Families Thames Valley East May-June 2015 Issue 78

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Thames Valley East May/June 2015 - Issue 78

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...endless ideas for families of young children.

Packed with interesting features and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham

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in this

issue

After a warm Easter, things are really hotting up for the summer term and beyond. We’ve got some exciting competitions, including the chance to win a family day out at Legoland on page 21. There are loads of ideas for days out in our What’s On section on pages 22 to 25.

We’ve also got some great features, including one on the Magna Carta celebrations in June on page 17, what it’s like to be a stay at home Dad and gift ideas for Father’s Day on pages 18 to 19, plus much more.

Enjoy the next two months and we’ll be back in July with our Summer Holidays special!

3 News & Information

6 Clubs & Classes News 7 Education News

8 Getting Boys Reading

10 Family Adventures

12-15 Summer Holiday Camps Special 16 Hypnosis is Child’s Play

17 Magna Carta: Celebrating 800 years 18 Show Dad he’s special this Father’s Day

19 What’s it like to be a stay at home Dad?

20 Why you don’t need to cook ‘children’s meals’

21 Competitions.

22-25 What’s On

26 Children’s Self Esteem- Have we got it right?

27 Get Children out in nature

28 Ed’s Reading Room

29 Day Care Dilemmas

30 Mums Who Mean Business

31 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: July/August 2015 due out: July 1, featuring: Summer Holiday Fun copy/advertising deadline: June 1

PARENTS TO GET JOINED UP DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FOR 2-YEAR-OLDS Parents are to get a complete picture of their child’s development at the age of two, as part of new reforms to help families. With over ÂŁ2million pledged to support joined-up checks on education and health development, parents will now have a better picture of their child’s progress at this early stage. “No parent should be left in the dark about their child’s development,’ said Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah. “There should be an accessible check for all at the age of two, which is a pressure point where issues such as speech delay and behavioural problems begin to appear. This will mean more families can get valuable information in a more convenient way.â€?

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter added, “We know it’s important to check children’s health and development when they are two, so that if extra support is needed it can be identified early. Integrated reviews and the huge increase in health visitors will lead to better outcomes for children and families.� The Integrated Review, which will be implemented nationally from September 2015, will be available to children between 24 and 30 months old.

Download your What To Expect When guide from the Foundation Years website www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/whatto-expect-when-a-parents-guide/

Cover Photo: Abi Campbell Photography

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Enrolling Now! Call your local school for details

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FANTASTIC ART MARKET BACK THIS SUMMER Art on the Street is holding its summer event in Maidenhead on June 13. The open air art fair will showcase over 120 stands of fine art, prints and photography sold direct from the artists, against a backdrop of free entertainment, workshops, activities and street food.

One of the organisers, Marie Leonard, says: "This summer we are overjoyed to be able to feature Demonstration Street, a dedicated area where artists will be showcasing their skills and inspire visitors.

Demonstration Street is part of Art on the Streets commitment as a BBC GET CREATIVE Champion, aiming to help celebrate the millions of people who are already doing something artistic and creative, and to challenge others to do or experience creativity in a wide range of different fields.�

Another must-visit is mobile phone giant Three's 'Discovery Zone', which will be Art on the Street's Digital Art Hub, giving visitors a chance to try a range of creative activities on tablets free of charge. If you've ever fancied yourself as the next Hockney, it's the best place to start!

Visit www.artonthestreet.org.uk for more information on your visit.

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Holiday workshops booking now!

Age 4-18 Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

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MARLOW TO HOST FINAL STAGE OF WOMEN’S CYCLING RACE On June 15, cyclists taking part in the Friends Life Women’s Tour will set off from Marlow to Hemel Hempstead in the final stage of the tour. Athletes such as Laura Trott and Lizzie Armistead took part in last year’s race and it attracts some of the world’s best female cyclists.

There will also be a cycling event taking place in Higginson Park on the same day. To find out more go to www.facebook.com/ActiveWycombe or www.womenstour.co.uk

BOULTER’S TO BRAY SWIM 3 The best place for children 0 to 5 years-old 3 We operate 38 / 48 weeks a year from 8am to 6pm 3 We offer Afterschool Fun Club from 3pm to 6pm (we pick up the children in our super-school van) 3 Stimulating indoor and outdoor environment 3 Highly qualified and experienced Montessori Teachers We also offer: v Fun with French and Speedy Spanish language v Jo Jingles music Club v Number Fit: a multisensory maths group v Mouse Wizards: Use the computer as a learning tool v Multisports: Developing fine and gross motor skills School Lane, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 3QY.

Ofsted Reg. No.: 108416 E-Mail: montessorischool@aol.com Tel/Fax: 01628 828258

The fourth Boulter’s to Bray Swim will take place again this year on Saturday morning 4 July 2015. The historic race in this beautiful stretch of the river used to be called the ‘Long Swim’ and was held annually in Maidenhead from the 1890’s till the 1960’s. It was successfully resurrected by three members of Maidenhead Rowing Club in 2012 and attracted almost 200 swimmers last year.

New for this year is the Boulter’s Mile (actually 0.9m or 1.4km), for those who fancy a shorter swim than the full 2.8km. Both events start at Ray Mill Island, with the Mile finishing just downstream from the Sounding Arch and the full swim finishing on the riverbank just opposite the Waterside Inn in Bray.

You can register as a team or individually and you need to be at least 15 years old to enter. Entry fees are: £33 for the full swim, £29 for the Mile. For full details and registration, go to: www.boulterstobrayswim.org For wetsuit hire, check out www.hireawetsuit.co.uk. And if you want some open water swimming practice before the event, Bray Lake Swimming run coaching sessions and events at the Bray Lake Watersports Centre, Monkey Island Lane, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, from 24 April 2015: www.braylakeswimming.co.uk, or via facebook/braylakeswimming.

CHILDREN FLOURISH AT THE LITTLEWICK GREEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL The Littlewick Green Montessori School provides children aged 0 to 5 with ‘hands-on’ experiences in a safe, loving and strongly supportive environment, where their desire to learn is nourished.

The nursery has a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment and highly qualified, experienced Montessori Teachers. They also offer French and Spanish lessons, Jo Jingles music club, Number Fit, Mouse Wizards and Multi-sports. The nursery also runs an afterschool club from 3pm to 6pm, where they can pick up children from school in their super-cool van.

For more information about the nursery school, which is in the picturesque village of Littlewick Green, near Maidenhead please call 01628 828258 or email montessorischool@aol.com

Children's Parties at the School for West End Stars! emes include Frozen, Matilda, Annie and more!

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Contact Shirley: Tel: 07866 566141 Email: hello@realinteriorsuk.com Web: www.realinteriorsuk.com

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MUSICAL THEATRE PARTIES AT REDROOFS – THE SCHOOL FOR WEST END STARS Looking for a party with a difference? Why not try a Musical Theatre Party at Redroofs! Their highly skilled, professional team provides a happy, motivating Musical Theatre Experience with a performance for the grown-ups at the end of the party.

Popular Party Themes include Frozen, Matilda and their magical dressing up box provides costume accessories for your chosen theme. They can even arrange for a young West End Performer to sing and sign autographs! When you book a Redroofs party, you have exclusive use of two state of the art, mirrored studios for your 1.5-hour party. Beautiful themed party bags are also available to buy online. Suitable for girls and boys of all abilities, aged 4 to 11 years. No experience necessary. Free car parking on-site. Easy online booking via their website www.redroofs.co.uk/parties, email ellie@redroofs.co.uk or call 01628 674092. www.facebook.com/redroofsparties

News & Info CALLING ALL YOUNG WRITERS! The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for the best short story (up to 500 words) based around this years theme of ‘Strange Events and Peculiar Happenings’.

The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris!

The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore Learning, are now in their 7th year.

This year’s judge is renowned author of the Book of Norm series of books, Jonathan Meres. To enter visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

MAKE A DIFFERENCE- VOLUNTEER

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK – and it’s taking place from the June 1-7 this year. Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you, but it’s important for anyone thinking about giving their time to find a volunteering opportunity that is right for them, whether it's supporting a victim of crime or helping out at a local sports club.

There are loads of events going on up and down the country to help inspire you during Volunteer’s Week, alternatively you can contact your local Volunteer Centre. To find out more go to volunteersweek.org

!

Telephone: 01628 627 586

EW

Yes, it’s that time of year again. This year’s Walk To School Week takes place 18-22 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet! Walk To School Week is part of National Walking Month, which takes place throughout May. It also includes Walk to Work Week, so us parents don’t get out of it either!

This year, Walk To School Week is all about the health benefits of walking.

During the week, Walk to School mascot Strider encourages pupils to take his 5Day Walking Challenge For parents, Walk to Work Week runs 11-15 May 2015, so if you fancy a bit of healthy competition in your workplace check out the website and discover where walking can take you. www.walktoworkweek.org.uk National Walking Month runs exciting and varied events up and down the UK, so to keep in touch with everything that is going on make sure you sign up online at www.livingstreets.org.uk

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LET YOUR FEET DO THE WALKING

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Clubs & Classes News EXPLORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AND ADVENTURE AT LONGRIDGE

PERFORM IN THE WEST END WITH MAIDENHEAD STAGE SCHOOL The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in Maidenhead is enrolling now. Join them for your child’s chance to perform on a West End stage!

The PQA Academy is a weekend performing arts school that strives to deliver the best performing arts experience for 4 to 18 year olds. PQA Maidenhead runs on Saturday mornings, offering classes in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and their unique module, Film & Television. Their students are also treated to top professional masterclasses, free Trinity exams, cinema screenings, the option of joining Quirky Kidz Management Agency for professional work and the opportunity to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End. PQA Maidenhead is starting rehearsals for their West End performance this October.

To book your free taster session please visit www.pqacademy.com or call 084567 32022.

LIVING TENNIS LAUNCH PRESCHOOL CLASSES Little Hitters is a new course launched by tennis experts Living Tennis for children aged three and four at Bisham Abbey on Monday and Friday afternoons. The five-week course gives a fun introduction to tennis and has a coach ratio of 1:6.

Living Tennis offer coaching for all levels of players and they are extremely proud of their motto “opportunity and accessibility” and their aim is to break down the barriers and challenges that players often experience at traditional clubs by offering a fun, progressive and challenging environment for players to

Set in a unique riverside location near Marlow, Longridge provides a range of exciting water sports and land-based activities aimed at young people of all abilities. As well as 12 acres of beautiful water meadows they also have their own island, ‘Taylor Island’ for the ultimate Swallows and Amazons experience. Taylor Island also provides a sheltered backwater in which young people can experience the river with confidence.

Longridge aims to help young people from all walks of life and abilities to develop water skills as well as leadership, self-discipline, confidence and respect.

The centre offers School Holiday Activity Days, Birthday Parties, Family Activity Days and courses to find out more go to www.longridge.org.uk or call 0330 303 0101.

develop their tennis. It is important to them that all level of players and ages have an entry point into their programmes and that the game can be enjoyed by all.

Tennis Champion, Andy Murray says, "I fully support Living Tennis and their vision for opportunity and accessibility. Knowing their background and expertise in both grass roots and performance tennis, they can offer the next generation a top level delivery within their academies."

To find out more go to www.livingtennis.co.uk or contact Sandy Lee on 01628 487775 or email slee@livingtennis.co.uk

GET CREATIVE WITH BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE STUDIO “Our creative camps and courses help every child to discover a new talent or skill each time,” says founder Louella Fernandez-Lempiäinen. Having a professional background and experience in the creative and film industry means that Busy Buttons can teach 3 to 14 year-olds new creative skills and also give them an understanding of the importance and longterm benefits of collaboration, encouraging individual expression and promoting teamwork at the same time.

The courses are set up in a fun, structured manner, ensuring that the children can proudly view the end result of their creative work towards a three-yearlong educational animation project based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, Wind in The Willows, which is currently underway.

Participants get acquainted with traditional creative techniques and digital media, including sculpting, painting, sewing, prop making, costume making, animating, filming, puppet making and more during the Creative Camps. Apart from being creative the camps also include sports and teambuilding activities everyday.

The camps will run during from May 2629 and July 6-7 August at Upton House School, Windsor. To find out more go to www.busybuttons.org or call 07952418212 (Childcare Vouchers accepted)

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

IS ENROLLING NOW

IN MAIDENHEAD Outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 - 18 year olds. www.pqacademy.com 084567 32022

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NEW RECEPTION TEACHER FOR HERRIES After a distinguished 33-year career, reception teacher Mrs Lynn Senior is retiring from Herries Prep School. As well as leader of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Mrs Senior has also been the school’s swimming coach and head of the after school swimming club. After officially retiring, Mrs Senior will be continuing with her role as swimming coach at Herries and will be offering part-time support.

Taking over the role will be Mrs Katrina Sands, joining Herries in September as reception teacher and Head of the EYFS. With degrees in

both English (QTS) and Psychology and a further Masters degree in Therapeutic Child Care she is well qualified for the post. Mrs Sands also led her current EYFS department to be recognised within the Royal Borough as a ‘Centre of Excellence’, where visitors came to share best practice.

Mrs Katrina Sands said, "Of course these are such big shoes to fill but I feel incredibly fortunate and excited to be joining such a happy and successful school." To find out more go to www.herries.org.uk or call 01628 483350.

Education

NEW SITE FOR MAIDENHEAD SCHOOL NEARLY COMPLETE Oldfield Primary School’s new premises in Bray Road should be ready for the start of the new school year this September.

