Families Thames Valley East Jul-Aug 2011

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Summer Holiday Fun YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533 362

Tel: 01628 828258

Email: montessorischool@aol.com

School Lane, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3QY

We are a very well-established Montessori Nursery set in a once Victorian primary school at the heart of the picturesque village of Littlewick Green.

Ages 18 months – 5 years Operating a 43 and 48 week year Open 8am-6pm Full days or morning and afternoon sessions Covering the EYFS & Montessori curriculum Quality day care in a warm and friendly environment Football & Multi Sport coaching available for ages 3-5 Mouse Wizards (I.C.T.) for the 3-5 year olds Drama, Music & Movement Classes Free funded sessions for 3-5 year olds

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

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

JULY/AUGUST 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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News & Info

in this

issue 3 9 10 13 14 16 18 19 20 21 26 27 28 29 30

News & Info Solar Energy Bored No More Festival Survival Guide Love the Skin You’re In Local Food Guide In Praise of Au Pairs Top 5 Days Out Competitions Time Out Too Much, Too Young The Power of Language Ed’s Reading Room Lose that Baby Weight Mums Who Mean Business

Cover Credit: www.istockphoto.com

PO Box 3902, Maidenhead, SL60 1AD web: FamiliesTVEast.co.uk tel: 01628 627586 fax: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) e-mail: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,000 next issue: September/October 2011 featuring: Back to School due out: September 6 copy/advertising deadline: July 20

Telephone: 01628 627 586

THE summer holidays will soon be upon us and we have some great ideas to help fill the long days ahead on pages 10 to 11 and page 19. We have some fantastic competitions on page 20, plus great reader offers for Ascot Racecourse Family Days on page 11 and Odds Farm on page 19.

Whatever you do this summer remember to have fun with the kids (they grow up fast!). They won’t always say things like: “I laughed so much that my eyes fell out.” or “Daddy you look like a parrot” after he has just had a haircut. We are launching a competition on Facebook and Twitter to find the best of your children’s funny comments.

Please “Like” our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (to find us click on the Facebook or Twitter icons on our homepage www.familiestveast.co.uk) to add your own children’s one liners. The best entry will win a £50 M&S voucher.

See you back in September with our Back to School and Clubs and Classes issue.

EU RECOMMENDATION TO BAN MOBILES & WIFI IN SCHOOLS Council of Europe committee has examined evidence that electromagnetic radiation has a “potentially harmful” effect on humans, and concluded that “immediate action was required to protect children.”

They also said that mobile phones and computers with wireless internet connections pose a risk to human health and should be banned from schools. The committee said it was crucial to avoid repeating the mistakes made when public health officials were slow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, tobacco smoking and lead in petrol.

The report highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephones and baby monitors, which uses similar technology.

Fears have been raised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices can cause cancers and affect the developing brain.

Children (and definitely babies) have much thinner skulls than adults, so are not affected in the same way.

We’ve gathered, in one convenient place (www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation), lots of useful and jargon-free articles, clear, easy-to-read books, good websites and recent media coverage.* *At time of going to press there was coverage of the issue in the Telegraph, Mail, Metro and Radio 4’s You and Yours.

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BOOKKEEPER I have my own home-based office and deal with all types of bookkeeping tasks including: Invoicing, Dealing with Creditors and Debtors control accounts, VAT returns, bank reconciliation etc.

I am an experienced user of Sage Instant Accounts.

I choose to have a small practice and handle everything myself, with flexible contact hours for any queries.

For further information please email me at sandhuh@btinternet.com or call me on 0752 5326437

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SEE RATTY, MOLEY AND FRIENDS AT SAVILL GARDEN

ambridge Touring Theatre take a merry romp through the world of the river bank with their wonderful adaptation of Wind in the Willows on Friday 1 July at Savill Garden in Windsor.

Toad is boastful and proud and obsessed with motorcars. It is the job of Ratty, Moley and Badger to keep him under control.

Along the way, they learn important lessons about what it is to have friends and to be a friend.

This production lasts two hours with a twenty minute interval and is suitable for the whole family, with lots of jokes, fun for all, audience participation, songs and dances.

The performance begins at 6.30pm and gates open at 6pm. There is also the treat of being able to picnic from 6pm on The Lawns. Tickets are £12 per adult, children (under 16)/seniors/students £8, and a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £35.

Before the show, there will also be a children’s workshop for five to 11 year olds where children can meet the stars of the show and have their own chance to act and sing! Places are limited and the ticket price for the workshop is £3 per child.

Tickets are available from The Savill Garden reception on 01784 435544 or by visiting www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk or www.theroyallandscape.co.uk.

(Tickets are non-returnable and non-refundable)

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FACE TO FACE WITH AN ARTIST rawing portraits has been Heidi Kuivaniemi-Smith’s passion for over ten years and recent studies in Forensic Art at the University of Dundee in Scotland have improved her skills.

Classes in the anatomy of the face enabled her to gain a sound knowledge of facial features and also helped her to improve her drawing skills.

Although Heidi is keen to get into the field of forensic art, she still loves working as a portrait artist and enjoys the challenge of achieving the likeness of a subject. Heidi is passionate about what she does. “I am dedicated to delivering only the best, I love what I do and always try to produce high quality work.” Please contact Heidi on heidi@facialdepiction.com/ 07979977334. To see her work, go to www.facialdepiction.com

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CUSTOM MAID FOR MUMS re you at home with a new baby or a busy mum who is looking for a bit of extra help but don’t want to commit to a full time cleaner, housekeeper or nanny? Then check out Mummy’s Maid, a local company offering short term household services: cleaning, errand running, in-house laundry, ironing, childcare and the New Mum service.

Each service is just two hours long so no need for long term commitments. All of their maids are Mums themselves, who are fully vetted with enhanced CRB checks. The company has also just been shortlisted by Nectar business awards in the Start-up Company of the Year category. For more information visit www.mummysmaid.co.uk or call 0845 463 0075

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET UK EXPANDS

News & Info

The idea for Baby & Children’s Market UK came to husband-and-wife team Leanne and Steve Taylor in January 2010 following the birth of their son. They soon discovered how quickly babies develop and grow out of their clothes, toys and accessories and were inspired to create their Reading-based business.

“We couldn’t afford to spend thousands on brand new baby items and began to see a real value in recycling,” they explained. “We felt that other mums and dads, like us, would want to save money and reduce waste at the same time. Our business provides parents with a great opportunity to buy and sell quality pre-loved baby and children’s goods at bargain prices all under one roof. We also offer other local businesses an opportunity to showcase and sell their unique baby and children’s products and services at each event.

“We feel the Baby & Children’s Markets are meeting a real need among families, especially during these tough economic times; and growing concerns about sustainability makes them even more relevant.”

Markets are located across Berkshire and the couple have recently expanded into other counties due to their popularity. They are also seeking franchisees to set up markets in Maidenhead, Slough, Twyford and Wokingham. To find out more or to book a stall at one of their events, visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or contact the Taylors on 07881 641 614.

MUNCHKINS GET A MAKEOVER hildren and staff at Munchkins Pre-School in Maidenhead are enjoying a bright and breezy new environment thanks to funding from the local council. The pre-school received funding from the RBWM Quality and Access funding pot, which provided them with a replacement home for the pre-school, which is based in St Luke’s Primary School on the Cookham Road.

The design of the building has created an accessible, integrated educational unit for young children and their families. The school now has a safe separate pedestrian entrance and secure outdoor play areas. The classrooms are fresh, bright and stimulating with dedicated areas of learning.

Manager Gina Kendall says, “We are delighted with the new building. Our pre-school provides a warm and nurturing environment for children. We have experienced, dedicated practitioners, who are committed to a high standard of care and education”.

The pre-school operates during school term times from 8am to 3pm, offering early years free entitlement places and childcare for up to 40 children per day in two classrooms. They can offer morning, afternoon and full day sessions.

For information about sessions, please contact 01628 770877 / 07518 471706.

Munchkins-maidenhead.co.uk

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MAIDENHEAD NURSERY WELCOMES NEW MANAGER he Positives Steps nursery in Cookham Road, Maidenhead, is under new management and is also celebrating receiving a ‘Good’ Ofsted result.

Senior Nursery Manager, Anna Smith, who previously managed their ‘Outstanding’ Norden Road Nursery has recently joined the team in Cookham Road.

Their recent Ofsted inspection in May this year ranked the Nursery as being a strong ‘Good’ in all categories. Highlights of the report include: “Strong partnerships with parents and others result in consistency and continuity in all children’s care and learning.”

“Effective transitional arrangements support children successfully as they change rooms or start the nursery. As a result children settle with ease and develop a good sense of security, enabling them to feel safe.”

“Children benefit from a bright and welcoming environment.”

For more details call 01628 623777 or request info by emailing the nursery on maidenhead@positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

WHITE WALTHAM NURSERY IS ‘OUTSTANDING’ IN ALL AREAS he nursery based at White Waltham cricket club just outside Maidenhead has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.

The inspector noted that the “learning environment was exciting and highly motivated, enabling children to learn through play with an excellent variety of play resources” and “the children thrive in the warm and welcoming child orientated environment, balancing free play and focused group learning.”

The nursery currently has some places available in September.

To find out more go to www.whitewalthamnursery.co.uk or call 01628 824802.

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News & Info ‘OUTSTANDING’ OFSTED FOR COUNTRYSIDE’S BURNHAM NURSERY he Beeches Nursery in Burnham has just received an ‘Outstanding’ in their recent Ofsted inspection.

Amy White, Manager of Beeches Nursery said “I am delighted that we received an outstanding grade in every aspect of the report and I’m extremely proud of my staff ”.

“The report duly recognises the hard work that the staff put into ensuring the children have fun whilst learning in a structured, safe and caring environment.”

The report stated, “The Beeches Nursery is an exceptional setting. It meets the needs of all children very well because it is inclusive and supports individual children so that they make very good progress in their learning and development.

“Very rigorous procedures ensure that the children are always completely safe and secure”.

“The staff observe the children closely as they learn so that they know what opportunities they need to make the next step. All children make very good progress because the provision is outstanding”.

To find out more or to arrange a visit call Amy on 01628 603800 or www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk

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10%unt discofees on

POPPIES DAY NURSERY COMES TO BEACONSFIELD oppies Day Nursery has settings in Bourne End and Marlow and they are now delighted to announce that their third nursery is open in Beaconsfield. Directors Anne and Linda took over Beaconsfield Nursery at the beginning of May because the original owner was retiring.They are delighted to be bringing Poppies to the area.

Poppies Beaconsfield will be opening a new Baby Nest from September 2011, enabling them to offer care and education to little ones, from babies to five years.The nursery cook will also be providing home cooked meals using organic meat, fruit and vegetables, including healthy snacks and breakfast.

The nursery has inherited a fantastic childcare team who share the Poppies ethos and are committed to ensuring that children

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receive exceptional care and education.

Poppies is located in Beaconsfield old town in a wonderful converted barn.They also have a fantastic outdoor space and a beautiful garden for the children to enjoy.

For further information please contact Kim, the nursery manager on 01494 677116.

SUMMER SWIM SCHOOL IN VIRGINIA WATER EMA Swim School is holding a SUMMER CRASH COURSES for ages three and over from Mon 25th July to Fri 5th Aug at Christchurch C.E. School in Virginia Water.

Consisting of 30 minute lessons over five days, starting 9am onwards. For more info call 07702 412090 or 01784 455205.

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HOLYWELL MEAD POOL IN HIGH WYCOMBE HAS RE-OPENED FOR THE SUMMER TAKE your children to the nearest outdoor pool this summer. After a two-year closure in an effort to save money, Wycombe Council has re-opened the Holywell Mead outdoor pool in High Wycombe. The pool has been spruced up and refreshed ready for this summer and the new management will develop the adjacent Rye Centre into a new gym, excercise studios and café this autumn, ready for next summer.

So get active, get swimming (or do some sunbathing at the side of the pool)! Go to www.holywellmeadpool.com for more details, but a one-off swim will cost you £5.50 for an adult, and £3.50 per child. The pool can be found in The Rye, off Bassetsbury Lane, High Wycombe.

Tel: 01494 769472.

The Hollywell Mead Pool in its heyday

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Education CLAIRES COURT SCHOOLS CELEBRATE GOLDEN JUBILEE

THE SUMMER of 1960 saw two 30-something teachers – David and Josephine Wilding, both graduates of King’s College London, plus their two young sons – Hugh and James, arrive on Ray Mill Road East and roll up their sleeves to prepare a substantial Victorian house to receive two classes of young boys. They were helped in that Claires Court had been used as a school from 1940 to 1947 so a large playground already existed. An extraordinary revelation for the two small boys was that there were four bathrooms – one for each member of the family!

Once opened, Claires Court proved popular with local families. Numbers rose quickly from the first 19 pupils in September 1960 to reach 5 classes and 84 pupils the following September. In 1964, Ridgeway was acquired to reduce pressure at Claires Court by providing accommodation for boarders.

