Families Thames Valley East May - June 2016 Issue 84

Thames Valley East May/June 2016 - Issue 84

FRE

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SUMMER CAMP SPECIAL

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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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3 News & Information 6 Clubs & Classes News EDUCATION 7 News 8 Ultimate Homework Guide 9 The Benefits of Outdoor Learning 10 SUMMER CAMPS SPECIAL 15 How to survive long car journeys 16 Festival Fun 17 How to teach our girls to be strong in the 21st Century HEALTH 18 Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip- The Life Changing Condition 19 Do you love your water?

20 COMPETITIONS 21 What’s On 26 Being a more mindful mother 27 How to help your child enjoy bedtime reading 28 How to make healthy granola bars 29 Travelling in Pregnancy MUMS WHO MEAN BUSINESS 30 Finding the Ideal Job after a Career Break 31 Classifieds www.FamiliesTVEast.co.uk T: 01628 627586 F: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,500 next issue: July/August 2016 due out: July 1, featuring: Summer Holiday Fun

The days are getting longer and warmer and there are lots of great events celebrating the Queen’s 90th year during May and June, keep an eye on our Facebook (www.facebook.com/FamiliesTVE) and Twitter (@FamiliesTVE) to learn more. We’re going to her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Party celebrations that are being held in Windsor’s Home Park during May and we can’t wait!

You also have the chance to win a family ticket to the Windsor LEGOLAND Resort on page 20. Acclaimed author Tanith Carey has written a great feature on raising strong girls on page 17. We’ll be back in July with our Summer Fun guide, plus loads of great education and parenting features and interesting things to do with the family.

Kids week is back for 2016

Throw your own street party for the Queen’s birthday!

It’s time to get the Union Jack bunting out again. Families across the country are being encouraged to organise their own street party to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday weekend (11 to 12 June). Running alongside the ‘World’s Biggest Street Party’ on London’s Mall on 12 June. Many communities held street parties for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and this a great opportunity to do it again. To find out more about holding a street party go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/yourguide-to-organising-a-street-party or for inspiration go to www.thebiglunch.com

The annual London theatre initiative where kids go free returns for the whole of August. Now in its 19th Year, Kids Week is about encouraging young people to get involved in theatre. A child aged 16 or under can go free to any participating show when accompanied by an adult paying full price.

Parents can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price. Shows include: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, MAMMA MIA!, The Mousetrap and Wicked.

Children can also take part in a fantastic range of free activities and events, often with the cast and crew of the resident shows.

Tickets for Kids Week will go on sale on Tuesday 14 June via the website www.kidsweek.co.uk.You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Maidenhead art event returns R

copy/advertising deadline: June 1 Cover Image: shutterstock.com

Art on the Street returns to Maidenhead town centre on June 11. Over 100 artists will take over the High Street at this fun, accessible art fair.You can buy original fine art and prints from a wide variety of artists and photographers, alongside live entertainment, artist demonstrations and delicious local produce. To find out more go to artonthestreet.org.uk

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Enrolling Now! Call your local school for details

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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

www.stagecoach.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2016

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News & Info

Get strolling for Walk to School Week

Work Opportunity with Families We are preparing to celebrate the launch of a fantastic new website this summer.

Destined to become the number one resource for local families, www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 local sites across the UK. Like our magazines, the local sites are guaranteed to give users the very best ideas for spending time with their family locally.

We have a number of flexible, home-based work opportunities available for Area Managers to run our local sites in various locations across Berkshire. As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and flexible role, which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make money! There are no set-up costs involved, you will be trained by industry experts and have the opportunity to develop valuable new skills in the digital, print and social media marketing industry. A background in marketing, sales, blogging or journalism would be beneficial. If you love engaging with people and have a flair for social media, this could be the perfect job for you. To register your interest, please send your CV to editor@familiestveast.co.uk

Say goodbye to traffic jams and lack of parking spaces and walk to school as part of the annual Walk to School week, running from 16 to 22 May. Organised by Living Streets and part of National Walking Month in May, it challenges schools and their pupils to walk to school more during the week. This year’s theme is ‘Strider’s Walk in the Wild’ with the walking habits and natural environments of different animal species being explored each day. Tuesday 17 May is ‘Happy Shoesday’ and children and teachers can wear the shoes that make them the happiest and donate £1. Money raised will go to Living Streets for work with schools, disability groups and local communities, and campaigning work to make UK streets safer for everyone.

Schools interested in getting involved should contact Living Streets for more information about available resources on 020 7456 9794 or for more information about National Walking Month, visit livingstreets.org.uk/nwm

Museums at Night Festival Now in its eighth year, the Museums at Night Festival offers families the chance to engage with history and culture in a unique and exciting way.

During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will open their doors after dark to put on a diverse array of special night-time events.

As part of the Festival, the Chiltern Open Air Museum will host a unique and exciting family evening event with a magical enchanted theme.You can meet a princess on a real life unicorn, enjoy storytelling, crafts and spellbinding activities in the Museum’s historic buildings and grounds, lit up by candle, lantern and firelight for you to explore. The event will be held on Saturday 14th May 4pm – 8.30pm and fancy dress is encouraged. To find out more go to www.coam.org.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

New Soft Play at Jump In Trampoline Arena

News & Info

Looking for an awesome activity for children to do?

Jump In Trampoline Arena combines the best of soft play with their Mini Jump trampolines! Their two-storey soft play frame includes: baby area, two slides, crawl tunnels, spinning disc, ball pit and lots more for your little ones to explore! Their sessions allow children 5 years and under to play for 2 hours in their designated Mini Jump and run free in their gated soft play area. Jump & Play is open every day from 10am-7pm and prices range from £4-£10. Jump & Play birthday parties available! www.gojumpin.com/activities/jump-play/ 01753 387080 hello@gojumpin.com

Local literacy charity gets community funding The Berkshire Community Foundation and Englefield Charitable Trust have shown their support for improving literacy via grants to local reading charity ABC to Read.

The £3,618 and £750 respective grants have been awarded to support the recruitment of volunteers who will serve as reading mentors to local school children. The youngsters who join the scheme are selected by their schools as those struggling most with their reading and who would strongly benefit from one-to-one support.

Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read Chief Operating and Development Officer, said: “Receiving such generous support from funders within our community is a great endorsement of the work we do and the impact that is made in the lives of our local youngsters through improved reading skills.

These grants will open the door for more volunteers to be recruited and trained and more children to be given the opportunity to improve their reading and with it, their future opportunities.”

ABC to Read is actively looking for new schools and volunteers to benefit from the scheme.

For more information or to book onto the next training course, please visit www.abctoread.org.uk or email abctoread@btconnect.com

School Uniform, Sportswear Custom Clothing Solutions & Workwear

• School Uniforms for most schools in Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough & Burnham area • Complete Design, Embroidery, Screen printing & alteration services • Stockists of all official scouting and girlguiding organisations & dancewear • School Shoes - black & brown - Startrite and Asics

01628 639725 • sales@goyals.co.uk www.goyalmaidenhead.co.uk 28 Bridge Street, Maidenhead Berkshire, SL6 8BJ

Calling all aspiring young writers!

Is your child excellent with words? Do they like telling stories? Or do you want to encourage their creativity? Well it’s time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Child and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500 word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres.

Whether it’s an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland and £500 worth of books for their school. Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is June 7.

Children can fill out an application form at their local Explore Learning Centre at Maidenhead 01628 509 570, Slough 01753 362 500 or Camberley 01276 406 868 or enter online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Clubs & Classes News Lights, Camera, Action for children and adults...

Resource Productions is a Film Production and Training Company based in Slough.

They have been training the next generation of young filmmakers for the past 15 years locally within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey. They work for organisations that include Pinewood Studios, British Film Institute, BAFTA and Channel 4. All of their filmmaking courses are led by industry professionals. Tutors are DBS checked and regularly work with children and young people. They also run

Film & Creative Writing Course for adults with their next courses in June and December. Kids can take part in their Summer Camp at Brigidine School in Windsor for children aged 8-15, from July 25-29. Find out more: www.resourceproductions.co.uk/youth-training.

If you are interested in any of their training programmes please call 01753 553374 or email:projects@resourceproductions.co.uk

Marlow theatre school gears up for Summer show.

Razzamataz Marlow is getting ready to start their summer term and you can be part of the fun too! They will be working on their show which involves all of their students aged 4 and up. All the students will showcase their talents learnt during their classes, which include pop singing, musical theatre, drama and street dance.

It is well-documented that the performing arts offer a wealth of health and life benefits for young people and the show term builds confidence, teaches selfdiscipline and teamwork. They are also taking bookings for their Summer School which is being held from 15-19 August at St Peter’s School, Prospect Road, Marlow.

The fun packed week will have the theme of the Disney hit, The Lion King. The week is for children aged 4-16 and they will spend the week singing, dancing and acting, plus prop making and practising audition technique. 4-7 year olds, 9.30 -12.30, £85 and 8-16 year olds, 9.30 - 3.30, £135.

Earlier 12:30 finish on Friday for presentation. Get 10% off if you book by May 31. To secure your child’s FREE TASTER SESSION at a Saturday morning class or book The Razz Marlow Summer School contact Razzamataz Marlow: marlow@razzamataz.co.uk or 01628 854944. www.razzamataz.co.uk.

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Does your child LOVE to perform?

Well COmotion Theatre School could be exactly what you’re looking for and the goods news is they’re launching a new school in Englefied Green. They provide foundation training in three central disciplines of performance (singing, dancing and acting) in a fun, safe environment, for children aged 6-18. They cover a wide range of styles and techniques and also put on shows every year, as they believe the only way a student can develop as a performer is to perform!

Their NEW Englefield Green branch opens June 2016 with classes held every Thursday evening at St Cuthbert’s primary school.

Register for a FREE trial today at www.comotiontheatreschool.co.uk or call 07729214655

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

.............Education News...............

Kids to get mini computers This year, every Year Seven child in the UK will get their own BBC Micro:bit. This tiny computer helps children begin to learn code and get used to technology from an early age. There are lots

of different applications for this little gadget, from creating a digital watch and using it as a fitness aid to count your steps, to making games or controlling a music player.

Around one million children will receive the Micro:bit from the BBC, which is passionate about helping children to both access technology and develop skills that will benefit them in their later lives.

Maidenhead business celebrates half a century Goyals is celebrating their 50th year in business, making them one of the longest serving suppliers of school uniform, work and sports wear in the area. They also supply local Cricket, Running, Rowing and Sailing clubs across the UK. Whilst their product offering has expanded significantly over the decades, their strong commitment to customer service has remained the same.

Leading the helm today is business woman Seema Goyal, who has worked for the company for over 22 years and has a degree in Child Psychology. Seema is the driving force behind the business and is continually engaging with suppliers, clients and local sports clubs to ensure the best quality of service for her customers. Her mother-in-law started the business in 1966 and Seema attributes their success to her. She is also grateful for the support of her husband, Dr Rajan Goyal.

Seema has also been a business advisor to pupils at Clares Court School for several years, supporting the students with their annual Young Enterprise Scheme.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Her vision for the company’s future is to expand into other areas. "As we continue to grow Goyals, we are very excited about expanding into the manufacturing aspect of our business.�

This new venture is already showing signs of success with Goyals providing high quality material samples to three companies in the UK. Goyals covers the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough, Colchester, Manchester and the Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire.

