thames valley east issue 66 may-june 2013

Thames Valley EastMay/June 2013 - Issue 66

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

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

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2 FAMILIES Thames Valley East MAY/JUNE 2013 E-mail: [email protected]

3Telephone: 01628 627 586 MAY/JUNE 2013 FAMILIES Thames Valley East

in th i si s sue

3 News & Info6 Clubs & Classes News7 Education News8 Helping your child cope with

the stress of exams10 Nutrition in the lunchbox12 Summer camps and courses17 How to boost self asteem 18 Swimming Special20 Digital Special, the touch

screen generation22 Competitions23 Time Out27 How to garden with kids28 Ed's Reading Room29 How p ilates can be beneficial

during and after pregnancy30 Mums Who Mean Business31 Classifieds

web: FamiliesTVEast.co.uk tel: 01628 627586

fax: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min)e-mail: [email protected]

editor: Claire Wintercirculation: 19,000

next issue: July/Aug 2013 - due out: July 1, featuring:

Summer Holiday Activitiescopy/advertising deadline: June 7

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Hurrah! The sun has finally started to shine. With warmer months in mind, if you want tobook some great courses or activities for your children during the summer holidays turn toour directory on pages 12 to 16. We also have some great competitions on page 21 andpage 22, including the chance to win £150 of WOW toys and tickets to the Penn Festival.

I have come up with my own version of spring madness and have agreed to do aparachute jump with the Red Devils for Thames Hospicecare in June. It’s a great localcharity that looks after people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. If you want tosponsor me you can at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireWinter. I promise to update you in the next issue!

Thanks,

Cover Photo: www.polarnopyret.co.uk T-shirts from £14.50, Shorts from £16.50, Skirt £22.

BOOK NOWfor advertising in our

July/Aug issue Due out July 1st

Call: 01628 627586

Wildlife trust criticisesplanned changes to NationalCurriculumPlans by the Government to change howenvironmental issues are taught in state schoolsshould be dropped according to a local wildlifetrust. The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust iscalling on the Education Secretary Michael Goveto reinstate ‘learning about the environment’ inthe National Curriculum.

Many couples think that a baby will make theirrelationship stronger – but sometimes thecomplete opposite is true. 30% of domesticabuse starts or escalates during pregnancy andone in four womenexperience domesticabuse. It is rarely a one-off incident and there isno excuse for it.

Does your partner accuseyou of being fat, dislike you breastfeeding, feeljealous of your pregnancy? Does he stop youfrom attending health appointments- does hecontrol the children’s benefits, criticise yourparenting? These can all be types of abusivebehaviour.

Chief Executive Philippa Lyons said: “Removingcaring for the environment from the NationalCurriculum will deprive children of theimmensely valuable opportunity to learn aboutthe natural world around them in practical andfun activities. If children don’t have connectionswith the living world around them, how are theygoing to understand and tackle the problems ofclimate change when they’re adults?”

The Trust looks after 80 nature reserves andruns environmental education centres at WoolleyFirs, near Maidenhead; College Lake, nearAylesbury; and Sutton Courtenay near Didcot.

Steve Backshall, wildlife television presenterand President of the Trust, is passionate aboutencouraging children to learn about nature.“They need to feel, experience, touch and smellthe natural world; hold frogs, beetles andmillipedes in their hands and feel mud squelchingbetween their toes. This was how I was turnedon to the outdoors as a kid, and all the topnaturalists I know are the same.”Find out more on the Trust’s website atwww.bbowt.org.uk

Domestic abuse also affects one in six men,as highlighted in Coronation Street, which isshowing a real life storyline. Men often find iteven harder to reach out for help, but if you areexperiencing abuse there is support availablefrom our trained male workers.

If you are experiencing abuse, it is notyour fault and help is available.

Berkshire East and South BucksWomen’s Aid have specialist workers you cantalk to in confidence and who can advise you onyour options. Take the first step and call us on 0800 0852654,email us at [email protected] or visitour website www.ebwomensaid.org.uk. If youwish to speak to a male worker please ask forAlan or Ben.

Do you think having a baby will bring you closer together?

News & Info


Local arts festival in early MayCookham celebrates is artistic side this month,from May 8 to 19. The 2013 Festival offerssomething to suit most tastes and ages.

The programme has a rich mix of music,drama, comedy, art, exhibitions and talks. Thereis plenty too for the younger members of thefamily.

There will be a Creative Hub on the Moor;art and craft workshops; make 2-D or 3-Dprops and your own models with a film and TVprop-maker. Plus you can join in pavementchalking at Station Parade, which is free.

You also get the opportunity to strollthrough the Sculpture Garden in the beautifulgrounds of the Odney Club. To find out morego to www.cookhamfestival.org.uk

Welcome to Base Camps!Quality, affordable, childcare.At only £20 per day (9:30am - 4:30pm), BaseCamps offers piece of mind for parents, withtheir Ofsted registration and rigorous staffingprocedure, and a packed day for children.Children can experience a range of newactivities and make new friends at a venue nearyou. With the option to extend the day from8:00am – 6:00pm for only an additional £5, it’sconvenient and value-for-money.

At Base Camps, their aim is to provide safe,stimulating holiday childcare based on teamwork and fun. All of their staff are over 18, CRBchecked and qualified (or training to bequalified) in a relative field of teaching andcoaching.

With Government guidelines recommending60 minutes of strenuous activity a day, BaseCamps can guarantee it with the Active Hour intheir programme, as well as their signatureteam building challenges on top of the regulartimetable of arts and crafts activities.

All of the Base Camps venues are within easyreach of local communities and locationsincluding Maidenhead. Find out more atwww.basecamps.org.uk

The long summer holidays can be a trickyjuggling act for working parents. Au pairs canbe the ideal solution – they’re cost-efficientand a very flexible form of childcare. As wellas providing your children with a consistentcarer, they can also teach them anawareness of different cultures, and theymight also pick up a few words of a differentlanguage, too. If you’re looking for an au pairbut aren’t sure where to turn, Oxfordshireagency Cherish Childcare might be able tohelp you out. ‘We aim to make therecruitment of your au pair as easy andsuccessful as possible,’ says owner KatPowell. ‘We’ll help you work out what type

of au pair is best for you and your family,and will then vet the au pair to find outmore about their character and suitablity.’Au pairs are recruited from any country inWestern Europe – some families choose aFrench au pair if their children learn Frenchat school; while if an au pair with fluentEnglish is desired, Dutch or German au pairsare best. Generally an au pair provideschildcare and light housework for 25 hourseach week in exchange for accommodation,food, £75 weekly pocket money and usuallytwo evenings of babysitting. To find outmore, contact Kat on 01235 851090 or visitwww.cherishchildcare.com.

Do you need some extra help this summer?

Advertise for as little as £60 plus VAT.Call: 01628 627586

Thames Valley East

Call: 01628 627586to advertise now


News & Info

Kids story competitionlaunchedBudding young writers get their pens at theready as this year’s National Young Writers’Award is set to return – bigger than everbefore. The competition, which is now in itsfifth year, will be judged by best-sellingauthor, Cressida Cowell, writer of the worldfamous How To Train Your Dragon series.

Children aged five to 14 will be invited towrite a 500 word short story on this year’stheme – “Around the World”. Thecompetition is organised by tuition provider,Explore Learning, and will be open forentries from now until Monday 3rd June. Itis absolutely free to enter viawww.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwritersand the winner will be presented with theirprize of a trip to Disneyland Paris for theirwhole family – and £500 worth of books fortheir school – by Cressida Cowell in June.For more information about ExploreLearning and their tuition services visitwww.explorelearning.co.uk

JRR Tolkien ring goes ondisplay at The Vyne?

An ancient gold ring rumoured to haveinspired Tolkein to write The Hobbit hasgone on display for the first time at TheVyne, near Basingstoke. The ring, which wasdug up in a farmer’s field in Silchester backin the 18th century, is linked to a Romancurse tablet unearthed much later, in 1929.Tolkein, an Oxford professor of Anglo-Saxon at the time, was consulted aboutthis stone tablet which refers to the ringby name and to the fact that it was stolen.He began working on The Hobbit just afew years later – so did his knowledge ofthis ancient treasure inspire ‘The One Ring’of his books?

For many years, the large gold ring layalmost forgotten in a corner of a room atThe Vyne but it has now been brought intothe light and is being properly displayedalongside its incredible story in a specialexhibition room, created in partnershipwith the Tolkien Society.

Younger visitors can study the ring upclose as it revolves inside a large magnifieddisplay tube, and learn more about thecurse laid on the thief who stole it.Children can vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to whetheror not it is ‘The One Ring’. There are alsolots of great outdoor activities for childrento do at the National Trust site. To find outmore go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne

Maidenhead MumsNominated in nationalchildren’s awards schemeTwo Maidenhead mums - Liz Smale, fromHartbeeps sensory play and music sessions andJodi O'Connor from Turtle Tots swimmingprogrammes - have been nominated in the'most outstanding activity leader for under 5s inthe south' category in the What's On 4 2013Junior Awards.

Hartbeeps and Turtle Tots have also bothbeen nominated for best national pre-schoolerdevelopment activity (2-5 years), best nationalbaby and toddler development activity(newborn to 2 years), best pre/post-natalactivity.

From now until 28 May 2013, parents can logonto www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards-voting-2013.asp to vote for their favourite fromall of the nominees which have qualified.


Clubs and Classes News

The Win Tennis Programme started at Bisham Abbey National SportsCentre in 2006, starting out with just one player and has grown toover 300. It did not take long for the Lawn Tennis Association to awardInternational High Performance Status (IHPC) to the Academy for thedelivery and professional approach from Tots and Mini Tennis toPerformance International players. Win Tennis is one of only fourIHPC’s in the country.

Tennis for all is one of their key objectives, and they are passionateabout providing opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy tennis.The beautiful surroundings and impeccable facilities at Bisham Abbeyenable them to create a fun and dynamic environment essential forinspiring young kids to learn the game.

Their term time Junior Programme caters for all: Tots Tennis (3-5years), Mini Red (5-8 years), Mini Orange (8-9 years), Mini Green (9-11years), Yellow (11+). Their Holiday Tennis Camps provide fun and actionpacked days from 9am – 4pm.

In addition Win Tennis is part of a full-time Ofsted registeredIndependent day and boarding school on site at Bisham Abbey. The WinSports School provides full time education for 11-16 year olds,dovetailing full-time Tennis Training and full-time Education at KS3 &GCSE level, making this a unique model in the UK.If you are interested in trying something new or already have a passionfor tennis you can get in touch by calling 01628 487775 or go towww.wintennis.com for more information.

Funky music classesto expand across theThames ValleyHartbeeps, sensory play and musicsessions for the under-5s, has seena rise in demand for classes acrossBerkshire and so is launching intomore locations this spring.

New sessions are planned forStoke Poges in May and Burnhamfrom June, with extra classes dueto start in Windsor from May. Thisis in addition to classes which arealready running in Maidenhead andthe Bracknell area.

Franchise-owner Liz Smale, has also been nominated as the mostoutstanding activity leader for under 5s in the south for the second yearrunning in the What's on 4 Awards.

Liz says, "This has been an amazing year for Hartbeeps, and with demandoutstripping supply we are training up new teachers to take our magicalmusic classes to other locations including Iver, Cookham and Datchet. Weare very excited for the year ahead, and are very thankful to our loyalcustomers".For further information, please email [email protected] or call07985 935662.

Learn Languages the creative way inEnglefield GreenBusy Buttons Creative Studio courses introduce your child toeither French or Spanish, in a Creative Way. A kinesthetic approachwith hands on art exercises, imaginative tasks, puppets and role-playencourage your child relate, repeat, memorise and learn the simpleFrench or Spanish vocabulary that they have been exposed to.Venue: The Village Centre, TW20 0QX. Day: Saturday. Times: 10:00to 10:30 & 10:40 to 11:10. All-inclusive cost: £18 per child for each4 week course. Drop in for a single session for £5.50 to try it out.Please book in advance at [email protected] or07952418212. Details at www.busybuttons.org

Local tennis school inspires new andestablished players


Education News

ETON END PREPARATORY DAY

SCHOOL, 35 Eton Road, Datchet.

Independent preparatory day school for

boys aged 3-7years and girls aged 3-11

years. OPEN MORNING Saturday 11

May from 10.00am-12noon. 01753 541075;

www.etonend.org.GODSTOWE PREPARATORY

SCHOOL, Shrubbery Road, High

Wycombe. Independent day and boarding

school for boys aged 3-7 years and girls

aged 3- 13 years. OPEN DAY Saturday

11 May, 10.00am-1.00pm. 01494 529273;

www.godstowe.orgHERRIES SCHOOL, Dean Lane,

Cookham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school

and nursery, 3-11 years. OPEN

MORNING Wednesday 22 May and

Wednesday 26 June, 9.30am-11.00am.

01628 483350; www.herries.org.uk.

HIGHFIELD SCHOOL, West Road,

Maidenhead. Independent preparatory

school for girls, aged 3-11years. OPEN

DAY Wednesday 8 May, 9.30am-11.30am

and Friday 14 June, 9.30am-11.30am. 01628

624918; www.highfieldprep.org

LVS ASCOT, London Road, Ascot. A Co-educational Day & Boarding School for 4-18 year olds. OPEN DAY, Junior andSenior School, Thursday May 2, 9.45am-12noon, with Heads welcome at 10am. Tobook please complete the online bookingform or email [email protected] 882770; www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk THE MARIST SCHOOLS, Kings Road,Sunninghill, Ascot. A Catholic Day Schoolfor girls aged 2 ! to 18 year olds. OPENMORNING, Early Years (Nursery), Friday17 May, 10.15am – 11 .30am. OPEN DAY,Prep School, Saturday June 8, 10.00am -4.00pm. OPEN DAY, Senior School,Thursday 27 June, 9.15am-3.30pm. 01344626137 (Prep) or 01344 624291 (Senior);www.themaristschools.com.MEADOWBROOK MONTESSORISCHOOL, Malt Hill, Warfield, co-educational, 18mths-12yrs. OPEN DAYSaturday 18 May, 10.00am-12noon.01344 890 869;www.meadowbrookmontessori.orgPlease ring the school to check the Open Dayor Evening is still going ahead.

Independent School Open Days

Fleet Tutors now offersEducational PsychologistServiceCurrently 10% of the British population aredyslexic, but too often this is not identified atschool. Many dyslexic children are very bright,but struggle to fulfil their potential in theclassroom if dyslexia or other learning difficultiesare not properly identified.

Despite the best efforts of our over-burdenedschools, many are unable to achieve their fullpotential due to a lack of resources, or moreworryingly, through a lack of understanding. Agrowing number of parents do not trust ourschools when it comes to recommendingstrategies to help a child progress with theireducation once learning difficulties are identified.

Due to growing demand from parents, FleetTutors, a supplementary education serviceprovider, has now extended its range of servicesbeyond tutoring to include independenteducational psychologist assessments to identifydyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties.These assessments will help parents and pupilsaddress their difficulties within the schoolenvironment and before the child losesconfidence. Assessments are conducted by afully qualified member of the BritishPsychological Society, with over twenty-fiveyears’ experience and a comprehensiveunderstanding of various learning difficulties.Appointments are available now at Fleet Tutor’sWest London and Farnborough offices.

