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Farnham Maltings’ family festival 2026 Sat 26 September 10am-4.30pm join us for an exciting day of creative and fun-filled events for families. £2 entry on the door. find out more at farnhammaltings.com/family-festival
@farnhammaltings
Issue 116 Sept/Oct 2026
what will you discover this autumn? check out our unmissable line-up of live performances for all ages, craft workshops, half term activities, Halloween fun and more. find out more at farnhammaltings.com/autumn
@farnhammaltings
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rhs.org.uk/wisley
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Spooky Plants and Ghoulish Gardens 17 Oct – 1 Nov This October half-term, discover the spooky secrets and magical powers hidden in plants. Meet mysterious plant life, tackle our interactive garden trail, and get up close with creepy crawlies with Zoolab.
Book online and save RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262
Big adventures, live on stage THU 29 – SAT 31 OCT
Spot’s Birthday Party
Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot
SAT 5 DEC – SUN 10 JAN
Sleeping Beauty Our dreamiest panto yet!
THU 18 – SUN 21 FEB
Dear Zoo
The timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage!
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Children make their own lovely jewellery which is taken home in a pretty bag, so there’s no need for extra party bags! www.suegriffithsdesigns.co.uk
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Baby & toddler sensory development classes from birth to 2 years
Farnham, Aldershot & Farnborough
Classic www.littlebearsmusic.com
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www.pitchpals.co.uk Weekly classes for 2-6s Holiday Camps Schools & Nurseries Parties
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News & Views Primary schools to teach oracy, citizenship and media literacy Primary schools in England are preparing for a major overhaul following the government's formal backing of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. Under the incoming framework, scheduled for mandatory rollout in September 2028, citizenship education will become legally compulsory for primary pupils from Key Stage 1. The mandate also places a heavy emphasis on oracy - the ability to communicate effectively through spoken language - introducing a dedicated framework alongside traditional reading and writing. For the first time, the new primary curriculum will also require schools to teach media literacy, equipping children with critical thinking skills to spot online fake news and misinformation. While teaching unions welcome the focus on vital skills, leaders warn that primary timetables are severely overloaded. School staff will begin training ahead of the final text release in 2027, in order to integrate these demanding requirements into packed schedules.
Give your child a confidence boost this autumn with Perform Are you looking for a fun weekly activity where your child can build confidence, find their voice and make new friends? Perform's drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4-7 and 7-12 provide a positive outlet for children to express themselves, grow in confidence and have fun. Filled with dramabased games, improvisation, catchy songs and fun dance routines, each term ends with a magical performance, giving each child the opportunity to shine. Every child is welcome to come try Perform for free, to discover what their classes are all about before joining. It's also a great opportunity to chat to the team about your child's individual needs, whether that's building confidence, speaking up in a group, developing social skills or making new friends. No previous experience is needed - every child is welcome. This autumn's productions: Ages 4-7: Super Hero School - an action-packed mission to save the planet. Ages 7-12: Jack and the Wonderbeans - a Hollywoodinspired spy thriller. Classes are available in Camberley, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere and Woking. Visit perform.org.uk/try to book a free trial class.
4 Families Surrey West
New Digital Support Plans for SEND pupils A sweeping reform of the UK special educational needs and disabilities system will legally require every primary school child with identified special educational needs to have a digital Individual Support Plan (ISP). These plans will replace the old SEN Support tier and require schools to record day-to-day needs, targeted support, and expected outcomes, all while involving parents in the process. Accessible to teachers and parents, these living documents are designed to travel seamlessly with children between school years and education phases like a digital passport, preventing critical support from dropping during transitions. The national initiative is backed by a new £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund designed to boost early intervention. While headteachers welcome the push to cut down the lengthy bureaucracy of traditional plans, many warn that school funding must match these rising operational demands. More info can be found here: www.bit.ly/SENchanges
UK births drop to near half-century low Births in England and Wales fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025, reaching their lowest level since 1977. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows 585,000 live births last year - a 10,000 drop from the previous year, continuing a steady decline since 2010. The estimated fertility rate hit a record low, dropping to just under 1.4 children per woman, down from 1.9 in 2010. Women are also delaying motherhood longer than ever, with the average age of firsttime mothers reaching a record 29.6 years. Concurrently, demographic makeup shifted, as births where at least one parent was born outside the UK rose to 40%, up from 30% in 2010.
Statutory school phone ban enforced across England from September The government has placed the national school mobile phone ban on a statutory footing under the newly enacted Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act. The new legislation officially came into force on 29 June 2026, meaning all state-funded schools across England must operate fully phone-free environments by default when the new academic year starts in September. While ministers argue legal backing eliminates classroom distractions, headteachers warn the mandate presents major implementation hurdles. The Association of School and College Leaders noted that over 90% of schools already restrict devices, proving the real challenge lies in daily enforcement rather than regulation. Local school leaders now face significant pressure to police "off and away" policies without dedicated funding for secure storage pouches or lockers. Furthermore, successfully managing parental resistance regarding emergency communication remains a hurdle as schools transition over to this stricter, legally binding regime.
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Clubs & classes Baby, toddler and pre-schooler
Sports
Mini Athletics
DMG Sports Camberley
Classes in Woking, Guildford and Godalming www.miniathletics.com/mini-athletics-west-surrey-summary Through these award winning classes, children are introduced to the foundations of athletic movement skills (running, jumping and throwing) in imaginative play based yet structured format. Not only that, these fun classes also build on children’s cognitive and social skills, preparing them for the early learning goals.
Fledglings Compton
Sessions at Pucks Oak Barn GU3 1EG Contact Catherine on 07779 022419 or fledglingscompton@gmail.com 'Such friendly people and a forest school for older ones'. Church playgroup for babies to pre-schoolers Mondays 9am10.30am (term time). Enjoy woodland playtime and toys inside the barn with coffee, songs and bible stories. From £3. (Charity Number:1210070)
Sing and Sign
Classes in Farnham, Fleet, Godalming and Guildford www.singandsign.co.uk At Sing and Sign they specialise in communication, connection and speech development, using gestures, music and play. Three age-specific classes tailored to your baby’s developmental stage, plus a small, consistent group of families to encourage new friendships and shared experiences. Extensive online materials included to continue the fun at home! Trials available.
Little Notes
Classes at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/little-notes Discover the joy of sharing live musical experiences with your child in these fun-filled music classes for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Designed and delivered by a classically trained professional musician, you’ll sing, play, listen and dance your way through a variety of musical styles. Using puppets, percussion and sensory objects, music is brought to life for your child as you explore sounds and rhythms together. Classes run on Tuesdays in term times.
Swimming
Swim Safe School
Classes in Cranleigh and Ewhurst info@swimsafeschool.co.uk or 07539952135 https://swimsafeschool.co.uk Teaching the FUNdamentals of swimming in a safe and friendly environment, Swim Safe School welcomes swimmers of all ages and abilities. Offering both small group and private lessons both term time and school holiday crash courses.
Aquatots
Classes in Send, Ottershaw, Bagshot, Staines, Whiteley Village, East Horsley, Ascot and many more locations. https://aquatots.com/ Aquatots Swimming have been teaching babies and toddlers to swim in a natural, safe and fun way, without the use of armbands or buoyancy aids for 25 years. Suitable from 10 weeks old using only warm private pools and small class sizes. Underwater photographs are also available at selected levels.
6 Families Surrey West
Classes at Places Leisure Centre, Camberley for children aged 15 months to 7 years old. Academy classes at Kings International College, Camberley for 6-11 year olds. Contact camberley@dmgsports.co.uk www.dmgsports.co.uk DMG Sports Camberley offer fun, safe and engaging kids football classes. Their weekly sessions are led by their fantastic team of fully qualified coaches. They focus on building confidence, coordination and a love of football in a supportive environment. Book a free trial!
MultiSports Guildford
Classes at St Peters Catholic School, Guildford 07973 692062 www.multisportsguildford.co.uk
MultiSports Guildford provides 4-16 year olds with an exciting and educational sports program at weekends. Encouraging and developing young people to grow both as athletes and individuals. Your child will take part in team sports, individual sports plus weekly team building challenges, helping them grow in confidence and self esteem, learn leadership and team work skills and have fun. They also offer Sports Leaders programs for ages 12+, this gives older students the opportunity to gain recognised coaching qualifications.
Guildford Spectrum
www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk Guildford Spectrum offer swimming lessons for all ages following the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme delivering safe, inclusive, and effective swimming lessons for all ages. Also on offer are ice skating lessons for 5-16 year olds. The Skate UK Programme will take you from your first steps onto the ice, through to being a competent and confident ice skater.