Work on the new £10m building began in June 2014. The school will be able to accommodate 420 pupils and has enough space on the 2.3 hectare site, immediately to

the south of Chalgrove Close, for all of the necessary facilities, including playing fields.

The school’s current Chiltern Road site will be used for two years by Forest Bridge School, a new free school for children and young people with autism that is also opening

VOCABULARY OPPOSITES FOR 11+ Market leaders Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have unveiled an additional set of Opposites, specifically written for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) 11+ test.

These new cards are designed to complement the existing sets, which encourage children to build up a solid bank of advanced vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words. “It

has become increasingly apparent that there is a need to focus more energy on mastering opposites.” says creator Mary Farquhar.

“This new set of opposite flash cards answers the demand from tutors, teachers and parents.”

“Used in conjunction with the existing sets, including the established Opposites set which has proven very successful, this is the way forward to provide children with the extra challenge they need to help them tackle this tricky test with confidence, and boost results.”

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2015

UPTON HOUSE VISITED BY AUTHOR OF BOB THE BUILDER Curtis Jobling came to Upton House School in Windsor to celebrate World Book Day this March.

Curtis is an illustrator, animator and author best known for his Wereworld series of books and children’s favourites Bob the Builder, Frankenstein’s Cat and more recently the CBeebies series Raa Raa The Noisy Lion.

Curtis spent a fun morning inspiring their younger pupils with interactive animation and storytelling routines and he then read passages from his books to older pupils later in the day. His presentations were entertaining and exciting, with pupils and teachers laughing with approval throughout!

Upton House is an independent co-educational school for girls aged 2 to 11 and boys aged 2 to 7.

To find out more go to www.uptonhouse.org.uk or call 01753 862610.

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Education

Getting boys reading

All the ideas and strategies below to get boys reading more can obviously to apply to girls as well.

By Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest.

• Read for at least 10 minutes a day with or to your children. Frequent short bursts are better than prolonged reading sessions. If it becomes as much a routine as putting on socks, then reluctant readers are less likely to complain.

• Read anything. Boys are more likely to enjoy reading if they can choose their own reading material and read for a purpose. Try gadget magazines, skateboard magazines, golf

Research by Save the Children in the ‘Read on Get on’ report shows that there are currently more boys unable to read well at the age of 11 than girls. Even though girls generally read better than boys internationally, the gap between boys and girls reading abilities in the UK is one of the widest in the developed world. In 2013, only 72% of boys were reading well by the age of 11 compared to 78% of girls.

F

ollowing the Save the Children report, the ‘Read on Get on’ Campaign was launched in September 2014 with the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will leave primary school being able to read well by 2025. (Reading well is a ‘level 4’ at school, or in real life terms – it is being able to enjoy stories such as Treasure Island or Harry Potter, as well as confidently being able to enjoy reading in a wide range of subjects.)* We need to do more to get boys reading and more importantly get them reading for pleasure. There is a virtuous circle between enjoying reading and being a good reader. Developing a love of stories and books is crucial.

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magazines, farming magazines, football programmes or sports biographies.

• Get dads reading in the home! ‘Read on Get on’ research shows that the impact of parents and in particular dads, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading.

Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their dad or older brother reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves.

• Get dads into schools! Many schools and organisations such as Beanstalk encourage volunteer readers to help with children’s reading. (There are details of how you can volunteer at www.readongeton.org.uk.) It’s not easy for working people to take time out to help with reading in school, but employers are being encouraged to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ by forming partnerships with local schools and being more flexible with employees to allow them to volunteer to help with reading. Imagine the impact when boys in a school see a real builder with his hard hat on reading with a child, because his employer allowed him to extend his lunch by half an hour.

• Boys are more likely to be embarrassed to read or be seen to enjoy reading than girls, as it is seen as un-cool. Boys need ‘cool’ role models, to be seen reading, to talk about books and to get involved in reading projects

in schools. Get your son to write to sports personalities, celebrities or authors to see if they will visit their school. They might be quite receptive with an active campaign going on.

• Integrate reading into everyday life as much as possible. Ask your son to help you read instructions, or get him to read out the recipe as you are cooking. When out shopping recently, I was heartened to see a dad and son who kept stopping, as the dad got his son to read out various signs and captions in the department store.

• Time pressured parents need to rethink how they enjoy their time with boys. If you only end up with half an hour of one to one time with your son, then reading a book together should be given as much priority and time as kicking a ball in the back garden.

school ran out of books because he hadn’t made enough progress to move up to the next colour band, I searched for appropriately levelled reading books that might inspire him and the idea of Reading Chest began. Reading Chest is a through the post children’s book rental service for children, offering a huge range of reading schemes including many non-fiction titles.

For more information and reading advice visit www.readingchest.co.uk *Read on Get on report, published by Save the Children, September, 2014.

Thames Valley East

• If nothing else works – use incentives!

Being able to read well at the age of 11 is the keystone to a good start in life. Children need to ‘learn to read’ and then they ‘read to learn’. There is something we can all do to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ and help reach the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds (especially boys) will read well by 2025.

I launched Reading Chest in 2010 when my own son started to learn to read. He found reading difficult and so it wasn’t long before he didn’t enjoy it. At the point when his

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Get Outdoors

• Wear gloves to protect your hands.

• Don’t disturb nature.

Family adventures

If you’re wondering what to do this weekend, check out newly published 100 Family Adventures for a whole host of ideas.

W

orried about the affect that their timepressured lifestyle was having on their children, Amy (ten) and Ella (eight), Kerry and Tim Meeks, two teachers from Nottingham, decided to switch off the tv and do something more interesting instead. A list was drawn up of family challenges they’d like to take on at weekends, all with the aim of leaving the sofa and venturing into the great outdoors.

A year later and 100 challenges had been completed, ranging from making a rope swing and sleeping on a mountain to going on a sledge safari.

And of course the girls loved it. ‘As a family, we feel happier being outdoors and spending time together,’ say the Meeks.

‘And what better way to get to know your children, and yourself, than by sharing the thrill and excitement of a family adventure.’

If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start how about?

Build A Bridge Equipment needed • Gloves for handling branches and spiky materials.

• Penknife and/or small saw.

• A first aid kit, just in case.

Find a stream or a river and use nearby natural materials for building.

Bridges come in all shapes and sizes but the aim of this family adventure is to simply use natural materials to form a structure that provides a route – dry if possible – from one side of a small ditch or stream to the other. The structure needs to act as a bridge for the whole family to

Our favourite place to build a bridge in the Thames Valley:

n The Burnham Beeches (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-todo/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-andstoke-common) –has a lovely stream, perfect for bridges or damns, just make sure you leave it how you found it after you’ve been building.

Discover Local History

(c) Laura C. Walthers/ Shutterstock

cross, once completed. Part of the fun is finding the expanse that you wish to span with your bridge; this could be in the woods or in the nearby countryside.

The next important job is to find suitable materials with which to build. A woodland location is ideal, because you can often find broken branches and wooden debris to collect and drag to the water’s edge to use. It’s important to discourage young bridge builders from disturbing or damaging the living environment though.

Teamwork is important and assigning roles helps the process work more smoothly; some of the family members can be in charge of finding and collecting materials while one or two stay in situ to construct it.You don’t have to be a structural engineer for this (but it helps!).

This task can be completed in all weathers, but allow plenty of time, and keep warm.

Tips & considerations • Know your limits. Don’t pick up anything that’s too heavy.

Find out about some interesting and ‘horrible’ history that is specific to the area. History is on everyone’s doorstep, and people often know less about their immediate locality than they do about places further afield. Help connect your children with the area in which you live by taking them out on investigatory walks, and encouraging them to be history detectives, on the search for clues about the past.

Tips & considerations To motivate the kids into action, suggest a theme that will capture their interests and stimulate their imagination. Here are some ideas: n Deaths Have there been any interesting or suspicious deaths in your locality, either recently or in the past? Find the gravestone of the oldest person to have died in the area. n Ghosts Is there any evidence of ghosts or supernatural occurrences in the area to explore? n Disease In previous historical eras, have there ever been any cases of disease or infection – such as the Plague or leprosy? n Historical Buildings Are there any historically significant buildings or dwellings remaining in your local area? n Ancient Celebrities Did anyone well known or famous live in your locality? Find out as much as you can about them and visit the places they lived or frequented. n Myths And Legends Kids love stories,

Classes in Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley & Charvil Call Emma on 07935 248749 or email emma.hester@madacademy.com Classes in Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale & Farnham Royal Call Kate on 01753 830162 or email: kate.lawrence@madacademy.com

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Get Outdoors

so mythical figures and beings naturally capture their imaginations. See if any myths and legends originate from your local area.

This adventure is perhaps best started at home with some old-fashioned research on the internet to whet the appetite before mobilizing the young history detectives into action. If you’re looking for ideas of things to do that require less effort, then look for prepared historical adventure trails and treasure hunts. This also applies to areas within your wider locality – such as a local wood, hill fort, monument or remains.

Our favourite places to explore the past in the Thames Valley: Celebrate the Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary by taking a visit to where the actual sealing of the document took place (www.nationaltrust.org.uk). Magna Carta, meaning ‘The Great Charter’ is one of the most famous documents in the world establishing for the first time the principle that everybody including the king, was subject to the law. To find out more about the anniversary celebrations go to magnacarta800th.com.

Or why not visit the ancient Donnington Castle near Newbury? It was built by Richard Abberbury, under a licence granted

by King Richard 11 in 1386 AD. It has seen out many English wars and was besieged several times during the English Civil War. The gatehouse is said to haunted by the ghost of a guard who appears in solid form and suddenly vanishes. www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/donning ton-castle/

Walk An Ancient Road Find an ancient Roman road and… just keep on walking. Walking along a road might not sound very appealing, in fact walking along a straight ancient road could sound quite boring. However, with a bit of

(c) filip robert/ Shutterstock

imagination you may find that following in the footsteps of historical figures can be an adventure. The ancient road will dictate where you walk; it might be a small section of the whole walk or the main route that you follow.

Many ancient roads are now in ruins or covered by modern tarmac, but with a bit of research you should be able to find walks that follow the route that an ancient road would once have taken. If you’re lucky there may even be remnants of stones or cobbled paths along the way. There should also be interesting sights to see on the walk, such as ancient walls, settlements or bridges. If you find a published route, there will be historical facts to read and sights to look out for.

Tips & considerations • Try to make the walk interesting and educational by doing some research beforehand; you’ll then be able to have well-informed conversations about the history while you’re walking.

• Take on small sections of an ancient road as part of a larger walk, or plan a longer walk that follows an ancient route as

closely as possible.

• If walking a small section, use a map of an appropriate scale; rather than walk back along the road, make it a circular route.

Our favourite ancient road:

n The Ridgeway is described as Britain’s oldest road. Now a National Trail, it is 87 miles long and starts at the World Heritage Site of Avebury and extends along the chalk ridge of the Berkshire Downs to the River Thames at the Goring Gap and then follows part of the Icknield Way through the Chiltern Hills to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway

100 Family Adventures

by Tim, Kerry, Amy and Ella Meek is out now (Frances Lincoln, www.franceslincoln.com, £14.99).

s m Day m-2p m n a e 0 Op ay 1 m-2p a M 22 une 9 J 23

Toddler Parties A Toddler Party at The Marlow Club ensures a great time for children, and a stress free experience for parents!

Age appropriate toys and resources are available to entertain your children, leaving you free to enjoy the party with no mess to your home!

Available Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm, For more information please contact carol@themarlowclub.co.uk Enjoy life. Enjoy The Marlow Club the marlow club.co.uk The Marlow Club | Globe Park | Fieldhouse Lane | Marlow | Bucks | SL7 1LU

Book during your visit and save up to £260.00

01628 475709

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Summer Camps & Classes

Holiday Camp Special

It’s never too early to get sorted for the holidays, here is a sneak preview of some of the best holiday camps around, some are booking for May Half-Term too. *MAIDENHEAD and district* Bray Lake Watersports will be running COURSES at their centre in Monkey Island Lane, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, during May Half-Term and during the summer. Beginner, improver and advanced (coaching) courses – stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing or kayaking. Times: 9.30am-5.00pm. Age: 815yrs. Cost: from £99. Watersports Weeks – beginner, improver and advanced. Times: 9.305pm. Age: 10-15yrs. Cost: £249 per child. MultiActivity week - Spend five days learning a new activity each day; windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Times: 9.30am5.00pm. Age: 8-12 yrs. Cost: £239 for five days.

Multi-Activity drop-in day. Age: 8-15 yrs, Cost: £59. Early booking advisable. Sibling and group discounts available. 01628 638860. www.braylake.com FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS at the Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, throughout the school holidays. Call: 01628 777440. www.groundworksouthlearning.org.uk The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Get Active Rangers will be running a programme of ACTIVITIES, in borough youth centres for young people aged

8 -13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: canoeing, sailing, woodland skills and more. For more information call on 01628 683964 or visit www.wamster.org.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check Emma & Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Magnet Leisure Centre will be running a SUMMER CAMP during July and August. Please see www.leisurecentre.com/Magnet-LeisureCentre for times, prices and booking.

Moon Tuition 11+ SUMMER CAMP takes place in Maidenhead during August to prepare students for their upcoming 11+ exams in early September. The summer is arguably the most crucial stage in their preparation for the exams and it is paramount for their success that they take extra tuition during this period.

