PR visit A wonderful morning full of music at Ramsbury Memorial Hall, with two captivating interactive performances: The Singing Shell (for ages 0–3) and Whale Song (for ages 4–10). Both were delivered by two incredible musicians, Lucia Vernon-Long and Sam Peña, whose energy and skill created an inspiring musical experience for children and families alike. Each session was beautifully tailored to its age group. In The Singing Shell , the youngest audience members were gently introduced to rhythm, melody, and sound through singing, movement, and playful instrumental exploration. Whale Song built on these foundations, offering older children opportunities to experiment with compositional ideas and structured improvisation appropriate to their level. A particular highlight was the remarkable improvisation by pianist Sam Peña, who took four sea-related musical ideas suggested by the audience and wove them together into a captivating improvised piece. It was a magical moment - a true example of creativity in real time, and a rare opportunity for children to witness live musical invention. Both performances were engaging, inclusive, and musically enriching. It was wonderful for children to experience such high-quality live music-making alongside brilliant, professional musicians. An inspiring morning for all who attended.

Looking for things to do in West Berkshire  this October? With Halloween and half term just around the corner, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s a round-up of a mix of family fun, cultural happenings, seasonal events, and local highlights. (Note: always check the event’s website before heading out — details can change.) ARTS AND CULTURE: Arts Award in a Morning: Museum, Corn Exchange and Library Achieve your Arts Award Discover in a morning, in three fun-filled sessions at central Newbury venues! Thursday 30th October - 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. £6.50 Start your journey at West Berkshire Museum with a craft and museum trail before moving on to Newbury Library for a story-based session. Finish at the Corn Exchange with a drama session, and you will also have an opportunity to complete your ‘Discover’ level Arts Award (Arts and Culture Passport) there. CORN EXCHANGE: The Corn Exchange is hosting a varied program through autumn, with great theatre performances, fun family cinema shows and Halloween Activities. Highlights include: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show   - 10th–12th October - £16.25 per person Stickman - 28th-30th October - £18.25 per person Childrens Halloween Mask Making -31st October - £10 per child THE BASE: There are loads of fun arts and craft activities going on at the Base. Highlights include: Young Curators (14 - 18 yrs) 2nd October -13th November (Thursdays) Little Artists Afterschool Club ( 7-11 yrs ) - 2nd October - 4th December (Thursdays) £8 per child per session Halloween Trick or Treat Bag - 26th of October - £38 per child CITY ARTS: Get creative this Autumn and Halloween at City Arts, Newbury Children’s Nature T-Shirt Printing - City Arts - Saturday 18 October 10:30am to 12:30pm , £15 + bring a t-shirt Children’s Halloween Linoprint - Sunday 26th October– 2 to 4pm – £16 Halloween Easy Printing - City Arts -27th October – 12:30 to 2 pm – £12 Halloween Doodles - Drawing workshop with Tim Furr- Tuesday 28th October 1:30 to 3pm, £15 per child (one adult per child joins for free) Halloween Heads in Clay - Ceramic workshop with Katherine Kingdon - Thursday 30th October 10:30 am TO 12:30 pm, £17.50 + £2/person firing charge on the day This workshop is for children 8 years old and over. Children’s Glass Fusing – Halloween - T hursday 30th October – 1:30 to 2:30pm – £24 This workshop is aimed at children 5 – 11 years old Trick or Treat Stamp and Repeat - Spooky Block Printing Workshop for Kids! - Friday 31st October 2025, 1:30 to 3:30pm – £15 This workshop is for children of all ages SHAW HOUSE: Fairy Door Trail - Monday 27th October - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Explore the grounds to find the fairy doors. Additional magical craft and colouring will be available in the Activity Room. The Shaw House School of Enchantment - 31st October Hickory Dickory Dock - The mouse ran up the clock! 28th October - 11am & 1pm - Adults £10, Children £7 (under 2s free) Family Activity Day: Monsters Rock! - 29th October - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM - join Shaw House for this spookily good craft making a monster from a painting stone and acrylic paint pens. BUCKLEBURY FARM: See our Halloween Guide for all the details. COBBS FARM: See our Pumpkin Picking Guide for the details SPECIAL EVENTS: Thatcham Festival - 10th - 19th October With comedy, theatre, music, dance, history, author talks, outdoor nature and music festivals, photo and art exhibitions whatever your interest, Thatcham Festival has it covered with over 35 separate events all taking place over 10 packed days. Roman Family Fun Da y - West Berkshire Museum Spectacle of Light” - Welford Park -17 October – 9 November (selected dates) An illuminated trail experience through gardens and woodland Museum Explorers - West Berkshire Museum - 28 October, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm A relaxed morning for children with additional needs and their families to enjoy the Museum when there is less hustle and bustle Have a wonderful October!

