CITY KIDS MAGAZINE WINTER 2014 by CITYKIDS

WINTER 2014/15 ISSUE 3

London-wide events, activities and shows Parenting sections Interview with so and so Highlights

The Definitive Local Guide for West London May 2014

CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP: SHOWS, EVENTS, FOOD & GIFTS NEW: STYLE TRAVEL EDUCATION BEV TURNER WHAT’S ON CLASSES BOOKS

Looking to buy, sell, rent or let? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find your perfect property match. 020 8994 7096 | 269 Chiswick High Road, W4 4PU

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

See things differently.

CHRISTMAS WELCOME

ome of the best fun I’ve ever had is on a skiing holiday. Sun, snow, breathtaking scenery, friends, fondu and vin chaud. But what about throwing kids into the mix? It’s a slightly different affair and one that can

test the patience of a saint. That’s why City Kids has asked the country’s leading snow holiday experts for their top tips for an enjoyable family ski trip. Also in this issue, Bev Turner reflects on the last 12 months and tells us her experiences of starting a new business. We also launch City Kids Style, a collaboration with Roxzann Weston, with her guide to this season’s fashion trends. If you’re stuck for Christmas gifts, we have something for all ages and interests from the traditional to the high tech - keep your eyes peeled for a discount at JoJo Maman Bebe. Jo Pratt is on hand with some quick and easy festive treats, plus, we have schools and nurseries news, an updated directory and some wonderful books reviewed by Sharon Fried-Jones. And as if that wasn’t enough, our What’s On guide should spread some Christmas cheer and keep you going well into 2015. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

PHOTOGRAPHER: Danielle Owen www.mindthecashmere.com

editor@citykidsuk.co.uk

Victoria Evans

citykidsonline.co.uk

citykidswest

@citykidswest

To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website at www.citykidsonline.co.uk

INDEX 04 08 14 15 16 18 19 21 24 35 36 37 38

We love What’s On Inspire: Bev Turner Style Travel Wellness Books Education Directory: Babies & Pre-Schoolers / Little Kids / Big Kids Directory: Activity centres and Saturday schools Directory: Parties Directory: Holiday clubs Christmas Recipes by Jo Pratt

CITY KIDS editor Victoria Evans designer Caroline Haye contributors Sharon Fried-Jones, Jo Pratt, Rebekah Hall & Shirley Khan This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions of those expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or CITY KIDS LTD. © 2014 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CITY KIDS 03

We Love

MOVE OVER SANTA Hearts will melt when your baby dons this festive Santa all-in-one with matching hat. This show stealing dress-up outfit is complete with soft, fluffy trim and faux appliqué belt, yet practical with a zip-up front and touch and close belt fastening. 0-24 months, £15-£16

www.mothercare.com

Say Cheese

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL

Little fingers can now

Skillfully knitted, these lovely handmade Christmas rattles

capture big memories

are the ideal gift for toddlers this holiday season. Collect

on the FujiFilm Instax

all five and treasure them for years to come. £12.99 each

Mini 8. This fun camera

www.justforbaby.co.uk

produces snaps instantly. Features include a handy strap, built-in flash, dial to adjust brightness and 4 packs of 10-exposure film. Available in several colours. £85

www.alexandalexa.com

HEART FELT Time Flies Forget hanging around for the Apple watch, kids can steal a march with this Kiddizoom Smart Watch from Vtech. It has a camera, touch screen, games suitable for 5-12 yrs and a voice recorder. £50 www.hamleys.com

04 CITY KIDS

Little feet will dance merrily in these adorable unicorn slippers by UK-based Sew Heart Felt.

We Love

Sugar and Spice

WIN

Little girls cannot resist wearing cute and colourful jewellery, handmade hair accessories and bags from Rockahula Kids. Delicate details include laser cut flower petals, crepe fabric flowers and beads wrapped in floral fabric. Free gift wrapping included. From £3 to £16

WIN

One lucky reader can get their hands on a Rockahula Kids goody bag! All you have to do is email editor@citykidsuk.co.uk quoting Rockahula Kids. A draw will be made on 20th December. Good luck!

www.rockahulakids.com

SLIP INTO STYLE Toddlers will put their best foot forward in a pair of comfy slipper socks. Made in Sweden, this charming footwear is knitted and handmade, eco friendly with micro fibre soles, and incorporates edgy designs. From £29.80

www.aceandme.tictail.com

Min Mighty The Bang by Coloud has a simple yet sleek Scandinavian design that booms sound through a body so compact, it fits in your pocket. Features include a daisy chain to hook up multiple speakers and a chargeable battery that rocks the mic for up to 8 hours. £39

www.coloud.com

STOCK UP These

generously

sized

Christmas stockings and sacks are cheerful and bright with

They are made from organic fibres using traditional and sustainable methods in Kathmandu. Available in sizes 0-1 and 4-5. From £25

their appliqué Polar Bear and Merry Christmas embroidery, making them quintessential gifts for boys and girls. £16

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

www.alexandalexa.com CITY KIDS 05

We Love

ALL GROWN UP

Based on the iconic construction sets, the new Meccano Home Collection includes several modular furniture units. The kids range offers chairs, lamps and blackboards. There are 21 assembly parts in 9 long-lasting paint colours. Each piece is adjustable in size with a simple screw and nut application. From £130

www.hollowaysofludlow.com

Pimp My Board Game Traditional family favourite, Monopoly, has had a facelift for 2014 with the launch of My Monopoly. Personalise properties, game tokens, Community Chest and Chance cards with photos from your computer. £21.99 www.argos.co.uk

LET IT GO With this clever craft,

CALL TO ARMS Love them or hate them, Nerf have a fine line in shooting toys. The Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow Blaster shoots arrows up to 85 feet away. Each arrow contains a secret message that can only be decoded with the included decoder. £20

www.argos.co.uk 06 CITY KIDS

kids create striking mosaics of their favourite Frozen characters, Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. To make, match, peel and stick 1,900 sparkling jewels to a numbered design for hours of quiet entertainment. Once complete, this treasure is worthy of a bedroom wall. £24.99

www.johnlewis.com

Winter collection

10% off

Visit our Chiswick store: 82 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN. Tel: 020 8994 0379

& free delivery*

Visit our Notting Hill store: 101 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UW. Tel: 020 7727 3578

Quote CTY42 online or bring this voucher into a store Call us on 0871 423 5656 or visit us at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Ways to keep in touch:

*10% offer not valid on sale items, multibuys, gift vouchers or Micro Scooters. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This voucher is valid until 01.03.2015. Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.

City Kids sep.indd 1

15/09/2014 12:27

Award Winning Classes from 0-5yrs ion iat

with K on fd

2013 winner!

ce en

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.u k

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best national pre-schooler development activityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; w

.w .co ha es tson 4littleon

Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn, Music, Art & Parties!

Book your FREE trial class today!

Gymboree Chiswick Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, London W4 2JR Tel: 07967 835 059 chiswick@gymboree-uk.com @Gymboree_W4 facebook.com/Gymboree.Chiswick Blog: gymboreechiswick.blogspot.co.uk

gymboree-uk.com CITY KIDS 07

December shows THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE

National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to the Olivier stage. Runs until 19th February. 10yrs+.

Children from the Rose’s own Youth Theatre form part of the cast for this magical production full of mythical creatures, sparkling spells and an epic battle between good and evil. Runs until 4th January.

www.lyric.co.uk This traditional show will be full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and the very evil Queen Rat. Until 3 January. 6 yrs+

5th

From

3rd

TREASURE ISLAND

Rose Theatre, Kingston www.rosetheatrekingston.org

From

6th

From

11th

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Royal Opera House www.roh.org.uk

Watermans, Brentford www.watermans.org.uk

THE SNOWMAN AND PETER AND THE WOLF

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Ctr www. southbankcentre.co.uk

A performance of Prokofiev’s score to this famous tale, followed by a showing of The Snowman with live music from the Orchestra of St Paul’s. 1.30 & 4pm. All ages.

08 CITY KIDS

The Royal Ballet’s version of the classic story complete with Cheshire Cat, tea party, beautiful costumes and fantastic sets. Runs until 16th January.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Jerry Hall makes her panto debut as the Wicked Queen. Runs until 11th Jan. All ages.

From

Now

©Royal Collection Trust - Her Majesty Elizabeth II 2014

Now

Eddie the mouse can’t understand why only humans celebrate Christmas so he goes in search of answers from Father Christmas. Runs until 23rd December. 3-7 yrs.

From

17th

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Royal Festival Hall www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Griff Rhys Jones narrates this Charles Dickens classic with music on the violin and some very special guests. Begins with carols and mince pies. 5pm. All ages.

This show has been described as ‘theatrical brilliance’ by The Sunday Times. Expect to be wowed as the Royal Festival Hall fills with a blizzard of snow. Runs until 5th Jan. 8 yrs+.

Image Published by Puffin Books ÂŠ Copywright Raymond Briggs

www.lyric.co.uk / 020 8741 6850 Registered Charity, No. 278518

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL

What’s on Now

December

ICE SKATING

Hampton Court

From

www.hrp.org.uk

6th

FATHER CHRISTMAS © National Trust Images John Millar

Put on your ear muffs, gloves and skates, grab someone’s hand and have some fun this Christmas. Book an evening session to see the palace lit up after dark while you skate under the evening stars. Until 4th January. All ages.

Follow a trail in the garden leading to Father Christmas and his grotto. Runs week-ends till 23rd. £3.50. No booking required.

6&7

13 & 14

SANTA WITH HIS REINDEER AND HUSKIES

CHRISTMAS STORY TELLING

THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL

You can meet a family of reindeer, including a baby, take a sleigh ride with the huskies and of course see Father Christmas. All ages. £5 for Father Christmas and goody bag.

Father Christmas returns for this Christmassy treat. Runs week-ends from 29th Nov & 22nd/23rd Dec. Ages 4-11yrs. .

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING ALONG Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com

10 CITY KIDS

If you don’t know your Puissance from your gymkanas, or you want to see super speedy canines or the Shetland Pony Grand National, look no further. Runs until 22nd.

From

27th

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

POP-UP NUTCRACKER

Hampton Pool www.hamptonpool.co.uk

V&A www.vam.ac.uk

A Christmas Day with a difference. Mince pies, mulled wine and an open air swim. Why not? All ages.

Olympia Grand www.olympiahorseshow.com © Kit Houghton/Hpower

Wetland Centre, Barnes www.wwt.org.uk

Belt out the annual favourites including Once in Royal David’s City, Frosty the Snowman and Let it Snow. Also 13th, 18th & 23rd.

HORSE SHOW

Fortnum & Mason www.fortnumandmason.com

Ham House www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, gingerbread soldiers and the Mouse King. Become principal dancers at the Museum, inspired by characters from the story. 11.00, 13.00 & 15.00 Until 4th January All ages. Free

January Now

ICE SKATING

ART OF THE BRICK

NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE

Old Truman Brewery www.artofthebrick.co.uk

Piccadilly www.lnydp.com

Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk If the run-up to Christmas was too hectic you can still skate here until 11th January. After dark, the rink hosts club nights and après-skate, with cocktails and fondu aplenty. Booking essential.

Now

Last chance to catch this exhibition created from millions of LEGO blocks. See replicas of iconic classical artwork as well as dinosaurs and city scapes. All ages. Runs until 4th Jan.

More than 10,000 performers representing the London boroughs and countries. All ages. 12pm.

GHOST TOURS

KOOZA

Hampton Court Palace www.hrp.org.uk

Royal Albert Hall www.cirquedusoleil.com

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Join the State Apartment Warders for stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity. 8-14 yrs.

7pm & 8.30pm Also 14th & 21st Feb

NBA BASKETBALL O2 www.theo2.co.uk

©Royal Collection Trust - Her Majesty Elizabeth II 2014

What’s on

Traditional circus treat from Cirque Du Soleil, with acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. All ages.

Lyric Hammersmith www.lyric.co.uk A funny and fantastical re-telling of the classic tale about a Prince, a Princess and a pesky pea. 3-7yrs. 11am & 1pm.