Moon Tuition 11+ Summer Camp is designed to help children enjoy the long summer holidays, make new friends while participating in fun activities without ruining their chances of 11+ success. Many of the 11+ alumni found the Summer-Intensive Course to be very beneficial in improving their results and in building their confidence. Please find more

information about the 11+ summer camp here: www.moontuition.co.uk/summer-school.php Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is running ONSTAGE HOLIDAY WEEKS at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY, for children aged 6-14. Monday 27 July Friday 31 July, A HARD KNOCK WEEK OF MUSICAL THEATRE; Monday 3 August - Friday 7 August, FROZEN WEEK; Monday 10 August Friday 14 August, WEST END WEEK; Monday 17 August- Friday 21 August, REVOLTING CHILDREN WEEK; Monday 24 August - Friday 28 August, WONKA WEEK. The only Musical Theatre course where children can enjoy a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and an onstage real theatre experience. £240.00. Call 01628 674092; www.redroofs.co.uk Seriously FUN Swimming Schools are running school holiday 5 DAY CRASH COURSE swimming lessons at St Piran's School, Maidenhead, for children aged 3-12.

May Half-Term 25 - 29 May, cost £70. Summer Holidays, 27 - 31 July, cost £70. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.com or call 01753 364 364.

Stagecoach Maidenhead is running two one-week HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS from Monday 3 August-Friday 7 August and Mon 17 August-Friday 21 August at Altwood School. Early Stages, ages 4-6: 9.30am-12.30pm.

Final Show at 12.00pm. £75 per child and £35 for siblings. Main School: Ages 6-16, full days from 10am-4pm. Final Show at 4pm. Cost: £125 and £75 for siblings. 0118 959 1336; or email maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk. www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday July 13 to Friday August 28. JUNIOR CLUB for ages 3-7 (sports, play and craft activities with outings to places of fun or interest such as (Madhouse, Beale Park and the cinema).

REDROOFS SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS THE BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKS At

Redroofs, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY Perform in a summer full of musicals onstage and enjoy our delightful gardens daily optional swimming in our outdoor heated pool.

Our professional and fully trained staff and directors offer a warm welcome to beginners and experienced performers ages 6-14.

Wrap around care available.

Monday 27th July - Friday 31st July A HARD KNOCK WEEK OF MUSICAL THEATRE, Monday 3rd August - Friday 7th August FROZEN WEEK Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August WEST END WEEK, Monday 17th August - Friday 21st August REVOLTING CHILDREN WEEK Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August WONKA WEEK.

Book online NOW www.redroofs.co.uk/coursesandworkshops Find us on Facebook Email info@redroofs.co.uk • Tel 01628 674092

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DISCOVERY CLUB for ages 7-13 (football, dancing, horse riding and tennis with outings to places such as Laser Quest, Coral Reef, fruit picking and the cinema) A healthy lunch and tea is an option for both clubs. They also have visits from fur & feathers, space planetarium and much more. Times: 9am-5pm, extended day 8am-6pm. 0844 561 1606; www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk *SLOUGH* Art Classes for Children will be running a daily art camp for children and adults during the week in August. Each week they will meet at a different park and enjoy painting a landscape and have a picnic. Marinela will choose the best artwork for an exhibition at the end of the the month. For more information please visit www.artclassesgroup.com or call Marinela at 07501 644537.

Burnham Lighthouse will be running their CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY CLUB at Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, from Monday 27 July to 31 July, for ages 4-11. Pre-registration is essential via the website. www.lighthouseuk.co.uk HOLIDAY FOOTBALL FUN CAMP: FootieBugs will be running a football fun camp at Claycots School, Slough during the May Half-Term & Summer Holiday. Children are kept entertained throughout the day by learning fun and skill based games. For more information please email gareth@footiebugs.com or call 0845 863 0697; footiebugs.com Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver Heath, will be running ACTIVITIES for ages 4-11, during May half-term, July and August. Also at the Elsdale Floating Classroom in Uxbridge. Call 01895 270730 or visit www.groundworksouthlearning.org.uk for more details.

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools are running school holiday 5 DAY CRASH COURSE swimming lessons at at the Teikyo School, Wexham, for children aged 3-12. May half-term 25th - 29th May, cost £70. Summer Holidays, 27th - 31st July, cost £70. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.com or call 01753 364 364.

Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses in Buckinghamshire for over 25 years. SDE’s 11+ COURSES for students in Years 4 & 5 are now being held in Slough. The 11+ Foundation Course starts in either January (long course) or June (shorter intensive course) and runs until the October half-term. After the half -term, the Year 5 preparation begins and continues up to the 11+ tests in September 2015. For current Year 5 students they are also holding FOUR CEM-STYLE 11+ MOCK EXAM SESSIONS in Slough – in May, June, July and August. SDE’s 11+ CEM-style mock exam test papers have been written by Susan and are very popular. These are divided into timed sections and the instructions broadcast through speakers, as in the actual Berkshire and Buckinghamshire CEM 11+ tests. In addition, the 6 day YEAR 5 SUMMER REVISION COURSE is available and commences August 10. To book call 01753 780934 or email ksouthard@sde11plus.com. www.sde11plus.com/courses/berkshire Phoenix Flyers Trampoline Club will be holding their JUST BOUNCE summer classes at East Berkshire College, Langley on Friday 24 July, Friday 31 July, Friday 7 August and Friday 14 August between 10am - 12pm.

Please go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email phoenixflyerstrampolineclub@gmail.com or call on 01628 778 881 to book a place. Available for members and non-members.

• Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties

Living TENNIS offer all year round indoor and outdoor coaching at: • Bisham Abbey National Centre, Marlow • Great Marlow School, Marlow • St Pirans School, Maidenhead • Claires Court Schools, Maidenhead

Booking now for May half-term and Summer Camps.

For full details please visit: www.livingtennis.co.uk or contact Sandy Lee on 01628 487775 slee@livingtennis.co.uk

Before School, After School & Holiday clubs

Phone 0844 561 1606 Arts & crafts, sports, dance, drama, cinema, yoga, day trips…optional lunch & tea Holiday, Breakfast & After School clubs Holiday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead 3 – 14yrs After school clubs > Courthouse 3 – 11yrs > Oldfield 3 – 11 yrs > Furze Platt Schools 3 – 14 yrs Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Community Centre, Maidenhead 3 – 11yrs

*WINDSOR* Busy Buttons Creative Studio is holding CREATIVE HALF TERM AND SUMMER CAMPS for 3-14 year olds from 26- 29 May and July 6 until August 7, from 8.30am to 4pm (extended hours until 5pm available) at Upton House School,115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor. Participants will learn how to design, create, animate and express themselves while learning new skills. Guided by CRB checked film and television professionals, they contribute towards an educational animation film project, The Wind In The Willows. Children use digital and traditional media to create sets, props, puppets, costumes and execute design

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2015

Summer club dates 13th July – 28th August 2015

Quality childcare from just £3.50 per hour E: info@wiseowlsclub.co.uk W: www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk

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BOOK YOUR PLACES NOW!

Summer Workshops at Stagecoach Maidenhead!!

Our workshop week's are fun, lively and action packed!

Children learn new skills and make new friends.

Every workshop ends with a show that parents can watch and are suitable for all levels.

Workshop 1 3-7 August 2015

Workshop 2 17-21 August 2015

ages 4-6yrs, 9.30am-12.30pm, £70 (half price for siblings) ages 6-16yrs, 10am-4pm, £125 (half price for siblings)

Call Sarah on 07472 208303 to book your place!

Stagecoach Theatre Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principles.

STAGECOACH is a registered trade mark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988

600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

Learn to swim the eZee way in just 4 weeks -children and adults private one to one swimming -all ages and abilities -crash courses T: 01344 885675 M: 07585 963707 E: info@ezeeswim.co.uk www.ezeeswim.co.uk

concepts from 2D to 3D. They also take part in sports, martial arts and build their confidence levels and self-esteem, while learning new skills.

Childcare Vouchers accepted and discounts available. To find out more ring 07952418212 or go to www.busybuttons.org EzeeSwim offers one-to-one SWIMMING CRASH COURSES during the holidays in Windsor and the surrounding area. For more information go to www.ezeeswim.co.uk or call 01344 885675 or 07585 963707.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Get Active Rangers will be running a programme of ACTIVITIES, in borough youth centres for young people aged 8 – 13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: Zumba classes, canoeing, sailing, woodland skills and more. For more information call 01628 683964 or visit www.wamster.org.uk Holiday ART & CRAFT ACTIVITIES at HandsOn-Art Adventures in Old Windsor: clay workshops; potters wheel experiences; Stay & Paint, Patch or Foam offers. Free Parking! For more details go to www.handsonartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 Little Kickers will be running a SUMMER CAMP for 3.5 - 7 year olds at St. Edwards Middle School, Windsor from Monday August 10- Friday August 14.You can attend any number of days with a discount if you book for the whole week. For further details you can email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk or call 07412166686.Visit thier website for further information about their classes www.littlekickers.co.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check Emma & Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding their ever popular daily summer camps SUMMERSAULTS throughout the holidays for 5-12 year olds. Have fun and be taught gymnastics by their British Gymnastics qualified coaches and enjoy the experience in their fully equipped gym with sprung floor, beam, bars and vaults. Go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email info@phoenixgym.co.uk or call 01628 778 881 to book a place.

Windsor Leisure Centre will be running its FUN FACTORY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME for

children aged 5-12 years 8.30-5.00pm. Also, AQUAZONE HOLIDAY SWIMMING CRASH COURSES over five days, for children from 3 ½ years onwards. Contact the centre on 01753 778577 for details. www.leisurecentre.com/Windsor-LeisureCentre *MARLOW & M40 CORRIDOR* Court Garden Leisure Complex, Marlow is running a May Half-Term SWIMMING TARGET COURSES for 3 to 8 year olds, halfhour sessions from 12.30 to 2pm. They provide a warm, friendly atmosphere in which children can learn a skill to last a lifetime. The popular Target sessions develop confidence and technique through structured, fun learning and also build a solid foundation for future lessons.

All classes have a maximum of 4 pupils per class and a teacher in the water. £52.50 for 5 sessions. Call 01628 405 200 for more information.

Living Tennis will be offering MAY HALFTERM & SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS and will be running LITTLE HITTERS for under-4s, MINICAMPS for children aged 4-6 and JUNIOR CAMPS for ages 7-16 at Bisham Abbey National Sport Centre, Marlow; St Piran's School, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead; Claires Court Schools, Maidenhead and at Great Marlow School, Marlow, from May 24 and for seven weeks during the summer from July 27. Whether you are an absolute beginner or budding superstar, the camps will give you the opportunity to improve your tennis, whilst having loads of fun. All abilities welcome. Early booking and group discounts. 01628 487775; All details on www.livingtennis.co.uk Longridge, in Quarry Wood Road, Marlow, is running HOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS for ages 8-14 in May half-term and through the summer from 8.45am-5.30pm.

Mainly water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, rafting and bell boating. 0330 303 0101; www.longridge.org.uk Join a Perform HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOP based on the Ice Queen at Marlow All Saints Church, The Causeway, Marlow. For 4-7 year olds, from August 3 August 7, 2:30pm - 4:30pm. The children will go on an amazing adventure guaranteed to fire their imaginations. Whether they’re creating a dazzling ice palace or whooshing downhill on a

Email us your events to listings@familiestveast.co.uk

or to advertise email editor@familiestveast.co.uk or call 01628 672586

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Summer Camps & Classes

reindeer sleigh, the energetic team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire. Cost: £153. 25% discount for siblings attending the same course at the same venue. Early Bird discount if you book by June 1. Call 0845 400 1282; email enquiries@perform.org.uk; www.perform.org.uk Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow will be holding HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Wycombe High School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from Monday 3 - Friday 7 August. SUPERHERO BUGS AND FAIRIES FUN (4-7yrs), 9.30am-12.30pm or 1pm to 4pm, £50 deposit, £90, sibling £70. Enter the mystical world of fairies and have some bug fun. This 5-day workshop is perfect for budding young performers.

ANNIE (6-16yrs), 9.15am - 4.15pm, £50 deposit, £150, sibling £110.

Perform this fantastic popular musical and make new friends and gain confidence. STARLIGHT EXPRESS (14+ years), 10am-5pm, £50 deposit, £150, sibling £110. Get involved with this high energy and fun musical.

Workshops are open to all; there's limited spaces available, so get booking now! Call 01494 533203 or email highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk; www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombeandmarlow Super Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITY, RAW ADVENTURE and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 4 to 14 years) during the 2015 Summer Holidays at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow. Built around a cloister incorporating the original 17th century building to which a large number of new, specialist design and technology facilities have been added. Camp core hours are 9am to 5pm with extended hours 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm available for a small additional charge. Tel 01235 467 300 or book online www.supercamps.co.uk Super Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITY, RAW ADVENTURE and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 4 to 14 years) during the 2015 May Half-Term and Summer Holidays at The Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. This is holiday childcare that sets a benchmark for excitement - with superb swimming and the full array of activities both outdoors and in the comfort of a purpose built centre.