For more information, please visit www.goyals.co.uk or like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/GoyalsMaidenhead/

MAY/JUNE 2016

Academy Battles

The Government has announced that it plans to turn all schools into Academies, taking them out of local Education Department control.

Parents and teachers have expressed their concerns about the plans, which they say will be disastrous for education.

The National Union of Teachers which represents staff at many schools across the UK, has organised protests across the country.

The government says that it is making the change because Academies, which are not within local authority control, are able to raise standards as they are more autonomous. They say that heads have more powers to improve failing schools and that greater control is put into the hands of teachers and heads.

However, critics of the scheme have said that the move will have a devastating effect on schools, as there is no evidence that Academies perform better than other schools.

It will also reduce the role of parent governors, who currently help decide school policy. It will also shift ownership of the schools to private companies who will be able to sell off the land if they wish. In 2012, ministers admitted that Academy school playing fields could be sold off without any checks.

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Education

THE ULTIMATE HOMEWORK GUIDE

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. However, it does bring benefits: helping you see what your children have been doing in class, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and reinforcing learning.

So how can you make homework run as smoothly as possible and avoid it becoming a chore for the whole family?

Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm.

However you might both prefer homework to be completed at the earliest opportunity so they can go off and relax, or favour a spell of winding down after

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school – simply see what works for your child. If, like many primary schoolers, they only get one or two pieces of homework a week, it might be best to tackle it at the weekend when they’re not tired from school.

Help, yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler.

You may also need to clarify what a question means or provide support if they’re stuck. But do remember it’s their homework not yours – if you’re having to do it all for them on a regular basis, it may be too difficult for your little one - discuss this with their teacher.

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How much is too much?

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much homework, again, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher. Additionally, if it’s taking what you feel is an inappropriate amount of time on a particular day, don’t be afraid to stop and write him or her a note along the lines of ‘X spent an hour doing this and we felt it was enough’.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Oldfashioned Parenting' and ' How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR LEARNING

Education which experts say appear to boost our immune systems and lower blood pressure and stress levels.

So next time you feel you need a boost or your child says they are bored, look to nature, not the iPad. Georgina Rodgers is a journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Just how important is outdoor play and why does it matter? By Georgina Rodgers

C

an your child tell you where conkers come from? Decipher a Blue Tit from a Bullfinch? Do they know what leaf will calm a nettle sting?

Lost in a world of phones, tablets and technology, our children are playing and learning outside less than every before.

Many of us believe in an idyllic childhood, where our children run around outdoors with their friends digging, exploring and climbing but recent surveys paint a very different story, with one recent government study showing that 12 per cent of children have not visited a natural environment in the previous year and most of our children spend half as much time outside compared to a generation ago.

More children are now admitted to hospitals for injuries resulting from falling out of bed, rather than falling out of trees.

The reasons for this are complex but include commercialisation of play, limited time because children have more out-ofschool activities, parents’ concerns about safety and lack of green space on our doorsteps.

Smarter, healthier and happier children Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are countless benefits to outdoor play. It’s not only about learning about our natural environments and the creatures and plants that inhabit it; it is about what happens when children are in nature that really counts. Everyone from respectable teachers and educationalists, to doctors and mental health experts agree that nature is important to children’s development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. A recent study by the American Medical Association said: “Children will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier, happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play in out-ofdoors.”

Being in the natural world allows children to develop their strength and coordination and gain self-confidence. They

Telephone: 01628 627 586

HOWLAND TUTORS (MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency

(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

also have a great need for physical exercise and going to the park or exploring the local woods is a chance to use different muscles to swing, slide, skate, scoot or ride a bike. The increase in obesity is the most visible symptom of the lack of outdoor play with the number of obese children tripling over the past 25 years. Even for the youngest children being pushed on a swing means they need to engaged their muscles to hold on and balance and co-ordinate their bodies to the rhythm of going back and forwards. This has a knock on effect on sleep and eating habits. The Play Strategy for Scotland 2013 says: “Open space allows children to be physically active and challenge themselves so they sleep and eat well and form healthy habits that will stay with them for life.”

There are a number of other benefits, from learning about risk assessment and problem solving to improving their eyesight, with one study showing that just 40 minutes outside a day reduces school children’s chances of becoming shortsighted by 23 per cent. There is also a marked improvement in mental health, which is particularly important given the current rise in rates of mental health problems among young people and a number of studies have shown also shown a reduction in problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Forest schools and outdoor classrooms Studies have also shown as well as free play where children learn, learning outside the classroom significantly raised standards and improves pupil’s personal, social and emotional development, with growth in forest schools – a Scandinavian import that is becoming increasingly widespread in primary schools across the UK. Nature is not just good for our children – it is good for us too and undoubtedly has a healing effect on the body. When you spend a few hours walking in the woods or camping by a lake with our children, we breath in fresh air and phytoncides, an airborne substance released by plants,

MAY/JUNE 2016

offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk

Wednesday 22nd June 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Summer Camps & Classes

HOLIDAY CAMP SPECIAL

Keep your children happy and busy all Summer long with our guide to some of the best holiday camps and activities in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, some are also booking for May Half-Term. *MAIDENHEAD and district* Artspiration will be offering a four day workshop, Art Scout Juniors at St Peter's Church, Maidenhead, SL6 7QU. Suitable for children aged 5- 12 years, packed with Art and Craft this summer. Children will get to work with mosaics, print making, mod roc, plaster casting, pencil shading, water colours, soft pastels, etc. These workshops are led by an Artspiration teachers,

who are all professional artists and well experienced with working with children. They are also offering a 10% discount if you refer a friend.

Register your interest now as places are limited.

For more details go to www.artspiration.co.uk or email info@artspiration.co.uk Bray Lake Watersports are offering their ever-popular school holiday activities again this year! With a variety of 1, 2 and 5 day courses

running weekdays from 9.30am-5pm your child can learn to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, dinghy sail and windsurf. Work towards one sport alone or gain essential skills in a variety of sports. Courses are suitable for 8-15 years with sibling discounts available.

Course price include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and 5-day courses include relevant RYA and BCU log-books and certificates. Day courses: £59, 5-day courses: £255 info@braylake.com 01628 638860; www.braylake.com FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS at the Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, throughout the school holidays. 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. For more information call on 01628 683964 or visit www.wamster.org.uk Living Tennis HOLIDAY CAMPS are open to children aged 4+, all abilities welcome. They run active sessions guaranteed to be lots of fun for all.

Holiday camps are running at the following venues: St Pirans school and Bisham Abbey National sports centre. May half term dates: Tues 31 May - Friday 3 June Summer holidays dates: 7 weeks, starting 11 July and running until WC 22 August. Bookings are now open, contact 01628 487775 or visit their website: www.livingtennis.co.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check Emma’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com

REDROOFS SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ONSTAGE HOLIDAY WEEKS at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY, for children aged 6-14. *** Monday 25 July - Friday 29 July, WEST END TO BROADWAY (ages:6-14); *** Monday 1 August - Friday 5 August, LITTLE GIRLS ANNIE WARBUCKS WEEK (ages: 6-13); *** Monday 8 August - Friday 12 August, IT’S THE BIZ (ages:8-15); *** Monday 15 August- Friday 19 August, CHARLIE’S BUCKETFUL OF MUSICALS (ages:5-10+); *** Monday 22 August - Friday 26 August, A SPOONFUL OF MUSICAL THEATRE (ages:6-13). *** 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. £245.00.

Call 01628 674092 • www.redroofs.co.uk

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Magnet Leisure Centre will be running HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES during May Half-Term and the summer. To book call 01628 685333; www.leisurecentre.com/Magnet-LeisureCentre Moon Tuition 11+ SUMMER CAMP takes place in Maidenhead and Reading 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/summerschool.php Newlands Girls School in Maidenhead has a fantastic 23m indoor pool and they offer a number of different session for the community, outside of school hours, including AQUA AEROBICS, FAMILY SWIMS, CHILDREN’S LESSONS. They are running a couple of SPORTS DAYS during May half-term and for 3 weeks in August during the Summer holidays for children over 8 years old between 10am – 1pm. For all information regarding the pool email alanprice@newlandsgirls.co.uk or phone 01628 502641.

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is running ONSTAGE HOLIDAY WEEKS at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6

Summer Camps & Classes 3QY, for children aged 6-14. Monday 25 July Friday 29 July, WEST END TO BROADWAY (ages:6-14); Monday 1 August - Friday 5 August, LITTLE GIRLS ANNIE WARBUCKS WEEK (ages: 6-13); Monday 8 August - Friday 12 August, IT’S THE BIZ (ages:8-15); Monday 15 August- Friday 19 August, CHARLIE’S BUCKETFUL OF MUSICALS (ages:5-10+); Monday 22 August - Friday 26 August, A SPOONFUL OF MUSICAL THEATRE (ages:613). 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. £245.00. 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, Mon 30th May to Fri 3rd Jun, cost £70. Summer Holidays, Mon 25th Jul to Fri 29th Jul, cost £70. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364 364.

Stagecoach Maidenhead is running two one-week HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS from Monday 1 August-Friday 5 August and Monday 15 August-Friday 19 August at Manor Green School, Maidenhead. Early Stages ages 46, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Final Show 12.00pm £75 per child and £40 for siblings. Main School: Ages 6-16. Full days from 10am-4pm. Final Show at 4pm. Cost:£130 and £75 for siblings.

0118 9712870: 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 11 to Friday September 2. 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).

DISCOVERY CLUB for ages 7-13 (football, dancing, horseriding 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, a visit to the space planetarium and much more. Times: 9am-5pm, extended day 8am-6pm. 0844 561 1606; www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk. They have also just partnered up with Jumpin, Slough and will be operating a holiday club with them! Bookings via Jumpin web site!

Building confidence through performing arts Stagecoach Maidenhead is running two one-week

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS from Monday 1st August-Friday 5th August and Monday 15th August-Friday 19th August

at Manor Green School.

Early Stages ages 4-6:9.30-12.30 Final Show 12.00pm

£75 per child and £40 for siblings.

Main School:Ages 6-16.full days from 10am-4pm. Final Show at 4pm.

Cost:£130 and £75 for siblings.

0118 9712870: or emailmaidenehead@stagecoach.co.uk. * * * The largest network of part-time performing arts school in the UK. Nurturing and developing young potential through the performing arts.

To find out more ring

01189 712870

www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Summer Camps & Classes *SLOUGH, BURNHAM & LANGLEY* 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 month. For more information please visit www.artclassesgroup.com or call 07501 644537.

Burnham Lighthouse will be running their CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY CLUB at Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, from Monday 25 July to 29 July, for ages 4-11. Pre-registration is essential via the website.

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.Visit www.groundworksouthlearning.org.uk for more details.

Jump In & Wise Owls have teamed up to create fun filled HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMPS from 9am-5pm during May half term and the Summer holidays! Provides challenging and fun activities for children aged 5-12 years old with a number of sports, play and craft activities. The children are cared for by our friendly, qualified and caring team. There will be 2 hours of jumping every day along with a variety of games and activities for all ages.