CIRKUS SPECTAKULAR

THE SOOTY SHOW

Lyric Hammersmith www.lyric.co.uk

Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com Nostalgia time. Sooty, Sweep and Soo celebrate Sooty’s birthday, but its not all plain sailing. 3yrs+. 11am & 2.30pm

New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks play a regular season game in London as part of NBA Global Games 2015. Expect all-American razzmatazz and excitement. All ages. Follow little Pavlo as he explores the Cirkus Spectakular and joins in this merry world of magic. 4-7 yrs. 11am & 1pm

CITY KIDS 11

What’s on

February

©Royal Collection Trust - Her Majesty Elizabeth II 2014

Now

ENGINEER YOUR FUTURE

IMAGINE

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

London Film Museum www.londonfilmmuseum.com

You may have missed the launch in December, but this exhibition brings to life every day engineering through interactive games and digital experiences. 12yrs+

Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger’s majestic Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the unforgettable Lotus Esprit S1 submersible all feature. Runs until March. All ages.

This celebration of children’s literature, music, comedy, plays returns. One for all the family with extra half-term shows to boot. Runs until 22nd

ROMEO & JULIET

ALBERT’S BAND PRESENTS:

THE BIG TOP

BEDAZZLED PALACE BANQUET

Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com

Fulham Palace www.fulhampalace.org

Shakespeare’s Globe www.shakespearesglobe.com

Join the colourful troupe of musicians from Albert’s Band for an acrobatic musical extravaganza! All ages 12pm & 2.30pm

Discover the magic of Shakespeare’s timeless tales in these exciting new family adaptations. The Party Planner’s Tale explores the world’s most famous love story. 6 yrs+ 11am & 2pm

20 to 22

THE BABY SHOW ExCel London www.thebabyshow.co.uk

Probably the only place you’ll find so many pregnancy and parenting experts at one time. There are also activities for the kids and shopping aplenty.

12 CITY KIDS

9 Piccadilly www.southbankcentre.co.uk

A jam packed workshop filled with themed games, activities, mini challenges teaches kids about growing and making food. Afterwards, enjoy your very own banquet like the Bishops of London. 10am-12pm (3-5 year olds) & 12.30pm2.30pm (6-8 year olds)

OCTONAUTS Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Join Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso for their Deep Sea Volcano Adventure. Also on 1st March.

Promotion

Selected early evenings from November

Family

Ghost tours Bubbly, cake and a great blowdry A small boutique salon on Devonshire Road is quietly making a big name for itself. Recently awarded runners-up: Hairdressing Salon of the Year in the London Lifestyle Awards, it left Herschesons and Aveda in its wake. The Parlour is a blow dry and bohemian braid bar with a difference.

Join us for a fun, spooky evening at Hampton Court Palace

You want afternoon tea with your up-do - check. You want a cocktail with your curls - no problem; cake with your chignon, or a coke float alongside your Bridget Bardot - of course. And you want to come with friends - please do.

Suitable for 8–14 year olds To book, call 0844 482 7777 or visit hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace

The Parlour is all about socialising, having fun, and ultimately, great, affordable hairstyling. For as little as £20 you can walk out feeling and looking fantastic with a blow dry that will last for days. And don’t tell us you’re too busy; the transformation from frazzled mum to screen siren takes less than 45 minutes.

Meet Santa and his reindeer and take a husky sleigh ride!

While the girls are racking up awards and magazine features for their vintage styling, The Parlour is of the moment. They can do everything, from their Friday bombshell blowouts (£20) to deep conditioning Davines treatments and massages (£35) and an express Trim and Tidy with blow dry (£30). And their colouring experts know how to fix those faded tresses. Highlights, trim, 10 minute head massage and a blow dry; all for £100. Each day there’s a different deal to suit. The Parlour’s girly atmosphere is a reflection of its American heart and soul. Owner, Jacqueline Fletcher, is Boston-born, and her experiences of overpriced salons and disappointing ‘dos led her to create a cosy, friendly, neighbourhood salon with high standards and good service.

The Parlour London 8, Devonshire Road W4 2HD www.theparlourlondon.com 020 8994 4618

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December

For full details see wwt.org.uk/londonsanta WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes SW13 9WT t 0208 409 4400 e info.london@wwt.org.uk

CITY KIDS 13 Christmas Ad 118x93 AW.indd 1

21/10/2014 11:52

Inspire

Our evenings are always fun; we sit around a candle-lit table, with booze for the blokes (funny how a cold beer helps them ask questions!), and the mood is always light, even when we’re discussing matters that might make the hardiest folk wince.

n Plato’s time, “Necessity” was “the mother of invention.” Today, we can only conclude, “Mothers are the masters of reinvention.” We have to be. We leave education, having out-performed the boys, rise up the ‘career ladder,’ become a mum and find ourselves blind-sided by emotional decisions about our personal and professional pathways. Most women I know have had to ‘reinvent’ themselves at least three times by the age of fifty. After leaving University I flounced around for two years working as a fashion model, became a sports journalist, switched to TV presenting, wrote a book about F1 racing, felt lost, had another baby, re-trained as a psychotherapist, wrote another book, looked after my husband, rower-adventurer James Cracknell who was injured on his bicycle, had another baby, wrote another book, became a features writer at The Daily Telegraph and finally – at the age of 40 – after ten years side lining in campaigning and writing about women’s birth experiences, got the chance to set up my own ante-natal course in my beloved Chiswick. ‘The Blooming Bunch’ is one-year-old this December and, like a proud but knackered parent, it’s a fitting milestone on which to reflect and look forward to 2015. It was while interviewing Maggie Bolger – mother of four and owner of Maggie & Rose – that the idea was born: she had the premises to host ante-natal classes; I had the passion, knowledge and access to the country’s top experts. It was all going to be so easy! Of course, anyone who has set up a new venture will tell you that it is never easy. You must decide who does what, when and how. Websites need building, accounts need keeping and targets need setting, but all of that is irrelevant if people don’t know about your business 14 CITY KIDS

Beverley Turner takes time out to reflect on a busy twelve months, and looks forward to an exciting year ahead. and the phone never rings! We began tentatively, providing an entire eight session course without charging a penny so that we could focus on how best to provide a great experience for the women and get objective feedback. I’d recruited some of the most-respected midwives in the country, including Sheena Byrom OBE and Pam Wild (regularly credited by TV Presenter Davina McCall for her three positive births), as well as, Obstetrician Donald Gibb and Natal Hypnotherapy creator Maggie Howell. I was also keen to use local talents in the form of Physiotherapist Alan Watson, Nutritionist Ruth Wood and trainer Jade Rodham of The Hogarth Gym. Apparently, we were doing something right as word started to spread and – thank god – the enquiry emails started to arrive. The beauty of The Blooming Bunch is that we’re flexible and respond to every group’s needs; partners are now welcome at every session. Chiswick dads – it seems - are wonderfully hands-on!

We now organise more social gatherings outside of the courses, so all bumps and babies will soon be enjoying a Christmas coffee morning in December. Firm friendships are being made, and with constant access to the midwives, our couples report feeling incredibly well looked-after and never alone. Despite what TV adverts would like us to think, being pregnant and having a baby can be frightening, isolating and, of course, exhausting. But knowledge is power. Friendships with like-minded new mums are invaluable. And a good birth – whatever that means for each individual woman, be it a home water-birth or an elective section - sets you up for motherhood on the best possible footing. Next year, we will continue to grow and offer more couples more excitement, fun and support as they prepare to meet their babies. With a business like ours, word-ofmouth is everything and I’m immensely grateful to the new-mums who are now sending so many people our way. Reinventing ourselves is never easy and it’s rarely for the faint-hearted, but let’s face it – nothing is tougher than being a parent. If we can do that, we can do anything.

www.thebloomingbunch.co.uk

Style

Viola Dress £64 www.lacoquetakids.com

Caspar Jumper £53 www.elfielondon.com

Rosie T-Bar Cherry Patent £67 www.youngsoles.co.uk

Fall/Winter 14’s most popular trend amongst children’s wear designers is the regeneration of the vintage classic shape, adding bold detailing with a contempary, modern twist. The neutral palettes of greys, beiges, greens, soft jewel and berry coloured tones complement the luxurious fabrics: soft

Kowhai Coat £250 (3-6 yrs) - £270 (8-12yrs) www.caramel-shop.co.uk

furs, velvets and beautiful knitwear.

I absolutely love Spanish label La

On the footwear front, new label

But my top seasonal must-have piece

Coqueta’s (1) simple classic Peter Pan

Young Soles’ (3) quirky, nostalgic,

comes from my favourite London

collared tartan Viola Dress ... and

heritage designs are strictly for the

born boutique, caramel baby & child

beautiful British brand Elfie’s (2)

“cool kids”. Not only do they look

(4). The exquisite crafted virgin wool

Scandinavian inspired unisex Caspar

great, but they are durable and

Kowhai Coat is a modern classic.

Jumper.

comfy for teeny tiny toes.

Roxzann Weston, Stylist & Art Director, roxzann@hotmail.co.uk CITY KIDS 15

Travel

Whether you’re an experienced skier, or a first-timer, taking the family on a skiing holiday is a whole new ball game. Frayed tempers and unhappy children can quickly overshadow a day on the slopes. So, in order to maintain calm this winter, CITY KIDS has some words from the wise.

SKIOLOGY – www.skiology.co.uk

ESPRIT SKI – www.espritski.com

DOMINIC TURNER

MOIRA CLARKE

Some of the best advice for family skiing is the oldest advice, location, location, location. Choose well and you can quickly and easily pop back to check on child care/grand parents/switch child care/try a different activity. Get it wrong and you will have to get a bus/horse drawn sleigh/train, in a stress, or with a child who is having a major sense of humour failure. One of our guests always brings his gym bag to carry the kids’ skis. He has three kids and carrying them all without the bag would be a nightmare. He simply leaves the bag at the ski school when he drops them off and then picks the bag up with the kids at the end of their lesson.

When considering taking the children skiing: are they gung-ho enough to give it a go? Is your baby or toddler sociable enough to join a nursery for the week? Are you, as parents, able to let them get on with it? Many holiday packages offer children’s ski classes but it is important to know whether or not the classes are just the local ski school’s or if the operator has any special arrangements. Some operators just book children into the local classes, which may then have anything up to 16 children in them and be taught in the local language!

VIP SKI - www.vip-chalets.com ANDY STURT

“If you are restricted to travelling in the school holidays Easter is a great time in the season to ski with kids. It’s generally warmer so children don’t get as cold, whilst snow conditions are still fantastic and the resorts tend to be quieter than February half term. This year the Easter holiday falls on a different week to the French school holidays so not only will resorts and slopes be less busy but British children are more likely to be in ski lessons with other Brits. It can also be more affordable to ski at Easter than at other peak dates during the season.”

16 CITY KIDS

CAMEL SNOW – www.camelsnow.com RORY HODDELL

Picking the right resort is crucial. From experience we feel that once a child hits 3 to 4 years old they are ready for the first trip, if they want to! Ski schools across the Alps have improved greatly over the years. Children to experience ski school in the mornings and then have the incentive to ski with the adults in the afternoon. This means that the parents have the chance to ski themselves, and still be back by lunchtime to pick the kids up. The most important aspect is to make sure that there is adequate childcare, a good range of nonskiing activities and still enough that parents don’t feel like they are sacrificing their ski trip.

Travel

PT SKI – www.ptski.com

Skiplex launches winter season

SARAH PALMER-TOMPKINSON

Skiing with children can often feel like a vicarious holiday and parents can have to manage their expectations with regard to their own skiing. The most important thing is to remember to make it fun. An hour making the perfect snowman with dad can provide great excitement for a child and leaves lasting positive memories. If you have teenagers, consider how they are going to meet others so they have someone who they can meet for a hot chocolate. Where does the après-ski action tend to centre, and how far away is that from your proposed accommodation? If you have non-skiers what are they going to do? And when the time comes to leave ski school behind and hit the slopes together, make sure that you know where you are going – nothing turns the experience sour like getting lost at 4pm and worrying you might miss the last lift back to the resort!

If you want to brush up on your technique, build up stamina before hitting the slopes, or you want to introduce your children to skiing, then head over to Skiplex at Dukes Meadows. Sessions are led by qualified instructors who can offer real time feed back, and with a giant mirror at the base of the slope, skiers can see their progress immediately. Children learn and progress up to eight times faster than in any other snow sport environment thanks to the unique facilities and low child to coach ratio.

SCOTT DUNN – www.scottdunn.com

Patrick Taylor, CEO of Skiplex adds: “Our sessions offer nonstop skiing and boarding without wasting time queuing for lifts or being restricted by slope length.”

