Magical Santa Dash for Thames Hospice

Liz Nicholls

family fun

You’re all invited to embark on a magical journey through the enchanted Swinley Forest in Bracknell on Sunday, 8th December, in aid of a wonderful cause

Attention Dashers! A sleigh of Santas and their herd of reindeer are taking time out of their busy festive schedule to help a very special charity.

You can choose between a 2k, 5k or 10k route, suitable for the dashers, prancers or steppers, there’s something for everyone.

Invite your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours to take part and help raise funds to ensure Thames Hospice can provide compassionate care to those who need it now and in the future.

You’re just asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £50. By raising just £50 you could fund two Healthcare Assistants visiting a patient at home making sure they have everything they need to be comfortable in a familar environment, surrounded by their loved ones.

Thanks go to sponsors Bridges

Visit Santa Dash 2024 | Thames Hospice


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Newbury’s LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art)

Liz Nicholls

family fun

Inside a jolly yellow building on Newbury High Street, Alara & Selina are on a mission to spread the joy of creativity with LoLA including some Christmas workshops coming up

Alara and Selina (mums and sisters-in-law) feel passionate about the arts and art education.

They are on a mission to spread the word about process-based, artist-inspired experiences which help children to develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, self-confidence and to have fun!

Unfortunately two-thirds of primary schools in England receive less art education now than they did a decade ago. Over the past five years Alara and Selina have built up LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art) into a successful company that creates magical educational art boxes, sketchbooks and art-activity booklets to support children of all ages to be creative at home. LoLA boxes and sketchbooks are sold in retail spaces such as Harrods, Molly Meg, Conscious Craft, the Science Museum and online.

Wanting to create a space for hands-on art children’s classes, they have now developed the LoLA Creative Space and Café in Newbury. As well as a warm welcoming café, the space offers a wide variety of classes for everyone. All ages are welcome, from Little Ones (ages two to four) to after-school classes, home-education options, workshops for young adults and weekend sessions for the whole family.

Upcoming Christmas workshops include a This is Me Art Journal session (scrapbooking & expressing emotions), 10.30am-12pm on Saturday, 23rd November and a Make Your Own Advent Calendar, 1.30-2pm on 23rd & 10.30a-12pm on Sunday 24th. 10.30am–12pm on Saturday, 30th November you can make a recycled reindeer head decoration inspired by Picasso and 1.30-3pm, tree decorations inspired by folk art. 10.30am-12pm on Sunday, 1st December, there’s Christmas gift-making. The same time on Saturday, 7th December, you can make an arty wreath inspired by Andy Warhol and, 1.30-3pm, Christmas cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. On Sunday, 8th December, 10:30am-12pm you can make painted giant stockings. On Saturday, 14th December, 10.30am- 12pm make angel tree toppers and 1.30-3pm make mini Christmas trees inspired by Ai Weiwei. And, 10.30-12pm on Sunday, 15th December you can make snowflakes, stars and garlands

While teaching workshops are not being held, head along to the café for a coffee while your child gets freely creative! Open Studios are offered nearly every day at the studio where projects and materials are offered on the art table. One ticket includes a hot drink and one space for a child to create at the workshop table.

Pop in to LoLA in Newbury, near the clock tower, RG14 1DT, to say hi or, for more info please email [email protected]


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First World War family day highlight

Liz Nicholls

family fun

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock will host a First World War Family Day on Saturday, 2nd November, in tribute to the 110th anniversary of the start of the Great War

Visitors of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in history with living history displays and interactive galleries.

You’ll also find First World War-themed family workshops and craft activities, pop-ups from other museums, historians and heritage organisations. The museum team will gratefully accept donations of records and objects with local Great War stories.

The family day, 12-5pm on Saturday, 2nd November, marks 110 years since the outbreak of the Great War, while the county military museum also celebrates 10 years since it first opened.

The event aims to commemorate this and help families discover more about Oxfordshire’s contribution to events that changed the world and the stories of local people caught up in them.