Ofsted Approved. £25 for a whole day of supervised fun! Childcare vouchers accepted. hello@gojumpin.com, 01753 387080. www.gojumpin.com/trampoline-holiday-camps-are-here/ Liquid Leisure Waterski & Wakeboard. THE KIDS CABLE CLUB runs Saturday and Sunday mornings 9am & 10am. Beginner Boat & Cable Courses are suitable for first time waterskiers or wakeboarders from 5 years old. Set on a freshwater private lake, the waterpark also features an Aqua Park suitable for 8 years plus, beach area, open swimming (8 years plus) and a licensed café bar.Visit www.liquidleisure.com, email info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500.

MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check Rosie’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Phoenix Trampoline Club will be holding their JUST BOUNCE summer classes at East Berkshire College, Langley on Fridays throughout the holidays between 10am - 12pm. Please go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email trampolining@phoenixgym.co.uk or call on 01628 778 881 to book a place. Available for members and non-members.

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools are running school holiday 5 DAY INTENSIVE CRASH COURSE swimming lessons at at the Teikyo School, Wexham for children aged 3-12. Easter Holidays, 4th - 8th April, cost £70.

May half-term, 30th May - 3rd June, cost £70. Summer Holidays, 25th - 29th July, cost £70. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364 364.

Twinkle Tots Ballet SUMMER SCHOOL is being held from Monday 25 Friday 29 July 2016 at Burnham Park Hall, Burnham, Slough. This year’s theme: The Four Seasons. Join Miss Louise for a fun filled week of dancing, suitable for age 2 and upwards. With a daily ballet class, arts and crafts, modern dance for the older group and then help create your own ballet show to perform on the Friday to friends and family! 10-11am for 2-4years, cost £36 for the week; 4 years +, 11am-1pm, cost £66 for the week. Book your place online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Call 07828 857061 or email:summerschool@twinkletotsdance.com. Places are limited. Book your place now! *WINDSOR* Busy Buttons CREATIVE & SPORTY CAMP. 3 -14 year olds are offered a fantastic opportunity to learn and express themselves using digital and traditional media while model making sets, props, puppets, costumes, execute design concepts from 2D to 3D, to animate, sculpt, sew, paint, film and more, tutored by experienced film and television professionals. Educational day trips, competitions, team building and confidence boosting challenges, sports, nutrition, taekwondo, fitness, yoga and customised insights by professionals give the children a diverse, whole experience. OFSTED APPROVED, The camp is held at Upton House School, Windsor from 31 May – 3 June and 11 July – 12 August, 8:30am - 4pm (extended hours 8am - 6pm) CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED. RBWM Advantage Card discount and other offers. They are also an Arts Award Centre. 07952418212, contact@busybuttons.org; www.busybuttons.org EzeeSwim offers one-to-one and two-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 07766258279.

FILM-MAKING SUMMER SCHOOL is being held at Brigidine School, Windsor, SL4 2AX for children age 8-15 from Monday 25 to Friday 29 July, from 10am till 4pm. For children who love films, whether it’s creating them or acting

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Summer Camps & Classes in them! The week will cover camera, lighting, sound, editing and acting. Practical exercises, workshops and masterclasses will be led by film industry professionals. At the end of the week, parents will get the opportunity to watch the films with their children at a premiere screening. Price £200 per child (£175 with advantage card). Call Oliver or Andrew to book: 01753 553374 or email: projects@resource-productions.co.uk. More information at www.bit.ly/rpyouth 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. For more information call 01628 683964 or visit www.wamster.org.uk The Gap Club Ltd is holding May Half-Term and Summer Holiday Camps in Old Windsor, Wraysbury & Thorpe. They provide 'outstanding' Ofsted registered childcare services and their Holiday Clubs/Camps offer a wide range of exciting activities and workshops for children aged 3 - 14yrs. They ensure all activities are tailored to your child's individual needs and include daily Arts & Crafts, Cooking and Sports workshops. They offer sibling discounts and also accept childcare vouchers. For more information please contact 0785 407 8728 or email hc_thegapclub@yahoo.co.uk or visit: www.thegapclub.com.

Hands-On-Art Adventures will be running Creative Workshops each morning 10am-11:30am (Tues-Fri) during May Half-Term and the Summer Holidays, the Potters Wheel can also be booked on Holiday afternoons. Pop-in to paint pottery any time. For more information on all our Pottery, Art & Craft Activities please see www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206 265 Little Kickers will be running a SUMMER CAMP for 3.5 - 7 year olds at St. Edwards Middle School, Windsor from Monday August 1- Friday August 5.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 their 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 Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding their popular daily summer camps SUMMERSAULTS throughout the holidays for 5-12 year olds, members and non members. 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 a May Half-Term and Summer Camp to book call 01753 778577; www.leisurecentre.com/Windsor-LeisureCentre *Marlow & M40 Corridor*

Flackwell Heath Tennis Camps, The Straight Bit, HP10 9LS. Open to all ages and abilities. Camps include: Shot of the day, fun competitions, coaching and mini matches. Tuck Shop. May Half term: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Summer holidays July and August: Mondays ,Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Half Day: 10am-12.45pm £22. Full Day: 10.00-16.00 £37, 2 days £68, 3 days £95, 4 days £121. For more information and bookings call Justin: 07788591778 or E-mail justincooktennis@live.co.uk; www.jctennis.co.uk Living Tennis HOLIDAY CAMPS are open to children aged 4+, all abilities welcome. They run active sessions guaranteed to be lots of fun for all. Holiday camps are running at the following venues: St Pirans school and Bisham Abbey National sports centre. May half term dates: Tues 31 May - Friday 3 June Summer holidays dates: 7 weeks, starting 11 July and running until WC 22 August. Bookings are now open, contact 01628 487775 or visit their website: www.livingtennis.co.uk Razzamataz Marlow SUMMER ACADEMY at St Peter's Primary School, Marlow from 15-19 August. Based on the hit musical and classic Disney film ‘The Lion King’. The week will be action packed with singing, dancing and acting, as well as prop making, audition technique and lots of fun! All ending in a presentation for friends and family. 9:30am-12:30pm. 4-7 year olds. £85. 9:30am-3:30pm. 8-16 year olds. £135. Earlier 12:30 finish on Friday for presentation. Early-bird booking discount of 10% if booked before 31 May. Contact marlow@razzamataz.co.uk, visit www.marlow.razzamataz.co.uk or call 01628 854944.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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 3 – 14yrs Holiday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead > Jumpin, Slough After school clubs > Courthouse > Oldfield > Furze Platt Schools > Holyport Scout Hut, Maidenhead Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Centre > St. Peters Church, Maidenhead

Summer club dates 11th July – 2nd September 2016 Quality childcare from just £3.60 per hour E: info@wiseowlsclub.co.uk W: www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk

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Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow will be holding HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Wycombe High School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from Monday 1 Friday 5 August. JUNGLE JIVE (4-6yrs), 9.30am12.30pm, £90, sibling £65. This 5-day workshop is perfect for budding young performers.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST (6-16yrs), 9.15am -

4.15pm, £50 deposit, £160, sibling £130. Make new friends and gain confidence. RAZZLE, DAZZLE BROADWAY (15+ years), 10am5pm,£160, sibling £130. 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/highwycombe Super Camps will be running MULTIACTIVITY, and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 4 to 14 years) during the 2016 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 MULTIACTIVITY, RAW adventure and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 4 to 14 years) during the 2016 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

JEMA Swim School will be running a SUMMER CRASH COURSE in Ascot. For more details call Sarah on 07768862381 or email jemakswimschool@hotmail.com; jemakswim.co.uk MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August. Check the Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information, www.madacademy.com Super Camps will be running MULTIACTIVITY, RAW ADVENTURE and A PASSION FOR camps (for children aged 3 to 14 years) during the 2016 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. www.genevievesgallery.co.uk

*ASCOT and BRACKNELL district*

Learn to swim the eZee way in just 4 weeks

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

Please go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/SummerCamps 2016 to see our listings online

Details correct at time of going to press (April 2016) but may be subject to change.

-children one to one and two to one classes -all ages and abilities -crash courses T: 01344 885675 M: 07766 258279 E: info@ezeeswim.co.uk www.ezeeswim.co.uk

Twinkle Tots Dance

Summer School July 2016

For Little Kickers classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley & Marlow. 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

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun!

Monday 25th - Friday 29th July 2016 Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Ln, Burnham, SL1 7HR From Age 2 upwards, from £36 for the week Book online at twinkletotsdance.com

Call for Birthday Party entertainment information

www.littlekickers.co.uk

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Bringing the magic of dance to children

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

ARE WE THERE YET?

Travel

By Sally J. Hall

Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids

T

ravelling long distances with kids can be tricky. They get bored, they need entertaining, they argue and they think even a short journey is the longest ever!

Here are some ways to get there without going grey in the process.

Create a magical destination If the children know where you’re going and what they’ll find when you get there, they can be more enthusiastic about the journey. Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet they can fill in with things they spot and have a ‘prize’ when they get there for being good.

Pack Snacks Kids get bored if energy levels drop, so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. However, let the front passenger control these so they don’t eat them all at once. Always save sweet treats until last and make sure drinks are in spill-proof cups.

Play Games Why not play the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice on pub signs, shops, etc. - and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize.

You can also have endless discussions about whether mythical creatures like dragons count or not.

Alternatively, spot coloured cars – yellow and blue are unusual enough to be worth it.

Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of tablets at home, this is when they are worth their weight in gold. Give each child their

Why not play the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice

favourite film, and of course headphones. If you only have one tablet, you can buy an inexpensive converter for two sets of headphones. Then you don’t have to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times.

If they are getting really stir crazy, classical music can calm them. Try Mozart clarinet and string concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or Classic FM. Know where you’re going Make sure you have directions to where you’re going or invest in a Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your smartphone, or alternatively get a helping hand from the AA (aa.com).

Other essential tips ● Travel at a time when your children would usually be sleeping or napping.

● Take plenty of loo breaks and a portable potty.

● Take exercise breaks to allow them to let off steam. Some service stations have play rooms. ● Take a change of clothing.

● If your child gets car sick, encourage them to look at the horizon and pack a few plastic bags!

● Take some colouring books and pens or pencils, sticker books and games. ● Take pillows and blankets.

● Keep a mini first aid kit in the car.

● Allow more time than you need to allow for traffic jams.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.

She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

We are a super-friendly Ofsted registered day nursery providing high quality childcare for babies from three-months-old to children up to the age of five set within the bright, modern surroundings of Windsor Leisure Centre.

Open for 51 weeks a year!

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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photo: Wilderness Festival

Family Time

FESTIVAL FUN

By Sally J. Hall

How to survive your first festival with the kids Introducing your children to music is a great way to give them a love of everything from folk to classical. Many of the UK’s festivals have plenty to do for the whole family so you’ll all have a great time.

Where to stay If you have a tent, this can be the cheapest option. Check the tent before you go. A good ground sheet is a must, as are camp beds or self-inflating air beds and a playpen for babies.

Pre-erected tents,Yurts and teepees may be provided. Take a look at what’s suitable.