KIRSTY EDWARDS

Don’t get too hung up in terms of which resorts have the best runs. As beginners, children don’t need too much space or variety and all resorts have nursery slopes. As they progress, most smalls tend to be pretty fearless and will probably be less put off by the red (or under graded blue) run home than you will. Two pairs of gloves mean you will have a spare dry pair for tobogganing in the evening or the next day in case you forget to put them on the radiator. Remember that layering is the best way to keep children warm in the snow. Don’t forget to pack vests, long sleeved t-shirts, light fleeces and leggings. Snow boots or wellies with good grip are a must for playing in the snow. For young skiers, goggles are great as they are more comfortable than wearing sunglasses (especially under ski helmets) and smalls struggle to take them off, so they stay on!

CRYSTAL SKI – www.crystalski.co.uk HELEN PENN

A large ski resort can be quite daunting. First time families tend to suit a resort that is easy to navigate their way around. It also makes it easy when trying to meet up for lunch. A combination of a great ski school and plenty of off the slopes activities always go down brilliantly with families.

Skiplex is also available for children’s parties, plus there are offers for schools preparing for annual ski trips. Skiplex has three venues in Chiswick, Reading and Basingstoke.

www.skiplex.co.uk - 0845 600 3599

Sat u rd ay Skat eb oard i ng C lub From Sun d ay 11 JAN t o Sun d ay 15 F E B 2 015 Mi n i Boa rd e rs ( 3 -5 y rs) 2-3 pm

The perfect place to introduce preschoolers to skateboarding!

Mi d i Boa rd e rs ( 6 -10y rs) 3 -4 pm For children who can’t wait until the holidays to let it rip!

Ma x i Boa rd e rs ( 11-15 y rs) 4 -5 pm

SKI FAMILLE – www.skifamille.co.uk CHRIS THOMPSON

For me the most important aspect of a family skiing holiday is to relax and enjoy yourselves. It’s a family holiday in a beautiful environment not a test of endurance! Make things as easy as possible by travelling with a true family specialist and both parents and children will have the times of their lives.

For cool kids who want to ride their deck shool.

Run at the WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

Book online or just drop in on the day

WE ALSO DO SKATEBOARDING PARTIES! in fo @ mylittlebo arder s .c o .uk

www.mylittleboarders.co.uk CITY KIDS 17

Wellness Skiing holiday

After Christmas indulgences comes the New Year promise of getting fit and generally living healthier. With that in mind, Rebekah Hall weighs up some of the options available to us in Bootcamp vs Gym. Tally up time spent on kids, work, laundry, football practice, ballet lessons and homework; there are pitiful hours left in the week for ourselves, let alone exercise. We get it. Exercise is good for you and necessary to a person’s health. But finding the NHS’s recommended 150 minutes per week for moderate to intense aerobic exercise, plus two or more days of strength training that works all major muscle groups, is challenging to say the least. Statistically speaking, we are a lazy bunch. According to the Physical Activity Statistics 2012 report by the British Heart Foundation, less than half of all adults in the UK meet the government exercise recommendation. In 2008, 56 percent of women in England did not spend time doing any sport or exercise. Worryingly, the report also states that, as our children get older, their exercise decreases as they move into adolescence and then early adulthood. Perhaps of most concern, few girls aged 11 to 15 years meet the recommended physical activity levels. With all that in mind, what is an effective way to exercise given our harried schedules? On most greens in West London, there are several boot camps offering training sessions. Exercising in all weather conditions may not be for everyone, but let’s face it, you will achieve results. It combines all recommended exercises by working every major muscle group plus added cardio. So if your time is questionable, Boot Camp is an efficient answer. Rose Mulligan has been the owner of Chiswick Boot Camp for five years and has many success stories. For example, she tells of one, almost 50 year old, member who had never exercised outside of the tennis court. This member had never run or done any type of body weight program and, after a year of boot camp training, she ran the New York Marathon. There was also a man, who had such high cholesterol, his doctor ordered him to exercise or else. Once given the go-ahead for boot camp training by his doctor, his first attempts

18 CITY KIDS

at jumping left him extremely short of breath. Today, he has lost a couple of stones and comfortably runs around the common. But what about exercising in the wet, muddy, cold English weather? Studies show there are significant benefits from exercising outdoors, even just from brisk walking. “Everyone is quickly won over by the results, camaraderie, family friendly environment and taking in the fresh air,” says Mulligan. “Members motivate each other and are a team and family.” If you still cannot bear to feel the grass under your feet, then head to the mud-free doors of a local gym. The benefit of a gym membership is the access to many forms of exercise, including biking, swimming, running, weight training and a whole host of classes. Luke Charlton is the general manager of Everyone Active Acton Centre which has an award-winning swimming scheme for both adults and children. Also, members can opt for an individual or group induction, depending on their confidence level, where they are given guidance on exercise equipment such as power plates, Trixter exercise bikes and multifunctional machines. For those who desire a more customised, goal-orientated training session, personal trainers are available. They also specially target 11 to 15 year olds who are the age group least enthused about sport or exercise. “Camaraderie is a large part of our gym environment,” Charlton says. “Our staff are friendly and we offer small group training for six to eight people. Most gyms don’t have this type of environment.” Charlton and his staff work hard to educate members so that, when they come to the gym, they make the most of their workouts and not simply clock in two hours on the treadmill. Instead, they are encouraged to undertake short, effective workouts by using the step-up plate, suspension trainer or ‘race through London’ on an interactive Trixter bike. Whether training outside in the fresh air at boot camp or working out at the gym, it is important for parents and children alike to get moving. Now!

Books

Christmas is the perfect time of year to treat the young people in your life with a book. But with so many out there, how do you choose? by Sharon Fried-Jones Fear not, the book elf (um me) is here to help. Dog on Stilts by James Thorp and Angus Mackinnon (Digital Leaf).

LITTLE KIDS PRE-SCHOOLERS A traditional Christmas verse, that has been given a modern twist, is The Twelve Days of Christmas (Little Tiger). Beautifully illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, this is a peep-through picture book which is perfect for preschoolers and their curious little fingers. Using cut-outs, each page becomes more elaborate with plenty for a child to count and explore. And, if you’re feeling fine of voice, you can warble along too. With a smattering of gold sprinkled throughout the pictures, it feels festive without being twee, but the overall effect is stunning. Teckentrup’s folk-style illustrations make this a timeless classic.

If you fancy a more quirky tale for your children, zip down to the shops and snap up the excellent

In our selfie-obsessed world, nobody wants to be deemed ordinary; and the same can be said for the four-legged star of this book, Mr Medium Dog.

Mackinnon’s psychedelic illustrations are a feast for the eyes and the story shows that, ultimately, it’s all about being yourself and not following the crowd.

The competition is stiff out there, what with dogs of all shapes and sizes making their mark on the world. Who wants to just be medium? Our canine hero is having a crisis of confidence and sets about trying to stand out from the crowd in the most ingenious way, but it’s

This is the pair’s second picture book together, the first being the fantastically titled The Weasel, Puffin Unicorn Baboon Pig Lobster Race. I predict more brilliantly wacky books from this talented team.

another cracking yarn, with our fearless heroine Kittie Lacy saving the day. The fifth in the Fairytale Hairdresser series, which has sold 75,000 copies, Longstaff features all your favourite fairytale characters in one action-packed book.

LITTLE KIDS Don’t be fooled by the pink sparkly cover. The Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas by Abie Longstaff (Random House) is

It’s Christmas Eve and Kittie is primping everyone before the big day, when disaster strikes. One of the elves is trapped inside a huge block of ice and, worse still, somebody has stolen all of the

What do you get when you put the word ‘underpants’ in the title of a children’s book? A bestselling series that’s what. From the creators of Aliens Love Underpants, awardwinning duo Claire Freedman and Ben Cort are back with another monster hit.

A must for your true love.

Sharon Fried-Jones is a West London mum who blogs

Monsters Love Underpants (Simon & Schuster) is the seventh book the pair have collaborated on. In this tale, it’s time for these furry

about her future career as a children’s author, loves shoes and writes book reviews. www.sharonfjones.com

not without its consequences.

presents. It means that Kittie has just hours to find out who did it. With the help of Father Christmas she tracks down the culprit; it turns out our villain has a few friendship issues, which Kittie promptly resolves. With glittery detail to give that festive feel, Lauren Beard’s illustrations are chock full of details for children to spot. A little cracker of a book.

creatures to show off their snazzy kecks, especially as they’re off on a special night out. It’s pacy, funny and lively, and as ever, Cort’s vivid illustrations bring Freedman’s humorous verse to life. Fun for children and adults alike. One thing is for sure, this book isn’t pants.

LITTLE KIDS CITY KIDS 19

Books childhood in Ireland, aided with his imaginary friend (IF). This book is the prequel to the series and drawing on O’Dowd’s and Murphy’s childhood experiences. It charts Martin Moone’s quest to get an IF from WHIF magazine which is given to him by the Great Imaginary Tree.

BIG KIDS Moone Boy: The Blunder Years By Chris O’Dowd & Nick V. Murphy (Macmillan). It’s not easy being the only boy in a family of girls, getting bullied and stressing about being an alter boy. But, if anyone can make that set of circumstances funny, it’s Chris O’Dowd and Nick V. Murphy. The pair are the creators behind Sky 1’s Emmy award-winning Moone Boy; the semi-autobiographical comedy based on O’Dowd’s

When he selects Loopy Lou, a 46 year-old, fruit loop eating IF, with a penchant for rap music and balloon modelling, he is less than happy and gives Loopy the flick for someone more sensible. Cue Sean, who is just the ticket to help Martin navigate life’s tricky path. All sounds straightforward, except Loopy isn’t going to depart that easily… There’s plenty to laugh about on every page as the gags come thick and fast. Illustrations by Cartoon Saloon bring Martin’s woes to life, while O’Dowd and Murphy capture the essence of childhood brilliantly, especially with their on-going definitions of the various words used by Martin, such as Readybix which is a puddle of sawdust, oats and tears pretending to be breakfast cereal.

direction every now and again. Inspired by Palacio’s acclaimed novel Wonder; the story of August Pullman, a boy who battles through life with a facial disfigurement; 365 Days of Wonder is there to pick up and read motivational, funny and inspiring thoughts by the great and the good. From Roald Dahl to Harry Styles to Leo Tolstoy and Katy Perry; every day there is a nugget of wisdom. Think ‘The Little Book of Calm’ only with a contemporary spin.

BIG KIDS For the mardiest teen in your life, buy them 365 Days of Wonder: Words of Wisdom for Every Day (Random House) by R. J. Palacio, to encourage the corners of their mouth to head in an upward

20 CITY KIDS

The author says: “Precepts aren’t just maxims or pretty quotes, they are words to live by, to elevate the soul, that celebrate the goodness in people.” We can’t say fairer than that.

CHI

TRE EN C ! ICK EN

Education

A N E W WAY W I T H W O R D S A N D N U M B E R S

NumberWorks’nWords has launched a new centre in Chiswick. Led by New Zealander, Jason Hobbs, the courses provide face-to-face, individualised tuition in numeracy and literacy. The English programme starts with new readers and continues to a reading age of 12, while the maths programme covers Reception to GCSE with a strong emphasis on numeracy strategies. Students work at their own pace during each one-hour, weekly session and records are kept on their progress. Jason was a teacher at Notting Hill and Ealing High School before embarking on his new venture. And if you take this issue of City Kids Magazine to the centre, you will get an extra lesson free!

www.numberworksnwords.co.uk - 020 8994 9168

ACTIVE AND LEARNING

Children attending Active Learning were recently treated to an afternoon’s coaching by British and Irish Rugby Lions Legends Ben Clarke and Rob Henderson. RFU coaches also joined the international stars and gave the children goody bags and certificates for their efforts. The day was organised as part of Active Learning’s commitment to promote the importance of sport and outdoor play within the curriculum. The day was such a success that Ben and Rob have very kindly agreed to repeat the event next summer for children attending the group’s nurseries in Chiswick, Kingston and Fulham.

www.activelearningchildcare.co.uk - 020 3031 4700

E X P LO R I N G C U R R I C U L U M CHALLENGES

Research by tuition provider Explore Learning reveals that nearly 70% of parents have said they are totally unaware of curriculum changes that came into play this term. For most children, the new curriculum will be much more challenging, with many concepts being introduced earlier than previously. Explore Learning also found that 72% of parents worry that British children aren’t leading the field in standards of education. In learning, the priority is to maintain a child’s confidence and positivity; it makes such a powerful difference to a child’s success in education. Explore Learning advise all parents to consult their teachers first if they have any concerns. Their 98 nationwide centres can offer further support in new topic areas at a pace and level children are comfortable with. Every Explore Learning centre offers a free trial session.