Boarding was discontinued in 1974 and in 1977, Ridgeway became home to the youngest age ranges when Claires Court was expanded to GCE O-level. Girls arrived in 1993 when Maidenhead College was acquired.

Today, the combined group educates around 1,000 boys and girls across all age ranges, from 3 to 18 years and on three sites, remaining a “family” school run by the same family. To find out more call 01628 411470. www.clairescourt.com

ETON END SCHOOL IS 75 YEARS OLD ETON END PNEU School celebrated its 75th Anniversary this June with a variety of historical, artistic, musical and dramatic tributes. These included a musical concert and a celebratory picnic birthday tea.

The school began in May 1936 when Miss Johnstone, the school’s first Headmistress, responded to the request from Eton College Masters to start a school for their children. When the school opened in a wing of the Eton Vicarage, there were only fifteen pupils aged between six and 12 years. Miss Johnstone wrote: “I always limited the number in each class so that each child could have individual attention”. The ethos of personal attention to every child’s individual needs, which prevailed at the time when the school opened, continues to this day.

By the time Miss Johnstone left the school 27 years later in April 1963, there were 70 pupils on roll and the school had moved to its present site at 35 Eton Road, Datchet. Miss Anderson became the second Headmistress and she remained in post for a year longer than Miss Johnstone – 28 years! The school continued to thrive under her leadership. Miss Anderson lived at the school and she loved her combined life of school and home. “It would have been impossible to live elsewhere as I taught all day and I did any administration work out of school hours” she wrote.

Mrs Ottley was the school’s third Head taking up post in 1991.

Mrs Ottley oversaw the continued growth in pupil numbers and facilities at the school. It is an amazing fact that the present Headmistress,Vanessa Pilgerstorfer, is only the fourth in the school’s history. For more information call 01753 541075. www.etonend.org.

CHILDREN’S DAY NURSERY in Maidenhead (St. Josephs Centre) Under New Management Excellent quality Children’s Day Nursery combining traditional loving care with stimulating educational programme to provide a well-balanced environment for your child.

Inspected by OFSTED in MAY 2011 as GOOD ‘Children develop good levels of self esteem and confidence’ ‘Lots of positive praise and encouragement’ • Children from 6 weeks to 5 years old • Open 7.30 a.m. - 6.15 p.m. Monday to Friday • Full-time or part-time (51 weeks) • Pre-School educational curriculum • French, swimming and music classes

To reserve your show-around Telephone 01628 623777 www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Clubs & Classes IFASHION DESIGN OPENS SUMMER SCHOOL IN WINDSOR GET designing with ifashion Design at their new fashion school in Windsor or regular school in Beaconsfield this summer. They’ll be designing and creating their own skirts, tops, bags, jewellery and more.

Plus there’ll be a Fashion show each week to show off your creations!

The Beaconsfield School will run 25–29 July; 1–5 Aug; 8–12 Aug; 15–19 Aug and 22-26 Aug. The Windsor School will run 1-5 Aug and 8-12 Aug. For more information Tel: 07980 706574, email: info@ifashiondesign.co.uk, www.ifashiondesign.co.uk.

HALF-PRICE SWIMMING COURSES Seriously FUN Swimming Schools are offering half-price five Day Intensive Courses during the Summer Holidays, at the following venues: St. Piran's School – Maidenhead;Teikyo Japanese School – Wexham and Maplewood School - High Wycombe.

The price is only £30 per child (normally £60). They cater for Beginners to Advanced levels for children aged 3 to 12 years.

For more information or to book online at www.seriouslyfun.com or call 0844 35 11 461.

FLY AWAY TO NEVERLAND WITH PERFORM PERFORM Drama School is back with another exciting Summer Holiday Experience for 4-8 year olds.This July, Perform invites them to take a trip to Neverland with Peter Pan and friends. Perform’s energetic young team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage.With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, children will enjoy a fun-packed week putting together a fantastic show what will delight family and friends.

At every performance Perform will also have collection buckets for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital because they own the rights to Peter Pan, a great way to support this amazing hospital.

Workshops will run on 25-29 July in Windsor at the Clewer Youth Centre. For more information and bookings call 0845 400 1282. www.perform.org.uk

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LOOK NO FURTHER THIS SUMMER! REDROOFS Theatre School are running fun filled themed theatre weeks this summer for young wannabe performers of all ages, with a show or presentation at the end of every single week! The courses provide a fantastic introduction to Redroofs, says course director, Sam Keston. “Experienced, smiling staff get the best from the children, and year after year we are told this is the best part of the summer. Children will often come alone and leave with a bundle of new buddies. Friendships are formed on the first morning, during rehearsals and by the pool. Redroofs is fun!”

The school has successfully been running Summer Courses since 1964 both at Maidenhead and at Littlewick Green. The central Maidenhead site boasts beautiful mirrored studios and a garden for breaks and the Littlewick Green school is home to its own theatre, studio spaces and grounds. The swimming pool on a hot summer’s day is particularly popular for relaxation after rehearsals.

So there really is no need to queue at the airport looking for somewhere to pass the summer.You can entertain your kids from ages 5 to 16 at Redroofs - from only £140 per week.

Bookings are now open for The Big Bow Wow, Lets Put on The Wizard of Oz, Monkey Business, Let’s Put on Peter Pan, Acting for Camera and West End Musicals Week.

Call 01628 674092 or see www.redroofs.co.uk for more details.

POPSTARS AT SUPERCAMPS THIS SUMMER SUPER Camps have teamed up with Popstars Academy for the second year running to bring week-long dance workshops to their Ascot site for children aged six to ten, concluding with an informal Performance!

Popstars Academy also had fun performing with their students at the Maidenhead Carnival this June. The Instructors are all qualified dance teachers who teach routines to current chart topping artistes. They also offer a variety of children’s parties to suit all musical tastes.

For more information or to try a FREE trial class, please contact Arwen. Tel: 01753 538 525 or email Arwen@PopstarsAcademy.com, www.PopstarsAcademy.com. To book the summer school contact Super Camps on 01235 832222 or go to www.supercamps.co.uk

For more summer activities go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/summer2011

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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The sun can pay your electricity bills!

By Kieran Pye

Green Issues How do I find a good supplier?

The best way to find a reliable company to install your panels is by visiting the website of the organisation that certifies microgeneration suppliers at www.microgenerationcertification.org and click on the ‘Consumer’ button. Put in your postcode to find your local companies. All these certified companies can use the initials MCS after their name.

What happens next?

Since April 2010 a government scheme to encourage solar panel installation means that families can actually make money from producing electricity from solar panels. olar panels have been popping up on UK roofs for the last 30 years. Environmentally conscious people, aware of the need to stop using fossil fuels (ie coal), have been keen to use this free, alternative source of electricity. There have even been grants to cover a portion of the installation costs.

The phrase ‘microgeneration of electricity’ refers to electricity produced on your own roof top. The good news is that for every unit of electricity you make from your solar panels, the government will currently pay you 43.3p. What’s more, this is paid to you even when you use the electricity at home! The introduction of the ‘feed-in tariff’ in April 2010 has made this green technology a profitable investment.

This unit rate of 41.3p will be paid for a guaranteed period of twenty-five years from installation and is index-linked to inflation.

But these rates won’t last for ever: they are due to fall for installations completed after March 2012.

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Cost and benefits An average household typically uses about 3,300 kWh (units) a year. At 13p per unit this costs £429. A typical installation for a family house costs around £9,000 and will provide approximately 2,000 units (or kWh) of electricity each year, giving you an income of over £800 plus about £200 savings on your electricity bill. Larger systems provide even greater returns due to the efficiencies of scale.

The feed-in tariff is a tax-free payment. Furthermore the value of the property is likely to increase because of the built-in income stream.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

An initial meeting normally takes about one hour to discuss all the homeowner’s queries and to measure and assess the intended location for the panels. From the quotation to the installation can be as little as three weeks. The installation process is relatively simple, with the majority of the work being done on the roof and in the loft space. A team of specialist engineers can complete a typical installation in one day. One cable is run from the ‘inverter’ (which converts the electricity to the normal domestic supply of 230v) in the loft to the main consumer unit (fuse box) within the property.

Solar myth busters ■ Solar panels do not require a due south facing roof to generate power. A west-facing roof can generate 80% of the power of a due south-facing roof.

■ The panels will generate power all year-round, including overcast winter days. Obviously the system will be most productive during periods of bright sunshine.

■ The installation of a roof-mounted photovoltaic system does not normally require planning permission for domestic properties. The exceptions to this are for listed properties, national parks, etc.

■ Landlords can receive the feed-in tariff from installations on rental properties.

If you are considering the installation of solar panels, it would be wise to look for a company that is registered on the MCS scheme and with REAL (for added customer support). These registers have been set up to maintain consistency and quality in this growing industry.

Thanks to Kieran Pye of Fusion Green Energy in Croydon, CR2 8EL for contributing this article.

Fusion Green Energy has been trading for five years and is a NICEIC MCS and REAL accredited installer of photovoltaic systems for domestic and commercial properties.The company only uses MCS accredited products and can provide information and advice on the suitability of your property for solar power. www.solar-panels4u.co.uk or call 0800 158 8181.

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Bored no more WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL “Staff ensure they have an exceptional knowledge and understanding of each child’s individual needs. This is achieved through the superior partnership with parents.”

8.30am to 4pm – 6 months to 8 years Pre Parent Infant and toddler sessions 01753 868399 / menik@windsor-montessori.com www.windsormontessori.co.uk HOME PARK, WINDSOR, SL4 6HX

Do something new this summer

School’s out – roll on long, lazy summer days and the chance to break with routine and do something totally different with the help of Joanna Moorhead & Claire Winter

Stargaze!

Choose a night when the sky is very clear and there’s no moon.

Before you go out, look online or at a book about the constellations, and choose a shape to look for that should be visible at the time of year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Look out for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re an amateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation to spot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work things out, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. You could also buy or borrow a telescope to take an even closer look.

Have a day at the races!

Always a great day out for adults and children alike. Go to a Family Fun Day at Windsor Racecourse on August 7 and meet Lazytown characters Stephanie and Spartacus and enjoy a host of free activities for kids including face painting, inflatables and pony rides. Tickets cost £10 per adult and kids go free. 01753 498400. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk.

Go cycling Play sessions for under-5s at the Phoenix Gymnastics Club Have fun in this fully equipped gym with your kids.

Sessions Monday: 10.30-11.30 Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 -10.30 & 11.00–12.00 Tuesday & Thursday: 1.00-2.00pm Cost just £3.50 per child (must be accompanied by adult)

Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres, and head for a spin through a local park, along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. If you’re not sure what routes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk . If you don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility of hiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? Dorney Lake and Windsor Great Park are great locations for a ride. Or why not hire one of Boris’ bikes in London and explore one of its many parks for the day. www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx

Refreshments available Phoenix Gymnastics Club Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Maidenhead Road, Windsor Tel:01628 778881 www.phoenixgym.co.uk

Try wild swimming … or even, if your kids are tiny, wild paddling?

Nothing beats the fresh, cool, vibrant feel of wild water on your face or even just between your toes. Some of my happiest summer days as a mother have been spent picnicking, paddling and even swimming in the streams and brooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire.

For ideas of where to go to find wild water near you, see www.wildswimming.co.uk. Or make do with a lido instead, Holymead in Wycombe has just reopened after two years.

Make a sand sculpture Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind?

Start with a flotsam and

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jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.

Organise a rounders match Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket).

Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.

Go fishing Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). You can also buy fishing nets in the local shop in the village of Hurley and try catch minnows down by the river (great fun but make sure you bring a change of clothes).

Borrow a dog You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning. To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.

Lets go fly a kite!

The sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s a breeze fluttering: and what could be more fun than watching your child’s kite playing on the gentle wind? Kites don’t always fly first time, of course – they take practice. But most homes have at least one kite forgotten in a cupboard – or you can make your own, using dowelling and paper and glue. If you’re really keen, there are even professionals who’ll give you kite-flying lessons in windy spots across the country – see www.kitevibe.com.

Holiday Club At Claires Court Schools, Maidenhead Providing quality care and peace of mind every school holiday Masses of fun, structured play and activities including: sports, team games, arts and crafts, swimming, computers and much more.

Open to all children aged 3-12 years Summer Holiday: 18 July – 2 September 9am-4.30pm (extended day option 8am-6pm) Cooked lunch and tea available We Accept Childcare Vouchers

Go Retro Ascot Racecourse are running their annual Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup & 80s concert on Saturday August 6. Eighties favourites include Jason Donavon, Kid Creole and the Coconuts and Paul Young. Plus there is lots of free entertainment for the kids (see page 20 for your chance to win tickets and see the reader offer below). You can also meet Peppa Pig and other favourites TV stars at another Family Day at the racecourse on Sunday July 24.