With thirty-five years’ experience helpingstudents of all ages achieve their goals, FleetTutors operates a network of over 5000qualified, experienced tutors across the country. For more information on Fleet Tutors’ services,visit www.fleet-tutors.co.uk/ or call 0845 644 5452.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk ToSchool Week runs from 20 - 24 May, bringingtogether nearly one million schoolchildren,teachers and parents and promising to be thebiggest and best yet! As part of National WalkingMonth, the campaign aims to teach childrenabout the benefits of walking, with each dayfocussing on a different aspect of walkingincluding safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendlyand social time. Take part in Strider’s 5-DayWalking Challenge and reinforce the benefits ofwalking, plus download puzzles, pledges andchallenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk/

Planning decision deferredfor Holyport College The new free school Holyport College hashad its planning application deferred andthe college is working towards finaldetermination of its planning application bythe legal deadline of May 8. At the firstmeeting in April, councillors wereconcerned about the impact on highwaysand traffic.

The co-educational boarding and dayschool for 11 to 19 year olds plans to openin September 2014, with admissions in year7, year 9 and the Sixth Form. Eton Collegeis its sole educational sponsor and pupilswill be able to use some of its facilities.

The plans for the £15m new free schoolincluded building three new buildings on theformer Holyport Manor site in Ascot road.In total the school will cater for 500 pupils.www.holyportcollege.org.uk

Let your feet do the walking


Education

So, I guess by now you have heard lots about the 11-plus exam andmaybe you have discussed with your parents whether or not you willtake this exam. Or if you are taking SATs this summer, you might have

been practising at school or have heard people saying it’s important to dowell so you are in the right streams at secondary school.

Some children can be worried about these exams. This might be for lotsof reasons. Maybe you’re worried about messing it up, or worried that youwon’t understand the questions. This is fine and quitenatural.

In fact getting ‘stressed’ or anxious whenyou’re faced with exams, is very common.Leading up to an exam, your body getspumped with two substances called adrenalinand cortisol, which can actually help you focus.

This ‘stress response’ was helpful when wewere cavemen and needed to run away fromwild animals…

But too much stress is not healthy and hasa negative impact on your body and mind.

See how you react when stressed by completing this checklist:

Now that you understand stress and the impact it has on you, we can look atwhat you can do to help yourself cope with it.

1. Look after yourself • Make sure you get lots of sleep. Stop homework or playing on computergames at least one hour before going to bed. • Exercise helps release tension in your body and boosts your mood. Build itinto your timetable each day – perhaps walking around the block, or bouncingon a trampoline.•Your brain needs a steady stream of energy, and the right vitamins andminerals to work properly. Try and eat lots of healthy food. A good breakfaston the day of any exams is important too.

2. Use coping techniques • Talk to your parents or someone else you know well. It’s really important thatyou don’t suffer alone. Sharing a problem can sometimes make you feel that aburden has been lifted. Others may have experienced the same sorts of feelings. • When you’re stressed, do some relaxing and enjoyable things. This calms yournervous system, stops the release of adrenalin and gives your body a rest. Itcreates ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body which help you relax. It’s especiallyimportant to do this in the evenings as this will help you sleep well.

3. Keep things in perspective • Try to challenge any panicky thoughts like ‘If I don’t pass, my world is over.’ Ofcourse it means a lot to you and your family to do well, however, many peopledon’t pass exams and life will go on.• Challenge any ‘negative’ thoughts you’re having which seem to make youstressed. Thoughts are not always true. Work out what your worrying thoughtsare and then check out whether they are true or not by chatting to yourparents or a friend.

Thanks for reading this article, we hope you found it useful.

Dr Lucy Russell is the lead child psychologist at Everlief Child Psychology in WestWycombe. If you feel your child would like benefit from some additional support,Everlief Child Psychology (01494 521332, www.everlief.co.uk) will be running 1.5hour workshops over the summer months for groups of up to six children. Theworkshops will be led by a clinical psychologist and will focus on the topics in thisarticle. The cost for these workshops is £25. Everlief ’s website has lots of otheruseful information.

Dear parents of year 5 and 6 children,This article has been written for you to sharewith your child as they approach their exams.I am sure they will be looking to do their best,not only for themselves but also for you.There’s always a considerable amount ofplayground ‘chat’ about these exams,especially the SATs or 11-plus, and this tends tomake children more anxious than might havebeen the case. This article explains thatgetting ‘stressed’ is normal and provides someideas to help.

How do I feel when I am stressed?! Jumpy ! Worried or afraid over little things

! Can’t sit still ! Feeling like crying

! Fast breathing ! Dry mouth

! Shaky hands ! Muscles feel tense

! Cold hands ! Upset stomach

! Heart pounding and beating fast ! Sweating

! Tight feeling in chest ! Hard time falling asleep

! Getting angry easily ! Other...

HELPING YOURCHILD COPE WITHTHE STRESS OFEXAMS


Lunchbox

At Herries, ......every child is an individual andevery child is known and loved.Come and visit the school at one of ourmonthly Open Mornings or arrange anindividual appointment.

See our website for full details: www.herries.org.ukHerries Preparatory School, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean, Berkshire SL6 9BDTel: 01628 483350 Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01628 828258Email: [email protected]

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

We are a very well-established Montessori Nurseryset in a once Victorian primary school

at the heart of the picturesque village ofLittlewick Green.

! Ages 12 months - 5 years ! After School & Holiday Club for children

1 to 8 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

Jenny is the author of an award-winningbook called ‘Not Just Sandwiches – 5

ways to improve yourchild’s lunchbox’which is available onAmazon. One of thechapters of the bookand the area oflunchboxpreparation thatshe is most oftenasked about ispreparing ahealthylunchbox on abudget.

There are six components to thenutritionally balanced lunchbox. These arecarbohydrate, protein, calcium, vegetable,fruit and a drink. If each of these groups isrepresented in your child’s lunchbox thenit is balanced.

Here are her top tips to achieving ahealthy lunch without breaking the bank:

1. CarbohydrateInvest in a good thermos container thatcan keep food warm. It means that youcan be a lot more adventurous with yourfood. The foods below can be goodserved hot or cold.

Make leftover risotto into balls, coverin beaten egg and breadcrumbs thengently sauté in olive oil.

Use old bread to make into croutonsfor soup or breadcrumbs for coveringchicken or fish before baking. Thesenuggets or fingers work well with lowsugar ketchup.

Stir garlic, cream cheese and somepeas or sweetcorn in to warm pasta.

2. Protein Go to the deli counter and buy the ‘cuts’the odd shaped pieces that get left andare lower in cost simply because theylook less perfect than other pieces.

Use beans, lentils and chickpeas as anaddition to a salad, in soups or to makedelicious dips (you can also sprout manybeans, which are great in salads).

Rather than buy processed meat slices,cut slices from the left over SundayRoast.

Nutrition... According to research just one per cent of lunchboxes inthe UK meet the nutritional standards for school lunches.Why is this? Well is seems our lunchboxes lack variety. In factwhole food groups are missing – most commonlyvegetables and fruit, but sometimes protein too.Conquering unhealthy lunches is key to making sure ourchildren become healthy adults, childhood obesity is on theincrease and currently 30% of all children aged two to 15are considered obese. Local nutrition expert the LunchboxDoctor, Jenny Tschiesche gives Families some advice onhow to create a delicious, healthy and balanced lunch foryour kids.


Lunchbox

3. CalciumBuy large pots of natural yogurt (whichis full of calcium) and divide into smallreusable pots with a topping of honey,agave, sugar-free jam, muesliand frozen or fresh fruit.

Budget hummustypically contains lesstahini (the expensiveingredient) and morechickpeas (thecheaper ingredient)and yet is no lessnutritious.

Tinned salmon orsardines both make greatcalcium-rich sandwichfillings.

4. Fruit Buy local and in season if possibleto reduce the loss of nutrients throughtransporting fruit over long distances.

Use tinned fruit in fruit juice not syrupalone or with natural yogurt.

Frozen fruit is a cheaper way to enjoy

nutrient-rich berries and tropical fruitsuch as mango all year round. Add tosmoothies, use in baking or enjoy with

natural yogurt.

5.Vegetables Frozen Mediterranean vegetables such aspeppers are sweet and succulent onceroasted. Add to pasta or rice for a tastymain course for lunch.

Root vegetables in season are a greatbasis for a quick and easy coleslaw orraw-slaw. Simple grate or use a ribbonpeeler and add salad cream orvinaigrette dressing.

A large jar of black olives can go along way. Use on pizzas, fill with creamcheese using an icing bag, serve as partof a salad or whizz into a paste withherbs and olive oil to go onto pasta.

6. DrinkGood old tap water willsuffice in a water bottlethat you clean outregularly using hotsoapy water.

Cartons of milkprovide bothhydration and calcium.If you opt for a

carton of juice avoidcartons labelled as ‘fruit

drink’. Preferably go forfresh fruit juice or juice

‘from concentrate’.Concentrate simply means that the

water from the fruit was removed atsource for cheaper transportation.

For more information visitwww.lunchboxdoctor.com or join thegrowing community atwww.facebook.com/lunchboxdoctor.


Summer Camps & Courses

*MAIDENHEAD and district*Base Camps is running affordable SUMMER DAY CAMPS for children aged 6 – 14, atAltwood School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead from 29 July to 30 August, Monday toFriday from 8am to 6pm. From as little as £18 per day they can enjoy safe secureactivities and arts and crafts with an emphasis on team building.www.basecamps.org.uk,[email protected] or 01235 833030Bray Lake Watersports will be running COURSES at their centre in Monkey IslandLane, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, from July 15 – September 1. Beginner, improver andadvanced (coaching) courses – windsurfing, sailing or kayaking. Times: 9.30am-5.00pm,Age: 8-15yrs. Cost; £199. Watersports Weeks – beginner, improver and advanced.Times: 9.30-5pm. Ages: 10-15yrs. Cost: £240 per child.Multi-Activity week - Spend five days learning a new activity each day; windsurfing,sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Times: 9.30am-5.00pm. Ages:8-12 yrs,cost: £225 for five days. Early booking advisable. Sibling and group discounts available.01628 638860. www.braylake.com Delgado SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS will be running MINICAMPS for children aged 4-6 and JUNIOR CAMPS for ages 7-16 at St Pirans School, Gringer Hill, and at theMagnet, Maidenhead from Monday July 22 to Monday September 6. Whether you arean absolute beginner or budding superstar, the camps will give you the opportunity toimprove your tennis whilst having loads of fun. All players are given the opportunitythroughout the camp to play different sports such as football, Swedish handball androunders. All abilities welcome. Early booking and group discounts. 07818 052206; Alldetails on www.livingtennis.co.ukTechnology and fun is at the core of all FunTech SUMMER CAMPS; whether yourchild is seven or 16 orsomewhere in between we have acamp that will fire theirimagination. On our Lego NXTcourse they’ll learn valuable ICTand programming skills, whilstengrossed in the process ofdesigning the ultimate robot.Meanwhile, on the FunTypercourse a series of fun and creativegames will teach kids valuabletouch-typing skills. All their staffare passionate about computerscience, book a camp today toensure an amazing summerlearning experience for your child.To book call 01628 621215 or email [email protected]; www.funtech.co.ukThe Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenheads Get Active Rangers will berunning a programme of ACTIVITIES, in borough youth centres for young people aged8 – 13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: Zumba classes, canoeing, sailing,woodland skills and more. For more information on give us a call on 01628 796744 orvisit www.wamster.org.uk Go Wild Adventures will be holding EVENTS and WORKSHOPS at BraywickNature Centre, Hibbert Road, during July and August. Booking required: 01628 777440.www.rbwm.gov.uk.Hartbeeps will be holding music & sensory CLASSES in Maidenhead during August.Sessions include Babybells from birth to sitting; Babybeeps from sitting to walking; andHappy House from walking to four years. For more information call Liz on 07985935662 or email [email protected]. www.hartbeeps.comHotshots Multi Sports Camps is running a HOLIDAY CAMP at St Piran’s School inMaidenhead during the summer. The camp is open from 8am – 6pm, 5 days a week.Hotshots was created in 2003 by Harvey Grout who is a Senior Lecturer in SportsEducation and co author of ‘Improving Teaching and Learning in Physical Education’. Thecamps are OFSTED registered. During a recent inspection the inspector was ‘highly

HappyDays!

The days willbecoming longerand lighter in the nextfew months andbefore you know it thekids will be breaking upfrom school for thesummer. Make sure youkeep the kids entertainedduring the holidays bybooking them a place ata camp or activity. Thereare great deals to be hadif you book early and if youare a working parent, it’sgood to know that youhave childcare in place forthe summer months. When you ring, please don’tforget to say you saw them in Families!



Before School, After School & Holiday clubs

Holiday, Breakfast & After School clubsHoliday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead 3-14 yrs

After school club > Courthouse School 3-11yrsOldfield School, Bray 3-11 yrs

Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Community Centre, Maidenhead 3 - 11 yrsSummer club dates 15th July – 30th August 2013

Quality childcare from just £3 per hour

Arts & crafts, sports, dance, drama, cinema,yoga, day trips... lunch & tea an option

LEARN TO TOUCH TYPE USING AMULTI-SENSORY READING/SPELLINGPROGRAMME.Experienced specialist teacher, I am runningweekly intensive summer courses and teach toindividual learning styles Contact Yvonne Thomas on:01628 622916 or 07929528642email [email protected], for dates. www.dttts.co.uk

impressed’ with the level of childcare provided. Book before June 21st 2013 and pricesare £26 a day or £120 a week (that equates to £2.40 an hour for high qualitychildcare). They also have camps in Reading and Newbury. For more details please visitwww.star-hotshots.co.uk or call 0845 301 0450. QUOTE TVEFamilies to get 10% off.Offers ends June 30th 2013Little Kickers will be running a SUMMER COURSE during the summer holidays inMaidenhead, for children aged between 3-7. A fun introduction to football. Check thewebsite for dates and availability, www.littlekickers.co.uk or call 01628 526 584.MAD Academy is running its ever popular SUMMER PROGRAMME of classes duringAugust. Check the Emma & Kate’s pages on the website for the latest information,www.madacademy.comMagnet Leisure Centre and Cox Green Leisure Centre will be running a wideselection of ACTIVITIES during July and August. Please see www.rbwm.gov.uk for fullinformation on times, prices and booking. Messy Monets will be holding summer ARTS AND CRAFT FUN DAYS at variouslocations over the summer holidays. Events are aimed at children of all ages. Childrenwill be able to take part in the Messy Monets Mural – a large mural on which everychild can add their own mark as well as making their own works of art to take home.Look out for dates and locations on our website and facebook pagewww.messymonets.co.uk and www.facebook.com/messymonetsNorden Farm is bringing back the beach due to popular demand, there will be crafts

and story telling every day. BEACHCRAFT (except Mondays), 11am-12.pm, £3 per person FREESTORYTELLING, every day (exceptMondays), 1.15pm-1.45pm, bookingrecommended. SUMMERACTIVITY WEEKS include:Animation Club, age 8+, Tues 30July- Thur 1 Aug, 10am-4pm (£85 or£80 adv. card); Summer Theatreweek, age 10-18, Mon 5- Fri 9 Aug,(10am-4pm (6pm Fri). (£110, £95adv. card); Summer Circus Week,age 7-13, from Mon 12- Fri 16 Aug,10am-4pm (£115, £110 adv. card);Summer Art Week, age 8+, Mon 19-23 Aug, 10am-4pm (£115, £110adv. card). To find out more go towww.nordenfarm.org