C H R I S T M A S F U N AT GYMBOREE

Gymboree Chiswick is organising a Christmas fete and open day at its Duke Road venue. As well as plenty of festive games and nibbles, children will get a chance to try their unique classes which cater for newborns to five year olds. Curriculum based Play & Learn sessions use custom-made equipment and support physical and cognitive development. Music classes introduce children to a wide range of new sounds, and art classes include collage, sculpting and painting.

Gymboree Chiswick www.gymboree-uk.com - 07967 835 059

www.explorelearning.co.uk - 01483 447414

NEW NURSERY

The Chiswick Kindergarten, which opened its doors in September, has been running twice-weekly toddler groups. The £5 sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays have proved very popular and help to make the children’s transition into their nursery much easier as they become familiar with the environment and the teachers. They also learn to socialise and play with other children. The Chiswick Kindergarten has wellestablished sister schools in Knightsbridge and Kensington and is continuing to welcome new registrations.

www.chiswickkindergarten.co.uk - 020 7371 4848 CITY KIDS 21

l ia n Tr sso ble Le aila Av

In For Ca fo M ll rm o at re io n

Education

ForteArts MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUMENT HIRE FORTE ARTS is a professional teaching company providing quality tuition and instrument hire Our aim is to motivate and encourage students (from complete beginners to advanced players) to build a skill which is enjoyable, exciting and challenging. The individual lessons are taught by our experienced teachers at your own home, to fit your schedule. Areas covered: Chiswick, Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, Ealing, Acton, Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Victoria, Fulham, Putney, Barnes, Kew, Richmond, Clapham, Wimbledon and more...

07557 143891 or www.forte-arts.co.uk 22 CITY KIDS

Education

Is your child aged 5-14? Find out how they can benefit from Explore Learning

Maths & English tuition centres Why choose Explore for your child?

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Sheen 020 8090 2849 Westfield 020 8090 1216 Ealing 020 8090 8710 Explore Learning has over 90 centres nationwide.To find your nearest centre, visit our website. www.explorelearning.co.uk

St. Peter’s Church 119 Eaton Square London SW1W 9AL

020 7371 2306 info@knightsbridgekindergarten.co.uk www.knightsbridgekindergarten.co.uk

St. Barnabas Church Addison Road London W14 8LH

020 7371 4848 info@kensingtonkindergarten.co.uk www.kensingtonkindergarten.co.uk

Ofsted Registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers!

1A Iverna Gardens (Entrance on Adam and Eve Mews) London W8 6TN

020 7371 4848 info@kensingtonkindergarten.co.uk www.kensingtonkindergarten.co.uk

Chiswick Christian Centre Fraser Street London W4 2DA

020 7371 4848 info@chiswickkindergarten.co.uk www.chiswickkindergarten.co.uk

CITY KIDS 23

BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS MONDAYS GYMBOREE

TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE

From 09.30 Various classes. Newborn to 5yrs. Includes some drop-off classes. Free trials. Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.gymboree-uk.com/f/chiswick - 07967 835059

09.30 2 to 3yrs Twisters 2; 10.30 3 to 4yrs Gymkids; 14.00 3 to 4yrs Ballet. All abilities. Acton Baptist Church Hall, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997/Louise 020 8840 4452

TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE

CADENZA | MUSIC

09.30 1 to 2yrs Twisters 1; 10.30 2 to 3yrs Twisters 2; 13.10 3 to 4yrs Dance Drama; 14.00 3 to 4yrs Gymkids. All abilities. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

MUNCHKIN MUSIC 09.30,10.30 & 11.30 with Nick By the Moon, 69 Blythe Road, W14 0HP (2 drs down from Betty Blythe) 15.15 & 16.00 with Nick Drink Me Eat Me, 250-252 King St, W6 0SP www.munchkinmusic.co.uk - 020 7998 0073

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB | FUN, FITNESS & MUSIC 09.45 & 10.30 with Amanda. £10 pay as you go. Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN www.amandasactionclub.co.uk - 01895 623 999

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 10.00, 10.45, 14.15, 15.00 Baby Ballet 2 to 4yrs; 15.45 Pre-primary ballet 4 to 5yrs. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

TALK WITH TASHA | COMMUNICATION 10.00 0 to18mths; 11.00 18mths to 2yrs. First group free. Mothercare, Kew Retail Park, TW9 4AD www.talkwithtasha.com - 07973 860 051

LITTLE KICKERS | FOOTBALL 10.30 1½ to 2yrs 3mths; 11.30 2 to 3½ yrs. Check ahead as some classes have waiting lists. Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.littlekickers.co.uk - 07792 503571

SPANISH STORYTIME 10.30 Under 5yrs. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Rd, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

THE CHISWICK KINDERGARTEN | TODDLER GROUP 10.30 6mths to 2yrs. Drop-in session £5. Term-time only. Chiswick Christian Centre, Fraser Street, W4 2DA www.chiswickkindergarten.co.uk - 020 7371 4848

RHYME TIME 14.15 Under 5yrs. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

MUNCHKIN MUSIC 15.15 & 16.00 4mths to 4yrs. Drop-in £7. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King Street, W6 0SP www.munchkinmusic.co.uk

TUESDAYS GYMBOREE From 09.30 Various classes. Newborn to 5yrs. Includes some drop-off classes. Free trials. Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.gymboree-uk.com/f/chiswick - 07967 835059

24 CITY KIDS

10.00 £7 per child; £5 each additional sibling. Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Road, W6 0UB www.cadenzaclasses.com

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 10.00 2 to 4yrs Baby Ballet; 10.45 Tiny Tots Tap & Modern; 15.00 2 to 4yrs Baby Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

ST NICHOLAS PLAYGROUP 10.00 Term-time only. St Nicholas Church, Church St, W4 2PH www.stnicholaschiswick.org - Sonia 020 8580 3806

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN 10.30 0 to1yrs Newborn music. £7 drop-in. The Music House for Children, 306 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherds Bush, W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk - Kath 020 8932 2652

RHYME TIME 10.30 Under 5yrs. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Rd, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

STORYTIME 10.30 Under 5yrs. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

STORY & RHYME TIME 10.45 Under 5yrs. Askew Road Library, Askew Rd, W12 9AS www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA) 15.00 2½ to 4yrs. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King Street, W6 0SP www.pssa.co.uk - 07943 656092

GROVE PARK TODDLER GROUP 15.00-17.00 10mths to approx 4yrs. £3. Isis Rooms & Garden, St Paul’s Church, Grove Park Rd, W4 3SB www.groveparkplaygroup.org - 020 8742 8293

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 15.30 & 16.00 2 ½ to 4yrs Baby Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET 15.45 Pre-primary. Hammersmith Christian Fellowship Hall, Dalling Road, W6 0UE www.pleasingdance.co.uk - Jo Wellings 020 7794 0905

CRAFT CLUB 15.45 3 to 11yrs. Term-time only. 50p per child. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

LITTLE KICKERS | FOOTBALL 16.15 3½ to 5yrs Mighty Kickers. Victoria Hall, W12 9AH www.littlekickers.co.uk - Crawford 01932 429602

BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS -

WEDNESDAYS GYMBOREE

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB | FUN, FITNESS, MUSIC (from January)

From 09.30 Various classes. Newborn to 5yrs. Includes some drop-off classes. Free trials. Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.gymboree-uk.com/f/chiswick - 07967 835059

14.30 & 15.30 With Amanda. £9 pay as you go; £8 for a 5 class pass. Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN www.amandasactionclub.co.uk - 01895 623 999

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE

15.00 First session free. Acton Green Church, Cunnington Road, W4 5ER www.facebook.com/tinymaestros - Katherine Sayles 07885 756340

09.30 & 10.00 2 to 4yrs Baby Ballet. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.balletclasseslondon.co.uk – Angela Grant 07813 296221

TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE 09.30 1 to 2yrs Twisters 1; 10.30 2 to 3yrs Twisters 2. All abilities. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN 09.45 0 to 2yrs & 10.30 2 to 3yrs Music and Movement. Drop-in £7. The Music House for Children, 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk - Kath 020 8932 2652

CADENZA | MUSIC CLASS 09.45 £7 per child; £5 per additional sibling. Christ Church, Town Hall Ave, London, W4 5DT www.cadenzaclasses.com

W4 ART CLUB 10.00 16mths to 3yrs + Artabugs £5 trial / £13.50 per session / 49.99 for 4 classes or £99.99 for 10 sessions. 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

GROVE PARK BABY GROUP 10.00 Toddler-free zone. The Vicarage, Grove Park Road www.groveparkplaygroup.org - 020 8742 8293

LITTLE ANGELS | TODDLER GROUP 10.00 £3. Term-time. St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.smaaa.org.uk - 020 8994 1380

WEST LONDON TWINS CLUB 10.00 £3 members; £4 non-members. St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Rd, Ealing, W13 8HB www.westlondontwinsclub.org

LITTLE KICKERS | FOOTBALL 10.00 1½ to 2yrs 3mths; 11.00 2 to 3½ yrs; 15.15 2 to 3½ yrs; 16.15 3½ to 5yrs. Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.littlekickers.co.uk - 07792 503571

THE CHISWICK KINDERGARTEN | TODDLER GROUP 10.30 6mths to 2yrs drop-in session with music, stories, games and painting. £5 term-time only. Chiswick Christian Centre, Fraser Street, W4 2DA www.chiswickkindergarten.co.uk - 020 7371 4848

YOUNG STARS | MULTI-SPORTS AND SKILLS CLASS 14.00 & 15.00 2 to 5yrs. The Jordans Nursery, Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Road, W6 0UB www.young-stars.co.uk - John 07920 426499

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 14.15 2 to 5yrs Tiny Tots Tap & Modern; 15.00 2 to 4yrs Baby Ballet; 15.45 4 to 5yrs Pre-primary Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

KATIE’S CLUB | POP IN MEMBERS CLUB

CAROLINE LESTER SCHOOL OF DANCE 16.00 3 to 4yrs; 16.30 4 to 6yrs. Term-time. Dukes Meadow Community Hall, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX www.carolinelesterschoolofdance.co.uk - 020 3673 9421

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 16.00 3yrs+ Baby Ballet. IDTA Accredited School. St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.westlondondanceacademy.com - 07771 984590

ANIMAL FU | PERFORMANCE MARTIAL ARTS 16.15 3 to 7yrs, £5 drop-in. £4 per session a term. Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN www.animalfu.com - 07984 707777

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS | FAMILY CIRCUS SKILLS 16.30 15mths to 7yrs with parent. £90 a term / £45 per additional sibling. Melcombe Primary School, Fulham Palace Road, W6 9ER www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk - 020 8237 1170/ 020 8237 1030

THURSDAYS GYMBOREE From 09.30 Various classes. Newborn - 5yrs. Includes some drop-off classes. Free trials. Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.gymboree-uk.com/f/chiswick - 07967 835059

BABIES BOOK CLUB 10.30 Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.drinkmeeatme.com

BABY SONG 11.30 during term-time. St Simon´s Church, Rockley Road, West Kensington, London W14 0DA www.stsimons.co.uk - Sonja Arnold 020 7603 1418

TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE CLASSES 14.00 3 to 4yrs Gymkids. All abilities. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

HARTBEEPS | BABY MUSIC CLASS 14.30 Sitting; 15.30 Walking. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.hartbeeps.com - 0800 1488 266

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB | FUN, FITNESS & MUSIC 15.45 with Amanda. £10 pay as you go. Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN www.amandasactionclub.co.uk - 01895 623 999

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 16.00 4 to 5yrs Pre-primary Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

CITY KIDS 25

BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS THURSDAYS continued... FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE

BABBLEBUGS | MUSIC

16.15 4 to 5yrs. Pre-primary Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

10.45 £9 per session or £15 for twins/siblings. £70 for 10 sessions or £110 for twins/siblings. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP info@babblebugs.co.uk

FRIDAYS TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE 09.15 6mths to 3yrs Twisters. Drop-in gym; 10.30 3 to 4yrs Dance Drama; 11.30 2 to 3yrs Ballet. All abilities. Acton Baptist Church Hall, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

GYMBOREE From 09.30 Various classes. Newborn - 5yrs. Includes some drop-off classes. Free trials. Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, London W4 2JR www.gymboree-uk.com/f/chiswick - 07967 835059

CADENZA | MUSIC 09.30 £7 per child; £5 per additional sibling. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.cadenzaclasses.com

MUNCHKIN MUSIC 09.30,10.15 & 11.00 With Emily. Holy Trinity Parish Church, 41 Brook Green, W6 7BL www.munchkinmusic.co.uk