If you can’t face roughing it, book a local hotel or bed & breakfast.

Site Map Check where your favourite bands will be and the loos and showers. For small kids, take a travel potty, as kids often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly.

Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too.

Pushchairs can be tricky to use if the ground is muddy. Carriers are more portable and take up less space...

Camp in the family or quiet areas so as not to be kept awake through the small hours.

Setting up Car parks can be a way from camps, so pack gear in a couple of backpacks.

Some festivals rent a wagon to transport your stuff, which you can then use to pull the kids around in.

What to eat Food stalls can be pricey. If you want to do your own cooking, invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot meals are best, or freeze some homemade meals and take them in a cool box. Take lots of snacks too.

Safety Kids should have your name on them in case they get separated. Make sure

your phone is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.

Dress them in bright clothes and take a photo of them each morning so you know what they are wearing each day.

Keep valuables with you in a day pack.

Fancy dress Many festivals now have a fancy dress parade, so take costumes, face paints, glow sticks and bubbles.

Packing list Waterproofs and wellies, comfy shoes • Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up sponge bag you can take to the shower • Toothbrushes and paste • Lots of changes of clothing • Warm jumpers and socks • Sun screen and hats • A baby carrier • Torch and batteries • Phone and charger • Ear defenders • Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes • Insect repellent • First aid kit • Comfy clothes • Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery • Small backpacks for all, with a change of clothes, loo paper, wipes and snack in each, plus drinks • Camera

Here are some of our favourite family friendly festivals:

Elderflower Fields, 27-30 May, East Sussex This festival takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Pippingford Park and promises a weekend of wild adventure and eclectic music. It’s a very family friendly festival held early in the season. elderflowerfields.co.uk Curious Arts Festival, 22-24 July, Hampshire The Curious Arts Festival is a celebration of artistic talent held in the lovely New Forest. Children can enjoy art workshops and bedtime stories, and there's an impressive mix of music and comedy. Some of the best contemporary authors and poets will also be dropping in to talk about their work. curiousartsfestival.com Wilderness, 4-7 August, Oxfordshire Celebrating nature, culture and music and great food in the lovely setting of Cornbury Park. Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters are headlining, alongside the Flaming Lips and Crystal Fighters. wildernessfestival.com Green Man, 18 - 21 August, Brecon Beacons, Wales. A firm favourite on the festival circuit and a great one for families. James Blake and Belle and Sebastian are some of the great acts performing. greenman.net Shambala, 25 - 28 August, Northamptonshire. An eco-friendly arts, culture and musical festival in rural East Midlands. Dressing up is expected and this year’s theme is Myths & Monsters. shambalafestival.org The Big Feastival, 26 - 28 August, The Cotswolds.

Blur bassist Alex James hosts this food and music extravaganza on his own farm in the Cotswolds to raise money for the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation. thebigfeastival.com/

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

In Case of Emergency Identification

Have you ever had that sinking feeling in a crowded public place that your child has wandered off?

Panic sets in because they have no ID on them and they don’t know your mobile number, especially when scared and upset?

If YOU OR YOUR CHILD has an Allergy • On any medication • Or have any medical conditions They should never leave home without proper Identification!

Orders can be placed ONLINE at www.iceid.co.uk or email Gila on info@iceid.co.uk

In Case of Emergency Identification

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

HOW TO TEACH OUR GIRLS TO BE STRONG IN THE 21ST CENTURY

By Tanith Carey

G

irls usually get off to a flying start.

They talk early, are sociable from a young age and often throw themselves into school. But somewhere around the age of nine or ten, their confidence can take a nose-dive. They become confused by mixed messages, which tell them they can be anything, but the most important thing about them is how they look. They are baffled to be told they should always try their best - but at the same time should not stand out too much.

This is also the age when they are also heading into their most vulnerable phase of life - their teen years – when they will be stepping through a minefield of sexual politics, played on phones and over the internet But as the author of the new book Girls, Uninterrupted, I know that we can create a strong core of self-belief in our girls’ formative years, they will be better able to resist the pressure to behave in ways which are not always good for them later on.

My daughters are not weak and defenceless and neither are yours. But in a challenging world full of mixed signals about how they should look and who they should be, here’s FIVE ways to make girls stronger when they need it most.

START EARLY: The tween years – the ages between seven and twelve – offer a critical window when parents can help girls develop an unassailable sense of self. It’s during this period that our power to positively influence our children is also at its peak – before the inevitable separation of adolescence means our daughters’ peers begin to drown us out. If we really work at staying connected to our girls in those years, we have a better chance of being able to guide them when things get really tough when they are teens.

KEEP TALKING: The good news is that the latest research shows the best defence against bad influences is you, the parent.

One upside of the sexualised culture is that fewer topics are off-limits when we talk to our children – and in my book Girls, Uninterrupted, you will see there really are age-appropriate ways to tackle every subject, from sexting to to selfharming. To help make this possible, set aside – and stick to – a regular, special time for you and your daughter to spend together. Let her decide what you do together so she feels able to relax and

Telephone: 01628 627 586

enjoy it. Don’t lecture, and let her bring up topics of conversations that are important to her. Resist the temptation to preach, judge or over-react, so she keeps coming back. If we really work at

staying connected to our girls early on, we have a better chance of being able to guide them when things get tougher.

EXPLAIN HOW TO RECOGNISE NEGATIVE VOICES IN HER HEAD: When a girl hears a voice telling her she’s not good enough, she tends to assume it’s right. Tell her that just because she hears it, doesn’t mean she has to listen. Help her give self-critical thoughts a name so can recognise they are worries rather than realities and that she can choose to ignore them. Show her too how to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For

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Parenting example, if that inner voice tells her, ‘You can’t do this’, show her she can substitute that thought with: ‘This might be tricky, but I can learn.’

SHOW YOUR DAUGHTER HOW TO BE HER OWN BEST FRIEND: From around the age of about nine, girls can start to give themselves a very hard time for saying or doing the wrong thing. First, tell her not to be so tough on herself – and tell her how you, as an adult, have also made mistakes. By the same token, little girls are told to love their mummies, daddies, siblings and pets – yet we often forget to give our daughters permission to love themselves too.

Tell her that being her own best friend doesn’t make her big-headed – it just makes means she’s looking out for herself.

TRAIN HER TO BECOME MEDIA LITERATE: In a world where a young girls will see more pictures of physical beauty in one month than we saw in a year, girls need training to process these images. In the two minutes you take to show her how a magazine photograph of an ultra-skinny perfect celebrity has been airbrushed, you have taught her not to hold herself up to an image of perfection that doesn’t exist.

Tanith Carey is the author of ‘Girls, Uninterrupted: Steps for Building Stronger girls in a Challenging World, published by Icon, £7.99.’

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Health

DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP – THE LIFE CHANGING CONDITION

No parent ever expects to be told that their child has a chronic illness, but this happened to us when my son, Lucas, was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at just four months old.

By Natalie Trice

DDH is quite simply where the hip joint fails to develop correctly.

In a normal, healthy hip, the head of the femur is smooth and round and the acetabulum is a smooth cup-like shape with the two sitting together like an egg in an eggcup. DDH occurs when the two don’t fit snugly together.

Each case is different, but unfortunately Lucas’ situation was severe - unsurprising given our family history. What was surprising is that he, like many children, slipped though the net. It was only when I noticed uneven creases in his legs and demanded scans that he got a diagnosis at all.

Eva Winter Osteopath 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

Be prepared for an emergency

Don’t wait

for one to happen

FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE DATES 2016 Marlow: 10 May, 23 June Windsor: 24 May, Maidenhead: 3 May, 16 June Come & learn new skills.This short course will provide information on how to deal with:• Coping with an emergency • Dealing with an unconscious casualty • Baby/Child/Adult Resuscitation • Choking • Head Injuries • Seizures & Febrile Convulsions • Child Related Conditions (Fever Management, Croup, Anaphylaxis, Respiratory Illness) • Bleeding • Burns And anything you wish to ask ……

On completion of this course you will receive a Certificate of attendance, ‘Paediatric First Aid Made Easy’ manual and a laminated wall chart. £30 per head with £5 discount when quoting Families Magazine

T: 07788720612 E: contact@childmatters.info • www.child-matters.co.uk

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

My initial research online threw up horrific images and worstcase scenarios that simply compounded my fears. I felt totally out of my depth and alone and I was struck by how little help there was for parents. Lucas spent the first three years of his life in and out of hospital, so I cobbled together as much information as I could to help us to get through it.

He had blood taken, bones broken and wore body casts as barbaric as the ones my sister wore nearly 40 years before him. My beautiful boy was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress illustrating that DDH doesn’t just have physical impacts.

Finally things got better. He went to school, and he loved playing with his brother and friends developing a passion for football and rugby. I had to let go and allow him to use the legs he had worked so hard to get healthy.

However sometimes DDH comes back and bites you. After three great years, in June 2015 we were told Lucas was facing more surgery. My husband and I were totally floored. This time he needed a pelvic osteotomy, his fourth and largest operation to date.

Ironically the launch of my book, ‘Cast Life – A Parent’s Guide to DDH’ came two days before he was wheeled into theatre. The book includes everything from clear explanations about the condition and treatments, to the products available to make life easier for children in casts. It also looks at family life, dealing with emotions as well including first person stories and parent comments.

Professor N.M.P. Clarke (ChM, DM, FRCS Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), who wrote the foreword for Cast Life, commented, “This book is essential reading for the parents of children with the condition, as well as health professionals working with them, and I would love to see it in all clinics around the world.”

I recently set up Spica Warrior, the UK’s only DDH dedicated charity and I am a member of the International Advisory Board for the International Hip Dysplasia Board and hope all of this will help get the word out there, giving the support we didn’t get.

Lucas’ journey isn’t over and he has another operation in May, but we’ve accepted that DDH is now a part of our family life.

Whilst it isn’t the path I would have chosen it has made me stronger and made us closer as a family.

Cast Life is available on Amazon and 10% of the royalties from Cast Life will be going to this cause.

Natalie is an author, blogger and freelancer writer.

As a mummy, wife, cat and dog owner she doesn’t get much free time but when she does she’ll be found drinking coffee, reading Grazia and dreaming of living by the sea. Lover of heels, wearer of trainers, she has many dresses but mainly goes out in her gym gear.

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

DO YOU

LOVE YOUR WATER?

H

ave you noticed how many families these days fill their shopping trolleys with bottled water? It’s great to stay hydrated but most families don’t consider just how much they spend on bottled water: an average family of 4 spends well over £3,000 per year! Yet choosing bottled water over tap water not only has an impact on your pocket as globally shipping bottled water, filling landfill sites with millions of plastic bottles that can take at least 500 years to biodegrade and BPA concerns mean that bottled water is simply not a very ecofriendly choice.

So why is bottled water so popular? The unpalatable truth is that the tap water we drink has been recycled many times and contains increasingly unwanted impurities and bacteria. To combat this, water companies add chlorine and fluoride. And that is part of the problem – the tap water we drink in Bucks & Berks, although safe, simply doesn’t smell or taste good.