First World War activities will be open to all the family, with an illustration workshop focused on wartime animals, and an opportunity to make your own Princess Mary tin, like those gifted to soldiers from Christmas 1914.

During the event, the museum’s galleries will be open alongside a range of WW1 living history displays to help immerse visitors in the period. The Great War Society, Britain’s longest-running First World War living history group, will portray soldiers from the county regiment (The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) throughout different stages of the conflict. Those dropping in will also see interpretations on the ‘War to End All Wars’.

The museum’s permanent displays cover some of the many different fronts on which the war was fought, from the western front to Mesopotamia (now Iraq), while a recreated trench dugout offers visitors a chance to walk through history, with equipment and clothing for families to handle and even try on.

Alongside living history, there will be opportunities to find out more about local and family history with a number of displays from other museums and heritage organisations, including the Western Front Association, Chipping Norton Museum, Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, and the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum. Great War historian and author Helen Frost will be prompting her new book Voices from the Great War: Women’s Land Army, with signed copies available, alongside a fascinating display of Land Girls’ uniforms and photographs to help tell their often-overlooked First World War story.

Those with a family story from the First World War and objects to share will find museum staff and volunteers on hand to discuss these and accept donations to the museum’s collections, preserving Oxfordshire’s military heritage for future generations. The museum is particularly interested in objects from the First World War with a person or story associated with them that ties to the county itself, or one of the county’s regiments, The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry or Oxfordshire Yeomanry.

During the First World War Family Day the museum will not charge its standard admission prices for entry, instead visitors will be encouraged to pay what they can as entry will be by donation. All proceeds will be support the museum’s 10th anniversary fundraising campaign, helping to ensure the museum can continue to look after and expand its collections while preserving and sharing Oxfordshire’s military and wartime stories.

Blenheim Palace, just a short walk from Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, is kindly supporting this event providing additional car parking for visitors on their site throughout.


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Tee-rific LEGOLAND October birthday invitation!

Liz Nicholls

family fun

Anyone who celebrates their birthday during October can enjoy a free round of golf at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort’s themed mini golf attraction, Adventure Golf

The team at Adventure Golf are offering visitors who share an October birthday a round of mini-golf for free. Whether you’re blowing out five candles or 98, all birthday boys and girls are invited to share in the LEGO® fun and enjoy the ultimate birthday treat!

Perfect for a tee-rific start to the October half-term holidays, the LEGO® themed indoor golf experience is ‘fore’ the whole family – with four different LEGO themed course to master. From putting with Pirates and swinging into Space, to driving into LEGO® City or taking your best shot in a Medieval village, each course guaran-tee-s family fun no matter the age.

What’s more, families will be surrounded by Lego models, including a 1.5m tall ice cream sundae made up of 65,000 LEGO bricks, and a giant octopus with tentacles that are over 2.5m wide and made of 150,000 bricks.

Make the most of your visit by joining the biggest, the best and the ultimate party for monsters big and small at LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat Extravaganza. Join the case of ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ and the ‘fang-tastic’ live Monster Jam Harbour Show or boogie down at Lord Vampyre’s disco show on the Miniland stage. The frightfully good fun continues with a walk down Monster Street, where ghoulish residents host games of trick-or-treat, and the Haunted House Monster Party ride, where Lord Vampyre turns the house upside down.

Don’t miss out on this un-fore-gettable celebration and make this October half-term, the most spook-tacular yet.

To claim their free round of mini golf, guests must pre-purchase tickets via the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort website. Guests will need to select the ‘free ticket’ option, alongside purchasing at least one additional ticket. Guests must bring proof of date of birth to show at the front desk at LEGOLAND Adventure Golf. For additional details, please see the terms & conditions below.

Tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor start from £29 per person, kids under 90cm go free. Additional Adventure Golf tickets can be purchased online in advance from £10 per person. To book for your tickets, please visit LEGOLAND® Adventure Golf | LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

To book the Brick or Treat extravaganza, please visit Brick or Treat | Halloween Event at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. For more information and to book your trip visit LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: UK’s Favourite Kids Theme Park


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Half Term Horrors

Round & About

family fun

There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

Berkshire
Oxfordshire
West Berks

Berkshire

Take a breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy as you discover the night-time wonder of Welford Park, selected dates Oct 18th-Nov 10th. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars.