FRIDAY FRIENDS | PLAYGROUP 09.30 0 to 4yrs. Term-time only. £1. Gunnersbury Baptist Church, Wellesley Road, W4 4BE www.gunnersburybaptistchurch.org - 020 8987 2965

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB | FUN, FITNESS & MUSIC 09.45 & 10.30 with Amanda. £10 pay as you go. Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN www.amandasactionclub.co.uk - 01895 623999

PLAY MANDARIN

CHISWICK LIBRARY STORYTIME 11.00 0 to 5yrs Term-time. Dukes Avenue, W4 2AB www.hounslow.info - 020 8994 1008

BABY BOUNCE 11.00 Stories & Rhymes. Askew Road Library, 87/91 Askew Road, W12 9AS www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3863

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE | KARATE 16.00 4yrs+ Tiger Cubs Karate. The Dukes Meadows Community Centre, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX www.crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk - 07734 655057

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 15.15 2 to 4yrs Baby Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ. www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

A2ZEN | YOGA 16.00 All abilities. Vihara Buddhist Centre, 309 - 311 The Avenue, W4 1UD www.a2ze.co - 07979 533750

SATURDAYS MY LITTLE BOARDERS | SKATEBOARDING 09.00 3 to 5yrs Mini Boarders. Book online or drop-in. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.mylittleboarders.co.uk - 07801 824 688

KIDDIKICKS | FOOTBALL

10.00 0 to 3yrs. £1 per child; 50p per second child. Call in advance. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk ‘see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

09.00 18mths to 2½ yrs Nippers; 10.30 2½ to 3½ yrs Runners; 11.15 3.6 to 5yrs Racers. November-March at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, TW8 0HJ www.kiddikicks.co.uk - 020 7937 7965

KITE STUDIOS | ART

LITTLE KICKERS | FOOTBALL

09.45, 10.45 & 13.45 18mths to 3yrs Art for Little Ones. £95 per term or £9.50 for a trial session. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

MINI MULTIPLES | TWINS/TRIPLETS CLUB 10.00 Newborns to U5yrs. Chiswick Children’s Centre, 9 Devonshire Street, W4 2AY www.younghounslow.info - 020 8583 5603

W4 ART CLUB 10.00 16mths to 3yrs+ Artabugs £5 trial/ £13.50 per session / 49.99 for 4 classes or £99.99 for 10 sessions. 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN 10.30 0 to 2yrs Music and ovement. 14.00 2 to 3yrs Musical Storytelling. Registration required. £7 drop-in. The Music House for Children, 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk - Kath 020 8932 2652

26 CITY KIDS

09.15 2 to 3½ yrs; 10.15 3½ to 5 yrs; 11.15 3½ to 5yrs. Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.littlekickers.co.uk - 07792 503571

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 09.15 4 to 5yrs Pre-primary Ballet; 10.45 2 to 5yrs Tiny Tots & Modern. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ. www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

LITTLE LUVVIES | PERFORMING ARTS 10.00 18mths to 3yrs; 10.45 3 to 5yrs; 11.30 6 to 8 yrs. Term-time only. Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.pssa.co.uk - 07943 656092

PARKOUR YOUTH ACADEMY | FREE RUNNING 10.00 1 to 6yrs. £10 (for parent & child). Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ www.parkourgenerations.com

ITALIAN STORY TIME 10.30 U5yrs. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Rd, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - Silvia Liverani 020 8753 3820

BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS

10% off

& free delivery*

SATURDAYS continued...

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk 0871 423 5656

ROCKS LANE | FOOTBALL COACHING 10.30 U4yrs A; 11.00 U4yrs B. 16 week terms. All groups £160. www.rockslane.co.uk - 020 8994 1313

BABBLEBUGS | MUSIC 10.15 £9 per session or £15 for twins/siblings. £70 for 10 sessions or £110 for twins/siblings. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.about.me/babblebugs - Suzanne 07815 305107 / Aoife 07708 102289

Winter collection

Quote CTY42 online or bring this voucher into a store *10% offer not valid on sale items, multibuys, gift vouchers or Micro Scooters. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This voucher is valid until 01.03.15. Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.

Visit one of our London stores: Chiswick, Notting Hill

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA) 10.45 2½ to 4yrs. Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Road, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0LT www.pssa.co.uk - 07943 656092

Ways to keep in touch:

RHYME TIME 11.00 Under 5yrs. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

WILL TO WIN | TENNIS 12.00 3 to 4yrs Mini Tots drop-in £8. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk/chiswick - 020 8994 1466

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS | FAMILY CIRCUS SKILLS 10.30 15mths to 7yrs. £90 a term + £45 per additional sibling. St Alban’s Hall, Margravine Road, W6 8HJ www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk - 0208 237 1170/020 8237 1030

SUNDAYS RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION 09.00 4yrs+ General class. Waiting lists. 1 Townmead Road, Kew, TW9 4EL www.richmondgymnastics.co.uk - 020 8878 8682

City Kids Nov.indd 1

CHISWICK RUGBY CLUB MINIS 10.30 4yrs+ Boys and girls. Chiswick Rugby Football Club, Dukes Meadows, Dan Mason Drive, W4 2SH www.chiswickrugby.co.uk/youth-and-minis - Kelvin 07706 356422

EALING TRAILFINDERS RC RUGBY RATS 12.00 3 to 5yrs. Trailfinders Sports Club, Castle Bar, Vallis Way, W13 0DD www.ealingrugby.co.uk - Tim Dinsley 07941 861 293

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GIFTS - HOMEWARE - CHILDRENSWEAR Come in and see us!

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www.casa-blanca.co.uk CITY KIDS 27

LITTLE KIDS (5 - 11) MONDAYS NUMBER WORKS’NWORDS | MATHS & ENGLISH TUITION

SPORTS LINX FOOTBALL ACADEMY

From 15.30 daily incl Sat mornings. 86A Chiswick High Road, W4 1SY www.numberworksnwords.co.uk - 020 8994 9168

17.00 4 to12yrs various classes. £6. Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN www.slfootballacademy.co.uk - 020 8973 4311

KITE STUDIOS | ART

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS | FAMILY CIRCUS SKILLS

15.45 6 to 8yrs Young Art Studio. £140/ £14 trial. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

17.30 8yrs+ general circus skills. St Alban’s Hall, Margravine Road, W6 8HJ www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk - 020 8237 1170 / 8237 1030

CHATTERBOOKS

ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB

15.45 8 to 12yrs Reading groups. Once a month; term-time only. Askew Road Library, 87/91 Askew Road, W12 9AS www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3863

18.00 5yrs+ Beginners welcome. Russian Orthodox Church, Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.ilyeotaekwondo.com - 07872 932 223

HOMEWORK CLUB

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP | SCOUT GROUP

15.45 Term-time only. Maths and English tutor provided by Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Learning & Skills Service. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY

18.30 6 to 8yrs Beavers. Term-time only. The Ranch, Chiswick House Car Park, Ellesmere Road, W4 2QN www.20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk

TUESDAYS

15.45 Preparatory Ballet; 16.15 Primary Ballet; 17.00 Grade 1 Tap; 17.45 Grade 2 & 3 Tap; 18.30 Grade 4 Ballet. St Michael’s & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984590

CRAFT CLUB

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL

KITE STUDIOS | ART

16.00 4 to 5yrs Pre-Primary Ballet; 16.30 7 to 9yrs Grade 2 Ballet; 17.30 9 to 11yrs Grade 4 Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

16.00 4 to 7yrs Stitch & Print; 17.10 7yrs+ Stitch & Print £120/£12. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

ARCH 197 | DANCE

16.00-17.00 5 to 6yrs. Drink Me Eat Me, 250 - 252 King St, W6 0SP www.pssa.co.uk 07943 656092

16.00 5yrs+ RAD Primary Ballet; 17.00 & 18.00 6 to 10yrs Street Dance. Prebend Gardens, Stamford Brook, W6 0XT www.arch197.com - 020 8987 8788

KUMON ACTON CENTRAL | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 16.00 Registration £30 then £60 per month. St Mary’s Church Hall, 1 The Mount, W3 9NW www.kumon.co.uk - 020 8998 3379

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING 16.00 5 to 6yrs Tiny Tots; 16.30 7 to 14yrs Junior. After school sessions £6.25. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY 16.15 7 to 11yrs Junior. Commercial Street Jazz. Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Road, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0LT www.pssa.co.uk - 07943 656092

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 16.15 5 to 7yrs Primary Ballet; 17.15 8 to 10yrs Grade 2 Ballet; 18.15 10 to 12yrs Grade 4 Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

SONG ACADEMY | SONGWRITING 16.30 8 to11yrs. £215 a term. Arts Educational Schools London, Cone Ripman Hse, 14 Bath Road, W4 1LY www. songacademy.co.uk - 07710 023743

CARLSON GRACIE JUDO 16.30 7 to 12yrs. £5. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

28 CITY KIDS

15.45 3 to11yrs Craft Club. Term-time only. 50p per child. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA)

LITTLE LUMIS | YOGA 16.00 6-11yrs 121 King Street, W6 9JG www.lumipoweryoga.com/little-lumis - 020 8846 8504

TWISTERS | GYM AND DANCE 16.00 4 to 5yrs Gym 1; 16.50 5 to 6yrs Gym 2; 17.40 7yrs+ Gym 3. Acton Baptist Church Hall, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET 16.15 Primary; 17.00 Grade 7; 17.45 Grade 5. Hammersmith Christian Fellowship Hall, Dalling Road ,W6 www.pleasingdance.co.uk - Jo Wellings 020 7794 0905

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 16.30 5 to 7yrs Primary Ballet; 17.15 7 to 9yrs Grade 1 Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 16.30 Grade 2 Ballet; 17.15 Grade 3 Ballet. St Michael’s & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984590

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 16.30 5 to 6yrs Primary Ballet; 17.00 7 to 8yrs Grade 1 exam class. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

LITTLE KIDS (5 - 11) TUESDAYS continued... CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE | YOUTH CENTRE WITH WATERSPORTS

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE

16.30 9yrs+. £4. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

16.30 8 to 11yrs Grade 3 Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

POETRY CLUB

16.30 4 to 6yrs; 17.15 6yrs+ Primary Ballet; 17.45 Grade 1 Ballet; 18.30 Grade 2 Ballet; 19.15 Grade 4 Ballet. Term-time. Dukes Meadow Community Hall, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX www.carolinelesterschoolofdance.co.uk - 020 3673 9421

16.45 Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3820

WEDNESDAYS KUMON SHEPHERDS BUSH | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 15.30 Registration £35 then £60 per month. St Stephen’s Church Hall, Coverdale Road, W12 8JJ www.kumon.co.uk - 020 3002 0735

KITE STUDIOS | ART 15.40 4 to 6yrs Nature to Numbers - Art in a Story £100/£10; 16.30 9yrs+ Young Art Studio £175/£17.50. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

KUMON OLYMPIA | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 15.45 Registration £35 then £57 per month. Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR www.kumon.co.uk - 020 3397 8581

W4 ART CLUB 16.00 3 to 5/6yrs; 17.15 6 to 8/9 yrs; 18.30 10yrs+ Kids Art Drawing Club. £99.99 for 10 weekly sessions (11yrs+ £124.99). 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

CAROLINE LESTER SCHOOL OF DANCE

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 16.30 Preparatory Ballet; 17.00 Primary Ballet. St Michael’s & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984590

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 17.00 Modern & Tap Grade 2. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

KUNG FU KIDS YMAA ORIENT SPORT 17.30 First session free then £8. St Stephen’s Community Hall, 34 Gayford Road, W12 9BY www.orientsport.co.uk - Shem 07824 603261

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP | SCOUT GROUP 18.30 6 to 8yrs Beavers. 18.45 8 to 10½ yrs Cubs. Term-time only. The Ranch, Chiswick House Car Park, Ellesmere Road, W4 2QN www.20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk

THE 3RD CHISWICK CUB PACK | SCOUT GROUP 18.45-20.00 boys and girls 8 to 10½ yrs term-time only. Scouthaven, Wilson Walk, Prebend Gardens, W4 1PT www. 3rdchiswickscouts.co.uk - Rob Barnard 07771 964312

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET 16.00 Primary; 16.45 Grade 2; 17.30 Grade 4; 18.15 Advanced. Hammersmith Christian Fellowship Hall, Dalling Road ,W6 www.pleasingdance.co.uk - Jo Wellings 020 7794 0905

KUMON ACTON CENTRAL | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 16.00 Registration £30 then £60 per month. St Mary’s Church Hall, 1 The Mount, W3 9NW www.kumon.co.uk - 020 8998 3379

TWISTERS 16.15 4 to 5yrs Ballet. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997/ Louise 020 8840 4452