Camp core hours are 9am to 5pm with extended hours 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm available for a small additional charge. Tel 01235 467 300 or book online www.supercamps.co.uk Wycombe Sports Centre, Marlow Hill, will be running a HOLIDAY CAMP during the May Half-Term and the summer from 8am-6pm (half-day available) for children age 5-14 call 01494 688100 for details. www.placesforpeopleleisure.org/centres/wycombe-sports-centre/

and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 3 to 14 years) during the 2015 May Half-Term and Summer Holidays at Hurst Lodge School, Ascot This is a great venue for a holiday camp, with outdoor activities and bushcraft sessions as well as swimming, archery and indoor arts and crafts sessions. Camp core hours are 9am to 5pm with extended hours 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm available for a small additional charge. Tel 01235 467 300 or book online www.supercamps.co.uk *EGHAM & BERKS-SURREY BORDERS* Genevieve The Gallery will be OPEN EVERY DAY during the holidays at 13 Victoria Street, Englefield Green. Select from a wide range of mugs, vases, bowls and egg cups etc. and add your own design in our workshop.

Call: 01784 430516; www.genevievesgallery.co.uk Please go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/SummerCamps2015 to see our listings online Details correct at time of going to press (April 2015) but may be subject to change.

*ASCOT and BRACKNELL district* Amanda’s Art Classes for small groups of children aged 6 – 13.

Amanda will be running May Half-Term and Summer ART WORKSHOPS in Ascot 10 - 12am and 2 - 4pm; call 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details. www.amandasart.co.uk JEMA Swim School SUMMER CRASH COURSE, Children from 3yrs at Christchurch CofE School,Virginia Water. 30 min lessons each day w/c July 27 & August 3 contact - Chris 07702 412090 or email cshep66@hotmail.co.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check the Emma & Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Super Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITY, RAW ADVENTURE

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Health

Hypnosis is Child’s Play!

Hypnotherapist Elaine Hodgins treats young children with a wide range of emotional problems, from eating disorders and phobias through to anxiety and lack of confidence. Her main role is to ensure that the parent or guardian is equipped with some simple self-hypnosis skills to continue the process at home. Here she talks Families through her treatment plan for fussy eaters.

“My child only eats six different foods and they are all bland, with no nutritional value!” I hear this statement on a weekly basis from the mums of some of my prospective patients. Selective Eating Disorder (SED)has only just recently been recognised as a serious eating condition, even though it has been around for centuries. So why do children have this problem?

While many would label them as ‘fussy’ eaters and assume that the parents are not disciplined enough with them at meal times, this is not the case. Children (and adults) with SED, WANT to be able to eat normally. They have a fear of trying a new food that is so severe that they will gag simply at the thought, or even the smell of it.

They have their “safe” foods – maybe half-a-dozen foods such as chips, pasta, biscuits, ice cream, sweets and crisps.

Usually these are all bland and mostly the same colour. A child might eat mum’s pasta at home, but he wouldn’t eat pasta out in a restaurant, so it becomes extremely hard for the child as well as frustrating for the parents.

Most parents have tried absolutely everything before they bring their child with SED to me – encouraging the child, bribery, punishment, mixing different foods.

When nothing has worked and mum is in despair, then the child picks up on mum’s anxiety and it becomes a vicious circle. So just HOW can hypnosis help with this difficult eating disorder, that if not treated can leave the child very badly malnourished?

Well, let’s think of the disorder as a

actually DO anything with him?” This is because it’s a lot of subliminal work – the child just thinks we are playing!

“My 7 year old was only eating about 12 different foods – this was MORE than just fussy eating and I was becoming really worried about his nutrition. After seeing Elaine Hodgins at Focus4Kids Hypnotherapy, his eating improved tremendously and we now enjoy NORMAL MEALTIMES! I would highly recommend Elaine’s therapy – she has a fantastic rapport with young children and is a specialist in eating disorders” Amanda Jenkins, Reading.

phobia – just like a fear of spiders or a fear of heights. We wouldn’t expect a person with a fear of spiders to pick one up would we? The child is absolutely full of fear about trying that new food and we need to change his mindset (his subconscious mind) so that the fear disappears. Hypnosis with children is not the type of hypnosis you see on TV! In fact, most mums say to me afterwards – “How on earth did you did get him to eat? I didn’t really see you

Elaine (MAHA, RN, Dip NLP, Reg Hyp.) has three clinics, Marlow in Bucks, Twyford in Berks, and Harley St in London. For more information on children’s or adults problems please contact Elaine Hodgins on 07775528445 or email info@focushypnotherapy.co.uk or visit www.focus-hypnotherapy.co.uk

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

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Celebrating the Magna Carta

By Siobhan Newman Election fever is hotting up at the moment but if it wasn’t for a certain meeting at Runnymede 800 years ago, we wouldn’t even be having an election.

E

lection fever is hotting up at the moment but if it wasn’t for a certain meeting at Runnymede 800 years ago, we wouldn’t even be having an election.

Schoolchildren, especially in the Thames Valley East area, have been learning that the sealing of the Magna Carta on June 15, 1215, became the guiding light of English justice and ensured the rights of individuals against the whims of the King. Magna Carta means ‘The Great Charter’ and it is one of the most important documents in history because it established the principle that everyone is subject to the law and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial.

No one is quite sure exactly where the sealing of the Magna Carta took place.

(Always say ‘sealing’ not ‘signing’ by the way, as non-egalitarian types will tick you off in an imperialistic way – which is annoying and inappropriate.) Some say it was by the Ankerwyke Yew in Wraysbury (still growing today and a sight to behold), others believe it was Magna Carta Island in the Thames (so King John couldn’t surprise the baron with hidden forces), but as Runnymede has the name given in the great charter itself, the land there has the Magna Carta Memorial and will provide the final focus for the celebrations.

Surrey County Council, Runnymede and the Royal Borough councils, the National Trust and other groups are preparing events.

A river pageant will be the flagship event for the 800th anniversary. A copy of the Magna Carta will be transported downstream, with actors playing ‘King John’

The Cheeky Monkey Show

Runnymede, The National Trust

The Queen’s Boat Gloriana. Courtesy of Thames Alive

and ‘barons’, telling the story. The Queen’s barge Gloriana will lead the river relay down the Thames from Bisham Abbey.

On June 12 to 13 it goes from Hurley to Bray, and on Sunday, June 14 from Bray to Runnymede. Full details can be found at www.thamesalive.org.uk/magnacarta On Saturday, June 13, it’s Magna Carta Day in Egham when a special street festival packed with entertainment takes over the town. It runs 11am-4pm. www.magnacartaday.co.uk And over the weekend of June 13 and 14 it’s the Magna Carta 800 Medieval Festival event at Royal Windsor Racecourse. Featuring 1 hour jousting

History bouts at 1pm and 3pm, a medieval encampment, falconry, history tent and hog roast. Details to be confirmed but discount likely for Advantage Card holders.

And at Royal Holloway University, Egham Hill, the Great Charter Festival takes place on Sunday, June 14, from 10am5pm. Get involved in hands-on activities and performances, sample food and drink, or try your hand in the crafts market place, see royalholloway.ac.uk/greatcharterfestival Community tea parties called LiberTeas are taking place, see below or go to liberteas.co.uk, and in Wraysbury community events include bell ringing, an archery contest, an embroidery project and a medieval fair. Email MC800@rbwm.gov.uk if you want to get involved.

Let’s Take Afternoon Liberteas is from 2pm on The Green, Englefield Green, TW20 0JW, just up the hill from Runnymede. On display is a poster of the Magna Carta and its translation.

Liberteas in Landmark Buildings, 10am4pm, is organised by the Landmark Trust, Shottesbrooke Park, Maidenhead, SL6 3SW. See www.landmarktrust.org.uk or call 01628 825925.

LiberTeas at Bachelors Ace,Victoria Street, Windsor, SL4 1HE, runs from 1-5pm in the beautiful park with playground and fountains. Live music, activities and fancy dress competition.

LiberTeas at Chertsey Museum runs from 3-5pm at 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AT. Enjoy tea and cakes and a chance to view the Magna Carta: Freedom Under Law exhibition. Advanced booking essential on 01932 565764 or email enquiries@chertseymuseum.org.uk. £4 per person.

And an invitation-only LiberTea will take place at Runnymede on Monday, June 15.

The Queen will unveil a memorial statue that morning at the meadow.

Blossom Ballet

Monday’s 9.30 & 11.00

Kids’ magic, music and mayhem

St Paul’s Chursch Hall Town Lane Wooburn Green High Wycombe Bucks HP10 0PW

For more info call:

John Jolliffe 07736 339310

Come and join the monkey madness!

www.cheekymonkeyshow.com

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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

07813084283

lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

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

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Father’s Day Show Dad he’s special Father’s Day is on June 21, we’ve come up with some special ideas to make sure dads are spoilt rotten this year.

F

ather’s Day was introduced in the United States in the early 20th century to honour fathers and father figures, although some scholars believe that Father’s Day is actually much older and that the custom of celebrating fathers on a special day has been around for nearly 4000 years. Today, it’s becoming more and more popular and there are loads of fantastic ways of celebrating it.

Why not start off the day giving dad a lie-in and breakfast in bed, followed by indulging him with some of his favourite home-cooked treats? Jamie Oliver does some fantastic Father’s Day recipes on his website, including BBQ Beef Short Ribs and his Insanity Burger (www.jamieoliver.com). Or why not let the kids design and cook the menu? A simple pasta dish or homemade pizza with a yummy pudding and a handwritten menu and table decorations are bound to melt his heart.

For a gift with a difference, how about choosing a personalised grapevine gift crate or ipad docking station from (www.notonthehighstreet.com)? Or how about a beer-making kit (www.firebox.co.uk) or an annual membership to Rebellion Brewery in Marlow (www.rebellionbeer.co.uk).

It doesn’t have to be a gift – a day out with the people nearest and dearest to Dad can hit the spot perfectly. Many National Trust properties, museums, stately homes, farm parks and theme parks hold special Father’s Day events with loads of great activities for dads and their families.

Check out our round-up below of what’s happening locally.

• Let’s face it they’re still big kids when they see trains, planes or fast cars. Dads travel free this Father’s Day at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway (when accompanied by full fare-paying passenger). Trains from 10.15- 4.30pm. For more information visit www.chinnorrailway.co.uk.

• Dads also get free admission to Cliveden this Father’s Day, 10am3pm. Why not enjoy a spot of free beer tasting from 12pm until 3pm, (while stocks last). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/ • Or why not treat him to tickets to the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival? Silverstone Classic (24-26 July) offers entertainment for all ages. www.silverstoneclassic.com • Search intotheblue.co.uk for more experiences like Ferrari or steam train driving and parachute jumps.

• Black Park: Always a favourite, take the bikes and surprise dad with a decadent picnic. Father’s Day Bushcraft will be held in the Black Park Play areatry your hand at fire-lighting, shelter building and campfire cooking. Times: 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm, £25 for 1 adult, 1 child.

We asked readers to ask their children why their Dad’s rock (Cute alert!).

“My Dad is really cool and taught us how to skate board but he does do embarrassing dancing.”

“My Dad is great because he is always happy and does fun stuff with me!”

“I love my Daddy because he cuddles me.”

“I asked my little one why her dad was great and she said, "because he saved my life".

"WHAT???" I said, "When?? HOW??"

"Because I went too high on the climbing frame and he rescued me!"

Panic over. Palpitations subsided.”

The older generation love their Dads too.

“My dad is the best as I can talk to him about anything and he has always supported me in whatever path my life has taken, even when I was a wild child through my youth, I always remember when I broke up with my first boyfriend and was totally devastated of course he sat me down and just said "boys are idiots and you'll meet a lot more of them before the right one comes along" and I always thought this was lovely as it's normally your mum that deals with this stuff but he just dealt with it, it really made an impact.”

“My Dad is a gentleman personified and he has the best sense of humour and is an awesome baker and soup maker.”

“Although my Dad is no longer here, when I am in a tricky situation I often ask myself, “What would my Dad do?”. He always gave me a wise opinion. I miss him every day.”

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Parenting

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A STAY AT HOME DAD?

John Adams is a stay at home dad and dad blogger. He is married with two young daughters. He’s also just written his first book ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’. Here he tells Families magazine about the highs and lows of being a house spouse.

I started a blog about my experiences in late 2012 called dadbloguk.com. At first it was simply a hobby. Over time, and to my great surprise, more and more people started reading and commenting on the blog and so it has become a cottage industry I fit around my family and I eventually decided to write a book.

It’s called ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’. At 60 pages long it’s a very easy read and it’s been written in a style that you can dip in and dip out of as you please. It focuses on my experiences as a stay at home parent but I couldn’t resist writing just a little bit about being a dad blogger. It’s available from Amazon in both paperback (£2.75) and Kindle formats (99p).

I

’m often asked what it’s like to be a stay at home dad. I like to think a mum would answer in exactly the same way. My life is busy and demanding. It also incredibly rewarding as I watch my children grow and develop knowing I’ve helped them along the way.

I have the two daughters. Helen is six and Elizabeth is two. Of course having daughters presents me with a few additional challenges as I have had to get used to dealing with girls’ haircare and, certainly with my eldest, had to talk about issues such as menstruation.

I may not be best qualified to deal with such things, but as a stay at home dad, I just have to get on and do it!

If I were to be totally honest, one of the biggest issues I have to deal with is isolation. Support networks and social networks for people with children, especially young children, are almost exclusively set up for mums.

For me personally, it’s possibly not the biggest issue. I’m reasonably confident and sociable and I have many friends who are mums and many who are dads. As a dad in my position, however, I think it definitely takes that bit longer until women feel comfortable and happy to approach and speak to you socially. I certainly know of other stay at home dads who have struggled with this.

