Reading Libraries - Families Online
Reading Libraries - Families Online
Reading Libraries - Families Online
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November/December 2010<br />
Issue 50 • www.familiestvw.co.uk<br />
HENLEY • READING • WOKINGHAM • BRACKNELL • NEWBURY<br />
Your local guide to what to do and where to go with the children this Christmas<br />
FREE
PAGE 2<br />
Whether it’s team games, singing, dancing, a new language,<br />
music or swimming – there are so many great activities for your<br />
children to enjoy. See also the classes on offer for<br />
the under 5’s on pages 12-17.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS<br />
Bracknell & Thatcham<br />
• Non-swimmers & Improvers from<br />
3 1/2 years<br />
• Snorkelling & Diving<br />
• Advanced & Club level swimmers<br />
• 6 children per class<br />
• Teachers CRB checked<br />
• Term & Holiday courses available<br />
local ( rate )<br />
rose@swimlessons.co.uk │ www.swimlessons.co.uk<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
inthisissue<br />
50 • November/December 2010<br />
Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk<br />
4 News & Views<br />
9 Education News<br />
10 Dyslexia<br />
Common myths and how to recognise it<br />
12 Busy Babes<br />
Baby signing plus what’s new<br />
14 Early Years Activities<br />
Clubs and classes for babies and the under 5’s<br />
18 Hamleys Christmas<br />
Gift Guide<br />
Recommended toys for all ages<br />
20 Local Shopping<br />
Find shopping heaven close to home<br />
22 Festive Crafts<br />
24 Christmas Family<br />
Theatre<br />
Pantomimes, carol concerts, family shows<br />
26 Diary Dates<br />
29 Where’s Santa<br />
Some local venues where you can visit Santa<br />
30 Competitions<br />
Winter Wonderland, Odds Farm Park,<br />
Nirvana Spa, The Little Print Co.<br />
Next issue: January/February 2011<br />
Featuring: New Year, New You<br />
Pregnancy & Birth<br />
Editorial and booking deadline: 1 December<br />
To advertise in <strong>Families</strong>, call 0118 954 6893 or email adverts@familiestvw.co.uk<br />
To have copies of <strong>Families</strong> delivered FREE to your nursery, school, club or group, please email<br />
editor@familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Designed by Graphic Resolutions 01438 871 600. Printed by Warners Midlands PLC 01778<br />
391 000, www.warners.co.uk. Copyright <strong>Families</strong> Thames Valley West October 2010.<br />
<strong>Families</strong> Thames Valley West is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by <strong>Families</strong><br />
South West London. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and<br />
operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine<br />
but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for<br />
the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents<br />
nor for Fam-TVWest_QPL-Ad_WE2010.qxd:Perform any consequence.<br />
1/10/10 17:34 Page 1<br />
Our front cover photography is courtesy of<br />
Room Seven, www.roomseven.com<br />
Don’t miss these<br />
great offers<br />
and competitions<br />
BUILD CONFIDENCE • BOOST CONCENTRATION • MAKE NEW FRIENDS • HAVE FUN<br />
FREE Drama Class<br />
Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing<br />
classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration<br />
and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week.<br />
Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1283 or visit perform.org.uk<br />
perform.org.uk<br />
Editor’s Letter<br />
Welcome to our Christmas edition which has plenty inside to<br />
help you celebrate the festive season. Stuck for present<br />
ideas? We’ve turned to the best – Hamleys no less – to<br />
provide inspiration. Turn to page 18 for their recommended<br />
toys for all ages, and don’t miss our fantastic competition to<br />
win £250 in Hamleys vouchers on page 21. Looking to book<br />
tickets for a pantomime? We’ve got all the local show and<br />
concert details, plus lots of other holiday activities. And<br />
children, make sure you’re being very, very good as we’ve<br />
discovered some local venues where Santa himself may be<br />
spotted – find them on page 28.<br />
Dyslexia Awareness Week runs from 1-7 November and<br />
aims to increase understanding of this surprisingly common<br />
difficulty. Turn to page 10 to learn more. And we haven’t<br />
forgotten the little ones with the second part of our children’s<br />
clubs & classes directory which concentrates on the Under 5s.<br />
Find out more about baby signing and a whole host of other<br />
activities in our early years feature.<br />
Wishing all our readers, advertisers and distributors a very<br />
Merry Christmas! See you in 2011.<br />
Karen and Jane<br />
2 FOR 1 at Eddie Catz Playcentre, Newbury – page 15<br />
WIN Artemis, The Talent Stop and Baby College courses – page 17<br />
WIN £250 of Hamleys vouchers – page 21<br />
SAVE 10% at Shirleyz in Holme Grange Craft Village – page 21<br />
15% OFF online at The Great Little Trading Co. – page 21<br />
WIN tickets to Winter Wonderland and Odds Farm Park – page 30<br />
WIN Celestial spa products from Nirvana – page 30<br />
WIN a fingerprint charm from The Little Print Co. – page 30<br />
<strong>Families</strong> Mag ~ quarter page landscape advert: 60mm x 195mm (180mm PLUS 15mm into margin)<br />
0845 400 1283<br />
Book now for our fantastic<br />
Aladdin<br />
three day winter holiday courses!<br />
Visit See us us now now at www. www.familiestvw.co.uk familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 3
PAGE 4<br />
News & Views<br />
“Shop on your seat<br />
and not on your feet”<br />
Beat the Christmas rush, Christmas<br />
catalogue is out now!<br />
Earn some extra cash for Christmas<br />
Have a girlie night in or a coffee morning, get lots<br />
of free products and present ideas.<br />
Cosmetics, skincare, jewellery and beautiful things<br />
for your home.<br />
Contact me for a chat and I will tell you<br />
all about our super offers.<br />
Leena Wisely 0118 972 4964 / 07941 162 441<br />
or leena.wisely@virgin.net<br />
What do you have to sell?<br />
Want the best price for your items?<br />
Are you moving home? Are you having that<br />
pre-festive season de-clutter? Have you a pile of<br />
unwanted goods that you’ve still not got round to<br />
selling? To achieve the best possible price for<br />
your goods let Debbie sell it for you.<br />
Debbie is an established eBay Power Seller with<br />
100% positive feedback who specialises in selling<br />
your furniture, designer clothes and jewellery too.<br />
So if you’re moving house, refurbishing or<br />
de-cluttering, give her a call and she will take care<br />
of all your selling requirements ~ saving you time<br />
and earning you extra cash in the process.<br />
Call Debbie Beard on 079 1913 3457<br />
www.stressfree-trading-online.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
<strong>Families</strong> mags proud<br />
to be 20 years old<br />
Today <strong>Families</strong> Thames Valley West is part of<br />
a thriving group of franchised magazines across<br />
the UK from the Solent to Fife, but twenty years<br />
ago it was a much smaller operation. The first<br />
issue in October 1990 was a cut and paste affair<br />
in black and white – meaning scissors and glue,<br />
not copy and paste!<br />
The very first edition, <strong>Families</strong>® South West,<br />
had a mere 4,000 print run, and colour wasn’t<br />
to be seen until Oct 2000. How things have<br />
changed – it would be unthinkable nowadays to<br />
have a <strong>Families</strong> magazine in black & white.<br />
Even when the experts said that “it would<br />
never work in publishing,” <strong>Families</strong> started<br />
franchising the magazine in 1995. There are<br />
now 30 editions of <strong>Families</strong> in the UK and well<br />
over 500,000 copies are printed across the<br />
group.<br />
But throughout it all, <strong>Families</strong> has remained<br />
true to the original thinking, a hands-on<br />
magazine for busy mums with useful<br />
information, centred around the local<br />
community.<br />
Going on-line and interactive<br />
When the World Wide Web beckoned in<br />
the late 1990s, we were there.<br />
<strong>Families</strong> has had a web presence<br />
from 1997; with<br />
www.familiesonline.co.uk<br />
launched in 2000 and last<br />
December saw a massive<br />
re-launch of the website. The<br />
<strong>Families</strong> website is a powerful<br />
resource that currently reaches<br />
into nearly all areas of the UK.<br />
Local editors look after their own<br />
local section filled with local articles,<br />
listings, discussion forums and free<br />
small ads. Register as a user and find at<br />
the bottom of your chosen articles a list<br />
of relevant companies local to you. No<br />
more searching, the info comes to you.<br />
This is simply unique.<br />
An extensive range of treatments to help<br />
busy mums look and feel their best:<br />
Facials n Manicures n Pedicures n Acrylic/gel nails<br />
Spray tanning n Waxing n Electrolysis<br />
Anti-ageing n Anti-cellulite n Body wraps<br />
Pregnancy/new mother n Make-up<br />
Pamper days n Anti-stress massage<br />
Aromatherapy n Hot stone therapy<br />
Life coaching n Reflexology n Reiki<br />
Acupuncture n Nutrition n Hypnotherapy<br />
55 High Street, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9AJ<br />
What’s next?<br />
<strong>Families</strong> <strong>Online</strong> of course! Visit our own website<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk and find:<br />
• Great competitions and offers including –<br />
win £250 of Hamleys vouchers, tickets to<br />
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, 15%<br />
online discount at The Great Little Trading<br />
Company.<br />
• Download the current magazine and access<br />
archived magazines.<br />
• Local Directories full of parties, classes, whats<br />
on, toddler groups.and lots more.<br />
• Articles and news that we couldn’t fit in the<br />
magazine.<br />
Remember to log in: by doing so you allow all<br />
articles you read to automatically show the<br />
relevant local<br />
companies at the<br />
bottom. It also<br />
means <strong>Families</strong><br />
TVW becomes<br />
your default<br />
Home Page<br />
when you<br />
visit us.<br />
Helping You Look and Feel Your Best<br />
To find out more, call: 0118 934 0355 or visit: www.halcyon-brw.co.uk<br />
We also offer a range of grooming and relaxation treatments for<br />
men and treatments for teenagers. Please contact us for details.<br />
families ad_new.indd 1 05/02/2010 09:09<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
The <strong>Reading</strong> Climbing<br />
Centre opens its doors<br />
Keen climbers of all ages and abilities should head down to one the best climbing walls in the South,<br />
which has just opened in Britten Road, <strong>Reading</strong>. A range of clubs and courses is on offer for children<br />
from 5 upwards, plus climbing birthday parties. The state-of-the-art centre offers enough challenges,<br />
even for experienced adults, with routes of all grades, plus bouldering. Non-climbers can watch the<br />
action whilst enjoying a hot chocolate in the Picnic café. For more information visit<br />
www.readingclimbingcentre.com<br />
Make your child’s party<br />
a roaring success<br />
New this year, Big on Bouncing has Go Karts to<br />
hire, ideal for that really high octane party.<br />
Suitable for 4-9 year olds, the Go<br />
Karts, up to 4 at a time, can<br />
operate both indoors and<br />
outdoors. Safety is taken very<br />
seriously. The electric Go Karts<br />
are fitted with safety harnesses<br />
and a ‘cut-out’ switch, and<br />
trained staff are on hand to give<br />
instructions and encouragement<br />
to the children. Speed is<br />
restricted according to the<br />
child’s age and ability.<br />
Big on Bouncing are wellknown<br />
for their excellent<br />
selection of inflatables, bouncy<br />
castles, assault courses, sumo<br />
suits and other party hire<br />
equipment. So why not add a<br />
bouncy castle to your booking<br />
and receive a 15% discount?<br />
To see their full range visit www.<br />
bigonbouncing.co.uk or call 01628 410<br />
736/07926 751243 for further details and prices.<br />
<strong>Families</strong> expands in Newbury<br />
Readers in the Newbury area should now find it easier to get hold of a copy of their favourite free<br />
mag. Due to increased demand we have started delivering copies to Eddie Catz Newbury and Pelican<br />
Day Nursery. If you would like copies of <strong>Families</strong> delivered free to your venue please email us at<br />
editor@familiestvw.co.uk<br />
News & Views<br />
Henley Nannies<br />
Established 1988<br />
Supplying Nannies, Mothers Helps,<br />
Housekeepers, Couples & Babysitters<br />
Covering Oxfordshire,<br />
Berkshire, Hampshire & Surrey<br />
Tel: Jackie 0118 9843035<br />
Email: jackie@henleynannies.co.uk<br />
Web: www.henleynannies.co.uk<br />
Children’s Party Planners<br />
www.popinparties.co.uk<br />
• Bear Making Parties<br />
• Fabric Painting Parties<br />
• Theme Parties<br />
Visit our website for current prices.<br />
or call us on 07764 849828 or<br />
e-mail: popinparties@tiscali.co.uk<br />
YES, YOU CAN<br />
HAVE IT ALL!<br />
Successful ‘Business Mum’ is<br />
seeking 5 working partners to work<br />
part-time from home, alongside<br />
& without compromising family<br />
commitments or current career.<br />
If you have a supervisory,<br />
managerial, sales, healthcare,<br />
marketing, recruitment or a<br />
self-employed background,<br />
or you wish to develop an<br />
extraordinary lifestyle.<br />
Please call JAYNE DAVEY<br />
01491 671293<br />
Visit View us www.familiestvw.co.uk now at www. familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 5
PAGE 6<br />
Go Kart Party The Most fun Kids can Have,<br />
This well established and profitable children’s entertainment franchisee is for sale<br />
covering the parts of the RG postcodes.<br />
If you are looking for that change of career, facing redundancy or just looking to strike the right work / life<br />
balance then this opportunity might just be for you. In brief:<br />
Crowd puller @ shows<br />
SUNRISE HYPNOTHERAPY<br />
Gentle help you need<br />
For help with:<br />
• Stress management<br />
• Stopping smoking - 1 session • Tackling exam nerves<br />
• Effective weight control • Ensuring goal achievement<br />
• Preventing fears and phobias • Pain relief<br />
• More positive thinking • Allergies<br />
Fiona Grant DHP LAPHP BSc Hons<br />
05601 739 109 (Caversham) / 07810 716 050<br />
www.sunrisehypnotherapy.co.uk fionaagrant@bluebottle.com<br />
Call today to arrange a free initial consultation.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Inside or outside, rain or shine<br />
venues secured<br />
an all year round business<br />
Work from home<br />
Self Promoting<br />
Part time or Full time<br />
Low overheads<br />
For more information call: 0118 972 3876<br />
www.go-kartparty.co.uk or Call 0870 116 2000<br />
“Best Party Ever”<br />
Conveyancing Solicitor<br />
I have my office based at home. I deal with all types<br />
of Conveyancing; sale, purchase, remortgage, etc.<br />
I choose to have a small practice where I handle<br />
everything myself. I offer a personal touch with<br />
flexible contact hours. Clients feel at ease coming<br />
to my office where children can play with the toys.<br />
Call me, Rachael Matthews, on<br />
01494 758573<br />
or email: Rachael@rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk<br />
www.rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk<br />
Call me for a quote or visit our website<br />
and use our online quote facility.<br />
Get a taste for life<br />
Take your children on a food adventure with a new pre-school<br />
programme from Organix. Nursery children are being invited to discover<br />
healthy food with the launch of Taste for Life, a new pre-school<br />
education programme launched in nurseries this month across the UK.<br />
Taste for Life is a fun and interactive way of introducing fruit and<br />
vegetables to children, helping them to explore and enjoy good food<br />
from a young age and develop healthier eating habits for life. Based on<br />
a concept by Lucy Thomas, founder of the Mange Tout programme,<br />
Taste for Life is designed to encourage children to have fun discovering<br />
the origin, shape, colour, texture<br />
and smell of fruit and<br />
vegetables. Register your<br />
nursery at www.<br />
tasteforlifenursery.com and<br />
they will send you all the<br />
resources you need to get your<br />
little ones exploring more fruit<br />
and vegetables, from recipes<br />
and stickers to reward charts<br />
and seasonal activity plans.<br />
Ice in winter<br />
It may be chilly<br />
outside but there is<br />
never a season when<br />
kids don’t love ice<br />
lollies. Set up by<br />
mums Zoe Meredith<br />
and Sarah Smith,<br />
Yummy Lollies are<br />
healthy ice lollies<br />
made from nothing<br />
but 100% real fruit,<br />
with no colourings,<br />
preservatives, added sugar or water. Available in<br />
Waitrose and Holland & Barrett stores,<br />
try these tasty, healthy treats and top<br />
up your children’s 5 a day,<br />
www.yummylollies.com<br />
Feather<br />
your<br />
garden<br />
This winter encourage birds into your<br />
garden with The Balcony Gardener’s<br />
stylish range of birdhouses, feeders<br />
and baths. Attract new feathered<br />
friends with a variety of nest boxes<br />
from www.thebalconygardener.<br />
com, providing a safe and snug<br />
place for birds to roost and nest.<br />
These nest boxes are best put up<br />
during the autumn and winter, when<br />
many birds are looking for a suitable<br />
place to roost or perhaps to feed. Choose<br />
from bird wire feeders at £4.50 and<br />
bungee feeders at £7.50, or the more<br />
expensive nesting boxes, £15.50,<br />
patterned bird baths at £18.00 and<br />
solar panel bird boxes, £49.95.<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Have a Creative Christmas<br />
Encourage creativity this Christmas by giving Made By<br />
Me, a gorgeous children’s stationery range from<br />
Boxhouse Publishing. Ideal for Christmas gifts and<br />
stocking fillers, the range includes calendars and creative<br />
design kits and has been designed to get little one’s<br />
creative juices flowing. As well as colourful designs and<br />
fun page layouts, the kits include snazzy sticker sheets<br />
and glue dots which mean that all the creativity is messfree<br />
and can be done without help from mum and dad.<br />
The Made By Me range is available from www.<br />
boxhousepublishing.com or by calling 0845 644 7507.<br />
My Year children’s calendar £10.99<br />
This 12-month calendar can be started in any month.<br />
It comes with loads of illustrative stickers to<br />
customise the colourful page layouts as well as lots<br />
of fun reminder stickers.<br />
Osteopathy<br />
Physiotherapy<br />
Acupuncture<br />
Cranial Osteopathy<br />
Sports Massage<br />
Homeopathy<br />
Nutritional Consultancy<br />
www.harrisonclinic.co.uk<br />
Exceptional care in a friendly,<br />
relaxed environment<br />
0118 976 2253<br />
Bridge Farm, Farley Farms, <strong>Reading</strong> Road, Arborfi eld,<strong>Reading</strong>, RG2 9HT<br />
Original Card Kit £9.99<br />
Perfect for budding artists. This mix and match kit,<br />
with quirky original designs, contains all children<br />
need to make hand-made cards presented in a<br />
beautiful keepsake box.<br />
Original Stationery Set £6.99<br />
Just the ticket to encourage children to write those<br />
Christmas thank you notes, this stylish stationery set<br />
is based on four fun themes - circus, garden,<br />
countryside and seaside.<br />
�Discover lasting pride in your appearance<br />
�<br />
News & Views<br />
Give a gift that will last a lifetime<br />
Gift vouchers are now available for<br />
any of our consultations<br />
� Colour Analysis<br />
� Style Consultation<br />
Recycle<br />
at school<br />
A new recycling scheme aims to<br />
raise £5m for schools through<br />
collecting old mobile phones and<br />
empty printer cartridges. 750<br />
schools have already signed up<br />
to Support Your School, a<br />
‘cash for trash’ scheme where<br />
schools receive £1 for every<br />
empty ink cartridge and £3 for<br />
unwanted mobile phones.<br />
Launched by Carrie and David<br />
Grant from Fame Academy, the<br />
fundraising scheme will raise<br />
millions for schools as well as<br />
reducing by 10% the number of<br />
inkjet cartridges going to<br />
landfill. Find out more at<br />
www.supportyourschool.co.uk<br />
Another new campaign aims to<br />
encourage students to upcycle<br />
used writing instruments.<br />
Sponsored by Berol, Sharpie and<br />
Paper Mate in partnership with<br />
TerraCycle UK, the programme<br />
teaches pupils about sustainability<br />
while helping to raise funds for<br />
schools, charities and non-profit<br />
organisations nationwide.<br />
Collection centres will be<br />
established in 370 UK-based<br />
schools and for every writing<br />
instrument collected, 2p will be<br />
contributed to a school or charity<br />
of the participant’s choice.<br />
The collected writing instruments<br />
will be dissembled and<br />
reprocessed to make a variety of<br />
new products, so get scribbling<br />
and start collecting! Interested<br />
schools can sign up at<br />
www.terracycle.co.uk<br />
� Wardrobe Weeding<br />
� Makeup Lesson<br />
For further information please visit the website at<br />
www.newreflection.biz or call me, Jo Haley on<br />
01491 411586, mobile: 07590 512 376<br />
Look forward to hearing from you!<br />
Visit View us www.familiestvw.co.uk now at www. familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news Thames Valley West<br />
�<br />
�PAGE<br />
7
PAGE 8<br />
Education News<br />
Our 2010 ‘outstanding’ ISI report said;<br />
THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL, WELL-INFORMED,<br />
IMAGINATIVE AND VARIED TEACHING SUPPORTS<br />
THE PUPILS’ SUCCESSES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM.<br />
STRONG RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STAFF AND<br />
BOYS LEAD TO MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST<br />
St. Edward’s School invites you to come and see for yourself.<br />
Scholarships available for Years 7 and 8<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL<br />
READING<br />
64 Tilehurst Road, <strong>Reading</strong> RG30 2JH<br />
01189574342 www.stedwards.org.uk<br />
A36564 Highland School Advert_Port:Layout 1 12/10/09 12:36<br />
THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL<br />
THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL<br />
TILEHURST, READING<br />
PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE<br />
An Independent Day School<br />
Girls: 2 yrs - 11 yrs, Boys: 2 yrs - 7 yrs<br />
• Before, After School and Holiday Care<br />
• Transport available<br />
• Affordable fee structure with Bursaries available<br />
Our recent ISI inspection report says:<br />
‘The staff show dedication and commitment to the welfare of the pupils with whom they<br />
enjoy very good relationships in a calm, kindly atmosphere. The pupils are confident,<br />
articulate and hard working. Their spiritual, moral and social development is a strong<br />
feature of the school.’<br />
Wardle Avenue, Tilehurst, <strong>Reading</strong>, RG31 6JR<br />
Tel: 0118 942 7186 Fax: 0118 945 4953<br />
Email: enquiries@highlandsschool.co.uk<br />
Website: www.highlandsschool.co.uk<br />
BearwoodFamMag_Oct(87x85)_BearwoodFamMag_Oct(87x85) 06/10/2010 15:<br />
BEARWOOD COLLEGE<br />
Wokingham<br />
Open Days<br />
Wed 24th Nov<br />
Wed 19th Jan<br />
Wed 9th March<br />
Please call to confirm your attendance<br />
Nursery • Pre-Prep • Prep • Senior • Sixth Form<br />
Independent day / boarding co-education from 0-18<br />
0118 974 8300<br />
www.bearwoodcollege.co.uk<br />
Reaching over 100 Independent<br />
Schools and Nurseries<br />
To advertise call 0118 954 6893<br />
or email adverts@familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Treetops Nursery<br />
5 Centenary Park, Station Road, Henley on Thames RG9 1DS<br />
We believe that every child is a unique individual, full of potential<br />
and continually evolving. Therefore our overriding childcare<br />
philosophy is to provide a warm, safe and happy environment, in<br />
which each child receives stimulation correctly levelled at his/her<br />
own particular age and stage of development.<br />
Over 19 years’ experience in complete<br />
childcare and education<br />
Town centre location<br />
Excellent home cooked food<br />
Open 7.45am-6pm. 51 weeks a year<br />
Light and spacious rooms<br />
Multi-level indoor soft play gym ; unique<br />
indoor/outdoor all-weather play area and<br />
an outside area<br />
To see what we can offer you and your child, contact Sarah<br />
to arrange a visit on 01491 413336<br />
www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Where<br />
individuals<br />
thrive<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
A day of challenges<br />
A team of pupils from St Edward’s and The<br />
Highlands Schools have had an exciting<br />
time taking part in the annual Junior<br />
Teamwork Challenge.<br />
The brave and hardy group faced many<br />
adventures – the most perilous being a<br />
giant crocodile infested swamp that had to<br />
be crossed using only three planks of<br />
wood. Thankfully, the children made it<br />
safely across and were able to complete<br />
their other challenges. These included orienteering, giant puzzles and, the<br />
funniest to watch, a tricky obstacle course which had to be negotiated whilst<br />
all strapped to the same ski.<br />
The day finished with some climbing, first on low-ropes and then a thrilling<br />
trip to the top of the tower and a series of tightrope sections. A fun way to<br />
encourage leadership and problem solving skills!<br />
To find out more about St Edward’s and The Highlands Schools please visit<br />
www.stedwards.org.uk and www.highlandsschool.co.uk<br />
Our enterprising children<br />
A new business has been launched to enable primary school children to set up<br />
and run a healthy tuck shop in their own school. Fruit to Suit, the healthier<br />
tuck shop company, has come up with the imaginative concept of a one-day<br />
Business and Enterprise Programme designed to train a young Tuck Shop Team<br />
to set up and run a healthier tuck shop.<br />
Training is divided into a series of workshops and fun activities: the Tuck<br />
Shop Challenge where the children set up their own company that will run the<br />
healthy tuck shop in their school, and Tuck Shop Manager Training, a half-day<br />
session for the children who will actually run the shop.<br />
The children are then taken through all the practicalities of running a tuck<br />
shop, from advertising to ordering stock,<br />
gaining invaluable business and enterprise<br />
skills. The benefits of a healthier tuck<br />
shop are innumerable – encouraging<br />
children to eat more fruit and vegetables<br />
and giving them the opportunity to try a<br />
wider variety of food, while being<br />
proactive in the prevention of excess<br />
weight and obesity. A fantastic,<br />
innovative idea. To find out more visit<br />
www.fruittosuit.co.uk<br />
Visit View us www.familiestvw.co.uk now at www. familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news<br />
Education News<br />
Crosfields pupils inspired<br />
by la vie française<br />
Pupils from Crosfields School, in <strong>Reading</strong>, packed their bags<br />
recently and headed to a stunning chateau in the La Manche<br />
region of Normandy.<br />
The Château de la Baudonnière provided an excellent<br />
opportunity for pupils to enhance their French language skills<br />
through practical activities such as cookery, an assault course,<br />
archery, orienteering and a climbing wall.<br />
Also on the curriculum were Geography and History, with<br />
trips to Mont St Michel bay, and to Bayeux and the D-Day<br />
landing beaches. Visits to markets, shopping centres and the<br />
beach rounded off a successful trip during which new<br />
friendships were forged and new experiences shared. The pupils<br />
enjoyed a genuine French week and returned to school enthused<br />
by la vie française.<br />
For more information on Crosfields please visit<br />
www.crosfields.co.uk<br />
Beechwood opens its doors<br />
Beechwood Primary School in Ambleside Close, Woodley, is holding<br />
an Open Morning on 12 November at 9.30am–12noon, with the<br />
Head Teacher’s presentation at 9.30am and 11am. Call 0118 969<br />
5976, email admin@beechwood.wokingham.sch.uk or visit<br />
www.beechwood-primary.ik.org for further information.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 9
PAGE 10<br />
Education<br />
5 FREE 3 hour sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds<br />
We provide a safe, stimulating and caring environment that<br />
promotes learning through play<br />
www.StDominicsPreSchool.co.uk<br />
St Dominic’s Pre-school Playgroup<br />
Western Avenue, Woodley, <strong>Reading</strong> RG5 3BH<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Tel: 07947 015 484<br />
Email: info@StDominicsPreSchool.co.uk<br />
Dyslexia – common<br />
Dyslexia is often<br />
misunderstood, hard<br />
to diagnose and<br />
those affected by it often<br />
do not receive adequate<br />
support. So what is it and<br />
how does it affect children?<br />
Corinna Shepherd explains.<br />
My interest in dyslexia and my passion to<br />
help those who struggle with it started<br />
around five years ago. At the time, my son<br />
was struggling with literacy and lost<br />
interest in learning. At the same time, I was<br />
on a course for work on dyslexia and other<br />
learning difficulties. This caused me to<br />
realise he might be dyslexic. I had him<br />
assessed by an educational psychologist<br />
who confirmed that he was indeed mildly<br />
dyslexic. In response the school did not<br />
offer much support and advice as they felt<br />
he was performing adequately, but I knew<br />
he was not reaching his potential. My<br />
interest in this subject and the fact that<br />
dyslexia is often not picked up or addressed<br />
satisfactorily led me to establish The<br />
Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January<br />
2007, and two further centres over the<br />
next few years.<br />
So what is dyslexia?<br />
The word dyslexia comes from the Greek,<br />
literally meaning ‘difficulty with words’. The<br />
condition can affect spelling and reading, and<br />
many people believe that’s all it is. But it can<br />
also affect individuals in other areas such as<br />
confusing dates and times; confusing left and<br />
right; difficulties getting ideas down on paper;<br />
difficulties sequencing numbers and<br />
information; and following verbal instructions.<br />
Working memory is often also poor. This shows<br />
itself when new information needs to be<br />
processed effectively and quickly.<br />
While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning<br />
difficulty, it can also be seen as a gift. Some<br />
talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to<br />
think in pictures, being creative and intuitive<br />
and being good with their hands. They’re often<br />
highly aware of their environment and have<br />
vivid imaginations. Children with dyslexia often<br />
have above average intelligence, yet they<br />
struggle with words and processing new<br />
information.<br />
Who is affected?<br />
The exact percentage of the population is<br />
debated, but it’s generally thought to affect<br />
Photo courtesy Tesco Back to School<br />
Located on a beautiful, rural setting, Jubilee Day Nursery<br />
offers outstanding childcare to children aged 3 mths to 5 yrs.<br />
At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through<br />
play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities<br />
enhances children’s learning experiences.<br />
Jubilee Day Nursery has designed and developed a stunning<br />
outdoor environment to ensure all the principals of the Early<br />
Years Foundation Stage are encompassed.<br />
info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk<br />
0118 9701600<br />
www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk<br />
Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
etween 8% and 15%, 4% severely. That<br />
means that in a class of 30 children, 3 are likely<br />
to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or<br />
possibly severe. So everyone is likely to know at<br />
least one child or adult who is dyslexic. Children<br />
with dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant<br />
to traditional teaching methods and benefit<br />
from a one-to-one, multi-sensory learning<br />
environment.<br />
Dyslexia often runs in families, with a parent,<br />
grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin<br />
struggling with it, too. Most are born with it<br />
and don’t grow out of it, although they do learn<br />
to cope with it. It’s not directly linked to<br />
intelligence. Children and adults with other<br />
learning difficulties or sensory disabilities may<br />
also have dyslexic difficulties.<br />
How to recognise dyslexia<br />
Sometimes it is hard to get a diagnosis of<br />
dyslexia. However, there’s a lot you can pick up<br />
about your child just by sitting down together<br />
with them and a good book, appropriate to<br />
their developmental stage and interest level.<br />
Areas of difficulty to look out for include:<br />
• Does your child struggle with reading or<br />
spelling?<br />
• Do they avoid picking up a book?<br />
• Do they guess at a word, looking at the<br />
whole word or just the initial letter?<br />
• Do they forget how to read or spell a word as<br />
soon as they’ve turned the page?<br />
• Do they find it hard to sound out individual<br />
letters in simple 3 letter words, for example<br />
cat, bat?<br />
• Do they find it hard to rhyme simple words?<br />
• Do they skip little words such as ‘and’ or ‘the’?<br />
• Do they miss out words when reading?<br />
These are all potential indicators of dyslexia.<br />
Other non-language indicators in primary-age<br />
children include difficulty<br />
with tying shoe laces, tie<br />
or dressing generally;<br />
difficulty telling left from<br />
right, ordering the days<br />
of the week, months of<br />
the year etc; having a poor sense of direction;<br />
lacking confidence; and having a poor self-image.<br />
The presence of any, most or all of them<br />
does not necessarily mean your child is dyslexic,<br />
but I would recommend further investigation if<br />
you have any concerns.<br />
I think my child might be dyslexic.<br />
What should I do now?<br />
Speak to an educational specialist, such as your<br />
child’s teacher. Or ask to speak to the SENCO<br />
(special educational needs co-ordinator). Every<br />
school must now have a teacher with this<br />
responsibility. If your child is at nursery, their<br />
nursery teacher or health visitor will be able to<br />
point you in the right direction, although there<br />
is often a reluctance to consider dyslexia at this<br />
early age. You could also look at the Code of<br />
Practice, which sets out the way schools and<br />
Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should<br />
provide extra support to meet children’s<br />
special educational needs. The Code of<br />
Practice is available free from DCSF Publications,<br />
tel: 0845 60 222 60, CoP Ref: DfES/581/2001,<br />
copies can also be downloaded from<br />
www.beingdyslexic.co.uk<br />
Can you grow out of dyslexia?<br />
As children grow up, they learn to compensate<br />
for their difficulties, the more successful ones<br />
using their strengths to overcome their<br />
condition. Support during the formative years is<br />
vital to help overcome difficulties and unlock<br />
their potential in literacy and in other areas.<br />
As a parent, you can help your child at<br />
home by encouraging them to enjoy the world<br />
of words through fun books. Books that are<br />
relevant to their interest and developmental age<br />
are best, particularly if they have been designed<br />
with the dyslexic child in mind. Children<br />
struggling with dyslexia love pictures and<br />
colours, so colourful illustrations relevant to the<br />
words are engaging and helpful for these<br />
children. The multi-sensory approach is best, so<br />
supporting reading and writing with games or<br />
activities will help your children in an enjoyable<br />
More education articles – www.familiestvw.co.uk/education<br />
Education<br />
myths and how to recognise it<br />
way. This may help your child be less resistant<br />
to more formal learning tasks, such as<br />
homework set by school.<br />
Keep talking to key members of staff at<br />
your child’s school to ensure your child gets the<br />
best help and support that they need. Seek out<br />
extra private tuition, if you feel more help is<br />
needed and you can afford it. One-to-one<br />
tuition based on a multi-sensory approach with<br />
a dyslexia specialist is best.<br />
Further information<br />
British Dyslexia Assocation,<br />
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk<br />
Dyslexia Action, www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk<br />
The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre,<br />
www.cstraining.info<br />
For more information on Corinna’s new series<br />
of books, developed specifically for dyslexic<br />
children, and a mini test visit<br />
www.dancingkites.co.uk<br />
Help with assessing<br />
your child<br />
If you are worried that your child has a<br />
problem, local company Dyslexia<br />
Assessments can provide a specialist<br />
assessment that will identify any specific<br />
learning difficulties. Assessments are<br />
performed by Specialist Teacher Leonie<br />
Sacher and can be made at any age,<br />
although it is unlikely that dyslexia can be<br />
diagnosed in a pre-school age child. If<br />
required, a formal report can usually provide<br />
the evidence necessary to obtain a<br />
Statement of Special Educational Need for<br />
your child. This document sets out your<br />
child’s needs and details any special help<br />
required from their school. Further<br />
information can be found at<br />
www.dyslexia-assessments.com<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 11
PAGE 12<br />
Early Years<br />
ad 55x40.ai 18/10/2010 10:05:44<br />
Yoga<br />
For Pregnancy<br />
Mondays 6.30pm to 7.45pm<br />
Lower Earley Resource centre<br />
079 799 828 39<br />
astangadeb@yahoo.co.uk<br />
www.yoga-centre.com<br />
Sima’s parties are<br />
structured, energetic,<br />
fun & set to music<br />
Sima’s Action Kids<br />
parties for under 6’s<br />
Sima’s Dance parties for under 11’s<br />
Sima’s Disco-bop & karaoke parties<br />
for under 11’s<br />
Call Sima on 07956 993 439<br />
www.simasactionkids.com<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Debutots make<br />
their debut in<br />
Caversham<br />
and Newbury<br />
Calling all drama kings and queens! Debutots<br />
classes have arrived in the Caversham and<br />
Newbury areas this term, offering a unique blend<br />
of interactive storytelling and dramatic play.<br />
There are two types of classes available for<br />
different age ranges. Baby Story Play is for 6<br />
months to two years and explores the magic of<br />
stories, sounds and words through play. Early<br />
Years Drama classes are for 2 to 7 year olds and<br />
take children on a journey where they use their<br />
imagination to explore the sights, sounds and<br />
characters of a different story each week.<br />
The one Bug<br />
your kids<br />
should catch!<br />
YogaBugs have arrived in Henley and Marlow.<br />
For children aged 2½ to 7, amazing adventures<br />
are brought to life through Yoga<br />
postures, each session taking children<br />
on a new heroic journey to make them<br />
stronger, happier and healthier. On the<br />
way they learn breathing, relaxation and<br />
visualisation techniques which improve<br />
concentration, capture their imagination<br />
and help them feel more confident.<br />
The classes are taught by Jaime<br />
Brodie, a professional entertainer and<br />
experienced Yoga practitioner. She says<br />
“YogaBugs isn’t dependent on a child’s<br />
ability but works with their instincts to<br />
Debutots also run classes in nurseries, schools<br />
and mother and toddler groups, and offer<br />
birthday parties for children aged 1 to 7.<br />
Call Rachael for more details or to book<br />
a FREE trial class on 0118 947 2698 or email<br />
swhomecounties@debutots.co.uk,<br />
www.debutots.co.uk<br />
Toddlers bring the house down<br />
Although the teenagers have the polish<br />
and flair, it’s always the toddlers that<br />
47<br />
bring the house down at The Talent<br />
Stop Annual Show. They trot on with<br />
the biggest grins and a wonderful sense<br />
of fun and freedom, all brought about<br />
by The Talent Stop weekly classes which<br />
introduce them to singing, dancing and<br />
acting. The sessions, for 2½ to 3 year<br />
olds, attract both boys and girls who love<br />
music and have energy for more than<br />
just ballet. Then, when they reach 4,<br />
children have the opportunity to learn a<br />
multitude of disciplines including ballet,<br />
drama, street dance, singing and tap.<br />
Classes run in Thatcham, Sandhurst, Tilehurst, Sonning Common and Earley. Free trials are always<br />
offered plus a 25% discount off your first term, helping towards the cost of those new dance shoes.<br />
55x90_multiple:Layout 2 6/10/10 15:23 Contact Page The 1 Talent Stop on 0118 962 3379 or visit www.thetalentstop.co.uk if you’re interested<br />
in giving it a whirl.<br />
For classes of pure MADness,<br />
join MAD Academy<br />
Call Trish on 0118 977 0050<br />
Earley, Woodley, Caversham, Tilehurst,<br />
Calcot, Burghfield, Purley & Arborfield<br />
Call Vicki on 0118 973 4507<br />
Wokingham, Finchampstead, Crowthorne,<br />
Bracknell, Sandhurst, Hook, Camberley &<br />
Yateley<br />
Call Emma on 0118 979 2695<br />
Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley &<br />
Charvil<br />
madacademy.com<br />
Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!<br />
Birthday<br />
Parties<br />
too!<br />
Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games<br />
play, move and learn. Over time, you notice<br />
real improvements in their abilities to relax and<br />
listen.”<br />
Classes run in Henley at the Green Room,<br />
Kenton Theatre every Wednesday from 4pm, and<br />
Fridays in Marlow from 12.30pm. Sessions cost<br />
£4.50 when booked as a package of ten.<br />
To find out more call Jaime on 08458 997<br />
247, email jaime@yogabugs.com or visit<br />
www.yogabugs.com<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Baby Signing<br />
It’s very frustrating being a baby. You know that you’re hungry, wet or bored but<br />
how do you explain this to those loving, but ever so slightly dim, grown-ups? It’ll<br />
be a year or two before your speech is up to it, so for now the only way to express<br />
yourself is to open your mouth wide and CRY! But wouldn’t it be great if there<br />
was another, more sophisticated way, to get your message across?<br />
Well luckily there is! It’s called Baby Signing and it helps babies to<br />
communicate using arm and hand gestures. Used for many years in the US, baby<br />
signing is becoming increasingly popular over here as more and more parents<br />
discover its joy and benefits. Your baby can actually tell you what they need,<br />
reducing frustration on both sides. This in turn leads to less temper tantrums<br />
and more confident parenting. And rather than inhibiting speech development,<br />
research shows that signing may actually help a child to develop a wider<br />
vocabulary.<br />
Speech and language therapists have used gesture-based signing programmes<br />
for many years to encourage speech in older children with delayed language.<br />
However, more recently, some of these experts have developed similar<br />
programmes aimed at babies at the pre-verbal stage of normal development. This<br />
is typically from around 6 months up to around the second birthday. In the UK,<br />
most of these baby signing systems are based on British Sign Language (BSL).<br />
You can of course make up your own gestures or signs. The sign you use isn’t<br />
really important, as long as you use the same gesture consistently. Not everyone,<br />
however, can think up and remember a whole range of signs. Many find it easier,<br />
and more fun, to follow an existing programme, either by attending classes (find<br />
one on page 14) or by using a book or DVD at home.<br />
Take a<br />
magic<br />
carpet ride<br />
And journey over wind-swept deserts to<br />
help Aladdin and Princess Jasmine rescue<br />
the magic lamp from the evil Jafar! This<br />
Christmas, children aged 4-8 years can<br />
have fun at the Perform Winter Experience<br />
course running from 20-22 December in<br />
Wokingham Methodist Church Hall. The<br />
perfect pre-Christmas treat, it also offers<br />
parents some valuable extra Christmas<br />
shopping time! For more information or to<br />
book please visit www.perform.org.uk<br />
Rugbytotsィ is a weekly play<br />
session for children between the<br />
ages of two and seven.<br />
Separated into three age<br />
groups, Rugbytotsィ combines the<br />
multiple skills used in rugby with<br />
a fun, energetic and structured<br />
play programme designed to<br />
enhance your childィs social and<br />
physical skills.<br />
Find a class for your child – www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes<br />
Early Years<br />
A busy time at<br />
Tumble Tots <strong>Reading</strong><br />
It’s been an exciting few months for Tumble Tots <strong>Reading</strong>. In September,<br />
Helen Davey took over this popular children’s activity franchise, following<br />
the retirement of the previous owner. Helen has long been a fan of Tumble<br />
Tots, attending first with her own children, now 18 and 16, and then<br />
as a member of staff, so she relished the opportunity to become the boss. One of her first jobs was to<br />
welcome Peppa Pig and Sally Gunnell, who popped in last month to help Tumble Tots celebrate National<br />
Children’s Activity Week.<br />
The Tumble Tots activity programme was developed by a former Olympic Gymnastics coach and is<br />
designed to build physical skills, confidence and self-esteem. Weekly sessions are run by specially trained<br />
staff and combine enough fun, excitement and challenge for even the most active child.<br />
Tumble Tots classes, suitable from walking to 5 years, are held in <strong>Reading</strong>, Woodley, Winnersh and<br />
Wokingham, with new classes just started in Finchampstead. Gymbabes classes for babies, from 6<br />
months, run in Woodley and Finchampstead.<br />
For more information contact Helen on 0118 973 6711 or visit www.tumbletots.com/reading<br />
Whether the next step for your<br />
child is mini-rugby or ballet,<br />
Rugbytotsィ aims to provide the<br />
foundations which will enable<br />
them to progress with confidence.<br />
All Rugbytotsィ classes are fully<br />
insured and will be run by an<br />
RFU qualified lead coach who is<br />
trained in paediatric first aid and<br />
has been CRB checked.<br />
For further information please call<br />
0845 313 3255<br />
michele@rugbytots.co.uk ィ www.rugbytots.co.uk<br />
The BSL Baby Signing and Sign<br />
About series of books from Child’s<br />
Play (International), www.childsplay.com<br />
is a good starting point.<br />
These bright, colourful board<br />
books contain clear illustrations<br />
and instructions for common signs<br />
and are designed to be shared<br />
with your child.<br />
Tips to get you started<br />
• Keep it simple. Start with just a few<br />
signs – eat, drink, sleep, milk etc.<br />
• Always say the word at the same time.<br />
• Speak slowly, but in a natural way. Repetition will help<br />
your baby to understand.<br />
• Be realistic - don’t expect your baby to sign back<br />
instantly – you wouldn’t expect them to talk back to<br />
you the first time you spoke to them.<br />
• Be consistent in the way you show a sign, however your<br />
baby adapts it.<br />
• Persevere – it can take weeks or more for your baby to<br />
sign back to you – so be patient and relaxed.<br />
• Keep praising your baby and above all have fun!<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 13
PAGE 14<br />
Early Years<br />
MUSIC WITH MUMMY<br />
A fun introduction to music in small, friendly classes<br />
designed for children from birth to 3 yrs<br />
0-1 yr JOLLY BABIES<br />
1-3 yrs MUSIC WITH MUMMY<br />
For classes in Wokingham & Woodley call<br />
Clare O’Shea on 0118 903 4808 or visit<br />
www.musicwithmummy.co.uk<br />
For classes in Bracknell call<br />
Clare Klesel on 01344 451988 or visit<br />
www.musicwithmummybracknell.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Clubs & Classes<br />
In the second part of our clubs and classes listing we turn our attention to activities for the under 5’s.<br />
Baby<br />
development<br />
classes<br />
Baby College - parent and baby<br />
development classes from birth to<br />
3yrs in Wokingham, Woodley,<br />
Lower Earley, Arborfield, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
and Finchampstead (0118 979<br />
8549) and in Bracknell (01344 885<br />
146), www.babycollege.co.uk<br />
Baby Sensory - literally hundreds<br />
of sensory activities to stimulate<br />
your baby and give you ideas of<br />
things to do at home. Sessions in<br />
Thatcham, Eddie Catz Newbury<br />
and surrounding areas (07738 969<br />
358) and Tilehurst (01980 849<br />
354), www.babysensory.com<br />
Meadowbrook Montessori<br />
School Parent and Toddler<br />
Activity Sessions – weekly<br />
educational programme of early<br />
learning and exploring activities for<br />
18 mths-2½ yrs at Meadowbrook<br />
Montessori School,<br />
Warfield, 01344 890 869,<br />
www.meadowbrookmontessori.org<br />
Baby massage<br />
& yoga<br />
Anne Parry – 4 week courses at<br />
teacher’s house in Binfield, 1-to-1<br />
and group sessions also available,<br />
01344 424 655, www.<br />
stressolutions.co.uk<br />
Babies Becalmed - offer 6<br />
week baby massage and baby yoga<br />
combined courses for babies 2-10<br />
mths, 01628 660 880, www.<br />
babiesbecalmed.co.uk<br />
Baby Massage – group or<br />
individual classes at the<br />
Complementary Therapy Clinic in<br />
Wokingham, 0118 989 4832, www.<br />
thecomplementarytherapyclinic.co.uk<br />
Baby Yogis – Sarah provides baby<br />
yoga classes for mothers and<br />
babies aged 6 weeks to crawling in<br />
the Bracknell area, 07840 707435,<br />
www.babyyogis.co.uk<br />
Berkshire Baby Massage – baby<br />
massage in Wokingham and Lower<br />
Earley, 07904 087 192, www.<br />
berkshirebabymassage.com<br />
Bracknell Leisure Centre –<br />
mother and baby exercise classes<br />
on Wednesdays 2.15-3pm during<br />
term time, 01344 454 203<br />
Debbie Jonckers – baby massage<br />
from 6 weeks, reflexology and yoga.<br />
Maidenhead based but will travel,<br />
01628 825 589/07763 123 502,<br />
www.babymassagematters.co.uk<br />
Eden Therapies - Faith Bartlett<br />
provides post natal and baby yoga<br />
classes in the <strong>Reading</strong> area, 07767<br />
Babies Go Swimming,<br />
0118 989 0543, www.<br />
babiesgoswimming.com<br />
BIRTHDAY<br />
PARTIES<br />
Host a Mamma Mia Party and<br />
dance your socks off!<br />
Call StageAbility on<br />
0845 050 8245<br />
375 052, www.eden-therapies.com<br />
Happy Baby - infant massage<br />
classes run from teacher’s home in<br />
Caversham (or will travel if a group<br />
wants a class) for newborns until<br />
starting to crawl. 1-to-1 sessions<br />
also available, Hannah Thompson,<br />
0118 948 3045/07986 388 344<br />
Karma Senses Baby Massage -<br />
group or individual classes at<br />
Karma Senses within Maxine’s<br />
Divine Hair & Beauty, Oxford Rd,<br />
<strong>Reading</strong>. Home visits available,<br />
travel costs apply, 07527 431<br />
792, info@karmasenses.com,<br />
www.karmasenses.com<br />
OneTouch Baby Massage -<br />
courses at her studio in Burghfield<br />
village or in homes all over<br />
Berkshire, Claire Nonini, 07866<br />
938 718<br />
Rachel McCallum Therapies –<br />
baby massage, baby yoga and<br />
baby music & movement classes,<br />
0118 975 8236, www.<br />
rachelmccallum-homeopathy.co.uk<br />
Baby signing<br />
Barefoot Baby Signing – classes<br />
and private lessons for groups of<br />
5+, for babies from 6mths in<br />
Caversham and <strong>Reading</strong>, 0118 947<br />
3333/07944 287 341<br />
Tiny Talk - baby signing classes from<br />
birth-18 mths and Tiny Talk toddlers<br />
18mths-4yrs in Ascot, Bracknell and<br />
Wokingham (07990 722 884);<br />
Calcot, Caversham and Tilehurst<br />
(07787 147 807); and birth-2yrs at<br />
Eddie Catz Newbury, 07525 476<br />
486, www.tinytalk.co.uk<br />
Swimming<br />
Many local pools also run parent<br />
and toddler swim sessions. For<br />
their contact details visit www.<br />
familiestvw.co.uk/leisurecentres<br />
Babies Go Swimming –<br />
specialised underwater swimming<br />
classes. Every baby receives an<br />
underwater photograph and<br />
certificate. Babies can start<br />
anytime from 8 weeks old up to<br />
14 months old in Crowthorne,<br />
Wokingham, Bracknell, Bagshot,<br />
Newbury, <strong>Reading</strong>, Burghfield<br />
Common, Woodley, Sonning<br />
Common, and Camberley areas,<br />
0118 989 0543, www.<br />
babiesgoswimming.com<br />
Baby Swimming – for babies<br />
3-14 mths in Sonning Common,<br />
Royal Berkshire Hospital and<br />
Crowthorne, 01865 794 222,<br />
www.babyswimming.co.uk<br />
GR Swimming Schools – small<br />
group classes for 3½+yrs in<br />
Newbury, Bracknell and Thatcham,<br />
0845 094 1575,<br />
www.swimlessons.co.uk<br />
Jema Swim School – 3+yrs in<br />
Ascot, 01784 455 205/077024<br />
12090<br />
Baby Swimming with Seriously<br />
FUN Swim Babies - age 4<br />
months to 3 years in Maidenhead,<br />
Burnham & Marlow call 01753 251<br />
021. Plus kids swimming lessons<br />
(age 3 to 12 years) in Maidenhead<br />
call 0844 3511 463,<br />
www.seriouslyfun.net<br />
Shamu Swim School – for parents<br />
with children 2½+yrs at Highdown<br />
and Sonning Common Schools,<br />
0118 947 9214/0118 947 6698<br />
Swimkidz – swimming and life<br />
saving skills for babies and toddlers<br />
in <strong>Reading</strong>, 0118 959 7874/07825<br />
955533, www.swimkidz.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley Swimming<br />
School - all levels of swimming<br />
from 4+yrs in <strong>Reading</strong>,<br />
07725 642 728<br />
Water Babies – teaching babies<br />
from a few weeks old confidence<br />
and safety in Burghfield Common,<br />
Bracknell, <strong>Reading</strong>, Wokingham,<br />
Slough, Maidenhead and<br />
Basingstoke, 01256 844926,<br />
www.waterbabies.co.uk<br />
Exercise, gym<br />
& sports classes<br />
Bracknell Leisure Centre – fun<br />
soft play sessions with bouncy<br />
castle and trampoline, Tweenie<br />
Tumblers for 1-2yrs and Mini<br />
Tumblers for 2-3yrs with structured<br />
physical activities, 01344 454 203,<br />
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Razzamataz Wokingham<br />
Edgbarrow Sports Centre, in<br />
Crowthorne - trampolining and toddler<br />
gymnastics classes for 3-5yrs and bouncy<br />
castle/trampolining sessions for 1-5yrs,<br />
Foxy’s holiday camps for 3-6yrs, 01344<br />
776 211, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be<br />
Kindergym – suitable from 4 months-<br />
5yrs at Pinewood Gymnastics Club in<br />
Wokingham. Soft play for babies,<br />
leading to more structured gymnastic<br />
activities for pre-schoolers,<br />
01344 773 237, www.<br />
pinewoodgymnastics.co.uk<br />
Leap Frogs - gymnastics activities for<br />
0-5yrs in a purpose-built facility in<br />
Woodley, <strong>Reading</strong> on weekdays and<br />
Saturday, 0118 926 3686, contact@<br />
bulmershegymnastics.co.uk, www.<br />
bulmershegymnastics.co.uk<br />
Learn with Lou Fun & Fitness<br />
Programme - for children aged 18mths-<br />
5yrs. Classes structured to warm<br />
muscles, aerobic workout, condition,<br />
stretch and cool down all while having<br />
fun. 12 mth curriculum helps children<br />
learn the importance of exercise, healthy<br />
eating, how their body works and most<br />
importantly having fun while keeping fit,<br />
01491 640 743/07855 057 794, www.<br />
learnwithlou.com<br />
Little Kickers Football – football<br />
training sessions for 18 months-7 yrs in<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Wokingham, Winnersh and at<br />
Eddie Catz Newbury (0118 926 8114);<br />
and Henley, Marlow, Maidenhead and<br />
Stokenchurch (01628 526 584), www.<br />
littlekickers.co.uk<br />
Meadway Sports Centre, Tilehurst –<br />
Tots Time sessions in term-time for<br />
under 5’s with soft play, trampolining,<br />
parent toddler swim, bouncy castle, arts<br />
and crafts, 0118 937 5060, www.<br />
readingleisure.co.uk<br />
Palmer Park Sports Stadium, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
– regular Tots Time sessions for under 5’s<br />
with activities including soft play, arts,<br />
crafts, face painting and songs, 0118<br />
937 5080, www.readingleisure.co.uk<br />
Playball – develop a firm foundation in<br />
the skills needed for our most popular<br />
sports. Classes at Eddie Catz in<br />
Newbury, for ages 2-4yrs, 0788 627<br />
2438, www.farnham.ukplayball.com<br />
Rivermead Leisure Complex, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
– regular Toddlers World sessions with<br />
soft play equipment and bouncy castles<br />
and parent and toddler swimming<br />
sessions, 0118 901 5000, www.gll.org<br />
RugbyTots – classes for children 2-7yrs at<br />
various venues locally, 0845 313 3255,<br />
www.rugbytots.co.uk<br />
Sima’s Action Kids – action classes<br />
with singing, dancing, games and props<br />
such as pom poms, parachutes and<br />
ribbons for the under 5s in Maidenhead.<br />
No need to pre-book, 07956 993 439,<br />
www.simasactionkids.com<br />
Thames Valley Gym – sessions for all<br />
ages at purpose-built gym in Sonning<br />
Common, 0118 972 4401<br />
Tumble Tots – agility, balance and<br />
coordination activities with action songs<br />
from 6+mths in Henley, Maidenhead and<br />
Marlow (01494 880 063); Winnersh,<br />
Wokingham, Woodley, <strong>Reading</strong> and<br />
Finchampstead (0118 9736711); and<br />
Bracknell and Crowthorne (0118 978<br />
2810), www.tumbletots.com<br />
Music, drama<br />
& movement<br />
For our full dance and drama directory,<br />
which includes lots more classes for all<br />
ages, including pre-schoolers, take a<br />
look at our Sept/Oct issue or visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes<br />
Allenova School of Dancing – classes<br />
from 2½+yrs, 01635 201 701,<br />
www.allenova.co.uk<br />
Allied Schools of Dance – classes for<br />
3+yrs in Woodley, Bracknell and<br />
Wokingham, 0118 967 1600,<br />
www.livetodance.co.uk<br />
All Stars Theatre Academy,<br />
incorporating Daphne Bennett<br />
School of Dancing – from 2½+yrs.<br />
Ballet, tap, modern, gymnastics, street<br />
dance plus much more. Berkshire and<br />
Hampshire. Established over 40 years,<br />
0118 986 8000, www.allstardance.co.uk<br />
Artemis Studios – Petite Drama for<br />
3½-5yrs, Petite Street dance classes for<br />
4-6yrs and tap and ballet classes for<br />
under 5’s at purpose-built studios in<br />
Bracknell town centre, 01344 429<br />
403, www.artemis-studios.co.uk<br />
Dance Reality – ballet, tap and street<br />
classes from 2½+yrs in Tilehurst, plus<br />
mini theatre school for 4-6yrs, 0118 942<br />
1896, www.dancerealitystudios.co.uk<br />
Dancercise – dance, exercise and have<br />
fun. Classes from 2½+yrs in Pearson Hall,<br />
Sonning and Guild Hall, High Wycombe,<br />
0774 339 8844, 07951 385 850,<br />
dancercise@live.com, www.dancercise.biz<br />
Debutots (Early Years Drama) – for ages<br />
6 mths-2yrs and 2-4yrs in Newbury and<br />
Caversham, <strong>Reading</strong>. Exciting and<br />
unique Baby Story Play and Early Years<br />
Drama classes. Free trial class, 0118 947<br />
2698 or email swhomecounties@<br />
debutots.co.uk, www.debutots.co.uk<br />
Dinky Dancers - fun, physical, musical<br />
and energetic classes held at Eddie Catz,<br />
Newbury, Tadley and Basingstoke. PE,<br />
music and action activities for 2-4yrs,<br />
01635 552 556, www.dinkydancers.com<br />
Jeannine Greville Dance Academies –<br />
dance classes for 2½+yrs in Caversham,<br />
Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Marlow,<br />
Bourne End and Twyford, 01491 572<br />
000, www.jgdance.co.uk<br />
Jo Jingles - Music and movement<br />
classes for 3mths-5yrs in Bracknell,<br />
Winkfield Row and Forest<br />
Park. Also available for sessions<br />
in Nursery settings, playgroups and<br />
parties, 01344 484 473,<br />
www.jojingles.com/ascot<br />
Kindermusik – music and movement<br />
programme from birth to 3yrs in<br />
Caversham, 0118 947 7546,<br />
www.intuneteaching.co.uk<br />
Find a class for older children – www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes<br />
Early Years<br />
Find lots more great offers at<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/offers<br />
Christmas<br />
Pantomime<br />
& Holiday Camps!<br />
CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S EDUTAINMENT EDUTAINMENT CENTRE<br />
CENTRE<br />
Playframe • Toddler Area • Sports Pitch<br />
Video Games • Pre-School & Baby Classes<br />
Birthday Parties • Café • Free WiFi<br />
Northway House, York Road, Newbury RG14 7NF<br />
Tel 0845 2011268 www.eddiecatz.com<br />
2 for 1<br />
Child Admission<br />
valid any weekday at<br />
Eddie Catz Newbury<br />
until 31 Dec 2010<br />
To claim this Voucher print it, fill it in and present it at Reception.<br />
NAME …………………………………………………………………………………………………….<br />
ADDRESS ………………………………………………………………………………………………<br />
TEL …………………………………………. EMAIL ………………………………………………………….<br />
Vouchers are not transferable or exchangeable for cash - Vouchers must be presented<br />
at Reception - No booking required - One voucher per family per visit - Free admission<br />
is the lesser paying admission - Vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with other<br />
discounts, offers or Memberships - Eddie Catz reserves the right to withdraw any offer<br />
at any time without prior notice - Vouchers have no cash value – Play sessions may be<br />
limited to 2 hours.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 15
PAGE 16<br />
Early Years<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
MAD Academy - high-energy music,<br />
dance, movement and developmental<br />
games for children aged 3mths-4 yrs in<br />
Earley, Woodley, Burghfield, Arborfield,<br />
Purley, Caversham and Calcot (0118<br />
977 0050); Wokingham,<br />
Finchampstead, Crowthorne, Bracknell,<br />
Sandhurst, Hook and Yateley (0118 973<br />
4507); and Maidenhead, Marlow,<br />
Henley, and Charvil (0118 979 2695),<br />
www.madacademy.com<br />
Mini Maestros (part of Berkshire<br />
Maestros) – classes are held for ages<br />
6mths+ at several venues around<br />
Berkshire and led by specialist teachers<br />
with singing, playing percussion<br />
instruments, musical games, listening<br />
and movement, 0118 901 2370,<br />
www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk<br />
Mo’s Dance and Drama Schools<br />
– Twirling Tots exclusively for 2-3yrs in<br />
Caversham, and Prep dance for preschoolers<br />
in Caversham, Woodley and<br />
Grazeley, 0845 206 2291, www.<br />
mosdanceanddrama.co.uk<br />
Monkey Music - music classes from<br />
3mths-4yrs in Hungerford, Newbury,<br />
Thatcham, Bradfield, Mortimer and<br />
Henley (01635 860 959) and in<br />
<strong>Reading</strong>, Tilehurst, Wokingham<br />
and Earley (01635 868 584),<br />
www.monkeymusic.co.uk<br />
Music with Mummy – fun and<br />
structured programme of music<br />
education in small friendly classes. ‘Jolly<br />
Babies’ from birth to 1yr and ‘Music<br />
with Mummy’ for 1-3yrs. Some<br />
branches also run ‘Three Four Time’ for<br />
3-5 yrs and Bracknell offer ‘Crescendo’<br />
for 5-6yrs. Wokingham and Woodley<br />
(0118 903 4808); Bracknell, Birch Hill<br />
Community Centre (01344 451 988,<br />
www.musicwithmummybracknell.co.uk);<br />
Tadley, Swallowfield, Burghfield<br />
Common and Mortimer (01635 290<br />
957); Newbury and Thatcham (01488<br />
639 374, www.musicwithmummy.org.uk);<br />
Sandhurst and Crowthorne (01344 750<br />
364, www.musicwithmummysandhurst.<br />
co.uk); and Finchampstead and Lower<br />
Earley (0118 973 7746),<br />
www.musicwithmummy.co.uk<br />
Perform – drama, dance and singingbased<br />
workshops for 4-8 yrs, plus lots<br />
of holiday courses. A mixture of<br />
confidence-building games, energetic<br />
dances and catchy songs held in<br />
Wokingham, Caversham, Warfield and<br />
Crowthorne, 0845 400 4000,<br />
www.perform.org.uk<br />
Razzamataz Theatre School - run<br />
Minis classes for 4-5yrs every Saturday<br />
at Emmbrook Senior School,<br />
Wokingham, 0118 979 1814/ 07970<br />
034 488, www.razzamataz.co.uk<br />
Stagecoach Early Stages – dance,<br />
drama and singing for 4-7yrs, designed<br />
to introduce young children to the<br />
performing arts in Bracknell North<br />
0845 055 6382, Bracknell RG12 01753<br />
664 105, Henley 01628 634 539,<br />
Maidenhead and Wokingham 0118<br />
950 0999, Newbury 0870 061 3526,<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> North 0800 0833 795, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
East 01932 348 844 and <strong>Reading</strong> West<br />
0844 800 9482, www.stagecoach.co.uk<br />
Teddies Music Club - classes with live<br />
music, action rhymes, percussion<br />
instruments and puppets on a drop in<br />
basis in Burnham, Twyford, Marlow,<br />
Windsor and Maidenhead, 01628 671<br />
146, www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk<br />
Teddies Music Group - pre-school<br />
singing and dancing for babies up to<br />
age five in Henley including school<br />
holidays, 0118 940 4184<br />
The Talent Stop - fun classes for boys<br />
and girls introducing singing, dancing<br />
and acting. For ages 2½+yrs in Earley,<br />
Sonning Common, Tilehurst, Thatcham<br />
and Sandhurst, 0118 962 3379,<br />
www.thetalentstop.co.uk<br />
Tatty Bumpkin - multi-sensory<br />
movement classes in Thatcham and at<br />
Eddie Catz Newbury. Based on yoga,<br />
but also involve story telling, songs,<br />
The Creation Station<br />
movement and interactive play, 0845<br />
680 8461, www.newburyandover.<br />
tattybumpkin.com<br />
Tiny Toes – music and movement<br />
classes in Wargrave for 15months-3yrs,<br />
0118 940 3978<br />
Art & Crafts<br />
The Creation Station – arts and crafts<br />
‘Exploration’ classes, creative fun for<br />
1-5yrs in Wokingham, Bracknell,<br />
Sandhurst, and Windsor, 0845 303<br />
9448, www.thecreationstation.co.uk<br />
Early Learning Centre – at Broad<br />
Street in <strong>Reading</strong> runs a free play<br />
session with varied activities, including<br />
art and crafts, for parents and preschoolers<br />
on Tuesdays – drop in 9.30–<br />
11.30am, 0118 959 5451<br />
Taylor Tug’s Under Five’s Club – parent<br />
and toddler sessions with art and crafts,<br />
singing and stories on Wednesdays at the<br />
River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491<br />
415 605, www.rrm.co.uk<br />
Toddler Time at MERL – the Museum<br />
of English Rural Life runs Friday drop-in<br />
sessions, 1-2pm term-time, for parents<br />
with toddlers 2-4yrs. Rhymes, songs and<br />
craft activities based on objects in the<br />
museum or garden, 0118 378 8660,<br />
www.reading.ac.uk/merl<br />
Languages<br />
Alouette - learning French is easy with<br />
music and play for 3-6yrs in Wokingham,<br />
07759 812 016, alouette@yahoo.com<br />
Discover Dutch – songs, games, stories<br />
and activities for 2-5yrs in Marlow, 07948<br />
246 281, www.discoverdutch.co.uk<br />
La Petite Ecole - fun French for 3-5 yrs<br />
in South Ascot. Call Bev Worthington<br />
on 01344 624 563<br />
La Jolie Ronde - for 3-11 yrs. French and<br />
Spanish classes in Caversham (0118 947<br />
1825); and French classes in <strong>Reading</strong> (0118<br />
947 6351) and Earley & Lower Earley (0118<br />
986 9593), www.lajolieronde.co.uk<br />
Le Club Francais - French lessons for<br />
3-11yrs in schools and nurseries in and<br />
around: Burghfield, Bradfield & Caversham<br />
(0118 983 2318) and Henley, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
& Sonning Common (0118 972 1094),<br />
www.leclubfrancais.com<br />
NCT<br />
The National Childbirth Trust,<br />
www.nct.org.uk organises regular<br />
social events for both members and nonmembers<br />
including coffee mornings,<br />
Bumps & Babes sessions and nearly new<br />
sales. It also runs excellent ante-natal and<br />
post-natal classes.<br />
Local branches include:<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> (0844 243 6246)<br />
Henley & District (0844 243 6160)<br />
Wokingham (0844 586 3810)<br />
Bracknell (0844 243 6058,<br />
www.bracknell-nct.org.uk)<br />
Crowthorne & Sandhurst<br />
(0844 243 6099)<br />
Newbury & District (0844 243 6215)<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Rhyme and Story Times<br />
We’ve been in touch with the local libraries to find out what’s running<br />
regularly for younger children. Storytimes are usually aimed at the under<br />
5’s and Rhymetimes or Bounce & Rhyme at babies and toddlers. Events are<br />
free but you may need to book. Many libraries also run extra activities<br />
during the school holidays, particularly for older children.<br />
Bracknell<br />
<strong>Libraries</strong><br />
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries<br />
Ascot Heath Library (01344 884 030)<br />
Baby Bounce and Rhyme (includes Story<br />
time) - 1st Monday in month,<br />
10-10.30am. Bracknell Library (01344<br />
423 149) Baby Bounce and Rhyme –<br />
3rd Monday in month (term time only),<br />
2-2.30pm. Story time Mondays (term<br />
time only), 10 am. Binfield Library<br />
(01344 306 663) Baby Bounce and<br />
Rhyme - last Thursday in month, 9.30-<br />
10am. Story time – Thursdays during<br />
drop-in time, 9.30am. Birch Hill Library<br />
(01344 456 526). Story time - Tuesdays<br />
(term time only), 11am. Baby Bounce<br />
and Rhyme – 3rd Tuesday in month,<br />
2.15-2.45pm. Crowthorne Library<br />
(01344 776 431) Baby Bounce and<br />
Rhyme - Tuesdays, 9.30-10am (check for<br />
spaces). Story time Wednesdays, 9.30am.<br />
Great Hollands Library (01344 424 095)<br />
Story time - Fridays (term time only),<br />
3.30pm. Harmans Water Library (01344<br />
423 660) Baby Bounce and Rhyme – 1st<br />
Tuesday in month, 10-10.30 am.<br />
Sandhurst Library (01252 870 161)<br />
Baby Bounce and Rhyme – 2nd Friday in<br />
month, 9.30-10am. Story time - Thursdays,<br />
2.15pm. Whitegrove Library (01344 424<br />
211) Story time - Tuesdays, 2.30pm.<br />
<strong>Reading</strong><br />
<strong>Libraries</strong><br />
www.readinglibraries.org.uk<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Central Library (0118 939<br />
9849) Rhymetime – Wednesdays,<br />
Thursdays & Saturdays, 10.30am.<br />
Storytime – Fridays, 2.15-2.45pm. Craft<br />
session - Fridays (school holidays only, all<br />
ages) 10.30am. Battle Library (0118 901<br />
5100) Singalong with Marjorie –<br />
Tuesdays & Fridays, 10.30am. Storytime –<br />
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2.30–3pm. Craft<br />
session - Fridays (school holidays only, all<br />
ages), 2-3pm. Caversham Library (0118<br />
901 5103) Rhymetime – Tuesdays, 10.15<br />
& 11.15am & Wednesdays 2.15–2.45pm,<br />
need to book. Storytime – Thursdays,<br />
2.15pm. Craft session - Thursdays (school<br />
holidays only), 2.15pm. Tilehurst Library<br />
(0118 901 5112) Rhymetime – Mondays,<br />
9.30-10am & 10.45-11.15am & Fridays,<br />
10.30-11am. Storytime – Thursdays,<br />
2.30pm. Craft session - Tuesdays (school<br />
holidays only), 3pm. Palmer Park Library<br />
(0118 901 5106) Rhymetime – Tuesdays,<br />
10am & Fridays, 10.30am (from November<br />
2010). Storytime – Mondays, 2.15pm.<br />
Craft session - Tuesdays (school holidays<br />
only), 11.30am. Southcote Library (0118<br />
901 5109) Storytime with Rhymes –<br />
Thursdays, 11am. Rhymetime Fri<br />
10.30am need to book. Rhymetime for<br />
Dads and children - selected Saturdays,<br />
10.30am. Craft session - Tuesdays (school<br />
holidays only), 2.30pm. Whitley Library<br />
(0118 901 5115) Rhymetime – Tuesdays,<br />
2.15pm & Thursdays, 11.15am. Storytime<br />
Thursdays, 2.15–2.45pm. Craft session -<br />
Tuesdays (school holidays only), 11.30am.<br />
South<br />
Oxfordshire<br />
<strong>Libraries</strong><br />
www.southoxon.gov.uk<br />
Henley Library (01491 575 278)<br />
Rhymetime for babies & toddlers – 1st<br />
& 3rd Tuesday in month, 9.30-10am.<br />
Sonning Common Library (0118 972<br />
2448) Rhymetime for under 3’s – 1st &<br />
3rd Monday in month, 10-10.30am.<br />
Storytime & colouring for under 8’s-<br />
Saturdays, 10-10.30am. Goring Library<br />
(01491 873 028) Storytime for under<br />
5’s – Fridays (term time only), 2-2.30pm.<br />
West Berkshire<br />
<strong>Libraries</strong><br />
www.westberks.gov.uk<br />
Newbury Library (01635 519 900)<br />
Rhymetime – 1st, 3rd & 5 th Tuesday in<br />
month, 11am. Storytime –Fridays, 11am.<br />
Thatcham Library (01635 866 049)<br />
Rhymetime – 2nd Tuesday in month,<br />
11am. Storytime – Mondays, 2.15pm.<br />
Theale Library (0118 930 3207)<br />
Rhymetime – Mondays & Wednesdays<br />
(term time only), 11am. Mortimer<br />
Library (0118 933 2882) Storytime –<br />
2.15pm on certain Fridays. Ring for dates.<br />
Burghfield Common Library (0118 983<br />
3632) Rhymetime – Thursdays (term time<br />
only), 2.30pm. Pangbourne Library<br />
(0118 984 4117) Rhymetime – Thursdays<br />
(term time only), 10am.<br />
Storytime at Wokingham <strong>Libraries</strong><br />
Wokingham<br />
<strong>Libraries</strong><br />
www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries<br />
Wokingham Library (0118 978 1368)<br />
Rhymetime (0-18 months) – 1st Tuesday<br />
in month, 10.30-11am &<br />
11.30am-12noon. Dads Rhymetime<br />
(0-18 months) – selected Saturdays,<br />
10.30-11am. Storytime – Tuesdays,<br />
2.15-2.45pm. Toddletime (12-36<br />
months) – selected Thursdays, 10.30-<br />
11am. Woodley Library (0118 969<br />
0304) Rhymetime – 2nd Tuesday in<br />
month, 10.30-11am. Storytime –<br />
Tuesdays, 4pm to 4.30pm. Lower Earley<br />
Library (0118 931 2150) Rhymetime –<br />
3rd Tuesday in month, 10.30-11am &<br />
11.30am-12noon. Dads Rhymetime –<br />
selected Saturdays, 10.30-11am.<br />
Storytime – Thursdays, 2.30-3pm.<br />
Toddletime – selected Thursdays, 9.45-<br />
10.15am. Winnersh Library (0118 979<br />
7519) Toddletime – selected<br />
Wednesdays, 10.15-10.45am. Spencers<br />
Wood Library (0118 988 4771)<br />
Storytime - Mondays, 4-4.30pm.<br />
Twyford Library (0118 934 0800)<br />
Storytime – first Tuesday of the month,<br />
2-2.30pm. Wargrave Library (0118 940<br />
4656) Storytime - Mondays, 4pm.<br />
Visit Classes us now for older at www. children familiestvw.co.uk – www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes<br />
Early Years<br />
Opportunities<br />
for Young Ones<br />
ARTEMIS STUDIOS<br />
WIN a term of Drama<br />
Classes at ARTEMIS<br />
Motivate, stimulate and build confidence in your young<br />
budding actor. Artemis has 2 free places in their preschool<br />
drama class for <strong>Families</strong> readers to win.<br />
Petite Drama for 3½ -5yrs runs on Thursdays, term time,<br />
4-5pm. The 12-week course starts 13 Jan at Artemis<br />
Studios, Bracknell town centre.<br />
The lessons are in small classes of 16 or less and are<br />
specially devised by senior drama directors who ensure<br />
they are easily understandable and fun. The cost is usually £48 a term.<br />
All group classes at Artemis offer a free trial class, so even if you don’t win the<br />
competition, children can try one class for free. Visit www.artemis-studios.co.uk or<br />
call 01344 429403 for more information.<br />
To enter the competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions.<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
BABY COLLEGE<br />
WIN 12 free BABY<br />
COLLEGE classes<br />
Baby College classes introduce you and your baby<br />
to fun learning for life and are suitable from birth to<br />
pre-school age. The aim is to support parents in<br />
giving their child the best possible start. A lucky<br />
reader of <strong>Families</strong> can win a 12-week class in Wokingham, <strong>Reading</strong>, Lower Earley,<br />
Woodley, Arborfield or Finchampstead starting in Jan worth £80.<br />
Baby College Classes are milestone and age specific. Each class is a 45 minute multisensory<br />
workout for your baby/child featuring listening and language skills, signing,<br />
music and gentle physical exercises.<br />
For further information on Baby College visit www.babycollege.co.uk call<br />
0118 9798549 or e-mail julia002@babycollege.co.uk<br />
To enter the competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions.<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
TALENT STOP<br />
WIN a term at<br />
THE TALENT STOp<br />
Competition<br />
Competition<br />
Competition<br />
The Talent Stop’s courses provide constructive,<br />
creative, fun activities for children from 2½ years in<br />
the Performing Arts, which develop fantastic<br />
communication skills and self confidence. The courses are popular with children who<br />
are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the Performing Arts and equally popular<br />
with children who like to try new things, make new friends and love to be active. A<br />
lucky reader of <strong>Families</strong> can win a term at the Talent Stop’s Performing Arts Academy in<br />
Earley, Sonning Common, Thatcham or Tilehurst starting in January 2011 worth up to<br />
£221 depending on age and class chosen.<br />
For further information on The Talent Stop visit www.thetalentstop.co.uk call<br />
0118 962 3379 or e-mail enquiries@thetalentstop.co.uk<br />
To enter the competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions.<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 17
Christmas Gifts<br />
Ask for Organised Mum<br />
this Christmas<br />
Choose from our great range of 2011<br />
calendars, diaries and home stationery<br />
designed especially for busy women.<br />
PAGE 18 Thames Valley West<br />
Great for<br />
presents!<br />
Diary covers,<br />
stands and new<br />
2011 diary gift<br />
packages<br />
Log on to www.organisedmum.co.uk<br />
to see the full range of products or<br />
phone 0845 644 7505<br />
This year sees the 250th birthday of<br />
Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy<br />
store, a store synonymous with theatre,<br />
magic and entertainment. So who better to turn<br />
to for inspiration when searching for that perfect<br />
toy? Read on for Hamleys’ Christmas guide<br />
written especially for <strong>Families</strong> readers and full of<br />
some great gift ideas for children of all ages.<br />
The nights have drawn in, there’s a magical feel in the air and there’s more<br />
than one kind of wrapping-up on everyone’s mind. It can only mean one<br />
thing... Christmas is on its way! Whether that fills you with ho, ho, ho’s or<br />
Scrooge-like groans, we hope this fun-filled guide to all things festive, will<br />
help make this year a Christmas to remember...<br />
It’s the thought that counts...<br />
Recent economic difficulties have triggered a new dawn of consumerism.<br />
Many of us are now concentrating on quality purchases that will stand the<br />
test of time. Some of the old favourites are resurfacing and proving their<br />
worth to a new generation of inquisitive minds. Children like to be<br />
entertained but they thrive on interaction, they will happily watch but they<br />
learn quicker from doing, they benefit from competition but they enjoy team<br />
work. Classic toys are all this and much more and they really do have timeless<br />
appeal. With that in mind this year, why not focus on something they will<br />
love this Christmas but will treasure for many more to come...<br />
Baby’s first Christmas<br />
Latest additions may be slightly oblivious to the<br />
seasonal chaos but you’ll remember their first<br />
Christmas forever and will be keen to make it extra<br />
special. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a keepsake or<br />
something they can cherish for years to come.<br />
My First Dolly £19<br />
My First Dolly will be loved by all. She is so<br />
squeezably soft that little arms will adore snuggling<br />
up to her. Dressed beautifully, she has wild hair that<br />
little hands will love to touch and tug!<br />
Top 10 Toys for Christmas 2010!<br />
If you want guaranteed smiles you can’t go wrong tracking down<br />
something from this list. Be warned though, these toys are set to fly<br />
from the shelves quicker than Santa’s sleigh, so don’t miss out!<br />
Your comprehensive list of this year’s most-wanted:<br />
• Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Action Figure<br />
• Dr Who Sonic Screwdriver<br />
• Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Disc Ultimatrix<br />
• Beyblade Metal Fusion Super Vortex Battle Set<br />
• Barbie Video Girl<br />
• VTech Storio Animated Phonics Book<br />
• Kung Zhu Hamsters<br />
• Armouron Action Set<br />
• VTech Kidizoom Video Camera<br />
•<br />
Monopoly Revolutions Board Game<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
y Holly Wadsworth-Hill<br />
Gift Guide<br />
Alphabet Blocks £17<br />
Painted with bright colours, clear letters and imaginative illustrations these<br />
wooden blocks can help little children when learning letters, colours and<br />
much more besides.<br />
T is for trouble and toddlers!<br />
Busy little hands are into all things naughty as well as nice, so classic toys should<br />
be at the top of the list. The educational benefits and development of imagination<br />
and play skills from these toys are extensive but cleverly masked behind the<br />
colour, fun and excitement that toddlers crave.<br />
Teaching Clock £14<br />
Hamleys colourful Fun to Learn Teaching Clock helps<br />
teach time, number and letter recognition, as well<br />
as developing motor and problem solving skills<br />
through play. (made from fsc wood)<br />
Wooden London Bus<br />
£32.50<br />
The wheels on the bus go round and round! The<br />
top of this traditional big red bus opens to reveal 24<br />
little wooden passengers and one cheerful driver.<br />
Great for developing hand to eye co-ordination.<br />
(made from fsc wood)<br />
For him<br />
Boys of all ages need to be kept busy and love fun and games that they can really<br />
get stuck into. If he can burn off some energy, create mess and make some noise,<br />
he’ll be in his element!<br />
Wooden Garage £65<br />
This brightly coloured garage has three<br />
levels, multi-storey graphics and realistic<br />
features throughout. There are loads of<br />
games and adventures to be had with this<br />
traditional role-play Garage.<br />
Jet Plane Set £55<br />
The Playmobil Jet Plane Set is great for<br />
developing thinking processes and<br />
encouraging creative play. This exciting<br />
Playmobil play set is a hit with boys and<br />
girls alike.<br />
Christmas Gifts<br />
For her<br />
Sugar and spice and all things nice, most of the time anyway! Creativity is<br />
a girl’s best friend; indulge her imagination with everything from dressingup<br />
costumes, role-play sets and arts and crafts.<br />
My Ballerina Doll £12<br />
My Little Ballerina Doll is so pretty, soft and cuddly, she’s perfect for hugs!<br />
From the Sweet Peas collection, this doll is great for encouraging<br />
imagination and nurturing role-play skills.<br />
Dolly Tea Set £10<br />
Time for tea anyone? This<br />
enchanting Hamleys tea set<br />
comes in a cute carry case, so<br />
it’s perfect for taking to friends<br />
houses and keeps everything safe<br />
and tidy when little one’s<br />
aren’t busy entertaining.<br />
It’s all about<br />
quality time...<br />
‘Tis the season to spend with your loved ones: keep things merry<br />
with fun and games for the whole family.<br />
Games Chest £60<br />
Enjoy a gaming adventure with this<br />
classic wooden gaming chest. Open<br />
the sliding drawers to reveal a<br />
smorgasbord of fun with 10<br />
of the world’s greatest<br />
games! Includes chess,<br />
mancala, backgammon,<br />
solitaire, tic-tac-toe and lots more<br />
to keep the very young and most<br />
experienced young-at-heart entertained!<br />
Turn the page to find out how to<br />
enter our great Hamleys competition<br />
Get organised for Christmas - www.familiestvw.co.uk/organisedchristmas<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 19
PAGE 20<br />
Local Shopping<br />
Retail Therapy!<br />
A<br />
recent report named <strong>Reading</strong> as one of the most cloned towns<br />
in Britain, dominated by chain stores at the expense of the<br />
independents. Yet there are still places to visit locally where<br />
you can enjoy a different, and altogether more pleasurable, shopping<br />
experience. Imagine helpful and informed assistants, unique products<br />
in a relaxed setting, free parking on the doorstep and a coffee shop<br />
perfect for that reviving latte. <strong>Families</strong> has been busy tracking down a<br />
few such gems.<br />
Perfect presents for<br />
cooks and gardeners<br />
One of our favourite shopping locations, at<br />
any time of the year, is The Herb Farm, near<br />
Sonning Common in beautiful South Oxfordshire.<br />
At its centre is a picturesque 18th century barn<br />
surrounded by display gardens growing a range<br />
of herbs, cottage garden plants and old-style<br />
roses. In the summer months it even has its own<br />
Saxon maze in which to lose the children! The<br />
barn shop is particularly well-stocked at Christmas<br />
time, with a wide range of elegant and stylish<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
The Herb Farm<br />
gifts and festive decorations to buy, alongside<br />
the garden and herb products. Daisy’s Coffee<br />
Shop offers light meals and refreshments.<br />
Pick up a bargain<br />
If you’re looking for great value baby and<br />
children’s clothes and products then head<br />
along to a Baby & Children’s Market.<br />
These regular markets, held at locations<br />
across Berkshire, offer a wide selection of<br />
quality pre-loved and new items for sale at<br />
bargain prices, all under one roof. Children’s<br />
entertainment is provided at most markets<br />
along with many unique products and services.<br />
Upcoming markets are listed in our Diary Dates<br />
section.<br />
Arts, crafts and<br />
lots, lots more<br />
Another favourite is Holme Grange Craft<br />
Village. This selection of independent shops and<br />
services enjoys a delightful countryside setting,<br />
about a mile outside of Wokingham. You’ll find<br />
a wide range of gorgeous gifts here, from old<br />
fashioned sweets and collector’s teddy bears<br />
to original art works by painters, sculptors and<br />
Shirleyz<br />
craftsmen. For crafty types there are opportunities<br />
to stock up on supplies and take part in the<br />
various workshops on offer, including pottery<br />
painting, garment design and painting classes.<br />
Recently opened, and typical of the unique<br />
style of the place, is Shirleyz. This beautiful shop<br />
is packed with funky kitchenware and colourful<br />
home accessories. The collections, such as<br />
Rice from Denmark, are top quality, stylish and<br />
innovative but still offer good value.<br />
Also at Holme Grange are the keepsake<br />
jewellery specialists, Silver by Design. They<br />
sell solid silver items such as cufflinks, charms,<br />
pendants and keyrings which are turned, with<br />
a fingerprint, hand or foot print, into a unique<br />
and very personal gift. There is also a range of<br />
handcrafted silver jewellery made with crystals,<br />
gemstones and dichroic glass. And if you fancy<br />
having a go yourself, Silver by Design offer a<br />
variety of silver jewellery making courses and<br />
workshops plus children’s parties.<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Out-of-town<br />
boutique<br />
experience<br />
Village Life, situated in the Old<br />
Shire Horse Centre just outside<br />
Maidenhead, offers a relaxing<br />
out-of-town retail experience.<br />
The Courtyard features 12<br />
boutique shops selling items<br />
ranging from beautiful<br />
handmade cards and contemporary furnishings to designer handbags and<br />
premium chocolates. There are beautiful collections of baby and children’s<br />
wear plus traditional toys, miniature dolls houses and train sets to amuse both<br />
the young and the not so young! Regular events are held throughout the year<br />
and Shires Farm is on site to amuse the children (charge applies).<br />
Personal service<br />
For a really personal shopping experience why not give the girls at Ebb& Flo a<br />
call? Their new Autumn/Winter collection features designs by Libèlula, Bellaju,<br />
Nümph, Arzu Kara and Nicola Pulvertaft jewellery. Visit their barn, near<br />
Henley, by appointment or arrange a home visit or party. Alternatively, why<br />
not treat a loved one, or yourself, to one of their personal styling consultations<br />
for Christmas?<br />
Outdoor fun<br />
Christmas is the time when we make those ‘big’ toy purchases – the ones<br />
that run into triple figures. When you’re spending that kind of money it’s<br />
important to make the right choice. Berkshire-based Just Outdoor Toys are<br />
specialists in garden toys such as trampolines, climbing frames, slides and<br />
playhouses. Their website offers lots of helpful hints and tips for buying,<br />
assembling and maintaining play equipment plus a wide range of stock to buy<br />
online or by phone.<br />
Unique keepsakes<br />
Finally, a few ideas for those looking for a personal and unique gift. The<br />
Little Print Company offer a range of hand-crafted keepsakes, individually<br />
created to capture your child’s tiny hands or feet, and even their own artwork.<br />
Turn to page 30 to find out how to enter our competition to win one of their<br />
fingerprint charms.<br />
The Dinky Fingerprint<br />
Company have brought out<br />
The Dinky Fingerprint Company<br />
Contact details<br />
The Herb Farm<br />
Peppard Road, Sonning Common,<br />
<strong>Reading</strong>, RG4 9NJ 0118 972 4220<br />
www.herbfarm.co.uk<br />
Holme Grange Village<br />
Heathlands Road, Wokingham, RG40 3AW<br />
www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk<br />
Shirleyz<br />
Unit 15, Holme Grange Village<br />
0118 327 7022 www.shirleyz.co.uk<br />
Silver By Design<br />
Unit 1 Holme Grange Village<br />
0118 979 9507 www.silver-by-design.com<br />
Village Life<br />
Bath Road A4, Littlewick Green,<br />
Maidenhead, SL6 3QA<br />
01628 828 801 www.myvillagelife.co.uk<br />
a stunning new range of<br />
sterling silver bracelets just<br />
in time for Christmas. They<br />
have pretty beads in various<br />
colours to which you can add<br />
individual charms with your<br />
children’s fingerprints on them.<br />
If an original artwork<br />
would fit the bill, then why not<br />
commission Twyford artist Terri Jones<br />
to paint a portrait of your children, family<br />
or even a favourite pet? Commission prices<br />
start at only £100.<br />
Ebb&Flo<br />
07968 697 918/07725 179 328<br />
www.ebbandflostyle.co.uk<br />
Just Outdoor Toys<br />
0800 954 0042<br />
www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk<br />
The Little print Company<br />
0118 975 6382<br />
www.thelittleprintco.co.uk<br />
Dinky Fingerprints<br />
01628 623386<br />
www.dinkyfingerprint.co.uk<br />
Terri Jones<br />
0118 934 1683<br />
www.terrijonesart.com<br />
Baby & Children’s markets<br />
07881 641 614<br />
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk<br />
SHIRLEYZ<br />
10% discount<br />
at SHIRLEYz<br />
If you are looking for a great<br />
Christmas present then look no<br />
further. Everything in the collection<br />
at Shirleyz has been specifically<br />
chosen for its quality, uniqueness<br />
or just because it looks cool and<br />
quirky. We think you’ll like it as<br />
much as we do. Until 31 Dec<br />
<strong>Families</strong> readers can enjoy 10% off<br />
their purchases.<br />
For more information visit www.shirleyz.co.uk<br />
Just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/offers to<br />
download your voucher today.<br />
HAMLEYS<br />
WIN Gift Vouchers<br />
from HAMLEYS<br />
worth £250<br />
Lots more offers/competitions - www.familiestvw.co.uk/offers<br />
To celebrate 250 years of The<br />
Finest Toys in the World, Hamleys<br />
have teamed up with <strong>Families</strong> TVW<br />
to give you the chance to win £250 of<br />
Hamleys vouchers. The vouchers can be<br />
used at their fantastic online store or in one of their UK<br />
stores.<br />
For further Christmas gift inspiration visit<br />
www.hamleys.com<br />
Just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/<br />
competitions to enter our competition today.<br />
GREAT LITTLE TRADING COMPANY<br />
15% OFF when you<br />
spend £50 online<br />
Local Shopping<br />
Reader<br />
Offer<br />
Competition<br />
Reader<br />
Offer<br />
Great Little Trading Company knows that parents<br />
are busy people, so want to make their lives easier!<br />
Therefore GLTC source a large selection of useful,<br />
hard-to-find children’s products that will last for<br />
generations and will enhance the family home.<br />
From furniture to educational toys and games,<br />
most of the GLTC range is exclusive, which means<br />
you won’t find the products anywhere else. What’s more if you love the<br />
convenience of shopping online, Great Little Trading Company is offering<br />
<strong>Families</strong> readers a fantastic 15% off when you spend over £50 online<br />
before midnight 28 November.<br />
For further information on Great Little Trading<br />
Company visit www.gltc.co.uk<br />
To receive your offer code just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/offers today.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 21
PAGE 22<br />
Christmas Fun<br />
Sure Start brings together childcare, early education, health and<br />
family-support services for families with children under 5 years old.<br />
Wokingham Children’s Centres<br />
Learning opportunities for local children aged 0-5<br />
<strong>Families</strong> can access information, services and support from a team<br />
of professionals to give children the best possible start in life.<br />
Ambleside, Ambleside Close, Woodley, <strong>Reading</strong> Tel 0118 3776444<br />
Riverdale, Silverdale Road, Earley, <strong>Reading</strong> Tel 0118 9088066<br />
The Red Kite, Chestnut Crescent, Shinfield Tel 0118 9882332<br />
Brambles, Budges Gardens, Wokingham Tel 0118 9088010<br />
Starlings, Colleton Drive, Twyford 0118 9344638<br />
The Winnersh Children’s Centre, Rainbow Park, Winnersh Tel 0118 989 4280<br />
The Finchampstead Children’s Centre, Gorse Ride South 0118 908 8166/8167<br />
... 3 new centres in development<br />
Join interactive parent/carer and child sessions where<br />
families can play together and meet other families.<br />
Activities include:<br />
Healthy Eating Baby Weigh in Clinic Outside place space<br />
Midwifery appointments and support Singing and Story Time<br />
Play and Learn Professional Homecarers Health Visitor Support<br />
Opening times and activities vary, call on the numbers above or go to<br />
www.wokingham.gov.uk and search ‘Children’s Centres’ for more information.<br />
We look forward to welcoming you<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Get<br />
Why not spend some time with the children<br />
before Christmas making home-made goodies<br />
and decorations. Here are a few ideas to try.<br />
Decorations for the Tree<br />
Home-made decorations are always the most popular on<br />
the tree, but edible home-baked trinkets are even<br />
better. You can use your favourite biscuit recipe or why<br />
not try our recipe for stained glass biscuits – you’ll find<br />
it online at www.familiestvw.co.uk/jewelbiscuits<br />
You can of course use your own cutters or a knife but these festive<br />
biscuit cutters from Lakeland are perfect for creating ornamental<br />
shapes. There are 4 large and 4 small cutters in different shapes, plus<br />
mini cutters for creating a hole to thread ribbon through or to cut out a pattern.<br />
Perfect for the tree or to give as presents. Tree Trinket Cookie Cutters, from<br />
Lakeland ref 14493, £9.99<br />
Chocolate<br />
Balls<br />
This Swedish recipe, sent in<br />
by one of our readers, is<br />
simple enough for even<br />
quite young children to<br />
make.<br />
50g butter<br />
100ml sugar<br />
250ml oats<br />
3 tablespoons cocoa<br />
1 tablespoon milk (or cold coffee)<br />
Simply mix it all together well with<br />
your hands and form into little balls.<br />
Easy peasy! Keep in an airtight tin.<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
Christmas Shortbread<br />
Shop-bought shortbread is but a pale imitation of this home-made version.<br />
The ground rice gives it a lovely texture and would make a delicious gift for<br />
a lucky teacher.<br />
150g plain flour<br />
25g ground rice or semolina<br />
100g butter<br />
50g caster sugar<br />
Greased 20cm shallow tin<br />
1. Sieve flour and ground rice into large mixing bowl.<br />
2. Cut butter into small pieces and add. Rub into flour<br />
with your fingertips until mixture looks like<br />
breadcrumbs.<br />
3. Stir in the sugar and squeeze the mixture into a<br />
ball using the heat from your hands.<br />
4. Press the mixture into the tin and smooth flat with<br />
back of a spoon. Press a pattern around the edge<br />
using fork prongs and cut into 8 equal pieces.<br />
5. Bake for 30 minutes at 150°C / Gas mark 2 until<br />
golden. Leave for a few minutes until cool enough then<br />
cut across it again before lifting out onto wire rack to<br />
finish cooling.<br />
6. Keeps in an airtight tin or sealed gift bag for up to<br />
10 days. Alternatively can be made ahead of time<br />
and frozen.<br />
Gift Wrapping Ideas<br />
Turn you home-made goodies into a really special gift<br />
by presenting them in these inexpensive gift bags<br />
from Lakeland, £2.49 for 30. Or make your own<br />
using squares of tissue paper or cellophane.<br />
Put some home-made treats in the centre,<br />
gather the edges and tie at the top with a<br />
length of parcel ribbon about 20cm long.<br />
Hold the ribbon between your thumb and the<br />
blade of some closed scissors. Pull it firmly to<br />
create ribbon curls. For a prettier effect two<br />
contrasting colour squares can be used to<br />
wrap the gift. Children can decorate the bags<br />
with small stickers.<br />
Elite Childcare Agency specialises in<br />
the recruiting and placement of nannies<br />
and babysitters for families across<br />
Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.<br />
Having a Christmas party? Who’s going<br />
to look after the children? The solution<br />
- a babysitter or mobile creche.<br />
TEL 0118 901 8747<br />
Email: jenny@elitechildcareagency.co.uk<br />
www.elitechildcareagency.co.uk<br />
More recipes and craft ideas at - www.familiestvw.co.uk/thingstodo<br />
Christmas Fun<br />
this Christmas<br />
Make your own gift tags<br />
1. Draw Christmassy shapes such as a holly leaf, Christmas tree or star shape on<br />
card using a white wax crayon or candle.<br />
2. Brush bright paint over the card.<br />
3. When dry cut out the shape.<br />
4. Either make a hole with a hole punch and thread ribbon through or stick<br />
ribbon to back.<br />
A Rudolph<br />
decoration for<br />
the tree<br />
Little ones will love<br />
making these<br />
Rudolph hanging<br />
decorations using<br />
their hands and feet. If you<br />
don’t have the googly eyes<br />
just draw on some suitably<br />
reindeer-like ones.<br />
1. Trace around your child’s foot<br />
and both hands using brown<br />
paper or back of a large<br />
envelope.<br />
2.Glue the hands as antlers to<br />
the top of the footprint.<br />
3. Glue a red paper nose and<br />
googly eyes to the reindeer.<br />
4. Allow to dry, punch a<br />
hole in the top of the<br />
head and hang with<br />
thread, string or<br />
ribbon.<br />
For the Lakeland products mentioned please visit<br />
www.lakeland.co.uk or pop into the Lakeland shop<br />
in The Oracle, <strong>Reading</strong>.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 23
Out & About<br />
The Hexagon<br />
Queen’s Walk, <strong>Reading</strong> RG1 7UA.<br />
Box Office: 0118 960 6060,<br />
www.readingarts.com<br />
13-14 November – PEPPA PIG’S PARTY<br />
It’s Peppa Pig’s birthday. Come and<br />
join the fun with Peppa and George,<br />
Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily<br />
Elephant. A charming, original and<br />
imaginative show, full of brand new<br />
songs, muddy puddles, and oinks.<br />
Tickets from £12.50, conc. £2 off.<br />
22 November – ALL AT SEA<br />
Young singers from <strong>Reading</strong> primary<br />
schools will sail their way through<br />
a performance of Captain Noah<br />
and his Floating Zoo, supported by<br />
young instrumental players from the<br />
Berkshire Maestros. A colourful rendition<br />
in song and dance, with other fun pieces<br />
on related themes. Tickets £8, conc. £6.<br />
27 November – THE READING<br />
CAROL CONCERT<br />
Led by the Salvation Army Brass Band,<br />
this popular family concert is compered by<br />
Gillian Wright (Jean Slater from Eastenders)<br />
with a choir, special guests and a unique<br />
presentation of the Nativity. Advance<br />
booking on 0118 954 3707 or www.<br />
carolconcert.org.uk Tickets £13, conc. £11.<br />
4 December–2 January<br />
– SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />
A family pantomime with all the usual<br />
ingredients – spectacular scenery<br />
and sparkling costumes, corny jokes,<br />
hilarious slapstick and bags of audience<br />
participation. Starring Justin Fletcher,<br />
Leah Bracknell (Zoe Tate, Emmerdale) and<br />
Jane Tucker (Rainbow). Tickets £16.50<br />
(£12.50 on 4-5 Dec), group discounts.<br />
South Hill park<br />
Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA.<br />
Box office: 01344 484 123,<br />
www.southhillpark.org.uk<br />
PAGE 24 Thames Valley West<br />
The Night Pirates<br />
visit South Hill Park<br />
and South Street<br />
Oh no it isn’t … oh yes it<br />
is! Panto season has<br />
arrived and we’ve listed<br />
enough shows here to<br />
get the whole family<br />
booing and cheering.<br />
And, if dames aren’t<br />
your thing, you’ll also<br />
find carol concerts,<br />
classic children’s stories<br />
and lots more.<br />
21 November – THE NIGHT PIRATES<br />
A moonlit adventure with puppets and<br />
pirates. Tom awakes in the night to<br />
find Girl Pirates stealing the front of<br />
his house! He joins them as they<br />
cross the high seas to try and outwit<br />
Captain Patch and his snoozing,<br />
snoring pirates and steal their booty.<br />
For ages 3+. 11am & 3pm.<br />
Tickets £10, child £5.<br />
26 November- 2 January<br />
– DICK WHITTINGTON<br />
Join Dick and his feline friend as they<br />
travel to London to make their fortune.<br />
Watch out for that rotten revolting<br />
rodent King Rat and find out if Dick can<br />
find the treasure, win the hand of his true<br />
love and become the Lord Mayor. Enjoy<br />
marvellous music, fun, laughter and of<br />
course, loads of audience participation.<br />
Tickets from only £12, plus group and<br />
family discounts.<br />
Visit online<br />
Christmas ideas at: www.familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Fun guide to a stress-free Christmas:<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/stressfreechristmas<br />
Tips for using festive foliage:<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/festivefoliage<br />
Getting organised for Christmas:<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/organisedchristmas<br />
Lots of Christmas offers and competitions<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions<br />
Weird and wonderful – the story of pantomime<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/pantomimehistory<br />
Family<br />
Christmas<br />
Theatre<br />
We take great care in compiling these listings but please always check details before setting out.<br />
South Street<br />
21 South Street, <strong>Reading</strong> RG1 4QU.<br />
Box Office: 0118 960 6060,<br />
www.readingarts.com<br />
7 November – THE NIGHT PIRATES<br />
See South Hill Park for show details.<br />
11.30am & 2pm. Tickets £6.50,<br />
group of 4 £22.<br />
Norden Farm<br />
Altwood Rd, Maidenhead. 01628<br />
788997, www.nordenfarm.org<br />
20 November – LAURA’S STAR<br />
When Laura finds a star lying on the<br />
pavement, she knows that she will be<br />
able to tell it all her secrets. When<br />
the little star disappears, was her<br />
special friend just a dream?<br />
South Hill Park<br />
presents<br />
Tickets<br />
from just £12<br />
PLUS<br />
group & family<br />
special<br />
offers!<br />
Wilde Theatre<br />
Box Office 01344 484123<br />
www.southhillpark.org.uk<br />
South Hill Park Arts Centre<br />
Ringmead · Bracknell · RG12 7PA<br />
This much loved children’s book is<br />
brought to life with live music and<br />
puppetry. For ages 3–7 yrs. 11am & 3pm.<br />
Tickets £6.50, family £22.<br />
1 December-2 January<br />
– ONE SNOWY NIGHT<br />
A tale from Percy’s Park by Nick<br />
Butterworth. Percy the park keeper<br />
always feeds the animals but one cold<br />
winter’s night he finds his little friends<br />
shivering on the doorstep, and needing<br />
more than just food. A heart-warming<br />
story, with songs to sing along to and<br />
furry friends to meet. For ages 3+. Tickets<br />
£9.50, under 16s £7.50, family £30.<br />
The Kenton Theatre<br />
New Street, Henley, 01491 575 698,<br />
www.kentontheatre.co.uk<br />
28 November – HOW THE<br />
KOALA LEARNED TO HUG<br />
A charming musical about the magic of<br />
family and, of course, the importance of<br />
a nice warm hug. Join Steven and a host<br />
of wild characters including Natascha<br />
the Witch, the reggae beavers and Karen<br />
the Koala for some<br />
great stories, sing<br />
along songs and<br />
superb games. 3pm.<br />
Tickets £7, family £25.<br />
22-24 & 26 December<br />
– BEAUTY & THE BEAST<br />
A brand new version of<br />
this classic tale, with original<br />
music, exquisite storytelling and<br />
join-in action. A sparkling family show<br />
suitable for ‘beauties’ and ‘beasts’<br />
young and old. Tickets £12,<br />
conc. £11, family £39.<br />
See Justin Fletcher in Sleeping Beauty at The Hexagon<br />
Written by Bart Lee with music by Ron McAllister<br />
Fri 26 Nov 10 – Sun 2 Jan 11<br />
Media Sponsor<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
29 December–2 January<br />
– PUSS IN BOOTS<br />
Family pantomime performed by the<br />
Henley Children’s Theatre Group. A witty<br />
and fun-filled version containing some<br />
good old fashioned tunes and Monty<br />
Python type humour. Tickets £11, conc.<br />
£8. For bookings call 01491 613 991.<br />
Christchurch Centre<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Rd, Henley, RG9 1AG.<br />
12 December – HENLEY SYMPHONY<br />
ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT<br />
Bring your teddy bear or favourite toy<br />
and listen to Henley Symphony Orchestra<br />
performing a Christmas Concert with a<br />
teddy bear theme. 4.30-5pm. For babies<br />
and pre-school children. Tickets £4, child<br />
£2, under 2’s free and available from<br />
Bagatelle Toys in Henley and on 01628<br />
526 504.<br />
Bearwood Theatre<br />
Sindlesham, Box Office: 0118 969 0925<br />
18 December<br />
– FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT<br />
Trinity Concert Band perform traditional<br />
favourites and carols, with children<br />
invited to join in the music. Plus special<br />
guest appearance from Father Christmas!<br />
2.30pm. Tickets available from box office<br />
or on the door.<br />
The Corn Exchange<br />
Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD,<br />
01635 522 733,<br />
www.cornexchangenew.com<br />
20 November – ELMER THE ELEPHANT<br />
The heartwarming and funny story of<br />
Elmer, told with breathtaking puppets,<br />
original music and stunning scenery.<br />
12pm. Tickets £8, conc. £6.<br />
27 November – SALVATION ARMY<br />
BAND CAROL CONCERT<br />
Get the Christmas period off to a really<br />
festive start. Tickets £8.<br />
3 December–3 January<br />
– SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />
Enjoy enough riotous song, dance and<br />
slapstick to wake a storybook palace from<br />
one hundred years of slumber. A festive<br />
treat for all ages.Tickets from £14.50,<br />
previews £8.<br />
The Watermill Theatre<br />
Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635<br />
46044, www.watermill.org.uk<br />
25 November–2 January<br />
– TREASURE ISLAND<br />
Calling pirate girls and boys everywhere,<br />
heave-ho me hearties, don’t miss this<br />
tale of mysterious strangers, mutinous<br />
pirates and buried treasure. Don’t forget<br />
to throw on your pirate costume and<br />
join in with the fun. For ages 4+. Tickets<br />
from £10.50.<br />
Haymarket Theatre<br />
Wote Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NW.<br />
Box Office: 01256 844244,<br />
www.anvilarts.org.uk<br />
22-23 November<br />
– STICK MAN – LIVE ON STAGE<br />
The world is a dangerous place for Stick<br />
Man. A dog wants to play with him. A<br />
swan builds a nest with him. He even<br />
ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back<br />
to the family tree? Touching, funny and<br />
utterly original. For ages 4+. Tickets £9.<br />
3 December–2 January<br />
– THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS<br />
Follow the adventures of good natured<br />
Mole, friendly Ratty, their loyal friend<br />
Badger and the jovial but conceited Toad.<br />
The Anvil<br />
Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR.<br />
Box Office: 01256 844 244, www.<br />
anvilarts.org.uk<br />
23 November – CHRISTMAS WITH THE<br />
SALVATION ARMY<br />
A concert of Christmas favourites in aid<br />
of charity. Tickets £8, £10.<br />
9 December–2 January – CINDERELLA<br />
A traditional family pantomime starring<br />
Wendy Craig, Abi Titmuss and Andrew<br />
Agnew (PC Plum from Balamory) with<br />
dazzling special effects including flying<br />
sequences and computer generated<br />
animation. See the Prince fly through<br />
time and the wicked Fairy transform<br />
herself into an enormous fire breathing<br />
dragon.<br />
Central Studio<br />
Queen Mary’s College, Cliddesden Road,<br />
Basingstoke. Box Office: 01256 418 318,<br />
www.centralstudio.co.uk<br />
SATURDAY LIVE SHOWS<br />
Special shows for children at 11am.<br />
Tickets £7, child £4.50 unless stated.<br />
6 November – ROCK‘N’ROLL PIRATES<br />
BONFIRE PARTY<br />
Musical Guy Fawkes entertainment. Join<br />
in and bang the drum or shake<br />
those castanets and, to make the event<br />
even more special, dress up in your<br />
finest Guy Fawkes fancy dress outfit to<br />
win a prize.<br />
27 November – THE LITTLE MERMAID<br />
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is<br />
brought to life in a unique style fusing<br />
physical theatre, circus, music and film.<br />
Beautiful, poignant, funny and full of<br />
fishy fun. For ages 5+. 11am & 7pm.<br />
Tickets £8.50, conc. £6.50.<br />
4 December - THE SLEEPING PRINCESS<br />
Fast moving re-telling of the classic<br />
French fairy tale with beautiful puppets,<br />
equally beautiful people, plus magical<br />
tricks and the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan.<br />
A Sign Language Arts production<br />
featuring fully integrated Sign Language<br />
throughout. For ages 3-7.<br />
11 December – ROBINSON CRUSOE<br />
& THE PIRATES<br />
Robinson Crusoe is washed up on a<br />
desert island, with his mother! Will<br />
he find the treasure before the band<br />
of hapless pirates? Comedy, catchy<br />
songs, music, dance, colourful scenery<br />
and lots of audience participation.<br />
The Theatre Royal Windsor<br />
Thames Street, Windsor.<br />
Box office: 01753 853 888,<br />
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk<br />
8 December–9 January – CINDERELLA<br />
Join Charlie Dimmock (Ground Force) and<br />
Kevin Cruise (Britain’s Got Talent) in this<br />
enchanting tale. Fireman Sam will also<br />
be on hand should things get too hot in<br />
the kitchen for Cinderella. For show times<br />
and ticket prices, call the box office.<br />
The Novello Theatre<br />
2 High Street, Sunninghill nr Ascot.<br />
Ticket Agency 01628 822 982,<br />
www.novellotheatre.co.uk<br />
10 December–15 January<br />
– HANSEL & GRETEL<br />
Pantomime fun featuring<br />
the sweetest house and<br />
the most useless witch<br />
ever. Tickets £16.50,<br />
child £14.50.<br />
The Camberley Theatre<br />
Knoll Rd, Camberley, 01276 707 600,<br />
www.camberleytheatre.biz<br />
8 December–2 January – ALADDIN<br />
Sonny Flood (Hollyoaks) stars as<br />
Aladdin in this exciting new<br />
production of the classic story.<br />
Tickets £16.95, conc. £15.25,<br />
various discounts available.<br />
The Wycombe Swan<br />
High Wycombe, 01494 512 000,<br />
www.wycombeswan.co.uk<br />
11 December–9 January –<br />
PETER PAN<br />
Steve McFadden, from Eastenders,<br />
stars in the role of the villainous<br />
Captain Hook in this swashbuckling<br />
version of Peter Pan.<br />
Tickets from £17, conc. £2/£3 off,<br />
discounts available.<br />
Visit Find us more now theatre at www. listings familiestvw.co.uk - www.familiestvw.co.uk/theatre<br />
Out & About<br />
Laura’s Star at Norden Farm<br />
Oakwood Centre, Woodley<br />
11-12 December – ROBIN HOOD &<br />
HIS MERRY HOODIES<br />
A hip-hop pantomime brought to you<br />
by the talented young performers of<br />
Mo’s Pantomime Company. 1pm & 5pm.<br />
Tickets £10, conc. £8.<br />
Call 0797 783 6865 to book.<br />
15-18 December – ONCE UPON A TIME<br />
A tale set in Pantoland and presented by<br />
Berzerk Productions. Tickets £9.50/£8.50.<br />
Box Office 0118 324 0800,<br />
www.readinginfo.co.uk<br />
Abi Titmuss, the Wicked Fairy<br />
in Cinderella at The Anvil<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 25
PAGE 26<br />
Out & About<br />
Diary Dates<br />
Events in red feature a visit<br />
from Father Christmas. There<br />
are lots more Santa spotting<br />
opportunities on page 29.<br />
Ongoing events<br />
Every Sunday – SUPER SUNDAYS at<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Museum, 0118 939 9800,<br />
www.readingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Special family activities in the afternoons.<br />
First and fifth Sunday of the month crafts,<br />
second Victorian classroom experience,<br />
third a tour of <strong>Reading</strong> and fourth a<br />
chance to get hands-on with real objects<br />
from the collection.<br />
Every weekend and every day during<br />
school holidays – THE FIRE AND LIGHT<br />
SHOW at The Look Out Discovery<br />
Centre, Bracknell, 01344 354 400,<br />
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout<br />
Fire your imagination with fantastic<br />
demonstrations - enjoy flames, fire and<br />
sparks. What does a candle need to keep<br />
burning? Which creatures produce their<br />
own light? Make some amazing<br />
discoveries about fire and light. £1.85 in<br />
addition to main entrance price, show<br />
times at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.15pm.<br />
Every weekend in November - REPTILE<br />
ROADSHOW at Odds Farm Park,<br />
Wooburn Common, nr Beaconsfield,<br />
01628 520 188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk<br />
Come face to face with snakes, lizards,<br />
tarantulas and lots of other reptiles<br />
alongside the usual attractions including<br />
the indoor playbarn, bale climb and hands<br />
on activities. No extra charge.<br />
November<br />
4 November – BONFIRE AND<br />
FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Camp<br />
Mohawk, Highfield Lane, Wargrave<br />
Enjoy a spectacular pyrotechnics display<br />
with proceeds supporting Camp Mohawk,<br />
a day centre for special needs children.<br />
6-8pm. Refreshments available. Tickets £2<br />
or £5 family.<br />
5 November – FIREWORKS AND FUN at<br />
Checkendon Primary School<br />
This year’s spectacle starts at 6pm when<br />
gates open for a barbeque, bar and<br />
various stalls, with the fireworks starting<br />
around 7pm. Tickets available on the<br />
night, £3 adult, £2 child, under 2’s free.<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
6 November – END OF SEASON<br />
FIREWORKS at Legoland, Windsor,<br />
08705 04 04 04, www.legoland.co.uk<br />
One of the most spectacular fireworks<br />
displays in the South of England, with a<br />
magnificent show of music and<br />
breathtaking fireworks on a Wizard<br />
theme.<br />
6 November – FIREWORK FIESTA at<br />
Wellington Country Park, Riseley,<br />
0118 932 6444, www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk<br />
Annual evening spectacular in aid of<br />
charities supported by the Loddon Lions.<br />
Tickets £6, child £2 in advance from<br />
Reception, £7/£3 on door. Gates open<br />
5.30pm, fireworks at 7.30pm.<br />
6 November – SPARKS IN THE PARK<br />
FIREWORKS DISPLAY at Swallowfield<br />
Park, Swallowfield<br />
Firework display for the Farley Hill School<br />
Association.<br />
6 November – SECOND HAND TOY<br />
SALE at Twyford and Ruscombe Pre-<br />
School, Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Rd,<br />
Twyford<br />
Come and pick up a bargain for<br />
Christmas, with second hand toys and<br />
baby equipment for sale from<br />
10am-12noon. Sellers receive 2/3 of the<br />
money raised, to sell call 07769 916 800.<br />
6 November - FIREWORK FIESTA at<br />
Pangbourne Primary School,<br />
www.fopps.org.uk<br />
Gates open at 5.30pm. BBQ, West Berks<br />
Brewery and bar, games, huge bonfire and<br />
30 minute firework display. Tickets £7.50,<br />
under 12’s free, available in advance at<br />
www.fopps.org.uk<br />
See The Oracle Christmas Spectacular on 20 November<br />
7 November – FOXY’S FIREWORK<br />
SPECTACULAR at Edgbarrow Sports<br />
Centre, Crowthorne, 01344 776 211,<br />
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be<br />
Doors open at 5pm for bouncy castle, soft<br />
play and trampolining. Bar and food<br />
available and fireworks at 6.30pm. Tickets<br />
in advance or on the door.<br />
7 November – RECYCLED ARTS<br />
WORKSHOP at The Nature Discovery<br />
Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635<br />
874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
11am-3.30pm. Free family drop in event.<br />
Make wallpaper snails.<br />
10 November - TWILIGHT MARKET<br />
at Ashridge Nursery, Keephatch<br />
School, Ashridge Rd, Wokingham,<br />
www.ashridgenursery.co.uk<br />
Enjoy a glass of wine whilst browsing stalls<br />
selling toys, jewellery, cards, cosmetics, and<br />
crafts. 7.30-9.30pm.<br />
10-11 November – TODDLER DAYS –<br />
FARM ANIMALS at The Look Out<br />
Discovery Centre, Bracknell, 01344<br />
354 400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.<br />
uk/lookout<br />
Special activities for toddlers including<br />
face or hand painting, play dough, story<br />
telling and make and take activities.<br />
Admission also includes entrance to the<br />
hands on science and nature exhibition.<br />
10am-4pm. £6.20 per adult and<br />
toddler, £1.40 per additional toddler<br />
(max 3 per adult).<br />
13-14 November – CHRISTMAS CRAFT<br />
FAIR at South Hill Park, Bracknell, 01344<br />
484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk<br />
All your Christmas shopping under one<br />
roof with craft demonstrations, food and<br />
Thomas<br />
& FaThEr<br />
ChrisTmas<br />
Saturdays/Sundays 4/5, 11/12, 18/19<br />
& Wednesday/Thursday 22/23 December<br />
<strong>Online</strong> booking at www.ticketweb.co.uk<br />
Entrance at Didcot Parkway rail station.<br />
Signed from M4 (junc 13) & A34<br />
drink and outdoor play area. Entrance £4,<br />
child £2, under 10s free. 11am–6pm<br />
Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday. Adult taster<br />
sessions in Printmaking, Ceramics and<br />
Silversmithing (up to £5, advance booking<br />
advised), supervised children’s arts activities<br />
for 5-11yrs (£10 per session, book in<br />
advance) and make and take family drop<br />
in sessions between 11.30am-1pm Sat and<br />
11am-12.30pm Sun.<br />
13 November – BABY & CHILDREN’S<br />
CHRISTMAS MARKET at Rivermead<br />
Leisure Centre, Richfield Ave, <strong>Reading</strong>,<br />
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk<br />
10am-4pm. Christmas shopping market<br />
with unique new products and services.<br />
Entry £1, children free.<br />
13 November – SUN CHRISTMAS FAIR<br />
at Sulhamstead & Ufton Nervet Village<br />
Hall, Sulhamstead Hill<br />
Gifts for the home and family,<br />
refreshments, photographer. 11am-3pm. In<br />
aid of Breast Cancer Campaign.<br />
20 November – CHRISTMAS LIGHTS<br />
SWITCH ON at The Broad Street Mall,<br />
<strong>Reading</strong>, www.broadstreetmall.com<br />
Free festive face painting, balloons and<br />
giveaways. <strong>Reading</strong>’s Got Talent finalists on<br />
stage between 12-3pm showcasing live<br />
music and dance and the switch on of the<br />
lights at 4pm. Santa’s grotto open from<br />
10am-2pm. Also, the <strong>Reading</strong> Giving Tree<br />
will be launched at 5.30pm in the Penta<br />
Hotel – donate a gift for a local child who<br />
might not otherwise get a present this<br />
Christmas.<br />
20 November – ORACLE CHRISTMAS<br />
SPECTACULAR at The Oracle, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis will be counting<br />
down to the eagerly anticipated fireworks<br />
display, which will be wowing crowds on<br />
The Riverside at 6.15pm with a dazzling<br />
array of pyrotechnics and lasers. Extended<br />
opening hours and special offers in the<br />
shops.<br />
20 November – BABY & CHILDREN’S<br />
MARKET at Main Concourse,<br />
Newbury Racecourse,<br />
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk<br />
9am-12noon. New and pre-loved clothes,<br />
ranging from maternity wear to children’s<br />
clothing from newborn to around 8yrs,<br />
plus quality products and services. Entry<br />
£1, children free.<br />
20 November – RSPB: SLUGS & SNAILS<br />
at The Nature Discovery Centre,<br />
Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381,<br />
www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
11am-3.30pm. Free family drop in event.<br />
20 November – GET WILD IN<br />
WONDERFUL WOODLAND at<br />
Greenham Common,<br />
www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
A hands-on afternoon of family activities in<br />
the woods. 1-4pm. £2, please book on<br />
01635 874 381.<br />
Recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway<br />
Registered Charity No 272616<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
y Claire Frew<br />
21 November – FAMILY CHRISTMAS<br />
FAYRE at Shiplake Memorial Hall,<br />
Memorial Ave, Shiplake<br />
Organised by Shiplake Village Nursery and<br />
offering a good range of quality gifts,<br />
stocking fillers and children’s creative<br />
Christmas activities. 2pm-4pm. Call 07920<br />
011 331 for more details.<br />
26 November – GRAND CHARITY AUCTION<br />
at Wokingham Town Hall, 0118 978 8801,<br />
www.wintercarnival.org.uk<br />
A wide range of donated lots are up for<br />
auction with proceeds going to local<br />
charities. Viewing starts from 12noon,<br />
complimentary mulled wine and mince<br />
pies from 6.45pm, auction starts<br />
7.30pm. View lots on the website in<br />
advance. Free entry.<br />
27 November – BABY & CHILDREN’S<br />
MARKET at Bulmershe Leisure Centre,<br />
Woodlands Ave, Woodley RG5 3EU,<br />
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk<br />
2-4pm. See 20 Nov entry.<br />
27 November – CHARVIL PRE-SCHOOL<br />
TOY, BOOK AND CAKE SALE at Woodley<br />
Pagoda, Woodley Town Centre<br />
Come along and grab a bargain – second<br />
hand toys, children’s and adults’ books and<br />
other gift items for sale, plus delicious<br />
homemade cakes. From 10am. All<br />
proceeds to Charvil Pre-School,<br />
www.charvilpreschool.co.uk<br />
27-28 November – SANTA’S ARRIVAL AND<br />
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON in<br />
Bracknell town centre, www.bracknell.com<br />
Santa arrives in Bracknell on 27 November<br />
and will switch on the town’s Christmas<br />
lights on 28 November, accompanied by a<br />
special guest and followed by spectacular<br />
fireworks. See website for more details.<br />
27 November – FAMILY CHRISTMAS<br />
CRAFTS & CARD MAKING WORKSHOP<br />
at Beechwood School,<br />
Ambleside Close, Woodley<br />
Come and see demo’s of how to make<br />
delightful Christmas crafts and cards and<br />
then have a go yourself. 10.30am-<br />
12.30pm. £3 adult, £1.50 child, £5 family,<br />
plus cost of materials used. Email h.harris@<br />
beechwood.wokingham.sch.uk to book.<br />
28 November – FAMILY COPPICING at<br />
Tinkers Copse, Bracknell, 01344 354 441<br />
Try your hand at a traditional woodland craft.<br />
Suitable for all. Tools, gloves and<br />
refreshments provided. Please book. 2-4pm.<br />
28 November – WOKINGHAM WINTER<br />
CARNIVAL in the Town Centre,<br />
Wokingham, www.wintercarnival.org.uk<br />
The roads are closed and lined with trade,<br />
food and charity stalls ideal for Christmas<br />
purchases, plus street craft, music, fun fair,<br />
Punch & Judy, Santa’s Grotto (in the library)<br />
and a carnival procession followed by a<br />
Carol Service around the Christmas tree.<br />
Free entry. 11am–5.30pm.<br />
December<br />
Throughout December during opening<br />
hours – CHRISTMAS COIN HUNT at<br />
REME Museum of Technology,<br />
Arborfield, <strong>Reading</strong>, 0118 976 3375,<br />
www.rememuseum.org.uk<br />
Find hidden chocolate coins in the<br />
museum displays and vehicles.<br />
1-5 and 8-12 December – A COUNTRY<br />
HOUSE CHRISTMAS at Basildon Park,<br />
nr Pangbourne, 0118 984 3040,<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
Come and see the house dressed in all its<br />
Christmas splendour with festive<br />
decorations. Festive food and children’s<br />
activities at the weekends. 11am-4pm.<br />
3 December – HENLEY CHRISTMAS<br />
FESTIVAL<br />
Annual evening event to get you in the<br />
festive mood. Switching on of the<br />
Christmas lights, Father Christmas’ Grotto,<br />
fair rides, lots of outside stalls and carol<br />
singing around the Christmas tree.<br />
3 December – TWYFORD CHRISTMAS<br />
FAYRE in Twyford village centre,<br />
www.twyfordvillage.com<br />
A variety of stalls for all your festive<br />
shopping needs, plus Santa. 6-9pm.<br />
3 December – FRENCH MARKET in<br />
Woodley Town Centre, www.<br />
woodleytowncentre.co.uk<br />
Come and buy a selection of French<br />
produce and gifts. From 9am.<br />
4 December – CHRISTMAS FAIR at<br />
Sonning C of E School, Liguge Way,<br />
Sonning<br />
A variety of stalls full of Christmas gifts,<br />
tombola, refreshments and a visit from<br />
Santa himself. 11.30am-2.30pm.<br />
4 December – MAKE A SILK SCARF at<br />
The River and Rowing Museum,<br />
Henley, 01491 415 605, www.rrm.co.uk<br />
Create your own designs for painting on<br />
silk and produce a beautiful scarf, a<br />
perfect present. For 4-11yrs 10.30am<br />
-12.30pm, £8.50 plus £2 materials.<br />
4 December – WOODLEY CAROL<br />
SERVICE in Woodley shopping centre,<br />
0118 921 6920, www.<br />
woodleytowncentre.co.uk<br />
Carol Concert and Christmas Tree light<br />
switch on. 4.30 pm. Mince pies and<br />
mulled wine available.<br />
5 December – WOODLEY WINTER<br />
EXTRAVAGANZA in Woodley shopping<br />
centre, 0118 921 6920, www.<br />
woodleytowncentre.co.uk<br />
Entertainment for all the family with a<br />
climbing wall, football cage, rides,<br />
roundabouts, live entertainment plus visit<br />
Santa’s Grotto and meet real live reindeer.<br />
Also lots of charity, craft and trade stalls<br />
selling produce and gifts. From 10am.<br />
Santa arrives 11.15am.<br />
We provide a quality indoor market<br />
for parents to buy and sell pre-loved<br />
baby and children’s products.<br />
Our markets also host a selection<br />
of unique local businesses.<br />
Our markets are located in Lower Earley, Newbury, <strong>Reading</strong><br />
and across the Thames Valley. Dates & locations can be<br />
found in the ‘Out & About’ section of this magazine or by<br />
contacting us at:<br />
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk • 07881 641614<br />
5 December – WOODLEY WINTER<br />
EXTRAVAGANZA ACTIVITIES at<br />
Woodley Library<br />
A string quartet from The <strong>Reading</strong><br />
Symphony Orchestra will be playing festive<br />
classics. Drop in seasonal crafts and festive<br />
icing fun for families with children 2-12yrs.<br />
1.30-3.30pm.<br />
9-10 December - TODDLER DAYS –<br />
CHRISTMAS at The Look Out Discovery<br />
Centre, Bracknell, 01344 354 400,<br />
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout<br />
Special activities for toddlers including face<br />
or hand painting, play dough, story telling<br />
and make and take activities. Admission<br />
also includes entrance to the hands on<br />
science and nature exhibition. 10am-4pm.<br />
£6.20 per adult and toddler, £1.40 per<br />
additional toddler (max 3 per adult).<br />
10 December – WOODCOTE WINDMILL<br />
SALE at Woodcote Village Hall, www.<br />
woodcote-online.co.uk<br />
Nearly new sale of toys, games, clothes<br />
and nursery equipment. 8am-2pm. 25p on<br />
door. To sell call 01491 681 449.<br />
10 December – HENLEY NCT<br />
CHRISTMAS PARTY at Christ Church<br />
Centre, Henley<br />
Christmas fun, open to all. 2-5pm. Details<br />
on 0844 243 6160, www.nct.org.uk/henley<br />
12 December – RECYCLED ARTS<br />
WORKSHOP at The Nature Discovery<br />
Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635<br />
874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
11am-3.30pm. For families. Drop in and<br />
make a recycled Rudolph.<br />
12-13 December – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS<br />
at REME Museum of Technology,<br />
Arborfield, <strong>Reading</strong>, 0118 976 3375,<br />
www.rememuseum.org.uk<br />
Christmas crafts activities to make and take<br />
home. Suitable for children 5-12yrs and<br />
accompanied by an adult. 11am-3.30pm.<br />
Normal admission charges apply.<br />
17 December – SIMA’S ACTION KIDS<br />
CHRISTMAS PARTY at Magnet Leisure<br />
Centre, Maidenhead, 01628 633 899<br />
/639955<br />
90 mins of Sima’s entertainment, bouncy<br />
castle, face painting, soft play, visit from<br />
Santa and goody bag. Plus karaoke contest<br />
– winner will appear live on stage with<br />
Sima at Maidenhead Carnival 2011. 4.30-<br />
6pm. For accompanied under 11’s. Book in<br />
advance at Magnet Leisure Centre, £7 first<br />
child, discounts available. Contact Sima on<br />
07956 993 439, www.simasactionkids.com<br />
for more information.<br />
18 December - THE BGC CHRISTMAS<br />
MEETING at Ascot Racecourse, 0870<br />
727 1234, www.ascot.co.uk<br />
Meet Santa in his Winter Wonderland Grotto<br />
plus fairground rides and face painting. Carol<br />
service after the last race. Tickets from £16,<br />
accompanied under 18s free.<br />
Saturday 4th December<br />
11am-4pm<br />
Escape the hustle and<br />
bustle of the high street<br />
and find unique gifts.<br />
Free Entry.<br />
To book or for more information<br />
please contact us on T: 01635 874 381<br />
E: naturecentre@westberks.gov.uk<br />
www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
Visit Discover us now more at www. things familiestvw.co.uk<br />
to do - www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson<br />
18 December – CHRISTMAS<br />
WOODLAND FORAGE at Lily Hill Park,<br />
Bracknell, 01344 354 441<br />
Collect festive foliage to decorate your<br />
home (please bring collection bags and<br />
secateurs). 11am-12noon. No booking<br />
required. Free.<br />
19 December – UGLY DUCKLING at The<br />
Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham,<br />
RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381,<br />
www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
In this unusual and delightful version of<br />
Hans Christian Andersen’s tale Major<br />
Mustard and the audience call on song,<br />
music and story to cure the duckling’s<br />
sadness. A Christmas treat for all. 11am<br />
& 2pm. Booking essential. Tickets £5.<br />
20-21 December – CHRISTMAS IN THE<br />
WILD WOOD at The River and Rowing<br />
Museum, Henley, 01491 415 605,<br />
www.rrm.co.uk<br />
Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad for<br />
cosy Christmas crafts and activities and<br />
receive a present from Mr Toad. All ages.<br />
£3 per child. 10.30am-3.30pm.<br />
21 December – CRAFTS: SNOWY<br />
SCULPTURE AND ICY ART at Westmorland<br />
Park, Warfield, 01344 354 441<br />
Using white paint and silver glitter create<br />
sparkly trees and icy snowmen. For 5-11yrs.<br />
£3.50. Booking required. 10am-12noon.<br />
22 December – RSPB: CHRISTMAS<br />
ROBINS at The Nature Discovery<br />
Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635<br />
874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk<br />
11am-3.30pm. Free family drop in.<br />
22 December – I SAW THREE SHIPS<br />
COME SAILING BY at The River and<br />
Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491 415<br />
605, www.rrm.co.uk<br />
Get inspiration from some of the<br />
magnificent ships that used to come up<br />
the Thames and decorate your own as a<br />
festive table decoration. For 4-11yrs.<br />
£8.50. 10.30am-12.30pm, please book.<br />
22 December – CHRISTMAS CRAFT:<br />
CHRISTMAS VICTORIAN WREATHS at<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Museum, 0118 939 9800,<br />
www.readingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Free drop in family crafts, 10am-12noon<br />
and 1-3pm.<br />
Sunday 19th December<br />
Performances at 11am & 2pm<br />
In this unusual and delightful version of Hans<br />
Christian Andersen’s tale Major Mustard<br />
and the audience call on their skills of song,<br />
music and story to help the ugly duckling.<br />
Booking Essential, £5.00 per person.<br />
Opening Times<br />
November – March<br />
Tuesday – Sunday 11am–4pm<br />
Closed Mondays<br />
Out & About<br />
Meet Santa at the BGC<br />
Ascot race meeting, 18 Dec<br />
The Nature<br />
Discovery Centre,<br />
Muddy Lane, Lower Way,<br />
Thatcham RG19 3FU<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 27
PAGE 28<br />
Out & About<br />
from<br />
£27<br />
per day<br />
Archery<br />
Arts & Crafts<br />
Climbing Wall<br />
Den Building NEW<br />
Gymnastics<br />
Kayaking<br />
Outdoor Sports<br />
Orienteering NEW<br />
Swimming<br />
Taekwondo<br />
Team Building<br />
Trampolining<br />
Wildlife Explorers<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
childcare<br />
vouchers<br />
accepted<br />
Off site<br />
visits<br />
Legoland<br />
Paintballing<br />
Science Centre<br />
Thorpe Park<br />
Scheme<br />
Open<br />
every<br />
school<br />
holiday<br />
Extra<br />
activities<br />
Animation<br />
Bikeability<br />
Circus Skills<br />
Paint Me<br />
“The staff are amazing, the activities enjoyable,<br />
my son has really developed this summer”<br />
“I look forward to coming to LP every holiday<br />
and making new friends”<br />
Booking forms and further information are available on our website<br />
Leighton Park School 0118 987 9538<br />
Ofsted Registered 5-14 years old<br />
activities@leightonpark.com www.leightonpark.com/enterprises<br />
23 December – CROWNS AND TIARAS<br />
at <strong>Reading</strong> Museum, 0118 939 9800,<br />
www.readingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Create a sparkly headpiece for Sleeping<br />
Beauty or her prince. For 5+yrs, families,<br />
1-hour sessions starting at 10am,<br />
11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm, £2, pay on the<br />
day, limited spaces available.<br />
26 December – BOXING DAY WALK<br />
around Charvil<br />
Meet at St Patrick’s Church, Park View<br />
Drive North at 10am for an hour and a<br />
half’s walk with a stop for wine and<br />
mince pies. Free. No need to book.<br />
27-28 December – SPECIAL HOLIDAY<br />
STEAM UPS at Buckinghamshire<br />
Railway Centre, Quainton, near<br />
Aylesbury, 01296 655 720, www.<br />
bucksrailcentre.org.uk<br />
Enjoy a steam train trip after the<br />
Christmas festivities, plus magic show,<br />
Punch and Judy, free seasonal<br />
refreshments. 10am-5.30pm.<br />
Super Camps – multi-activity day camp<br />
for 4-14yrs at LVS School, Ascot from 20-<br />
23 December, 01235 832 222,<br />
www.supercamps.co.uk<br />
Leighton Park School – holiday activity<br />
scheme for 5-14yrs at Leighton Park in<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> from 17–24 December. Various<br />
sports and other activities plus lots of<br />
off-site visits, 0118 987 9538, www.<br />
leightonpark.com/Enterprises.aspx<br />
Jubilee Jets Holiday Club – for 5-11yrs<br />
at Jubilee Day Nursery in Padworth<br />
Common from 20-24 December, 8am-<br />
6pm (3pm on 24 Dec). Quad biking,<br />
woodland adventures, arts, crafts and lots<br />
more, 0118 970 1600,<br />
www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk or<br />
www.jubileejets.co.uk<br />
Waterloo Meadows – holiday club at<br />
Katesgrove Children’s Centre, Elgar Rd,<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> on 22-24 and 29-31 December<br />
(mornings only 24 and 31 Dec),<br />
8.30am–1pm and 1-5.30pm. Full or half<br />
day bookings taken from 15 November,<br />
0118 937 2637, www.reading.gov.uk/<br />
holidayplayclubs<br />
Take a steam train ride at Didcot Railway Centre, various dates<br />