Pitch Pals
Classes in Godalming, Milford, Witley and Guildford Contact Paul Wicks - info@pitchpals.co.uk or 07841 675501 Book via: pitch-pals.classforkids.io Pitch Pals are on a mission to harness the power of football and physical activity to develop, encourage and inspire children of all ages and abilities. Offering a full range of programmes including Early Years/KS1 sessions, School and Nursery Clubs, through to Holiday Camps and Events/ Parties, there is something for everyone.
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Clubs & classes
Touch Typing Courses for Children & Teenagers
/Ŷ ,ŽůŝĚĂLJƐ Θ ,ĂůĨ dĞƌŵƐ 10% Discount ĂƐĞĚ ŝŶ &ĂƌŶŚĂŵ ‘TYPE10’ ^ŵĂůů 'ƌŽƵƉƐ͕ ĂŐĞĚ ϴͲϭϴ ůů ^Ŭŝůů >ĞǀĞůƐ Ͳ ĞŐŝŶŶĞƌ ƚŽ ĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ Web: ǁǁǁ͘ƚŽƵĐŚƚLJƉŝŶŐŚƵď͘ĐŽŵ Email: ŝŶĨŽΛƚŽƵĐŚƚLJƉŝŶŐŚƵď͘ĐŽŵ
IInspiring nspiring Theatre Training Ages 5-18
www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk
drEam big!
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds CAMBERLEY & YATELEY 07868 944364 stagecoach.co.uk/camberley
GODALMING 07957 825641 stagecoach.co.uk/godalming
FARNBOROUGH 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough
GUILDFORD 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/guildford
FARNHAM & ALTON 01252 216277 stagecoach.co.uk/farnham
WOKING 07957 825641 stagecoach.co.uk/woking
FRIMLEY 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/frimley
Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited.
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Clubs & classes Tuition
Performing arts
Kumon
Perform
Classes in Aldershot, Farnborough, Farnham, Frimley, Guildford East, Guildford North and Haslemere www.kumon.co.uk Kumon offer English and Maths programmes, which help children of any age and ability to become confident, independent learners with a positive attitude to study. Kumon are offering free registration from 1 September – 15 October! Book now via www.kumon.co.uk.
Performing arts Holly King Performing Arts Academy Classes in Guildford, Godalming and Farnham www.hkpaacademy.co.uk 07832 294998 HKPA is a Performing Arts Academy for young people aged 3-21 years. Not only does it offer the highest standard of training but is inclusive and known for being a safe and creative space for children to come and be the best versions of themselves.
Dynamic Performing Arts (DPA)
Worplesdon Memorial Hall, Guildford Dynamicperformingarts.co.uk info@dynamicperformingarts.co.uk Dynamic Performing Arts is a friendly, independent performing arts school for children aged 2 to teens. They offer Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre, with their Saturday timetable carefully designed so pupils can enjoy multiple age-appropriate classes in one morning. The welcoming teachers nurture confidence, creativity and a love of performing in every child. Every pupil has the opportunity to perform in their annual show and, if they wish, progress through the internationally recognised RAD and ISTD dance syllabi.
Synergy Dance®
Classes at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Centre Email: admin@synergydance.co.uk or kathryn@synergydance.co.uk Synergy Dance offers energetic Breakdance and Street classes for children aged 6–12 on Saturdays at Guildford Spectrum. Specialist instructors teach exciting tricks, street dance moves, freestyle and Acro skills, including headstands, L-kicks, baby freezes and six-step top rocks, helping children develop confidence, skills and creativity through dance.
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Families Surrey West
Classes in Camberley, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere and Woking To book a free class visit: www.perform.org.uk/try Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts
Camberley & Yateley 07868 944364 Farnborough 07717 137332 Farnham & Alton 01252 216277 Frimley 07717 137332 Godalming 07957 825641 Guildford 07717 137332 Woking 07957 825641 Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds. Through the power of the performing arts, Stagecoach has been helping children and young people reach their full potential for over 35 years. A two week trial is available. Contact your local Stagecoach for details.
Surrey Theatre Academy
Classes held at Haslemere Hall Email info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk or call 07960518468 Surrey Theatre Academy is a thriving performing arts academy offering weekly performing arts classes for ages 5-13 years. They also offer holiday courses, a popular youth theatre for ages 13-18 years and are a registered LAMDA exam centre offering exam coaching in acting and musical theatre. Free trials available! Haslemere & Godalming venues.
Guildford Theatre School
Classes for ages 4-18 at The Trinity Centre (off Guildford’s High Street) and St Nicolas Centre (Bury Street) each Saturday Email enquiries@guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk www.guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk Established by Anna McNamara to provide a fun filled creative learning experience that focuses on the acquisition of skills and the pursuit of excellence in Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Singing and Drama. Join them and achieve extraordinary things.
Maltings Youth Dance Company
4x sessions commencing 17 Sept at Farnham Maltings Email: theatre@farnhammaltings.com farnhammaltings.com / 01252 745444 For ages 12–18. You are warmly invited to join Farnham Maltings’ welcoming youth dance company. Whether you’re new to dance or have previous experience, you’ll find a safe, inclusive space to develop your skills. Sessions include technique, improvisation and choreography. Visit the Maltings website to discover more theatre and craft classes.
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Clubs & classes
Success starts with small steps Kumon helps children believe in themselves, develop independence and enjoy learning through individualised maths and English programmes.
Aldershot 07934 109333
Guildford East 07368 851172
Farnborough South & Farnborough North 07599 860805
Guildford North 07850 393188 Haslemere 01428 289621
Farnham 07387 045813 Frimley 07473 356444
kumon.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.
nd ventures a ills Outdoor ad e Surrey H th in n o ti explora
Holiday Clubs Birthday Parties SEND Days Community Groups See www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk for details
TRY A
FREE CLASS
Confidence Building FUN Drama, dance and singing classes designed to help 4–12 year olds shine Camberley, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere or Woking BOOK A FREE CLASS Your child’s first class is free, so why not give it a go? Find your nearest class online or call us:
perform.org.uk/try 020 7255 9120
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Education
AI at home: helping children use it wisely By Zuzu Jordan AI is already part of our children’s world and even if we’d like to, we can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. But nor should we simply hand over responsibility for their learning to a machine. The most helpful place for parents lies between those extremes: in other words, adults using AI alongside children, with curiosity, clear boundaries and plenty of conversation. Parents’ worries are understandable. Artificial intelligence can produce inaccurate answers, reflect bias and make it tempting to skip the effort involved in learning. AI collects, processes and stores our data too, so it’s important that children understand that personal information, photographs and private family details should never be entered into an AI tool without an adult’s permission. Used thoughtfully though, AI can become a creative learning partner rather than a shortcut. One positive use for AI begins with talking. Pie Corbett’s Talk for Writing approach recognises the importance of children orally rehearsing language and ideas before writing. Speaking can help a child organise a story, experiment with vocabulary and hear whether a sentence makes sense. So an adult could invite a child to describe an imaginary setting using the voice feature in an age-appropriate AI app. The child might describe a silver castle balanced on a cloud, with spiral windows and a garden of singing flowers. The AI could then create a picture or a written description based on those spoken ideas. The important learning happens next. Does the result match what the child imagined? What has the AI misunderstood or left out? Which words could make the instructions to the AI clearer? The child remains the author, while the technology provides a way to question, edit and improve.
AI can support parents too. Many adults want to help with homework but feel unsure about today’s subject terminology. A parent could ask: ‘My child is learning about fronted adverbials. Explain the term to me simply, give me three examples and suggest questions I can ask my child without doing the work for them.’ Using AI in this way gives parents a starting point for a better conversation: ‘Show me how your teacher explained it,’ ‘Which part makes sense?’ or ‘What could we check together?’ The adult’s role is to keep asking who made the choices, whose ideas are being used and what the child has learned independently. Children also need to learn that AI is not an authority. It is a tool that predicts and generates response and it can sound confident while being wrong. Encourage kids to use a simple routine: ask, check and create. Ask a clear question. Check the answer against a trusted source or knowledgeable adult. Then create something of their own from what they have learned.
This can be especially useful for children who find the blank page intimidating or whose spoken ideas are stronger than their current writing.
The aim is not to raise children who rely on AI for every answer. It is to raise thoughtful users who can question technology, protect their privacy, recognise AI’s limitations and use it to extend their own imagination. Parents do not need to know everything before beginning to use AI tools exploring together may be the most valuable lesson of all.
AI should not write the finished piece of work though. Instead, it can help capture an initial idea, suggest vocabulary or turn a child’s words into an image they can evaluate. The child can then write, draw, revise or expand independently.
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for eighteen years and is Director of Arnett International. For FREE resources and tips, find her on Instagram @edumate_uk
Family rules for using AI • Use AI with your child and ask them to explain what they think before consulting it.
Try a spoken picture challenge
• Never enter names, addresses, school details, photographs or private family information.