In the past I have had some horrendous experiences. I once took Elizabeth to have some inoculations and the nurse started physically looking round the room before asking where my wife was. It was an odd question; is a man not capable of booking and accompanying his child to an appointment at the doctor’s surgery?

When it came to registering Elizabeth’s birth, my wife stayed at home and I took our new-born with me to the registrar’s office. I appreciate the registrar probably meant this as a backhanded compliment, but she told me I was “brave” for going out on my own with my daughter. To her it may have been a compliment, to me it was actually quite offensive. It basically suggested I didn’t have the knowledge to look after her.

Having had a few similar experiences I learned a trick. Whenever I meet a healthcare, education or childcare professional, I tell them within the first few seconds that I am the one who looks after the kids and that my wife works full time. When I do this, it tends to get any awkwardness out of the way and I find am treated appropriately. It’s when I don’t do this, I find things can go wrong and I get accused of “babysitting” my own kids (a comment I hear from time to time).

I became a stay at home dad in 2011. It happened for purely practical reasons. We’d had Helen in nursery full time for a short while and we no longer felt this was appropriate. I wasn’t particularly happy in my job and my wife had the better career prospects. It made sense for me to leave the rat race and stay at home and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

At the time we only had the one daughter. Needless to say we’ve had one more since then!

Telephone: 01628 627 586

“My wife does sometimes wish she were around more, but she will freely admit she is happy to let me run the household as she thinks I am better at it (...yes really).

Book your OPEN DAY tour – Monday 18th May

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Parenting

Frequently asked Questions “What if my child won’t eat it?”

Please don’t expect your family to instantly adapt. They will ‘dig their heels in’ before accepting the permanent change. If a meal is not eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and a cup of milk to line their stomach before bed. The most important thing is not to offer them something else – you will them be back to where you once were.

Top tips on how you don't need to cook 'Children's meals'. By Kathryn Mewes

I know, I know, I can hear: “My children eat too early, they eat food I don’t want to eat, my husband/wife is home so late.”

The aim is that you prepare one meal for dinnertime. The children eat and you have a small portion with them. When your husband/wife arrives home they have the same meal. A portion has been set aside for them.

I believe that it is so important for children to realize that they cannot have their ‘favourite’ meal each and every day. My ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and there are 2 options – Take it or Leave it!’ Once this attitude is adopted and you remain consistent you will find that the children adjust and adapt to your ‘new way’ at mealtimes.

I think that there is too much emphasis today on children having to eat all of their meal. This is what leads us to only giving them food we know they will eat. It is important to realize that your children may leave some of their meal but as they start to realize this meal is going to appear at least once a fortnight they will adjust. Slowly but surely they will ‘tuck in’.

The key is that your children are seeing a variety of foods and you are eating with them.

I often suggest creating a ‘meal plan’ so that everyone knows what is on offer that night.

Example Monday:

Spaghetti bolognaise and green vegetables Tuesday: Fish cakes and potato wedges and roasted vegetables Wednesday: Thai chicken curry with rice Thursday: Sausages and mash and onion gravy with carrots Friday: Fish and Chips night!

Saturday: Pizza and Pasta night!

Sunday: Roast dinner

“We all have different tastes.”

Photo: © BlueOrange Studio - Fotolia.com

You can alter the menu plan every week or have 2 – 3 that you simply rotate.

This has so many advantages: • The food shopping can be done once a week, ordered online for ease.

• Everyone knows what is going to be served.

• You don’t have to think each morning about the ‘evening meal’.

• You are only cooking one meal for the family.

You should be able to create a meal where there is something for everyone. For example a curry.You might find one family member prefers the rice, the other the vegetables and the other picks out the meat. In time they will expand on this and start to eat more of the meal. A salad can always be served as an accompaniment to cater for all.

“I don’t want to eat early with my children.”

The important thing is that if you are introducing change you need to lead by example.You can have a small portion, or mainly vegetables while sitting with the children. I have ALWAYS found that children behave far better at the table when an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating not just observing.

Children’s meals It is very common for children to like ‘dry food’. By this I mean nuggets, fish fingers, chips, potato wedges, pesto pasta and sausages. There is nothing terribly wrong with any of these meals but at some stage your child needs to expand. There is a whole world of exciting food beyond ‘children’s menus’! I suggest these meals are on the weekly menu and they are enjoyed but then there are meals to suit you.

It is a life lesson. There needs to be give and take at meal times. Everyone needs to see their favourite meal once a week.

Mealtime can be for the entire family – not just the children.

For further information and advice on guiding your child at mealtimes please purchase the book The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes or go to her website to find out about her bespoke service www.bespokenanny.com.

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 equipment, based within the Altwood School, Maidenhead. Every day at 10am from Wednesday to Saturday. Our programme has been developed through more than 31 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

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07 957 223 124 for details

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Fam TVE 78.qxp 21/04/2015 21:08 Page 21

Competitions and Offers with WIN ONE OF TWO FAMILY DAYS OUT TO THE LEGOLAND

®

WINDSOR RESORT Step into the colourful world of the LEGO® Friends as the all-new Heartlake City area opens at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort this May Half Term.

Follow your favourite LEGO Friend on a series of unique adventures exploring the sights and sounds of Heartlake City and creating friendship moments that last a lifetime.

The unmistakable Heartlake Mall gives a stunning harbour-side backdrop for the exciting new live show 'Friends to the Rescue!' featuring Mia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma and Olivia. Fans can join the girls on an action packed adventure full of surprises and sing and dance along to their favourite LEGO Friends songs. At Olivia’s House little LEGO builders can make their own robots or help build a home for one of Olivia’s pets and Emma’s Ice Cream Parlour will be

dishing up some delicious desserts. With all new attractions and the chance to meet your favourite LEGO Friend, the new land is guaranteed to delight and enthral.

With over 55 family friendly rides and attractions to discover in 150 acres of beautiful parkland ‘awesome awaits’ at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. Check www.LEGOLAND.co.uk for full details.

To enter this fantastic competition please go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions Closing date May 15 For T&Cs go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/legolandcompTandCs.

®

LEGO , the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO® Group © 2015 The LEGO Group.

WIN A SPINELESS CLASSICS

WIN A BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE

PRINT – UNIQUE CHILDREN’S WALL ART

FELT HEAD FOR YOUR CHILD’S BEDROOM

We’re giving you the chance to win a fantastic A Bear Called Paddington print by Spineless Classics for your children’s bedroom.

Spineless Classics creatively takes the full text of classic literature and turns it into unique pieces of contemporary art. There is a large range of children’s titles in the collection including Cinderella, Harry Potter, A Bear Called Paddington, Peter Rabbit, James & the Giant Peach, Matilda & Peter Pan. The prints make lovely & unique pieces of wall art as well as great presents. The design of the A Bear Called Paddington print depicts Peggy Fortnum’s original illustration of Paddington and contains every word of the book.

If you’re not the lucky winner this time then the A Bear Called Paddington print is priced at £34.99 & available from www.spinelessclassics.com

Win this fabulous handmade felt elephant head, which retails for £60.It will look amazing on any playroom or bedroom wall.

Ethically produced in India from top quality felted wool, this impressive elephant hangs easily on the wall from one single hook. Full of character and popular with children of all ages, including teenagers.

It’s part of a range that includes zebra, giraffe, tiger, pony and even unicorn decorative heads, it’s a perfect way to add instant impact to a room update or add a touch of safari magic to the home! Matching bookends and doorstops are also available.

You will find lots of other gorgeous and unusual items at www.albetta.co.uk. As well as Albetta brand clothes, toys and accessories, they also stock lots of carefully chosen, high quality toys, party and home items. From amazing party ideas to new baby gifts, you’ll find the perfect choice every time.

For more information, please visit www.albetta.co.uk

To win this lovely print please go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions Closing date June 1.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

To win this great prize go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions Closing date June 1.

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What’s On

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

See sculpture at the Odney Club, Cookham Festival, May 2-17

Marlow May Fayre on May 9

Royal Windsor Horse Show May 13-17

MAY

Saturday May 2 WINDSOR FARMERS MARKET St Leonard’s Road, W8 7AS. Find locally produced food from cheese to chillis at the market in St Leonard's Road. www.localfoods.org.uk Monday May 4 MAY DAY FETE in Eton Eton College, Slough Road, Eton, SL4 6DW, 01753 671000.

Fair fun with dog show, live music, nearly new sale, children’s clothes and toys. Food and Drinks throughout the day. Walpole House, Eton, SL4 6EU. Monday May 4.

11am-3pm. etonmaydayfete@gmail.com Entry £ 1.50 to raise cash for Brain Tumour Research. www.facebook.com/EtonMaydayFete Monday May 4 PAT DOGS WALK Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Join the sponsored 3 mile walk to raise money for the Pets as Therapy charity. Contact 01753 531584 for a walk joining pack. This event is suitable for those with limited mobility and is weather dependant. Dogs are welcome!10am-1pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events/ Monday May 4 Windsor Racecourse FAMILY FUN DAY, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400.

See Peppa Pig & George at the Family Fun Day with loads of free fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy.

Entertainment – plus Peppa and George will be making personal appearances. Come along early and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere, free face painting plus children’s entertainer and fun fair. Entrance free for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk From Friday May 8 and Saturday 9 BIG SCREAM CLUB The Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ, 0871 902 5738. Exclusively for parents and guardians with babies under one year old. You can enjoy the latest releases accompanied by baby in a safe and comfortable environment. Screenings every Friday at 11am. Every Saturday the cinema offers family-only screenings of a specially chosen children's film, plus fun activities, at pocket-money prices. For accompanied children aged 3-12 years at 11am. www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Regal_Picturehouse Saturday May 9 MARLOW MAY FAYRE Higginson Park, Marlow, SL7 2AE, 01494 421 821. Fun family day with a wide range of stalls, rides, games, events and performances. Plus dog show and kids' fancy dress competition. There are plenty of places for food and drink to keep all the family fed and watered, including a traditional tea tent, BBQ and real ale bar. The Duck Race

at 4pm sees hundreds of plastic ducks set free on the Thames with the lucky winners receiving some fabulous prizes. www.marlow.roundtable.co.uk/ Saturday May 9 SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Godstowe Preparatory School, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe , Bucks, HP13 6PR 01494 529273 Godstowe is an Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 3-7 years and girls aged 3-13 years. See the school in action and meet staff, children and parents. 10am - 1pm. www.godstowe.org Saturday May 9 RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANT FAIR Savill Gardens, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Surrey, TW20 0UU, 01784 435544. British growers offering specialist and rare varieties of plants. The event is held in the Savill Garden car park and admission to the fair is free.

10am-5pm. Normal car park charges apply. www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/events/2015/ Saturday May 9 VICTORY 5K Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. A celebratory fun run to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day, when the world celebrated the end of WW2 in Europe. The feature race is a 5k run with fancy dress (military or equestrian themed) being very much encouraged. There will also be a 1k kids fun run to give the younger ones a chance to join in the fun. Check-in will open at 9am, 5k runs at 11am and 1k race at 12.30pm. Organised by The Veterans Charity, call 01753 653772. www.veteranscharity.org.uk/events Sunday May 10 SPRING WILDLIFE PADDLE Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, Sandford Lane, RG10 0SU. A relaxing morning canoeing and spotting water birds up close before enjoying a coffee and piece of freshly baked cake. 10.30am-12.30pm. Suitable for 4+yrs. £8, child £6, please book. www.wokingham.gov.uk/parks/countryside/dac/ Wednesday May 13 to 17 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW, Home Park, Windsor, SL4 6HX. Jumping, dressage and showing events and entertainment including shopping, food, musical ride displays and the Shetland Pony Grand National.Various ticket prices and free 'Windsor Wednesday' entry. Arrive after 4pm for half price entry price. www.rwhs.co.uk Friday May 15 HABITAT WALK Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Join Ranger Matt on an interesting walk around the Habitat Trail, find out about all the different plants and animals that live in Black Park.

Approximately 4km, meet by Black Park Kiosk, wear suitable footwear. Dogs welcome. Booking is essential.

Friday May 1MORRIS DANCING Display with Breakfast. Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Windsor Road, SL4 2JL 01784 432891. Come along and watch the sunrise on the first day of May. Enjoy a display by the Datchet morris dancers before enjoying a warming breakfast in the Magna Carta tearoom. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday May 2 to 17 COOKHAM FESTIVAL. Arts and events take place all over Cookham with People's Shakespeare, the Let's Rock the Moor festival, activities, sculpture walks at the Odney Club and more. See cookhamfestival.org.uk for full programme.

Saturday May 2 to 30 CROWNS AND CORONATIONS Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ, 020 7766 7304.Visit the Moat Room in May for special themed activities looking at Crowns and Coronations. Art and craft workshop plus a special Crowns and Coronations activity trail around the State Apartments, with tiny crowns hidden for children to discover. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturdays May 2, 9 and 16 DAWN CHORUS with Breakfast. Cliveden, Taplow, SL6 0JA, 01628 605069.

Experience Cliveden as it comes to life on a spring morning. Join us for a special guided tour to hear early morning birdsong. Finish in the National Trust Orangery Café for a full English breakfast. (Vegetarian options available). Booking essential 0844 249 1895. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Suitable for children, but same price of £25 applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Saturday from May 2 PARKRUN Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS.Parkrun is a weekly, timed 5km run that is open to everyone, regardless of running ability. The run takes places every Saturday at 9am from the top of Black Park Car Park.You must register online first though. www.parkrun.org.uk/black-park Saturday May 2 to 17 SCULPTURE GARDEN at the Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, SL6 9QH, 01628 520160. A wonderful day out for families, as part of the Cookham Festival, strolling along the riverside and exploring the gardens. Work by over 30 sculptors on display, all work is for sale. Quiz for children. Open May 2-17, 10am-5pm daily. £2 adults, children free.