THURSDAYS ART CLUB 15.35 every two weeks. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3820

KITE STUDIOS | ART 16.00 5yrs+ Create in Clay. £120/£10; 17.15 9yrs+ Portfolio into secondary £12/£120. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

SONG ACADEMY | SONGWRITING 16.00 8 to 11yrs. £215 a term. Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6 7BL www.songacademy.co.uk - 07710 023743

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL

16.30 5 to 8yrs term-time only. Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3842

16.00 4 to 5yrs Pre-Primary Ballet; 16.30 5 to 6yrs Primary Ballet; 17.00 8 to 9yrs Grade 3 Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE | DANCE

TWISTERS

STORY TIME

16.30 6 years Primary Ballet; 17.00 7 years Grade 1; 17.30 Grade 2; 18.15 Grade 6; 19.05 Pointe class; 19.25 Grade 7. St Dunstan’s Hall, Friar’s Place Lane, W3 7AW www.balletclasseslondon.co.uk - Angela Grant 07813 296221

16.00 4 to 5yrs Gym 1; 16.50 5 to 6yrs Gym 2; 17.40 7yrs+ Gym 3. Acton Baptist Church Hall, W3 8PP www.twisters.org.uk - Hermione 020 8933 9997 / Louise 020 8840 4452

CARLSON GRACIE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

16.30 5 to 7yrs; 17.30 7 to 11yrs Kids Art Drawing Clubs. 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

16.30 7 to 12yrs. £5.89. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

W4 ART CLUB | ART

CITY KIDS 29

LITTLE KIDS (5 - 11) THURSDAYS continued... GAMES CLUB 16.30 5yrs+ (under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult). Askew Road Library, 87/91 Askew Road, W12 9AS www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3863

KITE STUDIOS | ART CLASSES 16.00 5yrs+ Art in Spanish. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE | YOUTH CENTRE WITH WATERSPORTS

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY

16.30 9yrs+. £4. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

16.15 Grade 2 Ballet; 17.00 Grade 3 Ballet; 17.45 Intermediate Ballet. St Michael’s & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984590

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE | DANCE

16.15 5 to 11yrs Be Kids. £7 per class, term-time only. Fitrooms, 254-258 North End Road, SW6 1NJ www.bedance.co.uk - Becca Allen 07545 697352

16.45 6yrs Primary ballet; 17.15 7yrs+ Grade 1; 17.45 Grade 2; 18.30 Grade 3; 19.15 Grade 4. St Dunstan’s Hall, Friar’s Place Lane, W3 7AW www.balletclasseslondon.co.uk - Angela Grant 07813 296221

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY | BALLET & TAP 16.45 Grade 1 Ballet; 17.30 Primary Tap; 18.15 Grade 4 Tap. St Michael’s & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984590

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 17.00 8yrs+ Grade 2 Tap & Modern; 18.15 9yrs+ Grade 3 Tap & Modern. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE | KARATE 17.00 6 yrs+ Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate, 17.45 8 yrs+. St. Michael’s Church, Elmwood Road, Grove Park, W4 3DZ www.crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk - 07734 655057

HOMEWORK CLUB 17.00 Term-time only. Maths and English tutor provided by Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Learning & Skills Service. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3820

THE 3RD CHISWICK BEAVER COLONY | SCOUT GROUP 17.40 boys and girls 6 to 8yrs term-time only. Scouthaven, Wilson Walk, Prebend Gardens, W4 1PT www. 3rdchiswickscouts.co.uk - 07845 299179

FRIDAYS KUMON SHEPHERDS BUSH | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 15.30 Registration £35 then £60 per month. St Stephen’s Church Hall, Coverdale Road, W12 8JJ www.kumon.co.uk - 020 3002 0735

KUMON OLYMPIA | MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAMMES 15.45 Registration £35 then £57 per month. Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR www.kumon.co.uk - 020 3397 8581

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE 16.00 4yrs+ Tiger Cubs Karate £90; 16.30 & 17.15 6yrs+ Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate £100. The Dukes Meadows Community Centre, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX www.crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk - 07734 655057

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 16.00 5 to 7yrs Primary Tap & Modern; 17.00 7yrs+ Grade 1 Tap & Modern. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

BE DANCE

STAGECOACH CHISWICK 16.15 4 to 6 yrs Early Stages dance, drama and singing; £162 a term. 16.30 6 to 18yrs Main School; £324 a term. Strand on the Green School, Thames Road, W4 3NX www.stagecoach.co.uk - 020 3394 0818

STAGECOACH KENSINGTON 16.15 4 to 6yrs Early Stages; 16.30 6yrs+ Main School. Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, Blythe Road, W14 0DT www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington

W4 ART CLUB 16.30 5 to 7yrs, 17.30 7-11yrs+. £99.99 for 10 weekly sessions. 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 16.30 6 to 8yrs Grade 1 Ballet; 17.15 Irish. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891 / 07771 905226

LOVE IT PERFORMING ARTS 16.30 4 to 8yrs & 9 to14yrs. £120 per term. The Salvation Army Hall, 21-23 Dalling Road, W6 0JB www.loveitperformingarts.co.uk - 07595 470 865

WILL TO WIN | TENNIS 17.00 8 to 14yrs Junior social. Drop-in £12 - includes pizza, crisps & squash. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

PARKOUR YOUTH ACADEMY | FREE RUNNING 18.45 7 to19yrs. £5. Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ www.parkourgenerations.com

SATURDAYS CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE 09.10 all ages. Individual & group music lessons. Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN (entrance gate on Staveley Road) www.chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk - 07513 012373

KIDDIKICKS LIGA SOCCER | FOOTBALL 09.15 5 to 8yrs. November to March at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, TW8 0HJ www.kiddikicks.co.uk

KEW PARK RANGERS 09.15 U4, U6, U7, U8, U9, U10, U11 Boys; 11.00 U5-U9s & U10, U11 Girls. North Sheen Recreation Ground, North Road, Kew, TW9 4HA www.kewparkrangers.co.uk - 020 8940 9882

30 CITY KIDS

LITTLE KIDS (5 - 11) SATURDAYS continued... CENTRE STAGE WORKSHOPS 09.30 8 to 11yrs. £190 per term. 25% discount for siblings. Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW www.tabardtheatre.co.uk - 020 8995 6035

STAGECOACH CHISWICK

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE | YOUTH CENTRE WITH WATERSPORTS 11.00– 9yrs+. All day. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

09.30, 11.30, 14.00 & 15.30 4 to 6yrs Early Stages. £162 a term. 10.00 & 14.30 Main school (6 to18yrs) Saturdays. £324 a term. William Hogarth School, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.stagecoach.co.uk - 020 3394 0818

CHATTERBOOKS

STAGECOACH KENSINGTON

CARLSON GRACIE GRAPPLE AND STRIKE

09.30, 11.15, 14.00, 15.45 4 to 6yrs Early Stages; 10.00 & 14.30 6yrs+ Main School St Barnabas & St Philips School, 58 Earl’s Court Road, W8 6EJ www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington

SPORTS LINX FOOTBALL ACADEMY 10.00 4 to12yrs. £6. Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN www.slfootballacademy.co.uk - 020 8973 4311

KITE STUDIOS | ART 10.00 6yrs+ Young Art Studio. £200/£20. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

LITTLE FOXES | MULTI-SPORT CLASSES 10.00,11.00 & 10.00 5 to 6yrs Cheeky Foxes & 7 to12yrs Super Foxes. The green opposite Turnham Green Church www.thelittlefoxesclub.com - 020 7376 0006

ESTA | THEATRE SCHOOL 10.00 6 to 17yrs. Term-time. £300 per term. Southfields School, Southfield Road, W4 1BD www.estatheatreschool.com - 020 8741 2843

THEATRE STUDIO WEST 10.00 6 to 9yrs TSW Stage; 10 to13yrs TSW Youth Company. £195 term-time only. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.theatrestudiowest.co.uk - Julie Saunders 020 8616 8846

PARKOUR YOUTH ACADEMY | FREE RUNNING 10.00 1 to 6yrs. £10 (for parent & child). Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ www.parkourgenerations.com

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY 10.00 7 to 11yrs PSSA Junior Stage Academy; 11.30 5 to 6yrs Little Stage Academy; 12.00 12 to 16yrs Senior Stage Academy. Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Road, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0LT www.pssa.co.uk - Amelia Amos 07943 656092

WILL TO WIN 10.00 8 to 10yrs Mini Orange drop in; 11.00 10 to 11yrs Green drop-in £8 & Yellow drop-in £8; 12.00 3 to 4yrs Mini Tots & 5 to 8yrs Mini Red drop-in £8. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

MY LITTLE BOARDERS | SKATEBOARDING 10.30 6 to 10yrs Midi Boarders. Book online or drop-in. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.mylittleboarders.co.uk - 07801 824 688

10.45 8 to 12yrs. Reading groups. Meet once a month. Term-time only. Askew Road Library, 87/91 Askew Road, W12 9AS www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3863 11.00 7 to 12yrs wrestling Jiu-jitsu and kick boxing. £5. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB 11.00 5yrs+ Beginners welcome. Russian Orthodox Church, Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.ilyeotaekwondo.com - 07872 932 223

THE BAND PROJECT 11.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00 8 to11yrs live performance and band based course. Arch 196, Prebend Gardens, Stamford Brook, W6 0XT www.thebandproject.co.uk - 07771 456955

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 11.30 5 to 8yrs Gymnastic Aerobics; 12.15 9yrs+ Gymnastic Aerobics. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

SATURDAY KIDS’ CLUB 14.00 Free crafts, computers, games, music, books. Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT www.lbhf.gov.uk (see Libraries) - 020 8753 3820

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 14.30 5 to 6yrs Primary Ballet; 15.00 6 to 7yrs Prep Grade 1 Ballet; 15.45 7 to 8yrs Grade 1 Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS (TRAINING CENTRE) Sailing courses for beginners Dinghy level 1 to Youth Sailing Scheme Level 4. Powerboat courses for 8 to 11yrs. Riverside Drive, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX 01372 378901

SUNDAYS EALING RUGBY CLUB 10.00 U6 to U8 tag; U9+ contact. Trailfinders Sports Club, Castle Bar, Vallis Way, W13 0DD www.ealingrugby.co.uk - Tim Dinsley 07941 861 293

WASPS FC MINIS 10.00 Girls and boys 4yrs+. Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, Twyford Avenue, Acton, W3 9QA www.pitchero.com/clubs/waspsfootballclub - 020 8993 8384

CHISWICK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB MINIS 10.30 Girls and boys 4yrs+. Dukes Meadows, Dan Mason Drive, W4 2SH www.chiswickrugby.co.uk

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS 10.30 15mths to 7yrs Family Circus skills; 11.30 8yrs+ General Circus skills; 13.15 Beginner/Intermediate Aerial skills. St Alban’s Hall, Margravine Road, W6 8HJ www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk - 020 8237 1170 / 020 8237 1030

We do our best to ensure the accuracy of our directory. Please do call ahead if you wish to book a course.

CITY KIDS 31

BIG KIDS (11+) MONDAYS NUMBER WORKS’NWORDS | MATHS & ENGLISH TUITION From 15.00 daily, incl Sat mornings. 86A Chiswick High Road, W4 1SY www.numberworks.co.uk - 020 8994 9168

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING 16.30 7 to 14yrs Junior. After school sessions. £6.25. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

HOGARTH YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE INTERMEDIATES CLUB 17.00 Years 7, 8 and 9. 50p entry. Duke Road, W4 2JR www.hogarthtrust.org.uk - 020 8747 1999

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY 17.15 13 to 18yrs Advanced Commercial Street Jazz. Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0LT www.pssa.co.uk - 07943 656092

KITE STUDIOS | ART 17.15 GCSE & A-Level Portfolio Projects £198/£22. 2b Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY www.kitestudios.org - 020 8576 6278

CARLSON GRACIE JUDO 17.15 13 to 17yrs. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

SONG ACADEMY | SONGWRITING 17.30– 12 to 16yrs. £215 a term. Arts Educational Schools London, Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road, W4 1LY www. songacademy.co.uk - 07710 023743

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 18.30 Grade 7 Ballet. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk Bridget 020 8992 6891

HOGARTH YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE SENIOR CLUB 18.45 11 yrs+; first session free, 50p thereafter. Duke Road, W4 2JR www.hogarthtrust.org.uk

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP 19.45 14 to18yrs Explorers. The Ranch, Chiswick House Car Park, Ellesmere Road, W4 2QN www.20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk

TUESDAYS CARLSON GRACIE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU 16.30 13 to 17yrs. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE | YOUTH CENTRE WITH WATERSPORTS 16.30– 9 to19yrs. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 17.45 12yrs+ Intermediate Class. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

32 CITY KIDS

BIG KIDS (11+) TUESDAYS continued...

WEDNESAYS continued...

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING

CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT | SAILING & ADVENTURE TRAINING

18.00 12 to 18yrs. £176 per term. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE 18.15 11yrs+ Grade 5 Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

ARCH 197 | DANCE CLASSES 18.30 14yrs+ Sam McAvoy’s Master Class. Prebend Gardens, Stamford Brook, W6 0XT www.arch197.com - 020 8987 8788

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 18.00 Advanced 1 Ballet. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984 590

BE DANCE 20.30 16yrs+ Be Adults. Beginners and keep fit. £7. Fitrooms, 254-258 North End Road, SW6 1NJ www.bedance.co.uk - Becca Allen 07545 697352

WEDNESDAYS LEARN 2 ROW 16.30 £30 for 6-week course. University of London Boathouse, 81 Hartington Road, W3 3TU www.londonyouthrowing.com

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING

19.00 12 to18yrs boys and girls. The Pier House, Chiswick Pier, Corney Reach, W4 2UG www.sea-cadets.org/chiswick - 020 7654 7000

BACK TO NETBALL 19.30 Re-introduction to the game for girls and women over 16yrs. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

THURSDAYS CARLSON GRACIE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU 16.30 13 to 17yrs. 89 Richford Street, W6 7HJ www.carlsongracieteam.org.uk - 020 8748 8855

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE 16.30 9 to19yrs. Youth Centre with watersports. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

SONG ACADEMY | SONGWRITING 17.00 12 to16yrs. £215 a term. Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6 7BL www.songacademy.co.uk - 07710 023743

WILL TO WIN | TENNIS 17.00 9 to 14 yrs mini tennis green/challenger. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

16.30 7 to 14yrs Junior. After school sessions £6.25. 18.30 12 to 18yrs £176 per term Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL

HOGARTH YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE INTERMEDIATES CLUB

W4 ART CLUB

17.00 Years 7, 8 and 9. 50p entry. Duke Road, W4 2JR www.hogarthtrust.org.uk - 020 8747 1999

18.45 11yrs+ Kids Art Drawing Club. £124.99 for 10 weekly sessions. 58 Harvard Road, W4 4ED www.w4artclub.com - 07789 599931

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP | SCOUT GROUP

17.30 11yrs+ Intermediate Ballet; 18.30 11 yrs+ Grade 6 Ballet. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 17.45 Grade 5 & Intermediate Tap; 18.30 Grade 5 Ballet. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda/ 07771 984 590

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL 18.00 Pointe work beginners; 18.30 Grade 4 dances. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, Acton, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

HOGARTH YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE SENIOR CLUB 18.45 11yrs+. First session free, 50p thereafter. Duke Road, W4 2JR www.hogarthtrust.org.uk - 020 8747 1999

THE 3RD CHISWICK SCOUTS 19.00 10 to14yrs Scouts boys and girls; 20.00 14 to18yrs Explorers. Term-time only. Scouthaven, Wilson Walk, Prebend Gardens, W4 1PT www.3rdchiswickscouts.co.uk - Neal Andrews 07976 520747

18.00 Grade 5 Ballet; 19.00 Grade 5 Pointe work/dances. Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP www.actonballetschool.co.uk - Bridget 020 8992 6891

19.30 10½ to14yrs Scouts. The Ranch, Chiswick House Car Park, Ellesmere Road, W4 2QN www.20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk

FRIDAYS STAGECOACH CHISWICK 16.30 6 to18yrs Main School. Strand on the Green School, Thames Road, W4 3NX www.stagecoach.co.uk - 020 3394 0818

STAGECOACH KENSINGTON 16.30 6 to16yrs Main School. Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, Blythe Road, W14 0DT www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington

WILL TO WIN | TENNIS 17.00 8 to 14 yrs Junior social. Drop-in £12 - includes pizza, crisps & squash. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 17.45 Intermediate Ballet. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.dancerweb.co.uk/wlda - 07771 984 590

CITY KIDS 33

BIG KIDS (11+) FRIDAYS continued... WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING

SATURDAYS continued... MY LITTLE BOARDERS | SKATEBOARDING

18.00 12 to 18yrs. £176 per term. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

12.00 11 to 15yrs Maxi Boarders. Book online or drop-in. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.mylittleboarders.co.uk - 07801 824 688

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY | PERFORMING ARTS

18.00 11yrs+ Senior Tap & Modern. The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk - Frances Lundy 07956 312662

PARKOUR YOUTH ACADEMY | FREE RUNNING 18.45 7 to19yrs. £5. Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ www.parkourgenerations.com

SATURDAYS CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE 09.10 All ages. Individual & group music lessons. Chiswick School, Burlington Lane W4 3UN (entrance gate on Staveley Road) www.chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk - 07513 012373

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING 9.30,10.30,12.30,16.00,16.30,18.00 12 to 18yrs. £176 per term. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

THEATRE STUDIO WEST 10.00 10 to13yrs TSW Youth Company; 14 to19yrs TSW Senior Company. £195 term-time only. Acton Baptist Church, Church Road, W3 8PP www.theatrestudiowest.co.uk - Julie Saunders 020 8616 8846

ESTA | THEATRE SCHOOL 10.00 7 to18yrs term-time. Southfields School, Southfield Road, W4 1BD www.estatheatreschool.com - 020 8741 2843

STAGECOACH CHISWICK 10.00 & 14.30 6 to16yrs. William Hogarth School, Duke Rd, W4 2JR www.stagecoach.co.uk - 020 3394 0818

STAGECOACH KENSINGTON 10.00 & 14.30 6 to 16yrs Main School. St Barnabas & St Philips School, 58 Earl’s Court Road, W8 6EJ www.stagecoach.co.uk

WILL TO WIN | TENNIS 10.00 12 to 16yrs Challenger drop-in. Will to Win Chiswick, Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP www.willtowin.co.uk - 020 8994 1466

THE BAND PROJECT 11.00 - 13.00 & 14.00 - 17.00 11 to 16yrs Live performance and band based course. Arch 196, Wilson Walk, Stamford Brook www.thebandproject.co.uk - 07771 456955

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE 11.00 9 to19yrs. Youth centre with watersports. Canal Close, W10 5AY www.rbkc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/supportservices/youthsupport/ canalsideactivitycentre/holidayprojects.aspx

CENTRE STAGE WORKSHOPS 11.30 12 to 16yrs. £190 per term. 25% discount for siblings. Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW www.tabardtheatre.co.uk - 020 8995 6035

34 CITY KIDS

12.00 12 to16yrs Senior Stage Academy. Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0LT www.pssa.co.uk - Amelia Amos 07943 656092

SUNDAYS CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT | SAILING & ADVENTURE TRAINING 10.00 Alternate Sundays. 12 to18yrs boys and girls. The Pier House, Chiswick Pier, Corney Reach, W4 2UG www.sea-cadets.org/chiswick - 020 7654 7000

EALING RUGBY CLUB 10.00 U13+ Girls and boys all standards up to county level. Trailfinders Sports Club, Castle Bar, Vallis Way, West Ealing, W13 0DD www.ealingrugby.co.uk - Tim Dinsley 07941 861 293

WESTWAY CLIMBING | INDOOR CLIMBING 10.30,16.30,18.00 12 to 18yrs. £176 per term. Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk - 020 8969 0992

BRENTFORD ARMY CADET FORCE | ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES Take part in adventurous activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, archery and abseiling. Learn military skills such as drill, shooting and fieldcraft. 203 Brentford (RLC) Cadet Centre, Windmill Road, W5 4BT www.203brentfordacf.co.uk - 020 8568 6044

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS Sailing courses for beginners Dinghy level 1 to Youth Sailing Scheme level 4. Powerboat courses for 8 to 11yrs. Riverside Drive, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX. www.surreycc.gov.uk/outdoorlearning - 01372 378901

DANCE TEACHERS SUPPLY AGENCY Would you like to start a dance class at your NURSERY, PRIMARY, SECONDARY school?

Contact Bridget on 07771 905226 or visit www.dtsa.co.uk

ACTIVITY CENTRES

Maggie & Rose Chiswick, 020 8994 7211 www.maggieandrose.com Soft play, cooking, art, music, dance, storytelling.

Chiswick New Pool Chiswick, 0845 456 6675 www.fusion-lifestyle.com Swimming, gym, parties.

Chiswick Theatre Arts Chiswick, 020 8742 2861 www.chiswicktheatrearts.com Ballet, tap, modern, street dance, drama, musical theatre, parties, holiday workshops.

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre Brentford, 0845 456 6675 www.fusion-lifestyle.com Pools, gym, crèche, soft play, badminton, basketball, netball, squash, trampoline, creche.

Piccolo Play Centre Chiswick, 020 3643 2574 www.piccoloplaycentre.co.uk Indoor soft play, classes, bouncy castle, parties.

Westway Sports Centre Holland Park, 020 8969 0992 www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk Tennis, football, fives, cricket, table tennis, swimming, basketball, netball, climbing, netball, free running.

Arts Ed Chiswick, 020 8987 6666 www.artsed.co.uk Acting, singing and dance courses.

The Park Club Acton, 020 8743 4321 www.theparkclub.co.uk Indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, cricket, rugby, football, netball, martial arts, gym, crèche, indoor play area, spa, parties (open to non-members too), holiday clubs.

Laura Sevenus Chiswick, 020 8834 7442 www.sevenus.com Swimming lessons. Chiswick School Chiswick, 020 87476699 www.chiswickschool.org Outside providers supply fooball, kung fu, badminton, rugby and fitness classes.

Roko Chiswick Bridge, 020 8747 5757 www.roko.co.uk/chiswick Gym, pool, spa, junior swimming lessons and football coaching by Sports Generation.

Virgin Active Acton Acton, 020 8600 9600 www.virginactive.co.uk Swimming pools, tennis, gym, parties, crèche. Snakes and Ladders Syon Park, 020 8847 0946 www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk Indoor soft play. Newly refurbished. Eddie Catz Putney, 0845 201 1268 www.eddiecatz.com/putney Indoor soft play, classes, parties. Bramley’s Big Adventure Holland Park, 020 8960 1515 www.bramleysbigadventure.com Indoor soft play, parties. Gambado Chelsea, 020 7384 1635 www.gambado.com/clubs/chelsea/ Indoor soft play, parties.

The Little Gym Chiswick Chiswick, 020 8994 3729 www.thelittlegym.co.uk Gymnastics and parties.

SATURDAY SCHOOLS for bilingual children

Chinese:

Link Chinese Academy ................................

www.linkchinese.co.uk

The Czech School ........................................

www.czechschool.org.uk

Den Danske Kirke .......................................

www.danskekirke.org

De Regenboog School .................................

www.regenboogschool.org.uk

Finnish School of Kingston .........................

www.fsok.org

La Petite Ecole d’Ealing ..............................

www.petiteecoledealing.com

Deutsche Samstagschule Ealing ..................

www.germansaturdayschoolealing.co.uk

Culture Curry ...............................................

www.culturecurry.co.uk

via the Italian Consulate ..............................

www.conslondra.esteri.it

The Japanese School ...................................

www.thejapaneseschool.ltd.uk

Polish:

Polska Sobotnia Szkoła im M.Reja .............

www. www.polskaszkolachiswick.org

Polska Szkoła im. Stefana kardynała .......... Wyszyńskiego w Londynie

www.polska-szkola.org.uk

Russian:

Cathedral of the Dormition .........................

www.russianchurchlondon.org

Instituto Cervantes ......................................

www. londres.cervantes.es (Wednesday & Friday classes)

Czech:

Danish:

Dutch: Finnish: French:

German:

Hindi: Italian:

Japanese:

Spanish:

CITY KIDS 35

PARTIES PARTY VENUES

THE LITTLE GYM CHISWICK University of Westminster Sports Ground Hartington Road, W4 3AN www.thelittlegym.co.uk 020 8994 3729 Games, music and fun activities

GAMBADO CHELSEA

CHISWICK CATHOLIC CENTRE

MACBETH CENTRE

Townmead Rd, Chelsea, SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/clubs/chelsea/ 0207 384 1635 Tiger Tots, Tiger, Laser Tag and Build a Bear parties

2 Dukes Avenue, W4 2AE 020 8994 9905

Macbeth St, W6 9JJ www.hfals.co.uk (under Room Hire) From £29 per hour.

