Families North London Magazine Issue 119 July/Aug 2016

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Issue 119 July/August 2016 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

North London

North London’s premier free family magazine

Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington

LOOK NO FURTHER! WE’VE GOT SUMMER ACTIVITIES, CHILDCARE AND STARTING SCHOOL COVERED!

Check out our new website! www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Page great 1 Families Magazine – North West London Issue 104London Nov/Dec 2015 even more articles and listings for North Families!

Welcome to the July/August issue! www.facebook.com /FamiliesNorth

CONTACT US: Families North London Magazine Publisher: Heather Waddington Manging Editor: Lisa Ralph P.O Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 M: 07402613042 E: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE:

@Families_North

UPCOMING ISSUES: Sept/Oct 2016: Clubs/Classes and Activities – and Back to School!

Deadline 10th August 2016 Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

NEWS

Front cover image credit www.depositphotos.com

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Families News

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Childcare

6

Starting School

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Summer Camps

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Days Out

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What’s On/Diary dates

If you go down to the woods…

FREE online club for young dinosaur enthusiasts!

Membership of the Club gives children access to fun dinosaur games and factoids, each designed to help children and parents expand their dinosaur knowledge. With colouring sheets to download, dinosaur brain teasers and quizzes – there’s loads of fun to be had.

The What’s so Special Club has been created by dinosaur expert Nicky Dee and supports the ‘What’s so Special About?’ series of dinosaur books for children.

The site is designed to complement the information in the books, but can also be used as a stand-alone resource to help children (and adults) learn while having fun.

Membership of the Club is free. To join, simply go on to www.specialdinosaurs.com and click on the link.

Aldenham Prep School Nursery and Reception children were joined by their dads for a special play session in the woods.

Activities included making stick men, clay models and den building.

All the children decorated photograph frames with woodland resources and presented them to their dads at the end of the session complete with a photograph of them together.

"The Aldenham woodland session with all the Dads, children and staff of Reception / Nursery was a really lovely experience. It was great to meet everyone and to spend some quality time together. Stick man

making, bubble blowing, treasure hunts, eating cake and drinking gallons of coffee made for an ideal way to spend a Saturday morning."

Said Mr Dougan, one of the more than thirty dads who went along.

The children in the Foundation Stage at Aldenham Prep school enjoy a session in the woods every week and it is a popular day with all the children and staff. Wearing their all in one suit the children always return exhilarated by the experience.

Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep School, said “it was wonderful that so many dads came along in their wellies, ready to get stuck in to the activities. All the children were delighted to share their weekly woodland adventures.”

Families North London Magazine is designed by Lauren Brown Designs and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North London Magazine 2016. Families North London is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. All rights reserved.

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NEWS Back to School with Reading Eggs next issue!

Keep an eye out in our Back to School issue for a very special promotion for the award-winning Reading Eggs Programme. For all you mums and dads who haven’t yet seen how Reading Eggs can help your children learn to read, make sure you pick up the September/October issue!

Reader Offer and New Venues for Perform and PerformX

NEW WEBSITE FOR Look out for the launch of the fantastic new Families website in early July.

The areas covered by this magazine will now be covered by (x number) of websites covering the local areas of (list areas covered by new turf sites).

This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring you information about a wide range of things to do both close to where you live – and across your region.

You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, including places to go and what’s on events and activities, education, childcare, classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new features, including eating out and local services.

The site will be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, offering inspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and helpful parenting tips and advice to support you and your family.

It’s in the same place – visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk!

This Summer Perform X dance classes are coming to St Johns Wood and Crouch End! Brought to you by Perform, the children’s drama school, these unique street and hip hop classes for 6-12 year olds are designed to boost coordination, improve concentration and give children a fun, energetic way to develop physical skills and get fit.

And from September, Perform are delighted to announce new drama, singing and dance classes launching in Muswell Hill! The new classes will be on Wednesdays at The Birchwood Centre, 171, Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, N10 3BG and there will be classes for 4-7 year olds (4.15-5.15pm) and classes for 7-12 year olds (5.15-6.15pm).

Perform is offering Families readers an exclusive £40 off their first ten sessions. To secure your spot at Perform Muswell Hill, Perform X St Johns Wood and Perform X Crouch End this Summer simply call 020 7255 9120 or email enquiries@perform.org.uk quoting code FAML011016. Hurry, spaces are limited so booking is recommended.

Advertise with Families North Contact us for more details.

01923 237 004

S 100% DB D CHECKE RS ARE CHILDC

• Babysitting • Flexible Daytime Childcare • Temporary Nannies • Part Time Nannies • Permanent Nannies Holiday Nannies

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 3

NEWS

Your Local Area is Recruiting!

Opportunity with Families Online in North London!

Families Online are preparing to celebrate the launch of a fantastic new website this summer. Destined to become the NUMBER 1 resource for local families, www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 local sites across the UK. Like our magazines, the local sites in North London are guaranteed to give users the very best ideas for spending time with their family locally.

They have a number of highly flexible, home-based work opportunities available for independent Area Managers to run local sites. As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and flexible self-employed role which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make money! There are no set up costs involved, you will be trained by industry experts and you will develop valuable new skills in the digital, print and social media marketing industry.

You Should Be: Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what's on locally for families Interested in working flexibly from home at times that suit you Online savvy and a regular user of Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms

Able to write great articles which capture the imagination of local families Have good networking and communication skills, and confidence when speaking to customers/the public A motivated self-starter who takes ownership

and pride in your work

Responsibilities Posting daily online and on social media with great ideas for your readers Populating and updating your site with useful and timely local content for families Marketing and selling your site to local businesses and families Building relationships with your clients and users and helping them get the most from your site

To register your interest, please email recruitment@lifecyclemarketing.co.uk!

Expand your Vocabulary with Families and Farquhar's Vocabulary Flash Cards: –Verbose adj using more words than are necessary.

Synonyms: talkative; circumlocutory, garrulous, long-winded, loquacious, prolix, rambling, voluble.

Laconic adj using very few words.

Synonyms: terse; brief, brusque, concise, curt, monosyllabic, pithy, short, succinct.

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

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Childcare

Some advice for Ad Hoc and holiday childcare arrangements this summer!

The summer school holidays are an exciting time for children - several weeks off school to enjoy summer sunshine, holidays and more time with the rest of the family. For parents, however, this can be a daunting time. Regular routines are broken up for a significant number of weeks and it can be a difficult juggling act, especially for working parents. Experienced parents know that planning is the key to managing this period, to maximise the fun for kids, but also ensure that mum and dad can have a break too, whilst managing work commitments.

I co-founded Like Minders because this was one of the many areas we wanted to help parents with. As a parent, I was acutely aware of the potential problems in relation to the summer holiday break – even those families who already have full time nannies since they often will take long breaks themselves over the summer, leaving parents to make other arrangements in the short-term.

Georgie Jones is Co-founder of LikeMinders.co.uk Their school holiday nanny is available for all school holidays, including half terms.