Ask your child to invent a character or setting and describe it aloud using an AI app’s voice feature. Request a picture based only on their spoken description. Compare the picture carefully with the idea in your child’s mind. What is accurate? What is missing? Which words caused confusion?
• Remind children that AI can make mistakes so should not replace trusted adults, books or school guidance and to check important answers against another reliable source. • AI may offer prompts, examples or feedback but the ideas, decisions and finished work should remain the child’s and reflect their own understanding.
10 Families Surrey West
Let your child improve the prompt, then draw or write their own version. The goal is clearer communication and creative thinking, not producing a perfect AI image for them.
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Education Independent School Open Days If you would like to attend an open day, please register on the school’s website
School
Open Day Date
Coworth Flexlands Prep School and Nursery
Fri 2 Oct and Fri 13 Nov 10am.
Edgeborough
Open morning: Fri 2 Oct. Year 3 Information Evening: Tues 22 Sept. Reception Discovery Morning: Fri 16 Oct.
Hoe Bridge School
Prep School: Tues 15 Sept and Sat 26 Sept. Senior School: Tues 22 Sept. Pre-Prep: Thurs 1 Oct.
RGS Guildford
Prep School: Sat 26 Sept. Senior School: Fri 2 Oct and Sat 3 Oct. Sixth Form Information Evening: Wed 16 Sept.
St Catherine’s School
Prep School: Fri 18 Sept and Fri 26 Feb 9.30am. Early Years Open Event: Sat 14 Nov 2.30pm. Senior School: Thurs 17 Sept and Tues 13 Oct 9.45am.
St Edmund’s School
Sat 3 Oct 10am-12pm.
St Ives School
Fri 18 Sept, Fri 16 Oct and Fri 13 Nov 9.30am.
Chobham Mixed 2½-11 years Farnham Mixed 2-13 years
Old Woking Mixed 2-16 years
Boys 3-18 years. Girls will be admitted into Nursery, Reception, Year 3 and the Lower Sixth Form (Year 12) in Sept 2027. In Sept 2028 girls will be admitted into the First Form (Year 7)
Bramley Girls 3-18 years
Hindhead Mixed 2-16 years Haslemere Mixed 2-11 years
A Prep School where happiness gets results
PREP SCHOOL (PRE-SCHOOL - YEAR 6)
OPEN EVENT Friday 18 th September 2026 | 9.30am - 11.45am EARLY YEARS (PRE-SCHOOL AND RECEPTION (4+)
EARLY YEARS OPEN EVENT Saturday 14 th November 2026 | 2.30pm - 4pm PREP SCHOOL (PRE-SCHOOL - YEAR 6)
OPEN MORNING Join us for our Open Morning on Friday 2 October 2026 Just minutes from Sunningdale, Chobham and Windlesham. GU24 8TE
www.coworthflexlands.co.uk
11 Families Surrey West
Friday 26 th February 2027 | 9.30am - 11.45am
St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 2 - 19 years Guildford GU5 0AY | www.stcatherines.info | 01483 899665
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Education
Independent Schools Round Up
Coworth Flexlands School
Coworth Flexlands School is a thriving co-educational preparatory school located in beautiful grounds on the Surrey and Berkshire border. Known for its warm, nurturing and inclusive environment, the school combines academic excellence with a strong focus on pupil wellbeing, inspiring children to develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. With small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, every child benefits from individual attention and support. Specialist teaching in PE, Drama and Music enrich the curriculum, while Forest School sessions, outdoor learning opportunities and residential trips from Year 3 encourage adventure and personal growth. The school has an outstanding record of preparing pupils for senior school, with an average of 45% of Year 6 pupils achieving scholarships. As the only co-educational 11+ school in the local area, Coworth Flexlands offers a unique and family-friendly community where children are encouraged to achieve their full potential both academically and personally. www.coworthflexlands.co.uk
Hoe Bridge School: Woking’s Only Independent Co-Educational Through School Hoe Bridge School is proud to be the only independent through-school in Woking, providing a seamless educational journey from 6 months to 16 years of age. From its nurturing nursery environment to its dynamic senior school, Hoe Bridge offers continuity, stability and excellence at every stage of a child’s development. Pupils benefit from a carefully designed curriculum, outstanding pastoral care and access to exceptional facilities, all within one supportive community. This unique all-through approach enables children to build confidence, develop strong relationships and achieve their full potential, ensuring they are well prepared for future success both academically and personally.
RGS Guildford RGS Guildford is renowned for its academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and rich co-curricular programme. The School is now entering an exciting new era as it expands its offering for children aged 3 to 18 with its move to co-education, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning community that reflects the world beyond the classroom. From September 2027, girls will join RGS Prep and the Sixth Form at RGS Senior, with co-educational entry in Year 7 following in 2028. The move will build on the School’s strong foundations and enduring commitment to providing an exceptional education that develops intellectual curiosity, confidence, character and kindness. With excellent academic outcomes, extensive opportunities in sport, music, drama, outdoor education and leadership, RGS Guildford prepares students not only academic success but also for happy and fulfilling futures. Discover more at the School’s upcoming Open Days this Autumn. Meet staff and students, tour the outstanding facilities, gain a firsthand insight into life at RGS Prep and RGS Senior and explore what makes RGS Guildford one of the South East’s leading independent schools. Book now at www.rgsg.co.uk
St Catherine’s Prep School
With small class sizes and specialist teachers, St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley knows how to inspire, motivate, and engage girls. St Catherine’s has a strong focus on developing their pupils’ abilities – whether that is be problem-solving at age 3, being introduced to coding aged 4, or analysing life-cycles aged 10. They also provide a myriad of opportunities for girls to grow in confidence, whether that be presenting in Assembly, speaking to younger girls on Modern Foreign Language day in their native tongue, or completing a week’s residential trip to France. From ages Pre-School to Sixth Form, are invited to explore, question, create, and grow. Through excellent teaching, thoughtful care, and expansive opportunities across academics, sport, music, and drama, St Catherine’s helps girls build the confidence to live fully and lead boldly. www.stcatherines.info
You are warmly invited to come and visit at one of their upcoming open mornings by registering online today. www.hoebridgeschool.co.uk
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Education
Discover the Edgeborough difference. Dates for your diary:
OPEN MORNING Friday 2 october 2026
Year 3 Information Evening Tuesday 22 September 2026
Reception Discovery Morning Friday 16 October 2026
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Parenting
Practical behaviour strategies for kids who aren’t okay By Ross W. Greene
As a parent, you probably feel pretty saturated with guidance on how to handle your child when they behave badly. You might read that children should experience more consequences – in other words, punishment – in response to bad behaviour. In my opinion, this is a good example of the adage: ‘For every problem there is a solution that is simple, neat and wrong.’
We’ve been focused on the wrong thing since... forever
You may have been taught that consequences – especially in the form of rewards and punishments – are the answer to misbehaviour. Things like sticker charts, time-outs, grounding and privilege gain and loss. This approach misses the fact that concerning behaviour is almost always a sign of frustration or distress; your child is communicating that they’re finding it difficult to meet an expectation. Let’s call these expectations ‘unsolved problems.’ What parents and caregivers need to understand is that rewards and punishments don’t solve any of them. There is a more effective problem-solving process.
Unsolved problems arrive early... concerning behaviour arrives later
Our obsession with behaviour sets us up to be reactive. This explains the popularity and ubiquity of interventions focused on what adults should do once a child is already becoming frustrated or has already exhibited a frustration response: co-regulate, de-escalate, send them to the calming corner or, for teenagers, restrain them, seclude them or, if bad behaviour happens at school, give them a detention, suspend or expel them.
If a child is exhibiting concerning behaviour, there’s an unsolved problem that preceded it. If you identify and solve that problem proactively, it won’t continue to cause a frustration response. This will avoid you getting stuck in the heat of the moment dealing, yet again, with an old unsolved problem in the middle of the grocery store or in the car.
Problems can be solved collaboratively, not unilaterally
Many parents believe it’s their job to ‘divine’ what’s making it hard for their child to meet a particular expectation and to ‘divine’ solutions, which are then imposed. The bad news: we’re wrong a lot. The good news: kids are excellent problem-solving partners, if we’re open to it. Children have critical information to offer and often excellent solutions to suggest, once we adults get over ourselves and come to recognise that there is zero downside to involving kids in solving the problems that are affecting their lives. Ross W. Greene (Ph.D.) is a clinical psychologist, originator of the evidence-based Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model and author of many books including the recently released The Kids Who Aren’t Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools.
Ages 18mths+
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Collaborative problem solving
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Step one: empathy. This is where caregivers gather
information from a child about what’s making it hard for them to meet a particular expectation. I’m often asked: ‘What makes you think the child knows?’ My pat answer: thirty-five years of asking. I’m also frequently asked: ‘What if the child is non- or minimally-speaking?’ The answer: they can always be engaged in the problemsolving process, in one way or another. Meet them where they’re at. Listen to them. Earn back their faith. Tightening the vice grip won’t do it.