HALLS FOR HIRE

THE PARK CLUB

3RD CHISWICK SCOUTS

East Acton Lane, W3 7HB www.theparkclub.co.uk 020 8743 4321 Parachute play, sports and themed parties

Wilson Walk, Off Prebend Gardens Stamford Brook, W4 1PT 07947 354 554 Large room, kitchen and secure garden £80 for 2 hour slot. Children’s tables and chairs included.

VIRGIN ACTIVE ACTON 36 Bromyard Avenue, W3 7AU www.virginactive.co.uk 020 8600 9600 Softplay & pool parties

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE 658 Chiswick High Rd, Brentford, TW8 0HJ www.fusion-lifestyle.com 0845 456 6675 Softplay & pool parties

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk 020 8969 0992 Football, tennis, climbing parties

NEW CHISWICK POOL Edensor Rd, W4 2RG www.fusion-lifestyle.com 0845 456 6675 Pool parties

ARUSH King’s House School Sports Ground, Riverside Dr., W4 2SH www.arush.co.uk 07773 775 445 Outdoor Laser Combat

ARCH 197 Prebend Gardens, W6 0XT www.arch197.com 020 8987 8788 Street Dance

SNAKES AND LADDERS Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk 020 8847 0946 Soft play

BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE 136 Bramley Road, W10 6TJ www.bramleysbig.co.uk 020 8960 1515 Soft play, various packages

36 CITY KIDS

ST MICHAEL’S CENTRE Elmwood Road, W4 3DY www.stmichaels-elmwoodroad.org Hall with stage and kitchen. Furniture for hire.

ST MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS Priory Avenue, W4 1TX www.smaaa.org.uk 020 8994 1380 3 rooms available to hire from £70 per 3½ hour slot. Children’s tables and chairs for hire.

THE PIER HOUSE Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG www.chiswickpier.org.uk 020 8742 2713 Large room with kitchen facilities and river views. From £50 for 2 hour weekend slot.

PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Road, W4 2JR www.piccoloplaycentre.co.uk 07525 773 659 Choice of halls to hire from £40 per hour.

ST PAUL’S CHURCH 56 Grove Park Rd, W4 3SB www.stpaulsgrovepark.com 020 8994 3074 2 rooms for hire and garden.

CHISWICK SCHOOL Burlington Lane, W4 3UN www.chiswickschool.org 020 8747 6699 Hall for hire.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH Bollo Bridge Road, W3 8AX bookings@actongreen.org Hall for hire.

MASBRO CENTRE 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR www.upg.org.uk - 020 7605 0800 3 halls of different sizes from £25/hour.

GROVE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE 7 Bradmore Park Road, W6 0DT 020 8741 3321 2 rooms for hirefrom £38 per hour.

ST PETER’S CHURCH PARISH ROOM Black Lion Lane, W6 9BE www.stpetersw6.org 020 8741 4848 From £30 per hour.

DORSET WHARF COMMUNITY HALL 158 Rainville Road W6 9HN www.rockingscots.co.uk/Dorsetwharfcommunityhall.html 07880 840 692 Hall and room for hire from £12 per hour.

JORDANS NURSERY Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Road, W6 0UB 020 8741 3230 2 rooms from £20 per hour

CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB 66 Upper Mall, W6 9TA www.linden-house.org 020 8748 1841

ST PAUL’S CHURCH Queen Caroline St, W6 9PJ www.sph.org/hiring 020 8748 3855 Room capacity 5-500. From £20 per hour.

ST MARY’S CHURCH HALLS 1 The Mount, Acton High Street, W3 9NW www.stmaryacton.org.uk/thechurch-halls 020 8993 0422 2 hours £95.00, 3 hours £125. Saturday availability is usually between 11.00-16.00.

ST DUNSTAN’S EAST ACTON Friars Place Lane, W3 7AW www.stdunstanschurch.org.uk 020 8740 1383 3 rooms for hire from £30 per hour. Kitchen facilities and furniture available.

CITY KIDS is looking for contributors. If you are interested in writing, research, marketing or sales contact editor@citykidsuk.co.uk.

HOLIDAY CLUBS TO THE RESCUE

PERFORMING ARTS POP & STAGE SCHOOL ACADEMY

Chiswick | 4-18yrs Themed week-long camps. www.pssa.co.uk

PERFORM

Shepherd’s Bush & Chiswick | 4-12yrs Drama, dance and singing. www.perform.org.uk

SONG ACADEMY

Brook Green | 8-12yrs Write, produce, perform and record an original song. www.songacademy.co.uk

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

Shepherds Bush | Various ages www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

THEATREBUGS CHISWICK

Chiswick | 3½-6yrs Acting, singing, dressing up. www.theatrebugs.co.uk

STAGECOACH

Hammersmith & Chiswick | 4-18yrs www.stagecoach.co.uk

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

ROCKS LANE

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

South Bank|8-14yrs Half-term workshops. www.bfi.org.uk

W1 | 7-18yrs Design workshops. www.architecture.com

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY

Chelsea, St John’s Wood, Wimbledon | 8-19yrs 1- 4 day courses in film-making www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk

SPORT WILL TO WIN

Chiswick & Barnes | 4-16yrs Week-long tennis camps during half-term. www.willtowin.co.uk

Chiswick, Acton, Barnes | 3-12yrs www.fitforsport.co.uk

Ealing | 8-18yrs www.xbandstudio.com

Chiswick | 5-15yrs Drop-in holiday camps. www.hartswoodtennis.co.uk

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY

Acton | 6yrs+ www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

KITE STUDIOS

Shepherd’s Bush | Various ages Half-term arts and crafts. www.kitestudios.org

EALING RIDING SCHOOL

Ealing | 5yrs+ Riding & stable management days. www.ealingridingschool.biz

MULTI-ACTIVITY CHISWICK COURSES

LET ME PLAY

Chiswick | 4-12yrs www.excelsports.org.uk

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB

ART & DESIGN

Westway | 6-14yrs www.chiswickschools.co.uk

EXCEL SPORTS CAMPS

XBAND STUDIO SCHOOL OF ROCK POP AND MORE

Chiswick | 4-16yrs Drama, musical performances, improv & imaginative play. www.artsed.co.uk

SKATEBOARDING CLUB

Richmond | Various ages Swimming and football crash courses. www.sportsgeneration.co.uk

FIT FOR SPORT

ARTS ED

Holland Park | 4-16yrs Tennis, football and climbing. www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk

Acton | 5-16yrs Film-making, fashion, street dance, cookery, Lego and entrepreneur workshop. www.chiswickcourses.co.uk

SPORTS GENERATION

Acton & Chiswick | 4yrs+ Half-term classes. www.balletclasseslondon.co.uk

Chiswick | 4-14yrs Week long and half-day courses. www.chiswicktheatrearts.com

Chiswick | 4-16yrs Multi sports and football. www.rockslane.co.uk

Hounslow | 4-12yrs Half-term camps. All abilities. www.heathrowgymnastics.org.uk

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS

Kew | 5-16yrs www.richmondgymnastics.co.uk

THE LITTLE GYM CHISWICK

Chiswick | 3-12yrs 3 hour themed camps. www.thelittlegym.co.uk/chiswick

TWISTERS

Acton | 3-8yrs Gym, dance, art and games with healthy snacks provided. www.twisters.org.uk

Hammersmith | 11-19yrs Free activities including dance, drama, sport, cookery, art, fashion and music. www.letmeplaysports2.moonfruit.com

ROYAL INSTITUTION

Mayfair | 7yrs+ Various science-based workshops. www.rigb.org.uk

MAD SCIENCE

Various locations | 4-11yrs www.madscience.org.uk

TREEHOUSE LEARNING

Ham | 3-10yrs+ Forest school and bushcraft. www.treehouselearning.co.uk

BEAR GRYLLS SURVIVAL ACADEMY Ealing & Barnes| 8-12yrs www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.com

PICCOLO PLAYCENTRE

Chiswick | 4-11yrs Half-term activities including art, sports, games and day trips. www.piccoloplaycentre.co.uk

HIGH FLIERS

Ealing | 4-11yrs Half-term themed fun weeks which include creative writing, ICT, scientific enquiry and sports team-building. www.high-fliers.org.uk CITY KIDS 37

Christmas Recipes by Jo Pratt

WHITE CHOCOLATE, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT BROWNIES Chocolate Brownies are my favourtite sweet treat which can have all sorts of flavours added depending on preference or the time of year. These I have pimped up with some Christmasness using chunks of white chocolate, tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts.

MAKES ABOUT 20 BROWNIES 200g unsalted butter 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped 3 large eggs 300g granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 125g plain flour a pinch of salt 100g white chocolate, cut into chunks 100g dried cranberries 100g walnut pieces

CRANBERRY, ORANGE AND PECAN PIES These are fabulous and very simple alternative to mince pies.

MAKES 12

375g shortcrust pastry flour for dusting 275g fine cut orange marmalade 75g pecan nuts, finely chopped 75g dried cranberries 2 tbsp brandy, Gran Marnier, whisky or orange juice 1 egg, beaten, for brushing icing sugar for dusting

YOU WILL ALSO NEED

1non-stick patty tin + 6cm and 7cm plain or fluted pastry cutters + mini Christmas pastry cutters i.e stars, holly leaf or Christmas trees

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/fan 160ºC/gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm (approx) baking tin, 3 - 4cm deep with greaseproof or parchment paper. Melt the butter and the dark chocolate either in a bowl over a pan of simmering water or gently in the microwave. With an electric hand whisk, beat together the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until they are lovely and thick and creamy. Mix in the melted chocolate and butter. Finally, stir in the flour, salt, white chocolate, cranberries and walnuts. Pour into the baking tin and cook for about 25 minutes until the top is cracking and the centre is just set. Leave to cool in the tin for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or, if you can resist leaving them, cold.

Pre-heat the oven to 200C/180C fan ovens/Gas Mark 6 Dust your worktop with a little flour and thinly roll out the pastry. Using the 7cm pastry cutter, cut 12 disks from the pastry and lightly press them into the tins to fit neatly in the holes. Make the filling by mixing together the marmalade, pecans, cranberries and liqueur. Divide between the pastry cases – it’ll be about 1 tbsp in each one. Using the 6cm pastry cutter cut out 12 disks from the remaining pastry. With your Christmas cutter, cut out a shape from the centre of the pastry disks. Sit the disks on top of the pies and gently press to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden. The mini shapes can either be thrown away or you could brush them with the beaten egg and dust heavily with icing sugar before baking until golden. Once the pies are cooked, leave in the tins for 5 minutes and then carefully transfer the pies onto a wire rack, dust with icing sugar and serve warm or leave to cool. Taken from Madhouse Cookbook by Jo Pratt © 2013, Duncan Baird Publishers

38 CITY KIDS

For Swimming lessons in Chiswick... ...and football skills training in Chiswick... Swimming • Swimming lessons take place at Roko health club • ASA group lessons on Saturday & Sunday • Private and Shared lessons on Sundays • Highly experienced teachers • We follow the national teaching plan. Football • Saturday mornings • 9.00 - 11.00am • 2.5 - 7yrs

BOOK NOW We are taking bookings for the Spring Term 2015.

For bookings and more information info@sportsgeneration.co.uk or call 020 8994 2616 Office hours: Mon - Fri 9am-3pm

Live! for the first time

For use on white or light backgrounds. Not to be used with a white box behind it.

For use on blue backgrounds. Not to be used with a blue box behind it.

For use on very dark or black backgrounds. Not to be used with a black box behind it.

To book tickets and for information on the 2015 tour

www.OctonautsLive.co.uk

City Kids Magazine and children’s stage show producers Fiery Light have teamed up to offer you a family ticket to see Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure which is currently on tour. The entire crew of the Octonauts, led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso, embark on an exciting new underwater quest and visit amazing underwater worlds full of adventure, with surprises around every corner. To enter this free draw, all you have to do is sign up to the City Kids newsletter via the website at www.citykidsonline.co.uk and send an email to editor@citykidsuk.co.uk with Barnacles in the title.

Closing date is 31st December 2014 at 11pm A family ticket is for four people, minimum one adult. The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives. Accommodation or travel are not included in this prize. All decisions of City Kids Magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into. For more terms and conditions email info@citykidsuk.co.uk. For tour information please go to www.octonautslive.co.uk

CITY KIDS 39

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Find 1000s of Christmas toys in your local ELC or Mothercare store in White City, Kew, Oxford Street and Wandsworth!

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