SPECIAL OFFER. This special offer will entitle you to £7 off adult tickets for all Family Racedays in 2011. The tickets must be booked in advance. To claim the discount, readers can call 0870 727 1234 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday or visit www.ascot.co.uk 24/7 quoting FAMILIESTV*. A maximum of 9 tickets per order. *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub to see details of our current programme and booking information, or call

01628 687440 New ‘Xplorers’ Activities For children aged 8 and over that are ready for a greater challenge. Professional instructors will provide a programme of specialist activities to motivate and entertain.

Look at our programme on the website for full details.

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There are loads of festivals to choose from these days all over the country.

They range from tiny to humongous and each of them will offer something a bit different.

Here Romany from Festival Kidz – www.festivalkidz.com – shares her top tips for not only surviving a festival, but also making it a really enjoyable and memorable experience.

Packing Essentials:

Ideally, everything you take should be compact and multi-purpose.

If you have a ton of stuff (as most families will) then you’ll be pleased to know that most festivals offer a wheelbarrow or trolley hire service.

Ear Defenders – good quality ear defenders for kids are an absolute must. Children’s ears are very sensitive and exposure to loud music at festivals can cause permanent damage.

First aid – plasters for blisters, some paracetamol (for you and the kids), hay fever tablets if needed, any regular meds, something for upset stomachs and maybe even hangovers (well, nobody expects you to be a saint!)

Toiletries – you may be planning to forgo showers for the whole weekend but you will still need toothpaste and lots of WET WIPES! Wet wipes are terrible for landfill so please buy biodegradable where possible. For showers you will need a towel, shampoo and soap. Try showering early-afternoon to avoid the queues.

Loo Roll – Festival toilets always seem to run out. For little ones a travel potty is a really good idea. You may also want to bring your own personal toilet such as the brilliant Boginabag (which conveniently doubles as a camping stool).

Lights – A torch is useful, as is a lantern for the tent. Good glowsticks are great for helping you keep an eye on your kids once darkness falls and also double as lanterns in your tent or for loo trips.

Travel games – something that your child can play with while you catch a band will come in handy. It depends how old your child is, but the Usborne dry-wipe activity cards are great. Choose something small that they can do on the picnic blanket.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Festival Survival Food and Snacks – Festival food is very expensive over a whole weekend and it’s often a bit exotic for little taste buds, so why not freeze some easy meals in advance and use them to keep your coolbox cold, reheating them to eat once they start to thaw? You can do the same with pints of milk. Take plenty of tasty snacks like avocados, bananas, breadsticks which all help to counter the ice-cream demands!

Transport – Festival sites are large and little Romany and her girls at a festival legs will get tired so make sure you bring a buggy, wagon, carrier or hipseat.

Weather Wear – Waterproofs and wellies, sun hats and sunscreen, warm jumpers and t-shirts… British weather is so unpredictable. Dressing in appropriate clothes for the weather will improve your enjoyment of the festival no end.

Shmangle – This is a multi-purpose fleece blanket with waterproof outer and a hood. You can use it as a picnic blanket, wrap it around like a cape or use it as an extra layer over your sleeping bag – brilliant!

Setting Up Camp At most festivals you will have to park away from the camping field and carry all your stuff into your chosen spot. If you have younger children I would always opt for a Family or Quiet camping area as you are less likely to be disturbed by the all-night party crowd. If you have Tweens or Teens then they may well prefer to be in the main action (if you can bear it!).

Toilets Some festivals have superb toilet facilities – but most rely on the trusty Portaloo and these can become pretty manky. In the heat they smell, in the wet they become smeared in mud. So to make the best of a bad situation take your own loo roll, some anti-bac gel and wet wipes. If the festival offers Compost Loos then try them – they are surprisingly pleasant and much better for the environment.

Try something new Festivals are an opportunity to let routines slip for a few days, lose inhibitions and go where the mood takes you. You will never see everything you planned to, but chances are you will see many unexpected equally amazing things if you slow down and let the festival pace carry you along.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

For some family friendly festivals, go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/familyfestivals

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Health

Love the Skin You’re In

By Abi Foss

Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror naked? What do you say to yourself about what you see? Do you judge your body as too fat, too wobbly, too thin, too stretch-marked, too old, too out of proportion? Do you despair about your dimpled thighs, loathe your jelly belly? ow, how would you feel if someone looked you up and down, shook their head, tut-tutted and pointed out every supposed bodily ‘flaw’ that they could see? You’d probably tell them (or at least want to tell them) to shove their opinions up a certain part of their anatomy. That kind of talk, quite frankly, is insulting.

How sad then, that we cannot delight in our bodies, whatever shape they are, these bodies that have produced our gorgeous (well, most of the time) kids.

Why are we women so self-critical?

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Mirror Anxiety

According to an early 2011 study commissioned by the online fashion retailer isme.com, 90 percent of women over forty are so unhappy with what they see in the mirror, they suffer from what researchers have dubbed ‘mid-life mirror angst syndrome’. I would bet this affects a large proportion of the under forties too. As a forty-something myself, it pains me to remember how little appreciation I had for my youthful, slender body with my then (perfectly normal), slightly rounded belly.

The one time I truly loved my belly was when I was pregnant; I felt almost regal, gliding around like a stately galleon. However, I have the kind of dry, sensitive skin that stretch-marks no matter how many expensive oils I lavish upon it. “Oh my God, Abi” a close friend of mine remarked when I showed her my new set of bright red marks, “that is reeeally bad.” (More than once, I have threatened to buy her ‘School of Tact’ gift vouchers for Christmas.)

These days, I have a post-pregnancy mummy tummy, which I could, I suppose, flatten down with vicious dieting and a punishing exercise regime. But do you know what? I really cannot be bothered. I mean, who would I be doing it for? To make me more presentable to others, so that they would like me more? To stop myself being self-critical? That would continue anyway – there will always be something about me, physical or otherwise, that is imperfect.

Perfectly Imperfect

Because, here’s the thing: perfection does not exist. Never has.

Never will. Celebrities who have whole entourages on hand to groom them within an inch of their glamourous lives, still feel as insecure as the rest of us. Our whole Western culture, sadly, lives on a fast-food diet of digitally enhanced images of impossibly thin young women with flawless skin. We worship at the fountain of youth and poke fun at frail ‘old codgers’, studiously ignoring the fact that every single one of us will, at some point, age, wither and die.

This strange state of denial is what drives the whole, multi-billion pound cosmetic industry.

Holy Mother!

Many, many moons ago, aging mothers’ bodies were not just appreciated for their great contribution to the human race, they were considered to be sacred. Think of that! Droopy breasts, sagging bellies and saddle-bag thighs bringing people to their knees in reverence. I’m referring to the pre-Christian pagan traditions of ancestor and mother goddess worship.

Archaeologists have found a whole rash of ‘venus figurines’ across Europe, Russia and Siberia, statuettes of women’s bodies that today are considered old and ugly, dating back from 11,000 to 35,000 BCE, making them some of the oldest items of prehistoric art known to humanity. What our school history (and RE) curriculums do not teach us is that God has, in fact, been a woman for far longer than he/she (or it) has been a man (see: ‘When God Was a Woman’ by Merlin Stone, or the ‘Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets’ by Barbara G Walker).

Women’s bodies, with all their lumps and bumps, were considered divine for the simple fact that they created life. I believe we are still suffering the after effects of several thousand years of patriarchal religious denunciation of the body, specifically women’s bodies, as sinful and dirty. And now we have images of models who barely eat and ruthless commercialism to contend with. We don’t love our bodies because our prevailing culture doesn’t value them as they are.

Reality Check

And there lies the key: value and self-acceptance. “How do I know this body is the perfect one for me?” the spiritual teacher Byron Katie once asked. “Because this is the one I have got. Why argue with reality?”

When I look in the mirror these days, I consciously practice not arguing with reality. I am aging. Fact. And I have realised that aged faces with deep, wrinkled ‘laugh lines’ are far more endearing than airbrushed, soulless mannequin types. It is the kindness that emanates from people that makes them beautiful, like the grandmother who is always there with a warm cuddle and a bowl of soup just when you need it. Somehow, I do not think that on my deathbed I will wish I had got myself a tummy tuck or Botoxed my forehead. If anything, I will wish I had loved my body more, and respected it as the incredibly intelligent, sophisticated, miraculous temporary space suit that it is.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist and writer on all things holistic and spiritual.

See: www.abifoss.co.uk

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Health News

Campaign To Prevent Toddler Tooth Decay THE UK’s leading dental health charity has given its full backing to the Infant and Toddler Forum to help achieve a major improvement in the dental health of children under the age of five.

Around one third of children under the age of five in the UK continue to suffer from dental decay. The British Dental Health Foundation is now working closely with the Infant and Toddler Forum to help raise awareness of the issue with health care professionals, parents, carers and guardians.

Both organisations have now worked together to produce a new Factsheet called ‘Protecting Toddlers from Tooth Decay’, which provides comprehensive advice on how to care for children’s teeth – including fluoride, medicines, diet, snacking, tooth brushing and bottle-feeding.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “It is really important that children develop a good oral health routine from a very early age. It’s also important that the people who care for them have the knowledge and information to help nurture children. Our relationship with the Infant and Toddler Forum creates an excellent opportunity for us to share our experience and advice directly with the people and organisations that have the most influence on children in their formative years.”

To download a free copy of the Factsheet visit: www.infantandtoddlerforum.org

Stay Sun Safe With UV Angel SLAPPING on the suncream can be a battle Before ... especially when children don’t understand why it’s necessary. But now there’s a fun range of sun jewellery from Yorkshire based UV Angel that can help. These great products, made from sun sensitive beads, change colour to let you know that the UV you’re being exposed to could be and after damaging your skin. exposure to “The idea came after a good UV rays friend developed skin cancer,” says Angela Thompson from UV Angel.

“When the beads change colour, it makes you think. It reminds you that there’s UV out there and you need to protect yourself.”

There’s a wide range of UV Angel products to choose from including bag tags, key rings, necklaces and bracelets. There’s a fun range for children, as well as a more contemporary range for mums. The darker the beads go, the more UV there is and they act as a great way to prompt not just sun cream application, but also conversation about the dangers of the sun.

“Kids cook quickly so it’s a parent’s responsibility to protect them,” says Angela. “If you have a bead on your bag or your body and you see it change colour, ask: ‘Do the kids need more cream?’

‘Do we need to get out of the sun?’.”

Take a look at the full range of UV Angel products at www.uv-angel.com. Prices start at £2.50.

Getting Fit For Beginners LOCAL fitness instructor, Sue Kitson is keen to get women interested in fitness but who may feel self-conscious about joining conventional gyms or classes to come to her ladies-only groups running at the gym in Braywick Park in Maidenhead.

She runs the sessions on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings when the gym is closed to the public. Each session is different and Sue encourages the ladies to use a variety of gym equipment. Sue, a

qualified Personal Trainer, tailors each exercise to cater for different levels of fitness, enabling everyone to work to their own abilities and enjoy exercising together.

Sue also recently held a complete beginners fitness bootcamp for those that wanted to find out more about this new fitness craze and hopes to hold more soon.

A course of six ladies sessions cost £60. To find out more about the classes or personal training, call Sue on 07800 571 791 or email sue.kitson@gmail.com www.suekitson.com

ORCHARD Academy of Dance & Theatre Arts Est. 1981 – Principal: Jean Orchard L.I.S.T.D.

L RO EN W! NO

2 NEW CLASSES for BOYS & GIRLS

Street Dance & Musical Theatre Ballet ~ Tap ~ Modern Theatre Dance ~ Adult Tap Classes Outstanding Exam Results and Spectacular Shows

01753 663484 Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Buy Great Food Locally

By Trynke Casale

Of course it’s easier to pop into the supermarket for all our day-to-day necessities, but isn’t it much nicer and more environmentally friendly to buy something that has been grown, harvested or made locally? Even if only for a special occasion, it’s worth exploring some of these amazing local food producers and sellers in the Thames Valley East area. After all you can always save money by eating beans on toast for the rest of the week! is open seven days a week from 11am-5pm.

01753 653034; homecottagefarm.co.uk.

Hitcham Dairy Ice Cream Hitcham House Farm, Lent Rise Road, Burnham. t’s not often you see cows in the fields around here, but this herd of Ayrshires grazes the pastures between Taplow and Burnham all year round and produces the fresh milk and cream used for the dairy’s homemade ice cream.