Step two: define adult concerns. This step is where caregivers tell a child why they feel it’s important that an expectation be met. Step three: the invitation. This is where a child and their caregiver agree on a solution that addresses the concerns of both parties. If the solution doesn’t address the concerns of both parties, it’s not going to work. Not for long anyway.
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Get ready for max giggles with Tickle Me Elmo Plush toy from Sesame Street Tickle Elmo and watch him shake with joyful delight The perfect friend for cuddles & laughter Use QR code or apply at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go familiesonline.co.uk
To avoid avoid disappointment, disappointment, please please check check details details with with organiser organiser To Sat 5-Sun 6 Sept Sweetcorn Weekend Secretts of Milford 11am-4pm. As well as pick your own sweetcorn, there’s The Great Garden Gnome Hunt, magic shows, reptile encounter, circus skills and more. Adult £8, child £12 (excludes corn). Book online.
Sat 5 Sept-Sun 8 Nov Moomins Trail Polesden Lacey See listing on page 18.
Sun 6 Sept Great Cockcrow Railway KT16 0AD Miniature train rides. For ages 2+. From 1pm, booking office closes 4.15pm. Single ride adult £7, child £6, family £21. Running Day Mizens Railway Knaphill 2pm-5pm. Miniature train rides for ages 1+. Buy tickets on site. From £2.50.
Drum Circle Cranleigh Arts Centre 2pm. This fun, noisy, family friendly event is open to everyone. No experience is necessary, and all drums are provided. £7. Book online.
Sat 12-Sun 13 Sept Surrey Hills Wood Fair Cranleigh Showground 10am-4pm. Traditional craft, countryside skills, arena events and handson family fun with archery, axe throwing, trampolining, wagon rides, arts & crafts, animal encounters and more. Early bird online: adult £12.50 (£15 on the door). Under 16s free. Many activities are included in admission, some are extra. Heritage Open Day Polesden Lacey Polesden Lacey is opening its doors for free all weekend.
Sun 13 Sept
Running Day Frimley Lodge Railway Frimley Lodge Park 11am1pm and 2pm-5pm. Miniature train rides. £1.50 per ride. Under 3s travel free.
Civil War Re-enactments Farnham Castle 11am-4pm. Historic civil war re-enactments. Free, no booking needed. Refreshments available to buy.
Fri 11 Sept
Gala Day Great Cockcrow Railway Miniature train rides from 1pm-4.30pm. Guest engines will be visiting.
Storytime at the Cathedral Guildford Cathedral 11am. Songs, stories, and rhymes for pre-schoolers with an adult in The Regimental Chapel. Free. Pre-booking recommended. Wharf Weenies Dapdune Wharf Guildford 10.30am-11.30am. For ages up to 4 with an adult. Songs, stories, playing and exploring in the tranquil outdoor setting. Mix in the mud kitchen, go wildlife spotting and make natural crafts. Book online. Adult and one child £8, extra child £4.
Sat 12 Sept Guided Nature Walk Hatchlands Park 2pm–3.30pm. Discover the butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, creatures and natural features that call Hatchlands Park home in a nature walk led by the rangers. Included in admission. No need to book. Festival Masks Haslemere Library Celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge and create a fun festival mask to wear. Drop-in from 10am-4pm. For all ages. Child £1.50.
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Running Day Mizens Railway See listing on 6 Sept.
Fri 18 Sept Three Little Pigs Haslemere Museum 1.30pm-2.30pm. For under 5s with an adult. Make puppets and/or houses to act out this popular story. Child £3, adult £2. Book online. History Detective Guildford Museum Drop-in from 12pm-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). For ages 5+ with an adult. Free, donations welcome. Can you identify the mystery objects which would have been everyday items to the people who used to live in Guildford Museum when part of it were cottages?
Sat 19 Sept Haslemere Food Festival Lion Green 10am-4pm. Free entry. Space Safari, Loseley Park Guildford 5pm-10pm. Drone light show narrated by Michaela Strachan plus fairground rides, food village and more. Book online.
What’s on diary
History Detective Guildford Museum 10am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Free, no booking needed. Test your skills in this fun, hands-on activity. The Chobham Show Village Hall GU24 8AQ 2pm. Horticultural show plus fun dog show, refreshments and more.
Sun 20 Sept
Sat 26 Sept
Open Day Leatherhead Fire Station KT22 9AW 11am-3pm. Additional Needs and Disabilities from 10am-11am. No booking needed. See fire engines and more.
Family Festival 2026 Farnham Maltings 10am-4.30pm. A day of creative and fun-filled events for families to enjoy together. Includes dance, pottery, printing, music-making, theatre, sound installations, a cardboard city, balloon modelling, face painting, puppets, Nick Sharratt’s Once Upon a Draw-a-Long and more. £2 on the door which includes most activities, with a small number of events ticketed separately (with entry included). See farnhammaltings.com for details.
Open Day Leatherhead Railway KT22 9AA 11am-4pm. Miniature train rides. £2 or 6 for £10. No booking needed. Running Day Mizens Railway See listing on 6 Sept. Open Day Stoke Park Railway Guildford 2pm-5pm. Miniature train rides. £2, three for £5. Under 3s free. No need to book. Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept.
Glow Night - Festival of Mechanical Music Hollycombe Liphook 4pm-10pm. Railway rides, fairground games, lots of rides, music and more.
Gym Jams
Gym Jams is a multi-awardwinning traditional style soft play, exclusively for babies and toddlers. Providing a clean, safe environment for little ones aged 0-3 years to explore at their own pace, learning to crawl, toddle and climb under and over the equipment. Set in the beautiful village of Normandy, with good road and railway access, free parking and is situated on a 30 acre site set aside for community recreation which is home to a playground, a community shop and cafe and a picnic area. Plenty to explore locally on your visit! Bookings are made online at www.gym-jams.co.uk.
Little Street
Little Street is a little world for big imaginations, designed for children aged 1–7 to explore, imagine and learn through role play. Loved by parents and kids alike, it’s perfect for quality 1:1 time, fun play dates, or relaxing with a coffee while little ones discover. Visitor numbers are kept ‘little’ to ensure a calm, high-quality experience, and after each session, the venue is reset to perfection so every group walks in to that “wow” moment. www.little-street.co.uk.
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What’s on diary Guildford Spectrum
Make a splash in Guildford Spectrum’s newly refurbished Leisure Pool - the perfect destination for a day of family fun and memory making! Whether you're ready to explore the brand new splash pad with interactive water features, brave the wave machine, or race down the thrilling waterslides - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From tipping buckets and spinning wheels to exciting water sprays... endless aquatic adventures await! Book your Leisure Pool session now: www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/book-activities/
Wild ‘N’ Out
Wild ‘N’ Out is not your traditional soft play. It’s a bespoke children’s space for ages 6 months to 8 years, inspired by the estate’s seasonal offerings—from fishing lakes to pumpkin patches and Christmas trees—blending farmhouse charm with playful creativity. A home-from-home where imaginations run wild, memories are made, and grown-ups feel the magic too. Learn, play, explore! Enjoy 90-minute sessions, book online at www.willinghurstestate.co.uk. It also features a charming toy shop and cosy café. Keep an eye out for their Christmas Experience tickets!
October Half Term at RHS Wisley This October half-term, discover the secrets and magical powers hidden in plants. Meet mysterious plant life on a spooky walk, tackle the interactive garden trail, meet the Zoolab Wizard or Witch for a special question session at the Curious Creature Display and find out more about the critters lurking in the tanks. Book online and save. Children aged 5-16 years go for £6. Under 5s go free. Booking required for the spooky walk and Zoolab. https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
Halloween at Princes Mead
Princes Mead Shopping Centre is set to bring family fun to October half term with Monsters & Makers! The week begins with a spooktacular Makers Market on Saturday 24th October, packed with unique handmade gifts and spooky crafts. Young visitors can take part in a Monster Trail throughout the week (24 Oct1 Nov), hunting around the centre and collecting a prize on completion. The celebrations culminate on Saturday 31st October with FREE face painting 11am–4pm, giving little monsters the perfect Halloween look. Fun, creativity and prizes await.
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To avoid avoid disappointment, disappointment, please please check check details details with with organiser organiser To Sat 26 Sept-SUN 1 Nov The Squirrels Who Squabbled Trail Claremont Landscape Garden 10am-4pm. Join two greedy squirrels, Cyril and Bruce, as they learn to share on a rhyming adventure trail through the garden. Included in admission.
Sun 27 Sept Farnham Food and Drink Festival 10am-4pm. Free entry. In The Borough, East Street, Bush Hotel Courtyard and Brightwells. Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept. Running Day, Mizens Railway See 6 Sept.
Fri 2 Oct Lovely Leaves Haslemere Museum 10.30-11.30am. For under 5s with an adult. Turn some lovely leaves into colourful autumnal pictures. Child £3, adult £2. Book online. Wharf Weenies Dapdune Wharf See listing on 11 Sept. Storytime at the Cathedral Guildford Cathedral See listing on 11 Sept.
Sat 3 Oct Family Pottery Workshop The West End Centre Aldershot 10am-12pm. For ages 3+ with an adult. Make Autumn and Halloween decorations. Child £20, one adult free. Book online. Glow Night - The Greatest Show, Hollycombe 6pm-10pm. Enjoy Hollycombe at Night under the glow of lights and brightly lit fairground rides and showman’s engines. Apple Day, Dapdune Wharf Guildford 12pm-3pm. Help gather the apples to put in the apple crusher and press and see how fresh apple juice is made. Have a go at apple related crafts then finish with tasting some apple juice or enjoy some apples cooked over a campfire. Booking essential. Adult £5, child £5. Book online.
Monthly Makes: Blue Guitar, Farnham Maltings 10am, 11.30am or 1pm. For all ages and abilities. Create a Cubist-inspired ceramic sculpture. Book online.
Sun 4 Oct Surrey Age UK – Colour Run, Loseley Park Guildford 10am-1pm. Choose from a 2km colour walk or 5km colour run. Adult £15, child £10, under 2s and supporters free. Recommended for ages 5+. Sign up at www.ageuk.org. uk/surrey. Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept. Running Day Frimley Lodge Railway See listing on 6 Sept.
Wed 7 Oct Cathedral Tots Guildford Cathedral 10am-11.30am. Informal service for families with a Bible story, children’s activity and refreshments. Free, no need to book.
Fri 9 Oct Wharf Weenies Dapdune Wharf See listing on 11 Sept.
Sat 10 Oct Glow Night - Halloween Hollycombe 6pm-10pm. Miniature train rides, fire performances, fairground rides, haunted ghost house, hall of mirrors, pumpkins and Halloween decor, fancy dress prizes, spine-tingling tunes on the fairground organs and more. Astolat Model Railway Circle Open Day Dapdune Wharf Guildford 11am-5pm. See model railway layouts, have a go and learn how they are built and operated. There will also be train and transport books out in their second hand bookshop. Entry is free but usual parking charges apply. No booking needed.
Sat 10 Oct-Sun 1 Nov We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Trail Hatchlands Park See listing on page 18.
Sun 11 Oct Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept. Open Day Leatherhead Railway See listing on 20 Sept.
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What’s on diary
Autumn Fun! Discover spooky fun and
autumn adventures at a National Trust property near you
Box Hill
17 Oct–2 Nov, 10am-4pm Discover the Bats of Box Hill on a free family spotting trail.
Claremont Landscape Garden
26 Sep–1 Nov, 10am-4pm Meet The Squirrels that Squabbled, as two greedy squirrels, Cyril and Bruce, learn to share on this rhyming adventure trail through the garden.
Hatchlands Park
10 Oct–1 Nov, 10am-4pm Join the bunnies on a Halloween adventure to find the ghosts hidden around the garden. Based on the bestselling children’s book, We’re Going on a Ghost HuntTM.
Hindhead Common
27–31 Oct, 11am Book a free, family-friendly Halloween guided walk and hear about the spooky stories and mysteries of the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Polesden Lacey
5 Sep–8 Nov , 10am-4pm Take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley with a family trail around the grounds meeting charcaters from the Moomins.
Winkworth Arboretum
From 1 Oct, 10am-4pm Join Old Mal to hunt down escaped folklore creatures in an epic family quest for mystery seekers aged 7+. Download the free Stranger Folk app and save the day. Please check website for dates and times: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey
Fri 16 Oct Pattern, Print, Paint Haslemere Museum 1.30pm-2.30pm. For under 5s with an adult. Experiment with printing using a variety of natural objects. Child £3, adult £2. Book online.
Sat 17 Oct Colourful Jar Lanterns Farnham Library 11am-12pm. Use colourful tissue paper to transform a glass jar into a lantern for the Farnham Lantern Festival or to light up the darker evenings at home (fairy lights included). For ages 4+ with an adult. Child £3. Advance booking required, in person or email farnham.library@ surreycc.gov.uk. Halloween Lantern Craft Haslemere Library Make your own Halloween lantern. Drop in from 10am4pm. Child £2. For ages 5 years+ with an adult. Pumpkin Patch Merrist Wood Adult £8, child (4-16) £6, under 4s free, family (2+2) £26. Your ticket includes: access to the Pumpkin Patch, climb-on tractor experience, see the farm animals, photo opportunities and free activities. Book online. Glow Night - Halloween Hollycombe See 10 Oct.
Sat 17-Fri 30 Oct Pumpkin Picking and Halloween Trail Secretts of Milford Runs 17-18 Oct and 21-30 Oct. £8.50pp includes entry,
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scavenger hunt trail sheet, access to the pumpkin field and entry into the fancy dress competition. Under 2’s free. Extra activities include a magician (£3pp), pedal tractors (£3pp) and more. Pre-booked tickets only.
Mon 19 Oct
Farnham Maltings Book these workshops online. Filmmaking Workshop: Trick or Traitor 9.30am4.30pm. For 11-16s. A spooky filmmaking workshop inspired by the hit show The Traitors! Book online. £65. Sat 17 Oct–Sun 17th 1 Nov October - 1st November Mythical Creatures in Halloween Watercolour 10.30amGodstone Farm 12pm. For ages 12+. £43. e Farm! Watercolour Cat A spook-tacular line-up GodstonWhimsical at of activities including creepy 1.30pm-3.30pm. For ages 8+. crafts, pick and carve a Paint a sweet whimsical cat pumpkin, using watercolour inks. £39. the Spooky Tue 20 Oct Scarecrow Wild About Britain Maize, Cranleigh Arts Centre The Great 10am or 11.30am. Meet and Halloween learn about an array of British Traitor creatures, including a tawny Mystery owl, hedgehog, smooth snake Trail and lots more. and kestrel. For ages 4+ with October Half Term an adult. One free adult per Join us this Halloween for a spooktastically RHS Wisley family. £9.50. Book online. fun family day on the farm! See listing on 16.from our Pumpkin Patch*, brave the Pick andpage carve a pumpkin
Halloween
Wed 21 Oct
Spooky Scarecrow Maize, solve the Great Halloween Traitor Mystery Trail, meet Dinosaur Squeak, enjoy Halloween crafts, and toast
Sat 17 Oct–Mon 2usual Nov marshmallows*. Plus, all the farmyard fun! Bats of Box Hill Trail Box Hill See page 18.
Sun 18 Oct Horse Ploughing Match New Barn Farm Puttenham GU3 1AN 10am. Ploughing, ring displays, refreshments, children’s amusements and dog show. Adult £10, under 16s free. Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept. Pumpkin Patch, Merrist Wood See listing on 17 Oct. Open Day Stoke Park Railway See listing on 20 Sept.
Farnham Maltings Book these workshops online. Ghost Stories - Drama Workshop 11.30am12.30pm for ages 5-7 (£14) and 1.30pm-3pm for ages 7-11 (£16). Explore all things supernatural through drama games and by creating your very own spooky story. Beaded Halloween Jewellery 2pm-3.30pm. For ages 6+. Bead your own necklaces ready for Halloween. £21. *Additional charge
The BIG Draw Surrey Heath Museum Camberley Drop-in from 11am–3pm. Free arts and craft in the museum.
Railway Wednesday Rural Life Living Museum A ride on the Old Kiln Light Railway is included in Museum admission. Make a Lantern Brightwells Creative Space Farnham 10am-1pm. Free. Make a Lantern for the Farnham Lantern Festival.
Wed 21-Sat 31 Oct Homegrown Pumpkin Patch, Willinghurst Estate Visitors are invited to pull on their wellies and enjoy an authentic countryside experience at Willinghurst Estate’s Homegrown Pumpkin Patch. After grabbing a wheelbarrow, head out into the field to pick your very own homegrown pumpkin straight from the vine. With a fantastic selection of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s also a brand new maize maze, face painting, arts & crafts and refreshments on offer! To find out more and book tickets, visit www. willinghurstestate.co.uk.
Homegrown Pumpkin Patch Willinghurst Estate
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What’s on diary
To avoid avoid disappointment, disappointment, please please check check details details with with organiser organiser To
Pumpkin Patch and Magical Christmas Experience at Chobham Adventure Farm
Enjoy the spooky fun at Chobham Adventure Farm’s pumpkin patch during October half term. Pick your pumpkin, carve your own design to take home, race wheelbarrows around the track and take some great photos! No pre-booking needed, there is a small extra charge for your pumpkin on the day. Experience the magic of their Christmas Adventure with Father Christmas and his pesky elves as they take you on a snow-packed journey to his toyshop. You’ll have a one-to-one visit with Father Christmas plus you can choose your own present. Visit the real reindeer in the Reindeer Lodge, make some special reindeer food and have snowball fights with the elves! There is all the usual fun as well - indoor soft play with giant slides or venture outside to the bouncy pillows, zipwires, donut slide and more. Check website for details!
The National Trust
Hatchlands Park (Guildford)
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Trail runs from Sat 10 OctSun 1 Nov 10am–3.30pm. Follow this spectacularly spooky family trail around the parkland, based on the popular story We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt. Included in admission. Winkworth Arboretum (Godalming) Stranger Folk runs from 1 Oct 10am4pm. Something strange has escaped in the Arboretum. Join Old Mal to hunt down escaped folklore creatures, in an epic family quest for mystery seekers aged 7+. Download the free Stranger Folk app and save the day. Included in admission.
Polesden Lacey (Gt Bookham) Moomins Trail runs from Sat 5 Sept-Sun 8 Nov 10am-5pm (until 30 Sept), 10am-4pm (after 1 Oct). Take a magical wander in Moominvalley, with a family trail to meet characters from the Moomins. Delve into discovering the Moomin family and their friends, living an adventurous life in the idyllic and peaceful Moominvalley. Included in admission. Claremont Landscape Garden (Esher) The Squirrels Who Squabbled Trail runs from Sat 26 SeptSun 1 Nov 10am-4pm. Based on the best-selling children’s book, join two greedy squirrels, Cyril and Bruce, as they learn to share on a rhyming adventure trail through the garden. Included in admission. Box Hill (Dorking) Bats of Box Hill Trail runs from Sat 17 Oct–Mon 2 Nov 10am-4pm. Pick up a free trail sheet at the Shepherd’s Hut and follow the play trail and see how many bats you can spot and discover some fun facts along the way. Free, no need to book. Hindhead Commons
Free Guided Family Walk: Hindhead Halloween runs from Tue 27–Sat 31 Oct at 11am. Discover the spooky stories and myths of Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl and hear about the creepy-crawly residents who still call it home on this family-friendly spooky guided walk. Free, but please book online.
18 Families Surrey West
Wed 21 Oct-Sun 1 Nov Monsters, Magic & Mischief, Watts Gallery Compton 10.30am-4pm. Creativity, adventure and Halloween fun with a Woodland witches trail, potion station, storytelling and more. Included in entry. More details at www.wattsgallery.org.uk.
Thu 22 Oct Rustic Autumn Paint and Draw Workshop Farnham Maltings 10am-2pm. For ages 6-16. Celebrate the beauty of autumn with watercolour, sketching and mixed media techniques. Suitable for beginners and improvers. £66. Book online. Comic Art Masterclass Cranleigh Arts Centre 10.30am or 2pm. For ages 7+, under 12s need to be with an adult. With Kev F Sutherland who has written and drawn for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics. £17. Book online. Activity Thursday Rural Life Living Museum 10am-4pm. There are lots of extra activities for families to explore which are included in admission. Family Fun Day Guildford Cathedral From 10am. Aimed at ages 3-12 with an adult. Create autumn themed crafts. Free, but you need to book online.
Fri 23 Oct Spring Bulb Planting Guildford Museum 12pm-2pm. For ages 5+ with an adult. £2.50 per child. Drop-in to plant a pot of bulbs and make a decorative marker to take home. Farnham Maltings Book these workshops online. Demon Dancers 10.30am12.30pm or 2pm-4pm. For ages 7-11. Halloween dance workshop including lots of fun and games. £15. Cupcake Decorating: Out of this World 10.30am11.45am or 1.30pm-2.45pm. For ages 5-12. Space themed cupcake decorating. £18.
Family Fungi Walk Wellesley Woodlands Aldershot 11am-12.30pm. Free, but book on eventbrite. Book Folding Craft Haslemere Library Create something to treasure forever! For ages 5+ with an adult. Drop in from 10am4pm. £2 per child.
Sat 24-Sun 25 Oct Mini Fireworks Festival Godstone Farm Low bang fireworks, spectacular lasers, fire performers, LED butterfly characters, kids’ disco and more. See listing on page 20.
Sat 24 Oct-Sun 1 Nov Medieval Monster Hunt Aldershot Military Museum Track down dragons, unicorns and other medieval monsters in this familyfriendly hunt through the Museum. Admission + £2.75 per Monster Hunter Pack, with a reward on completion. Mindful Monsters Trail Princes Mead Shopping Centre Farnborough Young visitors can take part in a monster trail, hunting around the centre and collecting a prize on completion. Free.
Sun 25 Oct Military and Commercial Vehicle Day Rural Life Living Museum There will be lots of extra vehicles from across the ages to see at the museum today. Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 6 Sept.
Mon 26 Oct Beginners’ Magic Workshop: Become a Magician in a Day Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford 10am-1pm for ages 6-9 and 2pm-5pm for ages 10-13. Perfect for complete beginners and young people who already dabble in magic, it includes easy-to-learn tricks and clever techniques taught by a professional magician. £30. Book online.
Halloween Lantern Craft Haslemere Library See listing on 17 Oct.
Sat 24 Oct Drum Circle Cranleigh Arts Centre See listing on 12 Sept.
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What’s on diary
17th October - 1st November
een Hallow ne Farm!
at Godsto
Join us this Halloween for a spooktastically fun family day on the farm! Pick and carve a pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch*, brave the Spooky Scarecrow Maize, solve the Great Halloween Traitor Mystery Trail, meet Dinosaur Squeak, enjoy Halloween crafts, and toast marshmallows*. Plus, all the usual farmyard fun!
MultiSports MultiSports Guildford Guildford
*Additional charge
WEEN
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Team sports, Individual sports and Team building, Team sports, Individual sports and Team building, together, create well-rounded young people together, create well-rounded young people
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What’s on diary Mon 26 Oct Cont. Farnham Maltings Book these workshops online. They are both for ages 6+ (under 10s must be accompanied an adult). Print your own Halloween T-shirt 10.30am-12.30pm. £42. Screen Print your own Halloween Trick or Treat Bag 1.30pm-3.30pm. £39. Monthly Makers Ash Library 2.30pm-4.30pm. Drop-in fun craft session for children. £1 per child. Handprint Hedgehogs Farnham Library 11am-12pm (after Storytime). For ages 3+ with an adult. Make a paper hedgehog by drawing around your hands! Child £1. Advance booking required, in person or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk. Halloween Arts and Crafts Haslemere Youth Hub 10am-11am. For ages 2+ with an adult. Decorate Halloween ornaments, decorations and more. Child £4, adult free. Book at www. thehaslemerehub.com.
Tue 27 Oct Family Event: Horrific Halloween Haslemere Museum 1.30pm-4pm. Bring your creativity and a pumpkin or squash to carve, then join a Halloween procession through Haslemere, which gathers at the Museum at 4pm and finishes in the town’s central car park with a treat. Children need to be accompanied. Child £5, adult £2. Book on www. haslemeremuseum.co.uk. The West End Centre Aldershot Book these events online. Family Pottery 10.30am-12pm. For ages 3+ with an adult. Child £20, one adult free. Children’s Pottery 1pm-3pm. For ages 8+. £20. Mini Artists: Pop Art Pumpkins 10.30am-12.30pm. For ages 5+ with an adult. Create some Halloween/Pop Art inspired art. Child £15, adult free. Pop-Up Pottery Café Cranleigh Arts Centre 10am-11.30am. Choose a ceramic piece, pick your colours and start painting. £15. Book online.
20 Families Surrey West
To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser Suds & Scents: Halloween Soap-Making Workshop Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford 10am-11.30am for ages 5+ and 1pm-2.30pm for ages 12+. Design and create your very own spooktacular soaps. All children and young people need to be accompanied by an adult. £25 per ticket. Book online. Creative Collages Guildford House Gallery 10am-12pm. For ages 5+ with an adult. Free, donations welcome. Drop-in to make a collage picture to take home. There’ll be lots of fabric, ribbons, buttons, and more to get creative with. Farnham Maltings Book these workshops online. Family Watercolours: Autumn Leaves 10am-1pm. For ages 7+ with an adult. Suitable for all levels. One adult and child £36, one adult and two children £42. Special Effects Stage Make Up 10.30am-12.30pm for ages 7-11 and 1.15pm-3.15pm for ages 11-16. £34. Create some spooky looks for Halloween! Play In A Day Princes Hall Aldershot 10am-4pm. For ages 7-11. Learn new theatrical skills, meet new friends, build confidence and work on a short play. £28. Book online.
Tues 27-Thu 29 Oct Free Spooky Crafts Surrey History Centre 130 Goldsworth Rd, Woking 9.30am-5pm. Enjoy crafts like making a mummy and a flapping bat, learn some spooky history facts and more! For ages 3-12 with an adult. Free parking onsite, buggy friendly and baby change facilities. Free, donations welcome.
Tue 27–Sat 31 Oct Free Guided Family Walk: Hindhead Halloween Hindhead Commons See listing on page 18.
Wed 28 Oct Crystal Stars Farnham Maltings 2pm-3.30pm for ages 8+. Make some beautiful crystal beaded stars. £26. Book online. Running Day Frimley Lodge Railway Frimley Lodge Park 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Miniature train rides. £1.50 per ride. Under 3s free.
10% off birthday parties and other experiences
AnotherWorldVR
AnotherWorldVR in Camberley offers immersive virtual reality experiences for ages 6+, perfect for kids, families and groups. Its free-roam VR Arena accommodates 2–18 players across exciting worlds, including zombie missions, space adventures and escape rooms. The VR Simulator offers 50+ experiences, from rollercoasters to space battles. Friendly Games Masters ensure a safe, unforgettable experience. Located in The Square, Camberley, AnotherWorldVR is ideal for birthdays, family days and group outings. Enjoy 10% off birthday parties and other experiences with code FSW10 (valid until 30/11/26). Pre-book: https://camberley.another-world.com
Godstone Farm’s Mini Fireworks Festival
Godstone Farm’s Mini Fireworks Festival takes place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October, offering an unforgettable after-dark experience for families. The much-loved Low Bang Fireworks return with the addition of spectacular lasers, creating a dazzling display designed for little ears. The festival also features thrilling fire performers, stilt walkers, glowing LED butterfly characters, a dazzling juggler and a lively kids’ disco. With delicious food, plenty of family fun and fully stocked bars, it promises a magical evening of festival entertainment for all ages. Strictly booking in advance www.godstonefarm.co.uk Haslemere Museum Special opening for SEND/ ASC: Early Birds 9am-10am. Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Entry by donation. Booking essential via the Haslemere Museum website. Family LEGO Sessions 10.30am-11.30am or 11.30am-12.30pm. Search through the Museum’s LEGO and let your imagination run wild. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per person. Book online.
The Gamers’ Lounge Cranleigh Arts Centre 11am or 2pm. Over 3,000 console games from the 1980s to mid-2000s. Single and multi player games. For all ages but parental supervision recommended (only players need to buy tickets). £9. Book online.
Halloween Family Day The Lightbox Woking Halloween drop-in family craft workshops in the Education Studio 10.30am12.30pm and 2pm-4pm. Pay as you wish. No booking required.
Thu 29 Oct
Halloween Boo Bash Haslemere Youth Hub 5pm-6.30pm. Halloween party for all the family! Including a disco, arts and crafts, spooky snacks and more! Child £6 (includes a Halloween party bag), parents free. All children must be supervised Book via www.thehaslemerehub.com.
Wed 28-Thu 29 Oct Crafty Kids: Half Term Museum of Farnham Fun and messy drop-in crafts from 10.30am-12.30pm. For ages 3-7 with an adult. £5. Pumpkin Carving Haslemere Youth Hub 10am-11am. For ages 2+ with a parent. Whether you decide to paint, carve or doodle on your pumpkin you can do it at The Hub! Child £5 (pumpkins included), parent free. Book via www. thehaslemerehub.com. Open Day Stoke Park Railway Guildford 10am-1pm. Miniature train rides. £2, three for £5. Under 3s free. No need to book.
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What’s on diary
Synergy Dance
Thu 29 Oct Cont. Farnham Lantern Festival From 5pm at Gostrey Meadow, the procession will set off to St Andrew’s Church at 6.30pm. Cupcake Decorating: Halloween Farnham Maltings 10.30am-11.45am or 1.30pm-2.45pm. For ages 5-12. Decorate your creepy cupcakes using a frightfully fun selection of spooky toppings. £18. Book online. Super Skeletons Haslemere Museum 10.30am-12pm. Investigate the Museum’s bone handling collection, try and put together a skeleton and do skeleton related crafts. Parents can stay but don’t have to. Child £8, adult £2. Book online. Book Folding Craft Haslemere Library See listing on 24 Oct. Haunted Mansion Workshop, The Lightbox Woking 1.30pm-3pm. A bewitching afternoon where you’ll capture the eerie magic of Halloween on canvas. For ages 7-12 (under 10s need to be with an adult). Child £16, adult free (max 2 adults per booking). Book online.
Fri 30 Oct Free Halloween Crafty Caper, Pippbrook House Dorking 10am, 11am or 12pm. Crafty fun aimed at ages 2-11, with an adult. Free but you must book at www.dorkinghalls.co.uk. Farnham Maltings Book these online. No Tricks, Just Treats: Halloween Soap Making 10am-11.30am or 1pm2.30pm. For ages 5+. £26. Silent Disco: Trick or Treat? 10.30am-12pm, 12.30pm-2pm, 2.30pm-4pm. Dressing up is encouraged at this spooky disco. £6.50 per headphones set. For 18 months+ and their families.
21 Families Surrey West
Synergy Dance Workshops Guildford Spectrum £8.50 per workshop, book via https://bit.ly/synergyworkshops. Dressing up encouraged! If booking more than one child use code DOUBLEDISCOUNT to save 10%. Older or younger siblings welcome with a ticket. Any questions email: admin@synergydance.co.uk. Movers and Shakers Halloween workshop For ages 5+. 2.45pm-3.45pm. Get ready for a spook-tacular adventure filled with music, movement and Halloween fun! Children will warm up with fun Halloween-themed movement games before setting off on a magical adventure. They’ll learn a simple Halloween dance routine, enjoy interactive parachute games and use colourful props such as scarves, ribbons and sensory equipment to spark creativity and encourage participation. The workshops finishes with a lively Halloween Dance Party. K-Pop with a Halloween Twist 4pm-5pm. For ages 6+. Get ready for a spook-tacular K-Pop dance experience packed with high-energy moves, Halloween fun and plenty of thrills! Kick things off with a fun warm-up featuring Halloween-themed K-Pop dance games, before learning an easy-to-follow routine bursting with signature K-Pop energy and spooky flair. You will explore movement using colourful props. There will also be parachute games, monster movement challenges and interactive team activities, all building towards an exciting snow disco finale.
Sat 31 Oct Halloween Evening Great Cockcrow Railway KT16 0AD Spooky miniature train rides for ages 2+. £7pp. See cockcrow.co.uk for details. Eco Explorers Union Yard, Aldershot Drop-in event from 10am2pm. Free Eco Halloween activities. Glow Night - Halloween Hollycombe See 10 Oct. Craft a Pumpkin Farnham Library 11am-12pm. Make some pumpkins from paper and other materials. For ages 5+ with an adult. Child £3. You must book, email: farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.
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Free Face Painting Princes Mead Shopping
Free Face Painting Princes Mead Shopping Centre Farnborough 11am-4pm. Complete your Halloween look with free face painting! Plus there’s a free Mindful Monsters Trail with a prize on completion. Raver Tots Halloween Party, Camberley Theatre 3.30pm. Family dance party for all ages with lasers, light show, full decor and more. Adult £19, child £15. Book online.
Sun 1 Nov Eco Explorers The Landing, Farnborough GU14 6YA (near Trespass) Drop-in event from 10am2pm. Free Eco activities with a Halloween theme!
Firework displays Please visit https://linktr.ee/ FamiliesSurreyW or scan the QR code for the Families Magazine 2026 Fireworks and Bonfire Night listing! It will be online by 18 Oct.
Halloween Evening Great Cockcrow Railway See listing on 31 Oct.
familiesonline.co.uk
Family shows Spot’s Birthday Party at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser Guildford Cathedral
The Selfish Giant Thurs 29 Oct 11am & 2pm. A heart warming family show with live music, puppetry, and interactive storytelling. Aimed at ages 3+. Tickets from: Adult £8, child £3, family (of 4) £20.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks & The Really Big Adventure at Farnham Maltings
Princes Hall (Aldershot) K-Pop Dance Heroes
Sun 18 Oct 3pm. Sing and dance along with the K-Pop Dance Heroes as they take you on a musical adventure through the biggest K-Pop hits. £28.
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
(Guildford)
Short Stories, Tall Tales: Adventures of an Ugly Duckling
Tues 22 Sept 11.30am & 1.30pm. One day an adventure takes Tully on a surprising journey and she finds out who she is and where she truly belongs. For ages 0-4. Adult plus child ticket £14, extra ticket £8.
Swan Lake
Tue 13 Oct 7.30pm. This iconic ballet tells the powerful tale of Princess Odette. From £40, concessions from £38.