More and more households are coming to realise that bottled water is not viable for cost or environmental reasons and have taken the step of improving the quality of their own tap water by installing a water filter or reverse osmosis purifier in their home. A good quality water filter system can filter out up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, and from only 2p per litre can remove the unpleasant taste and odour of tap water but ensure it retains all the essential minerals.

Why not take the no-plastics pledge this year and start filtering pure, great tasting water from your own tap? Simply speak to your local water treatment specialist who can carry out a free water analysis in your home and advise you on the various systems of filtration out there on the market.You never know, you just may end up loving your water!

For more information on Water Filtration or to book a Free Water Analysis visit www.loveyourwater.co.uk or call 01753 531985.

What's your Weight Loss Motivation Style?

If your January weight loss resolution is a distant memory, you’re not alone.Very few of us succeed at diets (Less than 10%).

Ditch dieting and harness the skills of a positive relationship with food, start by harnessing your weight loss motivation style.

1.The Inspirer: Enthusiastic, creative, positive, Lover of people but not of details.Your motivation style - KEEP YOURSELF ENGAGED. Find a coach or personal trainer to hold you accountable.

2.The Driver: Focused, driven, ambitious.You do what you say you will! Your motivation style - FIND YOUR FOCUS. Set clear goals and a solid plan.

3.The Analyst: Intelligent, data driven, lover of details.You love hard facts.Your motivation style TRACK THE DETAILS. Focus with a tracker like www.myfitnesspal.com.

4.The Helper:You make things happen but you’d rather stay out of the limelight.Your motivation style is MAKE IT IMPORTANT TO ME. Put yourself first, get support to remind you are important.

We’re all have a bit of each in us, but your lead style is the one to harness to help you achieve your goals. Find out more about motivation and building a positive relationship with food at www.facebook.com/ditchtheguilt.

Are you ready to stop dieting and actually achieve your goals?

Rachel Streek – Body Positive Coach Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Competitions and Offers with WIN a family day out to the

R

WIN a Boiler Service with the Red Van Plumbers!

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort ®

Families has teamed up with the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort for your chance to win a family ticket to the resort so you can experience the ultimate world of LEGO® adventure! ®

2016 marks twenty years since LEGOLAND® first opened its doors!

Back then it was a little bit smaller with only 25 million LEGO® bricks; today it boasts more than 80 million LEGO® bricks and hundreds of models across the Resort! With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions there's plenty across the Resort to keep the whole family entertained.

NEW for 2016 - “The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” an all-new, 12 minute 4D movie, showing only at LEGOLAND®! Plus head to the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display to see the gigantic NEW LEGO® Death Star made up of a staggering 500,000 LEGO® bricks!

Whether you are earning your first driving license at the LEGO® City Driving School, riding a fearsome Dragon through a medieval castle, awesome awaits at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. www.LEGOLAND.co.uk.

To be in with a chance of winning, please go to our website www. familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a silent killer, which is why gas safety should always be taken seriously. As part of their gas safety awareness campaign,The Red Van Plumbers are offering a free domestic gas boiler service.

Heppelthwaite the Red Van Plumbers provide a comprehensive boiler service. Their boiler service takes approximately 1 hour and is undertaken by a fully qualified registered gas safe engineer. It is highly recommended that you have an annual boiler service to ensure safety and to prevent nasty repair bills.

Check out www.RedVanPlumbers.co.uk for more plumbing and heating info or call 01628 533 550.

To be in with a chance of winning, please go to our website www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

WIN £150 worth of luxury baby products from aden + anais

aden + anais, the baby brand known for its iconic swaddles, bath and sleep time products is offering one lucky Families Thames Valley East fan the chance to win a bumper pack of products from their luxuriously soft bamboo muslin range, worth over £150.

The winner will receive a 3-pack of swaddles, dream blanket, sleeping bag and musy mate lovey all in the milky way print. www.adenandanais.co.uk

• LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. (c)2016 The LEGO Group. THE LEGO MOVIE ©The LEGO Group & Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. • STAR WARS™, STAR WARS™:THE CLONE WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

For full T&Cs go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/legolandt&c

To be in with a chance of winning, please go to our website www. familiestveast.co.uk/competitions.

Want to work for Families?

We are looking for online area managers to help run our website. Part-time home-based work opportunity.

No set-up costs involved and training will be given. Experience in sales, journalism, blogging or social media would be helpful.

Email your CV to

editor@familiestveast.co.uk

20

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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

See the New Death Star Ray at Legoland Windsor, Star Wars Days run until May 4

The Slime Show at The Look Out, Bracknell on May 1 & 2

Grandma Flew Spitfires at Maidenhead Heritage Centre,Tuesdays to Saturdays

MAY

From Sunday May 1 SHAKESPEARE IN THE ROYAL LIBRARY Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ. 020 7766 7304. On display for the first time will be Shakespeare’s First Folio, a possession of George IV. Some of Shakespeare’s plays were written with performance at the royal court in mind, including the comedy ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ which was performed to Elizabeth I in about 1600. Items relating to Herne’s Oak, a tree which features in the comedy and is thought to have stood in Home Park, will also be on show. Until 2017. www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle Sunday May 1 & BH Monday May 2 THE SLIME SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Why are slugs and snails so slimy? Can you really cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very repulsive! This show is suitable for children aged 3 years old and over who can sit down for half an hour. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutweekendandholidayshows Sunday May 1 STUBBINGS NGS OPEN GARDEN Stubbings Nursery, Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6QL. 01628 825454. Large lawn with haha and woodland walks. Notable trees including historic cedars and araucaria plus a 60-metre wall of wisteria.

Sunday: 10am-4pm. Monday 10am-4.30pm. Admission £3.50, children free. www.ngs.org.uk

Sunday May 1 - Wednesday May 4 STAR WARS DAYS Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY. 0871 2222 001. Get ready to feel the force at the LEGO Star Wars Event Days where you can enjoy a whole host of LEGO Star Wars themed activities. Don’t forget your costume! Don’t forget to see the new Death Star model with a 500,000 bricks. www.legoland.co.uk Sunday May 2 FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE RACES 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 for children of all ages to enjoy, including personal appearances from PAW Patrol’s Chase & Marshall at intervals throughout the afternoon. Book in advance to save £3 on Club and Grandstand enclosures.

Entrance is FREE for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk From Tuesdays – Saturdays GRANDMA FLEW SPITFIRES Maidenhead Heritage Centre, 18 Park St, Maidenhead, SL6 1SL. 01628 780555. General admission to “The Story of Maidenhead” and temporary exhibitions in the Sammes Gallery – FREE Grandma Flew Spitfires exhibition: children under 11 FREE, ages 11-16 £2, adults

Sunday May 1 BLUEBELLS AND THE WONDERS OF THE WOODLAND GUIDED WALK Runnymede National Trust, Runnymede Estate Office, North Lodge, Old Windsor SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. Join a guided tour of Coopers Hill Woods and discover the places where bluebells carpet the undergrowth. Adult £6, child £3.

11.30am-1pm. Call 0844 2491895 or book online. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday May 1 MORRIS DANCING DISPLAY WITH BREAKFAST Runnymede National Trust, As above. Come along and watch the sunrise. Enjoy a display of Morris dancing by the Datchet Morris Dancers before enjoying a warming cooked breakfast afterwards. Booking essential, call 01784 479571. £10. 5-7am.

Every Sunday ETON COLLEGE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Slough Road, Eton, SL4 6DW. 01753 671000. This family-friendly museum is open every Sunday from 2.30pm-5pm and at other times by arrangement with the curator. Admission is free, donations optional. etonnhm.com

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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What’s On

22

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

Meet the Wolves, every Wednesday at Butlers Farm, Beenham

Strictly's favourites waltz into the Theatre Royal Windsor, May 15

Let's Rock The Moor in Cookham on May 21

£3.50, concessions £3 Spitfire Simulator £7.50 per 15mins. Tickets valid for 12 months with Gift Aid. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, and on the second Sunday of each month (morning only) for Maidenhead Farmers Markets. Please note that the GRANDMA FLEW SPITFIRES exhibition and Spitfire Simulator are not open on Farmers Market mornings.

Tuesday May 3 - Saturday May 7 THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. Box office: 01753 853 888.

Celebrating the biggest hits of the 30’s 40’s and 50’s including music by Lerner and Loewe, Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter there are also special tributes to the music of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Glen Miller from films such as High Society, Singin' in the Rain, Some Like it Hot, South Pacific and many more. With glorious costumes, sumptuous music and an award-winning cast of singers and dancers, this is sure to be the feel good show of the summer. 8pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Every Wednesday MEET THE WOLVES Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT. 01189713330. Come to see our Arctic wolves, admire our Beenham pack and see our older wolves, children’s activities in school holidays. Adults £8, Children 3-12 £5, under 3s free. No booking required. Pay on arrival. 11am – 4pm.

Every Wednesday TOY LIBRARY Highview, 6 North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL. The toy sharing initiative invites all accompanied children each Wednesday from 10am-noon, and on the first Sunday of each month from 3-5pm.

Saturday May 7 BAT HUNT Stoke Common, Stoke Common Road, Stoke Poges. 01753 647358. Friends of Stoke Common bat evening. 8.30-10.30pm Go batty with the Ranger and see if you can find all the species of bats living on the Common (event dependent on weather).

Saturday May 7 MARLOW MAY FAYRE Higginson Park, Queen Victoria Road, Marlow, SL7 2AE. 01494 421 821. This fun family event features a wide range of stalls, rides, games, live music and real ale tent, all set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the River Thames. Thousands of rubber ducks will be launched into the river at 3.30pm for the traditional Family Duck Race with some fantastic prizes for the sponsors of the winning ducks. 10am to 5pm. Free entry. www.facebook.com/MarlowMayFayre

Saturday May 7 NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor, SL4 5JB. 01753 778577. Top quality baby & children's clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices. 11.30am-1pm. £1 entry. www.nct.co.uk Sunday May 8 MAIDENHEAD FARMERS MARKET, Town Centre, SL6 1RF. Goodies galore in the town centre.

Sunday May 8 MEET THE REPTILES Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. Meet the Ranger – and his reptiles, 1 – 3pm, a chance to see reptiles from the reserves on display in the café area, with a Ranger on hand to chat about them. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/greenspaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/events-and-act ivities/ Sunday May 8 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE HIGH STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF. Vintage, quirky and shabby chic and arty stalls meet street food from around the world including Goan curry, Ethiopian, Argentinian as well as Farmers' Market stalls and more. Second Sunday of every month 11-4pm. Craft beers and live music, Children's entertainment and petting animals. Free entry and free local parking (please check). 11am to 4pm.