It’s a perfect stop on the way home from school, or after a walk on a warm summer afternoon. If you can choose from the good range of flavours, a single scoop cone is £1.50, or the enormous two-scoop costs £2.50 (a favourite with my boys, even though they can hardly finish it). Or be prepared and buy a big box of ice cream for £7, ideal for Sunday dessert. The farm shop also sells eggs, home-made cakes and preserves, and has a little picnic area where you can eat your ice creams whilst watching the animals grazing in the field. Opening times: Tuesday and Wednesday 2-6pm; Thursday and Friday 11.30am-6pm; Weekends 11.30am-4pm. 01628 666678 or 07747 025249; hitchamdairyicecream.com

Windsor and Eton Brewery

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Hitcham Dairy ice Cream

Windsor Farm Shop

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Datchet Road, Old Windsor. his area is surrounded by Crown Estate farmland, with the Windsor Farm shop selling a range of produce from it. There’s beef from traditional British breeds, lamb, pork, poultry and game (when in season) from the Royal Estates, a selection of hams and pies cooked on site, locally grown fruit and vegetables, and a wide range of pot plants from the Royal Gardens next door.

The coffee shop is open from 9am-4pm and sells home-made sandwiches, farmhouse soup and handmade cakes, plus ice cream from the Royal Dairy in summer. Opening times: 9am-5pm, Sundays 10am-4pm.

01753 623800; windsorfarmshop.co.uk.

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Home Cottage Farm Bangors Road South, Iver Heath. ome Cottage Farm is located in the midst of beautiful apple, pear and plum orchards, where you can pick your own fruit (or buy it ready picked from the farm shop). They also grow summer and autumn raspberries and blackberries, as well as producing honey from their own bee colonies and pressing their own apple juice. The top fruit (18 different varieties of apples, pears and plums) will be ready for picking from mid-August onwards until about the end of September, with the farm shop selling the rest until it runs out (usually by December). Summer raspberries will be ready by the beginning of July, but it’s best to ring in advance to check availability. The Farm also hosts the Iver Apple Day in October, with stalls, activities and entertainment for all the family. Opening times in July, August and September: Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. From late September, the farm

Duke Street, Windsor. aving just celebrated their first birthday, this new local brewery is reviving a long tradition of Windsor ales.

Windsor’s last brewery closed 79 years ago, but Windsor ales were famous amongst rich and poor alike for hundreds of years. The four friends, who started up the brewery from scratch on St George’s Day 2010, have created several new craft beers, one of them being the Windsor Knot, specially created for the Royal Wedding.You can buy direct from the brewery in Duke Street, by the bottle or packs of 12 or 24, with prices ranging from £1.70 to £2.20 per bottle, or £22 for 12/£36 for 24.You can arrange a tour of the brewery whilst you’re there. 01753 854075; webrew.co.uk.

Home Cottage Farm

Castleman’s Farm Green Common Lane, Wooburn Common. ucked away behind Odds Farm Park is a farm shop which sells home-produced, free-range beef, pork, lamb, unpasteurised milk and cream, local honey, eggs and poultry, as well as game when in season. 01628 523580.

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★★★★★★★★★★★★ Bouncy Castle Hire A Family Business based in Wooburn Green, Bucks.

WE CAN PROVIDE SOMETHING FOR ALL OCCASIONS. ★ Indoor/Outdoor ★ Small/Large ★ Back Gardens ★ Schools ★ Fêtes ★ Weddings ★ Christenings ★ Birthdays

Little Red Hen Day Nurseries Ltd Grove Park White Waltham

Nurturing, homely, calm yet stimulating and structured environment for children aged 3 months – 5 years.

All inflatables have been tested and have certificates All electrical equipment is PAP tested

07903 940168

www.bouncy-castles-4-hire.co.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★

Good quality healthy meals Dedicated sleep room Large garden Free sessions for 3-5 year olds All Childcare Vouchers accepted

To book a visit or find out more call 07948 073118 www.littleredhendn.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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In Praise of Au Pairs

By Kate Robinson

I was, at first, sceptical about au pairs. I couldn’t imagine a stranger in our nest, the extra responsibility of a young girl in a foreign country and, crucially, would I ever be able to trust her with my children?

LOWLY the benefits confided by mums in the school playground began to ease my doubts. “She’s like a big sister to our children, they love her.” “She babysits and we have a social life again.” “She does all the ironing.” I found myself frankly envious.

My house was a mess, my coursework unfinished, my husband disgruntled because he never saw me except comatose on the sofa in the evening. I put my reservations aside and after a ten week search, 21 year old Anna, from Germany, arrived.

She is everything she promised to be: conscientious, caring, reliable, easy going, sensible and good with the children. Life has become much easier. Finding her took many hours on the Internet and a bit of good luck.

Au pairs walk a fine line between guest and employee. Language barriers, cultural differences, immaturity and mismatched expectations can all put a strain on the host/au pair relationship. Before I started my search, I took some sound advice from experienced host families and au pair agencies. Here are the essential facts.

Officially, au pair and family are participating in a cultural exchange, hence au pairs are exempt from UK employment law because they are given board and lodgings and “pocket money” rather than a salary in exchange for childcare and housework. The average going rate is £60-£80 per week for 25-30 hours’ work, rising as high as £200 for more than 40 hours. Au Pairs are typically 17 to 26 years of age. They don’t always have childcare or housekeeping experience. They require a settling in period and young children should not be left in their care until the host parents’ trust has been earned.

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Au pair agencies charge a finder fee of £400-500 on placement. They interview prospective au pairs, check language skills and references. The host family undertake interviews by phone or SKYPE, trusting the agency to do the rest.

Alternatively host families can register on an au pair search website such as www.universalaupairs.com or www.aupairworld.net. These websites charge a small registration fee of about £30.

The host/au pair fill out an online profile.

The database suggests possible matches. It’s then up to the host and au pair to make contact and begin a dialogue. It is the responsibility of the host family to arrange interviews and check references. These websites give excellent advice on all aspects of employing an au pair.

To ensure basic needs and expectations are met the host family should provide a detailed description of the au pair’s duties and working hours. They should also describe their house and where they live, e.g. town or country.

Red Flags Girls that are very young are a risk. They need a lot more hand holding and homesickness can be a real problem. Some au pairs gush about how much they love children on their profile but when questioned they have no experience. They are unlikely to cope with young children.

Watch out for the au pair who doesn’t email or call when they say they will and changes their arrival dates. Being unreliable or scatterbrained are characteristics that do not inspire trust. Unless an au pair is completely open about their own family and

experiences; don’t employ them.

Parenting techniques vary hugely around the globe. Question them: how would they cope with a child that refuses to eat or hits a sibling? The answers can be quite enlightening. It often helps if the au pair’s culture and background are similar to your own.

Make sure their English is good, if they can’t understand half of what you say on the phone, imagine what it will be like when they are staying with you.

No matter how many interviews and reference checks you do, it’s impossible to be certain it’s going to work out until they arrive. It soon becomes clear if there is an insurmountable clash of personality or expectations. Host families should have no qualms about sending au pairs home in this instance.

I have a lot of respect for au pairs’ sense of adventure. It takes gumption to leave home for an unknown country and to integrate into a strange family and culture.

When it works, the rewards for the au pair and the host family can be plentiful.

Blossom Ballet

For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy: 07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet Pre-school dance school for boys and girls aged 18 months - 5 years

Blossom Ballet and its syllabi were created specifically for babies, toddlers and young children. Blossom Ballet offers

a new way to learn through exciting movement classes derived from imaginative play. Inspirational pictures, props and instruments are used but most importantly, Blossom Ballet is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week in Windsor and Bracknell.

Summer Schools

Themed classes, different every day from Adventures on Treasure Island, Teddy Bears Picnics and Magical Mysteries at the Royal Ball. Pre-Primary (4+yrs) and Primary classes will work towards a short Recital on the Friday of each week.

Week 1 - 8th-12th August Week 2 - 29th August - 2nd Sept

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Top 5 Days Out

Looking for something fun to do in the holidays? Here are some great ideas.

Try a CBBC experience BBC Television Centre,Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ ake your little TV addict behind the scenes at the BBC. Local mum Kate took the tour with her 8 year-old. “It was one of the few attractions that the adults enjoyed as much as the kids”, she says.

“They got to see the Tardis, dress up as Diddy Dick and Dom and play Countdown, we got to hear some celebrity gossip and to sit in the Blue Peter Garden – a life-long ambition! The tour lasted nearly two hours and what you get to see does depend on what is going on at the time as it is very much a working building.”

Tours are designed for children aged 7-11 years and younger children are not permitted. Family tickets cost £30 and must be booked in advance at www.bbc.co.uk/tours. Visit soon though, as CBBC is re-locating to Manchester (and taking the Blue Peter garden with them).The BBC centre is situated a short tube journey from Paddington and opposite Westfield, an enormous shopping centre with parking and plenty of venues for lunch.

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The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire. RG12 7QW xploration and education go hand in hand with an unforgettable, fun day out at The Look Out with 90 hands-on science and nature exhibits.

Running over the school holidays is the Bubble and Balloon Show (small extra charge) with bubbles of all shapes and sizes, balloon racing and much more. Plus, there are great adventure play areas, gift and coffee shops and free car parking, all set in 1,000 hectares of Swinley Forest.

Open daily from 10am–5pm, a family ticket is only £17.60 with under 4’s free and special parent and toddler rates during term-time.

Toddler Days are held regularly with lots of themed activities for little ones such as arts, crafts, face painting and story telling plus a 2 for1 drinks offer. A great place to meet up with friends.

For more information visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout or call 01344 354 400.

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Cotswold Wildlife Park Burford, Oxon, OX18 4JP eerkats are just one of the many animals, from the cute to the deadly, that you can discover at The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford. Rare Asiatic lions and leopards prowl the 160 acres of gardens and forests surrounding the Victorian manor house, whilst zebra, giraffes, rhinos and emus keep their beady eyes on the visitors.

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

Children will love the walk-through Madagascar exhibit where they can spot playful Lemurs, hissing cockroaches and the bizarre Giant Jumping Rat, but there is a more serious side to the attraction. It plays a significant role in conservation and education - two of the species of lemur, for instance, are critically endangered and the park is playing a key role in their preservation.

Visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk or call 01993 823 006 for more information.

Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common Rd, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0LX here’s plenty going on down at Odds Farm Park over the summer months.The popular sheep racing is back with a specially built mini race track, complete with jumps and bends, and eager sheep with miniature jockeys. Guess the winning sheep and take home a medal! New this year, and open from mid-July, is a Maize Maze. Sure to be great fun for all ages - see if you can find your way round without getting lost.

Elsewhere at Odds Farm Park, expect more exciting summer activities; board Tractor and Trailer Rides, race Go Karts; challenge your friends to a game of Crazy Golf; and meet furry friends close up in the Designated Animal Feeding Area.

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including special summer events and prices visitors should call 01628 520 188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk. Go to page 20 for the chance to win tickets to the park and see below for a ‘child goes free’ voucher.

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LEGOLAND Windsor ust opened at the park is a unique new ride, the Atlantis Submarine Voyage.Travel in mini ‘submarines’ on a journey to the bottom of the sea and spot amazing sea creatures in a search for the ancient ruins of Atlantis. If you’re planning a trip don’t forget to download your ‘child goes free’ vouchers from www.familiestveast.co.uk/offers

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Competitions

WIN A DAY AT A BREALY BOOTCAMP

Families is giving away six places on a Brealy Bootcamp for Mums.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ASCOT RACECOURSE Win a family ticket to the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, Ascot Racecourse’s most colourful summer Family Day on Saturday August 6, featuring Britain's premier international jockeys' competition. Four teams of riders from all over the world compete in six races for the coveted trophy.

As a busy mum do you tend to put yourself at the back of the queue when it comes to health and wellbeing? Well you don’t have to anymore, because Brealy Bootcamps is running a bootcamp day for mums who need a bit of “me time”! The event is being held on September 10, near Marlow.

If your focus is a kick-start to regain your pre-baby fitness or body weight or if you want to learn how you can fit fitness around or even with your children, then this is the event for you.

As one of the UK’s most experienced bootcamp leaders, Julie Brealy helps women to get the weight off, to tighten and tone their bodies and more importantly understand how to keep it that way. Unlike many other bootcamps, you can expect comfortable accommodation, delicious menus and a sensitive, supportive environment. You’ll go home from a Brealy Bootcamp refreshed, motivated, with improved knowledge and maybe even a whole new body.

Check out www.brealybootcamps.co.uk for more details.

TO ENTER the competition go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions. Closing Date August 1.

Off the track there will be an array of activities to keep the whole family entertained, from wild fairground rides to urban sport displays.

You will also have a chance to test your skills in the BMX and In-line skating workshops.

Back by popular demand they have a two-hour live ‘80s concert in the Old Paddock after racing featuring the Here & Now Tour, as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary. Artists include: Jason Donovan, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Jimmy Somerville, Paul Young, Toyah, China Crisis, Odyssey, Altered Images, Brother Beyond and Visage.

Tickets cost from £26 for a full day’s racing and concert ticket.

Generous group discounts apply and kids under 18 go FREE. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit www.ascot.co.uk For your chance to win a family ticket (2 adults and up to four children) go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions. Closing date July 18.