Refreshments available. Find the perfect piece to add to your garden. www.barngalleries.com

BOOK NOW 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 at Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk Call for Birthday Party entertainment information

for advertising in our July/August issue Due out July 1st Call:

01628 627586

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

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Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

What’s On

Big Red Bath at Norden Farm, May 15 and 16

Peter Pan Goes Wrong in Windsor, May 18-23

Noisy Kids concert at The Hexagon, May 23

10am to noon. Call 01753 511060 or email countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events Saturday, May 16 LET'S ROCK THE MOOR Cookham Moor, The Moor, Cookham, SL6 9SB Headliners at this year's family-friendly festival include Rick Astley, Hot Chocolate, Level 42, Roland Gift, Betty Boo, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians. Lots of fun and rides for children (some with extra charge). The gates will open at 11am at Marsh Meadow. Some profits for charity.

Tickets £21 children, £39 adults. Gates open 11am.

Saturday, May 16 SPRING WALK at White Waltham Place Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, SL6 3JH 01628 825517. Meet at the Ormandy Centre, Church Hill, White Waltham . Adults £7 Children £3 (5-16 years).

Under fives free. All walks leave promptly at 2pm. The Ormandy Centre is on the opposite side of the road to the farm entrance just before the top of the hill.

Saturday May 16 to September 2 YUCKY YOU SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW, 01344 354400 The new show for summer at the brilliant hands-on centre explains why mucus is SNOT a bad thing? Children love this fun filled show as we find out more about all the yucky things about our bodies, like bogies, sick, scab, spots and poo! Show times 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers, at weekends and school holidays. £1.85 on top of centre entry. Suitable for children who can sit down for up to half an hour. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutweekendandholida yshows Sunday May 17 THE BIG SPLASH Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor, SL4 5JB, 01753 778577. Swimathon to raise funds for local good causes. This major charity fun event aims to allow you to raise funds for your nominated organisation by entering teams of swimmers (up to 6 teams) to swim for 55 minutes gaining sponsorship for their efforts, to be donated to the charity or good cause of their choice. Call 0845 8334749. www.windsorlions.co.uk/ Sunday May 17 LIONS CLUB DUCK DERBY AND FAMILY FUN DAY on Ray Mill Island, Boulters Lock, Maidenhead, SL6 8TR between 11am and 5pm. Free admission with entertainment for all the family including fun fair rides, games, the Lions Train, Punch & Judy Show and side stalls. Duck Race at 4.30pm.

Sunday May 17 NANCY ASTOR'S BIRTHDAY at Cliveden Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, 01628 605069.

Step back in time to the1930s and meet ‘Nancy Astor’ and her party guests. Join in the birthday celebrations for one of Cliveden's most illustrious past owners. Enjoy birthday cake, music and Punch and Judy. Free after normal admission charges. No booking required. 11am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/ Monday May 18 to 23 PETER PAN GOES WRONG Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS, 01753 853888. Mayhem in Neverland as ‘The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ attempt to stage JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. A highly physical comedy packed with finely tuned mayhem and Buster Keaton -nspired slapstick, Peter

Pan Goes Wrong delivers a fast-paced show with split-second timing and ambitious daring. Featuring a brilliant cast plus local children as the Lost Boys. Eves 8pm, Mats; Thu 2.30pm, Sat 3pm. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/ Saturday May 23 BURNHAM DONKEY DERBY Burnham Park, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR. 01628 550380 From noon. Free entry to this popular community event run by the Rotary Club of Burnham Beeches.

Donkey rides, stalls and entertainment as well as the competitions.

Saturday May 23 CROWNS AND CORONATIONS Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ, 020 7766 7304.

Celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's Coronation with us at Windsor Castle. Make a sparkling crown or sword of state. Follow a special themed activity trail around the State Apartments and discover the tiny crowns hidden throughout. On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th ,a storyteller will weave tales of the Coronation in the State Apartments. These sessions will include dressing up, a special Coronation ceremony, and live 1950s music.

Sessions will take place at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and last 45 mins. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturday May 23 NOISY KIDS: MAGIC AND MYSTERY The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, introduced by its very own conjurer, Tim Steiner, presents a fun and interactive performance full of hocus pocus and wizardry. Family concert with a selection of favourites from Harry Potter to The Magic Flute. www.readingarts.com May 23 to 29 SHEEP SHEARING SHOWS Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, Bucks, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188. Join in the fun of the Sheep Shearing and Wool Spinning Shows at Odds Farm Park! This must-see children’s activity only takes place once a year – don’t miss it! Plus there are all the animals, outdoor play, tractor and trailer rides, crazy golf and giant indoor playbarn thrills to enjoy. www.oddsfarm.co.uk May 23 to 31 WOODLAND WONDERS NATURE TRAIL at Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE, 01753 647358. Bring a pencil and enjoy a self-guided springtime nature trail through Burnham Beeches. Pick up your trail guide from the Information Point or download it from the website. Perfect for a sunny half term day.

Monday May 25 STORIES BY THE CAMPFIRE BLACK PARK, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Join Merle for some stories around the campfire in Black Park Woods. The perfect way to spend your bank holiday afternoon with your family! 3pm to 4.30pm.

Marshmallows and hot drinks provided. This is most suitable for primary school age children. Booking essential.

Meet at Visitor Information Point. Cost: £5 per child.

Advance booking required. Call 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events Monday May 25 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY FAMILY FUN DAY Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse

Lane, Marlow , SL7 1GJ, 01628 496800. Live Music, BBQ, bouncy castles, face painting, games on the lawn and much more. What better way than to spend your Bank Holiday?

The fun starts at noon. Admission free. www.cpmarlow.co.uk Monday May 25 RAPUNZEL Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, 01628 788997. This is a story about a girl. The story happened in a once upon a time, and in a once upon a place. Told in an inventive, visual and physical style with live music and magical design. Suitable for ages 3+ years. 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets £10/£8. www.norden.farm.org May 25 and 26 TREE CLIMBING CLIVEDEN, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, 01628 605069.A tree top adventure in Cliveden’s woodlands provided by The Big Tree Climbing Company.£17.50 per person for an hour session (plus normal admission charges) Booking essential on 0844 249 1895. 10am-5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/ Monday May 25 to 29 ARTS AND CRAFTS Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, 01628 788997.

Hour long activities themed around magic and make believe. The crafts vary so you can create something new every day! Create fairies and trolls made from clay plus their own special doors, puppet making, sew a gingerbread man and more. 10.15am Monday to Friday, £5. www.nordenfarm.org Monday May 25 to 29 MAKE WOODLAND WONDERS ACTIVITY WEEK Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE 01753 647358. Join the Burnham Beeches Rangers for lots of fun and craft activities all week! The sessions from 11am-1pm are aimed at children aged 4–12 but parents are welcome to join in too! Sorry, no dogs. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnh am-beeches-and-stoke-common Tuesday May 26 to 29 GROW AND LEARN ACTIVITIES at Slough Libraries Slough Library, 85 High Street, Slough, SL1 1EA 01753 535166. As part of the Festival of Learning there will be a series of story and craft events for all the family in the May half term. Langley Library Tuesday May 26, 3-4pm; Cippenham Library Tuesday May 26, 2-3pm and Thursday May 28, 11-12pm; Slough Library Wednesday May 27, 10.30-11.15am; Wexham Library Thursday May 28, 10.30-11am; Britwell Library Thursday May 28, 2.30 pm and Friday May 29 10am; Colnbrook Library Friday May 29, 11-12pm. www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/ Wednesday May 27 LAKESIDE FAIR Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Come and join the fun at the park’s first ever Lakeside Fair! The afternoon will be fun-packed with fairground rides, circus workshops, magic shows, balloon modelling, live music, inflatables, crafts, crazy golf, a petting farm, face painting, fun games and a pocket money shop. Barbecue and ice cream at the cafe. Free entry, individual activities may charge. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events/

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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What’s On

Magna Carta celebrations take place in Runnymede and beyond in June

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

Special opening of Frogmore House in Windsor Great Park, June 2-4

Wednesday May 27 WILD WEDNESDAY CLIVEDEN, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, 01628 605069. Outdoor adventures for families, every Wednesday in the local school holidays. Ideal for children aged 4 to 11 years. Child £2 (plus normal admission charges).

No booking required. 11am-3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/ Wednesday May 27 WILD ONES – Build an Insect Hotel South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA . Help us build a fabulous insect hotel for the Minibeasts of South Hill Park. 10am-11.30am. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Wednesday May 27-28 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, 01628 788997. When James accidentally spills a sack of green crocodile tongues onto a peach tree, it grows the biggest fruit ever seen! Soon James sets off on an adventure that takes him over land, sea and sky! Theatrical adventure. Suitable for ages 5+ years. 11.30am and 2.15pm Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets £10/£8. www.norden.farm.org Friday May 29 THE JOURNEY HOME, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts (as above) Join Polar Bear as he sets off in search of a new home when the ice starts melting. Travelling through storms, busy shipping lanes and across oceans, he picks up some exciting friends along the way. Meet them all on their journey of discovery and friendship. Adapted from the acclaimed children’s book. Suitable for ages 3+ years. 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets £10/£8. www.norden.farm.org Friday May 29 MINI-BEAST HUNT BLACK PARK, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Hunt for creepy crawlies in Black Park with the help of our Rangers, using your mini-beast kit. Book for an hour-long slot and meet us at the Visitor Centre. The event runs at 1pm and then again at 3pm. Booking Essential. Cost: £5 per family (max 2 adults & 2 children). Advance booking required. Call 01753 511060 or email countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events

Alexander Devine Colour Dash on June 20

Thursday May 30 CRAFT MARKET at Hare Hatch Sheeplands, London Road, Hare Hatch, RG10 9HW, 0118 940 1600. Art, glass, papercrafts, canal art, jewellery, silver, textiles, wood, cards and more. Free entry, free parking, everyone is most welcome. Many stallholders take commissions to make something very personal for you. Please note that cash is the number 1 currency at market. www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk Thursday May 30 MORGAN & WEST'S UTTERLY SPIFFING SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS (and childish Grown Ups!) Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, 01628 788997. The time travelling Victorian magicians unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility.Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and of course a truck full of tricks and tea! Suitable for ages 5+ years. 2pm. Tickets £10/£8. www.nordenfarm.org Saturday May 30- 31 FAMILY FUN WEEKEND Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures, RG10 0SU. A great chance to see what is on offer at Dinton’s exciting Activity Centre. Try your hand at everything from rock-climbing to sailing, kayaking to paddle boarding or simply enjoy a boat trip around the lake. 10am-4pm. For all ages, no need to pre-book. www.wokingham.gov.uk/parks/countryside/dac/

JUNE Monday June 1 Fearne Cotton at MONDAY NIGHT RACING Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ 01753 498400. Fearne will entertain the crowds after the summer night's racing. Book in advance to save £3 on all enclosures: Club, Grandstand and Silver Ring. Entrance is FREE for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Tuesday June 2 to 4 OPEN DAYS at Frogmore House Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ, 020 7766 7304. Explore the 17th century Frogmore House and Garden, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, as part of the annual Charity Garden Open Days. Tickets will benefit the National Gardens Scheme, the NSPCC and the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust and you can buy tickets from the charities themselves. www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/frogmore-house Friday June 5 DISCOVER NIGHTJARS AND BATS The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. Discover nightjars and bats at Caesar's camp.

Encounter the nocturnal wildlife on the three mile walk through heathland. 8pm-10.30pm.

354 400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre

Magna Carta Events Saturday June 6 St Andrew's Church FLOWER FESTIVAL, Wraysbury. Displays and an unveiling of an embroidered wall hanging, showing King John sealing the Magna Carta.

Thursday June 11 MAGNA CARTA PLAY at Wraysbury Hall. Tickets £5 to be donated to Wraysbury Players. The performance will include details about the Magna Carta and feature medieval music from Lumina Music. www.wraysburyplayers.co.uk Saturday June 13 JOUSTING TOURNAMENT at Windsor Racecourse, ticketed event Wraysbury Fair. This event will reflect the medieval theme and everyone including stall holders will be appropriately costumed. There will be manpowered floats, archery, falconry, Morris dancing and jousting on Shetland ponies.

Saturday June 13 MAGNA CARTA DAY in Egham Street festival takes over the town.

Extra special celebration to mark the 800th anniversary. 11am-4pm. www.magnacartaday.co.uk June 13 and 14 LIBERTEAS AND MAGNA CARTA EVENTS near the Thames.

Eton is to hold a medieval fair on the Brocas and a Liber Tea in the main street at 3pm on Saturday. On Sunday a LiberTea runs in Wraysbury, The LiberTea will be held at at 4pm, with music from Lumina, entertainment from the Wraysbury Players and a jazz band followed at 5.30pm by Songs of Praise. A quarter peal of bells will be rung at 3pm in Wraysbury to join in peals being rung across the country at key venues associated with Magna Carta.

Royal Holloway University, Egham Hill, is holding a Great Charter Festival.

Other events include fireworks and beacon lighting. See magnacarta800th.com for full information.

