Spring has officially arrived (well the sun has made an appearance a few times), and Easter is the perfect time to get out and explore everything West Berkshire has to offer. There are loads of fun Easter egg hunts and outdoor adventures to enjoy, as well as craft workshops. We hope this guide helps you to plan a fun Easter. Easter Adventures Peter Rabbit Springtime Adventure - Milestones Museum When: Sunday 28th March - Sunday 12th April Where: Milestones, Basingstoke Cost: From £19.50 (under 5's go free, and free for current ticket holders) Giant marble run, crafts, story time, Beatrix Potter paper trail, games, seed planting, and lots more Easter Eggstravaganza - 4 Kingdoms When: Saturday 28th March - Sunday 12th April Where: 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Cost: General Admission (Adults from £17.95) Meet classic bunny characters, Easter bunnies, and more. A magical Rabbit Hole walk through experience. Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Trails Eggventure Sessions - Little Play Lounge When: 30th March - 2nd April Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £3.50 Little one ticket includes:An outdoor Easter egg hunt with a sweet treat on completion Play lounge session, Easter dress up and Easter colouring and crafts Family Activity Day - Shaw House When: Wednesday 1st April 10am – 2pm Where: Shaw House, Newbury Cost: £2.50 Aimed at 7-11 year olds, but younger and older children are welcome. Egg-cellent! Decorate a polystyrene egg with paint pens, sequins and other craft materials so it’s ready for an Easter egg hunt! The Easter Show - Little Play Lounge When: 3rd April Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £5 Children are invited to take part in a magical, interactive storytelling adventure designed especially for little imaginations. Characterful Clay Chicks - The Base When: 4th April 10am - 12pm Where: The Base Cost: £35 Celebrate spring and have fun sculpting a characterful spring clay chick with Susie from Pots of Hope. Sheepish Family Activity Day - Shaw House When: Wednesday 8th April 10am – 2pm Where: Shaw House Cost: £2.50 Sheepish! Make a rocking sheep or lamb from a paper plate, cotton wool, pom poms, wiggle eyes, markers, glue and other craft materials.Includes the Sheep at Shaw House Trail. Aimed at 7-11 year olds Blossoms & Bygones Hallcourt Farm When: 9th - 12th April Where: Hallcourt Farm, Midgham Cost: From £6.80 Enchanted Woodland Trail, BIG Bale Play, Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Games and more! Perfect for families with children aged between 2 - 10 years. Easter Adventure Trail - High Lodge Farm When: 28th April - 6th March Where: High Lodge Farm, Abingdon Cost: From £6.50 Tickets include woodland trail and activity sheet, Play Patch access with garden games, sandpit, straw bales, farm tractor, ride-on toys, mud kitchen and lots more! Barrel train rides around the farm are extra (£3pp). Highclere Castle’s Easter Egg Trail When: 11th April Where: Highclere Castle Cost: £15 per person which gives access to the Easter Egg Trail, Gardens and Grounds, Tea Rooms and Gift Shop. Please note, this ticket does NOT include access to either the Castle or the Egyptian Exhibition. Suggested donation of £5 per child. Explore the gardens and woodland and discover the Highclere Castle Easter Egg Trail. At the end of the Trail, each child will win a chocolate Easter Egg or an alternative dairy-free treat! Eggstravaganza trail Ikea Reading When: 27th March Where: Ikea Reading Cost: Free Grap a map and discover the secret location of the 8 colourful Easter eggs hidden amongst the store Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch with the Easter Bunny - Ikea When: 2nd April , 9:30-11:00 or 11:30-13:00 or 13:30-14:30 Where: Ikea Reading Cost: Free With lots of free fun for all the Family to enjoy. From crafts, colouring, egg decorating and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. Easter Crafts: Easter Taste Safe Messy Session - Tiny Town When: 1st April  13:30-15:00 (walkers to 5 years and Tuesday 7th (6 months and non walkers) Where: Tiny Town Cafe, Newbury Easter Messy Museum Morning When: 2nd April Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 Greet Spring by choosing a themed ceramic hanging decoration to decorate with porcelain pens and other craft materials. Subject to availability, choose between a bunny, chick, lamb, egg or butterfly. Kids' Easter Egg Character Workshop - Hobby Craft   When: 10th and 11th April Where: Hobby craft, Retail Park, Newbury Cost: £8 Suitable for ages 3+. With this Easter egg decorating project, kids can create their very own egg character using all the craft supplies provided. This workshop is designed to help kids of all ages get making. Each maker will be left with a colourful egg – ready for display this Easter! City Arts Easter Egg Trail When: Saturday 28 March , 10am to Friday 10 April 4pm Where: City Arts Newbury Buy your map at City Arts Newbury (10 Hampton Road, RG14 6DB) from Saturday 28 March and receive a small Easter treat (while stocks last) – Trail maps are available to buy during the Community Art Café normal opening hours – Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Children’s Easter Safe Print When: Monday 30 March – 2 to 3:30pm Where: City Arts Cost: £12.50 Easter Printmaking for Kids – fun for all ages, as long as you can hold a pencil! Join City Arts for a colourful printmaking session where you’ll design your own Easter and spring-inspired artworks Easter Woodblock printing with Arty Pumpkin When:Wednesday 1 April , 10am to 12noon Where: City Arts Cost: £15 This workshop is for children of all ages, teenagers and adults. A playful chance to experiment with words using beautiful woodblock type. Rabbit Jar in Clay When: Thursday 9 April , 1:30 to 3:30pm Where: City Arts Cost: £18 plus £2/participant firing charge This workshop is for children 8 years old and over.Make yourself a clay jar with a rabbit themed lid.