WIN AN EASY2NAME OFF TO SCHOOL SET

WIN FAMILY PASSES TO ODDS FARM

We have five Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away. Each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron-on name tapes, one set of shoe covers, one bag tag and one shoe bag.

Labelling your child’s school stuff couldn’t be easier with Easy2name. They have iron on and stick on labels for everything.

To see the full range go to www.easy2name.com TO ENTER the Easy2Name competition please go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions. Closing Date August 1.

This Summer, there’s plenty of Family Fun at Odds Farm Park and we have four entry tickets for 2 adults and 2 children to give away!

It’s back! On a specially built mini race track with jumps and bends, featuring eager sheep with miniature jockeys, Sheep Racing is an event not to miss at Odds Farm Park. Plus, guess the winning sheep and take home a medal!

For more information go to www.oddsfarm.co.uk.

TO WIN tickets to Odds Farm Park go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions. Closing Date July 18.

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The Night Pirates, Norden Farm: July 9

Carriage rides exploring the Royal Landscape: July and August

Living History Re-enactments at Chiltern Open Air Museum: weekends in July

ONGOING EVENTS IN JULY AND AUGUST Daily throughout July and August (up until October half term). SHEEP RACING at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common. Plus all the other attractions such as tractor trailer rides, baby animals, cow milking, egg collecting, playgrounds and lots more.

01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

Daily throughout July and August. THE SECRET WORLD OF MUSEUM SCIENCE EXHIBITION at the Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring. 10am-5pm. Free exhibition, showing what goes on behind the scenes at the museum, with some rarely seen specimens from the museum’s bird collection, including a dodo skeleton.

020 79426171; nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Throughout July and August (till Sunday September 4). THE BUBBLES AND BALLOONS SHOW at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. At weekends

and daily during school holidays, with shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. Cost: £1.85 per person in addition to normal entry. 01344 354400; bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout Selected dates in July and August. CARRIAGE RIDES exploring the Royal Landscape starting from The Savill Building, Wick Lane, Englefield Green.

25-Minute rides between 11am-4pm, operated by Ascot Carriages. Dates: July 8, 10, 24 and 30; August 7, 8, 21 and 29. Cost: £45 per carriage (easily seating 4 adults and 2 children) or £7.50 per seat. Toddlers on laps free. 07811 543 019 or 07866 927159; ascotcarriages.co.uk.

Every Tuesday and Thursday during the Summer Holidays. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES at the Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. Sessions starting at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Cost: £2. Drop-in and make something to take away.

01494 421895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Weekends in July. LIVING HISTORY RE-ENACTMENTS, demonstrations and hands-on activities for all the family at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. 10am-5pm. July 2 and 3: Sharpe’s Rifles (Napoleonic wars). July 9 and 10: Edwardian Photography Weekend. July 16 and 17: 1940s family activities. July 23 and 24: Classic Vehicle Show. July 30 and 31: Meet our Norman Conquerors. 01494 871117; coam.org.uk.

Weekends in July. FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. July 2 & 3: Craft Fair, selling home-made crafts, holistic remedies and readings. July 17: Birds of Prey displays. July 30: Fairy and Pixie Tea Party. Children in fancy dress get in free. July 31: Sheep Dog Display. 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

JULY Friday July 1. WIND AND THE WILLOWS at The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. 6.30pm Great fun for all the family.

Before the show there is a children's workshop for 5 to 11 year olds, cost £3 per child. Tickets £12 for adults, £8 for under-16s, seniors and students. Family Ticket £35. To book call 01784 435544. www.theroyallandscape.co.uk Wednesday July 6 to Sunday July 10. HENLEY FESTIVAL, in and around Henley. Opening concert by Tom Jones. Other performers include Jools Holland and Alexandra Burke. Family Concert on Saturday July 9, as part of a free art event – Down by the Riverside. 11.30am-2pm. For more information, visit henley-festival.co.uk.

Saturday July 9. BURNHAM CARNIVAL in Burnham Park. Parade starting from 1pm down the High Street to the Park. Lots of stalls, arena events and a funfair.

Saturday July 9. MARK MY WORDS with Mark Jones at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 1pm. Mark is a local children’s entertainer and writer who returns to the Wycombe Swan to perform stand-up comedy for children and grown-ups who should know better. Suitable for ages 6+. Tickets: £10/£12. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Saturday July 9. THE NIGHT PIRATES by Theatre Hullabaloo at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11am and 3pm. Moonlit adventure inspired by the picture book. Puppets, song and ballet dancing pirates. Come dressed as a pirate, if you wish. For ages 3+. All tickets £6.50, family (4 people) £22. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.

Saturday July 9. PARK LIFE, free summer family festival in the grounds of South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. From 12 noon. Enjoy performers, community street bands, retro clothing stalls, fine food stalls or play on a giant Pirate Ship. Also: THE LIGHT GARDEN, an interactive light and video installation in the Wilde Theatre for toddlers, aged 18mths-4yrs, by award-winning artist Rachel Davis. Starting at 10am and 2pm. Tickets: adults £5, children £4, family £15. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10. NEW FRANCE OLD ENGLAND RE-ENACTMENT CAMP at Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham.

10.30am-5pm. Be transported to the wild frontier of mid-18th century North America. 01932 868 113; painshill.co.uk.

Sunday July 10. CHERRY FAYRE at the Recreation Ground, Flackwell Heath.

Theme this year will be: ‘Fairytales will come true’. Marching toy soldier band leading the parade, with Cherry Fayre Queen, stilt walkers and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at 2.30pm. 01628 523375; flackwellheath.net.

Sunday July 10.THE CLIVEDEN SET. Mix and mingle with Nancy Astor and her celebrity friends at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 12.30-4.30pm. Free, with normal admission. Other dates in July are Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July.

01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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The Light Garden, South Hills Park: July 9

Alice in Wonderland sponsored Walk & Picnic Party, Windsor Great Park: July 10

LEGOLAND Live! My First Festival: July 16

Sunday July 10. ALICE IN WONDERLAND SPONSORED WALK & PICNIC PARTY in Windsor Great Park. 1.30-6pm. Themed, sponsored walk in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. 5K walking route and picnic afterwards, with shows, mad maze, flamingo croquet and more. Adults £10, children £5. 020 7424 5528; doitforcharity.com.

Sunday July 10 to Friday September 9.

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield. 9am-4.30pm. Find the treasure chests hidden around the museum, with quiz sheets and prize draws. 01189 763254; rememuseum.org.uk.

Saturday July 16. SHOTTESBROOKE AND WHITE WALTHAM CHURCHES’ SUMMER FETE at White Waltham Cricket Field, White Waltham, Maidenhead. 12noon-3pm. Traditional fete for all the family. With the Hurst Morris People and Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band, and children’s activities.

Saturday July 16. LEGOLAND LIVE! MY FIRST FESTIVAL, at Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor. 10am-6pm. With Justin Fletcher, Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, the Zingzillas, Fifi and the Flowertots plus Roary the Racing Car, singing and dancing on the main stage. Plus lots of other interactive activities throughout the day.

0871 2222 001; legoland.co.uk.

Saturday July 16 and Sunday July 17. WIND IN THE WILLOWS, outdoor theatre at Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Slough. Suitable for all. For details and advance ticket sales, visit outlinetheatre.co.uk or call 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks.

Tickets will be available on the day.

Saturday July 16. THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, open air theatre at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley. 7.30-10pm. Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera,

suitable for children, by theatre company Illyria. Gates open at 6.30pm. Tickets: adults £14, children £9. Book tickets via 0844 2491895. For more info call 01491 628529; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday July 16. GODS AND GODDESSES OF ANCIENT GREECE: Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. 2-4pm. Family workshops at the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, Reading University,Whiteknights, Reading. Other dates are: Saturday July 23.

MUMMIES! About mummification. 2-4pm. Saturday July 30: HERCULES – FACT OR FICTION? 11am-3pm. All workshops for children aged 6+.

Booking required. Cost: £3.50. 0118 378 6990; reading.ac.uk/ure. (Also on Saturday August 20 – Aries, God of War.) Sunday July 17. NATURE DETECTIVES: MAMMALS AND TRACKS at Runnymede, between Old Windsor and Egham. 11am-12.30pm.

Family walk, hunting for animal tracks and signs with a National Trust ranger. Booking essential.Tickets: adults £5, children £2. 01784 432891; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday July 17. PANN MILL OPEN DAY, on the Rye, London Road, High Wycombe. 11am-5pm.The water mill will be grinding local wheat to produce wholemeal flour, available to buy. Refreshments and stalls. Free admission and parking. pannmill.org.uk.

Wednesday July 20.WILD ONES:WIGGLY WILLOW WONDERS at Westmorland Park, Westmorland Drive,Warfield, Bracknell. Make willow wands, bendy butterflies or dragonflies and more with materials found in the wood. For ages 5-11. Cost: £3.50 for materials. Booking required. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Wednesday July 20 to Saturday July 23.

SHAUN’S BIG SHOW at the Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. Opening at 7pm on the 20th, two afternoon performances on the 21st and

22nd, three on the 23rd. Shaun the Sheep gets his own all-singing, all-dancing show. Tickets: adults £14.50, children £12.50, family £45. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.

Thursday July 21.WILDFLOWER WALK at Cliveden,Taplow, Maidenhead. 11am-12.30pm. Guided walk with one of the gardeners. Not suitable for pushchairs; wear sturdy footwear. Just turn up. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Friday July 22 and Saturday July 23.

MARVELLOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading.

Family-friendly festival with tribute bands, fireworks, and Big Kids’ Village offering workshops and crafts sessions. Tickets: Friday £26, Saturday £32 (kids 5-15: £13/£16). 01189 606060; readingarts.com.

Saturday July 23. LANGLEY DOG SHOW at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver. 11am-4pm. Pedigree and Novelty classes, plus ferret racing, local charity stalls and lots more activities to take part in. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks.

Saturday July 23. CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW in Bracknell Town Centre organised by Sunninghill-based children’s charity Sebastian’s Action Trust and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership. Plus family activities and attractions for all ages. 01344 622500; sebastiansactiontrust.org.

Saturday July 23. FIRESTATION GOES POP, a summer afternoon full of pop music and karaoke, at The Firestation, St Leonard’s Road,Windsor. 1-6pm.

Justin Bieber’s ‘Never Say Never’ at 1pm, Kids Go Pop + Karaoke Mayhem at 3pm, special guests Same Difference play at 5pm, pop quiz at 6.30pm, and tribute bands from 8.30pm.Tickets: £9/£10. Kids Go Pop only: £8.50. 01753 866865; firestationartscentre.com.

Saturday July 23. COUNTDOWN TO THE OLYMPICS at Dinton Pastures Country Park,

JULY/AUGUST 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

The Windsor Club Day Nursery & Crèche

at The Windsor Club Helston Lane, Windsor. SL4 5AP Independent Day Nursery from 3 months – 5 years Ofsted approved, grant funding available for 3 years+ We offer music, french, gym, ballet, cooking and ball skills as well as freshly prepared meals and a large enclosed garden.

A friendly and secure environment open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm

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Me and the Sea, South Hill Park: July 24

Fantastic Mr Fox, Cliveden: July 26

Paws in the Park, Lily Hill Park, Bracknell: July 30

Davis Street, Hurst. Activity party day to start the countdown to the Olympics. For full information nearer the time, visit wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 934 2016.

Saturday July 23 and Saturday August 6.

ROMAN SILCHESTER OPEN DAYS, Church Lane, between Silchester and Mortimer. 11am-3pm.

Experience a real dig with archaeologists from Reading University. Children’s activities include tours, dressing up, finds handling and planning. Free.

Thursday August 11: ROMAN EAGLE, children’s workshop at Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm, finding out more about the Silchester Eagle. 0118 9373400; readingmuseum.org.uk.

Sunday July 24. SUMMER FAMILY RACEDAY at Ascot Racecourse. Racing action and free entertainment for the children with Ben & Holly from their Little Kingdom, Scooby Doo, Fireman Sam, and Peppa Pig’s storytime, face painting and fairground rides.

Tickets: premier admission £27, grandstand £17, under 16s free. 0870 727 1234; ascot.co.uk.

Sunday July 24. ME AND THE SEA at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 11am and 3pm. For ages 7-12. Follow Craig, a boy looking for his father, out to sea. With lots of feelings, puppets, music and poetry.

Tickets: adults £11.50, children £6.50. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Sunday July 24. LONDON 2012 OPEN WEEKEND ft the Garden Games Pentathlon Challenge. Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. 2-4.30pm. Create your own challenge from a selection of garden games. Make medals and pose for your own Victory Ceremony photos.

Suitable for all. 01494 421 895; wycombe.gov.uk.

Sunday July 24. MG CAR CLUB will finish their summer’s day out at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, so you can admire them close up. 2-4pm.