June 12-14 MAGNA CARTA 800TH ANNIVERSARY, Thames and Runnymede. A copy of the Magna Carta will be transported downstream, along with ‘King John’ and ‘barons’, and playlets will be acted out at seven locations along the route, telling the story of the writing of the document. The Gloriana will be the flagship in the Magna Carta 800th River Relay in June. Thousands of visitors and residents will be able to view the procession from many public locations along the Thames. June 12 and 13: Hurley to Bray, June 14: Bray to Runnymede. See www.thamesalive.org.uk/magnacarta/ Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27 BATTLE OF WATERLOO FAMILY SESSIONS at Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ, 020 7766 7304. On June 6 and 13, bring the Battle of Waterloo and its most famous characters to life with our lively storytelling sessions in the State Apartments. Storytelling sessions will take place at 11.3oam, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. On June 20 and 27, commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle with special art and craft workshops in the Moat Room from 11am to 4pm. Included in the standard admission price. www.royalcollection.org.uk

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Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Black Park Bushcraft on June 21

Father's Day at Cliveden on June 21 Photo: John Millar)

Saturday June 6 HOLYPORT FAIR Holyport Green, SL6 2JL. Stalls, refreshment and demonstrations galore. The fair opens at 2pm with Braywick Court School children performing a country dance. Plus dog show, Maidenhead First Responders demonstration plus the crowning of Miss and Mini Miss and Master Holyport. Tug-o-War between the local pubs will end the fair around 5.30pm. www.holyportfair.org Saturday June 6 RACE FOR LIFE 5K at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400 This women-only event will help raise money for research that will beat all 200 types of cancer sooner. 5k is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities and you can run, walk or even dance your way around the course.You and your friends can also join the fight by volunteering.

Starts 11am, ends 3pm, £14.99 adults, £10 children.

Saturday June 6 WINDSOR FARMERS MARKET, St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, W8 7AS .Find locally produced food from cheese to chillis at the market in St Leonard's Road. www.localfoods.org.uk Tuesday June 9 SCHOOL OPEN MORNING. Claires Court Maidenhead, 1 College Avenue , Maidenhead , Berkshire , SL6 6AW. Claires Court, based on three sites across Maidenhead, is a school for families, run by a family, providing private education for young people aged 3–18 years. 9.30am to 11.30am. www.clairescourt.com.

Friday June 12 THE OFFICIAL COMEDY CLUB Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, SL7 1GJ 01628 496800 www.cpmarlow.co.uk Mark Dolan hosts an evening with Mike Gunn and Rudi Lickwood. Special Offer: ‘2 to Stay’ 2 Meal & Show Tickets, overnight accommodation and breakfast for two. Tickets: £29 incl chicken and chips, £19 show only. Doors open 7.pm | Show Time 9pm. www.thecomedyclub.co.uk.

Saturday June 13 ART ON THE STREET, Maidenhead town centre. The town comes alive with more than 120 artists selling their work on the High Street and in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre. www.artonthestreet.org.uk Sunday June 14 BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL DAY FOR GROWN-UPS Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS Join Ranger Andy to learn bushcraft skills.

Great early Father's Day present. With a relaxed and friendly approach, resident bushcraft and survival expert Andy, will share his knowledge and skills. Online booking is essential. Over 18s only. £65 per person per day. Call 01753 511060 or email country parks@buckscc.gov.uk www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/ Sunday June 14 MEET THE RANGER at Burnham Beeches, Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE, 01753 647358. Come along to a drop in session at the Information Point where a ranger will be

on duty to answer your questions or help with issues relating to the site. 11am-1pm.

Saturday June 20 THE ALEXANDER DEVINE COLOUR DASH, Berkshire College of Agriculture, Hall Place, Burchetts Green near Maidenhead, SL6 6QR .A bright, brash new event adding a splash of colour to staying active. Walk, jog, dance or run 5k through the grounds of BCA through clouds of neon powder paint that turn you all colours of the rainbow. Email fundraising@alexanderdevine.org or see website for details. www.alexanderdevine.org/events Sunday June 21 THE BIG COMMUNITY PICNIC Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. Bring a picnic and join in the fun: craft activities, music, games and Morris Dancers and much more! More information will be available on site and online closer to the event, which is linked to the Chiltern Commons Network ‘Big Picnic’. Noon–4 pm.

Sunday June 21 FATHER'S DAY BUSHCRAFT Black Park, Black Park Road, SL3 6DS. Join Evergreen Forest School Leader Mitch, to try your hand at fire-lighting, shelter building and campfire cooking in Black Pine's Camp. Maximum ratio of 1 adult to 2 children. Book for either 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm. Cost: £25 (1 adult + 1 child) + £5 for up to one additional child. Call 01753 511060 or email: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk Sunday June 21 FATHER'S DAY at Cliveden Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA, 01628 605069. As a special treat for Fathers' Day, Dads can come and enjoy free admission to Cliveden. Bring your Dad along and have a wonderful time! Why not enjoy a spot of free beer tasting from 12pm until 3pm (while stocks last). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday June 21 FATHER'S DAY at Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Waterside Drive, Cobham , Surrey, KT11 1JE, 01932 868 113. Spend the day with your father in the beautiful landscape of Painshill Park. Free to fathers when accompanied by their children. Free to fathers when accompanied by their children. Normal admission prices apply to other visitors. 10.30 – 6pm. www.painshill.co.uk/free-entry-for-fathers-day/ Sunday June 21 FATHER'S DAY at Savill Garden Savill Gardens, Wick Lane, Englefield Green , Surrey, TW20 0UU, 01784 435544.If you are looking for a great family day out to celebrate Father’s Day, come to The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, and enjoy free entry for dads accompanied by their families. Explore this unique Royal garden full of hidden treasures, Summer Gardens and the award-winning, modern Rose Garden. Complete the day with delicious homemade cakes and scones at the award-winning restaurant. (Normal car parking charges apply). www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/events/

What’s On

Family Funday at Windsor Racecourse, June 28 Sunday June 21 CREATE A FATHER’S DAY GIFT Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB Visit between 11am & 3pm to take part in a free craft workshop to make something special for dad.

Wednesday June 24 MIDSUMMER WALK Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE 01753 647358. A gentle pushchair-friendly 2-hour walk with Conservation Officer Helen Read finding out about the traditions associated with midsummer in the UK and abroad. Sorry, no dogs. Booking required.

Friday June 26 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS, 01753 511060. Join us for some stories, fun and games in Black Park with your toddlers and their teddies. Please remember to bring your own picnic and your favourite cuddly toy. Meet at Visitor Information Point. Cost £3 per child. Advance booking required. Suitable for: toddlers, their teddies and their parents. 11am-12.30pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events/black-park Saturday June 27 FUHAAR MARKET Maidenhead town centre. Fuhaar means a gentle sprinkle in Hindi. The event aims to showcase the heritage and roots of India with stalls, food and performances. Fuhaar will be on Maidenhead High Street and in the Nicholsons Centre all day. Times to be confirmed.

Sunday June 28 FAMILY FUNDAY with Thomas the Tank Engine Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400. The popular family fun day is back and bigger and better than ever with loads of free fun activities including face painting and funfair. Thomas and The Fat Controller will be making personal appearances.

Book in advance to save £3 on all enclosures. Gates open 12.20pm. Entrance free for racegoers under the age of 18 accompanied by an adult. www.royalcollection.org.uk.

JULY Saturday July 4 THE MAGNA CARTA AND THE CASTLE WINDSOR CASTLE, SL4 1NJ, 020 7766 7304. Go back to the Middle Ages and the time of the Magna Carta. Art and craft workshops and dress up in replica armour or costume. From 11am-4pm in the Moat Room. Included in the standard admission price. www.royalcollection.org.uk.

Saturday July 4 WINDSOR FARMERS MARKET, Town centre, Windsor, W8 7AS. Find locally produced food from cheese to chillis at the market in St Leonard's Road. www.localfoods.org.uk

The Windsor Club Day Nursery has moved!

Rebranded to “The Riverside Day Nursery”, we are now based at the Windsor Leisure Centre.

To find out more about our excellent new childcare facility and meet our team:

Call: 01753 855543 Email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Parenting

So how do you build healthy self-esteem in children?

Professor Matt Sanders from Triple P has some advice:

Your child’s self-esteem – are you getting the balance right?

It can be quite challenging to build a child’s self-esteem without overdoing it. There is a balance between too much praise and not enough.With too little a child’s self-esteem can suffer, but with too much children can develop a distorted sense of entitlement and their own abilities. Professor Matt Sanders, founder of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program explains how to get the balance right.

S

elf-esteem is the term psychologists use to describe how a person feels about their innate worth as an individual, their skills and attributes, and how they interact with the world.

Under a daily bombardment of “winning is everything” advertising messages, it can be particularly hard for kids to learn to deal with disappointment, and/or to stop measuring themselves against impossible standards. This is an often-overlooked element of the development of healthy self-esteem.

True self-esteem is something we build up ourselves, as we work to master new skills, stick to our values, and show pro-social behaviours such as care and concern for others.

Egotism, on the other hand, is an unhealthy focus on one’s self and a disregard for others, a feeling of being better than everyone else, and, often, a fear of failure.

Children who have what might be called artificially high self-esteem may have been given overblown praise for no real reason, or not taught to empathise with others. They may

develop a sense of superiority, struggle to form healthy relationships, and find it hard to understand why they don’t automatically succeed at everything they attempt.

Then there are the kids with low self-esteem.

Many children who regularly misbehave already view themselves in a highly negative way. They may feel inadequate and/or lack the desire to achieve goals and face challenges. They may also believe bad things about themselves: that they are, and always will be, dumb, ugly, stupid, naughty etc.

Children who have healthy, balanced selfesteem are likely to be happy and cooperative and make friends easily. They’re eager to learn and succeed, and they can cope with stress effectively.

Healthy self-esteem doesn’t come built-in at birth. We first learn our view of ourselves during childhood, through the interactions we have with the people around us. So it’s crucial for parents and carers to help our children develop a true sense of their own strengths and weaknesses.

1) Take a consistent, positive approach to their upbringing. Tell your child you love them, and demonstrate this by spending time talking to and playing with them. This helps your child feel valued and cared for.

2) Watch what you say. Constant criticism can create low self-esteem, and make problembehaviour even worse.

3) Display confidence in their ability to persist. Let them attempt appropriate things by themselves. Teach them that mistakes are important ways of learning, and show them how to set realistic goals and work towards them.

4) Follow a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of one’s self with regular exercise, healthy food, and grooming habits all help children develop a positive self-image.

5) Teach them to be balanced. When they’ve made an effort and mastered a new skill or achieved something, teach them to enjoy their accomplishments, without gloating or boasting. Help them understand that everyone is good at different things.

6) Teach them that life isn’t always about winning.Your role is not to make every problem disappear or smooth over every bad feeling; instead, let your child express how they feel and assure them you understand. They’ll develop a deeper sense of self-worth as they learn that with a bit of help from you, they can work out reasonable ways to deal with strong emotions. As a reaction to not getting what they want, children may sometimes put themselves down, saying things like “I’m dumb, you hate me”, or “I’m just stupid”. If this happens, try not to get dragged in to being overly sympathetic; instead, encourage your child to try again after the setback, and to enjoy the activity or game even if they aren’t the winner.

7) Encourage a sense of humour. Laughter really is a great medicine, and it doesn’t hurt kids to see that even parents can laugh at themselves sometimes. Enjoying the little things in life helps people cope with tough times.

Help your child to laugh by listening to their stories, playing games and having fun together.

By following this advice parents can help their children develop healthy self-esteem – a gift that will stay with them throughout their lives.

ABOUT TRIPLE P – POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM Professor Matt Sanders is the founder of the Triple P — Positive Parenting Program®, based on over 30 years of ongoing research and used around the world. One of the goals of the Triple P — Positive Parenting Program® is to empower parents by providing them with evidence-based knowledge, skills and strategies to handle various parenting challenges. To find out more, including how you can now do Triple P Online, go to: www.triplepparenting.uk.net/online/

Eva Winter Osteopath Thames Valley East Families is looking for a motivated part-time salesperson. Good rate of basic pay plus commission. Sales background a must. email editor@familiestveast.co.uk to find out more.

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BSc (Hons), DPO • Providing safe and effective hands-on treatment for adults, children and babies • Vitality Osteopaths, 1st Floor 36 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB

For more information T: 01494 482028 M: 07776 448700 E: evaosteopathy@gmail.com W: evawinter.co.uk Registered with the General Osteopathic Council, British Osteopathic Association and Alumni for Paediatric Osteopathy

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

Nature

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Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy.

The books are all available online 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

Rascal: Lost in the Caves by Chris Cooper (Egmont £5.99)

Foxy Tales: The Great Jail Break by Caryl Hart and Alex T Smith (Hodder £4.99)

Beasts of Olympus: Beast Keeper

by Lucy Coats (Piccadilly £5.99)

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman (Simon & Schuster £7.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Rascal is having a great holiday with Joel and his family. He only wants to have fun but sometimes he gets into trouble and Joel has to smooth things out. They discover a cave which looks exciting but Rascal feels wary of going inside. However it is so tempting, the next morning they go back to explore. Soon they find themselves in great danger. Will they be able to find their way out of this frightening place?