Looking for fun, spooky, and family-friendly ideas to celebrate Halloween in West Berkshire this year? Here’s a list of inspiring activities to make your October unforgettable! Bucklebury Farm When: Various Date throughout October - Visit Bucklebury Website for more details Where: Bucklebury Farm Here’s what’s waiting for you at Bucklebury Farm: 👻Woodland Trail 👻Pick your perfect pumpkin at the patch 👻Carve a spooky masterpiece 👻Spooky Afternoon Tea 👻 Halloween Disco 👻Witches’ Hat Crafts 👻Trick-or-Treat Arts & Crafts 👻Chocolate Lolly Making PLUS all your farm favourites: tractor rides, outdoor play & the play barn fun! Halloween Half Term at 4 Kingdoms When: 25 October to 2 November Where: 4 Kingdoms Enjoy indoor soft play, animals, outdoor activities, Halloween-themed mischief, and even pumpkin picking in a specially designed patch Spooky Halloween Craft – Thatcham Library When: 31 October. 11:00 to 12:00 Where: Thatcham Library Little ones (3+) can enjoy a spooky craft session for just £1. No booking required—just drop in. Children’s Halloween Linoprint 2025 When: Sunday 26 October. 2 to 4pm Where:City Arts Cost: £16 This workshop is suitable for children 8 and over Print your own treat bag! Come and get creative and learn how to create some spooky prints using traditional lino print techniques. In this fun workshop you will be able to print your own paper treat bag ready for Halloween. Halloween Easy Printing 2025 When: Monday 27 October 2025 – 12:30 to 2 pm Where: City Arts Newbury Cost: £12 This workshop is suitable for children of any age.Children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult A fun introduction to printing suitable for all ages. You will be learning safe carve and printing techniques with foam, making loads of beautiful Halloween themed prints. Halloween Doodles with Tim Furr When: 28 October Where: City Arts Newbury A creative and lighthearted activity ideal for kids who love doodling with a Halloween twist. Halloween Heads in Clay 2025 When: Thursday 30 October 2025 Where: City Arts Newbury Cost: £17.50 + £2/person firing charge on the day This workshop is for children 8 years old and over. During this workshop you’ll make a clay head and explore ways of sculpting facial features – ears, eyes, nose and even horns and fangs if you fancy. You’ll learn clay modelling and joining techniques and explore ways of developing character through facial features.  Tiny Towns Trick or Treat When: 29th October Where: Tiny Town Cafe, Newbury Trick Or Treat - Tiny Towns Halloween Party join the most spook-tacular play session of the year, creepy crafts, ‘dare to look’ sensory tray, web-tastic finger gym and a pumpkin picky plate is included in a child’s ticket Naturally Curious Play When: 31st October Where: YMCA Centre, Padworth Halloween Special in the Woods. Play with Pumpkin Potions and Woodland Delights. Active Tots When: 30th, 31st October and 1st Nov Where: Active Tots,   5-7 Granary Court Fairoak Green, Reading RG7 2DL The Activities Room will be filled with themed activities for everyone to enjoy! (alongside soft play)Put on your best Fancy Dress outfit and join the fun. The cafe will be serving the usual menu throughout the playtimes with some delicious themed specials to complement the fun. Playtimes will each be 2 hours long The Retreat Hotel - Spooky Halloween Fun When: 29th October 2 - 5pm ( 2 sessions) Where: The Retreat Hotel, Elcot Park Pop Up Play Village, an award-winning mobile role play village, for children up to 8 years old, is popping up at The Retreat with a spooky Halloween theme - a unique event where your little ones can play, learn and socialise. Children will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Halloween themed play village, all with a spooky twist! As well as four play areas to enjoy there will be a craft area where the children can make spiders webs and Halloween cards. Jubilee at Newbury Boat Trip When: 28th and 30th October Where: Starts and ends at Northcroft Join their Halloween themed trip during half term week for a frightful cruise through Newbury. The boat and the crew will be dressed up for the occasion and passengers are invited to be dressed to trick and they might get a treat! Children will enjoy a ’spooky’ story, a Halloween quiz and, for those who dare, a chance at the ’trick or treat’ box! Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Trips last an hour. Halloween Trick or Treat Bag When: 26th October 2pm-4pm Where: The Lookout Studio, The Base Cost: £38 per child You will learn how to make paper stencils, experiment with scary neon inks and get to grips with a squeegee to produce your own tote bag ready to be filled with treats on Halloween. Suitable for ages 6 - 15 Halloween Pinch Pots: Hats, Cats and Bats When: 26th October 10am - 12.30pm Where: The Lookout Studio, The Base Cost: £25 per child Make and paint a decorative seasonal pinch pot in clay. Inspired by hats, bats and cats, using air-drying foam clay and acrylic paint with Susie Oates from Pots of Hope.

A guest post by Zara Preston - Mother, Teacher, Co-founder of the Parent Village, and all round fantastic person. Good morning from my new kitchen. Sitting and looking out as the birds fly to their nut feeders over from the trees. I’ve never had a feeling so appreciative of what we call life. This is the peaceful start to the day, when minds are fresh (ish) and we are still all in our pyjamas after the first few days back to school for my eldest two daughters. It’s been a rather busy few days but I’m glad to be writing and capturing this moment – it’s a moment of stillness in the chaos and I have a hot cup of tea. First interruption from cat No. 1… I’ve been asked to write a few words for the launch of the West Berkshire Family Life new website and I couldn’t be more honoured. The journey with children has taken from my first nearly-homebirth in September 2019*, to my second actual homebirth in summer 2021*, to my third and final c-section last summer in 2024*. Anyway, we are finally in a space that fits us all in (just!) and finally have a garden that the girls can explore to their hearts’ content (yes, we have three girls under 5: wish us luck when they’re 12, 14 and 15…!). Second interruption from baby No. 1… My link to WBFL came when I used it as a main go-to for my first pregnancy workshop that was sponsored by Educafe  and run by The Parent Village. I wanted the workshop to inform women about the local community, the local help, and support them with any advice they asked for. Knowledge is power when it comes to birth. When I think back to how my Mum told me that when she got to the hospital in the 80s, her midwife said, “Don’t worry – we’ll take it from here.”. That has blown my mind – how do other women know how your own body feels? It felt like a lot of information that women are given was outdated and old fashioned. My Nan was a ‘call the midwife’ and she had 7 children. If she can have seven, then I can handle three...some days though I’m amazed I’ve made it through and then there are some days when I’ve done all the laundry, made a loaf, done the dishwasher, hung some hooks on the wall: all sorts of things. Parenthood is a total oxymoronic rollercoaster. We need people to go through it with. We need people to cheer us on when we’ve got two hours to bedtime and the only thing that helps is wine. Let’s not even go there with childcare. That is for another day. The pregnancy workshop was an extension of our original idea where my friend and I saw a space for people to meet and help each other. My girls in the woods. The Parent Village started from two pregnant women sat in a garden. Third interruption from baby No. 1… ,…….jnnnnnmmnmmm Mmjkklkkjn kmkmkmkmkm jnkmhkjm,m, So… two women sat in a garden. My friend Colline and I (from the amazing Colline’s Kitchen) met during lockdown when I started a little tie dye business. My first daughter was six months old or so. All the proceeds went to the NHS and I loved doing a little bit: it kept me busy in a creative way. I learnt so much as a new skill and experimented with colour and design. The girls still have so many clothes from that era. Anyway, Colline saw some of my tie dye online and she bought some for her eldest. She came to collect and played in our garden, and