How you could spend your summer
IT WON’T be long until this strangest of academic years is over and the cry of ‘School’s out for summer’ rings across the land.
With it comes the eternal cry of ‘what we can do?’ in the bid to beat that other eternal cry of ‘I’m bored!’
It’s even harder to organise events this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Not everything is running and not everything is running at its usual capacity.
However, given that we know it’s safer to enjoy the big outdoors, there’s never been a better time to explore activities on our doorstep.
For value days out, there are many walks to try, including 16 routes across the Woodley area. Organised by the Loddon Valley Ramblers, they aim to help residents access green spaces and utilise a network of quieter footpaths. Most are circular, so they start and end in the same location and some are suitable for wheelchair users.
For more details on these, see our news story on page 24.
One of the first events to take place this summer is the Hurst Show and Country Fayre. It was online last year, but it’s an annual celebration of rural life along with a heap of fun.
Organisers are also setting up craft stalls, animal petting for children, and archery in the Community Orchard.
There will also be a food court at the Village Hall, with performances from musical groups including Ukuladies Plus One and Second Wind.
It aims to raise funds for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.
Entry is free and parking will be available.
For more on this, log on to hurstshow.uk or see our news story on page 26.
For a memorable day out, why not head to the river?
Paddleboard Maidenhead offers rivertrips, lessons and hire all year round, but what could be nicer on a summer’s day that just enjoying a day on the river?
Children of all ages are welcome, and can ride on their parent/guardian’s boards or, if they are eight or older, use their own.
Beginners are welcome, parties are available, and there’s also opportunities to try yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Sessions run from Wargrave, among other places.
For full details, and to see the extensive range of activities, log on to www.paddleboardmaidenhead.uk
If paddleboarding seems too exhausting, then how about pushing the boat out?
Sonning River Charters offers a private charter on luxurious chauffeured boats, all based in Sonning.
Its launch can carry up to 12 passengers and an experienced skipper will take care of everything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Thames.
You can order hampers, afternoon teas, aperitifs and sparkling wines to enjoy while on the river, it’s all very civilised.
The company can offer special occasions, pre-lunch excursions, romantic afternoons and an evening sunset cruise. Perfect for family day trips, ideal for transport to and from restaurants, theatres and hotels, it’s a day that will be remembered for many years to come.
Puzzalogical Escape Rooms offers immersive adventures for everyone to enjoy. It’s a race against the clock to find all the clues and, eventually the key you’re looking for to escape.
Puzzles are suitable for groups of between two and six and a gamesmaster will help guide you if you need hints.
The Bracknell-based company promises an away day that will never be forgotten.
And for fun for younger ones all through the summer, Ultimate Activity Camps is a perfect summer smash hit.
It provides Ofsted-regulated activities for ages four to 14 from a variety of locations, including Luckley House School in Wokingham and Crosfields School in Shinfield.
It aims for a very high level of care and welfare for all the children it looks after, through a range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods.
These include archery, badminton, basketball, climbing, fencing, handball, nature trail, netball, tag rugby, yoga and zorbing.
New activities this year include combat archery, a combination of Dodgeball, Laser Quest, and Archery. Children aged 8+ are put into teams and fire at their opponents with large safe foam tip arrows and score points for their teams.
Whatever you do to enjoy summer this year, ensure it’s covid safe and have a brilliant time.