Head to Wellington Country Park this October half term, where they’re throwing the biggest and most friendly spook’tacular Hallo’welly’ween ever, and you’re all invited! From family shows, to recycled junk crafts, from pumpkin carving to the Halloween train ride, there is so much to do this October half-term.

There’s been a murder… of the wildlife kind. After a bump in the night, there’s a crime scene at Windsor Great Park. Help solve the wildlife mystery – whodunnit? Complete the detective training through the family trail, learn how to find and identify tracks and signs of animals. Oct 29th-31st. Book at Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk) and search ‘events’.

Illuminate the Skies at Windsor when the pyrotechnics team will unleash the firework fiesta featuring a dazzling display of rockets, Catherine Wheels and fountains to incredible music. Head over to the funfair for thrilling rides and with yummy treats to keep you and yours fed and toasty you’re sure of an explosive night all round on Saturday, 2nd November.

The The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is once again hosting Brick or Treat – where the LEGO® Monsters are taking over and throwing a Monster Party to celebrate their favourite time of the year!​ Along with the return of the fangtastic Monster Street, there’s the thrilling Monster Jam Show, explore the Haunted House Monster Party – get ready for the most frightfully fun ride of your life! ​Enjoy amazing rides, live shows and attractions until Nov 3rd. 

Follow the October half-term trails at Basildon Park and Greys Court. Follow the map to discover the activities at each venue and collect a small prize when you have finished. Cost £2 per trail.

Join the Moon Witch at Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor and go on a Halloween Scavenger Hunt exploring the woodland that surrounds Tumblestone Hollow, ticking off spooky items and solving mystical riddles along the way.

Track down more than 30 scarecrows on the half term Binfield Scarecrow Hunt around the village with the help of a trail map.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre


Oxfordshire

If you’re looking to keep the family entertained during October half-term, look no further than The Story Museum in Oxford. With a packed programme of events and skills courses, not to mention magical gallery spaces and a fantastic new exhibition, Here Be Dragons co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless, the museum is the place to be, The Story Museum.

Abingdon County Hall Museum has what’s sure to be a fun offering with the Barbie & Ken Exhibition, see the couple dressed in costume through history from 1066 to 1980. More at Abingdon County Hall Museum.

Shop beautiful gifts, watch live craft demonstrations and try your hand at ‘have a go’ sessions at Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair, Nov 1st-3rd in the ancient Abbey Buildings. More than 60 craftspeople will be displaying their work. More at Abingdon Craft Fair.

Talk to whales, hear the universe laugh, and investigate the impossible with IF Oxford, the Oxford science and ideas festival, Oct 9th to Nov 3rd. With more than 100 intriguing and interactive events and activities. IF Oxford has a whole world (and beyond) to entertain and surprise you. Details at Oxford science and ideas Festival.

High Lodge Farm’s bewitching Halloween trail and pumpkin patch is back this October half-term at the farm in Culham OX14 3BN. Follow the spooky trail, PYO Pumpkin, tuck into mallows and tasty treats and have fun on the farm. Visit High Lodge Farm.

From gremlins and goblins to witches with charm, Millets Farm invite you to their Spook-tacular Farm! With a circus full of tricks, a disco full of spooks and field full of pumpkins, there’s spookily good fun this half term.

Tiptoe through spooky rooms at The Witch’s House at Cogges Manor decorated with scenes from favourite childhood stories, and see spooktacular sights and sounds. There will be a pumpkin trail around the grounds too.

Get your hands dirty and boots muddy as you pick pumpkins and squash from the growing field at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham. Take on the mega maze maze, visit the storytelling teepee and follow the scarecrow trail around the farm.

Blenheim Palace invites you to wander from dusk into darkness and through the spooky spider tunnel to be surprised by fantastic fire performers. Watch out for the headless horseman emerging from the mist.

Take a Spooky Tour of Oxford Castle & Prison and uncover some of the grisly stories of its inhabitants – some of whom are said to still roam the grounds. Join the resident witches and warlocks for a half-term potion-making activity.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre.


West Berks

Take a breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy as you discover the night-time wonder of Welford Park, selected dates Oct 18th-Nov 10th, through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the star. Sip delicious hot chocolate and spiced cider as you meander along this beautiful trail. Take a moment by the house to tuck into scrumptious hot food.

Head to the Orchard at Avebury Manor Garden over the weekend of October 26th and 27th and join in the apple weekend celebrations. Pick up information on the apple orchard at Avebury and join in fun family activities, have a go at pressing some fresh apple juice from several native apple varieties. Why not join a family stone circle tour on Wednesdays and Sundays during school holidays to learn more about this amazing site as a family!

This autumn half-term explore the outdoors with a tracker pack at Buscot and Coleshill Estate. Pick up a rucksack with everything in it you’ll need to explore Coleshill, binoculars, magnifying glass, spotting sheets and more. Search for bugs, identify trees and see what signs of animals you can spot, then head to reception for a nature friendly prize.

Follow the enchanting decorated woodland trail in Aldermaston through Wasing Estate’s stunning autumnal woodland then head for the pumpkin patch where a fairytale pumpkin carriage awaits and where you can choose your perfect pumpkin nestled in the organic field to take home and carve. Afterwards enjoy tasty seasonal snacks and hot & cold drinks.

Join the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham on October 29th & 31st for a Spooky Spectacular Halloween Trail through their nature reserve. Find out about some of the amazing creatures associated with Halloween and why they are not as scary as you once thought. Pop along to The Hutch afterwards for a craft activity to take home.

Blaze and his dragon friends have decided to play hide and seek in West Berkshire Museum – help Blaze to count the tiny glow-in-the-dark dragons as well as to find his dragon friends and, the greatest treasure of all, a precious dragon egg. The family friendly event on Friday, 1st November, 5-7pm, features a free dragon hunt through a dark or dimly lit museum – please bring a torch.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre.


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Discover Bucks Museum’s Star Wars adventure

Liz Nicholls

family fun

Head to Discover Bucks Museum near Aylesbury to see one of the finest collection of vintage Star Wars toys & original movie posters

One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original movie posters is on display in a stunning exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Bucks.

Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape.

For little kids and “big kids” alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and the museum team are excited for its first visit to Aylesbury. The exhibition runs until 3rd November.

Continuing the sci-fi theme and a treat for those visitors who have fond memories of the 1980 BBC Television adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, we have on display until 3rd November the original, screen-used costume prop of Marvin the Paranoid Android.

For more information, opening times, ticket prices and to book visit Welcome to Discover Bucks – Discover Bucks. Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP.


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School’s Out At The Shed

Round & About

family fun

Great family fun to keep everyone entertained in Whitehill and Bordon

Puppet shows and princess picnics are bringing the fun with opportunities to join in and have a great time this month at The Shed.

Punch and Judy 14th August 12-2pm

The Shed welcomes back the much-loved Magician and Children’s Entertainer Ben Bamboozle to The Shed for a free show of Punch and Judy. Interactive, hilarious and entertaining, this show is guaranteed to bring the belly laughs.

Picnic with a Princess and Superhero 22nd August 12pm-2pm

Head to The Shed on August 22nd for a picnic in the Town Park with a Princess and a Superhero! Guests bring the picnic, and The Shed will provide the special guests. No need to book or pay for a ticket, just grab a blanket and a picnic from home or help yourself to some great food from one of The Shed’s many vendors, and come along and enjoy.

Don’t forget the monthly Shed Saturday Market on the 24th August offering local fare, and the Open Mic Night where anyone can showcase their talents on the 15th August from 8-10pm!

Throughout 2024 The Shed is the place for a treat, to eat, create and meet, and you can find the full listing and details of all upcoming events at The Shed and much more at https://theshedwb.com/shed-events/.