27-28 December and 2-3 January – MINCE<br />
PIE SPECIALS at Chinnor and Princes<br />
Risborough Railway, Chinnor, 01844 353<br />
535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk<br />
Blow away those post-Santa cobwebs with<br />
a train trip with mince pies and a drink.<br />
January<br />
1-2 January – NEW YEAR STEAMINGS<br />
at Didcot Railway Centre, 01235 817<br />
200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk<br />
Look round the centre, behind the scenes<br />
and enjoy a steam ride. Centre open daily<br />
from 27 Dec to 2 January, with Steamday<br />
train rides on 1-2 January.<br />
If you would like details of your production or<br />
event to appear on our website www.<br />
familiestvw.co.uk/whatson, please give us a<br />
ring on 0118 954 6893 or email us at editor@<br />
familiestvw.co.uk The deadline for the<br />
January/February 2011 issue is 1 December.<br />
Holiday clubs & activities<br />
The run-up to Christmas can be stressful even for the most organised of<br />
us. To prevent complete family melt-down, why not book your child some<br />
time at a holiday club or camp? They can have fun and let off steam whilst<br />
you finish the present shopping, make that important work presentation,<br />
stuff the turkey or even have a nice lunch out with friends! Many childcare<br />
providers close over the festive period but we’ve found some activities that<br />
will be running.<br />
Angels Holiday Club – for 3-11yrs<br />
at Our Lady’s Preparatory School,<br />
Crowthorne with sports, arts and crafts,<br />
music, games etc, 16-23 December and<br />
4-7 January, 01344 773 394.<br />
KOOSA Kids Holiday Clubs – for 4-13yrs<br />
in Ascot, Bracknell and Fleet from 20-23<br />
December, with multi activities, sports, arts<br />
and crafts, drama and adventure, 0845<br />
094 2322, www.koosakids.co.uk<br />
Perform – invites 4-8 yr olds to join 3-day<br />
drama, dance and singing courses exploring<br />
Aladdin in Wokingham and Beaconsfield<br />
on 20-22 December, 10am-12.30pm,<br />
0845 400 4000, www.perform.org.uk<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> Football Club - soccer schools<br />
on 22-23 December for boys and girls,<br />
7-14yrs, at Madejski Stadium, 9am-3pm<br />
(£42 for two days), 0118 968 1460,<br />
www.readingfc.co.uk<br />
Some leisure centres and libraries will<br />
also be running holiday activities. Give<br />
them a call or pop in to find out more.<br />
You can find contact numbers at<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/libraries and<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/leisurecentres<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
ODDS FARM PARK, Wooburn Common,<br />
near Beaconsfield. Every weekend from 27<br />
November-19 December, plus 20-24<br />
December, visit Santa in his festive grotto<br />
(£2 additional charge for under 2’s and<br />
season ticket holders) and get a free gift<br />
from the Christmas tree in the shop.<br />
Christmas themed Puppet shows every<br />
weekend in December plus all the usual<br />
attractions of the Farm Park, 01626 520<br />
188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk<br />
DINTON PASTURES, Hurst. Santa will be<br />
in his natural woodland wildlife grotto on<br />
12, 14-15 and 19-20 December between<br />
1-3pm in the Embrook Room. Meet Santa<br />
and his elf and receive a small gift. £4 per<br />
child, all ages, no need to book,<br />
www.wokingham.gov.uk/countryside<br />
THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE,<br />
Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. On 11-12<br />
December visit Santa in his grotto from<br />
10am-4pm, along with his fairies and<br />
elves. No advance booking required.<br />
Face painting, festive art and craft and a<br />
Christmas quiz will all be part of the usual<br />
entrance price. Sparkling temporary<br />
Christmas tattoos (extra charge),<br />
01344 354400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.<br />
uk/lookout<br />
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK, Burford,<br />
Oxon. Visit Santa in his grotto every<br />
weekend in December and every day from<br />
20-24 December from 11am–3pm (times<br />
may vary), 01993 823 006, www.<br />
cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk<br />
A wide range of Bouncy Castles, Slides,<br />
Soft Play, Go Karts and Sumo Suits for hire<br />
364 days a year! For Indoor and Outdoor use.<br />
www.bigonbouncing.co.uk<br />
01628 410736/07926 751243<br />
BROAD STREET MALL in <strong>Reading</strong>.<br />
Santa’s Grotto is open on 20 November<br />
for the Christmas Lights Switch-On<br />
between 10am-2pm. See website for<br />
further opening hours throughout<br />
December. Gift from Santa £3.75, photo<br />
with Santa £6.50, gift and photo £6.50.<br />
No booking required, unless a large<br />
group, 0118 957 6633,<br />
www.broadstreetmall.com<br />
OAKTREE NURSERY, Brock Hill, Bracknell<br />
Rd, Warfield, are hoping to have Santa’s<br />
grotto every weekend in December – call<br />
to check first on 01344 890 667,<br />
www.oaktreenurseryberkshire.co.uk<br />
DOBBIES GROVELANDS GARDEN CENTRE,<br />
Shinfield. Santa’s grand arrival on 21 November<br />
at 11.30am (plus entertainment including face<br />
painters and school choirs) and then in his<br />
grotto every weekend until Christmas. Also<br />
Santa’s Breakfasts at weekends from 4 Dec and<br />
every day from 19-24 December and Suppers<br />
from 20-23 December (meal bookings essential<br />
on 0118 988 4822), www.dobbies.com<br />
The following garden centres will not have<br />
an actual Santa’s grotto but Santa will be<br />
visiting at certain times and you can book<br />
breakfast and teas with Santa in the<br />
restaurants in the weeks leading up to<br />
Christmas: WYEVALE GARDEN CENTRES<br />
in Binfield (01344 869 456) and Hare<br />
Hatch (0118 940 3933); THATCHAM<br />
GARDEN CENTRE (01635 871 760); and<br />
HEATHLANDS GARDEN CENTRE,<br />
Wokingham (0118 977 3055),<br />
www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk<br />
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE. THOMAS<br />
SANTA SPECIALS on 4-5, 11-12, 18-19<br />
and 22-23 December. Ride behind Thomas<br />
the Tank Engine to Santa’s grotto, with<br />
presents for the children, entertainment<br />
and the chance to meet the Fat Controller<br />
and his friends. Advance booking<br />
essential. Tickets £10, babes in arms<br />
free, 01235 817 200,<br />
www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk<br />
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY<br />
CENTRE, Quainton, near Aylesbury.<br />
SANTA’S MAGICAL ADVENTURES on 4-5,<br />
11-12 and 18-19 December (with<br />
Thomas pulling the train on 4-5 and<br />
11-12 Dec). A steam hauled train ride<br />
with a present from Santa, plus<br />
refreshments, magic show and miniature<br />
railway ride. Booking essential. Tickets<br />
from £14, £2 babes in arms, 01296 655<br />
720, www.bucksrailcentre.org<br />
Jubilee Jets<br />
Holiday Club<br />
Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday from 8:00 –<br />
18:00 for children aged 4½ to 11 years. Full and half day<br />
sessions available. Supervised by a fun team of qualified<br />
staff Jubilee Jets is a great out-door adventure holiday<br />
club where the best childhood memories are made.<br />
For further information please contact:<br />
Jubilee Jets on 0118 9701 600<br />
www.jubileejets.co.uk<br />
Paddock View, Rectory Rd, Padworth Common, Berks, RG7 4JD<br />
Visit Discover us now more at www. things familiestvw.co.uk<br />
to do - www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson<br />
Set in<br />
fantastic<br />
countryside<br />
location<br />
School<br />
Holiday Fun!<br />
Out & About<br />
Where to spot Santa! Photo courtesy Winter Wonderland<br />
When a Christmas Eve visit<br />
just isn’t enough, Santa can<br />
also be found at……<br />
MID HANTS WATERCRESS LINE,<br />
Alresford. SANTA SPECIALS on 4-5, 11-12<br />
and 18-24 December. Santa will visit every<br />
child at their seat with a gift. Adults<br />
receive a mince pie and seasonal drink.<br />
Tickets £13, babies (under 1) £6, 01962<br />
733 810, www.watercressline.co.uk<br />
CHINNOR AND PRINCES RISBOROUGH<br />
RAILWAY, Chinnor. SANTA SPECIALS on<br />
4-5, 11-12 and 18-19 December. Santa<br />
will be on every train handing out presents<br />
to children. Seasonal refreshments for<br />
adults. Booking advisable. Special carol<br />
evening on 18 December at 7pm, 01844<br />
353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk<br />
CHOLSEY & WALLINGFORD RAILWAY.<br />
SANTA SPECIALS on 4-5, 11-12 and 18-<br />
19 December. Santa will ride on the train<br />
and each child up to the age of 8 will<br />
receive a gift. Adults receive a hot drink<br />
and mince pie at Wallingford Station. No<br />
need to book, www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com<br />
You can also meet Santa at many<br />
of the events featured in our Diary<br />
Dates pages starting on page 26.<br />
•<br />
Feeding lambs<br />
Biking in the woods<br />
Cooking<br />
Circus workshops<br />
Henna tattoos<br />
Trampolining<br />
Games and races<br />
Quad bikes<br />
Or just hanging<br />
out with friends<br />
Ofsted registered<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
PAGE 29
PAGE 30<br />
Great Competitions from<br />
NIRVANA SPA<br />
WIN a luxury spa<br />
gift collection<br />
De-stress yourself in time for<br />
Christmas. This nurturing<br />
range of Spa products<br />
from Nirvana Spa have<br />
been specifically created<br />
by a dedicated team<br />
of skincare experts<br />
to relieve stress and<br />
provide deep<br />
relaxation while achieving<br />
amazing results for the skin. Celestial Spa Authentic is the only range of<br />
treatments and products available in the UK that specifically targets<br />
anti-stress. Nirvana Spa has harnessed nature’s Gemstones to nourish,<br />
replenish and enhance the body, mind and soul. So your skin can feel<br />
this good for Christmas we have a Celestial Body Glow Set which<br />
gives you glowing radiant skin in three simple steps and your own<br />
overnight spa manicure treatment Celestial Pure Indulgence Hand<br />
Care Collection for you to win.<br />
If you are not a lucky winner and would like to try<br />
Celestial for yourself then buy online by visiting<br />
www.nirvanaspa.co.uk or call 0118 989 7575<br />
To enter the Nirvana competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
ODDS FARM<br />
WIN tickets to Odds Farm<br />
this Christmas<br />
Santa is coming to Odds Farm Park and to<br />
celebrate we have 5 Entry Tickets for 2<br />
Adults and 2 Children to give away.<br />
From his Magical Grotto, Santa will be<br />
giving away free gifts* every weekend<br />
from 27 Nov and daily from 20-24 Dec.<br />
Plus, every day from 27 Nov to 24 Dec,<br />
children can choose a free chocolate treat<br />
from the Christmas Tree in the Gift Shop.<br />
It’s festive fun at its best with Christmas<br />
themed Puppet Shows every weekend in<br />
December featuring giant puppets Robby the Reindeer, Mrs Christmas and<br />
even Santa himself.<br />
There are plenty of activities to choose from, whatever the weather.<br />
Plus parents can relax too in the Heated Playbarn Gallery where they<br />
can watch their little ones play in the special Soft Play Area.<br />
* Free for full paying children. £2 charge for Under 2’s, Annual Ticket holders<br />
and Free Child Entry vouchers to go towards the cost of the gift.<br />
For more information, including other special Winter events and prices,<br />
visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk or call 01628 520188<br />
To enter the Odds Farm competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
WINTER WONDERLAND<br />
WIN a fantastic<br />
festive day out<br />
WINTER WONDERLAND in Hyde Park<br />
offers the best Christmas day out in the<br />
UK, with beautifully decorated<br />
attractions set out across 20 acres of<br />
historic parkland and no admission fee.<br />
Exciting paid attractions include<br />
London’s biggest outdoor ice-rink, the<br />
iconic Giant Observation Wheel,<br />
rollercoaster rides and Santa Land for<br />
kids. Family-favourite, Zippos Circus, makes a welcome return to the Big<br />
Top with a family festive circus show during the day. New for 2010 is<br />
the Angel’s Christmas Market and in the evening, the Winter<br />
Wonderland Big Top presents ‘Cirque D’Hiver’ a brand new world-class<br />
Circus. Each evening soak up the atmosphere as choirs and bands<br />
perform and trees glitter with thousands of Christmas lights.<br />
Enjoy the delights of Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, daily 10am-10pm,<br />
Sat 20 Nov to Tue 4 Jan and from 4pm on 19 Nov. Try your luck and<br />
see if you can win one of 3 Family tickets including entrance to the Icerink,<br />
Giant Wheel and Circus at this fantastic event.<br />
Find out more about this great day out by visiting<br />
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com<br />
To enter the Winter Wonderland competition just<br />
visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
THE LITTLE PRINT CO<br />
WIN a personalised<br />
fingerprint charm<br />
What better way to create<br />
an enduring memento than<br />
with a unique, hand-crafted<br />
keepsake, individually<br />
created to capture those<br />
special moments which are<br />
soon forgotten. Based in<br />
<strong>Reading</strong>, Berkshire, The<br />
Little Print Co offers a<br />
stunning range of<br />
Keepsakes.<br />
This is a chance to win<br />
your own stunning<br />
memento to remind you of a special day – or celebrate other important<br />
events, such as birthday’s, engagements, anniversaries or Weddings. We<br />
have a gorgeous silver charm on a necklace for a lucky reader to win.<br />
If you are not a lucky winner and would like to organise a beautiful<br />
silver keepsake in time for Christmas just call 0118 9756382 or visit<br />
www.thelittleprintco.co.uk.<br />
To enter the competition just visit<br />
www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions<br />
Closing date December 10.<br />
Just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions to take part today!<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
STOp pRESS!<br />
Books for Christmas<br />
Books make lovely Christmas gifts. Here are a couple of our<br />
recent favourites.<br />
Slightly Invisible<br />
By Lauren Child<br />
(Orchard Books)<br />
RRP £10.99 Hardback<br />
Charlie and his friend Marv are in<br />
search of strange and tricky creatures<br />
which they would like to do without<br />
Lola bothering and interrupting them<br />
at every opportunity. Luckily, Lola<br />
knows exactly how to catch strange<br />
and tricky creatures and enlists a bit of help from her invisible friend,<br />
Soren Lorensen, along with a few glasses of her favourite pink milk.<br />
This is Lauren Child at her best. An amusing story teamed together<br />
with her fantastic quirky pictures of Charlie and his little sister on one<br />
of their frequent adventures. My children loved being just able to see<br />
the invisible Soren Lorensen and it really got their imaginations going –<br />
they are now requesting a whole host of things for their invisible<br />
friends.<br />
The much-anticipated return of the hugely loved brother and sister<br />
team will bring a great number of smiles to a multitude of children this<br />
Christmas.<br />
Aunt Severe<br />
and the Dragons<br />
By Nick Garlick & Nick Maland<br />
(Andersen Press)<br />
RRP £4.99 Paperback<br />
When Daniel’s explorer parents vanish, he<br />
is forced to live with his strict and rather<br />
strange Aunt Severe. Aunt Severe takes<br />
his toys away, feeds him cold spinach<br />
sandwiches and makes him collect<br />
rubbish. His problems only get more complicated when he finds<br />
four lost dragons hiding in her garden. Daniel wants to help the talking<br />
dragons but before he can do anything three of them are captured by<br />
mean Gotcha Grabber for his zoo. This leaves Daniel with the fourth<br />
dragon (the not so-seemingly clever one) to rescue them.<br />
This is a great little chapter book to share with younger children.<br />
The storyline, which is highly imaginary, flows well with simple<br />
cliffhangers at the end of each short chapter. It is an easy and<br />
compulsive read with a few supporting pen and ink illustrations. The<br />
story touches on how perseverance wins the day and that everyone is<br />
capable of something good.<br />
Local Independent Bookshops<br />
For friendly advice, speedy ordering and great service you can’t<br />
beat you local independent book shop. Do support them. Here<br />
are some of our local stores.<br />
Wordplay (0118 948 2800, www.wordplayshop.co.uk)<br />
Toys and books.<br />
18, Prospect St, Caversham, <strong>Reading</strong>, RG4 8JG<br />
Chapter One (0118 944 8883)<br />
Specialises in children’s books.<br />
136, Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley, <strong>Reading</strong>, RG5 3JH<br />
Bell Bookshop (01491 572583)<br />
52, Bell St, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 2BL<br />
Visit us now at www.familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Services<br />
SIMONS<br />
CARPENTRY<br />
SERVICES<br />
All your carpentry needs<br />
Call Simon for free quotes and advice<br />
Mb 07794 320 886<br />
Hm 0118 978 1056<br />
spcox@talktalk.net<br />
Competition winners<br />
Subscribe to<br />
Classes<br />
Classifieds<br />
Hexagon Pantomime tickets were won by Ruzenka Newstead and<br />
Tina Simpson.<br />
Ascot tickets were won by Jacky Ward, Lucy Williams and Valerie Lambden.<br />
Organised Mum Home Planners were won by Kate Stonehouse, Lisa Bruton,<br />
Mandy Cooper, Gillian Finucane and Tracey Parnwell.<br />
Congratulations to you all and enjoy your prizes.<br />
Don’t miss out on your copy of <strong>Families</strong>. For £15.50 we will send you the next 10 issues<br />
straight to your door. Please complete the coupon below and return it to us together<br />
with your cheque made payable to Caversham Media Ltd.<br />
NAME ............................................................................................................................<br />
ADDRESS .......................................................................................................................<br />
....................................................................... POSTCODE ............................................<br />
WHERE I HEARD ABOUT FAMILIES: ................................................................................<br />
Please send your completed coupon and cheque to:<br />
Caversham Media Ltd, PO Box 2955, <strong>Reading</strong> RG1 9PH ✃<br />
To help make your magazine as local as possible send us<br />
your thoughts, news, recommendations and ideas.<br />
Editorial and booking deadline 1st December.<br />
Call 0118 954 6893 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk,<br />
adverts@familiestvw.co.uk<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
ISSUE 50<br />
Don’t miss your<br />
next issue<br />
of<br />
magazine -<br />
out start of<br />
January<br />
New Year issue<br />
PAGE 31
PAGE 32<br />
BGC Christmas Raceday<br />
Thames Valley West<br />
Saturday 18th December 2010<br />
This highlight of the Winter Jumps season features<br />
superb Jumps racing, Santa’s grotto and fairground<br />
rides. All entertainment is FREE, including a free<br />
gift for every child that visits Father Christmas.<br />
(Subject to availability)<br />
Tickets from £16 per person, Fine Dining from £85<br />
per person (inc. admission). Under 18s FREE.<br />
To book, call 0870 727 1234<br />
or visit ascot.co.uk<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010