Contact us for more info www.likeminders.co.uk

I wanted to offer parents a flexible solution to help over the holidays the simplest form being school holiday nannies. School holiday nannies can look after children at home, or on holiday, or both!

Travelling with a nanny can ensure that every member of the family can enjoy a proper break on holiday and that starts right from the moment you leave for the airport to when you arrive back home.

Other parents use a temporary/short-term nanny service as a necessity over the holidays. Working parents often cannot rely on their families for support for such a long period of time - a temporary nanny can cover the whole summer break period, whether that be just a couple of days a week or on a full time basis. The key to a good childcare service provider is to offer flexibility. That is where we saw the biggest need in childcare – a service driven by the real needs of families trying to juggle all elements of their lives.

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Education

Starting primary school the easy way

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Starting primary school is a major milestone in your little one’s childhood – and indeed in your life too. So how can you ease them into this big change and limit the potential for tears on the first day?

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your little one for their very first day at “big school”…

Help your child get used to the idea of school In the months approaching the big day, read books about going to school together – Janet Ahlberg’s Starting School or Lauren Child’s I am Absolutely Too Small for School are ideal. This will introduce them to what goes on and let you discuss school together, answering any questions your child might have.

Talk too about your own happy school memories or encourage an older sibling or friend to discuss the things they enjoy at their primary school.

Build familiarity with their new school Attending settling-in sessions is invaluable to build familiarity and demystify what school is all about. They’ll let your little one meet their teachers, see the classroom, dinner hall and loos, and at least a few prospective classmates.

Meanwhile, if you’re driving or walking past the school, point out positive features, such as the playground equipment.

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Don’t worry too much about advance knowledge of reading, writing and maths Many parents are concerned that their child can’t recognise letters or count before they begin school but remember this is what they’ll be going there to learn – whilst exposure is always good, teachers don’t expect children to have specific academic skills when entering Reception. Focus instead on non-academic ‘school ready’ skills: things like going to the loo independently and cleaning themselves afterwards, putting their own coat on and eating using cutlery. Being able to listen, sit still, share and follow instructions will make school life easier too.

The day or two before the big day…

Highlight the things they’re excited about, such as a toy that caught their eye in the reception classroom, or seeing the lovely teacher or their friend from nursery again. Pre-empt their anxieties too – these can be little things, for example, how to let the teacher know if they need the loo, or what happens if they don’t like any of the lunch options.

Education

Double check where you are meant to be and when on the first day and what your child needs to bring with them. If you’ll be driving, remember to work out where you’ll park – mum or dad spending 30 minutes getting flustered because you’re late and can’t find a space will not create a relaxed mood for day one.

The night before…

Ease the morning rush by getting everything ready now – uniform laid out, packed lunch made (if they aren’t having school lunches) and school bag packed.

Help the first morning run smoothly Getting kids from bedroom to classroom on time can be challenging even for the most organised parents. Minimise stress (and how many times you have to say ‘hurry up’) by putting away any toys or turning off screens that are too distracting. Be clear with your child about what needs doing when and keep any messy eaters in PJs until breakfast is over, to avoid ruining that pristine first-day uniform.

It’s time to go in…

We all want that perfect first day photo but don't make them late – and irritable – with endless attempts to get it. Stringing out your goodbyes for ages can end in tears that otherwise wouldn't happen – simply remind them to have fun and that you'll be there to collect them later and give them a hug. If they’re nervous or unsure, start a small ritual, perhaps putting a ‘kiss’ in their pocket for them to grab later if they’re missing you.

Don’t forget the tissues There’s a time and a place for concealing your own feelings from your children and if you’re upset or anxious, this is one of them! Try your best to wait until you’re out of sight before sobbing, otherwise you could confuse or upset your child unnecessarily. Once they’ve gone in, if the waterworks do roll, rest assured you probably won’t be the only one!

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Labels4Kids

...because kids lose stuff!

Get ready early for back to school this year with s ck on name labels for clothing, es and uniforms.

S ck on labels is an easy way to label clothing ­ no ironing or sewing necessary! Just s ck the adhesive name label, developed especially for clothes and with strong adhesion to last many washes, onto the care label of what you want to label and you’re finished.

Labels4Kids is an award winning family business that has been selling name labels online since 2004. Since 2014, Labels4Kids also supplies John Lewis with school name labels.

Order early, beat the rush and get some peace of mind this summer.

www.labels4kids.com/fam

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 7

Summer Camps

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these lists are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change.

Please check before setting out.

What to do with the kids this summer?

SUMMER CAMPS Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

Aweswim Swimming classes throughout the holidays. www.aweswim.co.uk

Celtic Harmony Provide a program of events and archery courses for the local community, to encourage participation in healthy recreation and a greater understanding of ancient crafts from archery to storytelling. Visitors experience first-hand how the people of the Celtic Iron Age, who lived over 2000 years ago, made food, clothes and shelter from the natural environment, whilst protecting natural habitats by harvesting in the traditional way. www.celticharmony.org

Chickenshed – Summer Shed 2016 Each week of Summer Shed will have a fresh theme with workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance that has been devised throughout the week. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. For ages 5-11 years, from 25th July – 5th August.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk/summer-shed-2016

Club Petit Pierrot's Summer Holiday Clubs Do you want your children to have fun and flourish while doing lots of arts & crafts, cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games, singing and learn French effortlessly at the same time? Fun French Summer Holiday clubs across London for 3-5 yrs old & 6-8 yrs old. 18th to 29th July - from 9am-1pm or 9am-3pm in Chelsea and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale. The theme will be "Les artistes en herbe". Small groups, dynamic and enthusiastic native French teachers (all DBS checked). admincpp@btconnect.com 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Creative Wiz Kids Holiday Clubs run from the 11th July till the 27th August. Art, dance, drama, cake decorating, face painting free play, friendships, old and new are just part of the clubs! The weeks are themed from jungle to treasure Island, costume and design, monsters and more. Go and be part of the CWK experience! CWK celebrating creativity since 1990! www.creativewizkids.com

Danny Grant Soccer School are running exciting action-packed Summer Holiday Football Courses for boys and girls aged 3 to 12 at UCL Academy, Swiss Cottage. Non-stop football fun, skills training and daily matches. Professional FA Coaches lead all action sessions. To reserve a place call 020-8446-0891. www.dgsoccer.co.uk

Drama

Street Dance

Musical Theatre

Stage School Exciting Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses

Star in exciting Plays, Street Dance Shows and Musicals!

Plus Autumn term Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes on Saturdays in Hampstead.

Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14.

Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses.

Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

020 8446 0891

Contact us for more details www.dramarama.co.uk

Da n ny G Gra ra n ntt Soccer School

Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11.

Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day!

Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12yrs.

Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

Call for more details!

info@dgsoccer.co.uk

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020 8446 0891 www.dgsoccer.co.uk

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016

Dramarama

Dramarama Attention talented and creative boys and girls aged 3 to 15. Dramarama is running exciting Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses in NW3. Go along and act, dance & sing and join the casts of their plays, musicals, streetdance/hip hop shows.

