt, journalist, media consultant and trainer, and co-founder of the Cookham Media Hub, a monthly social gathering for media professionals. I’m a mum and running junkie.

What is your business?

I set up Parfitt Media at the beginning of last year, and offer PR, media training and writing services. I do this alongside BBC producing and training work. My inspiration comes from the diverse range of work I do – last year, I continued to produce radio at the BBC, trained BBC Tokyo colleagues at home on Skype, wrote a few articles for the Business Guardian, coordinated a charity event at the Belgian Embassy in London, flew to Ethiopia for some media consultancy work and helped local businesses raise their profile here in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Why did you set up your business?

I set up my own business because our circumstances changed. We moved to Cookham in 2010 shortly after my youngest son was born. I love working as a radio producer at the BBC, but it’s now a daily 3 hour round trip to Broadcasting House, and although I do this from time to time, it’s more family-friendly for me to be based at home at the moment. Having my own business gives me plenty of variety and new challenges and I like the flexibility of being my own boss.

I have been involved with the media for more than 20 years in the UK, Europe and Australia, and now enjoy sharing this expertise and cultural experiences with businesses and charities. I have spent most of my life writing news stories, so I am well placed to let businesses and charities know how to raise their profile in the media.

Since my children came into this world in 2007 and 2010 respectively, I have only ever worked part-time. I do slightly unusual hours,

Telephone: 01628 627 586

so that I maximise my moments with them. I cycle them to school most days, and generally try to savour the moments. Like all children, they are very entertaining and never cease to make me laugh!

What did you used to do?

I have been a radio producer for most of my working life – it was a career I fell into rather serendipitously! I read German at Manchester University, and spent a year as a teaching assistant in eastern Austria. It was there that I stumbled across an English radio-station called Blue Danube Radio, which was originally set up to serve the United Nations. I started there as an intern, and then worked as a researcher, producer and reporter.

After that, I moved to Sydney, did a MA in Journalism and spent 7 years producing current affairs programmes for a commercial talkback station and as a trainer.

My time in Australia was wonderful, and I felt as though I was permanently on holiday.

I first started working at the BBC in 2000, and have produced a range of radio programmes on Radio 4, 5Live and at the BBC World Service. One of the highlights of my career was working on Euronews for 5live as we got to do outside broadcasts across Europe. Another very interesting project was producing two Crossing Continents programmes for Radio 4 – one was about the eco-mafia in Italy and the other was about the FDLR in DR Congo.

What inspired you to set up the business?

A few years ago, I won a Vodafone World of Difference award and helped an African charity called the MicroLoan Foundation with their PR campaign. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so that is what first gave me the idea for Parfitt Media.

My husband and friends have been encouraging me to set up my own business for a while, but it wasn’t until last year that I felt the time was right. When you are used to being part of a big organisation it takes quite a lot of courage to take the plunge and work on your own. I am very happy with my decision and I have met many like-minded people at the Cookham Media Hub. What are your plans for the future?

I would like to develop my business and continue to work on creative projects and with inspiring people. I have carried this quote by Goethe with me wherever I have gone in life and always tell my children that they need to “dare to dream”: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

For more information, go to www.parfittmedia.co.uk

Drawing and Painting lessons to children of all ages T: 01628 634418/E: shalinib@gmail.com

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Mary Poppins Entertainments NOW WITH AMAZING ANIMAL PUPPETS

As seen on Paul O‘Grady Show.

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Candle-making parties for children and grown-ups! www.candlebyparties.co.uk

Tel: 07771 851435

Private Speech and Language Therapist Coaching in the relaxed environment of your own home- achieving maximum results for children with speech, language or communication difficulties Also suitable pre and post NHS appointments Amelia d’Apice BSc (Hons) Tel: 07947 306959 Email: mimidaps@hotmail.com

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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v Do you frequently feel exasperated, stressed, or embarrassed by your child’s behaviour? v Do you often get irritated by your child? v Do you have to threaten and shout to get your child to cooperate? v Do you frequently argue with your partner about how to handle your child’s behaviour?

The next groups will start end of April/beginning May 2014 in Windsor & Maidenhead