A blog post written by West Berkshire Family Life #pr visit We had the best  time on our recent visit to Windsor Great Park Adventure Play. Honestly, we couldn’t fault a thing! First of all, we couldn’t have chosen a better day. It was the first proper sunshine of the year, that glorious blue-sky was just amazing to see, even my 2 year old kept saying "sun, no rain!". After months of grey, it felt extra special, and spending it outdoors with the boys was just perfect.(except for the ones we left behind that were struck down with the horrid illnesses going around) The playground itself is beautifully designed. It’s only around four years old and still feels absolutely pristine. Every detail has been so thoughtfully considered. There are wooden walkways weaving through the trees, rope bridges to balance across, a brilliant zip wire swing that had the boys squealing with excitement, and a great sandpit that kept them busy digging and building for ages. It’s adventurous without feeling overwhelming. Just the perfect way to spend a morning with busy boys who need to climb, swing and explore. Even the bathrooms were immaculate. Clean, spacious, and so well thought out. There are little seats to safely pop babies into so mums can be hands-free in the loo (why doesn’t everywhere have these?), children’s toilets, and basins set at exactly the right height. It’s these small touches that really make a difference. The café and shop is just beautiful. You almost need to walk past quickly so you’re not tempted by all the gorgeous gifts and children’s toys on display. We did stop though (of course we did!) and enjoyed a lovely lunch. The pizzas were absolutely delicious and just what we needed after a busy morning of climbing and exploring. We had hoped to visit the stunning The Savill Garden too, but we ran out of time. In a few weeks it will be even more beautiful as everything begins to bloom — so we are already planning a return trip. Good to know: Parking is free  if you’re visiting the Adventure Playground — which is a real bonus as parking can be a bit pricey. You’re not allowed to bring your own food into the playground , but you could easily pack a picnic and head out into Windsor Great Park afterwards for a lovely outdoor lunch. There’s also a free playground within the park , which is perfect if you want to extend the day without extending the budget. The Adventure Play area is open daily throughout the year (except 24 & 25 December) with booked 2-hour play sessions The park itself is free to visit dawn until dusk, but the Adventure Play area requires a ticket and booking All in all, it was one of those simple, sunshine-filled mornings that remind you how special family days out can be. Fresh air, happy boys, beautiful surroundings. We will definitely be back!

A blog post by Lizzie Lock, Boogie Mites West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire Children LOVE a good story (again… and again… and again!) Sharing a book with your child brings so many benefits (for us parents too) – but did you know that music-making is also a really powerful way to help develop early literacy skills? Recent research suggests that children up to around 6 years old actually process language as music –when they hear speech, their brains are picking out rhythms, pitch, melody. It explains why we as parents instinctively speak to young children in a sing-song voice – and why you might notice your child responds to a request or instruction if you sing it rather than say it. There’s plenty of evidence that music and sound games serve a really valuable purpose in helping our children to process language, and ultimately become ready for learning to read and write. “Sound before symbol” is a well-recognised concept in music education, and is relevant for language learning too: in order to be able to read and write, first we need to be able to hear the sounds that make up our language, and produce those sounds. So how can we use music at home to support our children’s early literacy skills? There’ll be LOADS of things you already do with your child intuitively: singing or chanting songs or rhymes together; speaking in ‘parent-ese’ (that sing-song, exaggerated voice that slows down speech, often repeating words or short phrases); dancing together to your favourite music; to name just a few! Here are some ideas you might like to try too: “Found Sounds”: what sounds can we make with everyday objects? Pots and pans are a firm favourite of course, banging on the highchair or table – maybe running a stick along some railings. Junk percussion (cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, rubber bands on margarine tubs) make great instruments too! This kind of play helps children differentiate between sounds – and that ‘tuning in of the ears’ will support them to hear different speech sounds. Add in mimicking the sound with your own voices, maybe taking turns, we’re layering on the opportunity for children to master their voice and listen to others, which leads us onto… Vocal play: Did you know you use around 100 different muscles when you speak? That’s a lot to co-ordinate! Next time you’re reading a story together with your child, why not try out some sound effects with your voice? Encourage your child to join in – it could be exaggerating voices for each character, a sound for an action or movement (e.g. whoosh, pop, blowing a raspberry) or setting the scene (maybe the sound of the weather or environment the story takes place in). There are some great books for children which have really clear opportunities for vocal play: e.g. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, Room on the Broom, Little Red Riding Hood, Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear? Sounds that get repeated through the story are especially brilliant – giving children the chance to anticipate when to use the sound, and practise making it. Tapping out words : Facing your child, try clapping or tapping out the syllables of words as you sing or chant a song your child knows and loves. You can use your hands, or objects (2 sticks from the park or garden, 2 wooden spoons, or just drumming on a hard surface). Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a simple one to start, as the word rhythm is more or less 1 syllable per musical beat. Singing or chanting naturally slows down our speech, giving children a chance to see how we form each syllable with our mouths. Adding a tap or clap further emphasises each syllable. Lizzie offers WBFL families a free 1 week trial of the "Let's Tap A Word" song resources as well as 15% off first block bookings on her Boogie Mites Classes. See here for booking details: Newbury and Hungerford Music Classes | Boogie Mites

How is it March already? It feels like the year has only just begun, yet spring is slowly starting to arrive. After a few very rainy months (and plenty of muddy walks), it’s a welcome change to see daffodils and snowdrops popping up across our towns and villages. The sun has even made one or two appearances recently which is hopefully a sign of brighter days ahead! March is also a special month for celebrating the important people in our lives. Mother’s Day gives us the chance to recognise all the wonderful mums and mum figures who do so much for us. And of course, there’s World Book Day, always a highlight for local families, as children head to school dressed as their favourite book characters. Arts and Crafts : Songs and Stories in the Gallery When: 7th & 26th March Where: The Gallery, The Base Cost: £8.25 Explore the Gallery and creative spaces of The Base through songs, stories, sensory play and movement with professional classical singer Louise Ashdown Glass Fusion (for teens) When: 7th March Where: City Arts Cost: £50 Choose to make a small sun catcher or a mini S-curve and explore your artistic side with colour, shape, and light. World Book Day Doodles with Tim Furr When: 7th March Where: City Arts Cost: £16.50 This workshop is for children 6 to 12 years old. Create some of the wild and wonderful doodles with Tim Furr Little Artists After School Club When: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th March - 16:15 Where: The Base Cost: £8 per session Join The Base for this fun, creative after school club for children aged 7-11. The Gruffalos Child When: 13th – 15th March Where: Corn Exchange Cost: Full price £16.25 / Child price £14.25 Join the Corn Exchange for the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Swallows & Amazons When: 19th -21st March Where: Watermill Theatre Cost: From £15 Most suitable for ages 6+ Wildlife Clay Animals When: 21st March Where: The Base Join Susie Oates from Pots of Hope to make your own clay animal.These family fun sessions, suitable for 7 to 12 year olds, Bring Your Baby Art Class When: 27th March Where: The Base Cost: £25 Join Base resident artist Ellie Kerr-Smiley and develop your artistic skills in a relaxed art class. Hop & Knot: Macramé Easter Bunny Ears When: 28th March Where: The Base Cost: £32 Celebrate Easter with a fun and creative workshop designed especially for children ages 8 and up. The Dinosaur that Pooped: A Rock Show When: 28th March Where: Corn Exchange Cost: Full Price £18.75 / Child £17.75 Linoprint your own Minecraft character When: 30th March – 11am to 1pm Where: City Arts Cost: £18 This workshop is suitable for children 8 and over Children’s Easter Safe Print When: 30th March Where: City Arts Cost: £12.50 Join City Arts for a colourful printmaking session where you’ll design your own Easter and spring-inspired artworks The Utterly Revolting Science Show When: 31st March Where: Corn Exchange Cost: Full price £19.25 / Child price £17.25 Join the Corn Exchange for this explosive science stunt show. Mothers Day Events 4 Kingdoms - Mums go Free When: 14th & 15th Where: 4 Kingdoms The Silver Clay Cabin Mum and Daughter Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop When: Various Dates Where: Silver Clay Cabin Cost: £175 Treat your mum to a private workshop where you will each make a piece of jewellery. Mothers Day Mini Photoshoot When: 2nd March Where: Little Play Lounge - With Parker-Wilson Photography Mothers Day Play Sessions When: 9th - 13th March Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £3.50 A special 1.5 hour play session for you both, a slice of cake, and a loyalty card with a discount code for your next play. A flower bouquet Mothers Day Afternoon Tea When: 15th March Where: ORIDA Newbury Cost: From £20 Join Orida for a Mothers Day Afternoon Tea with a complementary glass of bubbly. Mothers Day at Bucklebury Farm When: 14th and 15th March Where: Bucklebury Farm Cost: Farm entry over Mother’s Day weekend is £7 per person FREE coffee for every mum. Flowers for the first 50 mums each day Outdoors Nature Tots - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: 5th,6th,7th March, 10:00am - 11:30am Cost: £8 per child & booking fee. Accompanying adults free Explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife themed activities suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years Family Fun World Book Day Play When: 5th March Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £3.50 1 hour play session, an enchanting story time and a book to take home Eggventure Sessions When: 30th March - 2nd April Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £3.50 ​Little one ticket includes:An outdoor Easter egg hunt with a sweet treat on completion. Play lounge session. Easter dress up.Easter colouring and crafts.

Blog post written by West Berkshire Family Life I recently attended a lovely Boogie Mites class with Lizzie at the Waterside Centre. Lizzie creates welcoming, joyful music sessions where both children and parents instantly feel at ease. With smiles all the way through, she brings a warm, positive energy that clearly keeps children coming back. It ’s obvious how much the regular attendees enjoy her classes! I loved the use of junk percussion and the encouragement to continue making music at home using recycled materials - great for creativity and brilliant for the environment with a strong re-use message. The sessions are well paced, engaging, and supported by a wide range of resources. Lizzie explains why she chooses particular songs and clearly outlines the benefits they bring to the children, which I really appreciated as a parent. Lizzie’s Tuesday Boogie Mites class is held at the beautiful Waterside Centre, a bright and welcoming space that adds to the overall experience. Lizzie runs classes on Tuesdays at 10am, 11am, and 11.45am (Baby class), and every second Friday, she leads Nature Sound Seekers at the Nature Discovery Centre - another fantastic setting - at 10am and 11am (Baby class). These are excellent pre-school music classes! If you are looking for a fun new music class to attend with a baby or a toddler, we highly recommend attending Lizzies classes. Block bookings are available or PAYG. Find out more here: Newbury and Hungerford Music Classes | Boogie Mites ✨️WBFL members receive 15% off their first block booking ✨️

A blog review written by West Berkshire Family Life *pr visit From beginning to end, this local production of Shrek The Musical was a joy to watch. Packed with fantastic music, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of jokes that both children and adults will appreciate, it’s a brilliant show that truly delivers for the whole family. The production strikes a wonderful balance between comedy and heartfelt storytelling, with uplifting songs and touching scenes that remind us why this tale is so loved. The musical numbers were performed with great energy and confidence, the clever lyrics landed perfectly, and the vibrant costumes - alongside the lively ensemble performances - added even more sparkle to an already joyful show. The show was brought to the stage by Looking Glass Theatre - a community theatre company committed to delivering creative, welcoming, and professionally produced performances. The cast delivered brilliant performances, combining strong acting with heartfelt, powerful singing and infectious energy. A brilliant afternoon of entertainment - fun for all the family. If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly treat this half term, be sure to pop along to Arlington Arts. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you for having us! Shrek, the musical is on the Arlington Arts Centre this half term until the 19th of February. Ticket Prices: Full Price £22 (+ £1.00 fees): Concessions £20 (+ £1.00 fees): VIP Add-on £15 See their website for booking details: WHAT’S ON – Arlington Arts Centre

We have been chatting for a while about getting some new head shots done and we finally managed to book a date with Amber from Parker Wilson Photographers. So many people have said they would love to see more of us on our socials, and now we finally have some great new photos to share We wanted our headshots to really reflect Newbury / West Berkshire, so we chose a relaxed walk and talk shoot along the canal. Amber was brilliant from start to finish and put us completely at ease and even with the unpredictable weather (at least it wasn’t raining for once!), the whole experience felt easy and enjoyable. Nothing felt awkward or posed, and she captured us so naturally. We finished up with a coffee at the Waterside Centre and spent the next hour chatting about life, business, and motherhood - it honestly felt more like catching up with a friend than being on a photoshoot, which says everything about how comfortable she makes you feel. Amber offers a range of photography packages, including the most beautiful family and newborn sessions, as well as her new mini photoshoots! We honestly cannot recommend her enough. If you are looking for relaxed, natural images that really feel like you or you want to capture special moments for you and your family book Amber today! ✨ WBFL members receive an extra digital image free with their base package (worth £35). ✨ If you have been putting off new photos — this is your sign 📸

VICTORIA PARK The playground at Victoria Park  is one of Newbury’s most popular family destinations.Located right in the centre of town, alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and close to Parkway Shopping, the playground is easy to reach. The park has some great features (some are currently out of action and are being repaired). The park has 2 areas, for younger and older age groups. It has a great climbing frame for the little ones with 3 slides, 4 swings, a zip wire, and plenty more for all ages. There is also many more things to do in Victoria Park: Adventure Golf Boating pond Skatepark Children’s splash park from May to September Bandstand with events throughout the spring and summer months Play areas suitable for toddlers and older children including an accessible roundabout and seesaw Tennis courts Outdoor gym equipment NATURE DISCOVERY CENTRE, THATCHAM If you’re looking for a family day out that mixes play, nature, and adventure , the Nature Discovery Centre  in Thatcham is hard to beat. There are 2 great playgrounds playground, where little explorers can climb, swing, and slide while you enjoy the fresh air (and maybe a takeaway coffee from the café!). The walk around the lake is perfect for toddlers. The cafe sells duck food, so do grab some before you head out on a walk! Keep your eyes peeled for dragonflies, herons, and even the odd kingfisher. The on-site café  has you covered with sandwiches, cakes, and coffee. There’s indoor seating with a little activity area, as well as a viewing area upstairs. The outdoor terrace is lovely when the sun is out, and looks over the lake. Don’t miss the year-round children’s activities . Seasonal trails, bug hunts, craft workshops, and the much-loved Nature Tots  sessions give kids a chance to get hands-on with wildlife and learn through play.

The days are starting to get longer and brighter and spring is almost in the air! Enjoy theatre productions and family-friendly shows this half term. Wrap up warm and grab some fresh air and don’t miss the chance to see the amazing snowdrops at Welford Park in full bloom! THEATRE, ARTS AND CRAFTS Shrek the Musical Where: Arlington Arts When: 14th - 19th Feb Cost: £22 plus £1 fee Looking Glass Theatre are delighted to bring Shrek the Musical to life, live on stage! Get up close to your favourite characters in this immersive retelling, the perfect family half term experience. WBFL members receive 20% off food and beverage at Arlington Arts! Terrazzo Earring Workshop Where: The Base, Greenham When: 14th Feb - 10am-12pm Cost: £30 Choose from a wide range of colours and learn the terrazzo technique to create up to 2 pairs of earrings. Street Art Workshop Where: The Base, Greenham When: 14 Feb - 2pm - 4pm Cost: £40 Suitable for ages 10 - 16 Create your own street art with street artist Kevin Waite. Children’s Glass Fusing – Decorated Heart Where: City Arts When: 14 Feb – 10am to 11am Cost: £24 This workshop is aimed at children’s 5 – 11 years old Make a fused glass Decorated Heart to be mounted on a tea light or hung as a window or wall hanging Create a Willow Heart Where: City Arts When: 15th Feb – 10am to 12 noon Cost: £20 A fun, eco-friendly activity that’s perfect for getting creative with natural materials Holiday Art Club (ages 6-11) Where: The Base, Greenham When: 16th - 19th Feb  - 10am - 12pm  Cost: £12.50 per class Mon 16: Pop Up Places Tues 17: Felt Monsters Wed 18: Animal Marionette Puppets Thurs 19: Clay games Mosaic Frames for Children Where: City Arts When: 16th February 10 am to 12 Cost: £25 Aim at ages 8+. In this fun workshop, children will start by painting a plywood frame, then design and decorate it using ceramic and glass mosaic tiles in their own colours and patterns Children Pottery Wheel Throwing Where: City Arts When: 16th Feb - 2 to 4pm Cost: £45 This workshop is suitable for children over 7 and teens Tree Stump Printing on paper and textiles Where: City Arts When: 17th Feb - 10 to 12 noon Cost: 10 to 12 noon A nature printing workshop suitable for children of all ages. Winter Print for children (Gelli Plate) Where: City Arts When: 17th Feb - 2 to 3:30pm Cost: £18 Kids will explore contact printing and Gelli plate printmaking using leaves, feathers, and other natural materials. Yarn Winding and Collage (ages 12+ ) Where: The Base, Greenham When: 22nd - 3pm Feb -4:30pm Cost: £35 Learn the art of yarn winding and make your own miniature textile artwork. Create and Make Where: Corn Exchange When: 16th - 20th Feb Cost: Standard Day £37.50 / Extended Day £42.50 Suitable for primary school children aged 4 - 11 Activities include arts and crafts, drama and more! Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show Where: Corn Exchange When: Sat 14th Feb  1:30pm and 4:00pm Cost: Full price £18.75 / Child price £17.75 / Family ticket (2 children, 2 adults) £69 Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to the Corn Exchange, bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world! Arts and Crafts and Cookie decorating Where: Bucklebury Farm When: 16th,17th, 18th Feb Cost: £10 entry to the farm. £5 for cookie Decorating and £3 for arts and crafts WBFL members receive 10% off farm entry during weekends and holidays, as well as in the cafe and farm shop! Play in a Da y Where: Water Mill Theatre When: 16th Feb  9:00am and 4:00pm Cost: £45 For ages 5-11. Participants will work with two facilitators to create their own short play in just one day, which they will perform at 3.30pm. Jack and the Beans Talk Where: Shaw House When 16th Feb 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Cost: £7-£10 The performance is 45 minutes with time at the end to meet the puppets. Suitable 3-7 years, but younger and older children are welcome Stage Combat Workshop Where: Water Mill Theatre When:17th Feb  9:00am and 1:00pm (3 hours each) Cost: £25 Learn how battles are staged in theatre. Movie in the Hall: Fantastic Mr Fox Where: Shaw House When: 17th Feb. Doors open at 10am, film starts at 10.30am. Cost: Adults £5 Child £3 Family Fun Day Swallows & Amazons Where: Watermill Theatre When: 18th Feb  10:00am and 2:00pm Cost: £7 Most suitable for ages 2-7. There will be craft activities, youth theatre taster sessions, storytelling, a secret trail around the gardens and more. Cinderella 2 After the Ball Panto Where: Kennet School, Thatcham When: 19th-21st Feb Cost: £14 Family Ticket - £48 FAMILY FUN Enchanted Afternoon Tea Where: Orida Hotel Newbury When: 16th Feb Cost: One Child and Two Adults: £22.00. One Child and One Adult: £20:00 Enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pastries as well as arts and crafts. WBFL members receive 10% off the above, as well as many other perks! Museum Explorers Where: West Berkshire Museum When: 17th Feb. 10:30-12:00 Cost: Free A relaxed morning for children with additional needs and their families to enjoy the Museum. Valentines Disco Where: Bucklebury Farm When: 20th Feb Cost: £12 per child. Adults free Valentines Disco in the Playbarn. Includes a party tea for the children ( Pizza and pasta), lots of fun, as well as admission to the farm per ticket after 3pm. Teddy Bear Take Over - Milestone Museum Where: Milestone Museum When: 14 Feb - 22 Feb Cost: Adult - £19.50, Child (Age 5 - 15) £13.50 Fairground games, Board Games, Arcade Games, Pub games and a Teddy Bear hospital. Welford Park Snowdrops Where: Welford Park When: 28th Jan - 1st March. (closed Mondays) 11:00-17:00 Cost: From £6 per child and £11 per adult (prices vary) Have a family walk around the Welford Estate and view the incredible display of snowdrops. Read more here: WELFORD PARK SNOWDROPS OUTDOORS: Naturally Curious Play: Where: YMCA activity centre, Padworth When: 17th & 20th Feb Cost: 1 child - £10, 2 children - £17 Woodland based play sessions for children under 5 years to play, explore and be surrounded by nature. ' Hop into the wild’ family trail Where: Basildon Park When: 14 Feb to 8 March Cost: This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue Discover the ‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, with storytelling and outdoor play Bale Play in the Barn Where: High Lodge Farm, Abingdon When: 14th-22nd Feb, (9am–11am, 11:30am–1:30pm, 2pm–4pm Cost: Child - £7. Adult - £3. under 1's free Bale Play in the Barn offers a safe, all-weather adventure for young explorers aged 1–14 years. With designated play spaces for under-5s, small bale play, a sandpit and ride-on toys We will continue to update the guide, so do keep checking back. Event times and dates may also change. Please confirm with the venue before heading out! Have a wonderful Half Term!

West Berkshire Family life Blog post about our visit to Welford Park. *pr visit Our visit to the Welford Park snowdrops was, for the most part, wonderfully tranquil and peaceful, unless you happened to be walking anywhere near me and my two boys, in which case it was slightly less so! The calm beauty of Welford Park is just so magical, even with a bit of excited family chatter along the way. Welford Park is home to what can only be described as the most incredible display of snowdrops. (But it is also home to the famous Bake Off Show!) We visit every year, and each time we are completely mesmerised by the sheer beauty of it all. The walk around the estate and through the woodlands is perfect for a family outing. The children especially loved wandering through the woods, listening out for birds, and crossing over the little bridges along the way — although one of those bridges did sadly claim a bobble hat, which was thrown over the edge with the pooh sticks! The grounds are absolutely stunning, with well-maintained paths that make it easy to explore while still feeling immersed in nature. It’s an enjoyable and accessible walk that feels special without being strenuous. We took our pushchair along, as its quite a long walk for little legs. The path is quite bumpy with lots of tree roots, so a small pushchair may struggle a bit. There’s also a Tea Tent offering a selection of hot drinks, cakes, and light bites, which is perfect for warming up after a winter walk. All in all, our visit to the Welford Park snowdrop display was a beautiful reminder of how special late winter can be. Peaceful, scenic, and ideal for a family outing. It’s a West Berkshire highlight that’s well worth a visit even if your own version of “tranquil” includes a bit of cheerful chaos (and the occasional lost hat) along the way. Where: When: Wednesday - Sunday - Gates open from 11:00-17:00 Tea Tent open from 11:00 (hot lunches from 12:00)–16:30 Cost: Wednesday and Thursday - Adults £11. Kids £6. under 4's Free. Friday - Sunday - Adults £12. Kids £8, Under 4's Free Good to know Free Parking Gates open at 11:00 Dogs on leads are welcome Welly Boots encouraged. Paths are a bit bumpy, but are mostly accessible

A blog post written by West Berkshire Family Life Partner, Laura Fishlock Becoming a mum can be joyful, overwhelming, and sometimes physically and emotionally intense. If your birth didn’t go to plan, or you’re noticing feeding struggles, reflux, or a generally unsettled baby, you’re not alone. Osteopathy offers a gentle, whole-body approach that can support recovery after birth trauma for both mother and baby. It’s not about “pushing through” or being told it’s “just normal newborn life”—it’s about understanding what your body (and your baby’s body) has been through, and helping you both feel safer, calmer, and more comfortable. What do we mean by “birth trauma”? Birth trauma can mean different things to different people. It might include: A long labour or very fast labour Induction, forceps or ventouse delivery Emergency or planned caesarean Shoulder dystocia or baby getting “stuck” Perineal tearing or an episiotomy Significant blood loss Feeling unheard, frightened, or out of control during birth Trauma isn’t only about what happened medically—it’s also about how it felt in your body and nervous system. Why a post-birth check can be so valuable Many mums get a postnatal check focused on healing and mood (which is important), but it’s common for physical symptoms to be brushed off as “normal.” A post-birth osteopathic check is a chance to look at how your body is recovering and what might still be under strain. A post-birth check can help with: ·       Pelvic and lower back pain ·       Tailbone pain ·       Rib and mid-back tension (often from feeding positions) ·       Neck and shoulder pain (especially from holding/rocking) ·       C-section scar sensitivity, pulling, or restricted movement ·       Abdominal tension and breathing changes ·       Headaches and jaw tension ·       Feeling “stuck” or guarded in your body after a difficult birth Osteopathy aims to improve mobility, reduce strain patterns, and support the body’s natural healing. How osteopathy supports the nervous system after a difficult birth After a stressful or traumatic birth, it’s common to feel on edge—like your body is still in “fight or flight.” This can affect sleep, digestion, pain sensitivity, and even milk let-down. Gentle osteopathic treatment can help calm the nervous system by: ·       Reducing physical tension that keeps the body in a protective state ·       Supporting breathing mechanics and rib movement ·       Improving comfort so rest becomes more possible ·       Helping you feel more connected to your body again This is not a replacement for mental health support when needed—but it can be a valuable part of a wider recovery plan. Supporting baby: why feeding issues can be linked to body strain Feeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. When a baby has had a physically demanding journey—pregnancy, birth, and early feeding—strain patterns can show up quickly. Some babies experience: Difficulty latching or staying latched Clicking, slipping off, or shallow latch Preference for one side Fussiness at the breast or bottle Frequent winding, reflux symptoms, or discomfort after feeds Difficulty settling, especially when lying flat Tension through the neck, jaw, or body These signs can be linked to a mix of factors, including intra-uterine moulding, birth compression, and fascial strain patterns. Intra-uterine moulding and “strain patterns” Babies can spend weeks in one position in the womb (especially if space is limited, baby is breech, or mum has certain pelvic shapes). This can create subtle asymmetries and tension. Then, birth itself can add more compression—particularly with: Long pushing stages Assisted deliveries (forceps/ventouse) Rapid births C-sections after labour (baby may have experienced both compression and surgical delivery) Fascia (the connective tissue that wraps muscles and organs) can hold onto these strain patterns. In a tiny body, even small restrictions can affect comfort, movement, and feeding mechanics. Osteopathy + infant feeding support: a joined-up approach Feeding issues are rarely “just one thing.” They can involve: Baby’s latch and oral function Baby’s head/neck/jaw comfort and mobility Mum’s positioning and comfort Milk supply and flow Nervous system stress for both mum and baby Because Laura has infant feeding training, support can include both: Gentle osteopathic assessment and treatment for baby’s comfort and mobility Practical feeding guidance to support latch, positioning, and a calmer feeding experience This combined approach can be especially helpful when you feel like you’ve tried everything but something still isn’t clicking. Reflux, unsettledness, and gut immaturity Many newborns have immature digestive systems. Reflux symptoms can be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply wait it out without support. Osteopathy may help by: Supporting the diaphragm and rib movement (important for digestion and comfort) Reducing tension through the abdomen and upper body Improving overall ease in the body so baby can feed and settle more comfortably It’s also important to consider red flags and involve your GP, midwife, health visitor, or paediatric team where needed—especially if there is poor weight gain, projectile vomiting, blood in stools, or persistent distress. What happens in a postnatal osteopathy appointment? Every clinic works slightly differently, but typically you can expect: A thorough case history (pregnancy, birth, feeding, sleep, symptoms) Observation of posture and movement (for mum and/or baby) Gentle hands-on assessment Treatment tailored to comfort, mobility, and nervous system regulation Clear home advice (positioning, movement, feeding tips where appropriate) For babies, treatment is very gentle—think light touch and subtle techniques, not “clicking” or forceful movements. When should you consider booking? You don’t need to “wait until it’s really bad.” Consider a post-birth check if: You are in pain or feeling physically restricted You are recovering from a difficult, long, or assisted birth You had a caesarean and want support with scar and whole-body recovery Feeding feels stressful, painful, or inconsistent Your baby is unsettled, refluxy, or seems uncomfortable in their body A final word: you are not failing—your body is healing If motherhood feels harder than you expected, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Often, it means your body (and your baby’s body) has been through a lot. Support is allowed. A post-birth osteopathy check can be a practical, reassuring step, helping you feel more comfortable, more confident, and more supported as you recover. Ready to book a post-birth check? If you’d like support for postnatal recovery, birth trauma strain patterns, or feeding challenges, you can book online or get in touch with the clinic to find the right appointment for you. Laura Fishlock Osteopathy Ltd. Phone:077 33201225 Email: info@laurafishlockosteopathy.co.uk Website: https://laurafishlockosteopathy.co.uk Clinics in Newbury (RG14 5QA)  and Hungerford (RG17 0NF) , supporting families across Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire . West Berkshire Family Life Members receive 10% off all appointments

The weather at the moment is definitely calling for indoor play areas that let kids burn off energy and have fun. The best ones are clean, well-designed, and actually enjoyable for both kids and adults. Here are our top 5 picks for fun indoor play, that are great for adults and kids! . Bucklebury Farm We love going to Bucklebury Farm, and this has become a regular outing for us over the past two years. The coffee is genuinely great (a big plus for parents), there is a great menu, and the mix of fantastic indoor and outdoor play means there’s something to enjoy whatever the weather. There’s always something new to discover, which keeps the kids excited to keep returning. The great midweek prices make it even better value! When : Everyday except Tuesdays Time : Winter Times: Monday & Friday : 8:45-16:00. Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:45-14:00, Weekends, 9:30-16:00 Cost : From £3 Where : Bucklebury Farm, Pease Hill, Reading, RG7 6RR West Berkshire Family Life members can enjoy 10% off food, drinks, and purchases at the farm shop! Members also receive 10% off entry at weekends and during school holidays! Cobbs Play Barn We love visiting Cobbs Play Barn for its beautiful wooden climbing frames that encourage kids to climb, explore, and play creatively. The space feels thoughtfully designed, safe, and fun, making it a hit with children of all ages. It’s an easy, reliable choice for indoor play and one we keep coming back to. Throughout the year, there are events to enjoy which include pumpkin picking and carving. Boogie Mites music sessions are also held here during the week, and in the summer months there is an amazing outdoor sandpit. The farm shop sells incredible produce, so its always worth a pop in there too. When : Thursday - Sunday Time : 10:00-16:00 Cost : 0-11 months FREE, 1-3yrs £4, 4-8yrs £5, Adult £1 Where : Cobbs Play Barn, Hungerford West Berkshire Family Life Members receive 10% off play, food and beverage The Waterside Centre Newbury The Waterside Centre is such a relaxed spot for families. It’s the perfect place to head to if you are looking for amazing coffee, a free soft play area, and a great view, all in one place. Located right next to the canal, it’s a lovely setting for a slower-paced visit. The soft play is small and best suited for under-3's, but it’s a great space for little ones to burn off some steam. (and whats not to love about FREE soft play!) The café area is also very family-friendly, with toys, books, and colouring in to keep children entertained while you enjoy your coffee. There is so much going on at the Waterside Centre for child ren of all ages, and it is such a huge asset to Newbury. Boogie Mites also run their lovely classes here during the week. When : Every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Time : 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where : Waterside Centre & Café, Newbury No booking needed, just drop in and join the fun! West Berkshire Family Life Members receive 10% off all food and beverage. The Little Play Lounge The Little Play Lounge is such a lovely place to visit, especially with the less boisterous little ones It’s calm, quiet, and in such a beautiful setting. The toys are absolutely lovely too. They’re really good quality and thoughtfully chosen, and the best bit is that they get rotated regularly. So each visit brings little surprises — new invitations to play, discover, and imagine, without ever feeling overwhelming. When : Tuesday - Saturday Time : Tuesday - Friday, 10:30 and 13:00, Saturday: 9:45 and 13:00 Cost : From £3 Where : The Little Play Lounge, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG74JD Northcroft Soft Play Northcroft Soft Play has become one of our go-to places for a fun, easy outing with the kids. It’s local and really simple to get to, which already makes life feel that bit easier. There’s plenty of parking on site too, with three hours of free parking. The space itself is newly built, bright, and welcoming. Everything feels fresh and there’s loads to keep the kids entertained for ages. From climbing and sliding to exploring all the different play areas, they burn off energy happily while we get to have a chat. (The design does mean that some one has to climb to the top to keep an eye on the kids) Since its relaunch, it is also a very popular spot for kids parties Note - the website isnt the most user friendly, and it is advised to book on the app. When : Everyday Time : Check onlines. Times vary Cost : 1 and under free, Kids £7. Adults Free. Where : Northcroft Ln, Newbury RG14 1RS