For a summer holiday to remember call 0208-446-0891. www.dramarama.co.uk

Enjoy-a-Ball Holiday Camp for 3 – 9 year olds – Multi-sports and high-action games plus arts and crafts in a warm, caring and positive environment. North Finchley w/c 25 July, 1 Aug, 22/23 Aug and 30 Aug, 9am-1pm or 9am – 3pm. Call 0333 433 0845 or email northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Explore Learning Offer Maths and English tuition sessions for 5-14 year olds throughout the school holidays. 01895 636378 www.explorelearning.org.uk

Fire Tech Camp is the UK's leading provider of tech and making courses for kids aged 9-17. This course will run between 11th July - 26th August, our summer locations are South Hampstead High School (NW3), Imperial College (SW7) and Fab Lab (near Bank station). They are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, designers, developers and inventors in a fun, collaborative and inspiring environment. Make Your Future with Fire Tech Camp. For more information and to book please visit their website. www.firetechcamp.com 0207 193 4002

Summer Camps

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

Kiddikicks Sports Summer Holiday Class Pass 18m - 7 years Don’t let your child’s fitness hit the decks with their sloppy ice-cream! Get a Kiddikicks Summer Holiday Class Pass and you’ll never miss a class you’ve paid for!

Book your preferred venue and receive a bonus venue for free, July 16th to August 26th. Football, hockey, fitness, fun and sports day challenges in the sun. Venues in South West London, East London, North London, West London. 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable

Kiddikicks Summer Holiday Football Coaching 5 - 8 years Keep up your tekkers over the summer holidays! Outdoor, weekly, 3 hour, football coaching sessions. July 16th to August 26th. South West London, East London, North London, West London. 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable

King's Camps the UK's leading provider of sport and activity camps for 4-17 year olds during the holidays. Offering week long packages and FlexiCare; there’s something available for everyone. 0114 263 2160 www.kingscamps.org

Little Kickers Courses running throughout the summer. Football training for kids from 18 months to under 7 years. Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk 0208 201 1084.

Or for Enfield, Southgate, New Barnet & North Finchley contact ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk or call 0207 684 7969/ 0208 809 6433 www.littlekickers.co.uk

LEADERS ARE READERS Their award-winning reading programme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped more than 3000 children from 3.5 to 13 years old, for over 15 years, with a 90% pass rate of children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools. Call today to register your child for Summer Term at Winchmore Hill centre, in Enfield, N21 1PP, or book your place at their Open Day presentations. Free assessments determine the best course for each child.

By popular demand, Leaders are Readers Winchmore Hill centre is running 3 weeks of Summer School for the 9th year! From July 25th to August 12th, book for 1 week or all 3 weeks and prepare your child to excel when they return to school in September!

01992 651 300 book free assessment and no obligation trial lesson. www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Perform For 4-7 year olds: ‘The Jungle Book’. This summer your young cub will have the wildest week ever putting on a show about Mowgli and his friends. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic, Perform’s courses are led by actors, musicians and dancers and end with a mini-musical on the last day. For 7-12 year olds: ‘The Secret Garden’.

This summer, children will be whisked away to the mysterious and magical world of Misselthwaite Manor on this 5-day holiday course. Based on Francis Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale, The Secret Garden the course ends with a show and is led by experienced theatre professionals who will nuture and inspire every step of the way. 0207 255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/holidays

ROLE MODELS We all want children to become independent individuals who find genuine fulfilment in whatever they do in their lives. As a result, characteristics like ‘confidence’ and ‘resilience’ are desirable and they have become educational buzzwords. But how can we really develop these characteristics in young people? These programmes help children to present themselves effectively and react positively to pressure. They will teach children to value collaboration and imagination, to be unafraid of complex challenges and to develop a positive and robust approach to setbacks.

The Summer Confidence & Resilience Courses are for Years 3 & 4 and Years 5-7 from July 18-22 (10am – 3pm) in Wimbledon, Pimlico and Hampstead and from Aug 30Sept 2 in Clapham, Chelsea and Marylebone. Please see the link for more information or contact us: 020 7164 6397 / info@rolemodels.me: www.rolemodels.me/summer-confidence-resilience-courses-2016/

Stagecoach Summer Workshops performing arts holiday workshops for 4-6 year olds (half day) and 6-18 years (full day). Learn a show in a week, make friends, learn new skills working with industry professionals – with a costumed performance on the Friday to family and friends! www.stagecoach.co.uk/holidayworkshops

Super Camps The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind. Super Camps give children the opportunity to do just that, with a range of camps and courses to suit everyone. Camps are full of great new activities for 2016, with a guarantee of water activities at all camps during the summer. You can also rest assured knowing that your children are at the best camp in town after receiving yet another Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2016. Camps run from 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14. Activities include Multi-Activity; RAW Adventure; The Great Super Camps Bake-Off; The Great British Takeaway; A Passion For…Arts & Crafts & A Passion For…Super Science. Standard prices start from £42 per day and £190 per week, call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk for details.

SushiArt Specialise in hosting tailor-made Japanese inspired events, and will be holding weekly summertime origami classes with the option of two different classes per week (one for children aged 5-9 and another for children 10+) Children will learn how to make beautiful 2D and 3D origami fruits, ice-creams, flowers and even Japanese fans! These classes will last 90 minutes and there will be a small break during this for children to enjoy some Japanese snacks and healthy homemade summer sushi! alicesushiart@gmail.com 07891 203 860

Willows Activity Farm Activity Day Camps every school holiday. Book the kids into Willows Activity Farm for holiday adventures they love! As well as all the fun of Willows Activity Farm, the children enjoy indoor play in their exclusive playrooms. Lunch and a two course hot meal plus all drinks and snacks are also included. Activities include farmyard animals, funfair rides, bouncy castles, The Big Dig - sand and water play, indoor play barn, treasure hunts and den building. With changing seasonal events there’s something new each school holiday. Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTED registered. 01727 829535 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Poolside Manor Multi-Activity Day Camps Top quality multi-activity holiday camps for 3 to 11 year olds. Each week is themed differently, to capture imaginations and shape the programme of activities on offer. Children are served up such a range of sports, craft and art activities, dance, drama, games and trips and visiting performers that they are likely to find new activities every week and every day! www.poolsidemanor.com/camps Kiddikicks

Excellent Excellent specialist specialist tutors tutors with with FULL FULL bac background kground checks checks P Primary, rimary, 11+ 11+,, GC GCSE, SE, A LLevel, evel, D Degree, egree, Special S pecial N Needs eeds including including Dyslexia Dyslexia W eh elp with with revision revision and and exams exams We help te chniques to help help calm calm nerves nerves and and techniques bu ild confidence, confidence, pr eventing last last build preventing m inute panic. panic. minute O ur ttutors utors build build self-esteem self-esteem with with Our students in in the the classroom classroom a nd in in exam exam students and environments environments Covering L ondon and and Home Home Counties.

Co u n t i e s .