ED SAYS: ‘Foxy DuBois and Alphonso the Alligator are back! The unlikely duo come across sacks full of money which they think is fantastic but will surely only spell trouble. They soon find themselves in front of a judge who sentences them to six months in jail. There they meet Eric-the-Evil and they try to come up with ingenious ways to escape but they soon realise they will need more than a Get Out of Jail Free card.

ED SAYS: ‘Twig loves living in Sidwell, Massachusetts, but she is quiet and shy and has never really had a friend.

When a new family arrives in the house next to their orchard she has a feeling that this summer her whole life could change. Could the spell of Twig’s family secret that makes them hide away be broken? And could Twig find herself surrounded by the family and friends she so much craves?

‘This is the start of Rascal’s adventures with Joel. It is a real page-turner for both boys and girls. For more stories about Rascal look out for the other books in this series.’

‘Laugh out loud as you follow the latest adventure in the super Foxy Tales series. This exciting story about two fantastic characters is enhanced by brilliant illustrations.’

ED SAYS: ‘Demon adores looking after animals. When his father, the Greek god Pan, takes him to Olympus to be a stable boy for the gods he feels as if life has changed – and not for the better. The stables are very smelly, the creatures are extremely difficult and the food is absolutely disgusting – and Demon is really missing his home. Will he be able to sort out the chaos in the stables and make his father proud?

And will the feast of the gods live up to its name?

‘This is a very funny story set in Ancient Greece. It introduces several well-known mythical creatures and is enhanced by imaginative illustrations.’

‘This is a beautifully written book by a highly accomplished author.You may find yourself bewitched by this magical and compelling story.’

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.

Places available for September start in Maidenhead preschool.

• • • • • • •

Daily sessions 9.15am-1pm with lunch Large outside space Social snack time High staff to child ratio Links to local schools Regular woodland visits Early years Foundation Stage Curriculum followed • Ofsted registered For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Niki on 07855 572336 or visit www.little-fishes-preschool.co.uk

Little Fishes Preschool Furze Platt War memorial Hall 75 Furze Platt Road Maidenhead SL6 7NG

Registered charity no: 1070343

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Bumps ‘n’ Babes

Day care dilemmas

By Lynne Murray

Day care is the fastest growing form of childcare in the UK and most children experience some kind of formal non-parental care by the age of 2 years. So what effect does day care have on the development of a child?

How can parents maximize its benefits and alleviate any difficulties arising?

F

irstly, any effects of day care on a child’s development are by far outweighed by his or her family influences. Secondly, research concludes overwhelmingly that the effects of day care are very dependent on its quality.

Fortunately, in the UK this is generally good.

In settings where there is good training and pay, and a high staff-to-baby ratio, day care staff have higher morale and a strong sense of professionalism and motivation, and there is likely to be a low staff turnover. All these things are linked to staff providing better care and having the skills to provide both good one-to-one care and to manage a group of babies.

Where day care is of a high standard, then there is no evidence of harmful effects on children’s development. Indeed, it can positively benefit language and cognitive development, as well as enhance a child’s social maturity and relationships with other children.

In spite of the potential benefits, helping a baby adjust to day care is not always easy.

Firstly, it is quite common for babies to be upset when their parents leave them. Each baby is an individual, and some just seem to find separations, as well as changes in routine and stimulation, harder than others. Separation distress may be more marked after around 9 or 10 months old,

when babies become more clearly aware of their attachment to their parents, and for this reason some parents prefer to make the transition to day care before then.

Some day care settings deal with the stress of separation by encouraging parents to stay with their baby, possibly over the course of some weeks, until the baby settles. If parents feel that their baby is particularly sensitive, and may find the transition to day care difficult, it is advisable to choose a setting which offers

this option, so that the baby can become accustomed to the environment and the staff. Where this is possible, it does seem that babies are less stressed by the separation experience.

Good settings commonly help babies manage day care by building active links with home. Parents may be encouraged to bring in special toys, blankets or other ‘attachment objects’ and settings may follow the routines that parents use at home, for example, for settling to sleep.

Having a system in place, like ‘day books,’ for passing on information about important events in the baby’s life, also help staff respond to each individual baby’s experience and support them sensitively.

Some parents worry that their baby will become more attached to day care staff than to them. There is no evidence of this, and parents are typically their baby’s strongest attachment figures.

Nevertheless, close attachments can form between babies and their day carers, especially when the carer is responsive and warm towards the baby. This quality of relationship is beneficial to the baby’s development.

Lynne Murray is Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Reading, and author of The Psychology of Babies: How Relationships Support Development from Birth to Two (Constable & Robinson 2014), in which more information on day care, as well as other aspects of babies’ development, is provided.

Music with Mummy Themed, fun music classes for children aged up to 5 years in small groups

Jolly Babies – specially designed for babies under one year

Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954 Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772 www.musicwithmummy.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Mums Who Mean Business

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Local mum, Sunita Gill, was looking for a sleek storage solution for her washing up utensils to fit in with her new, minimalist kitchen. When she couldn’t find one, she designed her own, launching a kickstarter campaign to fund the manufacture.

Who you are and where do you live?

My name is Sunita Gill and I live in Gerrards Cross.

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

My idea was born just over two years ago whilst designing our kitchen layout.

The sink utensils - the washing up liquid, hand wash and sponges - were compromising the minimalist aesthetic of my new kitchen.

What did you used to do?

I graduated from Kings College London University with a Pharmacy degree 17 years ago and have worked as a Community Pharmacist ever since. My career highlight was being selected to be part of the medical team caring for athletes at the London 2012

Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What inspired you to set up the business?

It all began after returning from the Olympic & Paralympic games. As a mother and amateur cook, I couldn't wait to embark on my kitchen renovation.

However the sink area seemed to antagonise the modern and sleek look that

Looking in vain for a safe online environment for their tween daughters to connect with their friends, Maidenhead mums, Claire Vincent and Gina Walter, decided to set up their own site. Working with their own 8-12 year olds, as well as getting input from other Tweens, they created TotallyTween.co.uk.

Who you are and where do you live?

We are Clare Vincent and Gina Walter, and we both live in Maidenhead.

We each have young families, Clare has two girls and Gina has a boy and two girls. We met twelve years ago when we sat opposite each other in the maternity ward having had our oldest children on the same day!

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

We have both always been entrepreneurial and driven, and have both had previous experience in running our own consultancy/businesses, and the time felt right to do it again.

What did you used to do?

Clare is a business and marketing specialist who spent more than 20 years in the television business, latterly as a BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution board member. Most recently she has been commercial director of a Windsor-based charity, where she was responsible for setting up an Ofsted-registered independent school.

Gina is a former London Stock Exchange marketing executive specializing in corporate advertising, who went on to be a director of her own Windsor-based retail bridal business.

Most recently she has been managing the office of a busy, expanding mainstream school in Berkshire.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

I was trying hard to create. Despite a lot of research I couldn’t find a sink tidy that even slightly complimented a stylish and

MAY/JUNE 2015

contemporary kitchen. It was at this point that I began to sketch out what was soon to become the PAVARA sink tidy. Two years and two prototypes later, I am thrilled to have filed the patent and registered the design.

What are your plans for the future?

My passion for great design and determination to create a sink tidy for modern kitchens, has delivered me to this point. The PAVARA sink tidy rotates at the touch of a button, revealing its contents. Then when not in use, you simply turn it around to match the aesthetics of your kitchen. There is a drainage system for wet sponges and so prevents limescale build up and germs. As the PAVARA sink tidy is made of polished steel and finished in gloss, it becomes a welcome addition to an elegant kitchen.

My next step after the kickstarter campaign, which is running from the 20th April to 29th May would be to see my product in Kitchenware retailers.

Go to www.pavara.co.uk for a link to the kickstarter campaign, where you can back the project by buying the product. Plus find out more about the business and its progress.

What inspired you to set up the business?

Clare originally came up with a concept by watching her girls and what they did online – especially after school when they would come home and go online to avatar/dress-up sites, or look at fashion sites and then re-connect with their friends via Facetime.

She wanted to find an environment where they could do all of that in a safe site, appropriate to their ages.

It has taken almost a year to launch the site, and it has changed slightly from the original ideas we discussed, but we are delighted with the way it has developed and grown organically into something the girls want to take part in. Our strapline is “For Tweens By Tweens”, and that’s exactly how the site has developed – with input from our own Tweens and by running a pilot with further Tweens.

What are your plans for the future?

We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline, from discussions with TV production companies, to following our Tweens through to teenagehood. But as we said, this site is driven by what the Tweens want to see and do, so who knows where that will actually lead us. What we think our future is might be completely different to what the Tweens want!

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Fam TVE 78.qxp 21/04/2015 21:09 Page 31

Classifieds

Previously featured on the Mums Who Mean Business pages, Natalie Trice always dreamt of writing a book, but it took her son’s hip dysplasia diagnosis to make it a reality. With her first book out this summer, she shares her ‘blog to book’ story with Families.

They say we all have a book inside of us, and this has always been the case for me. As a child I penned stories about fairies, Monday morning news writing was my favourite lesson, I have dozens of diaries from my teenage years and there’s a half written novel saved on my Mac. My youngest son spending the first four years of his life in and out of hospital was a nightmare, but the experience has turned my bookwriting dream into a reality.

Lucas was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) when he was four months old and our lives fell apart.

In a nutshell, DDH means that the ball and socket don’t fit snugly together in the hip joint. Treatment can be a long, lonely heartbreaking road and the last thing any new parent expects.

No DDH isn’t cancer, as a friend kindly pointed out to me, but it takes away childhoods, puts pressures on relationships and if diagnosed too late, it can have devastating, life long consequences.

Whilst there are books on pretty much every childhood condition and illness going, there was nothing about DDH. I had to cobble together information from the Internet and our hospital, and without STEPS, a wonderful charity, I would have been totally lost.

After four operations, a year spent in casts, and many challenging moments, at age four Lucas’ hips were getting stronger as was the nagging feeling that there needed to be a book out there to help parents.

I’d used my blog as a platform from writing about DDH, which was amazingly cathartic, but I didn’t want to stop there. Last year I signed up for a non-fiction book-writing course and for three months my tutors really put me through my paces.

Once I had completed the course I started to approach publishers and whilst many suggested self-publishing due to the niche subject matter, I kept going. My perseverance paid off when one November afternoon, as we were doing homework, I got a life changing email offering me a book deal - I simply couldn’t believe it.

With a March deadline and a target of 53,000 words, I had to dig deep emotionally and mentally to find the words needed to create a book people would want to read. Christmas came and went and during January and February I became a recluse and wrote that book, which is due out this summer.

I’m not a medical professional but I am a passionate mum who has lived and breathed DDH and wants to help others. From how to cope with the operations, getting to grips with changing a nappy when your baby is in a cast and ensuring siblings don’t feel abandoned, this book tells it how it is with a side of encouragement and love.

The Internet and social media open up a global market and whether it’s a mother round the corner in Marlow, or a devastated dad in Australia, I hope this comprehensive guide will offer advice, help and support to anyone who has a child with DDH. Today Lucas is a happy, healthy five year-old with the spirit of a warrior and a love of rugby and this book will be a legacy of his courage and determination.

Natalie is a freelance journalist and blogger (www.justbecauseilove.co.uk) who knows a thing or two about PR and social media too. Based in Buckinghamshire she is mummy to two little boys, wife to one husband and keeper of a cat and dog, all of whom who keep her busy and on her toes .

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Doudouclass Maidenhead Chinese School

Candle-making parties for children and grown-ups!

www.candlebyparties.co.uk

)%! (& ( $ $

Tuition:

Provided by a qualified and dedicated tutor.

Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/ Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE, Sciences and much more.

Tel: 01628 637008 or 07887 936484

MM Popcorn and Hotdog Hire

Local commercial popcorn and hotdog machine to hire

perfect for school fairs, christenings, community events, children’s parties From £80 machine hire only or £120 staed option

Call us on 07415 746 196 www.mm-popcorn-hire.co.uk

Mandarin classes for adults and children from 3.5 years old onwards EVERY SAT 1:30pm to 2:30pm Old Vic house, St Mary's Church SL61YY

Email:doudouclass@gmail.com

Call: 07979105918 Or: 07538820819 www.Doudouclass.co.uk

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Fam TVE 78.qxp 21/04/2015 21:09 Page 32

Come and see what makes our nurseries special!

Bourne End 01628 521522 Marlow 01628 487772

Beaconsfield 01494 677116 Old Windsor 01753 313030

New longer opening hours (7.30 till 6) from January 15

www.poppiesdaynursery.com Windsor Montessori School Established in1980 The 1st Montessori School in Berkshire AMI Registered Outstanding Ofsted Report

“Where children learn how to learn”

• Infant Programme: 6 - 18 months • Pre –Primary: 3 - 5 years

• Toddler Programme: 18 months - 3 years • Primary class: 5 - 9 years

Our mission is to foster a love of learning. We support children to be the principles of Montessori philosophy.

Staffed by highly qualified and experienced AMI teachers, our school is located swimming classes.

We also have an infant, toddler and parent session, as well as offering some and to support the child’s development in the home.

Sessions we offer for preschool are:

• Standard day: 9.15 to 3.30pm • Extended hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm • Morning session: 9.15am to 12.45pm (lunch club to 1.30pm) •

pre-primary children from 3 years to 5 years)

Romney Lock Road, Home Park, Windsor SL4 6HX Telephone: School: 01753 868399 Office: 01344 844592 Email: For Infant, toddler and pre-primary class: menik@windsor-montessori.com For Primary class: ann@windsormontesssorischool.co.uk

www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk