Get a head start – play hard! (From Surrey Comet)

Get a head start – play hard!

1:19pm Friday 6th August 2004 in News

The summer holidays are a time to put ones feet up and relax, one might think, and let the children get on with it.

Or not, if the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations is to be believed. Its chief executive David Butler says parents should whisk their children off on educational holidays and trips, so they can get a head start when the new school year starts in September.

"It is a wonderful way of helping children realise that education is not just something that happens in a classroom, but can be part of everyday living," he said.

"Educational family holidays can have a profound impact on children's academic achievements. They are something every family should aspire to do."

Not the sort of school holiday many children would be pleased to hear about, perhaps.

And with the average cost of keeping one's child occupied during the six-week break rising to £2,000, according to a recent survey, not the sort of holiday parents might want either.

But, nonetheless, here are the Comet's summer events for the week running from Wednesday, August 4, to Wednesday, August 11.

KINGSTON Fencing courses with Great Britain coach Peter Barrett, on Tuesday evenings at Kingston Arena and Tiffin Girls' School. Call 020 8399 2440.

Playmates Nursery in the King's Centre, Coppard Gardens, Chessington, is offering full day care for two to five-year-olds. Call 020 8391 5522.

New for 2004 is C4Kidz, camps for four to 14-year-olds at venues around the borough. Four and five day courses are available. Call 07863 252 760.

Fun2bFit runs at Kingsmeadow Athletics Stadium in Jack Goodchild Way on weekdays, from 9am to 4.30pm. It costs £10 per day and includes specialist sports coaching and lots of fun sports and games. Call 020 8547 5200 for more information on scheduled activities.

Activities at the Malden Centre in Blagdon Road, New Malden, include play mornings, music classes, activity sessions, arts and crafts, and swimming. Call 020 8336 7770 for a complete schedule.

Beginner and experienced riders can trot down to Kingston Riding Centre in Crescent Road, Kingston, throughout the summer. These popular and fun courses run from Tuesdays to Fridays, from 2pm to 4pm. Call 020 8546 6361 for bookings.

Multi-activity days, with everything from acting to tag rugby, will be held at Arena in Kingston College as part of KFL Camps throughout the summer. Activities are suitable for four to 16-year-olds. Call 0845 450 8411 for more details.

Piper Hall on the Cambridge Road estate will hold a summer activity club for £3 per day. The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until August 20. Call 020 8296 9356 for information and bookings.

Tolworth Gymnastics Club will host gymnastics and trampolining in its brand new, purpose-built gym on weekdays throughout summer. Call 020 8393 6434.

ELMBRIDGE (Call 01372 474634 to book unless otherwise stated)

Discover what the Romans did for us with Roaming Romans at Elmbridge Museum in Church Street, Weybridge, from 10am to 3pm on Monday. For five to seven-year-olds. Costs £16.

Create a Stairway in Time for Elmbridge Museum in Ansell Hall, Oakbank Avenue, Walton, from Monday to Wednesday. Running from 9am to 4pm, eight to 12-year-olds can help create a truly memorable mural with the help of a local professional artist.

Chop, chop! Places for a judo course at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Walton, are sure to go fast. The course runs from 1pm to 2pm, Monday to Friday, and is suitable for eight to 12-year-olds. Costs £20 per person.

Tennis courses will be held at Elmgrove Recreation Ground, Hinchley Wood School, or Churchfields Recreation Ground, from Tuesday to Friday next week. For different ages, covering all aspects of the game. Costs £28.

Spend the day with Elmbridge countryside rangers from 10am to 3pm next Wednesday, using real tools and equipment to conserve the countryside around West End Common.

Shout!Louder Learn traditional martial arts to improve fitness and self-confidence, from 2pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday, at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Waterside Drive, Walton. For 13 to 16-year-olds.

Find out whodunnit at the Murder Mystery Mega-Mix at Vine Hall, Vine Road, East Molesey, on Wednesday and Thursday next week. The excitement revolves around a feud between some funky chicks and beat boys, which ends in murder on the dance floor. Suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds.

Elmbridge arts focus hosts a week-long summer holiday workshop, for eight to 13-year-olds, from Monday. It runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £90 for the whole week. Activities include acting, dancing and singing. Call 01932 226 458.

RICHMOND Openwide Theatre presents A Wheelie Bin Ate my Sister, as part of Larks in the Parks, on Tuesday. It takes place at Hatherop Park, Hampton, at 2pm.

Poly Printing, with guest artist Julia Douglas, takes place at Orleans House Gallery tomorrow (Thursday). Runs 10am to noon, and from 2pm to 4pm, and requires an apron or old shirt for painting fun. Suitable for seven to 10-year-olds. Call 020 8892 0221.

The Magic of Dance Workshop, an interactive Irish dance event for 10 to 16-year-olds, takes place at Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, from 11am to 1pm on Saturday. Some experience is necessary. Call 020 8939 9260.

A family treasure hunt will be held at Ham House in Ham Street, every day, from 11am to 4pm, until Sunday, September 5. Call 01494 755 572.

Pizazz will be in Richmond Park from Monday to Friday next week, from noon to 3.30pm. The day, in Pembroke Lodge Garden, includes circus games. Call 020 8948 3209 for details.

Art Lab and Finger Fun will be holding events for three to seven-year-olds and six to 11-year-olds at Landsmark Arts Centre in Ferry Road, Teddington, next Wednesday. Call 020 8977 7558.

Look at the laser lights on display at Orleans House Gallery and then create your own art next Wednesday. At the Twickenham Riverside Gallery, from 2pm to 4pm, for seven to 10-year-olds. Call 020 8892 0221.