Covering London Call 020 8349 2148 020 8349 2148 or or visit visit Call www.toptutors.co.uk a nd b ook ttoday! oday! www.toptutors.co.uk and book

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 9

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these lists are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change.

Please check before setting out.

Days Out Over the Summer Alton Towers (ST10) Go and explore CBeebies Land - the only place where you can meet, join in, and play with all your favourite CBeebies characters. All children under three go free!

Whilst there you can check out all Alton Towers has to offer, such as the Water Park, Tree Top Quest, and Extraordinary Golf. Why not enjoy an enchanting break in one of the Woodland Lodges, great for groups and family time. Experience a land full of forest sprites and little fable folk that live amongst the trees in the Enchanted Village. www.altontowers.com

Bank of England Museum (EC2R) Chiltern Open Air Museum

Summer Reading Challenge - Gloriumptious treats and squiffling surprises are in store with the most exciting Summer Reading Challenge yet- ‘The Big Friendly Read’- which launches Saturday 16 July 2016! The challenge is for children of all ages to read six library books over the summer holidays and then go back to the library to tell them about it. They can read anything: story books, factual books, talking books or even e-books. Celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl- the world’s number one storyteller- ‘The Big Friendly Read’ features some of his most loved characters, wonderfully illustrated by Quentin Blake. There are limited edition Quentin Blake collector cards up for grabs, and medals and certificates will be awarded to children who finish their six books. www.bigfriendlyread.org.uk

Alexandra Palace (N22) There are a whole wealth of activities to keep the family entertained over the holidays – the ice rink which is open year round, pitch and putt, soft play and the boating lake, as well as the Garden Centre and café. www.alexandrapalace.com

Gold bars, Banknotes, a crown and even a cat (yes a cat!) are just a few of the treasured items found within the Museum, each with its own story to tell.

Explore the Museum this summer and discover the stories behind your favourite objects, then make your visit a day to remember by creating your own photo album. Choose from a selection of Museum images and use your creative talents to tell your own story. www.bankofengland.co.uk

Drayton Manor Park & Thomasland (B78) Keeping your little ones entertained on a budget can be a challenge but Drayton Manor Park has a great value solution - Adult and Toddler entry tickets for just £20 Mon – Fri during term time. There’s plenty for little ones to enjoy, from the 15 acre zoo to the 4D cinema, not to mention Europe’s only Thomas Land™ which boasts over 25 rides and attractions. www.draytonmanor.co.uk

Belmont Farm (NW7)

Gulliver’s Land (MK15)

A children’s farm with over thirty different types of animals for visitors to see, meet and feed. You can join in with petting sessions which run throughout the day and jump on the tractor & trailer ride through the beautiful Belmont Estate. After visiting the farm, visitors can relax with a variety of deli snacks and delicious freshly made waffles at the onsite Waffle Cafe. With a good selection of child friendly food and classic dishes, the Waffle Cafe is a perfect way to round off a trip to Belmont Children’s Farm. www.belmontfarm.co.uk

Designed for children aged 2-13 years, comprising thrill rides, fun rides, family rides, indoor rides, attractions, shows and play areas. From the Runaway Train in Discovery Bay to the Jungle River Ride and classic Dodgems there are plenty of exciting rides to ensure that all the family have a fun day out. Guests are welcome to take their own lunches to enjoy in the picnic areas, helping to make this an affordable family day out. www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8)

Explore amazing sights and stories from some of the greatest palaces ever built – The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillborough Castle. Families (whether royal or not) have always lived and worked at these historic royal palaces -

This summer enjoy lots of exciting family events and living history at Chiltern Open Air Museum. ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ are back every Tuesday throughout August with themed family crafts and activities, and there will be re-enactment events every weekend. Go and

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill & Friern Barnet please email: jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk or call: 0208 201 1084

Enfield, Southgate, New Barnet & North Finchley please email: ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk or call 0207 684 7969 / 0208 809 6433

Where Learning’s a Ball 10

see the Ragged Victorians on 23 – 24 Jul and meet authentic Victorian characters. Take your life into your hands when you meet the Highwaymen on 30 – 31 Jul. Be transported back to the Napoleonic era in Sharpe’s Rifles on 6 – 7 Aug. Learn about Medieval England in Medieval Pageantry on 13 – 14 Aug and watch out for the Vicious Vikings on 20 – 21 Aug, where you can visit their encampment and watch battle displays. Discover what life was like in Tudor Times and gather with the Militia to oppose the Armada in a spectacular August Bank Holiday event 28 – 29 Aug. Take the whole family for unforgettable days of discovery and explore 2000 years of history! www.coam.org.uk

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016

Historic Royal Palaces

kings and queens, princes and princesses, servants and soldiers - and they all have stories to tell. Go along and visit for fun-filled family adventures to explore, discover and make the palace histories part of your family’s story. www.hrp.org.uk

JW3 (NW3) Head along to JW3 throughout the summer for your summer getaway, on the Beach at JW3. Relax with a cocktail on a deckchair, see who can build the most elaborate sand castle or enjoy great Beach food from ZEST, the acclaimed restaurant, café and bar. Just pop in when you need some time on the sand, book onto one of the many specially planned Beach activities.

Open from Sun 5 Jul - Mon 31 Aug. www.jw3.org.uk/beach-jw3

Knebworth House and Gardens (SG3) Knebworth Park offers a great day out for all the family, with fun activities for children and lots to do for all ages, including Adventure Playground, Dinosaur Trail, a walk through history in Knebworth House and Gardens and special events throughout the summer. Our Tea Room offers a delicious selection of home-made and locally sourced lunch and teatime treats. www.knebworthhouse.com

Legoland Windsor (SL4) The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is an exciting day out with thrills and fun for the whole family. Play your part with over 55 interactive rides and attractions. Fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with a Viking Fleet, join LEGO® divers on a magical underwater adventure on Atlantis Submarine Voyage or enjoy the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display. You can also stay at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel featuring fully themed bedrooms and splash pool. www.legoland.co.uk

New Forest Water Park (SP6) Set in 50 acres of beautiful New Forest countryside and lakes, there’s something for everyone at the New Forest Water Park – whether you’re on holiday or just fancy a great day out. The New Forest Water Park has been a friendly, family-run business for more than 25 years and has become the New Forest’s favourite venue to learn and enjoy a host of WaterSports – including WakeBoarding, Kayaking and Stand-up Paddle Boarding! www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk

Parkside Farm Pick Your Own (EN2) Nearly 20 different fruits and vegetables are grown exclusively for Pick-Your-Own between June and

October. Crops include “table-top” strawberries (no bending required), raspberries, beans and sweetcorn.

The farm is set in the beautiful rolling greenbelt countryside just to the north of Enfield, and yet is easily accessible from all the surrounding areas. www.parksidefarmpyo.co.uk

Paulton’s Park & Peppa Pig World (SO51) This summer head along to Paulton Park’s newest attraction – the Lost Kingdom Dinosaur Theme Park!

It will be home to a whole host of Dinosaur attractions including two world class rollercoasters, life-like animatronic Dinosaurs, Jurassic themed family rides, a prehistoric Dinosaur adventure play park and an amazing opportunity to come face to face with 'living' walking animatronic Dinosaurs!

Whilst there you can also check out Peppa Pig World, a fully themed and immersive experience with 7 rides, an indoor and outdoor playground and numerous other interactive experiences designed for children between the ages of 1 to 6 years old.

Paulton’s Park also has a huge range of rides for younger and older children. www.paultonspark.co.uk

Tate Modern (SE1)

Willows Activity Farm (AL4) A wholesome day out the whole family will enjoy, with farmyard animals, shows, fun fair rides, inflatables, Tractor Ride, acres of outdoor and under cover activities. Fans of the animated CBeebies series ‘Peter Rabbit’ will love the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground where children can explore the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery area, check out the kitchen and laundry of Mrs Tiggy-winkle and try out the state of the art Great Invention sensory game, created by Mr. Bouncer. www.willowsactivityfarm.com

ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Land of the Lions, the Zoo’s newest and most breathtaking exhibit transports visitors from the heart of London to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, where they can get closer than ever before to mighty Asiatic lions.

Three walkways cover the 2,500sqm exhibit with thrilling, immersive Indian-themed areas to explore including a train station, crumbling temple clearing, high street and guard hut. Land of the Lions will inform, inspire and excite wildlife lovers of all ages and promises to be an experience unlike any other! www.zsl.org

Take a trip to the gallery this summer and check out the new 10 storey extension, which features a free viewing platform with 360 degree views across London, and a new ‘Start Gallery’ - a dedicated space for families and young people offering an accessible and enjoyable introduction to modern and contemporary art. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

V&A Museum of Childhood (E2) The V&A Museum of Childhood has lots of free fun things to do for all ages, from exhibitions and displays to activities for children. A great way to spend a day! www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Warwick Castle (CV34) Experience a full day out with more than 1,100 years of jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure at Warwick Castle! Visit the new Horrible Histories Maze and choose your path through time to unravel history. Face fun challenges: invade a Viking ship, survive the trenches, uncover evil plots and escape the maze before things go horribly wrong! As you explore the maze you can learn Horrible Histories facts and collect stamps for your time passport. Once you have completed your passport you can collect a prize! www.warwick-castle.com

Tate Modern

FIND US JUST OFF M) JUNCTION 7 A1(

WITH SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY...

FOLLOW US ON:

Discover the Dinosaur Trail & Fort Knebworth Adventure Playground or relax and enjoy the historic Park and Gardens. All for just £9.50 pp Many seasonal events included. Entry to House extra. Gift Shop & Garden Terrace Tea Room. Discounted family tickets. Come and discover Knebworth this summer.

Book online: knebworthhouse.com

www.knebworthhouse.com T. 01438 812661 Knebworth House Gardens & Park, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX (For Sat Nav)

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 11

What’s On

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these lists are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change.

Please check before setting out.

Fri 1, 8 & 16 Jul - Sunset Safari at ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Travel through the Zoo at

Sun 3 Jul - Big Fair Day Hampstead Summer Festival (NW3) One of the biggest

dusk - relax and be entertained as the sun goes down in the company of some of the world’s most fascinating animal species while watching animal themed acrobats, discovering great food, and learning more about the science of animals.

Prepare for music, face painting and festival fun as you embark on one of the most unique evenings of the summer - transporting you and your friends on a safari adventure across the Zoos bathed in fairy lights and animal lanterns. Tickets must be booked in advance. 0www.zsl.org/sunset-safari

2-4pm. Games, races, side shows, tom bola, cakes, live DJ music, bouncy castle, soak the vicar and lots more. Finishes at 3.30pm with tug of war & conga. s.marysoffice@btinternet.com www.smarystottenham.org

street fairs in North London, taking place on Heath Street. Over 100 stalls of gifts and crafts, fabulous international food and drink, a funfair, falcons, donkey rides, a circus school, live music, hiphop dancing, sports demonstrations in the SportsZone, a chess cafe with Jean-Paul Wallace a famous international tutor who will pit himself against all comers. Something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. 0207 794 4821 info@hampsteadsummerfestival.com Sun 3 Jul - Enfield Greek Festival (N9) Get your Greek on for this Big Fat Greek Festival taking place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Go along for a fun-packed day of Greek food, musical entertainment, traditional games, souvlaki, baked treats, church tours, cultural demonstrations and cooking workshops Open to all 12:30pm-5pm. www.saintdemetrios.org.uk

Sat 2 Jul - Beatrix Potter Garden Party (NW3)

Sun 3 Jul - Firs Farm Primary School Summer Fete (N13) Head along to the annual

Sat 2 – Sun 3 Jul - Come Away With The Faeries (EN2) Enter the secret world of faerie folk as the Funky Festival Company and Friends of Forty Hall Park bring to the grounds ‘Come Away with the Faeries’. The perfect venue for a magical day with plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Re-energise your mind, body and soul in the holistic area, indulge your creative side in one of the arty workshops, learn circus skills, dance to live music or simply relax and unwind at the bar! www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk

summer fete! Lots of fun for all ages - BBQ, Giant Slide, Raffle, Tombola, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Ponies, Drinks, Local Business Stalls and lots more. firsfarmffa@hotmail.co.uk

Sun 3 & 24 Jul, Sat 6 & 20 Aug, Sun 28 Aug - Wild Adventure Club (N16) Gives your child a chance to learn about nature and explore the great outdoors in a safe environment at Woodberry Wetlands. The sessions include a tour of the reserve, active outdoor games & interactive experiences and learning sessions about wildlife and natural world. Sessions run from 10am – 12:30pm and are suitable for ages 5 – 11. Book in advance to secure your place. www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk Wed 6 Jul – Sun 4 Sep – The Gruffalo This July everyone’s favourite furry monster roars back into the West End in celebration of his 15th anniversary on stage! The most fearsome creature that never was - but is - takes to the stage in this enchanting production combining songs, laughter and storytelling theatre with just the right amount of scary fun! Set to a wonderfully catchy score with original music and lyrics, The Gruffalo is a must-see show which continues to entertain audiences the world over. Lyric Theatre, W1D 7ES, 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com Sat 9 Jul - The Youth Fest Event (N17) A free event and open to all young people in Haringey, taking place at Lordship Rec from 1pm to 5pm. The aim is to promote regular activities for young people taking place in Haringey, from sports to arts, dance and more.

0208 885 5684 www.haringey.gov.uk Sat 9 Jul - Eid Festival 2016 (WC2N) All are invited to go and join in the Eid celebrations at

The Tiger Who Came to Tea LIVE ON STAGE

a musical play adapted and directed by DAVID WOOD based on the book

by JUDITH KERR

“This Tiger is the cat’s meow”

The Times

SAT 6 AUG - SUN 4 SEPT BOOK NOW 020 7730 4500 cadoganhall.com 12

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016

Lazy Town

Trafalgar Square. The festival will celebrate and host a variety of special activities for the whole family to enjoy, with some delicious food from around the world, as well as live music and dancing. There will also be a range of fun activities for children to try like face-painting, henna, calligraphy and story-telling. www.london.gov.uk

Sun 10 Jul - Festival Under the Trees (EN4) Set mostly on the grassy trees lined area between Monken Hadley School and the Church House of St Mary. There will be a coconut shy, welly wanging, crazy golf, a bouncy affair, pony rides, treasure hunt, games, a stage with demonstration and performances, photo competition, food, BBQ and drinks and produce from local companies. www.facebook.com/monkenhadleyPTA

Sun 10 Jul - Parent and Baby Fest at JW3 (NW3) Free one-day event for expecting parents and families with children under 4’s. A fantastic opportunity to get the inspiration & information you’ll need for these magical first years of parenthood, while meeting other families and spending a special Sunday with your loved ones.

The day will be a mix of parenting talks and workshops, a variety of children activities, and ongoing family fun including balloon modelling, face painting, biscuit decoration, craft and games. www.jw3.org.uk

Sun 10 Jul - KCM Church 75th Anniversary Community Fair (EN6) Family fun for everyone: children’s activities, classic cars on display, barbeque, teas and cakes on the lawn, ice cream, gift stall, ballet display, exhibition, musical entertainment in the church, anniversary merchandise, and much, much more besides. All proceeds to KCM Church. 2-5pm- free admission King Charles the Martyr Church 0208 363 1361 www.kcm-church.org.uk

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - Macmillan Children's Books 1999

Go and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the beautiful garden at Keats Community Library. They will entertain your children while you have tea and delicious cake provided by Gails, on the lawn. Face painting, a craft table and colouring in, rhymetime, a treasure hunt with prizes, and books for sale. This is a Hampstead Summer Festival event which raises money for three popular local charities: Age UK Henderson Court, Hampstead School of Art and Keats Community Library.

0207 431 1266 Keatscommunitylibrary@gmail.com Sat 2 Jul - Fab Fest (NW1) The family friendly International Fabrication Festival takes place from 2-5pm at 35 Marylebone Road, celebrating design and making with live music and entertainment.

Kids can try their hands at cardboard robot making, paper engineering, mask making and sketching, and parents can get involved in all the activities too or enjoy the music and play judge to the more than 50 hand-built pavilions in the exhibition space. The festival will continue in the evening from 7-10pm with film screenings and music performances for those who like staying up late. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. fabfest@westminster.ac.uk www.fabfest.london

ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © KERR-KNEALE PRODUCTIONS LTD 1968

Sat 2 Jul - S.Mary's Church Summer Fete (N17) Summer fete - Fun for all the family from

“A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE”

The Sunday Times

“MONSTROUS FUN!”

Daily Mail

LYRIC THEATRE FROM 6 JULY BOOK NOW 0330

333 4812

nimaxtheatres.com gruffalolive.com

What’s On Tue 12 – Sat 23 Jul - Postcards Festival (N6) For two weeks in July, Highgate will be home to a whole host of weird and wonderful acts as they present an eclectic mix of circus, cabaret and extraordinary performance. What’s more, Postcards 2016 is breaking the mould: for the first time at a London festival, all ticket prices are up to you with the launch of the new Pay What You Decide scheme! Tickets can be reserved in advance and after the performance you’ll have the opportunity to make a donation, either by cash on the door or card at the Jacksons Lane Box Office.

020 8340 5226 reception@jacksonslane.org.uk www.jacksonslane.org.uk Wed 13 Jul – Thu 1 Sep - Artsdepot Open 2016 (N12) Artsdepot's annual exhibition is a celebration of art and artists. Submissions are encouraged from both emerging and established artists. Many of the artworks selected for this diverse and vibrant exhibition are available to purchase. www.artsdepot.co.uk Thu 14 Jul - Sensing Camden Town (NW1) The sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feel of Camden Town will come alive through a discovery walk led by the Camden Tour Guides Association. This walk is suitable for everyone, advance booking required. Meeting Point – Camden Town Tube Station. www.lovecamden.org Thu 14 Jul - Fenton Inside and Out (NW3) Go and explore Fenton House and Garden after hours with this special evening tour. Discover the architectural history and vast collections in the house, and the gardens design, vision and history. Booking Essential. 08442491895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 16 Jul - The Firs Farm Wetlands Community Summer Festival (N21) This exciting Wetlands will be transformed into a vibrant summer

Sun 17 & Fri 29 Jul, Sun 14 & Fri 26 Aug - Crafty Kids Nature Workshop (N16) Give your child a creative space to explore and be inspired by nature with these fun, hands-on arts & crafts workshops at Woodberry Wetlands. Each session will follow a different wildlife inspired theme and will result in some wonderful finished project for the little artists to take home.

10:30am – 12:30pm, suitable for ages 5 – 11. To ensure your place please book in advance: www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk Thu 21 - Sat 30th Jul - Beach & funfair at Enfield Market (EN2) Go along to Enfield Market where there will be palm trees, deck chairs, and tiki bars selling fresh coconut milk and fresh juices. You will also find a fabulous food court and an amazing market for you to look at if you get bored of sunbathing.

A 30 second walk away will be funfair rides for the kids – bungees, tea cups and a giant deckchair and kids entertainers. Peter@enfieldmarket.co.uk

Sat 23 Jul - Race for Life 2016 - 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy (N4) Ladies, it’s time to lace up your trainers, and walk, jog, or charge your way around Finsbury Park's Race for Life 2016. Through raising money at Race for Life to fund groundbreaking research into new drugs and treatments, you can help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. www.raceforlife.org Sat 23 Jul - Happy 150th Birthday Beatrix Potter! (N7) The creator of Peter Rabbit is 150 years old on 28 July! Celebrate at this special themed tea party at North Library with nibbles, crafts and a treasure hunt! 2:15pm - 4:15pm, book in advance. 020 7527 7840 north.library@islington.gov.uk Sat 23 Jul - Bountagu Community Festival (N9) A festival organised by local people for the community; with world food and music and much more!

Take a picnic along to the Recreation Ground on Montague Road and get involved in fun activities. www.enfield.gov.uk

Find your way out of our A-maize-ing Maze in time to enjoy a wholesome programme of family summer fun.

e buy yOUr tickets onlIN

ANd saVE up to 25% Our all inclusive price includes entry to the PETER RABBIT TM Adventure Playground, Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail in live shows plus extra summer fun in the extended Big Dig sand & water play and goat racing around the animal race track.

Open daily 10am-5.30pm Just 200 metres from Junction 22 of the M25.

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Rd, London Colney, St Albans, Herts AL4 0PF

Tel: 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Programme subject to change. All inclusive and unlimited price includes adventure play activities, shows and demonstrations - excludes any catering or product purchases. © Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited 2016. All rights reserved.