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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

Meet the Octonauts at Windsor Races on May 30

DInosaur Park roars into Norden Farm on May 29

See The Railway Children at the Theatre Royal Windsor, May 30 to June 4

Tuesday 10 May FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE St Peters Church Hall, 7 Saint Peters Street, Marlow, SL71NQ. 7pm - 10pm. To book call 0778-872-0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Tuesday May 10 – Saturday May 14 JACKIE THE MUSICAL Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 512000. Teens musical based on the popular magazine., 12+yrs, booking required. See website for times & prices. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Wednesday May 11 – Sunday May 15 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Home Park, Datchet Road, Windsor, SL4 6HX. The UK’s largest outdoor show with unique equestrian competitions, international displays, premium shopping and exceptional entertainment. Box office: 0844 581 4960. www.rwhs.co.uk Thursday May 12 SPRING WILDFLOWER WALKS Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Guided walk through the beautiful gardens, booking essential. 2 to 4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Friday May 13 ‘ULTIMATE 80S’ TRIBUTE NIGHT Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496 800. Put on those shades, shoulder pads, lycra and leg warmers and join us for an amazing 80s show, featuring top West End stars! 7pm. Includes a 2 course dinner, followed by music until 12.30am. Book a table of 10 and receive half a bottle of wine per person for your table whilst dining. £32.00 per person, including Tribute act and 2 course meal. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Saturday May 14 – Sunday September 4 THE SUPERHERO SCIENCE SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Are you a superhero? Come and find out in this science show where we look at super strengths, invisibility, mind reading and have fun with science experiments. Show times: 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers. Shows run at weekends and Bracknell school holidays. £1.95 per person plus main entrance price.

Saturday May 14 ENCHANTED MUSEUM Chiltern Open Air Museum Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. 01494 871117. Special late opening for Museums at Night 4pm – 8.30pm. Enjoy an evening of storytelling in the museum’s historic buildings, lit up by candle, lantern and firelight for you to explore. Fancy dress competition. Advance booking advised. Standard Admission prices apply. www.coam.org.uk Saturday May 14 SPRING GARDEN AND GIFT FAIR Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Taplow. 0118 935 8221.

Tour of Grade 11 listed Taplow Court and the beautiful grounds. Features include an Anglo Saxon burial ground, magnificent trees, a wildflower garden, water features and beautiful planting. Entry to the garden: £4 advance, £5 on the day. House tour £3. 10am-4pm. redcross.org.uk/springfairtaplowcourt Sunday May 15 AN AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE AND NATALIE LOWE Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. Box Office: 01753 853 888. The Strictly Come Dancing favourites will perform a dance showcase spectacular designed to dazzle and wow you. The pro pairing are best known for their high intensity performances on the hit BBC show.

Ian and Natalie have become family favourites, as they are always pushing the boundaries of dance to bring the best out of their celebrity couple. On the night they will dance a mix of ballroom and Latin, transporting you away to a place of wonderful moments with fun filled entertainment and a close up history of all things related to their life. 7.30pm. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Friday May 20 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. If you come down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise! Join us for some stories, fun and games in Black Park with your toddlers and their teddies. Booking essential. £3 per child, pay & display charges apply. 11am to 12:30pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Saturday May 21, Sunday May 22 & Saturday May 28 DAWN CHORUS WITH BREAKFAST Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069.

A feast for the senses as the estate's birds wake up on a spring morning. Find out more about the birds that make their home here as our knowledgeable guide leads you on a walk through the gardens and woodlands to seek out early morning birdsong. We'll finish in the National Trust Orangery Café for a hearty full English breakfast (vegetarian options available). 5.30-8.30am. Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday May 21 LET’S ROCK THE MOOR! Cookham Moor, SL6 9SB. The family-friendly one-day festival will return for an amazing 8th time. The line-up includes The Human League, Aswad, Belinda Carlisle, Jason Donovan, Sinitta, Hue & Cry, Johnny Hates Jazz and many more. Lots of entertainment for little visitors and Carter’s Steam Fair. Family tickets £108.90 (inc. booking fee). www.letsrockthemoor.com Sunday May 22 MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. Box Office: 01753 853 888. Thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums, mysterious masked choreography with inventive lighting, muscular synchronisation timed to perfection, post-apocalyptic martial imagery & infectious belly laugh humour - all in a spellbinding display of sheer athleticism. 7.30pm. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday May 24 – Saturday May 28 MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 512000. Stunning ballet. 7.30pm plus 2.30pm on 26th & 28th. See website for prices. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday May 28 BURNHAM DONKEY DERBY Burnham Park, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR. 01628 550380. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this family event and it includes Donkey Racing and Rides, Arena Events, a Funfair and a variety of stalls providing a wide range of novelty activities, rides and entertainment.

From 12noon. The Event is FREE to attend for everyone! www.facebook.com/BurnhamDonkeyDerby Saturday May 28 – Sunday May 29 ROMAN GLADIATORS Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. 01494 871117. Roman themed days. 10am to 5pm / Adult £10, Child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk Saturday May 28 - Sunday June 5 JEALOUS JOHN AND HUNGRY HARRY Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. A tale of two terrible tyrants and their wicked ways especially related to Runnymede. A free history talk and fun activity led by our outdoors team. Starts at 2pm on each of the following days: 28 - 31 May & 3 -5 June. Meet at Magna Carta Memorial in Runnymede. Call 01784 432 891 or email Runnymede@nationaltrust.org.uk if you wish to bring a group of 5 or more.

Sunday May 29 DINOSAUR PARK SHOW Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. This award-winning, laugh-out-loud spin on Jurassic Park is a theatrical celebration of cinematic nostalgia. In the unlikely setting of Lyme Regis Community Centre, the Park Family embark on a journey to a misty past. When things go wrong, family feuds are faced with the rapturous roar of DIY dinosaurs. Just like the film, this is rated a PG! 4.30pm. £14 (£12 under 16s), Family & Friends (4 people) £40. norden.farm

Monday May 30 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY FAMILY FUN DAY Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496 800. In aid of The Fire Fighters Charity. Always wanted to be a Fire Fighter?

Come and pretend for the day! Join us for a day of family fun on the lawns, fire engines and firemen. Live Music, BBQ, bouncy castles, face painting, games on the lawn and much more. What better way than to spend your Bank Holiday? Free Admission. From 12pm. With special guest appearance from Star Wars’ R2D2. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Monday May 30 FAMILY FUN DAY FEATURING THE OCTONAUTS Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. This fantastic day out is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. Entrance free for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult. Gates open 12.20pm. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Monday May 30 – Tuesday May 31 TREE CLIMBING WITH THE BIG TREE CLIMBING COMPANY Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. Explore a whole new side of the woodlands. As well as using ropes and harnesses to climb up into the trees, there'll be a zip wire and rope swing for you to play on, all under the watchful eye of our tree climbing experts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For children aged 6+. Booking essential. Admission applies. £18.50. Several time slots available. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Monday May 30 to Friday June 3 CHILDREN’S HALF-TERM CREATE & GROW ACTIVITIES SQUIRES The Willows, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5UB. 01753 865076. Plant a Fruit & Vegetable Box Create a tasty edible box with three plants to grow and take home. Colouring Competition - Colour in Hazel the Squirrel in her vegetable garden for the chance to win a prize. Free Veggie Hunt - Follow a trail of questions around the centre and receive a sticker when completed.

10am-4pm. First come first served basis. Products available while stocks last. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk Monday May 30 to Saturday June 4 THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. Box Office: 01753 853888. Wonderful new musical adaptation by Stephen Kingsbury and Ben Sleep. This new production captures all the excitement and emotion of E Nesbit’s subtle critique of the English class system and aims to bring the delights of this literary classic to yet another generation. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday May 31 BUGS & BEASTS Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Hunt for creepy crawlies in Black Park with the help of our Rangers, using a mini-beast kit. 2-3pm. £5 per family (max 2 adults + 2 children), pay & display charges apply.

Advance booking required. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Tuesday May 31 LAKESIDE FAIR Black Park, as above. Barbecue, inflatables, petting farm, crazy golf, a pocket-money shop and more. 12noon to 4pm.

Wednesday June 1 WILD WEDNESDAY Cliveden, Cliveden Road,Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069.This outdoor trail will involve all things royal to celebrate the Queen's official June birthday. Take a royal jaunt around the grounds and make your very own crown. This is a drop in session and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for children aged 4-11. £2 per child www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

23

What’s On

Step out at Cliveden this half-term, May 30 to June 3

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

Balloon Show is at Norden Farm on June 3

Thursday June 2 & Friday June 3 FILM TRAIL Black Park, as above. Find out about all the different movies, TV shows, adverts and music videos that have been filmed in Black Park on this fascinating film trail. No need to book, simply pick up your map from the Information Point to follow this self-led trail. 10am to 3pm. Cost: £3 per map, pay & display charges apply.

JUNE Thursday June 2 FROM FLEECE TO FABRIC FAMILY EVENT Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, SL6 3JH. 01628 825517. Join us for a shearing demonstration at 11am or 2pm and meet our rare breed Castlemilk Moorit sheep. Then visit the tearoom where representatives from Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers will be on hand to guide you through the journey wool makes, from the sheep’s back to the clothes on your back as they spin fleece into wool. Bring the children along and try your hand at peg loom weaving or needle felting and make a needle felt owl to take home*. (* Over 8 years old for needle felting at parental discretion). £5 per person. Booking essential. www.walthamplace.com Friday June 3 BIRD BOX BUILDING Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. Make a bird box & take it home for the birds in your garden! 10am to 12noon. £5 per bird box. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Friday June 3 THE SPECTACULAR BALLOON SHOW Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. A unique and fantastic show combining comedy, balloons, mayhem and daftness. 11.30am and 2pm. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family & Friends (4 people) £32. norden.farm

24

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Dogfest comes to Windsor Great Park, June 25-26

Saturday June 4 HOLYPORT VILLAGE FAIR Holyport Green, The Green, Holyport, SL6 2JL. This summer the picturesque Holyport Village Green will be taken over once again, for the 70th anniversary of the village fair. Our aim is to keep alive the tradition of the true English village fair, providing a fun day out for the whole family. Please come along with your family (and your dog), for a memorable day out. www.holyportfair.org Tuesday June 7 to Thursday June 9 FROGMORE HOUSE OPEN GARDEN Windsor Great Park, Windsor, SL4 2HT. Garden opening is supporting NGS, Blind Veterans UK and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. 10 am-5.30pm. Garden Admission: Adults £6.20, children under 5 - free.You can also buy tickets to visit Frogmore House whilst in the gardens. A ticket costs an additional £6.80 per adult, £5.80 for over 60s and students and £4.80 for children aged 5-16. Cash only. www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/frogmorehouse/plan-your-visit Thursday June 9 ART ADVENTURES: POP ART COMICS Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Develop your cartoon skills in this workshop running over three weeks. 4pm, course runs the following two Thursdays and costs £30 in total. Norden.farm Saturday June 11 ART ON THE STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF. More than 100 stands of fine art, prints and photography being sold direct from the artist, to a backdrop of fantastic entertainment, music, performances, free workshops, activities and street food. www.artonthestreet.org.uk Saturday June 11 – Sunday June 12 MEDIEVAL LIFE Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. 01494 871117. Find out what life was like in Medieval England. 10am to 5pm / Adult £10, Child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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.