01491 628529; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Monday July 25 to Thursday July 28. SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at the Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Two-hour guided

walks each morning with the Rangers. Booking required. 01753 647358; cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Tuesday July 26. FANTASTIC MR FOX, children’s open air theatre in the grounds at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 2.30-4.30pm and 6-8pm. With theatre company Illyria. Gates open at 1.30pm and 5.30pm.

Tickets: adults £12, children £8. Call 0844 249 1895 for tickets, or 01628 605069 for more info. Illyria will also perform Mr Fox at Greys Court, near Henley, on Friday August 5 at 6.30pm. Nationaltrust.org.uk.

Tuesday July 26.THAMES CRUISER WILDLIFE TRIPS on the Hibernia with a guide from the Chilterns Conservation Board. 3pm Departure from the Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Station Road, Henley. 75 Minute trip between Henley and Hambleden. Tickets: adults £8, children £5. 01491 572035; chilternsaonb.org. (Also on August 2, 10, 16, 24 and 30.)

Tuesday July 26 and Thursday July 28. LOVE PARKS WEEK nature walks in Ockwells Nature Reserve, Ockwells Road, Cox Green, on Tuesday, and Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, on Thursday. 2-3.30pm. Discover the bugs, beetles, butterflies and other minibeasts in our local parks. No need to book. 01628 777440.

Tuesday July 26 and other dates during the holidays. CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS at the River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley.

10.30am-12.30pm. Treasure Trove: make beaded jewellery, for ages 7-16.Tickets: £8.50 + £10 materials.

Thursday July 28: Shadow Puppets, for ages 7-11.

Tuesday August 2: Persian Miniatures, for ages 7-11.

Cost: £8.50. Booking essential. 01491 415600; rrm.co.uk.

Wednesday July 27.WILDLIFE IN THE BOROUGH at Windsor Library, Bachelor’s Acre, Windsor. 2.30-3.30pm. Discover the tell-tale signs of the wildlife in your park or garden. Suitable for families.

Free event from the RBWM Rangers. 01628 777440.

Wednesday July 27. BEASTS AND BUTTERFLIES, nature walks for children at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. 11am-12.30pm.

Booking essential. Cost: £4 per child. More walks on Friday July 29 and Wednesday August 3. 01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Wednesday July 27. SUMMER MINI ASSAULT COURSE at the REME Museum of Technology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield. 11am-3.30pm.The assault course is back for a day. Run by REME soldiers. 01189 763375; rememuseum.org.uk.

Friday July 29. DEMONS OF THE DEEP, Pond-dipping at Funges Meadow Nature Reserve, High Wycombe. Meet outside the Environment Centre, Holywell Mead,The Rye, at 1pm.With the Wycombe Rangers. Booking essential.Tickets: adults £4, children £2, family £10. 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Friday July 29 and other dates in August. POND DIPPING in Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst. Ranger-led pond dipping sessions for ages 5+, from 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm. Other dates are Thursday August 4, Wednesday August 10, Tuesday August 16 and Monday August 22. Cost: £5 per child. Booking essential. 0118 934 2016.

Saturday July 30. PAWS IN THE PARK at Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell. 11am-4pm. A day of canine activities including demonstrations, product displays, fun competitions, veterinary advice and much more. Free. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Saturday July 30.WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE on the Icknield Line, Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. Discover the local wildlife with commentary en route given by the Chiltern Conservation Board.Train times: 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk. (Also on Saturday August 13).

Sunday July 31. COLNE VALLEY FESTIVAL at the Colne Valley Park Centre, Denham Court Drive, Denham, off Jct 1 M40. Free family festival with lots of activities including boat rides, face painting , crafts and stalls. Car parking off Old Mill Lane, Denham Village, at £2.50 per car. 01895 833375; colnevalleypark.org.uk/events.

All about fun!

The ultimate experience in children’s entertainment for 2-13 years Interactive party games Hi-energy action rhymes Multi-coloured parachute Assault course Mini indoor football Limbo dancing Fairies and pirates dressingup adventure Sweets, stickers and prizes galore! Disco parties Going Home Presents

For further information contact Maxine Tel: 020 8573 6288 Mob: 07814 605175 www.chuckleparties.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Polo Festival Finals Day, Polo Club, North St, Windsor. August 6

Butterflies for Beginners, Langley Park: August 6

Catalina Day, White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead: August 7

ONGOING EVENTS IN AUGUST Selected Tuesdays and Thursdays in August.

GO WILD AT BRAYWICK NATURE CENTRE, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead. Wildlife walks and activities for families with children 7+.

Pond Dipping dates: Tuesdays August 9 and 23, Thursday August 18. 2-4pm. Minibeast Safari dates: Thursdays August 11 and 25, Tuesday August 16. 2-4pm. Booking essential.

Cost: £2 per child. 01628 796227.

Weekends in August. LIVING HISTORY RE-ENACTMENTS, demonstrations and hands-on activities for all the family at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. 10am-5pm.

August 6 & 7: Story Telling Weekend with

storytellers from around the world. August 13 & 14: Meet the Tudors and The Hungerford Household. August 20 & 21: The Roman Army, with the Roman Military Research Society. August 27 & 29: Hands-on Spectacular Weekend with medieval minstrels, music, plays and stories. 01494 871117; coam.org.uk.

Weekends in August. FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES throughout the holidays at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading. Some highlights: August 3. Teddy Bears Picnic with magic and Punch and Judy shows, bouncy castle, and more. August 4-7.

Sports Workshops and Sports Days.

August 14. Public Services and Forces Day. August 20 & 21. Caribbean Weekend.

August 27. Pirate Day. August 28.

Superhero Day. Children in fancy dress get in free. September 3 & 4. Inflatable Weekend. 0118 932 6444; wellington-country-park.co.uk.

Every Friday in August. FAMILY FUN DAYS at Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe.

11am-4pm. Fun activities for all the family, with a different theme every Friday. August 5: Cloaks, Crinolines and Victorian Pants; August 12: Nature Detectives; August 19: WWII Activity Day; August 26: Victorian Summer Holiday. Free with normal admission.

01494 755573; nationaltrust.org.uk.

AUGUST Tuesday August 2. ORIENTEERING OPEN EVENT at Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell. Try to find your way around the permanent course set up in the park. Any time between 1pm and 3pm. Suitable for all. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Tuesday August 2. FILM WALK at Black Park, Black Park Road,Wexham. 2-3.30pm.

Stroll round some of the film locations. For ages 7+. Cost: adults £4, children £2, family £10. Booking essential. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk.

Tuesday August 2 to Sunday August 21. SECRETS OF WINDSOR CASTLE at Windsor Castle. 11am-4pm. Family activities with a special trail revealing the secrets of the castle and workshops in the Moat Room. Secrets and Facts Family Tours on Saturdays at 12.30pm and 2pm, starting from the Moat Room. 020 77667304; royalcollection.org.uk.

Wednesday August 3. PLAY DAY 2011 in Salt Hill Park, Slough. 12-4pm. Free play activities for children of all ages, including a bicycle treasure hunt, animal creations, puppet making, circus skills, junk modelling, martial arts, tennis and games. 01753 875177; slough.gov.uk.

Saturday August 6. FAMILY SATURDAY at Windsor Castle. Drop-in art activities in the Moat Education room throughout the day. Create your own coat of arms, colour in a Castle or design an outfit for Henry VIII. Also on Saturday September 3. 020 77667304; royalcollection.org.uk.

Saturday August 6. SHERGAR CUP AND HERE AND NOW 80s CONCERT at Ascot Racecourse. Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and Rest of the World contest the cup. Family entertainment during the day (aimed at children 10+) and live concert from 5.30pm.With Jason Donovan, Jimmy Somerville, Paul Young, Toyah, and more. Tickets: premier admission £40, grandstand £26, under 18s free.

0870 727 1234; ascot.co.uk.

Saturday August 6. ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE POLO FESTIVAL, FINALS DAY at the Polo Club in North Street, Winkfield, Windsor.

From 11am. Free entrance and car parking, refreshments, attractions for all the family. 01344 890060; rcbpoloclub.com Saturday August 6. FUSION ASIA, free outdoor festival in the grounds of South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 1-9pm. Food stalls and family events, workshops, dance, visual and street arts, Dhol Players, exhibitions, craft stalls and the best Asian fusion bands. Fusionasia.co.uk.

Saturday August 6. NIGHT CREATURES SAFARI at the Spade Oak Lake Nature Reserve, Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End. 8pm. Short walk with bat sightings and glow worms. Suitable for all. Booking essential. Tickets: adults £4, children £2, family £10. 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday August 6. BUTTERFLIES FOR BEGINNERS, at Langley Park, Billet Lane, Iver. 10.15am-12.30pm. Walk, in search of butterflies, led by a local butterfly recorder. Booking essential. Suitable for ages 5+. Cost: adults £4, children £2. 01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks.

Saturday August 6 and Sunday August 7. CLIVEDEN ROCKS! At Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 7-10.30pm. Open air concert featuring The Counterfeit Stones and T.Rextasy. Gates open at 5.30pm. Tickets: £27 in advance, £32 on the gate. Available from Frost Partnership offices or via 0844 2491895; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday August 7. CATALINA DAY at White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead.

11am.Vintage aircraft on display including the Catalina, built in 1943, which will be flying in from Duxford, returning in the afternoon. Walk through the aircraft, chat to the crew and learn about its history. Raffle draw to win seats on the Catalina flight, £5 per ticket.Visit maidenheadheritage.org.uk for more info.

Sunday August 7. PUBLIC OPEN DAY at Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Taplow.

10am-5pm. Guided tours of the house and cream teas.Visit Taeppa’s Mound, the 7th Century Anglo-Saxon burial mound. Free entry. 01628 773163; sgi-uk.org.

(Also open on Sunday September 11 – National Heritage Day.) Sunday August 7. FAMILY FUN DAY at Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. Gates open at 12noon, first race at 2.30pm. Family activities throughout the afternoon. Under 18s go free with a fee-paying adult. 01753 498400; windsor-racecourse.co.uk.

HANDS-ON ART STUDIO Pop in & Paint: ceramics or canvas Kids Clubs: after-school, Sat & holidays Grown-ups: Art Club, Girls Night In …

Parties: book a Table or the Studio

www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk tel. 01753 206265 email: office@hands-onart.co.uk 42a St Lukes Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2QQ

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Time Out

Meet the Tudors, Chiltern Open Air Museum: August 13-14

Retrofestival, White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead: August 13-14

Rapunzel, South Hill Park: September 3

Sunday August 7. ANNUAL GALA DAY at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Sunday August 7. NURSERY RHYME SUNDAY at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford (or Cholsey Station).

The Queen of Hearts will be on the trains to read stories to the children. 01491 835067; cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.

Wednesday August 10. CREATE YOUR OWN SECRET GARDEN at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley. 10am-12pm. Creative gardening for children. Another holiday event takes place on Wednesday August 24: PUT YOUR WELLIES ON and walk into the Estate beyond the gardens; tour and craft activities. Book tickets (£5 per child) via 0844 2491895. 01491 628529; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Thursday August 11. WILD ONES:THE GREAT OUTDOORS at Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell. 2-4pm. Learn about the folklore of nature, and try campfire cookery. For ages 6+. Friday August 19. CREATURES OF THE NIGHT. 7.30-9pm. Search for the bats and moths in the dark of the park. Suitable for all. Booking required for both events. Cost: £2 each. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Saturday August 13. BATS AND BEASTS OF THE NIGHT at the Spade Oak Lake Nature Reserve, Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End. A guided walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures living around Little Marlow. Booking essential. Adults £4, children £2, family £10. 01494 421825; wycombe.gov.uk.

Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14.

RETROFESTIVAL with Wings, Wheels, Speed, Steam, Rock ‘n’ Roll music and dance at White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead. 10am-11pm on Saturday, till 6pm on Sunday. Air displays, vintage vehicles, shopping and entertainment. 01494 445105; statelysolutions.co.uk.

Saturday August 13 and Sunday 14.THE CLIVEDEN SET. Mix and mingle with Nancy Astor and her celebrity friends at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 12.30-4.30pm. Free, with normal admission. Meet all the characters again on Sunday August 28. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday August 14. CHALK AND LANDSCAPE AROUND REMENHAM, a National Trails 4-5 mile walk along the Thames, suitable for children, starting at 10.30am from Hambleden. With a geologist guide. Meet in Mill End car park, off A4155, Henley to Marlow road. 01865 810224; nationaltrail.co.uk.

Monday August 15 to Wednesday August 31.

FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS AND WEEKENDS at Longridge, Quarry Wood Road, Marlow.

10.30am-3.45pm. For adults and children over eight years old. Cost: £50 for a family of 4, to take part in 3 activities. Short-breaks can be booked throughout August. Cost: £70 for a family of 4 with one night camping and a day of 3 activities. 01628 483252; longridge-uk.org.