among many more meet ups, we both soon realised we were pregnant with our second babies and due 1 day apart. What we didn’t know is that they were both born on the same day, and we would be rooms apart, in the same ward, in the same hospital. Still gives me chills at how life happens. Fourth interruption from child No. 2… So Colline had the idea about creating an Educafe: a place for people of the community to meet once a week and connect, learn, relax, and (most importantly) eat cake. A place for many minds to create a hub of joy and refuge. We spoke about how this could be the space that could hold our parent meet up. After the painful upbringing of children after lockdown, parents were vulnerable and trapped. The world operated differently. We needed people to be close again. The baby weigh-ins had shut down, baby groups had closed, people shut their doors and were afraid of interaction. But the creation of Parent Village didn’t just come from a post-lockdown state, it came from a historical viewpoint where the community that supports parents has been diminishing for a long time. I remember my Grandparents and all my Aunties (I come from a very big family) talking about their village and how all their neighbours would help them bring up the children. How people, post war, helped everyone. They had to. The men were away; the women had to survive. Colline and I felt that that neighbourly interaction needed a change…I felt nervous to knock on front doors without asking and that felt like such a shame. We’d lost something. I love people knocking on my door randomly, without warning – for either a catch up or a hello. It’s the unplanned moments. Like Stuart* who knocked on my door at 5:30pm and Oscar had to call me in to start bathtime at 6pm…he was in his 80s and he’d walked round. I’m still yet to return to his door – but tomorrow I’m making fig cake and I can’t wait to see his face when he knows it’s for him. Cooking for others is the most joyful thing on the planet. That’s probably why Colline and I get on. With social interaction, the community hesitancy was already there before but lockdown enhanced it – people were scared of shaking hands, of being too close to each other. We had to be more open to nurturing each other and looking after one another. We had to connect again. We had to love more. So Parent Village came out of that – a need for our own village. We needed one – so we made one. Every week, we invited parents to join us for tea, coffee and cake. No schedule, all free of charge, no pressure to arrive at a certain time (anywhere between 11am and 1pm). No poo explosions would make you late and then you’d lose money and be late to class. Other parent classes felt like that. Such a rush and so expensive. Our way seemed to work. Parents needed it. The group pulled in 20-40 parents a week and now has 1000+ people on 3 whatsapp groups – 1 generic one for open ended questions, one for selling on baby/children items, and one recipe swap. With my eldest at tots cinema, Corn Exchange During one of our first in-person meets, a parent came along in need and the help that a local charity gave her made her break down in tears. This community support wasn’t just for cake anymore, it was survival. It seemed like we had made something more important that we ever thought possible. I thrived on being helpful. My teaching background made me enjoy organising it and I began to use connections that I’d developed over my first few pregnancies and births. From my paediatric nutritionist friend, to council-run breastfeeding advice,  to a hypnobirthing friend, to finding musical talents in the area, to sleep consultants, to first aiders, to matrescence talks, to women’s health experts, and even fitness gurus who came in to check whether we had separated abdominal muscles after birth. I kept inviting people and people kept coming. You name it, we had the support for it. I invited specialists in their field to come and talk to us, in a relaxed space to offer support for new mums or any mums who needed it. I’ve now passed the baton on as I focus on moving into an actual village (!). The Parent Village in Newbury is still thriving – albeit with the usual fundraising challenges. I can only hope for the same support from the place I’ve now moved to. It’s been my proudest achievement bar our engagement, buying a second house, and of course, our three little ladies. My online tutoring has been a humongous success as well – I had to leave a structured school timetable so I created flexible work on my terms and it has been life changing. Fifth interruption: breakfast… Sixth interruption: Organising girls bedroom… Seventh interruption: Tutoring a new pupil… This may be my eighth time I’ve sat down to write this since starting it two days ago. I’ve just gone over the piece – added bits in and added lots more detail to other areas. I hope you enjoy the honest approach where I’ve talked through all my daily interruptions. And here we are, all the girls come one by one from their bath with Daddy. The biggest one comes and snuggles straight into me, reading the words as I type and smiling as she can read now. Her wet hair is soaking on my shoulder. My second one says how I’ve written lots of words and asks me to write ‘poop in my pants’.  That’s one crazy middle child, alright. The third one, only just a toddler, but still my baby, clambers on and I am barely struggling to type with her forehead pressed into my throat and cuddling so hard. The twenty minutes she left me for the bath felt like a lifetime to her. I feel like I can’t be surrounded by any more love if I tried. The view at dusk out of our new bedroom window finishes off this article as I dream about what our new home could be. I start to realise that this is the luckiest I’ve ever felt. Stuff of dreams and that. More on this soon. But for now, happy home everyone. And here’s to cheering each other on. We made it, our village.  *I’ve published all my birth stories on my blog, so head over there if you fancy a read: www.quetzalcoatl.co.uk . The first ever Educafe in June 2021, my second was 3 weeks old.

We are taking it a bit slower this month, with schools going back, and temperatures changing. There is definitely a shift in temperate, but we are going to make the most of the warm days before the clocks change next month, and we have to abandon the picnics for awhile. There is still plenty to do around West Berkshire this month, with a some agriculture fun as well as fantastic arts and crafts. Here are our tops pics for this month: The Newbury Show When:  Saturday 20 & Sunday 21. 8:30am - 18:00 on Saturday, till 17:00 on Sunday Where:  Newbury Showground, Priors Court Road (RG18 9QZ) This annual agricultural extravaganza is back and better than ever! Here's what you can look forward to: A grand celebration of rural life, with agricultural displays, livestock parades, vintage farm machinery, and hands-on “have-a-go” activities Artisanal treats, rustic crafts, and local produce—perfect for browsing and snacking Fun attractions. from lawnmower races and a vintage fun fair to demonstrations involving sheep, agricultural tech, and a Jaguar Land Rover driving experience The show runs from 8:30 am—gates open—through to around 6 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday It’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment—kids can get up close with adorable animals, try quirky activities, and feast on treats, while parents enjoy local shopping and cultural richness. The Base - Festival of Arts and Crafts When : Saturday 13 - Sunday 27 , 10am - 4pm Where: The Base, Greenham Join The Base for a colourful celebration of arts, crafts and artisan food and drink from local makers and creators. Celebrate all things arts and crafts with at the Festival of Arts & Crafts from Saturday 13 to Saturday 27 September featuring a vibrant Arts & Craft Fair (Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sep only), creative Taster Workshops and a stunning Festival of Art Exhibition featuring local artists’ work. Arts & Crafts Fair - Kick-starting the two-week festival, a craft fair featuring 50+ stalls will surround The Base building, creating a bustling high street of high-quality crafters and artists for visitors to browse.

Looking for the perfect indoor play in Berkshire where your children can explore, play, and learn while staying safe from the great British weather? Welcome to Cobbs Play Barn in Hungerford, a bespoke wooden indoor play area that brings all the fun of the outdoors inside. Designed for toddlers up to 8 years old, Cobbs Play Barn is the ultimate spot for family days out in West Berkshire, offering adventure for children and a relaxing café for parents and carers. With two levels of adventure, the unique wooden play barn is full of opportunities for little ones to climb, crawl, and imagine. Younger visitors are catered for too, with a safe soft play zone for toddlers and babies. Suitable for ages 0–8 Wooden play structure encourages imaginative play Dedicated soft play area for under 3s If you’re searching for soft play near Newbury, Marlborough, or Swindon, Cobbs Play Barn is just a short drive away. Opening Times & Prices General Opening: Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm Sunday: 9am – 3pm (Closed Mon – Wed, except for private parties) School Holidays: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm Sunday: 9am – 3pm Play sessions last 2 hours – advance booking is recommended  to secure your slot. Entry Prices: 0–11 months: Free 1–3 years: £4 4–8 years: £5 Adults: £1 Book your play session here Membership perks:  10% off admission, food, and drinks when you show your membership card.

Summer is here! There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained: Summer clubs, beach outings, splashing around at the lido, outdoor adventures, a brand-new soft play centre, and of course, some amazing arts and crafts activities GROUPS AND CLASSES : Boogie Mites : Every Tuesday Morning at the Waterside Centre | £6.50. Additional Child – £3.25| Family Music sessions are suitable for all children up to 5 years old .  An activity that you can all enjoy together! Catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions & movement, and exciting themes to support all areas of a child’s development. Blaze Trails Family Walks :  Various dates throughout the summer.  (see website).  Free to attend, and a great way to get out and about and meet other parents.  Fitter Mother Yoga Classes.   25th July, and 1st, 8th, 15th and 29th August – Fridays at 12.15pm | Victoria Park, Newbury | £9 per session or £40 for all 5 . These 45-minute classes are designed to support your postnatal recovery, boost your wellbeing, and help you feel more like you again — all while your baby relaxes nearby or little ones join in.  Hartbeeps : 18th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th August:  Various locations in Newbury and Thatcham. £8.50 per session and £4 for siblings. Magical multi-sensory classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and their grown-ups too!  Moo Music Summer Sizzler :  28th and 30th July and 4th,-7th and 11th, – 14th,  August.  Various locations in Newbury, Thatcham and Kingsclere.  £8. Fun, interactive music classes for babies, toddlers and preschool aged children. Sing and Sign:   7th and 14th  August | 11am.| £10.50.  Summer Special is suitable for new families with babies 5 months – 24 months and current Sing and Sign families. Baby College:   12th August | £9.25.| Thatcham Memorial Hall.  Spark curiosity in your  little ones with these engaging classes! Chuckles Baby Group : Hampstead Norreys | 28th July, 18th August and 1st September. | £3 for 1 child, £5 for 2 or more children.  Lovely play group to attend with little ones.  ARTS, CRAFTS AND THEATRE The Base: Wildlife Photographer of the year:   6th June – 20th July | £10.95. Under 5’s free | Featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Holiday Art Club – 23rd-25th July |  10am | £20 per session  Join the art club for a fun filled adventure. Try out exciting new mediums and work on your own project. Festival Flowers :  28th-31st July | 10am – 11.30am & 2pm – 3.30pm | £8 per group of 4 | Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.  Using upcycled and sustainable materials, create floral displays and brightly coloured placards as a family. Wild Walls: 1st August-6th September | £7, under 5’s free |   Suitable for all ages, but made with families with children 5 – 9 in mind.  Make your mark on the huge gallery doodle wall, complete guided activity sheets, and enjoy creature-spotting opportunities, wax-rubbing, papercrafts and colouring.  Song and Stories in the Gallery : 14th and 23rd August | 9:30am  | £7. Under 5’s free. | Explore the Gallery and creative spaces of The Base through songs, stories, sensory play and movement for the Wild Walls  exhibition The Corn Exchange Alice in Wonderland : 1st-3rd August | 1pm and 6pm. | £17.25.  Concessions. £14.75  | Follow Alice down the rabbit hole into the wondrous world of Wonderland, meeting peculiar characters along the way. Create and Make : 26th-29th August | £37.50- £40 | Drama, Arts and Crafts.  Your child will get to work with professional practitioners to explore the creative arts, develop new skills and make new friends.  ARLINGTON ARTS Out of the Box: 23 July | 14:00 | £10 child £11 adult | A family-friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next. West Berkshire Museum: Messy Museum Mornings: Fabulous fossils | 25th July |  10:00 – 15:00 | £2.50 | Make a cast fossil using clay and foil. Carve a dino footprint or press a small plastic figure of an insect or dinosaur into the clay to make an indentation and then pour in Plaster of Paris and leave to set. Messy Museum Mornings : Let’s go potty! | 1st August | 10:00 – 15:00 | £2.50 | Make a Stone Age pot from air-drying clay and decorate with wooden modelling tools. There will be a replica Neolithic pot to view as well as a free museum adventurer trail called Go Potty! to complete. Messy Museum Mornings: Magnificent mosaics. 8th August | 10:00-15:00 |£2.50 |Make a Roman-inspired mosaic from a wooden base, square clay tiles and grout.  See pieces of real Roman mosaic on display and do the free museum adventurer Picture It! trail. Messy Museum Mornings: Beautiful brooches . 15 August | 10:00-15:00 | £2.50 | Make an Anglo-Saxon inspired saucer brooch from air-drying clay, gold paint, acrylic gems, and a brooch pin. You can also complete the free museum adventurer Wear Me! trail Messy Museum Mornings: Tremendous tygs |22 August |10:00- 15:00 | £2.50 |Design a many handled drinking cup (tyg), made for sharing, from air-drying clay and paint. Be inspired by the replica Tudor tyg in the museum handling collection and do the museum adventurer Drink Me! trail. Messy Museum Mornings: Fly your flag!   29th August | 10:00-15:00 | £2.50 | Using a printing tile and one colour of ink, make a unique and repeating design for your Civil War inspired flag on an A4 calico sheet, and then add double-sided tape and a paper dowel so you can wave it.  Complete the museum adventurer A Woolly Yarn! trail. City Arts: Doodle a Dinosaur Day :   Drawing Workshop with Tim Furr | 25th July | 1:30 to 3pm |£15 per child (one adult per child joins for free) Join Tim Furr for 90 minutes of dinosaur doodling  fun where your child can bring prehistoric creatures to life! Graffiti Street Art Workshop: 27 July| 10am, 11:15am, 12:45pm and 2pm | £35 per child. This workshop is for children 8 years and older. Childrens Glass Fusing: Bugs for Bugs House: 31 July 2025 | 10:30am to 11:30am and 12:30-1:30– £35  Creative Colour for Teens : 3 August | 10:30am to 12:30pm and 14:00 – 16:00 | £15  This workshop is for children over 8 to 14 years old. Immerse in this workshop about colour, emotions and feelings Chalkfest 4th August | 10:00-16:00 | Donations | Enter the Chalkfest competion on the Market Square in Newbury. Dragon Wings Children’s Workshop : 5th August | 10:30-12:30 | £15 This workshop is suitable for children 4 to 12 years old (Parents/carers must stay with children under 7) Children will design and craft their very own set of dragon wings to take home. Funky Figures in Clay : 6th August | 10:30 – 12:30 | £30 | Create your own funky character in this fun, creative workshop Childrens Wheel workshop: 10th August |10:30am to 12 noon | £45 | Suitable for Children and Teens  Decorate a plant pot with Mosaic: 13th August| 11:00-12:30 | £18 | This workshop is suitable for children 8 years and older Bubblelicios Childrens Workshop : 14th August | 10am to 11:30am | £12.50 | Ages 6-12 | Explore using poster paint, washing up liquid and water to mix your own bubble art paint colours Summer Printing for Children : 15th August | 14:00 – 3:30pm  | £12 | This workshop is suitable for children of any age.Children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult.  Summer Sun Basking Lizards Clay Workshop : 19th August | 10:30am – 12:30 | £35 |This workshop is suitable for children 5+ years old. Join Susie for a fun filled clay workshop where your child will create a sun-basking lizard. Naughty Nancy McNoodles Doodles: 22nd August |  1:30 to 3pm, £15 per child (one adult per child joins for free) | n this fun-filled workshop, your child will recreate some of the wild and wonderful doodles from Tim’s book.  Farm Animals in Clay Workshop : 27th August | 10:30 to 12:30pm | £30 | This workshop is suitable for children (8+). | Enjoy a clay morning of sculpting as you create your very own farm animal! Children’s Glass Fusing  Dinosaur: 29th August |  1:30 to 2:30pm and 15:00-16:00 | £24 | This workshop is aimed at children’s 5 – 11 years old. Make a fun and unique glass dinosaur, created using frit (small glass pieces) and coloured glass. Fairy Gardens: 31st August | 10:30- 12:30 | £15 | This workshop is suitable for children 4 to 12 years old. Let your child’s imagination go wild, as they design and build their own magical fairy garden to take home.  Shaw House: Summer Fair: 20th July. Browse over 60 local stalls located on the Great Lawn  For younger visitors there will be creative crafts, face painting, a magic show from Mr Muddle and a bouncy castle. Family Activity Day : 23rd July Marvellous minibeasts.  10:00-15:00 £2.50. Make a 3D minibeast, real or imaginary, from polystyrene shapes, pipe cleaners, wiggle eyes, sequins and sequin pins, acrylic paint pens and other craft materials. Family Activity Day:  Beautiful Butterflies | 30th July|10:00-15:00. £2.50| Decorate with paint pens and then construct the 3D wooden butterfly hanging decoration. Family Activity Day: Dancing dragonflies . 6th August||10:00-15:00 £2.50|Using pipe cleaners, a magnet, pony beads and other craft materials, make a dragonfly fridge or magnetic whiteboard.  A Royal Picnic | 8th August | 10:30 – 17:00 | £10 | Suitable for 3-8 year old | Starting with a live show of singing and dancing, you will then be able to meet and have photographs with the magical princesses whilst enjoying your picnic outside. The Wind in the Willows : 11th August | 18:00-20:00 | Adults £13, Child £9 | Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels! Family Activity Day: Minibeasts take flight! 13th August|10:00  – 15:00. Minibeasts take flight! Make a wooden flying minibeast of your choice (subject to availability) and colour with paint sticks. Family Activity Day: Bright butterflies   20th August | 10:00-15:00. Bright butterflies. Decorate a ceramic hanging decoration of a butterfly in bright colours with porcelain pens. Family Activity Day: Busy bees 27th August | 10:00-15:00 | Busy bees. Make a bee decoration from a craft roll, marker pens sticky felt and foam sheets, wiggle eyes, pipe cleaners and other craft materials Outdoors and Sports Waterside Centre Paddling: Only £10 per person for an hour on the water.  Session dates: 29th, 31st July, 1st August and Tuesday to Friday from 5th – 29th August. Ages 8-11. 11:30am-12:30pm Ages 12+: 3:30pm-4:30pm Book your space:   https://widget.eola.co/rh365   Family Trail, Minibeast Marvels | Nature Discovery Centre | 5th and 6th August | Come discover the tiny creatures that buzz, hop, fly, flutter, and scuttle about on the beautiful reserve. Outdoor Explorers: The Retreat, Elcot Park | 8th August | 14:00-17:00 | Outdoor Explorers is all about exploring nature through play, getting children outdoors and learning through high quality play experiences. Tots Teddy Bear Adventure :  Nature Discovery Centre | 13th and 14th  August | £8 |Bring your teddies along to The Nature Discovery Centre to meet Teddy Elsa. She’ll love showing you how some of her wild friends survive in the woods through fun and crafty activities where your little bears will be free to roam!  Family Trail ‘Help Stanley Save the Sea !’ – Nature Discovery Centre | 20th, 26th, 27th August | 10:00-15:00 |Ages 4-11 | £7 | Self-led family trail around the beautiful Nature Discovery Centre followed by ocean themed crafts.    Waterworld  – Living Rainforest – 23rd July – 2nd September. Adult – £15.75.  2-14 years £12.95.  Under 2 Free. Activity Pack – £1.  This summer holiday, explore the wonders of water with Water World at The Living Rainforest! Get creative with water-themed activities and crafts, and meet some of the amazing aquatic residents like the mudskippers ACTIVITIES: Magic Show: The Retreat, Elcot Park: 5th August |4pm | £10 | Magic Roly is back, to entertain and amaze your little ones with his wonderful magic show Waterside Centre: Help to make a sensory garden at a local care home. 4th,. 11th, 18th August.  Meet at 10am at the Waterside Centre and walk to  a care home.  West Berkshire Libraries :  This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is called Story Garden and is all about Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors inspiring children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.  There are various activities on at the libraries through the summer.   Summer of Fun: Field Gate Centre, Kingsclere.   10-2pm.  Every Wednesday throughout August. Indoor and Outdoor activities for 2-12 year olds.  