The Gruffalo's Child is at the Wycombe Swan, June 25-26

As You Like It runs at Savill Gardens, June 22 to July 24

Friday June 17 THE OFFICIAL COMEDY CLUB Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496 800. Back by popular demand. Who let the Dads out? The perfect Father’s Day Gift! A night of comedy, with chicken and chips in a basket, followed by disco until 12.30am. Book a table of 10 and receive half a bottle of wine per person for your table whilst dining. Advanced online booking required. £29.00 per adult, over 18s only. £19.00 Comedy only (no food). From 7pm. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Saturday June 18 COOKHAM VILLAGE FAIR Cookham Moor, SL6 9SB. Stalls, events, ferret racing, dog show, barbeque, beer tent, bouncy castles, silent auction, cakes, refreshments.... a fabulous family fun day. 11am to 4pm www.cookham.com Sunday June 19 FATHER'S DAY BUSHCRAFT Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough SL3 6D. 01753 511060. Join Ranger Andy, our Bushcraft expert, for a Father's Day with a difference! Try your hand at firelighting & shelter building in Black Pine's Camp. Maximum ratio of 1 adult to 2 children. Booking Essential.

10.30am to 12.30pm OR 1.30pm to 3.30pm. £25 (1 adult + 1 child) + £5 for up to one additional child. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Sunday June 19 FATHER'S DAY AT SAVILL GARDEN, 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 awardwinning, modern Rose Garden. Complete the day with delicious homemade cakes and scones at the award-winning restaurant. (Normal car parking charges apply). www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk Sunday June 19 FATHER’S DAY AT OAKLEY COURT HOTEL, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR. 01753 609988.

There’s something for every dad on Father’s Day at The Oakley Court, whether it be a scrumptious family lunch in The Restaurant or our Gentleman’s take on Afternoon Tea. www.oakleycourt.co.uk Sunday June 19 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. 10.30am – 6pm. www.painshill.co.uk Sunday June 19 FATHER'S DAY DEN BUILDING Hughenden Manor, Hughenden, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. Kids team up with their dads to make the best den, booking essential. 11am to 1pm. £5. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday June 19 WORKING HEAVY HORSE SHOW Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. 01494 871117. Farming techniques, arena events, meet the horses. 10am to 5pm. Adults £10, child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk From Wednesday June 22 AS YOU LIKE IT – AN OPEN-AIR CIRCUS Savill Gardens, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU. 01784 435544. Run away with the circus this summer and weave your way through an array of hidden gardens and spectacular lawns in this immersive production of Shakespeare’s much loved comedy. It concludes with a triple wedding where the audience and company are encouraged to come together in a boisterous, acrobatic, musical celebration indulging in food and drink from the finest local suppliers. ‘As You Like It’ will celebrate the best of the British summertime with a delicious BBQ served during the final wedding scene, and drinks to purchase from the hidden bush bar that will pop up throughout the play. Wednesday to Sundays, until July 24. Adults: £35.

Concessions: £25 (0 – 16 years. Tickets include parking, garden entrance and immersive theatre performance. www.seetickets.com/tour/open-air-immersive-asyou-like-it Wednesday June 22 TODDLER TIME Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Join us for some fun Toddler Time in Foxley Copse. A range of equipment available for free play such as footballs, skipping ropes, hula hoops and Jenga, as well as group games. Booking essential. £3 per child, pay & display charges apply. 10am to 11am. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26 THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 512000. Live show, 3+yrs, booking required. 25th: 1.30 & 4.30pm, 26th: 11am & 2pm / £13, Family £48. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26 DOGFEST Windsor Great Park, SL4 2HT. The paw-fect day out for dog lovers, providing a fun-filled, action packed day out for you and your dog! Expect amazing displays, activities, expert advice, shopping, music and much more! Meet Noel Fitzpatrick, (Channel 4’s Supervet) who will present the popular Eukanuba Supervet Live show. Join Noel on the Great Dog Walk, a charity walk around the beautiful park, taking place at 11am and

Telephone: 01628 627 586

What’s On

Chiltern Open Air Museum celebrates 40 years, July 2-3

3pm. Watch agility displays, doggy dancing and even take part in have-a-go sessions with your dog. Get first-hand advice from the experts with talks and demonstrations, enjoy bespoke dog shopping area and perhaps even treat your pooch to a grooming session. www.dog-fest.co.uk Sunday June 26 FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE RACES - with Legoland Resort, Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. This fantastic day out is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. Gates open 11.50am. Book in advance to save £3 on Club and Grandstand enclosures.

Entrance is FREE for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Thursday June 30 to Sunday July 3 WINDSOR CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW Home Park, Datchet Road, Windsor, SL4 6HX. Often described as the 'Summer Crufts'.Visitors are welcomed to Windsor Dog Show - why not enjoy a summer's day out under the ramparts of Windsor Castle, on the banks of the River Thames at the canine celebration. www.windsordogshow.org.uk Friday July 1 MOTH NIGHT Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, SL6 3JH. 01628 825517. Join us as we visit the woods after dark to take part in our yearly moth survey. Waltham Place currently has 450 species of moth recorded so let’s see if we can add to that total. Moth experts will be on hand to identify those moths caught and share interesting facts about each species. 9.30pm – 11.45pm. £5 per person. Proceeds to go to the Berkshire Moth Group. Booking essential. www.walthamplace.com Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. An evening of unmissable summer garden entertainment on the picturesque lawns of Ascot’s Royal Enclosure Lodge. Secure your place to enjoy a picnic with friends and the perfect evening of magical entertainment in one of the UK’s most elegant open-air venues. Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 3pm. www.chapterhouse.org Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 THE MUSEUM’S 40TH BIRTHDAY Chiltern Open Air Museum Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. 01494 871117. Join us to celebrate 40 years since the Museum was incorporated in 1976.

Dress up in 70s clothes and try out traditional 70s games – can you complete the Rubik's cube? Standard admission prices. www.coam.org.uk

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

To advertise in our July/August issue, featuring Summer Holiday Fun, Education, Health and Summer Camps.

Call 01628 627586 or email editor@familiestveast.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Parenting

BEING A MORE MINDFUL MOTHER

by Georgina Rodgers

Picture the scene: You are trying to get out of the house in the morning. One of your kids has lost their shoes, the other is asking where their PE kit is. You’re doing your best to reply, while also thinking about the day ahead and all the things you need to do. Your phone then starts ringing.

Your feel yourself start to raise your voice and are close to losing your temper… Sound familiar?

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arenting is one of the hardest jobs we will ever do but by adopting a more mindful approach, you will not only improve your own personal health and become a happier and more settled mother, but you will help your children learn to regulate their own emotions.

Why mindfulness works for mums Mindfulness works for busy mothers because it is simply a way of living and not another job on the ‘to do’ list. At its core it encourages us to be present in our own lives when we are distracted by worries or intrusive thoughts about the past or future. Studies show that our minds wander for nearly as much time as they are actually focussed on what is in front of us and worse than this, we seem less happy in the moment our minds are drifting. The practice encourages us to focus on the moment, to observe any thoughts but to just let them go, like bubbles popping in the air. Experts say that the more we practise mindfulness, the easier it becomes.

Importantly, mindfulness allows us to regulate our own emotions and reactions more effectively, so when we are dealing with a toddler tantrum or an unhappy child, we can relate to them better. There is no doubt that our children are able to make us feel a whole range of emotions but by flying off the handle and losing control, children become more scared and

Two simple mindfulness exercises for the family Mindful Square Breathing This exercise can be done anywhere, at any time. All you have to do is focus on your breath for 60 seconds. ● Start by breathing in and out slowly and purposefully, then there are four simple breath segments done to the count of four. ● Inhale 2 3 4 ● Hold 2 3 4 ● Exhale 2 3 4 ● Hold 2 3 4 ● Repeat ● When your mind wanders, try to bring your focus back to your breath and the sensation of breathing in and expanding your lungs.

Rainbow Walk

do not learn how to be better behaved themselves. In those times we are modelling aggressive behaviour. Being mindful importantly helps us be present with our children. In moments of stress, it allows us to step back and give ourselves time to calm down and act in a rational manner. By staying calm, making your child feel safe and then as the emotional storm calms, you can divert their attention and any upset passes more quickly.

Help our children to be more mindful By being mindful ourselves, we help our children learn this skill, leading to structural changes in the brain. This will give them more emotional balance and leave them more resilient when it comes to dealing with difficult situations in their lives around school, their own peers and personal relationships. Research has found the mindfulness training for children and young people increase attention, social awareness and other interpersonal skills.

This is a simple exercise you can do with your child regardless of their age. ● The idea is to look for different colours of your walk, so you need to see something red, orange, green, blue, indigo and purple. ● If your child is older they might like to take pictures of the colours with the camera on a phone or they might want to write down what they have seen.

Young children will want to discuss what they can see as you walk together. ● Enjoy focusing on the present moment and the scenes around you.

Georgina Rodgers is a journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots Gymnas cs based physical educa on for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead.

Visit:-

MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk

Or Telephone / Text

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

07 957 223 124

for details MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD ENJOY BEDTIME READING

Parenting

By Justine Crow

We’ve all been there – it’s bedtime, everybody is tired and a little grumpy because homework, bath-time and tooth-brushing all have to happen when both the grownups and the children are at their weariest. So perhaps the best answer to create a calm environment after the mayhem is a good bedtime story.

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t’s never to early to start a bedtime story routine. Babies are soothed by the sound of your voice, so make sure you have a comfy chair in the nursery to settle down in. Soon, your baby will learn to recognise this as their bedtime story moment.

When they are a bit older, reading together is not just an opportunity to bond with your child but also to help establish and maintain a good bedtime routine, which is vital in getting the kids off to sleep at a sensible hour. For older children, this is a time to explore your child’s imagination, as story time becomes a shared time of fantasy.

Consistency is good and a regular treat at bedtime gives your child something to look forward to. It also does no harm at all to enforce the idea of reading as a positive thing for your child.

There’s no harm in choosing your child’s favorite book for their first story time.

However, ensure the end of the story is calm and soothing to help your little one drift off.

As your child grows you’ll find storytime becomes longer. This is a great opportunity to encourage your child to listen for longer periods of time without interrupting.

Kat's Cradle

Soon you will be able to choose long stories and break them up into manageable pieces or chapters and leave another exciting instalment for the next night. As they grow older and can read by themselves, you can encourage their interest in a story by reading the first part to them at bedtime, then allow them to continue the story by themselves the next day. Try to find time to discuss the plot and the characters to ensure they understand what’s going on and to explain any ‘big’ words they may not have come across before; This is a great way to improve vocabulary.

As the books become more difficult, you’ll find the number of illustrations also decrease. However, it’s important to recognize that images are still important to your child’s understanding and imagination.

By the time your child is able to read lots of text without any help from you, it’s time to step back and allow them to read what they choose for themselves before going to sleep. Be prepared for the fact that they may have different tastes to you and their siblings. It’s still a good idea to set a time limit before lights out even now, as otherwise you might find your child still gripped by their book at midnight! Don’t abandon the idea of reading together

completely; every so often, you could offer to finish a chapter for them to save their tired eyes; they’ll use that time for their own thoughts and fantasies.

Bedtime stories are also great for educating your child or sharing news with them. For example, a good story can encourage them to learn to swim or potty train and even welcome a new sibling. Have a quick read through the book yourself before sharing it with your child to make sure it says what you want it to.

Having time to ourselves with a great book is something that adults really appreciate and once they’ve got the hang of it, children also benefit from winding down with something to read. In the words of Dr Suess: “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner,The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

An independent support service for children with A.S.D and sensory processing difficulties.

Permeative reflex therapy, ABA style therapy and educational interventions.

Celebrating Neuro-diversity and helping children and their families to access inclusivity and using what children love to do and are good at, to help them thrive in a challenging world.

Facebook: Facebook: Katrine Katrine Stanley Stanley @Kat's @Kat's cradle. cradle. Or Or Tel: Tel: 01784 01784 433570 433570 Telephone: 01628 627 586

MAY/JUNE 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Cooking

HEALTHY TREATS TO MAKE WITH YOUR KIDS Mummy Cooks makes delicious...

...Granola Bars Ingredients: • 1 egg • 2 ripe bananas • 3 tbsp of your chosen nut butter • 80g oats • 20g almonds • 20g hazelnuts • 20g cashew nuts • 1 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds • 2 tbsp goji berries • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds • 2 tbsp chia seeds • 60g dates • Small handful of mixed dried fruit, we went for a combination of mango, raspberries and raisins Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork, add the almond butter and the egg and mix well.

3.Add in the dry ingredients to the bowl and mix until fully combined.

4. Pour into an oven proof baking tray – we find that silicone ones work best. If you do not have a silicone one, line with parchment paper.

5. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

Leave in the baking tray to cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, then slide it out and allow to cool further before slicing into squares.

As mum of two young girls Ashleigh (6) and Jessica (4), Siobhan Berry at MummyCooks is passionate about nutritious, home-cooked food. She wants to inspire, educate and empower parents to feed their children healthy, home-cooked food. Siobhan believes that cooking is a fun activity that brings families together. www.MummyCooks.ie

Blossom Ballet 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, Bray and Maidenhead.

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

MAY/JUNE 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

TRAVELLING IN PREGNANCY

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

What’s safe and what is best to avoid...

1. Avoid destinations where malaria is endemic These include India, Africa and parts of South America. If you do have to travel to a country where malaria is common, talk to your GP first. Try to avoid countries where you will need vaccinations – although some are safe in pregnancy after 12 weeks, live vaccines are not.

2. Stay safe on the plane Pregnant women who fly are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be life threatening. Keep well hydrated, wear support stockings and get up and walk around at least once every hour to improve your circulation. Practise clenching your calf muscles by flexing your feet up and down 10 times every hour to boost circulation. Try to do this on any long car, bus or train journey too, as they also increase your risk of DVT. If you develop pain or swelling in your leg or have chest

Telephone: 01628 627 586

pains or shortness of breath after flying or a long journey seek urgent medical advice.

3. Take a photocopy of your medical notes with you Just in case you go into labour prematurely, pack your notes – they contain valuable information that will be needed by your healthcare professionals. It’s also important to know your blood group in case of an emergency.

4. Take care in the sun You’re more prone to dehydration when you’re pregnant because of an increase in blood volume, so make sure you drink lots of water and keep your feet up to stop your ankles swelling. Don’t forget to wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or above, a long sleeved t-shirt and a wide brimmed hat, and keep out of the sun at the hottest times of the day between 12pm and 3pm.

5. Check that your airline will let you fly Air travel can usually be undertaken until the 36th week of pregnancy, but after 28

MAY/JUNE 2016

weeks most airlines need a letter from your GP saying you are fit to fly. If you’ve had any health problems check with your GP that it’s all right for you to fly. Make sure that your travel insurance is valid for pregnancy and that it covers a newborn in case the baby arrives early.

6. Avoid mosquito repellents containing DEET Look for a natural alternative such as citronella oil, wear protective clothing and use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

29

Mums Who Mean Business

FINDING THE IDEAL JOB AFTER A CAREER BREAK CAN BE AS EASY AS 1-2-3

By Tanya Ces Maneiro

• We will teach your child to swim • Pre-school children will participate in Forest School activities • We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum • We are competitively priced and accept all childcare vouchers • We have free on-site parking • We offer a free family complimentary health club membership for all full-time children

Nuffield Health Day Nursery - Stoke Poges

Wexham Street, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NB

Tel: 01753 663996

Email: SouthBucks.Nursery@nuffieldhealth.com

Are you considering returning to work after taking time out to raise your family? Maybe you’re feeling a sense of trepidation or trying to weigh up the need for adult company and mental stimulation versus the guilt and anxiety of missing precious time with your children?

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here’s no doubt about it, returning to work is an emotional time.

However, the 3 steps below will help you to think logically and clearly to find a job that meets all of your needs.

Step 1: Ask yourself some questions ‘Do I want to return to work?’ (you may not have a choice).

‘What hours do I want to work?’ e.g. part time, flexi time or weekend only.

‘What are my options with regards to childcare support?’ e.g. nursery, grandparents, nanny, wraparound childcare.

‘Can I return to my old job and, if so, do I want to?’

BOOK NOW for advertising in our July/August 2016 issue Due out July 1 email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Do you want to rebuild your confidence after taking a career break or find your ideal job?

Are you struggling with work-life balance or unsure what direction you want your career to take?

Whatever your career challenge, √ida Coaching can help.

Visit: www.vidacoaching.co.uk Call Tanya on 07729 673 291 or Email tanya@vidacoaching.co.uk

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Step 2: Brainstorm ideas If you decide to look for a new job, consider whether your new role will be in the same industry, in a different industry or maybe starting your own business.

Perhaps you could turn your passions into a job or business opportunity?

Identify which of your old work tasks you really enjoyed doing and consider which jobs these tasks might apply to.

Consider what transferable skills you have - think about the skills you have acquired as a mum. Can’t think of any?

OK, what about the yearly children’s parties you have organised – event management. The household budget you look after – financial management. Plus, you don’t survive the toddler years without having some serious negotiation skills under your belt!

If you have undertaken any voluntary activities e.g. being a member of the PTA, have you learnt any new skills? Could any of these skills be used in the career you’re interested in?

MAY/JUNE 2016

Step 3:Take Action Once you have decided what job you want, you need to do the following: • Update your CV • Ensure your profile is up to date on LinkedIn. Not only are jobs advertised on there but prospective employers use it to find good candidates.

• Use your network. Ask friends and other mums if they have any useful contacts or know of anyone looking to fill a role in your chosen field.

• Research relevant companies that offer flexible working and approach them directly

• Join recruitment agencies. Some agencies are aimed specifically at working mums, such as Capability Jane or Simply Mums Recruitment.

• Prepare for your interview. Perfect your skills by arranging a mock interview or by trying to answer common interview questions, which can be found online.

By following these 3 steps you can return to work on your own terms. The time you invest now will pay off when you are in a job you enjoy that fits around the needs of both you and your family.

Tanya Ces Maneiro is a career coach and can help you with choosing a career after a break, preparing your CV and interview practice.

Visit www.vidacoaching.co.uk, call 07729 673291 or email tanya@vidacoaching.co,uk

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Jodie Humphries is a blogger, photographer and social media expert, she tells Families how her unique blend of skills has shaped her career.

Who you are and where do you live?

I’m Jodie Humphries. I’m from Birmingham originally but moved to Maidenhead in 2010 after living in New York and London. I now live near Boyn Hill Park with my husband and two children aged 3 and a half and 8 months.

Most people know me for writing the ‘Maidenhead Mum’ blog about my experiences of living in Maidenhead, but I’m actually a Photographer and a Social Media Marketing coach too.

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

When I first moved to Maidenhead I found it a bit of a culture shock after living in the heart of Zone 1 in Camden. I struggled to find out about places to eat or things to do and when I had my first baby I found I was constantly learning new things about the area. I’ve always enjoyed writing and have done a fair bit of copywriting with my day job as Marketing Manager at Three.

Alongside that I spent over 5 years working as a professional photographer so I’m rarely without a camera or two in my hand. Whilst on maternity leave in 2012 I realised that I could combine all three: photography, writing and learning about Maidenhead and so the ‘Maidenhead Mum’ blog was born. My experience with the blog has enabled me to train and coach others on blogging, social media and photography (especially smartphone photography) too.

What did you use to do?

I used to work in a busy family portrait studio and travelled around the UK and even over to America to support different studios both as a photographer and studio manager. I came back to the UK just before the credit crunch and decided to join Three as a Marketing Manager and keep portrait photography as a part time business instead.

What inspired you to set up the business?

Funnily enough, I’ve created a very different business to my original plans. I thought that by writing the Maidenhead Mum blog I would get to network with lots of other Maidenhead mums who would be my target client for my family portraiture business. By attending the Maidenhead Business Girls networking group I realized that lots of ladies were looking for help and support with writing a blog for their business and improving their photographs and their online visuals. In particular I found that lots of ladies had left the corporate world before social media had become such an important part of the Telephone: 01628 627 586

Most people know me for writing the ‘Maidenhead Mum’ blog about my experiences of living in Maidenhead

Classifieds

marketing mix and were lacking in confidence with managing Twitter, Facebook…and Instagram and Pinterest too. So in addition to writing the blog I’ve now become a social media and blogging coach and teach workshops and host oneto-one sessions for small businesses.

What are your plans for the future?

My hope is that through the Maidenhead Mum blog I can inspire other families to get out and experience and enjoy Maidenhead. We have lots of great things to see and do nearby, but it’s not always easy to find the relevant information that you need. I hope the blog helps fix that.

In January this year I started a community photography hashtag on Instagram called #lovemaidenhead. The idea is that people use to it showcase and share all of the little things that they enjoy about Maidenhead. From sampling food at EatOnTheHighStreet to exploring the gardens at Cliveden, there’s lots to see and do around here and the hashtag means people can quickly access a visual guide on Instagram. The plan is to keep spreading the word about this and to share the highlights on the blog.

Plus, seeing how popular the workshops are proving to be and how much I enjoy them, I think it’s pretty safe to say that they’ve now become an established part of what ‘Maidenhead Mum’ does!

Lastly, what advice would you give to other business women?

Network, listen, and be brave enough to try new things, even if it wasn’t part of the original plan! I’ll always remember being asked if I could present a workshop on blogging, but not really knowing if I could actually do it. A year later, and a variety of workshops under my belt, I’m so relieved that I took that leap of faith!

MAY/JUNE 2016

Funky Faces Face-painting & glitter tattoos For children’s parties and corporate events Please contact Jenny on

07976 671309 Email: jenquille@hotmail.com www.funkyfaces.co.uk

Professional 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

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WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL t Established in 1980

Newly ed open rly in ea 15 0 Nov 2

Where children are motivated to learn independently

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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Romney Lock Road, Home Park, WINDSOR SL4 6HX Tel: Email: Website:

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01753 868 399 or 01344 844 592 menik@windsor-montessori.com o www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

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t We provide care and Montessori education for infants and children – from 6 months to 6 years. o

We are open 50 weeks of the year.

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You will find us in the stunningly renovated Crown Estate building in Old Windsor opposite the Windsor Farm Shop.

w Montessori education for 2 – 9 year olds

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Well resourced school, within a nurturing environment.

Windsor Montessori House of Children 4 Datchet Road, Old Windsor, SL42RQ For all enquiries: Tel: 01753 830 525 or 01344 844 592 Email: menik@windsor-montessori.com Website: www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment. t

Windsor Montessori House of Children E E

Providing development for life