PB00847

community festival with food, music and activities. - live music area - Zumba, dance & sports including 5 a side – Children’s funfair & climbing frame - over 50 stalls selling food, drinks, local art & crafts & children's activities - local community groups - events by the Wetlands group including pond dipping fun for all ages with Thames21 and Thames Water - model boats, tanks & others. www.firsfarmn21.org Sat 16 Jul - Something Happening for Kids Festival (WC1H) A whole day of dance fun, performances, workshops,activities and surprises. For this annual event, The Place building is completely taken over by an explosion of colours and dance in all its forms. Every year brings a completely new programme so there's always more adventures to be had and new memories to be made. www.theplace.org.uk info@theplace.org.uk Sun 17 Jul - Stoke Newington Fire Station Open Day (N16) London Fire Brigade are collaborating with Playmobil to celebrate their 150th year. A perfect day out for anyone who’s ever fancied playing firefighter for a day children big and small can meet real firefighters and life-sized Playmobil ones, plus explore a real life fire engine, as well as enjoy toys and activities galore.

Their aim is to teach future generations what our firefighters do and ensure little ones know to call 999 in an emergency. 11am-5pm. www.playmobil.co.uk/LondonFireBrigade Sun 17 Jul - Music On The Lawn (EN2) Back by popular demand this family event is a great day-out! Children will love the activities on offer including bee, butterfly and ladybird workshops, croquette and bouncy castle. With plenty of food and drink stalls – you are welcome to take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds of Forty Hall Estate. www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk Sun 17 Jul - Family Day: Old Time Games (NW3) Go along to Keats House where there will be games in the garden, including bubble blowing, skittle scattering and hula-hooping hi jinks. There’ll be games for all ages and a chance to make and take home your very own medal. keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk Sun 17 Jul - Camden Mela 2016 (WC1N) A Community Festival celebrating the diversity of Camden - a fun day out for the whole family. There will be a stage with live music, funfair rides, stalls with delicious food, henna, face painting, lots of free goodies, clothing, jewellery and lots more. Taking place at Coram’s Fields. nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 13

Continued from page 13...

Sat 23 Jul – Summer Festival at Alexandra Palace (N22) Three live music stages headlined

by DJ Yoda, a 100m giant waterslide, an outdoor cinema screening of ET: The Extra Terrestrial, a woodland silent disco and family raves with Big Fish Little Fish. Also free kid's activities from face painting to arts and crafts, ice skating, a fun fair and even an adventure zone including zorbing, Segway and tree climbing will make sure there is something for everyone. Throughout the festival site street food and craft beer villages will be showcasing some of London's finest traders alongside award winning beers and summer cocktails. www.summerfestival.alexandrapalace.com

Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep - Summer Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm (AL4) A-maize-ing Maze, Summer Sports Day Races and a full days programme of family fun including the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. With farmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone, bouncy castles and inflatable slide. If the sun decides to have a day off there's plenty of undercover play in Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn, Cottontail Village and Captain Chicken's Egg Dodge. 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Sun 24 Jul - It's a Knock Out & Family Fun Day (EN2) Go along and enjoy the fun at Enfield Town Park! Food, games, stalls, rides, inflatables Something for everyone! Plus the main event "It's a Knock Out”. In aid of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre Enfield. www.enfield.gov.uk

25th July - 1st Aug - Live Like A Celt at Celtic Harmony Camp (SG13) A unique family experience, where your very own Celtic guide will lead you through a day in ancient Britain and you’ll try your hand at the skills and activities used in prehistory. Pre-booking is essential. Go to celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543

Tue 26 Jul - Festival of Archaeology (WC2N) As part of the annual Festival of Archaeology, children will explore Benjamin Franklin House’s fascinating archaeological history.

They will discover why human bones were found in the basement and the story they tell about the history of medicine. Suitable for 7-14 year olds.

Free, donations welcome! Advanced booking recommended. www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Wed 27 Jul, 3, 10, 24 & 31 Aug - Animated!

Family Film Festival (E2) Inspired by the Clangers, Bagpuss & Co exhibition, the V&A Museum of Childhood will present a series of innovative animated films, from the world’s oldest surviving animated feature film, The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) to Frances’s visual masterpiece Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998). Take part in a craft activity and pick up a trail related to the films for a full experience, or just grab your popcorn from the café, sit back and enjoy the movie! www.vam.ac.uk/moc

29th, 30th, 31st July and 5th Aug - Wild Summer Sleep Out (SG13) Celtic Harmony Camp are hosting an overnight adventure for the whole family - just bring your tent and we’ll do the rest! A cooked BBQ in the evening along with storytelling, fire breathing, a bat walk and moth hunt, and wake up to a delicious cooked breakfast the next morning. Pre-booking is essential. Go to celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543

Sat 30 Jul - Livestock Music Festival (EN2) The unmissable musical extravaganza of the summer is back for it's 5th year. The all-day festival, comprising of more than 20 high-quality and diverse acts on three separate stages, has been conceived and organised by local Enfield residents and has something for everyone: rock, blues, folk, reggae, gypsy swing and virtually every other genre you could wish for. All in the glorious settings of Forty Hall farm and complete with food stalls, bars and children’s entertainment. www.livestockuk.com

Sun 31 Jul – LazyTown Live on Stage Sportacus, Robbie Rotten, Stephanie & Ziggy hit the stage in a brand new concert show. Go, go, go, get up LazyTown – enjoy a non-stop, highlyinteractive and energetic treat, jam-packed with singing, dancing, spectacular acrobatics, music and fun. All the songs from the legendary TV show

14

feature, including No One’s Lazy in LazyTown, Bing Bang and Never Say Never, as the benefits of “sports candy” are introduced in inspirational style.

Meet your favourite LazyTown characters and learn how to be a real super hero in this wonderful stage show spectacular! Ages 3+ Artsdepot N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Mon 1 – Sun 28 Aug – Camden Fringe (various) The Camden Fringe returns this August for another celebration of theatre, comedy and fringe fun. There will be over 250 different productions on at 25 venues, with everything from opera and musical theatre, to poetry, cabaret and a film screening. www.camdenfringe.com

Tue 2 & Tue 9 Aug - Olde Time Olympics (WC2N) With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on the horizon, get on your starting blocks for some Olympic Games, Georgian style at Benjamin Franklin House! Enter the 18th century games, including tossing quoits and marbles, and compete for a Gold Medal! Suitable for 5-8 year olds.

Free, donations welcome! Advanced booking recommended. www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Wed 3 – Thu 4 Aug - Discovery Day Meadow Madness (W2) Drop in at the Education Centre in Hyde Park any time between 11am and 3pm to take part in a host of free and exciting nature inspired activities including: Sweep netting for creepy crawlies with the experts; Visiting the nature discovery rooms; Following the educational and fun nature trail unearthing magical meadow facts; Plenty of nature inspired arts and crafts including crafting your very own seed animal to take home (suggested £2 donation). Everyone is welcome but they ask for no more than 3 children per adult and can only admit assistance dogs. Booking is not necessary - feel free to just drop in! www.supporttheroyalparks.org

Thu 4 - Wed 17 Aug - Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House (WC2R) London’s

Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep – The Tiger Who Came to Tea - The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos, this is a stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised! A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr.

Ages 3+ Cadogan Hall, SW1X, 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Aug - The Luna Cinema (N22) The UK's number 1 outdoor cinema company present two nights of classic cinema under the stars at one of London's most beautiful settings, Alexandra Palace. Choose from ‘Star Wars the Force Awakens’ on Saturday or ‘Labyrinth’ on Sunday. www.thelunacinema.com

Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep - Our Studio: Summer Events for Families (E2) Take your friends and family to Our Studio at the V&A Museum of Childhood this summer, to create and collaborate with artists, musicians, theatre companies and more. A series of workshops, activities and pop-up performances throughout the summer will mean you can contribute to a growing display at the Museum. www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Sun 7 Aug - Family Craft (NW3) An English Heritage Event at Kenwood House. Families will get to work together to try out different art and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding out more about its collections. Sessions will take place in the house - just turn up between 12pm-4pm to take part. 0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk Tue 9 – Wed 10 Aug - Summer Quest & Craft (NW3) A creative workshop to bring Kenwood House’s world famous paintings to life.

Families will get to work together to try out different art and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding out more about its collections.

Sessions will take place in the house every Tuesday and Wednesday in August - just turn up between 12pm-4pm to take part. 0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sun 14 Aug - Indonesia Day 2016 (WC2N)

groundbreaking open-air film festival returns with a prestigious programme of contemporary classics, popular favourites and premieres of forthcoming releases. Projected on London’s largest outdoor screen in full surround sound, there will be special on-stage introductions from the stars at selected screenings and sundown DJ sets before the films begin. 0844 847 1715 www.somersethouse.org.uk

Discover a little of Indonesia - the world’s largest group of islands - in Trafalgar Square! There will be lots of food to try and buy, music to get your feet tapping and watch the graceful Indonesian folk dancers. You can also try your hand at traditional arts and crafts and much more. www.london.gov.uk

Sat 6 Aug - Kings Cross Sports Day (N1C)

Gallery. Follow a path through the National Gallery's paintings and create your own hanging landscape masterpiece. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Lace up your trainers and get ready for a sports day like no other! Can’t fly to Rio for the Olympics?

Then why not try something sporty at King’s Cross?

Have a go at yoga, bootcamp training or rockclimbing, or try your hand at tightrope walking, sack racing, or even competitive egg and spoon.

Fun Kings Cross Sports Day events will be taking place all day in Granary Square and Lewis Cubitt Square. Events are completely free, and suitable for all ages and abilities. www.kingscross.co.uk/event/kings-crosssports-day

Tue 16 – Thu 18 Aug – Painted Pathways (WC2N) Free drop in sessions at the National

Sun 21 Aug - Family Day: Creepy Critters (NW3) Creepy critters are lurking in the Keats House garden, waiting for you to discover them in this fun trail for all the family. Find them and make a bug bopper hat inspired by your favourite insects. A free event from 1 - 4pm.

020 7332 3868 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Sat 6 – Thu 11 Aug - Sport the Difference (N22) This August, North London shopping centre The Mall Wood Green will be launching its brand new summer initiative, ‘Sport the Difference’, which aims to keep kids active during the summer holidays while celebrating and cheering on Team GB at the 2016 games. Activities include an opening ceremony on Sat 6th Aug from 12-2pm, featuring Brazilian dancers, live music and a headdress making workshop. Sun 7th Aug from 124pm will see hours of entertainment and fun as participants in two giant inflatable sumo wrestling suits will take to the ring to battle it out to become Wood Green’s sumo wrestling champion. The fun continues on Mon 8th Aug with a hoola hooping workshop from 12-4pm, exciting Karate demonstrations on Tue 9 Aug, A crazy golf course on Wed 10 Aug, and a bike powered smoothie stand on Thur 11th Aug. www.themall.co.uk

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016

Willows Activity Farm

Tue 23 & 30 Aug - Faces of Franklin (WC2N) Ben Franklin, like many of the most important figures in history, has been immortalised in sculptures such as the famous bust by Jean Houdon, on display in the Louvre in Paris. Learn sculpting techniques and put them to use by creating a variety of fun sculptures including Franklin’s head, and yours to take home! At Benjamin Franklin House at 11am, suitable for 7-11 year olds. Advanced booking recommended. www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Sat 27 Aug - A Family Summer Fair & Craft Fair (N10) The holiday summer break is coming to an end so go and have fun at this family summer fair taking place at St Mary & St George Hornsey Parish Church. There will be stalls, arts, crafts, decorative gift items from artists, designers & craft makers, and also community information. 07956905730 designsbysuzanne01@hotmail.com

Teach your kids to ride a bike in 7 easy steps Teaching your child to ride a bike has never been easier with these seven simple steps.

1.

Start on flat ground

Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug - Enfield Food Festival (EN2) August Bank Holiday sees the return of the Enfield Food Festival at Forty Hall Farm, a chance to enjoy and try the great food and drink produced in Enfield and its neighbouring areas, with lots of fun on the farm for all the family.

There’ll be seasonal cooking and food demonstrations, artisan producers on their food stalls, and festival competitions for the most weird and wonderful veg sculptures, plus The Great Enfield Bake Off. 11am to 5pm each day. www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk

Begin with a balance bike Balance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter. Because children can use their feet to balance and move themselves along, those as young as two can learn to balance on their own.

Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or area with no traffic. You can work your way up to small hills.

3.

Teach them to use the brake At the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. Begin by showing your child how the brake works and encourage her to practise.

Always wear a helmet

Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug - Notting Hill Carnival 2016 (W11) Europe’s biggest street festival takes place over the bank holiday weekend, with Sunday being Children’s Day. An exuberant Parade for Children will take place as the whole carnival team put their extravagant costumes on show and spin, whirl and twirl along the carnival route to the mesmeric rhythms supplied by numerous sound systems and sensational steel bands. Throughout the day, on almost every corner you can find tantalisingly tasty Caribbean food, drink and much more! www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Wed 21 – Fri 30 Dec – Disney on Ice presents Frozen (Tickets on sales now!) Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination when Disney On Ice presents Frozen, and be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating. Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, with special appearances by beloved Disney Princesses and characters, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime. The O2 Arena, SE10, 020 8463 2000 www.theo2.co.uk

Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better. We recommend that you shop for a helmet together to ensure your little biker likes it and will therefore wear it.

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Look for safety add-ons A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. While you’re looking at safety equipment, it’s worth purchasing bright coloured clothing or safety vests to ensure she is seen by others at night time.

Get an adjustable seat Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bike can be adjusted to suit their height. When your child is on the bike, both feet should be firmly on the ground – not just the toes – and the knees should be slightly bent.

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Upgrade to a bigger bike When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 15

Some gardens have dragonflies.

Ours has a dragon.

Give your kids a day out their friends won’t believe at the Magic Garden.

Open every day until the end of October at Hampton Court Palace.

35 minutes from London Waterloo Entry included with palace admission ticket Book online now to save