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High flying fun at Blackbushe

Round & About

family fun

Blackbushe Open Day and Fly-In is celebrating all things aviation on Saturday, 15th June with static displays and experience flights among the fun for the whole family

Aviation enthusiasts will be on cloud nine at the annual Blackbushe Air Day with fun and games for all the family, a static aircraft display, live entertainment, a history hub and stalls.

The static display features a wide variety of aircraft, many vintage including those dating from the 1930s as well as fly-in appearances from a variety of aircraft.

There will be limited availability to take part in some flying action, with experience flights on Scillonia Airway’s Dragon Rapide (tickets on the day) and Adventure 001’s Jet Ranger Helicopter when you can enjoy a six-mile flight.

In 2023 more than 84 aircraft attended and over 120 classic cars, including historical aircraft from Blackbushe’s past with some more than 100 years old. A Sherman Tank was among the vehicles on display. More than 150 classic vehicles are scheduled to appear this year, a 25 percent increase on last year with big names such as the Jaguar E-Type, the MGB, and the Ford Mustang, American police vehicles, a bus, along with many others.

New for 2024 will see Aerobility bring their experience in running the Armchair Airshow to a new attraction – Aerobility Live! Watch on a big screen showing some fantastic air displays, with real pilots on stage commentating on the fantastic feats, providing an insight into the skills required.

Another highlight for the day that’ll have you looking upwards, will be the Battle of Britain memorial flight making a flypast complete with a Spitfire and Hurricane.

There’s family excitement with fun and games for all ages to be found around the site. Features include bouncy castles and slides, miniature ‘ride on’ model planes, static displays, live entertainment, the history hub and food stalls.

In addition to the mix of aviation themed stalls and merchandise, shop at the maker’s market for handmade jewellery, art, chocolate and candles among others and when it’s time to stop for food and drink you’re spoiled for choice with fish and chips, pulled pork, burgers, crepes and pizza with wine, gin and beer as well as soft drinks available.

Tickets £18 adults, £8 children, £45 family (2&2). Please book at Tickets — Blackbushe Air Day

Egham Royal Show weekend in August

Round & About

family fun

The Egham Royal Show takes place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August at the showground in Whitehall Lane.

Last year for the first time, the show provided children’s rides free of charge. This was a huge success so again this year, these rides will be free – including go-karts.

Egham Royal Show has a reputation for offering something for everyone. As well as the traditional rare breeds animals and horticulture/crafts competitions, there will be live music, trade stands, a model marquee, dog show, flight simulator, vintage and classic car display, archery, Morris dancers and a community marquee with real ales. The main arena will feature a variety of entertainments including birds of prey and motor bike stunt riding. There is free parking on-site.

Entry costs £12 for adults and £10 for concessions. Children under 15 accompanied by an adult come in free of charge. Advance tickets can be bought via the Show website at a discount.

For more info please visit Egham Royal Show

Globe Theatre – a great all-rounder

Round & About

family fun

London’s iconic open-air wooden ‘O’ shaped theatre has lots to enjoy over the summer…

With tickets to shows starting from £5, the Globe is a world-class and affordable way to experience the best the city has to offer. Spend a full day exploring the world of Shakespeare in the new exhibition, on a guided tour or in a family workshop, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Swan, before watching a show.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until 12th August starring artistic director Michelle Terry as Puck, there’s a special Midsummer midnight matinee on 24th June.

The Comedy of Errors runs until 29th July, Macbeth 21st July to 28th October, and As You Like It 18th August to 29th October.

Midsummer Mechanicals, The Olivier Award nominated family show, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, runs 22nd July – 26th August, following Peter Quince’s acting troupe – known as the Mechanicals – as they attempt to recapture the success of their first hit Pyramus and Thisbe, a show so bold, brilliant and chaotic that it went down in theatre history.

Running throughout the summer, Family Workshops and Storytellings are the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to Shakespeare and bring his plays to life. Guided Tours and Sword Fighting Demonstrations created for younger audiences are the perfect addition to a full family day out at the Globe.

Audiences can enjoy a pre-show drink with a stunning view across the Thames and overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, or indulge in A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea at our on-site restaurant Swan at the Globe.