Free (Donations welcome) FESTIVALS AND EVENTS Tot Fest | Windsor Racecourse| 20 July 12:00-17:00|under 6 months free. 6-11 months £13.20. 1-5 £27.50. Adults – £27.50.   A mega festival for under 5’s.  The Imagination Festival:  The Little Play Lounge | 27th of July  |10am to 4pm. |Adult £5.  Child £10.| Wander through fantastical themed zones bursting with creative displays and interactive experiences. From playful crafts to imaginative play, even the simplest materials can spark big ideas and joyful moments. Battle Proms Picnic Concert – Highclere Castle| 2nd August. 2pm. Adult £56.25  | Child £24.25  | Under 5s Free. Immerse yourself in the WWII living history, sing along with the Battle Proms Belles and jive along with the Victory Swing dancers. Waterside Centre 4th Birthday Celebrations : 2nd August. 10:00-16:00 Brilliant day lined up for the whole family — with canoe rides, arts & crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, live music, multi sports and more! Waterside Centre Summer Festiva l |16th August |14:00-18:00 | Free |A vibrant, free-entry festival celebrating community and wellbeing. Bucklebury Farm- End of Summer Festival: 30th August | 10:00-16:00 | Magical day of fun, food, and family activities. HOLIDAY CLUBS Summer Dance School – Corn Exchange Learning Centre.  |12th,13th,14th August. |£25 per day. |Ages 11-14 Join the Corn Exchange for their Summer Dance school to move your body, learn routines, make friends and explore your creativity. Summer Holiday Club | Greenham Community Centre | Monday , Tuesday, Thursday,Friday | 4th-29th August |  Free Day Camp ‘Bushcraft for Fun ‘ – Nature Discovery Centre |  21 August | £39.59 | A day camp with bush craft activities on the reserve. Build your child’s confidence in the great outdoors with this bush craft experience.Working with natural materials in a safe, fun and environmentally friendly way. Suitable for 8-12 years, no need for parental supervision. Fully supervised small group.

Hartbeeps classes are run throughout the UK by a team of passionate educators and imaginators who are driven by unstoppable imaginations, limitless creativity and years of educational research. Since the very first class in 2003, Hartbeeps has become the fastest growing and most innovative early years music class in the UK. It’s fun fun fun all the way in the Happy House classes for busy toddlers, with original versions of classic nursery rhymes, puppets, props, dress-up, bubbles and more; a perfect platform for make believe play. For the youngest babies, Baby Bells is a gentle musical class to delight the senses, with a focus on bonding and building confidence. Baby Beeps , for sitting to walking babies, offers big fun with puppets, rhymes and rhythm, along with support for babies’ blossoming speech and language development. Hartbeeps runs on Mondays and Thursdays in Thatcham, and on Wednesdays in Newbury. The Monday sessions can be found at the Old Bluecoat School, with a 10am Happy House (confident walkers) class and a 11.15am Baby Beeps (sitting to walking) class. Thursdays are located at the Thatcham Parish Hall, with another 10am Happy House class, followed by a Baby Beeps (sitting to walking) class at 11am and a Baby Bells (birth to sitting) class at 12.15pm. On Wednesdays, Hartbeeps is at the Newbury Rugby Club, with classes running at 10am ( Happy House ), 11am ( Baby Beeps ) and 12pm ( Baby Bells ). Visit the  website  to book or join the waiting list. Hartbeeps also visit various nurseries and preschools in the Newbury and Thatcham area, running sessions which offer a creative addition to their existing curriculum and which have been structured around the key themes of the EYFS. All Hartbeeps classes in Newbury and Thatcham are ran by Emma. Emma attended Hartbeeps sessions with her daughter and fell in love with them. Emma lives in Thatcham with her husband, daughter and not so little puppy! She comes from a background of entertainment, most recently on cruise ships as a Cruise Director. Teaching has also been a key element in Emma’s career so she understands the importance of creativity and play for your little ones’ imagination. Emma absolutely loves spreading the magic of Hartbeeps and looks forward to every week with her Hartbeeps community! For more information on Hartbeeps sessions in Newbury & Thatcham or to book, contact Emma at  emma.pack@hartbeeps.com . You can visit the website  here , the Facebook page  here  and the Instagram page here. Hartbeeps Newbury & Thatcham kindly offer our members a 10% discount when making their first block booking of classes! To book, please email: emma.pack@hartbeeps.com

West Berkshire has so many fun festivals and fetes going on this month! From farming open days and shows to vibrant art celebrations, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. 13th & 15th – Berkshire Country Fayre – Newbury Show Grounds The Main Ring headliners are The Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Team Other attractions include: Hallwalk Falconry Agricultural Machinery Display Young Farmers Entertainment. There are a variety of: Tradestands, Craft & Food Fayre, Countryside Area including Ferrets and Dog Show.  Entertainment in the Village area of the Watership Brass Band Children’s entertainment Berkshire Young Farmers showcasing their talents throughout the day.   14th – Newbury Cycle Festival Family-friendly celebration of all things cycling! It starts with a vibrant Cycle Parade through the Town Centre. It is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities, and participants are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes. In Victoria Park, there will be plenty of opportunity for some hands-on, cycle-related fun. With tandem rides, free coaching, pedal-powered smoothie bikes and more! Chat with experts, get top tips from mechanics and discover other awesome health organisations. It’s your chance to explore the best of Newbury cycling.   14th – Woolton hill and Highclere Fete – Thorngrove school 50 stalls to browse including fish, meat, cakes, gifts and so much more. 10am-1pm 14th – Tadley Fete on the Green 14th – Pangbourne Village Fete 20th – 22nd – Berkshire Balloon Festival – Newbury Showgrounds Get ready for a magical evening as the skies of Berkshire light up with a stunning display of illuminated hot air balloons!   What to Expect: – Mesmerizing night glow displays – Breathtaking balloon displays – Live entertainment and music – Delicious food and drink vendors   22nd – Chieveley Fete – Chieveley Recreational Grounds 14:00-17:00pm  28th – Wickham Village Fete – 5 Bells 28th – Cobbs Summer Party Enjoy magical entertainment with the magician and balloon artist, face painting, an exciting police car visit, the giant sandpit and play area, plus free entry to the Play Barn for the day. 28th – Kingsclere Fieldgate Festival 29th– Family Fun Day- Henwick Sports Ground A day packed with family fun, live entertainment, delicious food, and activities for all ages 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Arlington Arts to watch “Out of the Box”  Created and performed by: Darryl J. Carrington   Darryl J. Carrington’s Out of the Box is a one-man show that engages both children and adults. Immersive, fun, and inclusive for all, this clever performance combines nonverbal clowning with playful audience interaction and smart use of technology—such as perfectly timed musical cues—to create an experience that feels both polished and spontaneous.   