Stagecoach Maidenhead is running two one-week HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPSfrom Monday August 5 to Friday August 9 and Monday 19 August to Friday 23 Augustat Altwood School. Early Stages, ages 4-6: 9.30am-12.30pm. Final Show at 12.30pm. £75per child and £35 for siblings. Main School: Ages 6-16, full days from 10am-4pm. FinalShow at 4pm. Cost: £125 and £75 for siblings. 0118 942 3038;[email protected] Tennis run COURSES for 2!-6years during the main school holidays inMaidenhead. Book a week's course or just a single lesson and enjoy a combination ofmusic, pictures and teddy bear stories that provides a fun way to get active and learnto play tennis.0845 643 1173,www.teddytennis.comMOVIE MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMP with The Samurai Fitness Group at HolyTrinity School in Cookham. An exciting summer camp teaching martial art techniquesfrom the movies including, flips, flying kicks and throws! Safe, CRB checked, expertinstructors. From 9am to 3pm, 19th - 23rd August 2012. For ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12.£25 for 1 day, £110 for the week. For beginners or children with martial artexperience. Tel: 07828 534817; www.TheSamuraiFitnessGroup.comTouch Typing, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Yvonne’s structured multi-sensory TOUCH-TYPING CLASSES promote spelling, reading, concentration and self-confidence.Computers are a part of life and using touch-typing at speed takes the pressure offhandwriting and improves creativity. Students who inform their schools of their newskills are often given the opportunity to use typing in class to help them keep up withnote taking and class work. Contact Yvonne Thomas on 01628 622916 or07929528642 /email: [email protected] for dates: www.dttts.co.ukWise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday July 16 to Friday August 31. JUNIOR CLUB for ages 3-7 (sports, play and craftactivities with outings to places of fun or interest such as (Madhouse, Beale Park andthe cinema). DISCOVERY CLUB for ages 7-13 (football, dancing, horseriding and tenniswith outings to places such as Laser Quest, Coral Reef, fruit picking and the cinema) Ahealthy lunch and tea is an option for both clubs. We also have visits from fur &feathers, space planetarium and much more. Times: 9am-5pm, free extended day 8am-6pm. 08445611606; www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk

*SLOUGH*

Burnham Lighthouse will be running their CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY CLUB atBurnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August.Lighthouse Burnham, often described as 'possibly the best week of the summerholidays for children and volunteers alike', is run by unpaid volunteers from localchurches and community for ages 4-11 Pre-registration is essential via the websitewww.lighthouseburnham.org.uk.. Times: 10am-3.30pm; and 10am-12.30pm for 4 yearolds. Although there is no a set charge for Lighthouse we welcome donations whichcan be gifted aided and suggest £55 per week per child, which is the approximate costfor them to attend which we think is terrific value!. Ages 12+ (or year 7) with noupper age limit can volunteer to help – see the website for further information to seehow you can volunteer for anything from a day to the whole week or with the set upor breakdown of the site the weekend before or after along with details ofcompulsory training, DBS/CRB checks and how to register.www.lighthouseburnham.org.uk


Play sessions for under-5s at thePhoenix Gymnastics Club

Have fun in this fully equipped gym with your kids.Sessions Monday: 10.30-11.30Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 -10.30

& 11.00–12.00Tuesday & Thursday: 1.00-2.00pm

Cost just £3.50 per child(must be accompanied by adult)

Refreshments available

Phoenix Gymnastics ClubUnit 1, Water Oakley Farm,Maidenhead Road, Windsor

Tel:01628 778881www.phoenixgym.co.uk

For Little Kickers & Little Rugby classes inMaidenhead, Bourne End, Henley, Marlow &Stokenchurch. Call 01628 526 584 or email

[email protected] Little Kickers classes in Ascot, Langley,Windsor & Eton call 07412 166 686 or email

[email protected].


May Holiday Club28th - 31st May(excluding Bank Holidays)Kings Court First School, Old WindsorSummer Camp 201229th July - 30th AugustSt John's Beaumont, Old WindsorTel: 07854 078 728email: [email protected]

NEW THIS

YEAR!

Youth room for

10+ years, exciting new

activities & FUN

Fridays.

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver Heath, will be running SUMMERACTIVITIES for ages 5-9 run during July and August. Call Debs on 01895 270730 orvisit ivernature.co.ukLittle Kickers will be running a SUMMER COURSE during the summer holidays inLangley, for children aged between 3-7. A fun introduction to football. Check thewebsite for dates and availability, www.littlekickers.co.uk. Or you can [email protected] for details or call 07412 166 686. Seriously FUN Swimming Schools will run 5 DAY INTENSIVE SWIMMINGCOURSES for Beginners to Stroke Improvers at Teikyo Japanese School, Wexham fromMon 29th Jul to Fri 2nd Aug and Mon 5th Aug to Fri 9th Aug for children aged 3 to 12years. 30 minute lessons between 9.30am and 11.30am. ONLY £60 for five day course!Book Online NOW at www.seriouslyfun.com or call 0844 35 11 461.Teddy Tennis COURSES for 2!-6years during the main school holidays in Datchet.Book a week's course or just a single lesson and enjoy a combination of music,pictures and teddy bear stories that provides a fun way to get active and learn to playtennis.0845 643 1173, www.teddytennis.com

*WINDSOR*

Blossom Ballet SUMMER SCHOOL with workshops by the English National Balletwill be held at the Windsor Arts and Culture Centre, St Leonards Road, Windsor.Magical Summer classes for 18 months-7 years are on Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8thAugust. Workshops by the English National Ballet for 5-7 years are on Friday 9thAugust. For further information or to reserve a place please email Miss Lucy [email protected]; www.blossomballet.comEzee Swim offers one-to-one swimming crash courses during the holidays inWindsor and the surrounding area. For more information go to. www.ezeeswim.co.ukor call 01344 885675.The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenheads Get Active Rangers will berunning a programme of ACTIVITIES, in borough youth centres for young people aged8 – 13 during the summer holidays. Activities include: Zumba classes, canoeing, sailing,woodland skills and more. For more information call 01628 796744 or visitwww.wamster.org.ukHartbeeps will be holding music & sensory CLASSES in Windsor, and Bracknellduring August. Sessions include Babybells from birth to sitting; Babybeeps from sittingto walking; and Happy House from walking to four years. For more information call Lizon 07985 935662 or email [email protected]. www.hartbeeps.comSUMMER HOLIDAY KIDS CLUBS at the Hands-on Art Studio: Potter's WheelEvents all day on Wedensdays for all ages, £12 per session & Pottery Camps Tues-Fri10-11:30am, age range 4-12 years, cost £12 per session (adults half price!) £4discount if 4 sessions booked in advance. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. See website fordetails: www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk; tel: 01753 206265; email:[email protected] Kickers will be running a SUMMER COURSE during the summer holidays inWindsor, for children aged between 3-7. A fun introduction to football. Check thewebsite for dates and availability, www.littlekickers.co.uk. Or you can [email protected] for details or call 07412 166 686. Join a Perform HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOP for 4-8 year olds, based on thestory “Aladdin” at Clewer Youth and Community Centre, Windsor from Monday 5thtAugust to Friday 9th August, from 10am to 12pm each day. Join Aladdin, Jasmine andThe Genie on a thrilling five day adventure. The fun-packed sessions aim to developchildren's creativity, confidence and communication skills, as well as being akaleidoscope of fun! With original songs and live music, your child will enjoy a fun-packed week ending with a lively performance and colourful costumes and props thatwill delight family and friends. EARLY BIRD OFFER: 10% Off if you book before the endof May 2013! They also offer a 25% discount for siblings attending the same course atthe same venue. Call 0845 400 1282; email [email protected];www.perform.org.ukPhoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding SUMMER SCHOOLS for over-5’s duringthe summer go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for information and booking or call 01628778 881.The Gap Club will be running it's SUMMER CAMP at St Johns Beaumont, Priest Hill,Old Windsor from July 29th - August 30th. 29th July -2nd August – FAR FAR AWAY....;5th August - 9th August – SHIPWRECK SURVIVAL; 12th - 16th August - SHOWBIZAND ALL THAT JAZZ; 19th - 23rd August – SKI'S THE LIMIT; 27th - 30th August - GO



BlossomBallet

For a FREE taster class or forfurther information please contact

Lucy: [email protected]

• Enrolling now for the Summer School and Autumn Term.

• Magical Summer School classes for 18months - 8 years are Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8th August.

• Workshops by the English National Ballet for 5-8 years are Friday 9th August.

Blossom Balletis about having lots of fun and making new friends.

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

GO GADGETS. Times: 8.30-4.30pm or 6.30pm. From 3years upwards, book weeks or individual days. Pleasecall 07854 078 728; www.thegapclub.com;[email protected] Tennis run COURSES for 2!-6years duringthe main school holidays in Windsor. Book a week'scourse or just a single lesson and enjoy a combinationof music, pictures and teddy bear stories that providesa fun way to get active and learn to play tennis.0845643 1173; www.teddytennis.comTwinkle Tots Summer Ballet School 2013 presents“THE LION KING”. Monday 12th – Friday 16thAugust. Children help create their own show, basedaround the adventures of Simba and Pumbaa inDisney’s The Lion King. Performance at the end of theweek for friends and family. Clewer Youth andCommunity Centre, Windsor. Twinkle Tots (ages 2-4),1.30-2.30pm. £8 per day/£35 per week. Buddingballerinas (ages 4-5), 2.30-4.30pm, £14/£65 per week.RAD Ballet (ages 6+), 2.30-4.30pm £14/£65. Call07828 857061; [email protected];www.twinkletotsdance.comWindsor Leisure Centre will be running its FUNFACTORY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME for children aged5-12years 8.30-5.00pm. Also, AQUAZONE HOLIDAYSWIMMING CRASH COURSES over five days, 30-minutes a day, from 9-11am for children from 3 !years onwards. Contact the centre on 01753 778577for details.

*MARLOW & M40 CORRIDOR*

Longridge, in Quarry Wood Road, Marlow, is runningHOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS for ages 8-14 through thesummer from 8.45am-5.30pm. Mainly water-basedactivities such as sailing, kayaking, rafting and bellboating. 01628 483252; www.longridge.org.uk Join a Perform HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOP for4-8 year olds based on the story “Aladdin” at Marlow,All Saints Hall, from Monday 5th August to Friday 9thAugust, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm each day. Join Aladdin,

Jasmine and The Genie on a thrilling five day adventure .The fun-packed sessions aim to develop children'screativity, confidence and communication skills as wellas being a kaleidoscope of fun! With original songs andlive music, your child will enjoy a fun-packed weekending with a lively performance and colourfulcostumes and props that will delight family and friends.EARLY BIRD OFFER: 10% if you book before the endof May 2013! They also offer a 25% discount for siblingsattending the same course at the same venue. Call0845 400 1282; email [email protected];www.perform.org.ukStagecoach High Wycombe and Marlow will beholding HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Wycombe HighSchool, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from Mon 5 Aug-Fri 9 Aug. EARLY TOES ACTIVITY WEEK (4-6yrs),9.30am-12.30pm, £50 deposit, £95, sibling £75. ThisSummer little performers can come along and learn tosing, dance and act in our professionally led classes.This will be a fun packed five days and an excellenttaster of our Early Stages sessions.LEARN A MUSICAL IN A WEEK (6-16yrs), 10.00am-4.00pm, £50 deposit, £150, sibling £110. Students willstudy singing, dancing and drama with specialistteachers. Come along and make new friends, learn newskills and improve techniques. Courses also running inHenley. Call 01494 533203 or [email protected];www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombeandmarlowSplat Cookery School will be running COOKERYDAYS during the summer holidays in PrincesRisborough. Including: Whizz Bang Food - Children'sMolecular Gastronomy on July 30; Summer HolidayItalian Day on August 7; Great British Summer Bakingon August 8 and Summer Holiday French Day onSeptember 2. To find out more go towww.splatcooking.net or call 0870 766 8290.Super Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITYCAMPS (for children aged 4 to 14 years) and APASSION FOR WORKSHOPS (for children aged 6 to16 years) during the 2013 Summer Holidays at SirWilliam Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow. Built around a cloister incorporating the original 17cbuilding to which a large number of new, specialistdesign and technology facilities have been added.Camp core hours are 9am to 5pm with extendedhours 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm available for asmall additional charge. Tel 01235 832222 or bookonline www.supercamps.co.ukWin Tennis HOLIDAY CAMPS at Bisham AbbeyNational Sports Centre: May half term (27th – 31stMay) and Summer Holidays from 22nd July, Ages 3 –16, any standard welcome and camps run Mon – Fri8.30am – 4.30pm. www.wintennis.com or contact theWin Tennis office 01628 487775 or [email protected] Sports Centre, Marlow Hill, will berunning CAMP ADVENTURE for children age 6-12during the holidays call 01494 688100 for details.www.leisurecentre.com



*ASCOT and BRACKNELL district*

Amanda’s ART CLASSES for small groups aged 6-12will be running in North Ascot during July andAugust. Times: 10.00am-12noon; 2.30pm-4.30pm.Cost: £18. 01344 885 086/0796 882 4560 for furtherdetails. www.amandasart.co.uk JEMA Swim School SUMMER CRASH COURSE,Parent/Toddler/Baby & 3+ at Christchurch CofESchool, Virginia Water & Dukes Covert, Bagshot. 30min lessons each day w/c 29th July & 5th Aug contact- Chris 07702 412090 or [email protected] Kids offers affordable, Ofsted approvedCHILDCARE throughout the summer holidays. Withover 350 activities on offer for 4-13 year olds, yourchild is sure to have a fun packed day with KOOSAKids! Clubs running at Ascot Heath Juniors &Manorcroft Primary in Egham from 29 of July to 30of August. Standard Day 10am-4pm, Extended Daysfrom 8.15am-6pm. Fantastic low prices from £18.25,8% discount when booking full week, 3rd child goesfree. www.koosakids.co.uk 0845 [email protected] Academy is running its ever popularSUMMER PROGRAMME of classes during August.Check the Emma & Kate’s pages on the website forthe latest information, www.madacademy.comSuper Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITYCAMPS (for children aged 4 to 14 years), A PASSIONFOR WORKSHOPS (for children aged 6 to 14 years)and RAW Adventure Courses (for children aged 7 to14 years) during the 2013 Summer Holidays at HurstLodge School located off the B3020 between A329London Road and A330. Camp core hours are 9amto 5pm with extended hours 8am to 9am and 5pmto 6pm available for a small additional charge. Tel01235 832222 or book onlinewww.supercamps.co.ukSuper Camps will be running MULTI-ACTIVITYCAMPS (for children aged 4 to 14 years) during the2013 Summer Holidays at LVS Ascot located off theA329 in Ascot, Berkshire, close to London and theneighbouring county of Surrey. A popular venue withSuper Camps’ parents, the school’s facilities includeextensive playing fields, tennis courts, a large sportshall, indoor swimming pool, theatre and well-equipped activity rooms. Camp core hours are 9amto 5pm with extended hours 8am to 9am and 5pmto 6pm available for a small additional charge. Tel01235 832222 or book onlinewww.supercamps.co.ukTeddy Tennis run COURSES for 2!-6years duringthe main school holidays in Ascot and Bracknell.Book a week's course or just a single lesson andenjoy a combination of music, pictures and teddybear stories that provides a fun way to get active andlearn to play tennis.0845 6431173,www.teddytennis.com

*EGHAM & BERKS-SURREY BORDERS*

Busy Buttons CREATIVE SUMMER CAMP offers anunique opportunity this summer for your child tolearn, experience and be entertained while they gainskills from film and theatre industry professionals inan encounter like no other. Explore creative activitiesranging from puppet-making, filmmaking, animation,costume-making, prop-making in exciting projectsusing, ‘The Creative Way.’ Lunch included. AGEGROUP: 6-14 years. TIMES: 9am to 5pm (extendedhours on request) DATES: 29 July – 9 Aug (excludingweekends) VENUE: The Village Centre, Victoria Street,Englefield Green, TW20 0QX. Please book [email protected] or 07952418212. Details atwww.busybuttons.orgGenevieve The Gallery will be OPEN EVERY DAYduring the holidays at 13 Victoria Street, EnglefieldGreen. Select from a wide range of mugs, vases,bowls and egg cups etc. and add your own design inour workshop. Call: 01784 430516;www.genevievethegallery.co.ukRunnymede Borough Council will be running avariety of ACTIVITIES for 5 to 15 year olds during theschool holidays this summer at various locations inRunnymede. Activities include playschemes, sportscourses, workshops and more. Details are availablefrom our website www.rbcyouth.co.uk or by calling01932 425688.Stagecoach Staines is running WORKSHOPS from29th July - 2nd August at Thomas Knyvett College,Stanwell Rd, Ashford, Middlesex ,TW15 3DU. ALITTLE SUMMER FUN WORKSHOP for 4-7 yearolds will work on a Toy Story production whilst TheSUMMER FUN WORKSHOP for 7-18 years olds willhave a Grease theme. The workshops will consist of aweek of singing, dancing and drama culminating in ashow for friends and family on the last day. NoStagecoach experience necessary. Stagecoach Staines’shows are always a spectacle to watch withprofessional lighting, sound and costumes and many oftheir teachers have appeared in West End shows.Course times for 7-18 years: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm.Course times for 4-7 years: Mon-Fri, 9.45am-12.45pm.Please call 0845-0556356 or [email protected] or go towww.stagecoach.co.uk/staines for details or toregister. Teddy Tennis run COURSES for 2!-6 years duringthe main school holidays in Egham, Staines & VirginiaWater. Book a week's course or just a single lessonand enjoy a combination of music, pictures and teddybear stories that provides a fun way to get active andlearn to play tennis.0845 643 1173;www.teddytennis.com

Details correct at time of going to press (April 2013)but may be subject to change.


Health

Eva Winter OsteopathyBSc (Hons), DPO

• Providing safe and effective hands-on treatment for adults, children and babies

• Clinic Marlow, 11 Liston Court, High Street, Bucks

For more informationT: 07776448700E: [email protected]: evawinter.co.uk

Registered with the General Osteopathic Council, British Osteopathic Association and Alumni for Paediatric Osteopathy

1) Do you notice in the paragraph above how many generalisationsthere were? When we have no self-esteem we tend to generalise. We saywe ‘never’ know what to say or that ‘everyone’s’ children are betterbehaved, we ‘always’ get tongue tied and have ‘no’ friends. This is anexample of distortion. We are distorting the situation. When you catchyourself using such a generalisation, ask yourself “Really…. never?” or“Really….everyone?” and think of a time when this just wasn’t true. Thinkof a time when you did do something brilliant. Find the exceptions to yourgeneralisation and you’ll find the reality.

2) How we see ourselves and our children is very different from howothers see us. Our perception is different because we are associated intothe experience. We are experiencing it firsthand and are emotionallyinvolved in it. To remove the emotion from the situation and to get adifferent perception, a more balanced one, do the following. Imagine youcan float up above the situation and look down on it as if you were aCCTV camera. How does the situation look now?

3) As parents we tend to ‘rescue’ our children, we do far more for themthan is necessary and by doing so much we deny them the opportunity totake responsibility or learn from their mistakes. We don’t even enjoy‘rescuing’ them do we? We become resentful and feel unappreciated andour self-esteem plummets as we become the ‘victim’ in this ‘dramatriangle’. We become the ‘persecutor’ and get angry with them and thenthey become the ‘victim’. This triangle is a low self-esteem situation at allthree points. Raise your self-esteem by stepping out of it and letting yourchildren take some responsibility for their own outcomes.

4) Whose opinion matters most to you? Low self-esteem often resultsfrom comparing ourselves with other people and believing what others sayabout us or imagining what they might say .“They think I’m ………………”is an example of this distortion. How can we possibly know what otherpeople are thinking? More importantly though it is being externallyreferenced. We are allowing other people to decide our level of self-esteem. Instead we need to check in with our own values and beliefs. Askyourself “and what do I think?” ask your child “what do you think?” Laterin life they will need to be able to do this to protect themselves fromadverse peer group pressure.

5)Your mind and body are connected. When you need to raise yourself-esteem in order to tackle a situation such as speaking to your child’steacher, here’s a quick way to do it. a. Look up and to the left and think of a time you felt great and didsomething amazing.b. Flick your eyes up to the right and imagine how you want to feel greatnow. Imagine how you want this situation resolved. What do you want toachieve?c.Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders.d. Stand tall with your feet slightly apart. e. Do not fiddle with anything or fidget. f. Speak slowly and with a low tone (from your chest rather than yourthroat)

HOW TOBOOSTYOURSELF ESTEEMBy Judy Barkowiak

We all have days when we wish we feltmore inspired, witty and accomplished.On days like this everyone else seems tobe cleverer, more attractive, funnier orthey have whatever we feel we arelacking. Their children seem betterbehaved, more socially competent,brighter and so on. These are days whenwe need to raise our self-esteem. Whenwe can raise our own, we are then in agreat place to show our children how toraise theirs. Here’s how:

Judy Bartkowiak is an NLP Parentand Children’s Coach working fromBurnham and the Cedar Clinic inMarlow. She can be contacted on01628 660618. Her latest book TeachYourself: Self-Esteem Workbook ispublished by Hodder and is availablein paperback and EBook frombookshops and Amazon.

BODY CONTROL PILATESin Maidenhead

Wednesday day time 12.30 - 1.30, 4 Marlow Rd, Community Centre SL6 7YRWednesday even 7.30 -8.30pm All Saints Parish Church, Boyne Hill,

Maidenhead, SL6 4HEThursday drop - in pay as you go sessions 6.45 - 7.45pm 4 Marlow Rd,

Community Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 7YRSaturday 11.30 - 12.30 Newlands girls school, Farm Rd, Maidenhead SL6 5JB

£ 7.50 per session for group Mat and pay as you go—Classes run in blocks 6 weeks( £45)

Private Pilates: 1:1 offered in the comfort of your HOME. All you need is a space and we will provide the equipment. You can also share the

cost with another person or you come to us.

www.Pilateswithraj.co.uk [email protected].


Swimming

Swimming programme for mums-to-be and beyondSwimkidz UK Ltd is one of thevery few swim schools in the UKoffering a complete aquaticprogramme that starts pre-birthwith their Aquabumpz classes (formums-to-be) right through totheir academy swimming sessionsfor children up to pre-competitiveswimming.

Mums-to-be can enjoy a calmingand relaxing workout with ateacher from their specially trainedaquatic team. The school hasteamed up with a personal trainerto ensure that their workouts arenot only suitable and safe forexpectant mothers but also delivera comprehensive workout,preparing mums for the birth oftheir little ones.

Babies can join classes frombirth, where they are taught theimportance of water safety fromthe very first lesson. Skills arebuilt upon with new activities introduced every week.

Trish Hare, director of Swimkidz UK Ltd. says, “Swimming is not only theperfect bonding experience for you and your little one but also provides manyhealth benefits. Babies will move independently through the water long beforethey are able to crawl or walk. Swimming is therapeutic, helps to developsound motor development and also improves the function of the skeletalmuscles. Being in the water is perfect for premature babies too as it developsmuscle symmetrically on both sides of the body.

“So not only will you be having a fun time in the pool, each and every movewe take you through will be assisting your little one in their development,coordination and overall neurological development.”Lessons are available locally in Reading, Maidenhead, Bagshot, Slough andFarnham Common. To find out more about call 0118 959 7874/07825 955533or email [email protected]; www.swimkidz.co.uk

Strap on a Fin and Learn to Swim! We know how important learning to swim is for allfamily members. It’s a popular after school andrecreational activity. SwimFin has been designed by ahighly qualified, UK swimming coach who has over 30 years experience. It’s avertical aid and suitable for children age two years and over, of all abilities.

SwimFin is proud to say that it can be used on all ages, all abilities and allfour strokes and is the only aid to have ever been endorsed by the AmateurSwimming Association (ASA). The company is very proud to have the backing ofa leading, global swimming organisation.

So how will it help your child to swim? It works in harmony with the bodybecause it’s worn on the back providing total freedom around the arms andlegs allowing for a natural swimming position, with the fin working like a boat’skeel in the water.

Kids love SwimFin because the shark element appeals as a fun piece of kitand encourages them into the water. It appeals to parents because it makeslearning to swim more of a game than a chore. Tests have proved that it canreduce the process by up to a third less time.

It’s also perfect for taking on holiday as the fin is highly visible in a busy poolor on the beach! To find out more go to www.swimfin.com

Swimming classes in Ascot and thesurrounding areaJEMA swim classes offer parent and baby/toddler classes, plus swimminginstruction for children from three years onwards in pools in South Ascot,Bagshot and a Virginia Water summer crash course.

The parent and baby/toddler classes are run in a warm, private pool inBagshot (A322), where they give instruction and confidence to parents and afun experience for the little ones.

Also from the age of three they teach water confidence to children withouttheir parents in small groups in Bagshot and in St. Mary's, South Ascot, whichallows each child to progress individually. Children work through the AmateurSwimming Association badge scheme, Challenge awards and swimming adistance, up to one mile.

They also run lessons for adults who have never swum before or who wantto improve their style. For more information call Chris Shepherd on 07702412090 or email [email protected]


• Aqua PT – The No Sweat Workout!Improve cardiovascular fitness, lose weight and tone up all in thetherapeu!c environment of water.• 1 to 1 Personal Training• Pregnancy Pilates, Postnatal Pilates and General Pilates.Pilates is a total body condi!oning regime that works by rebuildingstrength, flexibility and improving your body’s posture at any stage of life.• Let’s Go Mummy Buggy ClassThis is a buggy class focusing on exercises which will help rebuild andstrengthen your body, helping you drop some of those extra baby poundsalong the way.• Pelvic Floor Course.Learn how to ac!vate and strengthen your pelvic floor, and reduce yourwaist line in the process! Baby welcome

For more informa!on please visit www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah on: 07938 588029

Go Figure o!ers a range of personal Trainingboth on land and in the water, and a rangeof classes to suit all abili"es and lifestyles.

“Sarah has introduced me to andnurtured me through, post natal circuitclasses, personal training, circuit classes,training for and running a halfmarathon and Pilates. She makesexercise safe, fun and fit for purpose.She spends a lot of !me making sure sheunderstands you and your needs, limitsand physical state and works to pushyou safely to get you to a fi"er andstronger place.” Sarah Nutbrown 2013

When we think of exercise, weautomatically think of the gym orheading out for a run, walk orcycle. Rarely do we think ofexercising in the water, unlessswimming played an importantrole in our childhood. However,water based exercise does nothave to be all about swimminglaps in the pool. Personal trainerSarah El- Hawary, who runs GoFigure, tells Families why exercising in the water isso good for you.

Water has three unique properties - buoyancy, viscosity andhydrostatic pressure - which all play an important part in awater workout. On land gravity affects how much weight

we can lift, how far we can stretch, how the body’s muscles are targetedand how quickly we tire during exercise. The effect of buoyancy meansthat we can exercise the body in more varied positions, target moremuscles and increase our range of movement through our joints, thusincreasing flexibility.

Something as simple as running in the water places very little stresson the joints. The effect of running on land places two and a half timesyour weight through your knees. For individuals who are overweightand trying to improve cardiovascular fitness, running in the water is agreat alternative because it provides a low impact, stress-freeenvironment for the body. Apart from getting to and from the changingroom, individuals can exercise in a relatively private environment. Somefitness professionals have even described it as the ‘no sweat’ workout.

Don’t let this put you off, sweat does not always equal caloriesburned. In the pool, hydrostatic pressure placed on the body improvesyour its ability to process and use oxygen, which in turn improvescirculation, increases muscle tone, strength and builds endurance. Byimproving circulation, the workload of the heart is decreased, loweringthe heart rate. Typically heart rates tend to run 13 % lower duringexercise in the pool, making it a great environment for people who arenew to or returning to exercise - very often people quit a new exerciseroutine because it feels too hard.

Water provides 12 times the amount of resistance on the bodycompared to air, making it an ideal environment to strengthen and tonein, with or without the assistance of equipment. When exercising inwater to improve strength and tone, we want to increase the drageffect on the body to increase the workload. The drag effect is theforce of resistance we feel as we move through the water. On landmost exercises challenge the body in one direction, in water we can usethe push and pull effect to increase the amount of muscles targeted.This is great if you are short of time or want to lose weight, becausethe more muscle groups you work out, the more calories you burn.

Another benefit is improving your core strength. As you movethrough the water several groups of muscles have to work to helpstabilise the body. Especially your abdominals, back muscles andobliques, (muscle which help define your waist line), otherwise knownas your core. The ‘core’ is an important group of muscles responsiblefor supporting and protecting the spine.

Water is often used as an environment for rehabilitation, making themost of its unique properties to aid recovery. Often when we think ofwater based exercise we think of the elderly or pregnant mums, buteveryone can benefit from working out in water. So why not head down toyour local pool today and experience firsthand the benefits of water onyour body?Go Figure offers Aqua PT sessions in the water, to find out more about the‘no sweat’ workout call Sarah on 07938 588029 or [email protected] for further details.

WATER VERSUS LAND, WHAT IS THE RIGHTEXERCISE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOU?

Swimming


Without wanting to sound all Big Brother, do we really know what they are up towhen they’re using these devices? Are you sure there’s no way your 5 year-old couldrack up £1,700 on in-app purchases, as Bristol boy Danny Kitchen did earlier thisyear? Have you installed a secure browser so that your kids can’t access unsuitablecontent? Do you know who they’re texting or emailing, or who’s contacting them?

If, like me, you grew up in the 80s, your ‘screen-time’ as a child would have beenlimited to after-school Blue Peter watching and maybe the odd half hour playingDonkey Kong on your Game and Watch. There was no Internet or Facebook topolice, so our parents had control over what we were watching or playing, withoutany unwelcome outside influences.

Fast-forward to today, where the average UK home has five screens a child canaccess, including TVs, computers, tablets and phones, as well as Wi-Fi available prettymuch everywhere. You can see why parents are flummoxed by how best to teach theirkids to navigate this technology, when it’s available 24-7.

Clearly, the best way to make sure you know what your children are up to is to bethere when they’re playing, and take an interest in what they’re looking at. Thisbecomes less possible as your children get older, and don’t want their parentsfollowing them around like the technology police.

There are some pretty basic security steps we can follow which enable older kidsto have relative freedom, in a safe virtual environment.1. Check that Internet browsers are child safe. The iPad doesn’t come with parental controls, so disable Safari in Restrictions anddownload a new safe browser (there are several available in the App Store thatoffer parental controls). Filter content according to a child's age or enter specificcategories and URLs for personalised site blocking.

On Android devices you can have multiple users, tailoring access appropriately – in Google Play, press Menu and select Settings, then enable Content Filtering. TheRanger Pro Safe Browser app enables you to monitor and manage your children’sInternet use.2. Keep your passwords to yourself, turn off in-app purchasing, and limitchildren’s access to apps.If you are an iPad/iPhone/iPod user, keep your iTunes password safe. Then stopanyone else from using the App Store. Go to the Settings menu, tap on General, thenRestrictions. Enable Restrictions and choose a PIN (not the same one used to unlockthe device). Go to the Allowed Content section, and either turn In-App Purchases offcompletely or change the Require Password option to "Immediately" rather than "15minutes". The PIN will ensure that only you can change these settings in the future.

In Settings you can also turn off Game Centre (which shares data with otherusers), and disable social media access, Bluetooth and Location Services. RememberAirplane Mode, in Settings, effectively turns Internet access off. Children can stillaccess movies, music games and apps and it exposes them to less radiation. TheWorld Health Organisation has raised concerns about the levels of radiation comingfrom mobile phones and other wireless gadgets and they recommend limitingchildren’s use of such devices.

The Android platform uses Sandbox Locks for younger children, which you candownload to restrict access, from Toddler Lock, which makes the device show coloursand shapes when tapped by chubby fingers, to apps like Flamingo Sandbox whichenables you to restrict access to specific apps, lock profiles, wireless networks andsystem settings. App Lock is a free app that enables you to control which apps requirePIN access.

With all of the security jobs done, you can let your children actually enjoy usingtouchscreens safely! There are so many different apps out there, from learning timestables to old fashioned platform-style games, it’s hard to work out which ones are thebest. Review sites can be helpful, such as kidsbestipadapps.com, which gives you a listof apps for kids, by age.

KEEPING UP WITH THE TOUCH SCREENTOUCH SCREENGENERATION By Hannah Hunter

Most parents will admit to handing a smart phoneto their toddler for a moment’s peace in a trafficjam or supermarket queue. At home children haveaccess to the Internet and games, either on theirown phones, iPods and tablets, or those of theirparents – there’s even an iPotty with an in-builtiPad stand, for entertaining impatient toddlers.

Digital Special

Wendy AldissPHOTOGRAPHY

Award-winning baby, child & family portraitsBeautiful studio barn & private meadows Marlow

or your own home

Wendy Aldiss ARPS, LMPAwww.wendyaldiss.co.uk

01494 523162 email: [email protected]


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

Where your little ones will blossom intoindependent con!dent learners in a wonderful

environment, cared for by dedicated and quali!ed practitioners.

Bourne End01628 521522

Marlow 01628 487772

Beaconsfield01494 677116

www.poppiesdaynursery.com

GYMTOTS!PRE-SCHOOL GYMNASTICS

FUN + SAFE + CHALLENGINGClasses for Children walking to 3 years plus.

Enjoy participating with your child in our safe indoor environmentwith its exciting up-to-date play equpment, based within the Altwood School, Maidenhead. Every day at 10am from Wednesdayto Saturday. Our programme has been developed through more than 29years’ experience with young children and their parents. Gymtots willenable your child to gain confidence by expanding their physicalability, coordination and social skills, with your involvement and under the guidance of our experienced staff. Our advanced classfor 3 to 4 years plus, without parent participation, on Wednesdays at 3pm, is more structured and builds upon the earlier classes.

Telephone 07 957 223 124 for details

Families is giving you an amazingopportunity to win a toy bundle from WOW Toys worth £150.

All you have to do is go to www.facebook.com/familiestve like our pageand enter via the competition tab at the top. You can also follow us ontwitter: @familiestve, where we will also post links to the competition too.

By joining us on twitter and facebook you can get exclusive access tocompetitions and information that are not published in the magazine.

Delight your toddler with 3 fabulous WOW Toys construction toys, awooden activity table and a new just launched play mat.

All of WOW’s super-cute and durable toys have a cute personality andunique character all of their own, just like your toddler!

Dudley Dump Truck is a powerful monster truck with realistic enginesounds and a motorised tipping action. He is best friends with Mix ‘n’ FixMike, a colourful and cheerful cement mixer with an automatic, rotatingmixing drum and little Tip-it Toby is always getting into trouble with hismechanically powered and spring loaded front bucket and rattling boulder.

Many adventures can be played out on WOW’s play mat which is madefrom a crease-resistant and easy to clean fabric and non-slip rubber backingfor added safety, dims: 150cm x 100cm. The wooden activity table is alsoeasy to clean with a bright, colourful and durable surface making it a greathost for WOW toy play or for any number of other fun activities.

All WOW Toys are designed with toddlers in mind to encourage learningthrough fun, discovery and play. They can be totally trusted as they areextremely safe and durable and no batteries are required for them to work,thanks to their clever designs. They are also all compatible with each otherand all the figures can fit into any toy. www.wowtoys.com

Here are some of Families’ favourites:

Talking Tom Cat – Toddlers (and older) can’t get enough of thissilly series of talking animals, 4+.

Plants vs zombies – keep the zombies from invading, 9+.

Starwalk – find names of the constellations stars, planets, satellitesand galaxies by pointing your phone/tablet at the sky, 4+.

Peppa Pig apps – another big hit for toddlers, fun games which canbe played by one or more players together, 4+.

Toca - all of the Toca games are fantastic fun and beautifullydesigned 4+.

Nighty Night – award winning app where you listen to a story andsay goodnight to the farm animals, 4+.

Cinderella – interactive animation of the traditional story, fromNosy Crow, an independent children’s book and app publisher, 4+.Their other apps include stories by authors and illustrators such asPhilip Ardagh and Axel Scheffler

Cut the Rope/ Feed me Oil – 2 addictive strategy games fromChillingo, 4+.


Penn Festival is back – and this year ispromising to be even bigger and better, with evenmore bands playing on two stages. Taking placefrom 19–21 July, this family friendly music festivalwill see some of biggest acts of the ’90s taking tothe stage. Already confirmed to play are NickHeyward, D:Ream, Dr and the Medics, AllisonLimerick (remember Where Love Lives?), BlackBox and Jaki Graham. As well as live bands,there’ll be lots more going on including streettheatre, free creative workshops, a disco tentwith guest DJ, Reggae music workshops and anartisan market with stalls selling clothes, jewellery,hammocks, art and much more. The bar andsecond stage will be in big top tent to offerprotection from the weather. And there’s lots tokeep the children happy with arts and craftsworkshops, street entertainers and big balloondisco and circus and fair stalls. There’s a beer tentand an exciting selectionof food stalls fromrestaurants in the areawill guarantee you don’tgo hungry. Camping is

available on site with a new quieter area familyzone, complete with fairy lights.

We have three pairs of weekend ticketsplus camping to give away. Go tofamiliestveast.co.uk/competitions toenter. Closing date July 1.

The Badge It! maker has got quick, simple, no-mess badgemaking all buttoned up! Make unique, high quality metalbadges in seconds of your favourite pop star, footballer or pet.The award winning design makes creativity simple as there’sno glue and no mess. You can use photos, pictures frommagazines or your own drawings to make the badges youwant. So get creative, and wear your badge with pride!

Find Badge It! at The Entertainer and www.bandai.co.uk. Formore news visit the Facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/BandaiUK and follow on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/BandaiToysUK

We have five of these great toys to give away, to enter go tofamiliestveast.co.uk/competitions.Closing date July 1.

Great Competitions with

WIN A PAIR OF WEEKEND TICKETS TO PENNFESTIVAL, INCLUDING CAMPING!

WIN A BADGE IT! BADGE MAKER


Time Out

Windsor Horse ShowMay 8 to 12

Gruffalo's Child at the Wycombe Swan, May 7 and 8

Lets Rock the Moor, Cookham Moor Saturday May18

Tuesday May 7 and Wednesday May 8. THEGRUFFALO’S CHILD by Tall Stories at the WycombeSwan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. Tuesday at 1.30pm and4.30pm, Wednesday at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Following onfrom their success with The Gruffalo, Tall Stories return withan adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s sequel. For ages 3+. Tickets:£12 each. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.Wednesday May 8 to Sunday May 12. WINDSORHORSE SHOW, in the grounds of Windsor Castle. A feastof all things equestrian and a great day out in the country, ifyou are interested in horses or not. Tickets: adults weekday -£16, weekend - £20; children weekday – free, weekend £10,family weekend only (2+3) - £49. Box Office: 0844 581 4960;rwhs.co.uk.Wednesday May 8 to Sunday May 19. COOKHAMFESTIVAL, busy programme of events of all kinds, includingArts for All, the People’s Shakespeare and the Let’s Rock theMoor Festival on Saturday May 18 (see separate entry).For a full programme, visit cookham.com/cookhamfestival.Thursday May 9. THE GIRL WITH THE IRONCLAWS at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, AltwoodRoad, Maidenhead. 7pm. Dark fairy-tale about the youngestdaughter of a king who feels she doesn’t fit in. With puppetry,music and storytelling. For ages 8+. Tickets: £8.50; family offour £31. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.Friday May 10 and Saturday May 11.MAIDENHEAD STREET FOOD FESTIVAL in KingsStreet, Maidenhead. Friday from 9am-10pm, Saturday from9am-7pm. Street festival with a continental flavour, with lotsof food to taste, eat and buy, live entertainment, face painting,Morris dancers, belly dancers and lots more. More info onenjoymaidenhead.com.Saturday May 11. TVAP CHARITY WALK, startingand finishing from Thames Valley Adventure Playground, BathRoad, Taplow, Maidenhead. Choose from a 5, 10 or 15 milewalk around the area, to raise funds for the playground.Starting times: between 9-10am for the 15 mile walk, 9-11amfor the 10 mile, and 9am-12noon for the 5 mile walk. Entry:£5 per person in advance, £8 on the day. Children free. 01628628599; email: [email protected] May 11. SAIL 4 FREE OPEN DAY at theKingsmead Sailing Club, Datchet Road, Horton, near Slough.11am-4pm. Chance to win free sailing lessons or free 2013membership. All safety aids provided. Age 8-80. No need tobook. Free. 07809610313; kingsmeadsc.org.uk.Sunday May 12. FANTASTIC FERRARI DAY atCliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 10.30am-2.30pm. View a rangeof vintage and modern Ferraris and other exciting supercarsas they line the Grand Avenue. Arrive early to watch and hearthem arriving. 01628 605069; nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.

Sunday May 12. PANN MILL OPEN DAY at PannMill, The Rye, High Wycombe. 11am–5pm. Come and watchthe mill grinding flour (water-level permitting). Variety of stallsand refreshments and also a guided walk: The Water Trail,around the Rye area – departs 2.30pm from Pann Mill,returning in time for tea. 01628 483597;wycombeartsfestival.org.Thursday May 16. CHARITY GARDEN OPENINGat Frogmore Garden, Windsor Park, Windsor. In support ofBlind Veterans UK. Beautiful garden and lake set in thegrounds of Windsor Castle. Tickets: £5.50 fromhttp://www.blindveterans.org.uk/frogmoregarden. Friday May 17. MUSEUMS AT NIGHT at theWycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. 6-9.30pm.Lots of arts activities and entertainment for all the familyincluding music, dance, refreshments and a few surprises. Freeentry. A Wycombe Arts Festival event. 01494 421895;wycombe.gov.uk/museum. More info on the Museums atNight weekend (May 17-19), visit www.culture24.org.uk. Saturday May 18. THE ENCHANTED MUSEUM,special late night opening of the Chiltern Open Air Museum,Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Magicaltorchlight tour around the Museum. Spy the mysterious Ladyand the Unicorn, watch the blacksmith at work and listen tosome bedtime stories around the fire, plus craft activities.01494 871117; coam.org.uk.Saturday May 18. MAY FAYRE at White Waltham CofEAcademy, Waltham Road, White Waltham. 12noon-3pm.Traditional school fayre. 01628 822533.Saturday May 18. LET’S ROCK THE MOOR, theFamily Friendly 80’s Festival on Cookham Moor, with TonyHadley, Bananarama, Howard Jones, Midge Ure, Imaginationand many more on the main stage, plus a second stageintroducing local bands, children’s entertainers from BBC/ITV,a much bigger Circus, children’s rides (including BumperBoats and Dodgems), new 80’s themed children’s play area,wacky stalls and much, much more. Tickets (in advance only):adults £30, children (3-12) £17, family (2+2) £80, from localoutlets or book online on letsrockthemoor.com. Saturday May 18. MARLOW MAY FAYRE inHigginson Park, Pound Lane, Marlow. 10am-5pm. Family funday with lots of stalls, rides, games, live music by the MarlowTown Band. Viking re-enactment group the ‘WychwoodWarriors’, Punch & Judy shows. Duck Race at 3.30pm by theriver. Organised by the Marlow Round Table. More info viawww.marlowroundtable.co.uk. Saturday May 18. ANNUAL MAYOR MAKING inFrogmoor, High Wycombe. 11.45am-1pm. The ancienttradition of weighing in the Mayor and his Charter Trustees,Burgesses and Officers in and out of office. Boo and cheer astheir weights are cried out by the Town Crier.Wycombe.gov.uk.

Compiled by Trynke Casale

Saturday May 4 to Monday May 6. STAR WARSDAYS at Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, Windsor. Lots ofStar Wars-themed activities take over the LEGOLAND®Windsor Resort. From lightsabre training to a daily costumecharacter march, the ultimate galaxy far, far away has neverfelt so close. Book online via legoland.co.uk.Sunday May 5. TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC at NordenFarm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead.11.45am. Animal-themed music concert with Bratton’s TheTeddy Bear’s Picnic, Chappell’s Paddington’s First Concert andworks from Berio and Saint-Saens. Introduce your children toclassical music! For ages 3+. Tickets: £8.50; family of four £31.01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6. TEDDY BEARDAYS at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, StationApproach, Station Road, Chinnor. Each child carrying a TeddyBear will travel for free when accompanied by a fare-payingadult. Plus entertainment for the children. Tickets: adults £10,children (3-15) £5, family £25. Talking Timetable: 01844353535; chinnorrailway.co.uk.Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6. DRESSING UPACTIVITY at the REME Museum of Technology, IsaacNewton Road, Arborfield, Reading. 11am-3.30pm. Uniformsand army kit will be made available for you to wear andexplore. See what is like to be dressed as a real soldier!Tickets: adults £5, children £4, family £15. 0118 976 3375;rememuseum.org.uk.Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6. SPRING STEAMGALA at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, QuaintonRoad Station, Quainton, near Aylesbury. 10.30am-5.30pm.Includes the Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering SocietyMiniature Gala. Tickets: adults £12, children £9, family £33.01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org. Monday May 6. WINKFIELD MAYDAY FAIR in theCarnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row.Noon-4pm. Lots of stalls and activities for everyone,whatever the weather. Winkfieldrowfair.org. Monday May 6. FAMILY FUN DAY at the WindsorRacecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. Meet the MoshiMonsters. Under 18s free, with a full fee paying adult. 01753498445; windsor-racecourse.co.uk. Monday May 6. MAY FAYRE ON THE RYE, HolywellMead on the Rye, High Wycombe. 11am-4pm. A day out forthe family. Traditional May Fayre - entertainment, arena events,hot and cold food, teas, stalls, international stalls from Polandand the Philippines. Free admission and parking. 01628483597; wycombeartsfestival.org.

MAY

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


Time Out

The Waving Cat of Japan - Norden Farm,Maidenhead Sunday May 19

Nancy Astor’s Birthday PartySunday May19

King of the Castle, Oxford Castle Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2

climbing, water orbing, bell boating, kayaking, canoeing,go-karting, leap of faith, etc. Activities for ages 8+ only. Bookin advance, via longridge-uk.org or call 01628 483252.Monday May 27 to Friday May 31. HALF TERMSHOWS at Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. Allshows at 11.30am and 2pm. Monday: Suitcase Circus. WithWobulous Discombobulous, the anarchic sock, and hisfriends, performing their circus tricks. For ages 4+. Tuesday:Sally and the Sunflower. Inventive re-telling of Jack and theBeanstalk. For ages 3+. Wednesday: How High? Hetty loves tomeasure things. As she explores the world of height, shemeets an extraordinary eight foot boy. For ages 4+. Thursday:Misunderstood Monsters. Professional monster catcher SaintGeorgie and his faithful sidekick Squeezy are on their mostdangerous mission yet. Overcome your fear of spiders,crocodiles and aliens through the power of words, music anddigital game playing. For ages 4+. Friday: Star. A Gardener anda Tailor live at opposites ends of the world. They both see abright Star in the sky at night. When the Star disappears, theTailor and the Gardener are brought together, but will theirStar ever return? For ages 2+. There will also be family filmson Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, all at 2pm. All tickets: £8.50each, family of four £31. 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.Monday May 27 to Friday May 31. ‘BUILD IT’AND HUNT CHALLENGE at the REME Museum ofTechnology, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Reading.Complete this massive museum wide hunt to find our missingobject. Wednesday May 29: MINI ASSAULTCOURSE between 11am and 3.30pm. Survive Sir’s MiniAssault Course and water jump! A change of clothes mightbe needed. For ages 5-12. No need to book. 0118 9763375;rememuseum.org.uk.Tuesday May 28. FAMILY BUSHCRAFT DAY atBlack Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Slough. 9.30am-1.30pm.Learn new skills, all set in the park’s bushcraft HQ BlackPine’s Camp. With shelter building, fire lighting and survivaltechniques. Light ‘bushcraft style’ refreshments provided.Maximum ratio of 1 adult : 2 children. Not suitable for under8s. Booking essential. Cost: adults £20 adult, children £15.01753 511060; buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks. Tuesday May 28 to Thursday May 30. HALF TERMFAMILY EVENTS AND CHILDREN’SWORKSHOPS at the River and Rowing Museum, MillMeadows, Henley. Tuesday: On Swan Lake, craft workshop forages 4-8 inspired by the museum’s Swan Upping exhibition.10.30am-12.30pm. Booking required. Cost: £8.50. Wednesday:Monsters from the Deep, pond-dipping in the Marsh Meadowponds for ages 9-13, plus craft activity. Cost: £8.50. Bookingrequired. Family Day on Thursday: Icebergs and Icicles.10.30am-4pm. Discover the wildlife of the North Pole withlots of fun activities. Drop in anytime. Free with admission.01491 415600; rrm.co.uk. Tuesday May 28 to Thursday May 30. HALF TERMHOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at the Wycombe Museum,Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. Tuesday and Thursday: MosaicMadness, drop-in activities for ages 4-12. Design and make acoaster with colourful glass mosaic tiles. Cost: £2.50 per child.Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.Wednesday: Bodger the Mascot and Friends, from10.30am-12noon. Drop-in and join Bodger the Mascot forsome fun and games, and photo opportunities. For ages 5+.01494 421 895; wycombe.gov.uk/museum.Wednesday May 29. HARRY POTTER-IN-A-DAY,a holiday theatre workshop at the Theatre Royal Windsor,Thames Street, Windsor. From 9am onwards, 5pmpresentation in the Circle Bar. Workshop based on the HarryPotter adventures, filled with games and improvisations,working towards a mini-performance at the end of the day.For ages 5-12. Cost: £40 for the day. 01753 863444;theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.Wednesday May 29. WILD WEDNESDAY –ORIENTEERING at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead.11am-3pm. How fast do you think you can complete our

Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2. KING OF THECASTLE at the Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford Castle,Oxford. 10am-5.30pm. Family quests around the castlegrounds along with themed arts and crafts and special tours,celebrating the discovery that Oxford Castle is the sitewhere Geoffrey of Monmouth penned the famous HistoriaRegum Britanniae, regarded as the origin of the Legends ofKing Arthur. Cost: adults £9.25, children £6.95. 01865 260666;oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk.Saturday May 25 to Saturday June 1. LONDONLITERATURE FESTIVAL during May half term atvarious locations within the Southbank Centre. Lots of eventsand interactive performances, walks, sing-a-longs, games andworkshops suitable for children, varying from rap, ballet,fairy-tale walks and special tours for all ages. For moreinformation, visit: southbankcentre.co.uk/londonlitfest.Saturday May 25. BURNHAM DONKEY DERBY inBurnham Park, Burnham. From 12 noon. Free entry.Community event organised by the Rotary Club of BurnhamBeeches with donkey races and rides, stalls andentertainment. Join in with the 2nd Great Burnham Bake Off,run by The Well @ Lent Rise and enter a batch of your bestcupcakes (before 11.30am, judging at 12 – seewww.thewellatlentrise.org). Saturday May 25. MAD MAPPING, drop-in sessionsfor the under 5s at the Surrey Heath Museum, Knoll Road,Camberley, Surrey. 10.30am-12noon. 'Hands on' craft activitybased on the given theme, colouring in, a story and toys toplay with. Also on Saturday June 18 ("Washing on theLine"). 01276 707100; surreyheath.gov.uk.Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2. MAPMAKING, daily half term activities at Hughenden, HighWycombe. 11am-4pm. Half term fun creating your own mapsand visiting the secret 1940s map-making bunker. Free, withnormal admission. 01494 755573;nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden.Sunday May 26. CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE WALK atthe Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common.Morning walk, booking required. Find out all about the wildlifethat makes its home in the Burnham Beeches on this shortwalk with the Rangers. For ages 6+. Paths should be suitablefor buggies. 01753 647358; cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnham. Sunday May 26. PADDINGTON BEAR comes to theBuckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station,Quainton, near Aylesbury. 10.30am-5.30pm. Meet PaddingtonBear. Tickets: adults £12, children £9, family £33. MondayMay 27: ANNUAL BUS RALLY AND VETERANCYCLE CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN DISPLAY.Chance to have a ride on vintage buses, plus see some vintagebikes. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org. Sunday May 26. FROGFEST in Frogmoor, HighWycombe. A one-day music and cultural event, part of theWycombe Arts Festival. From noon. Free event with familyactivities, live music, children’s workshops, circus skills andexciting stalls for all the family to enjoy.Wycombeartsfestival.org. Sunday May 26 and Sunday May 27. GLADIATORS!At the the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park,Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Roman gladiator fights!Learn about Roman life in Britain in the 1st century AD, buyyour own replica Roman weapons in the shop. Be warned,there will be a lot of (fake) blood - not for those of asensitive disposition. 01494 871117; coam.org.uk.Monday May 27. FAMILY FUN DAY at WindsorRacecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. First race: 2.15pm,last race: 5.30pm. Under 18s go free. A great day out for thewhole family, with lots of free fun activities for the kids.Admission on the day (adults): Silver Ring Enclosure - £12;Grandstand - £21; Club Enclosure - £25. 01753 498400;windsor-racecourse.co.uk.Monday May 27 and Saturday June 1. OPEN DAYSat Longridge Activity Centre, Quarry Wood Road, Marlow. Tryout some of the activities Longridge has to offer, such as

Saturday May 18 to September 1. PARTYSCIENCE SHOW at the Look Out Discovery Centre,Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. Shows at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and3.15pm during school holidays and weekends. New showlooking at the science behind parties: learn how to makeballoon kebabs, paper chains, special party music, fun partytricks, a birthday cake with a difference and much more!Suitable for ages 3+. Tickets: £1.85 per person, in addition tonormal entry to the science exhibition. 01344 354400;bracknell-forest.gov.uk.Sunday May 19. NANCY ASTOR’S BIRTHDAYPARTY at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 11am-4pm. TheWater Garden will be transformed for the day with livemusic, colourful bunting, a traditional Punch and Judy showand a special birthday cake. Craft activities, free face paintingas well as Cliveden’s giant maze and play area for the kids;meet famous characters from Cliveden’s past strollingthrough the grounds. Dressing up encouraged: feather boas,straw boaters, flapper dresses and flannels! Tel: 01628 605069;nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.Sunday May 19. MAIDENHEAD DUCK DERBYAND FAMILY FUN DAY on Ray Mill Island, BoultersLock, Maidenhead. Starting at 1pm. Stalls, treasure hunt forthe children, entertainment, live music, Punch and Judy showsand of course the Duck Derby itself at 4pm. Have a flutter:tickets are just 20p per duck. Cash prizes to win.Maidenheadlions.org.uk.Sunday May 19. A WALK IN THE WOODS inHemwood Dell, off Wolf Lane, Windsor. 2-3.30pm. Wildlifestroll through Hemwood Dell as part of National Walk in theWoods month. Suitable for adults and families. Paths may beunsuitable for pushchairs. Booking essential. Cost: free, ordonation. 01628 777440 or [email protected]. Sunday May 19. THE WAVING CAT OF JAPAN byThe Krazy Kat Theatre Company (Sign Language Arts) atNorden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 11.30am and 2pm.Maneki Neko is a Waving Cat and bringer of good luck. Canhe help sort out a wicked Sorceress, a not-so-smart Princeand three ticky tasks, all before midnight? Theatrical fantasywith trick puppets, quick changes, deft dances and lots ofcomic creation. For ages 3+. Tickets: £8.50; family of four £31.01628 788997; nordenfarm.org.Wednesday May 22 to Saturday July 13.EXHIBITION: THE COOKHAM COLLECTION atthe Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Park Street, Maidenhead.10am-4pm (Tue-Sat). See the collection of objects fromCookham including pottery from Odney, cartoon films fromMoor Hall, a model of Cookham Mill in the 19th century andlots more. 01628 780555; maidenheadheritage.org.uk.

Friday May 24 to Sunday June 2. SPRINGTIMEWOODLAND WONDERS at the Burnham Beeches,Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Another week ofspringtime fun, based at the information point, for familiesthat want to get out and about. For more info on specificactivities, look online and on-site nearer the time. 01753647358; cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnham.Saturday May 25 to Sunday June 2. SHEEPRACING at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road,Wooburn Common. Sheep racing’s back, with a specially builtmini race track with jumps and bends, eager sheep withminiature jockeys. Odds Farm are also running ACTIVITYDAY CAMPS during May Half Term from Tuesday May28 to Friday May 31 (and the Summer Holidays). Includesexclusive play in the Giant Indoor Playbarn before publicopening hours, plus scheduled activities in the private andsecure Play Room and stacks more daily activities and animalfun throughout the farm. For ages 4-12. Cost for day camps:Standard day (8.30am-5.30pm) £39; half day (8.30am-1pm or1-5.30pm) £29; late club upgrade (5.30-6pm) £3. Discountsfor members. 01628 520188; oddsfarm.co.uk.

HALF TERM


Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2.CORONATION WEEKEND at Nuffield Place,Huntercombe, near Henley-on-Thames. 11am-4pm.Commemorate the Queen’s coronation and try on Lord andLady Nuffield's replica coronation robes; Coronation themedpicnics available from the cafe. Free, with normal admission.01491 641224; nationaltrust.org.uk/nuffieldplace.Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2. RACE FORLIFE at the Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road,Windsor. 11am and 3pm starts on Saturday; 11am start onSunday. Run, walk or dance your way through 5km, forCancer Research UK. Entry fees: adults (16+) £14.99; ages6-15 £10, free for under 5s and spectators. 0845 600 6050 orvisit www.raceforlife.org.Sunday June 2. THE CLIVEDEN SET LIVE! AtCliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead. 12-4.30pm. Mix and minglewith celebrities from the past. Ever wondered what Clivedenwas like in the 1930s when Lord and Lady Astor owned thehouse and celebrities of the time were regular visitors? Cometo Cliveden and you could ask them yourself. Free, withnormal admission. 01628 550320;nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden. Also on Sunday June 9 andSaturday July 6. Wednesday June 5. REDUCED SHAKESPEARECOMPANY performs all 37 plays in 97 minutes! At theWycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe. 7.30pm. Anirreverent, fast-paced romp through Shakespeare’s plays.Tickets: £17. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.Friday June 7 to Sunday June 9. BEALE PARKBOAT SHOW at Beale Park, Lower Basildon, Pangbourne,Reading. Something for everyone: exhibitors, craft stalls, musicand entertainment, displays on the lake, classic cars, free boattrips, try-a-boat, and lots more. Tickets in advance: adults £6on Friday, £8 Saturday and Sunday, children free. On the gate:£7 and £9. 0118 9767498; bealeparkboatshow.co.uk. Saturday June 8. ART ON THE STREET inMaidenhead Town Centre. 10am-5pm. Outdoor art gallerywith Art on the Street LIVE! Events throughout the day. Overa 100 artists selling their work, free activities and workshops,entertainment, and performances. Free parking in Maidenheadall day. Maidenheadartmarket.org.Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9. MARLOWTOWN REGATTA AND FESTIVAL in Higginson Park,Marlow. Marlow's premier sporting and social occasion.Saturday - Marlow Town Regatta. Rowing races and riversidemusic, picnics on the lawn and lots of craft, trade, food and

Time Out

Wild Wednesday orienteering course? Drop-in sessions andall children must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal forchildren aged 4-11. Cost: £2. Self-led Spring Trails still availablefrom the Kiosk too, till Friday May 31. Self-led Summer Trailsfrom June 1 to end of August. 01628 605069;nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.Wednesday May 29. WILD ONES: BEE WILD ATLARKS HILL. Meet at Larks Hill car park, off Harvest Ride,Warfield. 2-4pm. A day for all to discover more about bees.Taste and buy local honey, roll your own beeswax candle,meet bee keepers and learn more about the lives of bees, flyaround a treasure trail, make a mini-bee garden and beepuppets. Just drop in. Suitable for all ages. Cost: Crafts £3.50for materials and local food / produce for sale. 01344 354441;bracknell-forest.gov.uk.Thursday May 30. SCIENCE AND NATURE DAYat Herschel Park, Upton Close, Slough. 11am-4pm. A varietyof activities inspired by science and nature. Bring a picnic andstay for the day (refreshments and ice cream will be available).With lots of shows, workshops, activities, demonstrations andtalks. 01753 875209 or 07771 973035;slough.gov.uk/herschelpark.Thursday May 30 and Friday May 31. TREECLIMBING FUN at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead.Half-hour sessions from 10am-4.30pm. Coordinated by theBig Tree Climbing Company, have fun in the trees at Cliveden.Explore the canopy and have a go at tree climbing, a zip wireand a rope swing! Fun for all the family. All tickets: £17.50.Booking essential via 08442491895 or online vianationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden. General inquiries: 01628605069.

Saturday June 1. HOLYPORT VILLAGE FAIR, thebiggest and best summer fete in the district, in Holyport,Maidenhead, starting at 2pm. Lots of new and old favourites,including over 50 stalls (Grand Draw, Refreshments, BBQ,Hog Roast, Beer Tent, Pimms Tent, Coconut Shy, Bowling,Stocks, Miss Holyport) and the Pelhams funfair. The CentreRing wil have a maypole, dancing, martial arts and a tug-o-war,plus a novelty dog show. Volunteer helpers always welcome!Contact: 07802 470865, 01628 636891 or e-mail [email protected] , peter@janikoun .co.uk .

JUNE

FacepaintingMay and Summer fayres

Sheep Racing at Odds Farm in May and June

Beale Park Boat ShowFriday June 7 to Sunday June 9

Exciting live music for babiesand children!

Drop in anytime to our friendlysinging sessions

A singer and musician will lead the group in a lively session with fresh, newsongs from all around the world, old favourites too!

Watch your children’s confidence and musicality grow as they join in with action songs, knee-bouncers, dances, instruments and performance songs.

Free refreshments and time to chat after each session.Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor Tel: 01628-671146 or 639878Twyford Tel: 01628-825315

For further information visit www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk

charity stalls. Traylens Fun Fair till 6pm. Sunday - DragonBoating Festival and Family Day, with food stalls and plenty ofpicnic space, right by the river with a great view of thecolourful racing. Free entry. 01628 481717;marlowtownregatta.org. Sunday June 9. ROWLEY FARM OPEN DAY, BlackPark Road, Wexham, Slough. 10.30am-5pm. Rowley Farm areparticipating in ‘Open Farm Sunday’. Come and see theanimals on the farm and learn about where your food andmilk comes from. Guided tours, games and tractor and trailerrides. Parking in Black Park car park and signs will direct youto the farm. Free event. 01753 511060;buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks. Sunday June 9. BRICKS, BODGERS ANDBROOMSTICKS at the Chiltern Open Air Museum,Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles. Open dayat the museum which will become a working common for theday. Free family event. Village fair atmosphere withstory-tellers and wandering minstrels bringing their stories tolife. For more info visit chilternsaonb.org/events or contact01494 871117; coam.org.uk.Sunday June 9. MUSIC BY THE LAKE, in HerschelPark, Upton Close, Slough. 12noon-4pm. A live open micacoustic music session for all. Come along and spend aSunday afternoon relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of aVictorian park where you could perform yourself or enjoyothers. Book a slot via [email protected] or calling01753 512156; slough.gov.uk/herschelpark.Sunday June 9. GARDEN PARTY in the South Quad,Founder’s Building, Royal Holloway University, Egham.1-5.30pm. Annual event in aid of local charities. Craft andlocal community stalls, children’s activities and shows, music,raffle and talks. Tours of the Picture Gallery and campus.Cream teas and BBQ. Donation £1, children under 5 free.01784 443004; [email protected] June 9. TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC at theBuckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station,Quainton, near Aylesbury. 10.30am-5.30pm. Take your teddybear along for a steam ride and a picnic. Tickets: adults £12,children £9, family £33. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org. Friday June 14. FISA SUMMER FETE at Iver VillageInfant School. 3-6pm. The Friends of Iver Village SchoolsAssociation are organising their annual traditional summerfete again this year. For more information, contact Pippa Vinallvia [email protected].


For more information call Jodi on: 07823 885328 / 01628 785236

or email: [email protected] www.turtletots.com

Specialist Baby & Toddler Swimming ClassesAqua-Natal Yoga Classes

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots Way!

Music with MummyThemed, fun musicclasses for children

aged up to 5 years insmall groups

Jackie @ Windsor: 01344 301954Caroline @ Ascot: 01753 850772

www.musicwithmummy.co.uk

Jolly Babies – specially designed forbabies under one year

Saturday June 15. COOKHAM VILLAGE FAIR onCookham Moor, Cookham. 11am-4pm. Family Fun Day.Cookham.com. Saturday June 15. BIKE BEYOND THE BEECHES,cycle ride exploring the Beeches cycle way route. Morningevent. Bring your own bike, helmet, etc. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. Booking required. 01753 647358;cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnham.Saturday June 15 to Sunday June 16. BEN ANDHOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM at the Wycombe Swan, StMary Street, High Wycombe. Saturday at 1pm and 4pm,Sunday at 11am and 2pm. From the makers of Peppa Pig onstage, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston theLadybird clean up his messy cave. Tickets: adults £14.50,children £12.50. 01494 512000; wycombeswan.co.uk.Sunday June 16. MAKE DAD’S DAY and take him toCliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, and enjoy the beer tasting,provided by the Rebellion Beer Company, from 12pm until3pm (while stocks last!). 01628 605069;nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.Sunday June 16. FREE ADMISSION for fathers onFather’s Day at The Savill Garden, Wick Lane, EnglefieldGreen. 10am-6pm. 01784 435 544; theroyallandscape.co.uk.Sunday June 16. TOWER TOURS ON FATHERSDAY, at Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford Castle, Oxford,and BBQ-grill in the Castleyard afterwards (11am-2pm).Castle is open from 10am-5.30pm. 40-Minute guided tourswith a costumed character from the castle’s history. Tickets:adults £9, children £8, full-scale tour for £10 each. 01865260666; oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk.Sunday June 16. 50 THINGS – CLIMB A TREE onFather’s Day at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, near Reading.10am-5pm. With The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. Useropes, harness and karabiners to access the canopy ofmagnificent tree. Prices from £6. For more information seewww.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk or phone 0800 0556760. 0118984 3040; nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark.Sunday June 16. FATHER’S DAY DEN-BUILDINGat Hughenden, High Wycombe. 11am-1pm. Family session toget hands-on and learn how to make a shelter in the woods.All tickets: £5. Booking essential via 01494 755573;nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden.Sunday June 16. RACE FOR LIFE HIGHWYCOMBE, on the Rye, High Wycombe. 11am start. Jointhe fight against cancer and run, walk, dance or sponsorsomeone at raceforlife.org. Entry fees: adults (16+) £14.99;ages 6-15 £10, free for under 5s and spectators. 0845 6006050 or visit www.raceforlife.org.

Sunday June 16. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE RALLYat the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton RoadStation, Quainton, near Aylesbury. 10.30am-5.30pm. Watchthe display of vintage commercial vehicles, plus experience allthe other things the museum has to offer. Tickets: adults £12,children £9, family £33. 01296 655720; bucksrailcentre.org. Sunday June 22. SUMMER FAIR at St Peter'sCombined School, Minniecroft Road, Burnham. 12.30-4.30pm.Celebrating the school’s 50th Anniversary. Bouncy Castle andSlide, Hook a Duck, Spin the Wheel, Hanging Baskets, Cakesand Sweets, Soft Toy Tombola and lots more. Entry: £1,children free. www.stpeterscofe.co.uk.Saturday June 22. GO WILD ABOUT NATURE atthe Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.10am-12noon. Are you wild about nature? Would you beinterested in regular fun activity sessions at the Museuminvestigating and finding out about wildlife and nature? Comealong to find out more. Cost: £4, for ages 7+. 01494 421 895;wycombe.gov.uk/museum.Saturday June 22. FUHAAR INDIAN MARKET inMaidenhead High Street. Enjoy traditional Indian arts andcrafts and vibrant colours. This year the event will be biggerand better with more entertainment and activities and a stagein the Nicholsons Shopping Centre. More info:enjoymaidenhead.com, nearer the time. Saturday June 22. OUTDOOR THEATRE – SENSEAND SENSIBILITY at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead.Arrive from 6pm for picnics. Performance starts at 7pm to9pm. Tickets: adults £16.50, children £10. Saturday June29: AS YOU LIKE IT. Booking essential via 0844 2491895;nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden. Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23. PEPPA PIGat Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot Parkway Station, Didcot.Steam train rides on both the Main and Branchdemonstration lines throughout the day. Entertainments andother events, including personal appearances by Peppa Pig &George, who will be in the picnic area at 11am, 12pm, 1pm,2pm & 3pm. Tickets: adults £12; children (2-15) £10; family(2+2) £39. 01235 817200; didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk.Sunday June 23. LOVELY LADYBIRDS ANDBRILLIANT BEETLES at Herschel Park, Upton Close,Slough. 2-4pm. Mid-summer bug hunt. Suitable for adults andaccompanied children. Meet by the kiosk in the Heritage Park.01753 875209 or 07771 973035; slough.gov.uk/herschelpark.Sunday June 23. RUNNYMEDE THROUGH THEAGES AND THE MAGNA CARTA, at Runnymede,meeting at the Memorials car park, Old Windsor.11am-12.30pm. Guided walk led by a local historian. Tickets:

adults £6, children £2. Booking essential on 0844 2491895.01784 432891; nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede.Sunday June 23. CLASSIC CAR AND BIKE SHOWat the Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Road, Bourne End.9am-6pm. 7th Annual classic car & bike show with all kinds ofclassic British and American cars, pick-ups, hotrods, bikes andtrikes on display. Refreshments, bar and stalls open all day.Entry: adults £4, under 14s free. Visit www.justdanze.co.uk orcall 07721 842142 for more info.Sunday June 23. PARISH SUMMER PARTY atVictory Field, Sunninghill. 4-8.30pm. For all the family.Entertainment, bbq, stalls and refreshments.Sunninghillandascotparishcouncil.co.uk. Friday June 28 to Sunday June 30. DAYS OUTWITH THOMAS at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre,Quainton Road Station, Quainton, near Aylesbury.10.30am-5.30pm. Tickets: adults £15, children (2-15) £11,family (2+2) £44.50. Dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/bucks.Saturday June 29. SLOUGH FESTIVAL in UptonCourt Park, Slough. Fun for all the family, with a Kids Zone(fun for little ones), Urban Action (activities for teenagers andyoung adults), a Carnival Zone (daredevil acts, fun fair, circusfun, bungee trampoline) and a Market Zone (arts and craftsstalls). Music and dance stage with local bands and dance acts.Entry: adults £6, children £3, family of four £15. Free parking.More info, visit www.slough.gov.uk.Saturday June 29 and Sunday June 30. SNOWWHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, summer openair show by the Windsor Theatre Guild in the grounds ofNew Lodge, Drift Road, Windsor. 2pm and 4pm on both days.Suitable for children of all ages. Tickets: £6 each, or £5 perhead for families of 4 or more. 0845 034 3340; wtg.org.uk.Sunday June 30. FAMILY FUN DAY at WindsorRacecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor. First race: 2.20pm,last race: 5.30pm. Racing action for the adults to watch whilethe kids can enjoy lots of free fun activities and also meetPeppa Pig and George. Admission on the day (adults): SilverRing Enclosure - £12; Grandstand - £21; Club Enclosure - £25.01753 498400; windsor-racecourse.co.uk.Sunday June 30. FISHING FOR ALL at the Lakeside,Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Slough. 10am-3pm. Freefishing coaching sessions with professional angling coachessupplied by The Environment Agency. All bait, tackle andlicences are provided by the coaches for free 20 minutesessions. Register on the day at The Environment Agencygazebo. Free event. 01753 511060;buckscc.gov.uk/countryparks.

Time Out

Bricks, Bodgers & Broomsticks, ChilternOpen Air Museum, Sunday June 9

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom at theWycombe Swan, June 15 and 16

Peppa Pig at Didcot Railway Centre June 22 & 23


ParentingHow to garden with kids...After a long winter and a very late spring- we can finally open our doors get back in thegarden again. What better time to encourage your children to explore theirenvironment and discover the world of gardening.

Opportunity to learnThere is so much for children to learn.Explain to younger children that the seedshave popped underground and covered upto sleep, helping them understand that theyneed to be gentle with them and treatthem with care. Make sure they know towater the seedlings regularly and then sitback and watch them grow. Inspire their sensesWe all have a particular fondness for plantswhich stimulate our senses and childrenare no different; point out plants with softleaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs,scented flowers, grasses and leaves thatrustle when blown, etc. These can beparticularly beneficial for children withspecial needs.

Plants attract wildlife, which can behugely exciting. Wildflowers attract beesand butterflies, and watch out for theinsects. All of them have a purpose in thegarden, for example hedgehogs and toadseat the slugs and snails, and worms createholes in the soil. You could build a log pilefor the beetles to live in and plantwildflower seeds to attract pollen-lovinginsects.

Kids will eat anything they have grownthemselves, just try with peas, cabbage andlettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavournever to be forgotten. They will also realisethe effort it takes to grow the fruit and vegthey get on their plates at dinner!

Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t aclean business but getting mucky is half thefun. So peel your children away from theTV and explore the garden. Once they getoutside and explore, in time they will wantto take care of the plants they have learnedto love and really gain pleasure along theway.

Involving children in gardening can be agreat and fun experience for everyoneregardless of age. They can really get

engrossed in planting and caring forflowers – even those with shorterattention spans! Most kids can’t getenough of the anticipation and excitementof waiting for a seed to sprout or a plantto grow and find real pleasure in tending apatch of soil they can call their own. Andwhat better way to learn aboutphotosynthesis, by watching it happen infront of your own eyes!

Getting StartedGardening doesn’t require a huge gardenor allotment; in fact, it can actually bebeneficial to start out with smaller spacessuch as a window box or a restricted area.It needn’t cost a lot of money either – youdon’t need to buy anything special or fancy,and if you grow your own fruit and vegthen you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots,and any other small containers you mightfind lying around the house. Instead offancy trays with separate sections, you’llfind just as much use in empty egg cartons.And what about using a water pistolinstead of a watering can. Who would havethought watering the plants could be somuch fun?


Ed’s Reading RoomHi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The booksare 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 andschools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, includingwordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots ofother fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month fromprevious months.

For Ages 5 to 7 years For Ages 7 years plus

My Hamsteris an

Astronaut byDave Lowe

(Templar £5.99)

ED SAYS:‘When Ben Jinks

announces that he’s going tobuild a rocket for the schoolscience competition, hismega-brainy hamster is morethan a little surprised. Stinkyrealises he will have to domost of the hard work – andbe very involved in thelaunch! But there’s a cunningplan afoot to upset theirambitious competition entry.Will Ben and Stinky get theirrocket off the ground?

‘This is a very funny storyin the fantastic Stinky andJinks series. Laugh your socksoff as Ben and Stinky aim forthe stars.’

PennyDreadful is a

RecordBreaker by

Joanna Nadin(Usborne

£4.99)ED SAYS: ‘Penny Dreadful is back

with more of her madcapadventures. Penny’s latest brilliantideas, with the help of her best-friend Cosmo, are tracking down avampire to take to school forshow-and-tell, giving GrandmaOverall a surprise sparklymakeover and breaking the worldrecord for something that hasnever been in the record booksbefore. However dreadful thingsbecome, Penny always seems tobounce back to look on the brightside!