Tuesday August 16 and Wednesday August 17, plus on September 1 and 2. POTTERS WHEEL workshops at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 10am-12pm, 2-4pm. Two-hour session

learning how to throw a pot. Cost: £15 per child, members £13. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Tuesday August 16 to Thursday August 25.

COUNTRYSIDE FUN at the Lightwater Country Park, Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater, Surrey.

10am-12pm. Suitable for 8-11 year olds. Totem Pole Painting on Tuesdays 16 and 23.

Minibeasting on Wednesdays 17 and 24.

Survival Skills on Thursdays 18 and 25. Cost: £12/child. Booking essential. 01276 707166; surreyheath.gov.uk/events.

Wednesday August 17. SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN TRAIL at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead.

10.30am-4pm. Find the clues along the trail to claim a prize on this fun day out. Cost: £2 per child. Just turn up. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk.

Thursday August 18 to Saturday August 20.

OPEN AIR THEATRE at the Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green. 7.30pm, gates open at 6pm.

Thursday: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Friday: Sense and Sensibility; Saturday: Taming of the Shrew. Tickets: adults £14, under 16s £8, family £35.

01784 435544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.

Saturday August 20. ANNUAL SHOW AND FETE by the Windsor Allotment Association at the Gardeners Hall, St Leonards Road, Windsor.

2.15-5.15pm. Horticultural show in hall, with fete in grounds. Entrance 50p. wahga.org.uk.

Tuesday August 23,Thursday August 25 and Tuesday August 30. ARTS FACTORY for ages 4-11 at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell.

10am-12pm. Cost: £15 per child, members £13.

01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Wednesday August 24. ART IN THE PARK, Evenlode, Cherwell Close, Maidenhead. 11am-2pm.

Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk Thursday August 25. ART INTHE PARK, Horton Recreation Ground, Horton. 11am-2pm.

Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk Friday August 26. ART IN THE PARK, Phipps Close, Woodlands Park, Maidenhead. 11am-2pm.

Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk SWednesday August 31. ART IN THE PARK, Eton Wick Recreation Ground. 11am-2pm. Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk aturday August 27 to Monday August 29.

TEDDY BEAR DAYS at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor. Each child carrying a Teddy Bear will travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Plus entertainment for the children. 01844 353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Monday August 29. OPEN DAY at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading.

11am-5pm. See the wolves, plus other visitors: falconry displays, reptiles, spiders, hedgehogs, and more, children’s tent with face-painting and story-telling, archery for children and adults, nature trail, pond-dipping and bouncy castle. 0118 971 3330; ukwct.org.uk.

Tuesday August 30. BAT WATCHING at Braywick Nature Reserve, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead. 7.45-9pm. Evening bat watching walk with the rangers for families with children 7+.

Booking essential. Cost: donations welcome. 01628 796227.

Thursday September 1. GO BATTY at Northerams Wood Conservation Project, next to Ringmead Playing Fields, off Ringmead, opposite Wheatley, Bracknell. 7.30-9.30pm. Make bat boxes for the project plus a woodland walk to see some bats. Suitable for all ages. Booking required. 01344 354441; bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Thursday September 1. MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell.

Morning and afternoon sessions, plus tea party at 3.30pm. Make props and accessories with the help of an artist in residence and in-house set designer for a performance in the afternoon. For ages 5-12. Cost: £15, members £13. Also, on Friday September 2, WILLOW WANDS AND DAGGERS workshop, for ages 7-11, from 10am-12pm. Cost: £15/£13.

01344 484123; southhillpark.org.

Thursday September 1. ART IN THE PARK, Sawyers Close Park, Smiths Lane, Windsor 11am-2pm. Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk Friday September 2. ART IN THE PARK, South Ascot Park,Victoria Road, Ascot. 11am-2pm.

Ages 3-8 yrs. Free. 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk Saturday September 3. COOKHAM REGATTA, Marsh Meadow, Cookham. Watch or join the canoe cat racing, dragon boat racing or the Cookham Challenge and enjoy the fun on land: classic vehicle show, fairground attractions, food and music. 0845 689 1628; cookhamregatta.org.uk.

Saturday September 3. RAPUNZEL, a puppet show for all the family at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell. 11am and 3pm. Tickets: adults £11.50, children £6.50. 01344 484123; southhillpark.org.uk.

Sunday September 4. PHARMALINK MAIDENHEAD HALF MARATHON, the town’s first half marathon, taking in the scenery in and around Maidenhead. Flat, traffic-free course. Sign up at purplepatchrunning.com or call 01628 474953.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

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Parenting Too Much, Too Young

By Tanith Carey

Sexy dance routines at school discos, crop-tops and high heels for five-year-olds and mini make-over birthday parties… herever you look, our little girls are being flooded with messages about looks and sexuality they are often simply too young to understand.

Even girls at primary school feel pressured to conform to a thin, ‘sexy’ ideal.

The price can be high. There is a dizzying rise in feelings of worthlessness among our children. By the time they are teens, more than 900,000 girls in the UK are beset by feelings of “worthlessness” according to recent study by Demos.

Those feelings, which can develop into anxiety and depression, stem from the feeling they simply don’t measure up to the airbrushed celebrity culture.

While girls are fast-tracked through childhood, parents feel powerless. Too often we feel drowned out by the internet, retailers, the media and peer pressure.

Even though there’s been lots of discussion about the problem, so far there’s been nothing written for mums and dads on what to do to protect their girls.

That’s why as a parenting author and mum to two young girls, I set about interviewing psychologists, experts, teachers and families to find the best way forward, for my new book “Where Has My Little Girl Gone?”

The good news is that I have found parents do have a voice. There really are lots of practical steps we can take today to inoculate our daughters against the worst effects of the X-rated society.

In just the two minutes you take to show your daughter how an image of an ultra-skinny model has been airbrushed, you’ve taught her not to try and live up to an image of perfection that doesn’t exist.

In the conversations you have with her about the pressures she feels under and

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where she think they stem from, you have helped recognize those influences – and even fend them off.

Whatever her age, by becoming a more conscious parent today, you can safeguard your daughter’s childhood so she can grow into the confident, healthy young woman she deserves to be.

“Where Has My Little Girl Gone? How to protect your daughter from growing up too soon” by Tanith Carey is out now, price £7.99 from all good book shops and Amazon.co.uk.

“Where has my Little Girl Gone?” contains hundreds of practical tips for parents, but here are a selection from the section on how to keep your daughter safer on Facebook.

■ Fight your corner: Many parents argue they should leave Facebook to their children because it’s like reading their diary. But Facebook is a public forum – and lapses in judgement quickly escalate into real world problems like bullying and provocative posing. A remark in a diary is private and easily forgotten. An ill-judged post or picture on Facebook is seen by hundreds and can’t easily be removed.

■ Join up: You don’t have to participate but you need to be present to understand Facebook. Certainly at the start, tell your child that one of the conditions of being on there is that she makes you a friend. If she wants to block you, ask why. If it’s because she’s embarrassed by you, offer to go on under another name. Be open about your involvement. It’s essential she maintains trust in you.

■ Explain what a real friend is: Tell your daughter that having friends on Facebook is not the same as having real friends. Tell her to only add people if she really knows them – and not to accept anyone just because they know people in common.

■ Warn her about cyber-bullying: Don’t wait until it happens and she’s too distraught to listen to you. Prepare your daughter upfront that in this day and age, it’s quite likely someone will post something unpleasant about her. Give her the bigger picture by explaining how pervasive the problem is – so she knows it’s not just about her.

Memories are made of this ...

LITTLE IMPRESSIONS

Unique casts of your child’s hands and feet

Tel 01672 811242 Mob 07780 853545 claireh@little-impressions.com

www.little-impressions.com

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The Power of Language

Parenting

By Trynke Casale Parenting can feel like pure improvisation sometimes – we mean well, but it doesn’t always work. I’ve managed so far with my children, with the usual stresses and strains of sleepless nights, food fights and battles of will. As they grow older, you realise the battles become more and more verbal. You can’t just pick a recalcitrant child up and put it in its car seat, you have to persuade it to enter of its own volition. It seems as though we all have to become high-level diplomats to negotiate our way through the business of parenting. But it doesn’t always come naturally to us...

O I decided to attend a parenting workshop in Burnham Park Hall run

by Judy Bartkowiak, an NLP practitioner and author of several books on NLP and parenting, along with business and personal coach Kathryn Protopapadakis. Together they have set up Workshop Buddies, offering parenting workshops in general, as well as executive workshops for parenting issues in the work place.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) plays an important part in these workshops. Judy compares parenting to driving a car without brakes, in a strange country, down a hill. “NLP gives you controls in your car so you can manage the hills and obstacles”, she says. “It translates the signposts for you so you can make choices about which way to go.”

In the two hours we discussed a number of basic processes and attitudes, designed to help understand your own and your children’s main pitfalls, along with some strategies to try at home. I was surprised how much I actually learned about myself and my family, identifying some set patterns of behaviour and how to change them.

We discussed some ‘toxic words’. One of these is ‘try’. ‘Just try and do this, please’.

This sounds polite and innocuous enough, but it is really a turn of phrase that presupposes failure more often than not: it implies ‘you must try harder’, and that deep down you may think they can’t. Using a simple command is much more effective – ‘tidy your bedroom’, ‘get into the car’ etc.

‘But’, ‘If’ and ‘Don’t’ are also toxic words.

If you use the word ‘but’, what follows is emphasized and is usually a criticism or negative feedback. Instead of following ‘but’ with a criticism, you could say: “This is good, but doing xxx would be even better”.

‘If’ implies a condition, and you have a choice whether to do it or not. Instead, using ‘when’ is more straightforward and makes what follows a fact. Not: ‘If you tidy up your room...’, but ‘When you tidy up your room...’.

Using ‘Don’t’ at the start of a sentence

Knowing what type you are and the other people in your family can make a big difference in how you address them.

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

Visual people remember images best and are most likely to be avid readers.

Auditory people learn by listening to what is said to them – talking is very important to them.

Kinesthetic people learn by doing things – they tend to be active, fidgety people who need lots of physical contact.

These people need action words to make them do things, like ‘get a move on, get it done, come on, let’s do it.’

can be problematic. If you say: ‘Don’t think about pink elephants’, you immediately start to think about them. If you don’t want your children to fall out of the tree, tell them to ‘hold on tight’, instead of the usual ‘don’t fall out of the tree!’

The workshop showed me that all of these seemingly harmless little words do actually matter, betraying a negative attitude that is easily transfered to your children. This is where the P of programming comes in: NLP gives you the tools to help you feed your own and your child’s subconscious mind with positive and possible images, not the opposite. Focus on what you want the result to be and give positive feedback in the meantime.

NLP identifies different types of people – Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic types, who in turn are subject to several ‘metaprogrammes’, that have an influence on the way they deal with the world.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

The workshop was a very useful introduction into understanding the power of language, how we think and communicate as well as behave, and at the same time it gave us some simple and straightforward tools and techniques to try at home.

If you are interested in finding out more about NLP, Judy and Kathryn offer tailor-made workshops for groups of individuals or at the work place in Berks, Bucks and Greater London. Judy also offers NLP coaching sessions individually, by phone, email, Skype and in person. Visit www.engagingnlp.com, www.workshopbuddies.com or contact Judy and Kathryn on 01628 660618, 07917 451245 or 07889 349965 for more info.

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

I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools at www.edontheweb.com. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum, in Ed’s Imaginarium.

Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

For Ages 5 to 7 years Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay

Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster by Joanna Nadin

Lob by Linda Newbery

The Secret Kingdom

by Jenny Nimmo

(David Fickling Books £5.99)

(Egmont Books £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Lucy and Grandpa Will spend a lot of time together in Grandpa’s garden.

More than anything, Lucy hopes to meet the mysterious green man who has been an important part of Grandpa’s life. Grandpa tells her that you have to be a very special person to see Lob. Will Lucy be one of those special people? And after something dreadful happens in Lucy’s life, what will happen to Lob? ‘This is a beautifully written magical tale enhanced by lovely illustrations. At the end of the story the brilliantly drawn characters will stay in your own imagination. Perhaps you will see Lob in your garden.’

ED SAYS: ‘When his secret forest kingdom is invaded by sorcerer viridees, the young Prince Timoken has to flee.

Timoken embarks on a dangerous journey with a magical moon cloak for protection. He is able to talk to animals and also fly. But as Timoken and his camel Gabar search for a new kingdom to call home, they are pursued by the viridees who want the moon cloak.

‘This gripping story is a page-turner of an adventure.

It is full of energy that will have you on the edge of your seat.’

(Usborne Publishing £4.99)

(Scholastic £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Lulu loves animals.

On holiday with her family and her cousin Mellie she becomes fascinated by a dog living on the beach. The locals want rid of the dog but Lulu sets out to befriend him and gradually she gains his confidence. But when the grumpy cottage owner arrives and calls the dogcatchers, will Lulu and Mellie be able to save the dog from the sea? And dare Lulu dream of taking the dog from the sea home with her?