Perfect for children aged 4 and above, the show is full of surprises that kept the young audience giggling and wide-eyed. Yet, as an adult, I found myself thoroughly entertained too, especially when I was invited to take part! Carrington’s energy, creativity, and skill in wordless storytelling make the show not just enjoyable but memorable for every age group.   What sets Out of the Box apart is its inventive approach (pun absolutely intended). Carrington’s “out of the box” thinking brings the entire audience together, making everyone feel part of the magic. His talent as a performer shines through every moment, blending classic clowning charm with a modern twist.   This show is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and I have no doubt it will be as well-received there as it was today. My final note? Toothbrushes galore! It’s a quirky, clever, and thoroughly delightful performance well worth seeing

Boogie Mites – Music Classes for Parents and Little Ones Kids of all ages enjoy attending music classes, and this is a fun outing and activity for new parents and their little ones.  Boogie Mites is all about helping you and your child weave the brain-boosting power of active music-making into everyday life! Music Classes Led by Lizzie Lock Lizzie, a local mum, offers wonderful music classes in Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford, and Wantage. Lizzie is truly amazing with children of all ages, always ready to answer every question and engage with children on their level. Her warm and interactive approach keeps little ones captivated from start to finish. Boogie Mites classes provide a gentle introduction to music through engaging, catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions, movement, and exciting themes. These sessions support all areas of children’s development in a calm, nurturing environment. Here, you and your little one can make new friends and enjoy precious moments together exploring the magic of music.  The classes are held upstairs at the Waterside Centre and each session is half an hour. There’s a mixture of Boogie Mites’ catchy original songs using recorded music, and well-loved favourites (often accompanied by Lizzie on her ukulele.  Sessions also involve scarves and home made instruments.  The sessions always starts with a very catchy welcome song  – be warned, the song will remain in your head for years to come!   How Lizzie always remembers each child’s name is beyond me! Parents especially love going to the classes at the Waterside Centre, which offers a lovely setting to meet friends for coffee before or after the sessions. Other classes in West Berkshire take place at Cobbs in Hungerford and at the Nature Discovery Centre, providing convenient options for families in West Berkshire. Helpful information Each class is half an hour in length. Classes are held upstairs at the waterside centre in Newbury. Various parking options are available around Newbury. Nature Sound Seekers Sessions We recently attended the Nature Sound Seekers session at the Nature Discovery Centre, a delightful experience for children from babies to five years olds. This class explores the natural world through sound and music, combining outdoor play with creative activities. My three-year-old particularly loved this session, which included outdoor movement, music, scarves, and crafting a spider from play dough and natural materials found nearby. It’s a perfect class for families with two children, as the outdoor setting allows for flexibility if one child wants to wander. This class kept my son engaged and  he talked about it for days afterward. The Nature Discovery Centre is an ideal location, complete with a pond, playground, and café, making it easy to enjoy a wholesome family morning out. Helpful information Each session lasts 45 minutes, with free parking available on-site. There is a cafe at the Discovery Centre serving hot drinks and food with children friendly options.  Baby changing facilities are available.   Times and Dates Newbury – Waterside Centre: Tuesdays:  10:00, 11:00, and 11:45 Hungerford – Cobbs Playbarn: Thursdays: 9:30 and 10:30 Thatcham –  Nature Sound Seekers  – The Hutch, Nature Discovery Centre. Every second Friday 10:00 and 11:00 Price: £7.50  For a single session.  Various pricing options for block bookings and sibling discounts.  Please see website for further details. Book Here   Lizzie also runs monthly sessions called “My First Notes” at the Corn Exchange in Newbury.  These can be booked directly through the Corn Exchanges website.   West Berkshire Family Life Members receive 15% discount for block bookings of Boogie Mites and Nature Sound Seekers.  Please quote your name and membership number when making a booking.  Don’t forget to also use your card at the Waterside Centre and at Cobbs Playbarn to receive discounts off food and beverage

Baby & Toddler Groups taking place in Berkshire Are you a new parent? Or perhaps new to the area? Baby & Toddler groups can be a great way to meet other parents and get your children socialising with other little ones of a similar age. We are very lucky to have many groups in West Berkshire and we have put together a handy list below. West Berkshire’s Family Well-being Hubs also run several groups, for more information on these you can visit the West Berkshire Council website .  Some groups will require you to book in advance and please check that all details are correct and up to date before going along to a group listed below – days, times and venues can change and cancellations do happen so we advise contacting the groups directly before visiting. Have Fun! Monday Teas, Toys and Tots Playgroup in Greenham 9.30am-11:30am during term time.  St Mary’s Church, New Road, Greenham, RG19 8RZ.  Suggested £1 Donation. Great Shefford Under 5’s   9.30am-11am during term time.  Great Shefford Village Hall, Station Road, Great Shefford, RG17 7DR.  £3 per family. Hidden Treasures 10am-11:15am during term time.  St Nicolas Church, West Mills, Newbury, RG14 5HG. Suggested donation of £1 per person. Bookings go live on a Wednesday evening, and you need to be quick to grab a spot! Tiny Treasures 1:30-3pm A group for babies and their parents/carers   -term time. only.  For babies from newborn age to crawling/cruising (approx 18 months) and their grown-ups. There is a sensory room, baby toys and plenty of tea/coffee and cake, and finish with a time of singing. No booking required. Contact sarah@st-nics.org if you would like more details!   Tuesday   Baby Song, Salvation Arm   10am-11:30am  during term time.  Salvation Army, Northcroft lane, Newbury, RG14 1 BU, £1.50 per child. (cash) Lovely, relaxed group, especially good for young babies.  Songs, Play time and Tea and Coffee served.  No bookings necessary.  Basildon Baby & Toddler Group 10am-11:30am during term time.  Village Hall, Bethesda Street, Upper Basildon, Reading, RG8 8NU.  £2 per child & £1 per adult (includes a snack.) Rainbow Activity Centre Birth – Pre-School – 10am – 11.30am.  Kennet Christian Centre, Enborne Road, Newbury, RG14 6AH.  Adults and children 6 months plus £1.50 each including all activities and a snack.  Babies 0 – 6 months are free.  (Free hardship passes are available).  Online booking essential – please click HERE.  Mortimer Toddler Group 10am-11.30am in term time.  £3.00 for the first child per family and then £1.00 per additional child over 12mnths Mortimer Methodist Hall, Mortimer, RG7 3TB.  Find out more by visiting their Facebook page. Meeting Point 9:45am-11:15am during term time.  Saint Mary’s Church, Church Road, Shaw, Newbury, RG14 2DR. Kingsclere Village Bunnies 9am-11am including during school holidays. Kingsclere Village Club, 35 George Street, Kingsclere, RG20 5NH.  No need to book, just turn up and pay as you go. The price is £2.50, then 50p for an extra child and £1 for an extra adult. Aldermaston Toddlers  9.30am-11am during term time.  Aldermaston Parish Hall, The Street, Aldermaston, RG7 4LN.  £3 for the first child and £1 for each additional child. Cornwell 0-5s Group Families only – 10am-12pm during term time.  Cornwell Centre, 4 Home Croft, Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ. £3.50 per family including refreshments.  Click HERE to book.  St John’s Newbury Baby & Toddler Group 9:30am-11:30am during term time.  St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Newbury, RG14 7PY.  There is tea and coffee for parents/carers and snack and drink for the children.  £1 per family.   St B’s Baby Café in Thatcham 10.30am-12pm during term time.  Old Bluecoat School, Chapel Street, Thatcham, RG18 4QN.   Cake & company for parents & babies.  FREE to attend, just drop in.  Under 5’s Parent & Toddler Group 10am-12pm – Play, tea & refreshments.  The Lambourn Centre, Close End, Lambourn, RG17 8NJ.  No need to book just pop along.  Aldermaston Baby & Toddler Group 9:30am-11am during term time.  Aldermaston Parish Hall, The Street, Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 4LW.  Snacks, tea & coffee – £3 per child, £1 per additional child.   Mortimer Baby & Toddler Group Babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers – 10:30am-11am during term time.  Mortimer Methodist Hall, 17 West End Road, Mortimer, RG7 3TB.  £3 per family, £1 per additional children over 1. Snack for children.   Wednesday   ABC Toddler Group 10:30am-12pm including during the holidays.  St Mary’s Church, Church Gate, Thatcham, RG19 3PN.  Older children also welcome. Free admission.  Parent Village at Educafe Drop in between 11am-2pm.  Newbury Central Library, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AU.  Different activities and workshops every week including The Watermill Theatre, Boogie Mites and Breastfeeding Support and many more!  Free admission.  Rainbow Activity Centre Birth – Pre-School – 10am – 11.30am.  Kennet Christian Centre, Enborne Road, Newbury, RG14 6AH.  Adults and children 6 months plus £1.50 each including all activities and a snack.  Babies 0 – 6 months are free.  (Free hardship passes are available).  Online booking essential – please click HERE.    Thursday   Brightwalton Baby and Toddler Group 9am-10:45am during term time.  Brightwalton Village Hall, Common Lane, Brightwalton, RG20 7BN.  £3 per family.  Includes refreshments and you can enjoy your first session for £1 Cornwell 0-5’s Group For childminders only – 10am-12pm during term time. Cornwell Centre, 4 Home Croft, Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ.  A group for childminders with children under the age of 5.  £3.50 per childminder.  TBC Toddlers 10am-11:15am during term time.  Thatcham Baptist Church, Wheelers Green Way, Thatcham, RG19 4YF.  Register using the link HERE.   Tots at TMC Under 5’s 10am-11.30am during term time. Tilehurst Methodist Church, 26 School Road, Tilehurst, RG31 5AN.  FREE admission.  Advanced booking required.  Click HERE to register.  Under 5’s Parent & Toddler Group 10am-12pm – Play, tea & refreshments. The Lambourn Centre, Close End, Lambourn, RG17 8NJ.  No need to book just pop along.  Rainbow Activity Centre Birth – Pre-School – 10am – 11.30am.  Kennet Christian Centre, Enborne Road, Newbury, RG14 6AH.  Adults and children 6 months plus £1.50 each including all activities and a snack.  Babies 0 – 6 months are free.  (Free hardship passes are available).  Online booking essential.  Friday   Giggles and Wiggles Toddler Group 9:30am-11am during term time.  Newbury Baptist Church, Cheap Street, Newbury, RG14 5DD.  £1.50 per family.  Booking opens each Wednesday before Fridays session.  Twin Club Newbury – Runs every other Friday from 9:30am-12:30pm. Ecchinswell Village Hall & Recreational Centre, Ecchinswell Road, Ecchinswell, RG20 4UB. A supportive coffee play morning for families of twins or multiples – £5 per family.  St Peter’s Toddler Group 10am-11.30am.  St Peter’s Church, Southend Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6EY.  £1.50 per family. Ladybugs Playgroup 9:30am-11am during term time.  Hungerford Youth and Community Centre, Priory Road, Hungerford, RG17 0AL.  £2.50 per family – snacks included.  Bucklebury Baby & Toddler Group 9:30am-11am during term time. Upper Bucklebury Memorial Hall, Broad Lane, Upper Bucklebury, RG7 6QH. £1 for under 6 months, £2 for an adult and 1 child, £3.50 for an adult and 2 or more children.  Snacks & drink for children & hot drink for adults.  Tots at TMC Under 5’s 10am-11.30am during term time. Tilehurst Methodist Church, 26 School Road, Tilehurst, RG31 5AN.  FREE admission.  Advanced booking required.  Click HERE to register.  Under 5’s Parent & Toddler Group 10am-12pm – Play, tea & refreshments.  The Lambourn Centre, Close End, Lambourn, RG17 8NJ.  No need to book just pop along.  Replenish Baby & Toddler Group 10am-12pm during term time.  The Well, Green Lane, Thatcham, RG19 3RG.  Suggested donation: £2 to go towards running costs.  Play, tea, coffee & cakes.  Burghfield Common Toddler Group 10am-11:30am during term time.  Burghfield Common Village Hall, Recreation Road, Burghfield Common, RG7 3EN. £2:50 per family to attend.  Includes refreshments – no need to book. Noah’s Ark 10am-11.30am during term time.  St James the Less Church, Pangbourne Hill, Pangbourne, RG8 7AX.  No charge but donations towards the running costs are always gratefully received.  Refreshments available.