Short Stories, Tall Tales: The Three Little Pigs
Tues 27 Oct 11.30am & 1.30pm. For ages 0-4. A lively, immersive theatre experience where families play, build and imagine together. Adult plus child ticket £14.50, extra ticket £8.50.
Spot’s Birthday Party
Thurs 29 Oct 2pm, Fri 30 Oct 10.30am & 2pm, Sat 31 Oct 10.30am, 2pm & 4.30pm. Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone age 2+ and their grown-ups. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!
Sleeping Beauty
Sat 5 Dec-Sun 10 Jan. This enchanting tale is packed with dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy, spectacular song and dance numbers, and plenty of audience participation.
There’s a Monster in Your Show
Mon 26 Oct 1pm & 4pm, Tues 27 Oct 11am. A high-energy adventure featuring lively original music - the perfect introduction to live theatre. Adult £18, child £16, family (of 4) £60.
Ministry of Science
Fri 30 Oct 1.30pm. Find out how science shapes the modern world with a few loud bangs along the way! Adult £18.50, child £17.50, family (of 4) £68.
My First Concert
Sat 31 Oct 2.30pm. Featuring Baby Shark, Pinkfong and The Zoomies. Packed with favourite nursery rhymes, fun characters and audience interaction. Perfect for ages 2-7. £19.
New Victoria Theatre (Woking) Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live Sat 31 Oct 12.30pm. For ages 3+. Watch the life-like dinosaurs come alive right on stage! From £16.50.
The Leatherhead Theatre Top Secret Magic of Science – High Voltage
Fri 30 Oct 2pm. Interactive show with experiments and magic. Adult £15, concession £12, family (of 4) £48.
Unicorn Live!
Sat 31 Oct 1pm or 3.30pm. Pop and musical theatre songs and a unicorn called Sparkle! £15.50.
Pippbrook House (Dorking) Claytime
11am or 2pm. A play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. For ages 3+. 55 min. performance then a 20 min. clay workshop. £12.
The West End Centre (Aldershot) Children’s Concert: Hugo and the Haunted House
Camberley Theatre Nick Cope Family Show
Sun 27 Sept 2pm. For ages 3+. A new delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. £19.50.
Ice Age Adventure Live!
Sun 25 Oct 2pm. Journey back in time to meet incredible prehistoric animals in the coolest family show this side of the arctic circle! £19.50.
Crown Ballet - The Nutcracker
Thus 29 Oct 7.30pm. The perfect introduction to the magic of classical ballet for all ages.
22 Families Surrey West
Wed 28 Oct 2pm-3pm. Interactive concert told in words, music and pictures. Aimed at preschool and primary age. £5pp, under 2s free.
Cranleigh Arts Centre The Ultimate Bubble Show
Sat 21 Oct 10am or 12pm. £12.50. See stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. For all ages, including those with additional needs.
Guildford United Reformed Church Bach to Baby Family Concert
Fri 18 Sept and Fri 16 Oct 11am. Adult ticket £16 (allows up to 2 children free entry). Book via www.bachtobaby.com.
Farnham Maltings A Message For The Future
Sat 19 Sept 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm. A magical, multi-sensory art installation and gig theatre experience in an immersive, theatrical space. Aimed at ages 0-3. £15 Adult & Baby, £7.50 per additional adult or baby.
Nick Sharratt’s Once Upon A Drawalong
Sat 26 Sept 2pm. A family-friendly, fun-filled draw along for all ages. For 4+, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. £14.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks & The Really Big Adventure
Sun 4 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm. With live music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock. Aimed at ages 3-10. Adult £16, child £13, family (2+2) £49.
Kids’ Symphonic Sundays
Sun 4 Oct 10am. For ages 1-11. Engaging, interactive family concerts which increase the musical knowledge of kids and their grown ups! £9.
Baby Gospel: Black History Month Special
Mon 12 Oct 11am. An uplifting family concert featuring members of London’s CK Gospel Choir. Aimed at 0-7s. £10.
Holmes and Watson and The Curious Case of the Masked Magician
Mon 26 Oct 2.30pm. Performed by two of Britain’s most respected magicians, the show combines everything you would expect from a Sherlock Holmes mystery! For 7+. £17, group of 4 £64.
The Mystery of Farnham Maltings
Sun 1 Nov 12pm & 2.30pm. An awardwinning board-game style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery. For ages 7+. £12, group of 4 £44.
The Tailor of Gloucester
Fri 11–Thu 24 Dec. Inspired by the original tale by Beatrix Potter, this Christmas show is packed with live rock and pop music, inventive puppetry, jokes, mischief and festive surprises. A joyful Christmas tale about courage, community and the power of doing good, even when no one is watching.
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What’s on OCTOBER HALF TERM HOLIDAY CAMPS Touch Typing Hub
New students get 10% off with code TYPE10
Naomi and her team are holding 3-day intensive touch typing courses in October half term. Suitable for all levels, for children and teenagers aged 8-18, in Farnham. Courses run 10am-1pm. Learn an invaluable life skill in a disciplined, but fun environment. Small group sizes mean lots of individual attention, with a focus on teaching correct hand positioning and posture and the importance of accuracy as well as speed. The cost is £245 for the week and new students get 10% off with code ‘TYPE10’. For more info please visit www.touchtypinghub.com or email info@touchtypinghub.com.
Pitch Pals
Pitch Pals are running more fantastic football camps during October half term at Broadwater School, Godalming. All days run 9am-3.30pm (early dropoff, late pick-up and half-days available). Your child can expect a camp full of fun games, activities and tournaments suitable for all. Expert coaching from FA-qualified Coaches in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. For children in Reception to Year 5. Book at: https://pitch-pals.classforkids.io
Swim Safe School Crash Courses
Improve your child’s swimming over October half term with these intensive lessons from Swim Safe School running at Cranleigh Golf & Country Club. Both small group and private lessons available. All ages and abilities welcome. For more information or to book contact Jenn at info@swimsafeschool.co.uk.
Hoe Bridge Camps
Hoe Bridge School in Woking is offering a range of fun and engaging camps in October half term (from 19 Oct-30 Oct). Children in Reception to Year 8 can join in the fun at their MultiActivity Camps which are packed to the brim with action and adventure. Children move around five activities a day including multi-sport, art, dance & drama plus camp activity sessions where children can enjoy the extensive fields and adventure playground to play Capture The Flag, Tug of War and much more! Children can be dropped off between 8am-9.30am and picked up between 4.30pm-5.30pm. Half day options are also available. There are also a range of specialist camps on offer. To find out more visit hoebridgecamps.co.uk.
23 Families Surrey West
Stopgap Dance Company
Join Stopgap Dance Company for three jam-packed days of movement, activities and fun! You’ll learn new dance skills, try out creative games and activities, and make new friends along the way. Everyone is welcome, and no prior dance experience is needed! Taking place at Alderwood Leisure Centre, Aldershot from 26-28 Oct 10.30am-3.30pm each day. Suitable for ages 7-11 years. £90 for all 3 days (early bird offer of £75 if booked before 18 Sept!). To find out more and book, head to https://bit.ly/dance-club-2026 or contact admin@stopgapdance.com.
Guildford Spectrum Holiday Club
Guildford Spectrum Holiday Club (formerly Xtreme Activate) is an OFSTEDregistered holiday camp, providing parents with a trusted, full-day childcare option that keeps children active, safe and engaged. Running Monday to Friday from Mon 19 Oct - Fri 30 Oct 8.30am-6pm, it suits busy families perfectly. Children aged 5-12 enjoy a varied programme including swimming, ice skating, bowling, outdoor play, and arts and crafts, all designed to build confidence and friendships. With so much in one place, every day feels new. Book online now at https://www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/extra-activities/ xtreme-activate-holiday-day-camps/
Nearly New Sales
Little Princes Pre-Loved Kids Market
At Princes Mead Shopping Centre on Sat 19 Sept from 10am-1pm. Free entry for buyers - come and browse a huge range of pre-loved baby and children’s clothes, toys and more. Or why not be a seller - just £10 per table, email Jo for more details: jo@princesmead.co.uk.
Markets 4 Parents
The next sales are on Sat 12 Sept and Sat 14 Nov from 10am-12pm at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and children’s items from birth to around 6 years. £2 entry, kids are free. There’s free parking and a cafe. Please bring cash. Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% profit on the day. For more information or to book a stall visit bookwhen.com/markets4parents or email: info@markets4parents.com @markets4parents
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The Magic of Christmas Returns Once Again For Another Enchanting Adventure! Expect mischief! Expect mayhem! Expect Unforgettable Moments! Scan the qr code above or use the url below to visit our website to find out more about all the excitement and wonder that awaits you!
new for 2026!
The Jingle Jesters’ School of Magic For more information, please go to chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk/christmas26