‘The three stories about thesesuper characters are absolutelyhilarious with fantastic illustrationsto complement them.’

The Namingof Tishkin

Silk byGlendaMillard

(Phoenix YardBooks £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Griffin Silk is a veryunusual boy who finds thechildren at school rather mean.He lives with his loving familythough sadly without his motherand baby sister. Griffin holds asecret in his heart and it is onlywhen he meets Layla and heknows he has found a true friendthat he starts to deal with hissecret. Will he have the courageof his mythical namesake? Andwill Griffin and Layla togetherfind a way to bring peace to thisyoung boy?

‘This is a beautifully writtenand extraordinary story that willmove as well as entertain itsreaders.’

AdrenalineRush by Allan

Jones (Orion £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘ZakArcher is a spy

working for a secretgovernment agency. In thislatest adventure in theCodename Quicksilver series,Zak is working undercover as astunt double for a Hollywoodmovie. He and his colleagueWildcat are investigating a linkbetween the producer EltonDean and a suspected terroristattack. Zak is aware of thedangers surrounding him but ifhis cover is blown will he beable to complete his mission?

‘This brilliant story is full ofaction and is exciting fromstart to finish. It is a real page-turner of a book.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years,and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753730019 or by email at [email protected] about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

10 Almond Road, Burnham, Bucks SL1 8HATel: 01628 543963 or 07979 807553

Email: [email protected]/cakinfaerie

Making Cupcake Decora"on fun for children aged between 6 and 16

• 1 demonstrated themed cupcake• 3 free design cupcakes star!ng with piped

bu"ercream swirls• 1 cupcake to eat decorated by Cakin' Faerie

Each guest will receive a cer!ficate of a"endance and take home4 vanilla cupcakes that they have decorated in a presenta!on

box.

All equipment is provided and demonstrated along with aselec!on of decora!ons and sprinkles. All that Cakin' Faerie asks is that you can provide su#cient tables and chairs for

all of your guests.

Cupcake Decora"ng Par"es

REFLEXOLOGYJolanta Hill MSc Registered MidwifeDiploma in Complementary TherapiesVisiting Reflexology Practice• All Women Wellbeing • Preconception, pregnancy & postnatal conditions• Stress, depression, PMT, menopauseFor further information:E: [email protected]: 0792 3523930https://www.facebook.com/JHolistic7


Bumps ‘n’ Babes

Quote Families to get 10% offthe 4 week introduction course.

MOOREPilates offers:• 4 Week Introduction Mat Classes• Ongoing Mat Classes at beginners,

intermediate and advanced levels• Pre/postnatal and Mother and

Baby Classes• One-to-One Reformer Sessions• Group Reformer Sessions

Benefits of Pilates• sculpt your body• improve posture and alignment • look and feel better• slimmer and more toned with

strength and flexibility

You can find us at the West Wing Arts Centre, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AYFor more information call Sam Moore on 07715182474

or visit our website at www.moorepilates.co.uk

HOW PILATES CANBE BENEFICIALDURING AND AFTERPREGNANCYWhat is Pilates? Pilates is a form of exercise, which aims to train your bodyand mind to be strong, flexible and balanced. You'll learn how to do this through a series ofmovements and positions taught by a qualifiedteacher, the movements taught raise yourawareness of your body's strength and co-ordination. Deep breathing and relaxation is alsotaught, which can enhance this process.

The patterns of movement you'll learn arefocused on your tummy, pelvic floor muscles andback muscles. These muscles are key to goodposture, balance and strength. They also help toprevent incontinence and provide support to yourback and pelvis. By strengthening these muscles,you'll develop a stable core, which enables you tolead a full and active life.How can Pilates help during pregnancy? Your tummy and pelvic floor muscles are putunder increasing strain as your baby grows bigger.At the same time, the hormone relaxin is makingthe tough tissues (ligaments) that connect yourbones more pliable. Your ligaments are likely tostretch more than usual and if you overload themyou may injure yourself.

During pregnancy, your tummy muscles arestretched over your growing baby and if they'reweak, you may develop back or pelvic pain. Havingweakened pelvic floor muscles means that theybecome less supportive to your bowel, bladderand uterus (womb), and move lowerdown into your pelvis under yourbaby's weight. Pilates exercisesuse and strengthen the deepestlayer of your tummy muscles,which are necessary forstabilising your back and pelvis,without straining other joints.

During pregnancy you mayfind that you feel a little moreclumsy, or that your balanceisn't as good as usual. This isthought to be due tochanges in your balance andposture. Pilates has beenshown to helpimprove symptoms

like this and the exercises may also help you walkwithout swaying from side to side as your bumpgrows.

Many Pilates exercises are performed on yourhands and knees, which is an ideal position forpregnancy. Adopting this position can take someof the strain off your back and pelvis. Towards theend of your pregnancy, it may also help to getyour baby into the right position for birth.

The main benefit of Pilates is that it targets theexact muscles that can be a problem duringpregnancy and after birth, in a completely safeway. How can Pilates help after giving birth?A woman’s body is certainly put through its pacesduring pregnancy and especially during the birthitself. Even once the baby has been safelydelivered, your body will be rapidly readjustingitself: the uterus decreases in size and relocatesitself completely within the pelvis, there will be areduction in the extra fluids built up duringpregnancy, and pronounced hormonal changes willbe an inevitable part of the process of earlymotherhood. A gentle exercise programme, likePostnatal Pilates, that can be built up gradually is amust to allow your body to recover from thebirth. Please note that women should not start

formally exercising until they get theall clear from their doctor

after their six-weekcheck-up.

During a postnatal class the teacher willfocus on strengthening and toning your weakmuscles. The sessions can give you time tofocus on yourself and your recovery, whichthen improves sleep and minimizesdepression. It also tackles postural issues -which may have developed during thepregnancy and prepares you for the constantlifting and carrying of a newborn.The benefits of postnatal Pilates are:• Rehabilitation of pelvic floor, abdominal andspinal muscles• It provides an avenue for the body to regainstrength• Retrains muscles to recover from extensivechanges experienced during pregnancy• Provides an outlet and social activity fornew mums• Prepares the body for aerobic or more highimpact exercise• Helps with Rectus diastasis (abdominalseparation) recovery.

Any pre and postnatal Pilates programmeshould be designed to suit the individual.Every woman has a different and uniqueexperience of pregnancy, birth and how shefeels afterwards. Sessions with a qualifiedinstructor can often help women who haveexperienced birth complications recovermore quickly. The breathing technique used inPilates increases oxygen and blood flowwhich both aid the healing process.MOOREPilates believes that the Pilates’philosophy serves to nourish the mind as wellas improve the body. They offer classes whichare small and friendly with an instructor thatspecialises in pre and post natal pilates. Only6 clients per mat work session ensures thatyou receive the personalised attention thatyou need. They also offer one to one and oneto two sessions. For more information visitwww.moorepilates.co.uk or contact SamMoore on 07715 182474 or email

[email protected].


Mums Who Mean BusinessStill living the dream eight years on...Normally we look at new businesses in this feature but it is with great pleasure that we getto talk to MAD Academy’s Emma Lelliot, who is celebrating eight years of teaching classesin the local area.

1. Who are you and wheredo you live?My name is Emma Lelliott and Ilive in Wokingham with mygreat husband and two amazingchildren, Owen and Natasha.

2. Why you set up thebusiness/or why have youchanged career?Twelve years ago when Owenwas born I had my ultimate jobin the City as the AssistantTreasurer of Marks & Spencer,issuing bonds and negotiatingbank loans for the M&S charge card operation.

My son Owen happily went to a local nursery and I continued with my 6.20am commuteto London every day. Then very soon afterwards my daughter Natasha came along and atthis stage I knew that for me something was missing. Although it was great having themoney, I wasn’t able to spend time with my children and experience them growing up, so Idecided to change what I was doing.

3. What did you used to do?Although I was working for M&S my life had always been surrounded with music. I playedthe flute and piano from a very early age, I sang with the Bucks County choir and did ballet,ballroom dancing and Scottish dancing. It is my passion! I studied Music & Classics atUniversity but didn’t immediately enter the music world. In fact I took a job at the PropertyServices Agency looking after military burials and spent many hours liaising with theCommonwealth War Graves Commission in Maidenhead. Music still played a huge part inmy life though and I was fortunate to be accepted in to the Royal Choral Society and spentnearly 15 years singing at great venues like the Albert Hall and supporting amazing starssuch as Kiri te Kanawa, Willard White and Rolf Harris!

4. What inspired you to set up the business?I have always shared my love of music with my own children –I was always singing ordancing with them. I loved watching the stimulation that it gave them. So when I met Helenfrom MAD Academy, through singing, I started thinking about teaching my own classes.When M&S sold the charge card operation to HSBC, I found out my job was going and Iknew that I wanted to make music my life. If my own children didn’t cringe when I sang withthem, then others might enjoy it too!

I wanted to teach classes that were fun, both my children loved (and still love) dancingaround and singing at the tops of their voices (but please don’t tell Owen’s mates becauseit’s definitely not cool to dance!!). Teaching MAD classes attracted me because theyembrace this and their ethos is fun, free-spirited and very active.

So I invested all I had and launched my MAD Academy business in Maidenhead, Marlow,Henley & Charvil. It was tough as MAD Academy was entirely new to the area and it was avery new approach to music classes with babies and small children.

Eight years on my classes are bursting, my nurseries and children’s centres still employme and my party book is always full and I love it.

I get to share music from all over the world and introduce really young children torhythms that will help with their language skills and dance that will develop control of theirbody movements. All the people that come to our classes, which include babies from asyoung as ten weeks old and their adult carers (who are a wee bit older) love what we doand come back time after time.

I love what I do and I am very fortunate that I can work and also pick up my childrenafter school and help with them with their homework (although that’s not so much fun).

5. What are your plans for the future?I plan to continue teaching and growing my classes. The elements within the classescontinue to evolve as scientists learn more about how moving and music helps children tolearn and I am passionate about continuing to share this everyone that comes to my MADAcademy classes.To find out more go to www.madacademy.com or call 0118 979 2695.


Tuition:Provided by a qualified and

dedicated tutor.Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/

Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE,

Sciences and much more.Tel: 01628 637008 or

07887 936484

Candle-making partiesfor children and grown-ups!www.candlebynight.co.ukTel: 07771 851435

Mary Poppins Entertainments

NOW WITH AMAZINGANIMAL PUPPETS

As seen on Paul O‘Grady Show.For ages 3-103

Tel: 01753 663374 or 07811 084328www.jeanpurdy.co.uK

New business that lets toddlers dowhat they love best – gettingmucky!Firm friends have set up classes inMaidenhead and Marlow that let yourchildren get messy and the best bit isyou don’t have to clean it up.1. Who are you and where do youlive?Our names are Paula Parrott andHelen Dees from Cookham andMarlow respectively. Paula has threeboys; Ben eight, Josh five & Joe threeand Helen has Amelie who is six andFin who is eight. We've known eachother since the birth of our eldestboys.2. Why you set up the business/orwhy have you changed career?We set up Mucky Monsters, a preschool arts & crafts / messyplay group, as we knew it was difficult to find this kind of thingin this area for our children to go to. Any arts and crafts ormessy play would have to be done at home. We've both spentmany years going to the same play groups each week andmany years trying to avoid messy play in our own homes,despite the constant harassment from our own children toplay with Moon Sand or do finger painting!

Messy play is an excellent learning tool because of themany and varied opportunities it provides children with. Kidsare active learners, they need hands on activities which involveexploring and discovering. In this way they learn to makesense of the world around them and have great fun doing so -they need to make a mess more than you might think!3. What did you used to do?Paula - I have been a full time mum since Joe was born butbefore that I was a Marketing Manager for a conference,incentives and events agency in Marlow.Helen - I am a part-time dietitian presenting corporateseminars and before that I worked in marketing andadvertising.

4. What inspired you to set up the business?We both knew that we could create a fab messy play / arts &crafts group with lots of great creative ideas plus bring to itour experience of the best bits from the many play groups

we've been to over the years. Weprovide free Costa coffee (or tea)because we want parents to enjoycoming to our sessions too. Nolonger do you need to take yourkids to Costa, bring them to MuckyMonsters and let them enjoythemselves whilst you enjoy yourcoffee!

Mucky Monsters encourageslearning and creativity and changesevery week to ensure that parentsand children don't get bored.Parents can interact with theirchildren in a fun and relaxedatmosphere, where the children are

encouraged to make as much mess as they like (which youdon't have to clear up)! There are always 5 or 6 stations, eachwith different activities which means your child can movefreely between them at their own pace, helping them todevelop their confidence and experience new things. There isone “mucky play” station where children can participate in thekind of messy play that even the most relaxed of Mums isunlikely to allow in the house! There is also one pre-planned“themed” station every week where your child will get tomake something they can take home with them such as apirate sword, a rice maraca or a Father’s Day card.

5. What are your plans for the future?We would just be happy to think that parents and childrenenjoy coming to our sessions so much that they come backtime and again. We love coming up with new and fresh ideaseach week so that Mucky Monsters is always exciting. We willbe running holiday sessions so that older siblings can enjoyMucky Monsters too. I know my children that are at schoolare dying to come along!

For more information, please go to www.muckymonsters.com

Local duo sets up Children’sShoe shop in MarlowTwo local mums from Marlow Bottom with six kids betweenthem have launched a new children’s shoe shop which has theadded bonus of being able to buy dancewear, swimwear andbeachwear in the shop too.

1. Who you are and where do you live?We are Sarah Cooper and Lisa Parkinson, two local mumswho both live in Marlow Bottom and know each otherthrough our children who attend Burford School.

2. Why you set up the business/or why have youchanged career?We have a six children between us, between the ages of 3 and11 and took career breaks to look after them. We decidedthat we were ready for a change of direction and a newchallenge now that our children are a little older.

3. What did you used to do?Both of us have corporate backgrounds, Sarah in buying forBritish Gas and within the telecommunications industry andLisa in sales for P&G. In addition, Lisa has worked for thechildren’s charity ChildLine and for the parenting charity NCT.

4. What inspired you to set up the business?We had a concept based on a ‘one stop shop’ for busy mumsto avoid having to make lots of separate trips to kit out ourchildren. Around the same time we found out that the well-loved Doogies shoe shop in Marlow was closing down. Wedecided to build on the success of selling children’s shoes inMarlow but build our own brand identity and incorporate ouroriginal idea. The Children’s Shoe Company was formed!

5. What are your plans for the future?Our aspiration is to make the chore of shopping for children’sshoes an enjoyable experience for both mum and child andwe want to be known as ‘the’ local children’s shoe shop. Wealso want to build on our extra-curricular product ranges tocontinue to make mums’ lives easier and moreover, encouragechildren to keep active (we currently stock shoes and uniformfor Louise Parkes School of Dance and Marlow School ofDance as well as swimwear and beachwear). Our websitewww.thechildrensshoecompany.co.uk is just launching so wehope to grow our business online too.For more information visit our website or pop in to the newshop on 14 Oxford Road in Marlow.

Classifieds

thames valley east issue 66 may-june 2013

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