‘This is a fantastic story from a wonderful writer – perfect for early readers on their own or reading together.’

For Ages 7 years plus

ED SAYS: ‘Penny somehow always finds herself in near disasters following her brilliant ideas! These ideas lead Penny and her best friend Cosmo to have a close encounter with a strimmer, to find their own faithful sidekick in the form of a dog that appears to be able to speak Russian and to release a swarm of locusts just as the School Inspector arrives. Of course it’s not Penny’s fault – she’s just a magnet for disaster!

‘This super book has three hilarious adventures that will amuse boys and girls alike.

Laugh out loud with Penny Dreadful and her friends.’

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

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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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Lose that baby weight!

By Joanna Parry

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

Congratulations, you have a baby! Or two, or even three ... The downside of the arrival of your little bundle of joy is probably that, like most of us, you’re carrying some extra weight and would like to get fit again.

But when is it time to really think about exercising?

Exercise at home

Nice and warm, indoors

With a new baby, finding the time to exercise can be difficult. Lack of sleep and breastfeeding can leave you feeling drained of energy, but remember that not only does exercise help your body recover from pregnancy and birth, there’s also some research to show that it can help treat and prevent postnatal depression.

From pilates to yoga and running in the park to yummy mummy clubs, there is a whole range of exercise out there that is just for you.

Getting back in shape is not something you can rush. It has taken nine months for you to gain your pregnancy weight, so it may take a similar length of time to lose it.

Your body has done an amazing job of bringing your baby into the world, so give it a chance to recover. It’s also important to remember that if you’ve had a caesarean you should give yourself six weeks to heal before you even think about any exercise.

If you’ve had a normal delivery there are some exercises you can do straight away the ones you'll have benefited from doing all through your pregnancy – the pelvic floor! 2-3 weeks later, it’s ok to do some simple abdominal crunches, providing you have been checked out by a doctor.Your abdominal muscles have been stretched during pregnancy and may have split down the middle so it’s important to be examined before exercising.

If you don’t fancy the park, there are many other classes around that are specifically designed for postnatal women. Yoga is not only great to prepare you before the birth but is also good exercise for new mums.

Many yoga centres offer mother and baby classes where you can do yoga while your baby lies on a mat next to you, (hopefully) gurgling happily. Then it’s baby’s turn, where yoga and music are used to encourage your baby’s development and flexibility.

Bikram Yoga is another popular option.

Taking place in a room heated to 40 degrees with 60% humidity, it might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea but it is a good way to build core strength after you’ve given birth, and the heat adds a detoxing element. If you are breastfeeding, remember to get advice from your doctor before taking part.

Postnatal pilates is another option that is great for strengthening your core and burning calories. Many pilates classes offer a holistic approach to rebalancing your body while improving strength, flexibility, posture and stamina.

Out and about If you want to lose weight as well as tone you will need to do some cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking or swimming.

If you’re lacking motivation, why not try a buggy class in the park? It’s a great way to meet other mums and companies such as Buggy Fit hold classes all over the country at a park near you.You can also do a buggy work-out on your own or with friends with the Pushy Mothers Buggy Workout Album – just download it from iTunes. With an hour of motivating music plus expert exercise advice for postnatal mums, it’s like have your own Pushy Instructor on your iPod! For the more hardcore (although they do have beginner’s classes) British Military Fitness run outdoor exercise classes across the UK if you can leave your baby, and buggy, at home.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Gyms and spas Many gyms offer postnatal exercise classes and also have crèches you can use. With your membership you will often be offered a free session with a personal trainer, who will be able to create a training programme especially for you, so take advantage of this.

If none of this rocks your boat and you think drastic action is called for, there’s always a residential bootcamp. From luxury, women-only bootcamps to the more military style, if you can leave your baby for up to a week you’ll be sure to see the results!

Whatever form of exercise you choose, remember to get checked out by a doctor before you start, don’t push yourself too hard and above all, good luck!

Out and about www.buggyfit.co.uk www.pushymothers.com www.britmilfit.com Nice and warm, indoors www.simple-changes.co.uk For yoga classes in Marlow and Burnham go to www.phenixyoga.com For yoga classes in Stoke Poges email Corrine.sellers@yahoo.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

www.phenixyoga.com

Gyms www.themarlowclub.co.uk www.thewindsorclub.co.uks www.davidlloyd.co.uk Bootcamps www.brealybootcamps.co.uk www.prestigebootcamp.com www.suekitson.com

WRAPAROUND CHILDCARE

Childcare Wrapped Around Your Needs Open From 5am-11pm

We are open seven days a week, offer fixed and flexible childcare and pick-up/drop-offs from designated areas

17 William Street, Windsor, SL4 1BB For more information call:

01753 853155 Email us at: wraparoundchildcare@hotmail.co.uk www.wrap-aroundchildcare.co.uk

Music with Mummy Themed, fun music classes for children aged up to 5 years in small groups Jolly Babies – specially designed for babies under one year Kirsty @ Maidenhead & Slough: 01344 303378 Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954 Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772 Emma @ Marlow & Bourne End: 07966 197035

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Mums Who Mean Business

DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY hotographer and mother of two Jenny Birchmore has always loved photography, but started her career in computer software. “During my twenties I had a software consultancy business, but knew that photography was my real passion. So I decided to follow my dream, and took the plunge to re-train, going back to college! At the end of my course I started my photography business in portraiture and commercial photography for local businesses. I was also lucky enough to work with a local celebrity photographer and photographed many top bands during live performances. It was fantastic.”

Photography and software continued to be a part of Jenny’s life until her two children were born, both of whom are now at primary school. It was at this point that it made perfect sense to combine her two skills, photography and software. So Jenny studied advanced digital editing software and now incorporates subtle but beautiful editing into her portraiture, producing colourful and striking images.

Jenny has a studio at her house in Bray, but also works at any outdoor location. As a mum, she really loves working with children, babies and families. “I’m a big kid at heart, and I love playing games with the children during the shoot. It’s got to be fun for them.” This has been key to producing the natural look in her images.

As well as private sittings, Jenny does group portrait sessions.

“This session is perfect for mums at home with babies and toddlers. You can get a group of friends together for a coffee morning and I’ll come to your house and take photos of each child. This reduces the cost for each parent significantly.”

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In addition to her portraiture, Jenny offers a photo transformation service called Photo Art. This is an optional service which is available to any clients who are looking for something truly unique. Pop art, Andy Warhol, comic strip and graphic styles along with drawings and paintings can all be created from your portrait.

These creations can also be produced in colours of your choice to match your room. For something more elaborate, wall art can be produced for true pieces of art that look like they’re straight off the front of an album cover!

“I find the possibilities within editing software amazing and love to work out what will look great within an image. Using combinations of digital effects and manual artwork I can create fantastic pieces of art, and what could be better than your family being the subject?”

To find out more about Jenny’s work or to book a session with her, please visit her website www.jennyphotography.co.uk or give Jenny a call on 07841 582854.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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BREAKFAST DELIVERY FOR PARTIES, GIFTS & PRESENTS andra, a mum of two from Maidenhead, has worked part-time for over ten years at a local company that is involved with technology for genetic research. Having more time on her hands now her two children are at school (and unable to sit still) she decided to implement a business idea, which has been in the back of her mind for some time.

Originally from Holland, where the concept of a breakfast delivery to a friend or family member's house on their special day is a well-known and popular gift, she was keen to try this idea out in the UK. Having sourced some delicious and healthy breakfast products, she has put together a luxury gift box which includes her own homemade breakfast muffins. The boxes are decorated with ribbons to mark the occasion and personally prepared and delivered to the lucky recipients who all seem delighted with their (early) morning surprise. After a successful first few months, her intention is to start supplying healthy breakfast bags to local businesses for morning meetings.

The Breakfast Boxes can be ordered online at www.BreakfastDelivery.co.uk. To support Sandra’s business please click the Facebook icon on her website and spread the word. Sandra can be contacted on info@breakfastdelivery.co.uk

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Inspired By Light fter working in human resources, Sarah Ditchfield, who lives in Marlow, decided on a career change after having her two children, Louise nine and Christopher six.

In 2008 Sarah’s husband Philip bought her a candle making kit for Christmas. Over the following months they experimented with candle-making, often into the early hours of the morning whilst the children were asleep.

Always a keen crafter and cook, Sarah discovered a real passion for candle-making and over the next year experimented with lots of different kinds of candles and wicks. “As part of my research I discovered soy wax, which is made from soy beans. Not only is this a lovely wax to work with and environmentally friendly, it is fantastic for my customers as soy candles produce about 90% less soot than petroleum candles and if you have a spillage, the wax can be washed away with a little soap and water.” After receiving positive comments from friends and family on her candle creations, she decided to set up the business Candle by Night. Today, she sells her candles through her website www.candlebynight.co.uk, at craft fairs and in shops. She also makes beautiful candle favours for parties and weddings and as corporate gifts for companies, hotels and restaurants.

Sarah has expanded the business and is now running candle workshops and parties for adults and children. “Children’s birthday parties have been incredibly popular,” says Sarah. “Children have an opportunity to make their own candles in little individual melters, they add dye and fragrance and decorate the packaging and candle holders with paint, glitter and gems. As soy wax melts at a low temperature, it’s safe for children to handle.” Children go home from the party with a pretty party bag filled with all the lovely candles they have made. If you are interested in booking a party or buying some of her candles, call Sarah on 07771 851435 or email her at contact@candlebynight.co.uk. www.candlebynight.co.uk

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Telephone: 01628 627 586

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

Tel: 07771 851435 Cake Decorating Courses Courses for adults Holiday courses for children Cake Decorating Parties njandrell@gmx.net 0779 956 3174

Mary Poppins Entertainments NOW WITH AMAZING ANIMAL PUPPETS As seen on Paul O‘Grady Show.

For ages 3-103 Tel: 01753 663374 or 0781 1084 325 www.jeanpurdy.co.uk

Our services include: * 11+ Preparation * 1 to 1 Tutoring * Individualised Courses * KS1,KS2 and KS3 Tutoring * Checking Homework and Correcting * Online Tutoring * Beginners Arabic Tutoring * Learning English as a Foreign Language Website: www.etontutors.com Number: Email: info@etontutors.com

07535522755

Pregnancy Yoga & Mummy and Baby Yoga Relax, boost energy, ease aches & pains, prepare for birth, connect with your baby, rebuild core strength safely

www.phenixyoga.com Call Jennie on 07954 578 439 or email jen@phenixyoga.com

YOGA & RELAXATION STOKE POGES VILLAGE HALL THURSDAY 7.30pm-8.45pm in the large attic room upstairs.

Learn how to correct a bad posture Relieve backache and neck-ache Learn breathing techniques and focused relaxation to reduce stress Beginners and intermediates welcome

Contact Corinne on 07788 856 948 or email corinne.sellers@yahoo.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

Do you want to shape up for the summer but hate the Gym?

Why not try Zumba Mix? This is a fusion of Latin American and modern music set to easy but high energy moves.

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY MORNINGS; TUESDAY & FRIDAY EVENINGS at the High Street Methodist Church in Maidenhead (opposite the White Horse Pub) £5 PER SESSION OR £25 FOR SIX

Contact Niki Kitt Fitness on 07775653051 or niki_kitt@yahoo.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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Where your little ones blossom into independent confident learners

• Poppies is owned by two qualified childcare practitioners with over 30 years’ experience.

• We carefully select our dedicated childcare team who provide an outstanding level of care to children aged birth to five years.

• Children are cared for in beautiful settings, a home away from home.

• Excellent Parent Carer Partnerships • Freshly cooked organic food.

• Large safe and secure nursery garden.

CANDYFLOSS CERAMICS

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY JUST DROP IN AND PAINT Birthday Parties, Hen Nights, Group Bookings For Schools, Nurseries, Brownies, Guides, Scouts Adult Evenings and Corporate Events, hand and footprints on pottery or in clay COMMISSION WORK FOR WEDDINGS OR SPECIAL OCCASIONS JUST GIVE US A CALL OR COME IN AND SEE US, WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP.

“I will always be most grateful for the most wonderful settings you have created and for meeting my children’s appropriate needs. Thank you and well done.

Poppies will always hold a special place for me and as I watch my children progress I know where it all began.” K.H. (parent) Poppies Marlow Crown Road Marlow Bucks SL7 2QG Tel: 01628 487772

Poppies Beaconsfield Harrias Barn Hedgerley Lane Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2SD Tel. 01494 677116

Poppies Bourne End Furlong Road Bourne End Bucks SL8 5AE Tel: 01628 521522

www.poppiesdaynursery.com

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FAMILIES Thames Valley East

196 Fernbank Road, North Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8LA Tel: 01344 893819 Email: tracy@candyflossceramics.com www.candyflossceramics.com

JULY/AUGUST 2011

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk