Families NW London Magazine issue 114 May/June 2017

Issue 114: May/June 2017 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

FREE North West London Including North Middlesex, South Hertfordshire, North Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow and South Barnet (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between)

SPOT THE LADYBIRDS and WIN! See page 3 for details

PLUS

Camps and Activities for half term and summer!

Allergy or Intolerance?

Managing exam stress

What’s On, Open Days and much more inside!

Welcome to the May/June issue!

CONTACT US: Families North West London Magazine Editors: Heather Waddington and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon @FamiliesNW Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue.

Published seven times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE:

6

Mummy on the Edge

7

Allergy or Intolerance?

8 School Open Days

10 Overcoming Exam stress

14 How to get the kids

outside and gardening

16 Summer Camps

24 Clubs and Classes

26 Children’s Theatre

28 What’s On

UPCOMING ISSUES: July/August 2017 Deadline: 25 May 2017 Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Where is Families North West London?

Cover image: depositphotos.com

Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west.

You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops.

If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

Distributed to over 30,000 families!

NEWS Walk to School Week Monday 15 - Friday 19 May 2017 Join thousands of children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings.

We know that walking to school makes children feel healthier and happier, while reducing congestion and pollution outside the school gates. Yet less than half of primary school children currently walk to school. Living Streets, who organise the annual event want to reverse this decline and see every child that can, walk to school.

For more information or to order a challenge pack see: www. livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/walk-to-school-week

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North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Regent Independent College hosts the First Transnational Meeting of the Youth Olympic Games in European Schools Regent Independent College, located in Harrow, UK, hosted the First Transnational Meeting of the Youth Olympic Games in European Schools (YOGIES) project on 17th and 18th February 2017 with members of its partner schools from the Czech Republic, Italy, Turkey and Lithuania, all in attendance. The meeting started with a welcome from the host college, followed by presentations from partner schools on their provisions and the educational systems in their countries. This was followed by a presentation on Erasmus+ and detailed discussions on the details of the project, including the aims, activities, methods, outputs, tasks and budget rules.

A project logo competition was held where each partner school chose its five best logos and brought it to First Transnational Meeting. The winner of the logo competition was judged on the second day of the meeting by the project team with the Turkish team winning the first prize and the Italian team winning the second and third prizes respectively.

For further details on the project please contact the Project Manager Adrienn Lucz Adrienn.lucz@burlingtonenglishacademy.com or the Chief Responsible Officer Peter Holliday Peter.Holliday@regentgroup. org.uk Or visit the project website www.yogieserasmusplus.com

NEWS artsdepot wins Best Family Venue at the 2016 Get Creative Family Arts Festival Awards The venue was recognised for its valuable offerings to local families and presenting a wide variety of family shows and events throughout the year.

They were commended for providing participation and learning opportunities for children and young people, and their commitment to continually developing their facilities to meet the needs of visiting families.

In addition to free family events, free music and exhibitions for people of all ages to enjoy, the venue’s vibrant programme also includes relaxed performances and work especially designed for children with autism and profound and multiple learning disabilities. artsdepot is fully accessible for families with step free access and baby changing facilities on all levels. In recent years, artsdepot has created a free children’s area with soft play, a book corner, an area to display children’s artwork, and space for adults to relax. The café also provides a relaxing environment for families and NCT groups to meet, with child-friendly snacks and baby food on offer and high chairs provided. www.artsdepot.co.uk

Ladybird, Ladybird Where Are You? Find them all and Enter to WIN! To celebrate the premiere of What The Ladybird Heard in the West End, The Lyric Theatre is giving away one family ticket (admits 4) to a lucky Families North West London Magazine reader.

There are a number of ladybirds hidden throughout this magazine (including the one in the title!), count them all and email your answer together with your name and the subject heading Ladybird Families NW London Fun competition to info@ kennywax.com before midnight on 31 May 2017.

T&C’s – Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see the West End production of What the Ladybird Heard at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue from 5 July – 10 September 2017. The winner will be selected from by random prize draw of all entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and hold no cash value. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of 11:59pm on 31 May 2017. The draw will take place on 1 June 2017. The decisions will be final.

www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk © Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks 2009. Macmillan’s Children’s Book

Expand your Vocabulary with Families and Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards: Relish (verb): 1. enjoy something enormously or with great gusto 2. a savoury pickled sauce (noun) - synonyms: 1. enjoy; rejoice in, revel in, savour 2. sauce (noun) accompaniment, condiment, dressing

Abhor (verb): hate and despise; feel disgust for synonyms: detest; abominate, loathe, shrink from, shudder at

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

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NEWS Childline Launches New App To Offer Counselling For Kids The NSPCC’s Childline service has just launched a new iPhone app to provide counselling for kids directly through their mobile phones.

The ‘For Me’ app allows kids to access Childline’s online services, including 1-2-1 live chats with a counsellor, the ‘Ask Sam’ problem pages and entrance to their private ‘lockers’ – areas where they can write down their own personal thoughts and track their moods.

It was invented by four teenagers who wanted to use technology to address the urgent need for support among young people. Childline founder Esther Rantzen said: “We know hundreds of thousands of young people use our website for help and support, with more than half those visits coming via mobile devices.

Now young people can get immediate access to our counsellors through this brilliant, innovative app.”

The App is free to download via iTunes and is designed for discreet usage.

Read more at www.childline.org.uk

Exercise To Make A Difference!

The Conservation Volunteers’ Cassiobury Green Gym launches as an independent community volunteering group for the benefit of public health and local green spaces.

Cassiobury Park Green Gym in Watford is becoming an independent, volunteer-run community initiative two years after being set up by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) in partnership with shopping centre owner intu and Watford Borough Council (WBC) to improve Cassiobury Park as well as its volunteers’ health and wellbeing. It marks 10 years of work by TCV and intu to restore and enhance green spaces up and down the country through the Green Gym initiative as well as the start of a promising new era for the community Green Gym in Cassiobury Park as it becomes self-sustaining. Green Gyms offer volunteers the opportunity to take part in practical nature conservation sessions while getting active and fit, with each Green Gym becoming independently-run once established, as local community volunteers come together to manage its activities and outreach.

New volunteers are always welcome to help keep this valuable local project going.

No experience is necessary and volunteers work at their own pace. The Green Gym guided activities cover practical conservation of biodiversity habitats, horticulture and developing community food growing spaces. Sessions start with a tools and safety talk and warm up exercises.

Volunteers have a choice of two community Green Gyms in Watford: Cassiobury Green Gym (Wed 10am-1pm) www.cassiogreengym.wordpress.com or www.tcv.org.uk/Watfordcassioburygg@gmail.com 07541 659 146 Watford Green Gym at Colne River Park (Tue & Thurs 10am-1pm) www.watfordgg@outlook.com, 07935 989 890

Families Needed! - Scientists and pollinators want your help…

Imagine living in a desert with barely any food, hardly any water or any place to shelter. Unfortunately, this is exactly what it is like for the pollinating insects currently living in Britain. Loss of habitat, pesticides, and farming practices have left these insects hungry and homeless, suffering from a lack of feeding, nesting and shelter habitat. Which is why the Polli:Nation project needs your help.

Now in its second year, the Polli:Nation survey is looking for families across the UK to take part in aiding research on the health and status of pollinating insects across the UK.The survey can be completed in under an hour in outdoor spaces such as gardens,

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North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

school grounds, or local parks, and uploading your findings will contribute to important scientific research. It also offers guidance on how you can create simple feeding and nesting habitats such as a pot of wildflowers, or nesting and shelter habitats like a bee hotel, as well as other cheap and easy ways you can improve your outdoor space for pollinators.

So get out there now, become a citizen scientist and help the pollinators in your community. Free survey resources can be downloaded at www.opalexplorenature.org/polli-nation and results can be submitted either online or by post.

The Polli:Nation project has been developed by OPAL Imperial College London, Learning Through Landscapes,The Field Studies Council, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology).

Magazine!

NEWS Free E-Book and 5 Tips for Choosing a Good 11+ Mock Test Provider Betsy

Muffin

Oswald

North West London’s ‘Loneliest Dogs’ await ‘Yappy’ Endings Dogs Trust Harefield is appealing for ‘furever’ homes for three overlooked residents. In stark contrast to the average stay of 36 days for Dogs Trust residents, Betsy, Muffin and Oswald have spent a combined total of over 3,470 days in kennels at the rehoming centre.

1 2

Is the company an established mock test provider?

Are they experienced enough to provide quality questions?

Do they provide comprehensive detailed feedback?

A good mock test provider will give you ranked results, a report of your child’s strengths and weaknesses and access to the mock test questions and answers.

3

Have they been recommended by anyone?

If not, look for testimonials on their website or other online platforms.

4

How quickly will the results be sent to you?

You will need this as quickly as possible to help your child.

A month later could render the experience obsolete.

5

What are you are getting for the mock test fee?

Does the fee include feedback reports and access to questions.

Compare carefully and don’t necessarily go by the price alone.

Staff at the Uxbridge-based rehoming centre are urging people to find room in their hearts, and homes, for the overlooked rescue dogs. Although the pooches receive lots of fuss and attention from their canine carers who adore them, nothing compares to finding a loving home of their own.

Eight-year-old lovely lady, Betsy, has been waiting for her special someone for almost three and a half years, with over 49,670 visitors having walked past her without showing any interest.

Three-year-old Crossbreed Muffin was found as a stray and hasn’t had the best start in life. This shy, adorable girl responds well to affection and loves having a cuddle. Muffin is looking for a calm home where she will be the only dog in the household, preferably in a rural area. After being in kennels for 685 days, she will need understanding owners who will give her time to adjust to her new surroundings.

Labrador cross, Oswald, is an endearing soul who loves to play, especially ball games. Oswald is extremely smart and loves training to keep him mentally and physically stimulated. He is looking for adopters who are smart like him and will keep his brain active, ideally in a semi-rural home.

Do your research, your child only has one chance!

If you can offer Betsy, Muffin or Oswald a new start and home, please call the team at Dogs Trust Harefield on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

To receive a free e-book ‘How To Use Mock Tests To Gain An Advantage In The 11+ Exams’ Email your request to info@mocktestmasters.com

Dogs Trust is the UK’s leading dog welfare charity and has a network of 20 rehoming centres across the UK, and one in Ireland.

The charity cares for nearly 15,000 stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs each year.

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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Mummy on the Edge Midi-Me asserts control of her own cockpit.

I

t was the beginning of the Easter holidays. Midi-Me was looking forward to attending a Girls into Engineering course run by the RAF in Lincolnshire and organised by The Smallpeice Trust who produce holiday courses in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Of course there was still the matter of a grade 6 Piano exam to get through; she had been practising quite hard and was sounding fantastic.

Upon her deceptively cheerful exit from the exam room however, she told me things hadn’t gone as well as hoped.

I knew already because I could hear through the door and had spent most of the past half hour gnawing my cuticles and repeating to myself variations of: It’s just an exam. It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t pass.

I’ve given her the life-long gift of playing music. I’m not a pushy mum. She loves it.

She’s so lucky. I’m SUCH a cool mum.

Gnaw, gnaw.

It’s possible that the fluffed exam was a contributing factor to the following day’s decision (hers, not mine) to have her long hair chopped into a gamine crop. It would probably have been a good way of raising money for Comic Relief or something if either of us had thought about it in advance, but sadly we didn’t. The shorn plait is in a paper bag on the kitchen table and I’m not sure what to do with it. I thought I might use it as a nitrogenrich fertilizer for the garden but when I suggested it Midi-Me recoiled in disgust.

(There’s a lot of recoiling in our house.) I googled “donate plait” and found Little

Princess Trust (www.littleprincesses.org. uk). They provide real-hair wigs for children suffering from hair loss, including for boys via their Hair 4 Boys scheme. It says they accept a minimum of 7 inches. The plait is slightly short of that, which is a shame.

So I think I’m going to snip it up and use it to repel the slugs and snails from my lupins (I googled that too and and it’s definitely a thing) which will be far more ecologically sound than using yucky pellets which harm wildlife. However, what if a crime is perpetrated in the area and one of MidiMe’s hairs is carried by the wind to the crime scene and is picked up by forensic detectives? That would be a disaster and the RAF would never have her back which would be disappointing as she loved being with them for four days. She worked as part of a team of four designing and building a glider and also sat in the cockpit of a Typhoon which I believe is a fighter jet, but don’t quote me – I haven’t googled that.

As regular readers know, I am not one to miss an opportunity to play while the kitten is away; after dropping her off at RAF Cranwell, Mr Angelina and I drove a further 3 hours to the Gilpin Lake House on Knipe Tarn in Windermere. So, while MidiMe was working hard from 7am to 10pm, building a model glider and completing 30 hours of work in two and a half days to earn her Science Crest Silver Award AND Industrial Something or Other, we were trekking for miles and miles through a bucolic masterpiece - me resplendent in my new bright yellow water-repelling

jacket (selected for ease of rescue of course) and trekking boots! I looked like an actual proper outdoorsy person! In the evenings, while Midi-Me burned the midnight oil filling in her workbooks, we hot-tubbed on the tarn-side and then filled our tummies with plates and plates of beautifully arranged doll-food. At L’Enclume, we enjoyed the exquisite eighteen-course tasting menu but I was heartbroken when a tiny candied fennel and juniper ball rolled off my carefully constructed forkful, down my chest and on to the floor. Quel dommage! I wailed (in my head) as I considered the extent to which the ten second rule applies in a Michelin-starred restaurant. I left the tiny molecularly gastronomic miracle-ball there on the floor and made a deal with the universe to swap it for a grade 6 piano Pass.

Listen to Angelina’s popular chat show Dessert Island Discs on live on www.thepulsehr.uk Thursdays at 10am or catch up at www.mixcloud.com/ angelina-melwani *facebook. com/angelinamelwani * twitter @appleina * mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com *Instagram @mynotesfromtheedge

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SW Consortium

NEW 11+ Latymer & QE Boys

Saturday 1 May 2017.............2.00pm - 4.30pm Saturday 3 June 2017............2.00pm - 4.30pm Nascot Wood Junior School, Nascot Wood Road, Watford WD17 4YS Fee: £25 per paper including detailed feedback BOOK NOW

www.mocktestmasters.com FEEDBACK includes

✔✔Detailed report on your child’s ✔✔Strengths & weaknesses

✔✔Access to mock test questions and answers ✔✔Uniquely, all exam formats - just like the real exam!

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North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Family Health

Discomfort or Deadly?

Intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a misery By Radhika Holmstrom

E

veryone’s heard of an ‘allergic reaction’. But what does that actually mean? And what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? To start with, an ‘allergic reaction’ isn’t actually caused by the ‘allergen’. It’s caused by a person’s own immune system reacting to something which most people find completely harmless.

Unfortunately, these defence chemicals also produce symptoms like inflammation and irritation. At the worst end of the spectrum there’s anaphylactic shock, with a rash, swelling in the throat – which can cut off the airways – and plummeting blood pressure.

Could it be my child – and what should I do?

If your child’s showing an allergic-type reaction to particular foods, the sensible thing is to get them to the GP and then press for a referral to a consultant if you need to.

If they do turn out to have a serious allergy, they’re likely to be prescribed an EpiPen, which injects adrenaline into the body to relax their airways and muscles so they

can start breathing again (remember the EpiPen should be renewed regularly and you must get your child to the hospital as an emergency as soon as you have used it).

But the main course of action from here on is just avoiding the allergen.

Intolerance It’s also important to know that a lot of people who think they’ve got an allergy actually have a food ‘intolerance’. They do get a reaction of some sort but not an allergic one. Intolerances are harder to identify and there are only a few reliable tests. But the good thing is that although they can be very nasty on the gut, with bloating and stomach cramps, they’re not actually life-threatening.

Once again, though, do talk to the GP and try to get a referral to a dietitian or similar – especially if you suspect that the problem lies with gluten because in fact the culprit may be coeliac disease.

Don’t DIY At their worst, allergies can be deadly – and at their mildest, both allergies and intolerances are pretty annoying. Nobody really wants to spend their time scrutinising lists of ingredients. If you do suspect your

child has one, don’t try and diagnose it yourself, or with the help of a ‘kit’ from a company. Get the professionals on board to help work out what the problem is. You may well find it’s quite different from the one you suspected; and you may even find that your child doesn’t have an allergy or an intolerance at all.

Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues. She is a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University, lecturing to undergraduates and postgraduates on feature-writing.

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Education - Open Days Please check school websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days.

Listings are subject to change.

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Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/ Day) enquiries@aldenham.com

Open Day: Sat 17 Jun, 10am-12.30pm. Prep School 01923 851664. Senior School 01923 858122

Alpha Preparatory School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. www.alpha.harrow.sch.uk

Open Day: By appointment 0208 427 1471

Bales College Kensal Town W10 Boys and Girls 11+ www.balescollege.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment 020 8960 5899 to register

Buxlow Preparatory and Nursery School Wembley HA9 7QJ Boys and Girls 0 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk

Open Morning: Thu 15 Jun, 6-8pm; Fri 16 Jun, 9.30am12.30pm; Sat 17 Jun, 9-11am. 020 89043615

Buckingham College Preparatory School Pinner HA5 Boys School 4-11 years www.buckprep.org

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8266 1700

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk

Open Day: Jun Sch Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am-12.30pm; Sen Sch Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 2-5pm. Jun Sch in Action: Fri 23 Jun; Tue 26 Sep; Wed 11 Oct; Tue 7 Nov, all 9.15am. Sen Sch in Action: Fri 29 Sep; Wed 4 Oct; Wed 8 Nov, all 9.30am. 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org.uk

High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com

Open Day: Tue 2 May, Tue 13 Jun – 9.15 & 10.15am. 01923 681103

The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. www.johnlyon.org

Open Day: Tue 9 May, 5-7pm, Sat 23 Sep, 9.30am-12.30pm.

020 8515 9400

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344

Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2018) Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. admissions@mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk

Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 15 Jun, 9.30-11am (Nursery & Rcptn) Fri 6 Oct, 9.45am-12pm (Y1-Y8) Sen Sch: Sat 6 May, 10am-12.30pm.

01923 825648 (Prep) 01923 845514 (Senior)

North London Collegiate School Edgware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. www.nlcs.org.uk

Open Day: Jun Sch: Sat 23 Sep, 10am-12.30pm. Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch 020 8951 6481/6468.

Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. www.northwoodcollege.co.uk

Open Day: Tue 27 Jun, 9.30-11am (Sen Sch). Tue 2 May, 9.3011am (nursery & rcptn) Sat 7 Oct, 9.30am-1.30pm (Whole School) 01923 825446.

Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

Open Day: Sat 13 May, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600

Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. www.quaintonhall.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. admin@quaintonhall.org.uk 020 8861 8861

Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. www.reddiford.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660

Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092

The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18)

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 725354

Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org

Open Day: By appointment. 020 7932 1178

Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs.

Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268

St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years (day) admin@stchristophersschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment 020 8902 5069

St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 255 017

St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthelens. london

Open Day: Wed 14 Jun, 9.30am-12pm; Sat 23 Sep, 9am-1pm; Wed 1 & Thu 2 Nov, 9.30am-12pm (whole sch) 01923 843230

St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. www.sthildasbushey.co.uk

Open Day: Fri 19 May. 0208 950 1751

St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. www.st-johns.org.uk

Open Day: Wed 24 May, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067

St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 4 May, 9.15-11.15am. 020 8901 0872

St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs www.stmartins.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 825 740

St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8205 7153

York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs www.york-house.com

Open Day: Thu 11 May , 9.30-11.30am (Nursery- Y2) Sat 13 May, 9.30am-12pm (Nursery – Y8). 01923 772 395

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Education

Summer learning

– not all ABC’s and 123’s

Summer is almost here! Below are some ideas to make sure your kids stay self-motivated and keep their thirst for knowledge!

1

Make ice cream in a bag in 5mins!

You will need: 225g rock salt, 1 large mugful of ice, 150ml single cream, 4 tbsps caster sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 1 large ziplock bag, 1 medium ziplock bag.

1. Place ice and salt into the large bag.

2. Pour cream, sugar and vanilla into the smaller bag and seal.

3. Place the smaller bag into the larger bag and seal.

4. Shake the bag for 5minutes, and then unseal and scoop out the ice cream!

Tip - Add chocolate chips or crushed oreo cookies if you want!

2

Build a birdhouse and bird watch together. Be sure to use binoculars a good guidebook. I highly recommend RSPB My First Book of Garden Birds by Sarah Whittley and Mike Unwin.

3 4

Make a summer scrapbook. Your kids will love to look back and remember all the fun they had during the summer.

Have a story writing competition.

Pick 5 categories and let your child choose which topic they wish to write about! E.g. Pirates at sea, Knights and Dragons, Witches and magic, Mystery adventure, and Jungle fun. The winner gets a prize!

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Plant sunflower seeds, water and watch grow. Keep note of the height and measure every week.

Go on a family hike, for as long or short, as you’d like!

There are plenty of beautiful hikes local or far.

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Go strawberry picking, and why not try making some homemade jam!

Star gazing at night. Lay a sheet out on the lawn, throw some cushions down and watch the stars. You may be lucky enough to find a shooting star!

Sonia Siv is the founder of The Rainbow Club, whose main objective is to ensure children obtain a thirst for knowledge, becoming independent thinkers. She provides advice and guidance to parents on how to engender a positive home environment for successful learning and - where desired - working towards success in the Private School Assessment process. If you have a child sitting a 3+ 4+ or 5+ private school entrance assessment, please visit facebook.com/ rainbowclub.co.uk

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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Education

Overcoming Exam stress with NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

W

ith exam time around the corner, let’s look at some of the things that your kids can do to keep the stress at bay. In Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) “Neuro” relates to the brain and “Linguistic” refers to language, how it is used in thought and communicated with others! “Programming” can be about instructions, patterns and habits created, learnt and followed. NLP is about a person’s thinking, language and actions. NLP techniques and strategies are adapted in a fun, easy and safe way for young people to use to overcome stress and behaviour issues. To begin with get your child to think positively about the exam.

Remember as you think, your subconscious processes and stores what you think.

Here are some tips that will help your child prepare for exams and succeed in them.

■■ Mind mapping involves drawing information in diagrams, instead of writing.

The diagrams always take the same format, with a single starting point in the middle that branches out, and keeps dividing. The branches are made of words, connected by short lines to the middle. The lines that connect the words are part of the meaning.

You can get your child to do maps for each subject, on one sheet in colour, and can encourage them to review them frequently.

■■ Using coloured pens enhances learning as colour positively affects the brain.

■■ Teach your child to manage stress by making them visualize the lead-up to exams.

Ask them to plan what and when they study. An idea might be to stick the plan on a wall near their desk. Breaking it down into chunks helps as does asking them to work through it at a planned rate. It is also wise to plan time off!!

■■ NLP Anchors are a quick and easy way to enter a resourceful state. There’s nothing like feeling positive emotions at will. An NLP Anchor is a connection between a stimulus and an emotional response. All you need is your imagination, and ten minutes.

Depending on the strength of memory used to anchor, you can expect anchors to last up to a few months. However, if you recharge them periodically, by making your child think of a time when they were able to learn something rapidly, then they will last indefinitely. Your child can then anchor that time to act as a trigger to get themselves

into a positive learning state–so they can feel confident and positive on demand.

■■ It is important for your child to sleep, eat well and to keep moving, so they look after their health when studying.

■■ Imagining success means that your child is more likely to succeed. Ask your child to think about writing the exam and knowing the answers. Visualize achieving an A grade.

■■ Ask your child to believe in themselves.

NLP belief change technique is good for quickly converting negative beliefs into positive ones. Changing beliefs allows behaviour change, by means of a capability or strategy.

Namita Bhatia Kids Mindset Therapy Ltd www.childtherapypinner.nlp4kids.org

St Nicholas

Preparatory School and Nursery– founded 1937 NW London (Kingsbury/Wembley) An independent Day School and Nursery for age 3 months to 11 years www.stnicholasschool.org.uk Individual School tours arranged by Appointment: Please telephone 020 8205 7153 • Newly refurbished • Small classes and bright, airy classrooms • Great results in 11+ examinations • A caring, nurturing environment with a family atmosphere • After-school care and clubs • Interactive whiteboards in every classroom

We provide private education at a competitive price

Open Mornings: January 20, February 24, March 17

Address: 22 Salmon Street, Kingsbury, NW9 8PN E: admin@stnicholasschool.org.uk 10

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Tel: 020 8205 7153

Education

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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Education

Why punctuation is vital for reading comprehension A fun and easy way for parents to help their children

By Usha Patel

T

he mechanics of teaching children learning to read – or decode – is a major objective for parents once their children start school. The joy of little fingers and eyes moving across the printed page with that whole body experience of “reading with Mummy” is a memory which I, too, cherish.

The process can be slow, then if by magic and through practise, the words start to appear ‘real’ as the independent reading process begins. Who doesn’t remember the first book they ever read as a child, when things finally came together and we had that eureka moment?

- For parents I have tried the follow authors who work a treat: Roald Dahl (Magic Finger/ BFG etc) C S Lewis (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) Michael Bond (A Bear Called Paddington) David Walliams (Mr Stink)

But reading is about understanding and to understand it is not just about the words but the silence between words. Having worked with early years, children with autism, dyslexia and all children challenged with reading, I not only teach them to love reading but to “do punctuation” so that they also read for understanding and meaning.

And for children to read their parents: Dr Seuss (Green Eggs and Ham) Lauren Child (I Will Never Eat a Tomato) Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo)

Doing punctuation is a game which must first be just about “doing” not reading. Photocopy a couple of pages of the funniest book your child has. (You can enlarge to make it even better) Using a red marker, highlight all the full stops. Then with a black pen mark all the commas. It is best to start at the basic level for this game. Draw a red stop sign on your child’s palm and black paws on the fingers.

Now you can start to read and every time you come across the red full stop your child must show the stop sign and every time you come across the comma, they have to pause by showing the doggy paws.

Repeat the game but choose a book they can read and you then have to act out the punctuation. You can add a colour and gesture for the exclamation mark. The trick is to go slowly, make lots of mistakes so your child focuses carefully. And make it fun.

Intrinsically we want to teach rhythm when reading. Some children need to learn rhythm through movement but while a lot of children have this naturally, the punctuation is missed out because they just do not notice it. We want to celebrate punctuation and make it part and parcel of reading. The more gestures you create, the more you teach about reading expression which your child can learn from.

I recommend the following books for “doing punctuation”

ROXETH MEAD SCHOOL ESTABLISHED 1859

Independent school for boys and girls between 3 years and 7+ ◆◆ Small classes ◆◆ Dedicated staff ◆◆ Excellent academic record ◆◆ Caring and supportive atmosphere ◆◆ Happy, considerate and confident children Vacancies sometimes available for 5 and 6 year olds.

Contact the Headteacher

Tel: 020 8422 2092 E-mail: info@roxethmead.com www.roxethmead.com Buckholt House, 25 Middle Road, Harrow HA2 0HW

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North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Usha Patel is a Special Needs therapist with a few projects on the go. Writing Lab for Children (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) and Bal-A-Vis-X Training (www.integratedbrain.co.uk) for adults who wish to learn how to help SEN children. Text 07766 837 616 for more information.

Education

Call us to arrange an individual appointment

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

13

Parenting

How to get the kids

outside AND gardening

G

ardening can be a great way to get your kids playing outside, learning about nature and engaging with the environment. From the smallest seed in a pot to growing huge sunflowers in the garden, your children will love getting their hands dirty and watching their garden grow.

While we may not have the best weather here in the UK, it’s so important for kids to experience the natural world, get some vitamin D and learn some great lessons through gardening.

So how do you get them outside?

We’ve put together a few creative ways that you can encourage your children to start gardening.

Do a treasure hunt!

Every child loves hunting for treasure, and what better way to get them outside than to go on a nature hunt? You’d be surprised how many different species are in your garden - dandelions, vegetables, woodlice, earthworms. See who can find the most different animals and plants. If they don’t know what it is, help them to find out on the internet. This is something you can keep up throughout the year, encouraging them to observe the changing seasons and what plants grow at different times. Ask them what plants and animals they would like to see in their garden and start growing these/ encouraging wildlife together.

Encourage your kids to take their favourite toys outside... ...and build miniature worlds for them. Help them create a race course with ramps for toy cars, a jungle for their favourite animals to hide in or a fairy-tale wood for their princess dolls. Encourage them to think about what their little world looks like, and start to name the plants with them while they play.

Grow your own dinner!

There’s nothing better than eating peas straight out of the pod or picking your first strawberry, and all of these can be grown in your own garden. If you’re not hugely confident with gardening, cress is the best place to start, and you can grow it on your window sill. It’s a great way for children to learn about how plants grow, watching seeds turn into tasty snacks. It can encourage your children to try new foods, after all - they grew it themselves, and it can add to their important 5-a-day!

It’s a great way for children to learn about the food they eat and where it comes from, and standing in the mud with a big spade is a million miles away from the supermarket, and far more fun. Some great fruits and vegetables to grow with your little ones are carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, salad leaves, herbs, peas and potatoes. Grandparents are great at this kind of knowledge: why not organise a trip to a garden centre with them to choose seeds and plants?

Keep an eye on the time of year and encourage your kids to read up on their plants, water them when needed, and take care of them.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t go to plan and you only get one tomato it’s a learning process, and your kids can think about why it might not have grown and what to try next time.

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Create a wildlife garden Kids love animals, bugs and creepy crawlies, and a wildlife garden can be a great way to get them outside and stuck into gardening.

Plant flowers such as lavender, honeysuckle and verbena to encourage butterflies and bees in the summer. Maybe think about building a pond to encourage frogs, dragonflies and water boatmen, and let your children learn about the life cycle as they turn from frogspawn to tadpoles to baby frogs. Encourage them to learn about and identify the different creatures and how to attract them to your garden and help them to make new habitats and learn where animals live, from bug barns to hedgehog houses. Great fun!

Fill your garden with colours, smells and textures Choose bright flowers like geraniums, pansies and sunflowers so your kids can enjoy making the garden more beautiful. Choose strong smelling plants like honeysuckle, or plants that make interesting noises, like bamboo rustling in the breeze. Encourage your kids to make their garden their own, and if they love it, let them loose at Grandma’s too!

Get messy!

There’s something so satisfying about getting all muddy: kids can’t resist it. Gardening doesn’t have to be about neat rows of flowers.

Let your kids dig ‘til their hearts’ content. If they can’t get enough of mess, try making bird cakes to hang from the trees, and let them watch as quietly as possible as birds come to feed. Or how about a bird feeder made out of Cheerios and pipe cleaners? Encourage your kids to get crafty in the garden, making everything from bottle top wind chimes to lolly ice stick plant markers, so they know which plant is which.

For more awesome activity ideas with the kids visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

Parenting

Tips and advice on

potty training toddlers

Potty training your toddler can be tricky, especially if they seem a little nonresponsive to begin with…

Knowing when to start There’s very little point in trying to potty train your child before they are physically and emotionally ready, which is usually at around two years of age – although for some children it may take longer.

Look out for signs that your child is becoming aware of doing a ‘wee’ or ‘poo’. They may tell you that they are wet or dirty, or that they are wetting their nappy or is about to do so.

Another sign that your child is learning control is if their nappy is still dry after they’ve worn it for a number of hours.

Once you have decided to start you need to be prepared to persevere, so choose a period when you know you will have time to give your child the extra attention that they will need.

you’ll find that eventually you’ll have a series of dry nappies during the night and your nappy days will be well and truly over!

For more information about potty training visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Written by Alison Mackonochie Alison is a well-respected and highly experienced writer and editor.

The author of numerous books on pregnancy and early year’s childcare, Alison has worked with Lifecycle as editor-in-chief of Emma’s Diary for more than 20 years.

How to begin Explain in simple words what you want your child to do. Tell them that it’s what you and ‘big’ children do and that they’ll be able to wear ‘big pants’ once their out of nappies.

Select certain times of day to sit them on her potty – perhaps after meals – but if you can, try to choose times when your child usually wets or dirties themselves.

Your child may get the hang of potty training very quickly, or they may think the whole thing is a joke, or even treat it with complete disinterest.

If they refuse to sit on the potty for more than a few minutes, don’t force it. You don’t want to turn this into a battle of wills!

Try sitting with your little one and reading a story or just talking.

And when your child achieves something, give lots of praise or even reward them with a small treat.

Never show your displeasure or punish your child for not performing– this will only reduce their self-confidence and cause tension between you both.

Equally, it’s important not to overdo the praise when your little one does something in her potty because they may think they’ve been naughty in some way when nothing happens in the future. Potty training is all about negotiation and persuasion, not anger and blame.

The next steps While your child is learning to become clean and dry, putting them in training pants rather than nappies will make life easier for you both.

Once your little one has achieved a certain amount of control you can introduce the idea of wearing ordinary pants. There will probably be some accidents at first, but don’t panic.

Staying dry at night It’s unlikely that your toddler will become dry at night at the same time as they are dry during the day. Few children achieve this and many are well into their third year before they are completely dry during the night.

If you encourage your child to use the potty before going to bed and don’t offer drinks at night or during the hour before bedtime

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Summer Camps

Camps and activities for kids - home and away!

A

long-established tradition in the USA, summer camps are now readily available across the UK for all ages. British parents have found that packing their youngsters off for a day at a time or weeks of stimulation and entertainment is the perfect answer to the annual conundrum: “what will the kids do with their long summer break?” For working parents, the concept is a godsend. The great news is that the children love it too!

Although sport and adventure are heavily featured, not all camps cater to active miniathletes. For the less boisterous, there are art and academic options, technology and performing arts. If your child loves dancing, motor biking, film-making or computing, there is bound to be a camp to suit and build their skills, and they vary in length from one-off days to several residential weeks.

Finding one that suits you Sport specific, multi-sport, technology, performing arts, academic/summer school, cookery or even learning a new language are popular camp activity choices. Courses can range from a couple days, to weeks long with a variety of both residential and day camps to choose from.

Cost is obviously a consideration for most

families, especially when they have more than one child to pay for. Many companies offer Childcare Vouchers and in addition, they give discounts for multiple or early bookings. Some even offer scholarships or reduced rates for special circumstances.

The benefit of going off to camp for the average child is the phenomenal boost to their self-esteem and independence while learning new skills and meeting new people.

It can be a little daunting for parents to let them go off on their own, knowing they will not be there to soothe and reassure should anything go wrong. However, this is just the character-building part of the experience which allows children to flourish and find their own confidence.

If considering a summer camp, involve your child in the selection process, so that they know what to expect, and have input into the choice. You can tailor this process to support your child’s personality, for example, a shy child may be happier in smaller group activities where they are more likely to make personal connections with other participants more easily.

Ultimately, with the right preparation, a summer camp is the ideal way for your child to spend some of their time during that long summer holiday.

Windmill Studios

The following 6 pages include a wide and varied selection of some of the best local camp and activity providers for the upcoming May half term and summer breaks – both local and some further afield.

For even more information about clubs and classes visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk and localise yourself to see a listing of local camps and activities close to you!

SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy

Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds

Tel: 01923 255099 E: SportsKids@outlook.com Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years by expanding and rebranding to

SportsKids Academy

American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth

www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk 16

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Summer Camps RESIDENTIAL CAMPS AIGAS - various dates. Wildlife Holidays & Courses in the Highlands. Offering fully inclusive, small-group learning holidays and study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, habitats and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. 01463 782 443 www.aigas.co.uk ATE Superweeks are 7 day residential holidays running over the summer, from Fri 28th July – Mon 28th Aug. The Council makes sure that keeping children safe, both physically and emotionally, is ATE’s top priority. Ages 8-16 yrs.

0845 456 1205 www.ate.org.uk Camp Wild 24th July – 11th August in glorious East Devon. They will be running residential camps for 7-12 yr olds and day camps for 6-12 yr olds (recommended day camp length of 1-3 days, either M-W or W-F). 01404 822 188 www.escotcampwild.co.uk Marlborough College 9th July- 5th August in Wiltshire SN8 1PA. Marlborough College Summer School continues to welcome young people (3-16yrs) to their action-packed week of activities and entertainment either as residents with their families, or as day students on their own or in a group. 01672 892388 www.mcsummerschool.org.uk Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre Somerset. 9th July – 19th August. Family run and owned since 1982. Maximum 70 residential kids. 25 acres fields, woods, river; over 40 exciting, challenging activities. Trained, experienced, fun staff. Residential/day camps.

Small groups/same age.. 8–15. Delicious meals.

Rail escort from Paddington 01749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

Xplore Activity Camps – Summer Activity Residential and day Camps! Offers the choice of going to camp for a day, week or even for your whole summer holiday! There is always a mix of activities so whether you are super outdoorsy or prefer to be more creative there will be something for you. Xplore is Ofsted registered, accepts childcare vouchers and have centres all over the UK 01449 742700 www.xploreactivitycamps.com XUK Activity Summer Camp – 9th July – 19th August. XUK is a multi-activity summer camp based in the beautiful location of the Norfolk countryside, just 1½ miles hours north of London. Activities include adventure (rock climbing/rifle shooting/quad bikes/high rope courses/water zorbing) sports, water sports, drama, dance, arts and crafts, cookery and much more! Children join them for anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks. They welcome 6-17 year olds. 020 8371 9686 enquiry@xkeys.co.uk www.xkeys.co.uk/residential-camp/

DAY CAMPS Aqua Vie – 5 days consecutive swimming lessons in Bushey. 01923 245773 www.aqua-vie.com Art and Craft Summer Camp with My Sisters and Me Do you have children with an arty streak? Are you looking for something to keep them entertained in the long summer holidays?

Then book them into the Summer Camp at Harrow Arts Centre where a different theme will be introduced every day. The classes are from 9.30am-3pm, for ages 5-11 years from Monday 24th July - Friday 28th July. 201707946 055 422 info@mysistersandme.co.uk www.mysistersandmecreate.blogspot.co.uk

Aspire Offer Ofsted-registered activity camps during the school breaks. Camps are great for 5 - 14 year olds and are run by experienced staff.

020 8420 6725, www.aspire.org.uk Barracudas Activity Day Camps operate during the summer holidays at Watford Grammar School for Boys. Spending the holidays with them means children get to: develop new skills, make new friends, try new activities and most of all have FUN!!! With over 80+ activities including: motorsports, archery, fencing, clay model making, dance and drama there is plenty of activities to keep children entertained.

Summer Camp Mon 24th July until Fri 18th Aug. 0845 123 5299 info@barracudas.co.uk www.barracudas.co.uk Blag Youth Theatre Performing Arts Summer School, open to all kids from 7-17 years. This year’s project will be Robin of Croxley...Man in Tights!!! from 24th July- 5th August. Rehearsals from 10am-6pm daily. 01923 772 320 www.blagtheatre.co.uk Capoeira Academy UK Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and nurturing teachers. 07841342874 capoeiracademyuk@gmail.com www.capoeiracademyuk.com Cooking Camp Creativz Kids cooking camp and workshops in school holidays. Fun and creative introduction to cooking, baking and chocolate making. Based in North West London, camp days run from 10am to 3pm.

02089586628 tracey@messyplay.co.uk or facebook Cooking Camp Creativz

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Summer Camps v continued from page 17 Champs Learning - Starting from 7th August 2017, Champs Learning, a successful tuition for English, Maths, Science and 11 Plus (Grammar School Entrance) exams, is organizing a most successful Summer School for Key Stage 1and 2 for Numeracy/Literacy subjects and 11 plus aspirants at Harrow College, Harrow on the hill.

Call 020 3004 9007 for details.

DiscoG Coding Academy - Teach children of all ages (6-14) to code (computer programming).

Join one of our summer bootcamps or tailored programmes to give your child a head-start.

Using the Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3, your child will learn the basics of coding. Working through small projects they will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life. Tailored courses are also available for GCSEs and A Level students. (various dates). 07767300940 www. discogcodingacademy.com Explore Learning – Offer Maths and English tuition sessions for 5-14 year olds throughout the school holidays. 01895 636378 www. explorelearning.org.uk Fit For Sport delivering OFSTED registered Activity Camps for children aged between 3 – 12 years old, for over 20 years. Camps are a great way for your child to keep active, have fun, make new friends and take part in a wide range of sports and activities. Activity camps are delivered every school holiday by Fit for Sport, the UK’s Leading Healthy Lifestyle Activities Provider! 0845 456 3233 or www. fitforsport.co.uk

Fleet Tutors – Run 5-day or 3-day small group preparation courses for 11+ or 13+ entrance exams. These are run by highly successful school entrance exam tutors and focus on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and NonVerbal Reasoning during the week, with students sitting mock exam papers. 0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Gymboree Watford Summer camps for 2½ - 5 year olds. 2 hour activities include sports & fitness, theatre arts workshops and pre-school classes. Available Monday to Saturday. Must be pre-booked. Contact watford@gymboree-uk. com, 01923 250440, www.gymboree-uk.com/ watford Harrow Arts Centre – Summer Music Camp from Mon 24th - Fri 28th July. A special week long extravaganza of music, singing, craft, dance and FUN!! Learn how to sing, dance and play the steel pans, ukulele and drums culminating in a finale performance on Friday afternoon! All sessions are provided by Harrow Music Service instrumental teachers. Optional breakfast and board games club for early starters. Age Range: 7 – 12 years.

020 3773 7161 www.harrowarts.com Harrow Woodcraft Folk Fun & freedom in the countryside, at their weekend camps all summer, for all the family. Camp craft such as putting up tents & fire lighting; group games in the fields and woods; exploring nature; arts and crafts and campfire songs & stories. Call 0208 428 2409 www.woodcraft.org.uk Hertsmere’s Summer Fun Play Schemes Hertsmere Leisure will be running Play Schemes at their centres. www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk

Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford

call: 0208 123 9346 email: jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk

Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: niro@littlekickers.co.uk

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Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre (HOAC) Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and Land activities for 5-18 yr olds, from 17th July to 1st Sept. 01895 824 171 www.hoac.net Holidaytime Holiday Club – Offer a fun, active and safe time for all children aged between 3 and 13 years at Quainton Hall School in Harrow from 24th July to 18th Aug. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, trips, sports coaching, cooking, parties, nature trails, games, and much more. 07903 126486 www.activetime.co.uk JK Educate 11+ Workshops in Maths and English for Y5 and Y6 children. A series of engaging 11+ workshop days to boost children’s motivation and confidence, teaching and practising the skills needed to succeed in the 11+ exams. The next workshops will take place on Sunday 4th June and Sunday 2nd July, with English in the morning and Maths in the afternoon on both days. To book a place for your child at a workshop or Mock Exam session, please call Nimita on 020 3448 0754 or email nimita@ jkeducate.co.uk. Full Workshop details available at: www.jkeducate.co.uk/workshops Jigsaw Summer Schools – designed to provide enjoyable and stimulating performing arts activities for students during the school holidays. The sessions are split into age groups of 3 to 5 years (9.30-11.30am) and 6 to 16 years (9am-3.30pm). This year’s theme at Watford Grammar School for Girls is Aladdin. The workshops will run from 31st July to 4th August.

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Summer Camps holidays. 07985 588 085 www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Leaders Are Readers – Their Summer School is attended by children from all over the world and early booking is advised. This year they are running from Monday 24th July to Friday 11th August, 2017 (3 weeks) at Bentley Wood High School, Stanmore; and Monday 31st July to Friday 18th August, 2017 (3 weeks) at Haydon School in Pinner. The aim is to cover a year’s essential work in 3 weeks, fill in learning gaps and prepare children on advanced topics so they can zoom ahead when they return to school in September. 01992 651300 www. leadersarereaders.co.uk

holidays. Based at Brookland School in Hampstead Garden Suburb from Mon 24th July to Fri 18th Aug. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, dance, drama, bouncy castle, yoga and much more! Ofsted registered and inspected as ‘Outstanding’! 020 8371 9686 www.xkeys.co.uk/day-camps/mini-minors-xukday Mini Picassos – Fab, fun and creative! Holiday workshops from 10-1pm weekdays for children aged from 4-11 years. Clay modelling, painting, plaster, charcoal cartoon Manga style drawing sessions. Scholarship classes available 07903 638817 www.minipicassos.co.uk

Little Big Leaders - Get real results instantly in Reading, Maths or English for your child aged 3.5 to 11. Remarkable lessons during term time & 3 week premium Summer School at Rickmansworth, Bushey, Edgware. Call NOW 020 3637 6266 (24/7) www.littlebigleaders.com

Modern Combat Martial Arts offer a wide range of classes suited to all levels, ages and abilities throughout the holidays. Classes run in Hatch End, Harrow, Northolt, and Bushey. www.moderncombatmartialarts.com www. fightingcombatfitness.co.uk 07818 416 671 info@moderncombatmartialarts.com

Kids Can Achieve Run playschemes for children with additional needs. The playscheme is all about your child having fun through play and structured activities, and sessions are arranged around constructive play, arts and crafts, outdoor play and swimming. 020 8420 2300 www.kidscanachieve.co.uk

Little Kickers Courses running throughout the summer. Football training for kids from 18 months to under 7 years. Ruislip, Northwood/ Oxhey, Pinner, South Harrow & Watford jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk 0208 123 9346.

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet jlevene@ littlekickers.co.uk 0208 201 1084. Bushey & Harrow HA3 0208 422 0676 www.littlekickers. co.uk

Monkey Music Their holiday workshops are a popular way to keep children entertained during the holidays. Unlike the regular classes where children are strictly grouped according to age, the holiday workshops cater for a mixed age group of children. Older siblings love joining in the fun and they also welcome friends and visitors. Book early to avoid disappointment. 0208 427 6595 www. monkeymusic.co.uk

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

Makes ‘n’ Bakes – Summer holiday baking classes for ages 2.5-6 years. Begins with a story, weighing out ingredients, baking a yummy creation then making a quality craft. Sessions last 1 hour with a maximum of 6 children per class. 07887 984401 wilkin@afrormosia.com

Knowledge Above Standard Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. Classes run throughout the

Mini Minors Holiday Camp & Play Scheme Multi-activity holiday day camps for children aged 3-6 in the Summer

NumberWorks‘nWords Maths and English tuition classes which will target identified needs to improve achievement levels. Catering for all levels from 4 to 16 years old. Specialised programmes for 7+, 11+ and SATs. Summer course now enrolling – 1st – 17th August. www. numberworks.co.uk 0208 868 7672 eastcote@ numberworks.com

Rocksteady Music School

continued on page 20 v

www.activetime.co.uk North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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Summer Camps v continued from page 19 Perform - three and five day summer courses for 4-12s. Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with Perform’s unique holiday courses.

During July and August your 4-7 year old could be acting out the classic Beauty & Beast fairytale on one of Perform’s three or five day courses in venues in Pinner and Northwood. Venturing into the Spooky Wood and exploring the grand Palace Of Dreams, they’ll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast.

7-12 year olds will be joining Zak & Zara and the space age family on an epic cyberspace adventure. They’ll rehearse and perform a funky special written show exploring online safety. Perform courses are packed with dance, drama, singing and fun and are run by highly skilled trained actors. Prices start from £175. Various dates throughout July and August “They seemed to have fun from the moment they walked in to the moment they left. A really wonderful week!”

Alex Estwick, parent 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/holidays Push and Glide – Run 5 day crash courses during the holidays at Northwood College.

These are suitable for ages 3-4 years and 4 years+. 07749 554405 www.pushandglide.co.uk The Rainbow Club - Don’t forget to book your child’s place for this Summers MiniArtists Workshop sessions on July 17th, 18th, and 21st from 9.30am - 1pm. Limited spaces available.

Classes will be held in Moor Park, Northwood.

Please contact Sonya.Thiru@gmail.com /07850045471 to book. www.facebook.com/ rainbowclub.co.uk Raviv Practice London - Prevent regression in the school holidays- Keep your child’s brain stimulated and improve academic performance during the holidays. Raviv Practice London offers three evidence-based computer programs that present the perfect compromise between play and work. One-to-one intervention scientifically proven to improve your child’s grades. Contact Usha Patel - Raviv Practice London- on 07766 837 616

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Rocksteady Music School’s Summer Camps make music fun giving budding rockstars aged 5-11 years the chance to play in a band and perform songs they love. Rock out 24th – 28th July and 31st July – 4th August in Edgware from 9am – 3pm with optional extended hours available. Call for venue details or to book 0845 094 1259

Royal Yacht Association (RYA) OnBoard - Are you looking for an activity for your children where they can learn new skills, make friends and have fun in the fresh air? This summer, get your youngsters active by introducing them to sailing and windsurfing through RYA OnBoard.

They’ll learn an exciting new sport in a safe environment, get out on the water and gain valuable life skills from problem solving to taking responsibility. Once they get started in sailing the opportunities are endless. Everything you need is provided by the instructor. It’s affordable, fun and you don’t need to have done it before.

Anyone aged 8-18 can take part in OnBoard sessions and with over 245 RYA approved venues across the country there’s bound to be one near you. You might even find you want to join in too! To find your nearest OnBoard activity visit rya.org.uk/onboard #GetOnBoard

Rose Hall Farm Offer a range of courses for junior riders, including Pony Day’s which are for one day and look at riding and stable management. They also offer 2, 3 or 4 day courses which cover show jumping or flatwork/ dressage, with riding in the morning and afternoon. They also include lectures on various aspects of show jumping or dressage and stable management. 01442 833269 www.rosehallfarm.co.uk ROS Stageworks An opportunity for young performers to take part in a specially adapted (junior) version of a well known musical, after a week of rehearsals and workshops. 07789 900048 www.rosswsummerschool.org

Windmill Studios

Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts From 14th26th August Sharpe Academy are running a Musical Theatre Summer School at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth with a theme of Beauty and the Beast. There is a session for 3-5 year olds daily at 10.30am-12.30pm, and for 6-18 year olds at 10am-4pm each day. 01923 711063 www.sharpeacademy.co.uk SportsKids Academy - Multi-sports Activities for children. All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth 01923255099 sportskids@ outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk

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Summer Camps

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Summer Camps v continued from page 20 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 - Super Camps’ fabulous new Multi-Activity programme at Northwood College for Girls (HA6) allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment”. Camps run from 30th May – 2nd June. Save 15% with code FAMILIES17 www.supercamps.co.uk Sylvia Young Theatre School - If your child would like to work with the top teachers from The Sylvia Young Theatre School (Marylebone) then why not join a one week Theatre Skills holiday school. This fun filled busy course is open to anyone aged 7-18 years and offers Drama/Audition Technique, Singing / Microphone Technique, Street Dance and Basic Circus Skills. Musical Theatre Performance weeks are also available. 24th July -19th Aug, £310.00 per week. To find out more go to www.syts.co.uk The Radlett Centre Five Day Musical Theatre Workshop. 8-16 years. Mon 31st July-Fri 25th Aug. Sing, dance and act at this very popular event! They do not ask for any previous experience, but as this is a performance of a very high standard, you must be prepared to work hard and take direction. 01923 857546 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children in HA2. Learn to touch type! Weekly lessons and intensive holiday courses for children from age 8-18. Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.

020 8434 7111. www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@typeitforkids.co.uk Watford Football Club Central Trust ‘Holiday Fun Weeks’ invite children from 5 - 12 years old, with the benefits including the opportunity to win trophies and medals; a chance to learn new skills and meet new friends; be coached

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Windmill Studios

by Watford’s award-winning Trust team; FREE gift for week long bookings; Both 10am-3pm and 9am-4pm courses available. 01923 496362 www.watfordfccsetrust.com Watford Palace Theatre – Participation Summer School. A week of drama, fun and games where you can work with professional theatre directors to create a play in a week.

01923 810307 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Wildchild – Hold Camps over the Summer holidays including Wild Animation, Wild Archery, Wild Survivor Bushcraft Day and Wild Wheels Skateboard School. Venues include Phasels Wood Activity Centre in Kings Langley and St Albans Girls School. www.wildchildactivities.com Willows Activity Farm – Activity Day Camps every school holiday. 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. Open Mon 24th July to Fri 1 Sept.

01727 829535 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

The Windmill Studio Centre, based in Ruislip Manor.

‘MONSTER MASH’ Magical Summer Holiday Fun Workshop 2017 for kids aged 4-9 runs 9.30am-12.30pm 31st July – 4th August amid the safe and clean surroundings of The Windmill Studio Centre, Pembroke Road, Ruislip Manor.

Professionally run by DBS checked staff, the Workshop features a host of mad monster mash themed activities including creative arts, cold cooking, singing, dancing, acting and modelling with a special farewell fancy dress party and party lunch on the final day. Jimmy the JAMtots Bear will also be popping in and joining in the fun throughout the week.

A morning snack and drink is included in the £80 price. Contact T: 01895 624755, E: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com

Find even more local listings and activities online

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

Local Interest

Be Prepared… for an adventure!

Scout Leader Gareth Huxtable talks to us about the dynamic nature of Scouting and what children AND adults can expect when they get involved

T

he image of kids spending lots of time outdoors, getting heaps of fresh air and exercise while learning life skills as they go seems quaintly nostalgic now. There is, however, a great British institution that still promotes and encourages those values, while incorporating the realities of twentyfirst-century living, like IT skills and PR. We spoke to Gareth, a former scout and Scout Leader, about Scouting and what it can offer to today’s youngsters.

First of all Gareth, how has Scouting changed in the twenty years you’ve been involved?

The fact that a major celebrity and worldclass adventurer, Bear Grylls, is now the Chief Scout, speaks volumes. His many remarkable achievements are an inspiration to the boys and girls, and he has definitely made scouting cool. We now go right the way through from age 6 to 25 and offer a huge range of activities. The uniform has been updated and is really practical, modern and comfortable for both sexes.

Tell us more about the activities It’s still based on the model of working towards Proficiency badges, which has been proven to be a great system for application and reward. There is something for everyone to work towards and achieve.

We’ve got the old favourites like map reading and first aid, but also mechanics, abseiling, photography and entertaining.

You name it, really. There is always a topic that will appeal. Going on from there we have the personal development awards, Chief Scout and Queen Scout that are similar to the Duke of Edinburgh awards and impressive for CVs. As well as physical challenges and new skills, these top awards require commitment to a charity, and the Queen herself does the presentation. Quite an honour!

Do you still go away on camps?

Oh yes. Camps and nights away are a big part of the scouting experience and they are open to the boys and girls of all ages. It’s a great chance for them to learn some independence and to fit in living and working alongside others. As they get older, the camps get more adventurous and we do overseas expeditions as well. This way we meet up with scouts from other countries, which is a brilliant chance to make new friends, have fun and see that they are a part of something bigger.

Does it cost a lot to become a scout?

I’d say it’s surprisingly cheap compared to a lot of other children’s activities. We have an annual subscription charge, and that varies a bit depending on where in the country you are, but the average is somewhere between £50 and £100. That doesn’t include things like camps, as obviously there are extra costs involved in transport, food and accommodation for trips away.

The only other outlay is for the uniform, but there is no need to buy all brand-new kit.

There is a thriving second-hand market in scouting gear, and the Scouting Association itself can help out for families that struggle with the costs.

What’s the best thing about scouting?

Paediatric First Aid Courses

That’s a hard question! There are so many

benefits. Most of all, it’s good fun. It’s also good to get kids outdoors, get them muddy, and, at the same time, they are learning behaviours and skills that are setting them up for life. It’s win-win really. They make new friends, they have adventures, and they push themselves. I think the fact that we currently have over 450,000 member’s shows that the movement is more popular than ever and is providing a lot of opportunity for young people. Membership is growing, so that proves that the scouts are enjoying themselves and that’s not bad for an organisation that’s over a hundred years old, but still meeting the needs of today’s kids.

A hundred years old?

Yes, we’ve hit our centenary year and there’s been a lot to celebrate. We formed Cub100 to commemorate 100 years of Cub scouting and have held events all over the country. We’re actually the largest mixed youth organisation in the UK today. Not bad for a movement that was established in 1907. I think it shows we have really moved with the times and are providing a valuable outlet for our members. The transformation in the last fifteen years has been quite remarkable. That translates to thousands of kids all over the UK getting involved in masses of different activities every week.

And that’s not including the camps and trips.

So it’s not all about woggles and knots anymore?

We still have a woggle but, as I said before, the uniform is very modern these days. It’s all part of the re-brand to keep us relevant in the twenty-first century. Anyone, boy or girl, can join as a Beaver when they are six and carry right on through Cubs, Scouts and Explorers to the Scout Network for 18-25 years old. Scouting is very inclusive and I really can’t recommend it enough.

For more information about scouting and other clubs visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

Sat 6 May and Sun 4 June - Harrow on the Hill

Suitable for Ofsted Registration.

Includes some home study.

Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85

Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

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Local Clubs and Classes Directory PARTIES LEGO® Engineering Clubs, Parties And Workshops. E2 Young Engineers programmes inspire young people to be innovative critical thinkers and problem solvers by exploring aspects of engineering and science building working models using our custom made kits. Programmes available for ages 4 – 99! Build self-confidence, resilience and creativity through play! www.young-engineers.co.uk Central and West London:  07522 602 122  Info.westlondon@young-engineers.co.uk Hertfordshire & Middlesex:  07454 363 766 Shelina@young-engineers.co.uk  07565 195 895  Smita@young-engineers.co.uk Silly Millie the Clown - parties for 3 - 9 year olds. Funny magic show, puppet’s, party games, silly songs & balloon animals. 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) Fun for kids, hassle-free for parents, birthday parties at The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor, for 1-10 years boys & girls include invitations, party leader & assistant(s), freshly prepared food, decorations, music, lights, games, dancing, props and prizes. Optional extras - adult refreshments, face-painting and party bags. Lots of themes from Princesses and Super Heroes to Monsters, Trolls, Makers and Mad Hatters! Modern & clean venue.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio@gmail.com www.thewindmillstudio.com

CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling women who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present.

Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women.

Every Wednesday night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre.  www.capitalconnection.org.uk Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and during term holidays in a friendly environment.  07737847405 or info@ egglesscakedelights.com.  www.egglesscakedelights.com The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore.

Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be.

There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW YogaBelles: yoga designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli

First Aid MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs.  Margaret 07814 191 395  mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development.

Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 6258  www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Club Petit Pierrot (NW3/8/11) French Parent & Toddler group for 2-4 year olds in Hampstead at the JW3 Centre (NW3). Mon from 10.30am-11.15am and will be a multi-sensory session, totally in French, with many fun and varied activities including songs, rhymes, music, arts & crafts, dances and movement, language games, and puppets…all great fun! There will also be new fun French after-school classes on Weds for 4 to 6 yr olds and 6 to 8 yr olds in St Anthony’s School for Girls, Hampstead (NW11).

Multi-sensory sessions with arts & crafts and music & movement also take place in St Mark’s Church Hall, St John’s Wood/Maida Vale (NW8) on Thurs, Fri and Sat.  020 7385 5565  admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www. clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org Little Stars Baby Club (HA9) A fun and friendly baby club where new mums with babies from birth to sitting can relax and meet new friends whilst babies play and explore with a range of lovely sensory toys. Every Friday 9:30-11:15am at Powell Suites @ Chalkhill Community Centre, The Welford Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park HA9 9FX. £2.00  0208 385 1836  littlestarswembley@gmail.com Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September and February 2016 and are free.  contact@igclondon.org.uk

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North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow.  www.singandsign.com

ACTIVITY CENTRES

Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of activities available from 6mths to 12yrs.  020 8954 5759  kidzzone@aspire.org.uk. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and parties.  01923 892140  www.gambado.com JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your little ones are playing.  0208 427 8847  info@ rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755  www.thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun!  07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk www.beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook. com/beatbuilding Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 years old with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills. New class starting in Hendon in Jan 2017.  020 8444 9435  www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk Little Notes (HA1&HA6) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2016.

Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians. Sarah is a classically-trained singer and leads classes with voice, piano, flute and guitar. She creates an interactive musical space where children and adults can be guided as they explore sounds, shapes, rhythms and rhymes together. Love music, right from the start! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years in Harrow & Northwood. Please see website for more details.  020 8426 4114  sarahlittlenotes@gmail.com www.littlenotes.co.uk Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Focusing on a range of engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down tempo, leaving parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy tickling roller coaster!  Contact hilda@mini-maniacs.com or visit www.mini-maniacs.com Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Harrow and Stanmore.  020 8427 6595  www.monkeymusic.com

SPORTS AND EXERCISE Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and nurturing teachers.  07841342874  capoeiracademyuk@gmail. com www.capoeiracademyuk.com Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy-aBall parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike!  08452 26 26 94  www.enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Everyone Active (various) Swimming lessons, sports clubs and activities for all ages. See our ad on page 19 for more details.  www.everyoneactive.com Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Tracey fieldendflyers@gmail.com Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green,

Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet  020 8201 1084  jlevene@littlekickers. co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford  0208 123 9346  jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA* (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s MixedMartial Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs. Ladies Only Boxing & Kick Boxing from 15yrs. Mixed Adult KRAV MAGA Classes from 16yrs.  www. fightingcombatfitness.co.uk; www.moderncombatmartialarts.com;  07818 416 671 Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds.

Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with funfilled programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility and coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Stanmore.  For more information contact charlie@rugbytots.co.uk SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children.

All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth  01923255099  sportskids@outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail.co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults at the YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden.

Baby, Ballet, Gym, Soft Play and Classes from £4.40.  020 8832 1576  yactive@ymcawestlondon.org www.ymcawestlondon.org

Massage & Yoga Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates, Baby Massage & Fitness for Mums for those in & near Eastcote, Ruislip, Harrow, Pinner, Northwood, Uxbridge, & Maida Vale West London. info@positivlifefitness. com  07974 062 973  www.positivlifefitness.com www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures for children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, posture and concentration and also helps in relaxation. Fun and engaging classes for children from walking to 12 years of age.  Contact details: 08458997168. deepti@yogabugs.com. www.yogabugs.com YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength and flexibility!

YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 months) YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): Sat mornings, Bushey YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Sat & Sun mornings, Bushey NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Weekday evening, Bushey  07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk; www.yogabellies.co.uk/ members/anjli

Swimmimg Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim without aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of parking. They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and weekly ‘Term Time’ courses.  www.aquaswim.org  07925954144.

Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water confidence. Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages including Adults. New Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey WD23.

Tel 01923 245 772 www.aqua-vie.com or email office@aqua-vie.com Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and abilities, ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults.  www.aweswim.co.uk  01923 537070 Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, they pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching environment. They provide fully qualified instructors who are committed to maintaining and improving an excellent quality of teaching along with low ratio swimming lessons in a safe environment for children aged 3.5 years plus. All abilities are catered for, from gaining water confidence through to competition training, following the ASA progressive scheme awards.  07749554405  www.pushandglide.co.uk Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School.  Splashtime Swim School  07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level.  07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy agency that is always looking for new recruits!  01895 624755 www.jam2000.co.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Focus on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts

Local Clubs and Classes Directory activities. Two week trial available.  020 8447 4530  www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Italia Conti Ruislip (HA5) A Performing Arts School for students of 2yrs to adult, based at Haydon School in Eastcote. ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern, Street dance, Break Dance, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Singing, LAMDA, acting, Gymnastics, Lyrical and much more! Shows twice a year at Harrow Arts Centre. Telephone or email for a FREE TRIAL 0  20 8838 8747  info@italiacontiruislip.co.uk www.italiacontiruislip.co.uk Nichola Rees Youth Academy – NYRA (WD) An acting and performing arts academy based in Watford, for young people aged 4-18 years.Weekly workshops on Thursdays and Saturdays, and an annual performance.  07702 965 851  nichola@nrya.co.uk www.nrya.co.uk Perform weekly drama, dance and singing (Various) A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Small classes and lots of individual attention. No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers. From April, Perform 4-7s will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane.

The 7-12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space-age version of the castaway survival classic.

For ages 4-12. The Summer term runs until 21st July and starts up again 2nd September 2017.  020 7255 9120 /  enquiries@perform.org.uk www. perform.org.uk/try Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre productions.  01923 437693  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs.  wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance

Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge City Centre. Classes for children ages 2 all the way through to adults. Hip Hop, Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/competitive levels. Three fully equipped studios available for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all genres) and gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school extra curricular sessions, and PE and PPA cover lessons. 01895 251224  admin@futunityuk.com www. futunityuk.com Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in ballet, tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (tap), and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, North Harrow and Bushey.  07814 793 772  instepschoolofballet@yahoo. co.uk www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Learn a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Salsa at our weekly classes. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults the courses are Fun, Motivating and KBM offers many performance opportunities. All dance levels welcome. Contact our friendly team for your class registration. 0208 423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National.

Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard.

All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert.  0208 8662105 or 01923 285380.  www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk RISE Studios (WD) Dance and Performing Arts Schools in Watford and Rickmansworth. Classes in ballet, modern, tap, street dance, hip-hop, drama, singing, LAMDA and Performing Arts.  01923 218626  www.rise-studios.com The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Monday–Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers.  07946 055 422  info@mysistersandme.co.uk Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Let them explore their creative side!

Imaginative Art classes delivering art techniques in a fun environment.

Infant Classes Mon 3.30, Tues 5, Thurs 3.45pm. Juniors classes Tues 5, Wed 4.30, Thurs 5pm NEW 11+ classes Wed 5.45pm & Preschool “stay and create” classes for ages 2-4 and an adult, Wed 1.30-2.15pm & more coming soon.  07773 819 603, blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/BlankCanvasArtClub Luchi and Ota (HA8) Sewing classes and course for kids and adults. Also

hold one-off drop-in sessions and sewing and craft parties.  020 8958 7714  hello@luchiandota.com www.luchiandota.com Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up!

Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come dressed for mess!  0208 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family Mini Picassos (NW10) After school art courses for children 4-13yrs. Toddler Picassos - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.45-3.45pm: Painting, water play, collage, play dough and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 yrs. Adults evening Life drawing classes. Mini Picassos Arty Birthday Party for children aged 2-10 years and Summer Holiday workshops too!  07903 638 817  www. minipicassos.co.uk info@minipicassos.co.uk Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch and Sketch Club for children and teens. Start with simple hand sewing then developing sewing machine and design techniques to design and create your own items. Saturday Sketch Club develops looking and drawing skills and confidence. Also parties and one-off workshops. Adults’ weekly Dressmaking sessions and occaisional Beginners workshops. W: stitch.club E: sam@stitch.club The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB /EDUCATION SUPPORT

Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards.  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or  Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, Science and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College.  020 3004 9007 www.champslearning.co.uk Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with technology: mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available.  020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. wendy@clickit-kids.co.uk.

DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels.

Adult courses are also available.  Gerard on 07767 300940  info@ discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware.

Programmes for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for entrance exams or you just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can help. 99% success rate.  020 8958 1192 07956868119  www.childrensstories.net www.kidslearnfast.co.uk Excel Academy (HA3) Experienced tuition in preparation for SATs, 11+, 13+, GCSEs, AS & A2 levels. Small group sizes, all aspects of the National Curriculum covered.  www.excelacademy.org.uk Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every Saturday in Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, Middx HA4, for all children aged 5 – 11 years. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.15am prompt, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, designed for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to a child’s learning needs & style. Find out more about this structured approach to learning, by contacting one of your local Centre managers.  www.firstclasslearning.co.uk Fleet Tutors (Various) Professional one to one tutoring. Fleet Tutors has been matching the right tutor to the education needs of students across the UK since 1977. Tutors are subject specialists who tailor the teaching and learning experience to relieve any subject specific anxieties and help build your child’s confidence so they achieve a successful outcome.  0333 920 2545. www.fleet-tutors.co.uk The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfin group for children, 6 to 9 year olds are reopening their group after the Summer holidays on Tuesday 6th September in Central Harrow. Parents wishing to join their children should contact the District Secretary; John Woolf:  020 8428 2409 or  e-mail: harrow@woodcraft.org.uk For more information regarding Harrow Woodcraft Folk visit their web site: www.harrowwoodcraftfolk. btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin

High Fliers (HA4 & WD7) 11+ tuition for Independent and Grammar school entrance. Run by highly experienced and qualified prep school teachers offering a unique and tailored tutoring service.  07949 297070/07534 020868  info@high-fliers.org.uk www.high-fliers.org.uk Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm  Nicole 07794078452  holidays@activetime.co.uk www.activetime.co.uk Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration.  Usha Patel 07766 837 616  ushapatel. raviv@gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL.  020 3488 0754  www.jkeducate.co.uk Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Kumon (various) Unique maths and English study programmes which support children by building and developing a solid foundation in their literacy and/or numeracy skills.  www.kumon.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Offer specialist experience and accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays. 2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and NonVerbal Reasoning. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted.  01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged three and a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English.  020 8213 3100 07949 925374 The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar and private schools.  For a call back email your name and phone number to info@thelondontutors.co.uk Mastermind Tuition (HA) Specialise in 11+, Maths, English, Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning (including CEM-style) and Grammar & Independent school preparation. Classes in Harrow & Northwood (free parking on site) Visit the website or call  07478 878672 to book a FREE TRIAL  www.mastermindtuition.com mastermindtuition@aol.co.uk Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework support.  0333 12 33 445  www.mathscool.com The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An independent service covering a range of children’s communication difficulties.  01923 824 074  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered.  www.pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time.  0207 407 6744.  admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.co.uk The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ entrance exams. 07850 045 471  Sonya.Thiru@gmail.com Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the SEN register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via computer) monitored daily.  Usha Patel on 07766 837 616  info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) Simple Studies (NW4) Offer expert English and Maths tuition for 4-16 year olds at their cosy centre in Hendon. They specialise in 11+ entrance exams.

Quote ‘Familiesmagazine’ and get 10% off your first lesson!  07793 498195  www.simplestudies.co.uk Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 7683 0734  www.sdeuk.org/swherts Stanmore Tutor Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for that all important place.  020 3538 2437 Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Learn to touch type!

Weekly lessons and intensive holiday courses for children from age 8-18.

Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8434 7111.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@ typeitforkids.co.uk.

Families North West London is designed by Bibbysalt and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2017. Families North West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North West London are fully protected by copyright and non 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.

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST An independent service covering a range of Children’s communication difficulties.

Contact THE NORTHWOOD PRACTICE MRCSLT, HPC

Call 01923 824074

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

What’s On in Children’s Theatre

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

The Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Tue 9 – Wed 10 May – The First Hippo on the Moon From Number One bestselling Children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure for children of 3 and up. Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon first? Adapted for the stage by acclaimed award winning Theatre company Les Petits and hot off the heels of their hugely successful Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs tour and immersive hit Adventures in Wonderland, comes a fantastical adventure featuring puppetry, music, mayhem and a giant space race to the moon!

Wed 21 – Thu 22 Jun – Ben & Holly Ben and Holly live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure. They have fun and games helping Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave, they go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, even plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle, and oops, let’s hope there’s not another jelly flood! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family!

artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 7 May – The Explorer After crash landing on an unusual island, the brave Explorer encounters wild beasts, rough seas and futuristic technologies. Join her as she leaps, swims, floats into space and enjoys a rather bumpy elephant ride as she tries to find a way back home. She might need a little help along the way too.The Explorer is a delightful new marionette show with original music by Birmingham’s Grandmaster Gareth, stunning visuals by designer Alle Dowska, a fabulous hand-carved string puppet, and a whole host of surprises. Ages 3-8 yrs Sun 14 May – Dough! Dough! explores how life can be filled with colour and beauty when we step outside the beige world we know. Jess is in a mess, a very doughy mess. Unable to resolve the chaos in her kitchen she has to make a journey to an unfamiliar place to get help. Everything tastes, smells and feels different there. Fantastic things can happen with ordinary stuff. And what could be more ordinary than the dough that makes our everyday staples. Familiar to all cultures, dough creates the loaves, naan bread, croissants, dumplings and chapattis that remind us of home. Ages 3+ Sun 21 May – The Scarecrows’ Wedding Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows (they scare a lot of crows). They decide to get married and Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials including a dress of feathers, a bunch of flowers and a necklace made from shells. However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Dashing, daring and ever so cool, can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her? Will Harry make it back in the nick of time before Reginald ruins their special day?

This truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style and promises wit, drama, and wedding bells! Ages 3+ Sat 27 – Wed 31 May – Room on the Broom Join the Witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers - a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a crazy frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and - CRACK - it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears! Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the Olivier-nominated show that’s toured Britain and the world!

Sun 11 Jun – Sponge Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. Sponge is about all things spongy, a child’s ability to soak information up like a sponge and the squishy, squashy texture that fascinates children and adults alike. There are two versions of Sponge: 11am for children aged 4 - 14 months only and 2pm for children aged 4 months - under 4 years.

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What the Ladybird Heard - Lyric Theatre Sat 17 Jun – Teddy Bear’s Picnic If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise..! Let’s All Dance is back with this delightful treat for very young audiences. Combining classical ballet, physical theatre, gorgeous visuals and crystalclear story telling, this innovative dance company pitches another production perfectly to engage and enthrall all children, including those with special needs.

The teddies would love you to join them as they eat, dance, play and have fun! Little ones can take their own teddy, clap along and have their photo taken with the dancers! Ages 1+ Sun 18 Jun – The Owl and the Pussycat This gorgeous new ballet takes a fresh and humorous look at the famous Lear poem. Once again, Let’s All Dance combines fantastic dancing, beautiful costumes and crystal clear story telling to engage and delight young audiences. Ages 2-11 yrs

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com Sat 6 May – Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert Music is a language that everyone understands, heard and loved around the world. But every country has a slightly different musical accent, and for every person the music has a slightly different meaning. In this Family Concert, 36 musicians from 12 countries will be your guides through a symphony written in Italy by a German all about Scotland. Join Southbank Sinfonia for a thrilling global adventure, hearing straight from the performers as they uncover the ingredients of classical music like never before. Big-screen projections and lighting immerse you within the music during the concert, and then afterwards you can meet the musicians and try out their instruments. ages 5 - 11 yrs

Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Thu 1 – Sat 3 Jun – Pop! Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin in this mind-blowing feast of illusion, comedy and a MASSIVE balloon! With his faithful teddy bear, deckchair and fantastic basket of tricks, Christian is all set for a lovely day at the seaside…until the day takes a turn and things don’t quite work out as planned… A fun-filled show for children and families performed by Britain’s Got Talent 2016 finalist and award-winning comedy magician Christian Lee. Sun 25 Jun – Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Based on the bestselling children’s book, this fabulous feel-good show features music, songs, hand-crafted puppets and Biff, the ballet-dancing dog! Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina!

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

Little Angel Theatre

Puppet Theatre Barge

14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com

Little Venice W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com

Thu 8 Jun – Sponge Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a funky 1970s soundtrack, including disco favourites The Hustle and Car Wash. Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences and encouraging lots of family interaction. Ages 4 mnths – 3 yrs

Until Sun 14 May - The Flight of Babuscha Baboon The story of a baboon who wanted to fly to the moon in a hot-air balloon.

On the way, she meets an elephant who is threatened by ivory hunters! Will Babuscha save the elephant?

And will she ever reach the moon? This production is a magical combination of marionettes, shadow puppets, haunting music, beautiful lighting and moving poetry, and is guaranteed to captivate adults and children alike. Ages 3+

Thu 15 & Fri 16 Jun – Aleena’s Garden Colour The Clouds Theatre Company are delighted to welcome you to Aleena’s Garden, a sensory, interactive adventure for 0-3 year olds and their grown ups. Join Aleena as she tends to her garden from the first days of spring through to the snowy fun of winter with the help of some very special animal friends… Aleena’s Garden is a perfect first theatre experience for very young children. Join Aleena in her beautiful garden, help bring the seeds to life, meet the animals that live there, watch the flowers bloom, the trees blossom and the seasons change.

Until Sun 16 Jul – Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight. And music. And walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog, Biff thinks he’s a ballerina… The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling theatrical comedy

by Little Angel Theatre. Ages 2-7 yrs Until Sun 16 Jul – Red Riding Hood and the Wolf You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice.

But there are two sides to every story, so let’s hear it from the Wolf himself! Here’s the story never heard of a kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. This wolf isn’t big or even bad, in fact he’s rather shy. He won’t gobble up your grandma or tell you lies. He’s polite and very gentle, he’s an all-round nice guy. So before you make up your mind about the wolf you think you know so well, enjoy a whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to never judge anyone by how they look. Ages 5+

Pump House Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info Tue 16 – Sat 20 May – James and the Giant Peach Who hasn’t wanted to join James as he escapes his horrible aunts and sets off inside the peach on his wonderful adventures? The NYRA Saturday youth group are proud to present this wonderful production.

Sat 20 May – Sun 9 Jul - The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop Aesop’s Fables is an exciting collection of tales, all told with wood-carved marionettes, culminating in the evergreen classic The Hare and the Tortoise. Other stories feature storms to be weathered, ferocious lions to be overcome, and a group of daredevil mice who plot to hoodwink the cat. As ever with Aesop, there are always a few morals to take away. Ages 3+

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Wed 10 – Thu 11 May – Dinosaur World A brand new dino-mite adventure! Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new for show all the family. Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, to name a few! Ages 3+ Sat 13 May - Vienna Festival Ballet: Cinderella Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present the classic tale of Cinderella, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time. A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince combine to make the perfect piece of story-telling. Vienna Festival Ballet’s production of Cinderella is based on the traditional story, the ballet will surely touch and reach out to everyone’s heart, with its combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime.

Tue 23 – Thu 25 May - Room On The Broom Join the Witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories ’magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the Olivier-nominated show that’s toured Britain and the world!

What’s On Thu 1 Jun - Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina! Based on the bestselling children’s book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, this fabulous feelgood show features music, songs, hand-crafted puppets and Biff, the ballet-dancing dog! Ages 3+ Tue 13 Jun - The Very Hungry Caterpillar The timeless classic makes its way off the page and onto the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Wed 31 May – Mon 5 Jun - The Man Who Knows It All Is it possible to know everything? The man who knows it all seems to think it is. Two performers and a musician go on a quest in search of everything it is possible to know. Along the way it becomes evident that the questions and answers just keep coming, especially when the audience gets involved. Knowing everything is more difficult than we imagine. A tribute to not really knowing much about anything, an awkward and hapless man and his sidekick fail spectacularly again and again in front of a mercilessly curious audience. Ages 4-10 yrs Tue 20 Jun – Wed 19 Jul - Double Double Act Are children and adults sometimes the same? What does adulthood really mean? And what

The First Hippo on the Moon - The Alban Arena

Watford Colosseum The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop - Puppet Theatre Barge

Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Sun 28 May - Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be

singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

Mon 26 – Tue 27 Jun - 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! Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem…expect to be surprised! Ages 3+

For many more local events and diary dates for the whole family visit

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

kind of things do we both find funny? Made In China have created a show performed with 8-year-olds and adults that playfully explores these questions. Using the format of the comedy duo, an adult double act and child double act try to take control of the stage; they joke, mirror and test each other, they reverse roles and they subvert expectations. With slapstick, humour and a lot of green slime, this clever and surprising performance offers us a chance to see the world through the others’ eyes. Ages 6+ Thu 29 Jun – Mon 17 Jul - Sensacional 2017 Take your toddler along to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. Watch as your child puts on a white suit and becomes part of a digital world of ladybirds, shapes, squiggles and squarks that won’t keep still, no matter how hard you try to catch them! Bursting with colour and joy, this interactive and immersive digital experience will captivate both you and your child. Ages 18 mnths – 3 yrs Until Sat 19 Aug – Baby Show From the makers of Scrunch and Seesaw, this brand new show is a great first trip to theatre for the really young. Time for a walk, better wrap up warm. Poppers, buttons, zips. Scarf, hat, mittens. Inside out, upside down, back to front. But it’s raining, it’s pouring and the wind is whistling through the trees…Then, out comes the sun. Quick let’s enjoy it whilst we can! Baby Show is a sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that will keep your little ones rapt. Ages 6-18 months

Watersmeet High St, Rickmansworth WD3 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk Fri 12 May - Vienna Festival Ballet presents: Cinderella A new Spring Ballet for the 2017 Season – the classic tale of Cinderella one of the best known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time. A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince combine to make the perfect piece of story-telling.

Thu 18 – Sat 20 May - Annie Based on the strip cartoon Little Orphan Annie, it is the story of Annie, an orphan living in an orphanage run by the sadistic Miss Hannigan, and her quest to find her real parents.

Presented by RARE Productions and featuring such well known songs as Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and NYC.

Watford Palace Theatre Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Thu 15 – Sat 17 Jun – Annie With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. Presented by RARE Productions.

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What’s On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (July/August 2017) send your entry by 25 May 2017 Email Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

May Sun 7 May - Filmsmeet presents: Family film – Beauty and the Beast (WD3) An adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love. Showings at Watersmeet Theatre at 11am, 2pm & 5pm. www.watersmeet.co.uk Sun 7 May - Music at the Bandstand (WD18) Every week between now and September enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon at Cassiobury Park’s bandstand. Each week between 4&6pm throughout the summer months, you can enjoy listening to a variety of bands and choirs. www.watford.gov.uk Sat 13 May - Fundraiser Shopping Event (HA6) A fundraiser event for Syria supported by a charity Syria relief .

12-5pm at Emmanuel Church in Northwood. There will be a free bouncy castle, sweets and food, stalls, clothing and hijabs, jewellery and handbags, cupcakes and pure organic honey stalls and lots more .

07809 403553 Sat 13 May - Enchanted Museum: Museums at Night (HP8) As part of the national after-dark experience ‘Museums at Night’ the Chiltern Open Air Museum will open for a unique and exciting family evening event with a magical enchanted theme. Families can meet the unicorn, enjoy storytelling, crafts and spellbinding activities in the Museum’s historic buildings and grounds, lit up by candle, lantern and firelight for you to explore.

Fancy dress encouraged! From 4 - 8.30 pm. www.coam.org.uk Sat 13 May - Eastcote House Gardens Tree Walk (HA5) Enjoy a family spring stroll in Eastcote’s heritage garden - is a beautiful tranquil, award winning green space, with Grade II listed buildings. These include a historic Walled Garden, wild flower meadows, a Topiary garden and a newly planted Jubilee Orchard, www.eastcotehousegardens.weebly.com Sat 13 May - Lots for Tots Sale Watford (WD25) An indoor table top sale at Francis Combe Academy for people that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler and children’s items, and those that want to buy them. Visitors can browse each sellers table and pick out exactly what they need, paying the seller direct.

The seller keeps all of the money they make and the buyer goes home with lots of bargains. The sale opens to the public at 10am and finishes at 11.45am, entry is £1 per adult. www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk Sat 13 & Wed 31 May; Thu 1, Sat 3, & Sat 24 Jun; Sat 8 Jul - Great Fire of London Family Walk (EC2Y) Visit the sites struck by the Great Fire of 1666 and take part in mini-challenges as a family during this fun and interactive walk from the Museum of London at 11-11.45am.

Suggested ages: 5+, advanced booking advised. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 13 – Sun 14 May - Maple Lodge Nature Reserve - Open Weekend (WD3) Over the weekend this private nature reserve will be open to the public. The reserve is one of Rickmansworth’s hidden secrets and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. On both days guided tours of the reserve will be organised by members of the Maple Lodge Conservation Society.

Light refreshments will be available all day and there will also be plants, second-hand books and handmade greeting cards on sale.

Entry to the reserve and parking will be free of charge. Open 11am – 4pm, no dogs. www.maplelodge.org

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Enchanted Museum Event Chiltern Open Air Museum

Sat 13 May – Sun 3 Sep – Adventures in Wonderland (SE1) Returning to The Vaults at Waterloo, Adventures In Wonderland pushes the boundaries of children’s theatre as families are invited to experience Wonderland up close, and interact with the characters of Alice’s world. This hour long show is an innovative and exciting way for children aged 5 to 10 to experience and begin to understand the magic of Lewis Carroll’s books. www.alice-underground.com Sun 14 May - On Your Bike with Michael Sobell Hospice (HA6) 40 miles for 40 years - that’s the challenge for this year’s annual bike ride! The route takes cyclists through scenic countryside including, Amersham, Hemel Hempstead and Chipperfield. Registration opens at 7.30am on the day, in the MSH Lecture Hall, based on the Mount Vernon Hospital site. All proceeds will support the specialist palliative care services, provided round-the-clock at Michael Sobell Hospice.

020 3826 2367 www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Sat 20 May - WRAP “Animal Agents” (WD24) An art and craft activity for children from 10am-12pm at North Watford Library.

01923 471333 www.watford.gov.uk Sun 20 May - Celebrate Vaisakhi (WD17) Everyone is invited to Watford Palace Theatre to Celebrate Vaisakhi, which returns to the Palace for a seventh year. Enjoy an evening of performances marking the Sikh New Year and the Punjabi Harvest Festival. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Sat 20 May - The Hardy Plant Society Plant Sale (HA4) Promoted by the Middlesex Group of the Hardy Plant Society, a sale of quality plants grown by their members and offered at very reasonable prices. Expect to find old favourites as well as many unusual varieties not available in garden centres. Their friendly members will be able to offer advice if required. Open from 10am - 2pm at The Community Hut (previously known as Manor Farm Hall). Entry is free . www.hardy-plant-middlesex.org.uk

Sat 20 - Sun 21 May - Toddler Takeover at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Take your little ones for a weekend full of exciting activities designed especially for under 5s. Enjoy a range of interactive workshops and performances created in collaboration with local families. Takeover Day is a celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums and is coordinated by the charity Kids in Museums. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Sun 21 May - Watford Colour Run 2017 (WD6) Get all the family together for the friendliest family fun run in town!

Taking place in Aldenham Country Park, the 5k run is suitable for everyone with colour stations at various points on the route where you’ll get covered from top to toe in brightly coloured powder. As well as the colour stations the route also goes round the Hundred Akker Wood to visit Winnie the Pooh and there’ll also be a few more surprises as well. The run will start at 10.30am. www.peacehospicecare.org.uk Sun 21 May - Telling Tales (NW1) Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong for a storytelling adventure at the British Library.

Listen to Norwegian tales of terrible trolls and fantastic foxes. Then become a storyteller yourself, and discover how to make a word salad for a giant story! Perform your story and fill the British Library with your wonderful words. 11.30am – 1pm and 2-3.30pm. Free drop in suitable for ages 5 – 11 years. www.bl.uk Sat 27 May – Get Potting Mad at The Broadwalk Centre (HA8) From 12-4pm, the Broadwalk Centre will be hosting a free make and take workshop, inviting local families to get hands-on and plant their very own sunflowers using the mustard seed soil and pots provided. www.thebroadwalkcentre.com Sat 27 – Sun 28 May - Hertfordshire County Show (AL3) A family day out, with all entertainment included in the ticket price. Livestock, horses & dogs, arena displays, fun, food & shopping. At The Showground in Redbourn. www.hertsshow.com Mon 29 May - Watford Celebration 2017 (WD18) This is Watford’s colourful multicultural free annual festival with performances of music, dance and drama, as well as

What’s On demonstrations of martial and other arts. There will be international lunch time food, activities for children such as a bouncy castle, activity tables, model railway and face painting, and a quiet sacred space area for the sharing of beliefs and faiths. Refreshments are free all day. All are welcome. There will also be a raffle with excellent prizes. Doors open 11.30am for 12noon, at the Multi-Cultural Community Centre and St Michael and All Angels Church in Watford. www.watfordcelebration.com Mon 29 May - Denham Village Fayre 2017 (UB9) The annual Fayre, held in Village Road, Denham, is a Charter Fair with its origin in the 15th century when a market was held in Cheapside (Lane). Nowadays the Fayre is organised for the upkeep of St. Mary’s Church and attracts people from far and wide. 10am to 4pm, free. www.denhamvillagefayre.org.uk

Half Term Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun - Half Term Activities at Museum of London Docklands (E14) There are some great family activities taking place at the weekend over half term, such as illustration workshops, storytelling sessions, and plenty of fun arts and crafts. All events are free – head to the website for further information on specifics activities and dates. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun – Half Term at Museum of London (EC2Y) There’s a whole host of fun activities ti choose from at the Museum of London this half term. Make your own model cow and herd it into the Saxon house on Sat 27 & Mon 29 May from 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm; Help tell the captivating Old Norse myth of Thor’s wedding on Sat 27 May, Thu 1 & Sun 4 Jun, and make your own Beautiful brooch on Sun 28 May & Sun 4 Jun at 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm. For a full list of activities please visit the website. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun - Make Your Own Comic (SW3) Discover the Ministry of Women graphic novel and have a go at making your own comic at the National Army Museum. Join the hands-on workshop where you can learn how to draw one of the graphic novel’s characters - army code breaker Betty - explore the objects used to inspire the novel, and make your own code! There are five 45-minute sessions every day during the May half-term. Book early to guarantee a space. www.nam.ac.uk Sat 27 May - Sun 4 Jun - Spring Special at Willows Activity Farm (AL4) The Spring Special programme will include live sheep shearing demonstrations by Tuck the Shepherd – seeing the woolly friends getting their hair cut for the warmer weather.

You can also enjoy new shows in the Peter Rabbit Theatre, Sheep Racing around the animal race track and all your Willows Favourites including Tristan the Runaway Tractor. www.willowsactivityfarm.com/spring-special Sun 28 – Mon 29 May - Roman Gladiators (HP8) Go along to Chiltern Open Air Museum and watch Roman gladiators in action as a team of criminals, barbarians and other prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers and thrill seekers fight for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor. Who will live, and who will die: you decide! www.coam.org.uk Mon 29 May - Dino Adventure at Knebworth House (SG3) Head down to Knebworth Park & Gardens to experience the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs, with amazing hands-on Dino Animal Encounters throughout the day. There will be a special dinosaur trail, hidden fossils at the Dino-Dig Palaeontological Site, and a hands-on experience with the

reptilian relatives of the dinosaurs, our snakes, lizards and tortoises. www.knebworthhouse.com/events Mon 29 – Tue 30 May – Out of this World: Moon (SE10) Prepare to go ‘out of this world’ and off to the Moon in this action-packed activity morning at the Royal Observatory Greenwich! Start your orientation in the state of the art digital planetarium to visit some popular destinations within our Solar System and beyond. Continue your mission with a brain-bending Moon quiz using voting keypads and featuring stunning images of the natural satellite. Finally take a virtual step onto the Moon with our virtual reality activity to feel what it’s like to step onto the lunar surface. Please note all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. www.rmg.co.uk Mon 29 May – Fri 2 Jun - Make Do and Mend May Half-Term at the RAF Museum (NW9) Go along to the RAF Museum during May half term to discover how people coped on the Home Front in World War Two, with a variety of make do and mend arts and crafts. www.rafmuseum.org.uk Mon 29 May – Fri 2 Jun – Half Term at the V&A Museum of Childhood (E2) ‘Place, House & Building’: A series of workshops and activities inspired by the townscape of the Museum’s new build, design and construct installation, Place (Village)

by Rachel Whiteread. ‘Where we Live: Print Workshop’: These worships invite visitors to be inspired by the past and present of where they live and work with creative practitioner, Alice Bednarova, to design their own colourful townscape block prints. ‘Little Lantern Houses Workshop’: Inspired by Rachel Whiteread’s Place (Village) installation, artist, Frances Barry, leads a workshop that teaches visitors how to craft illuminated miniature paper houses. www.vam.ac.uk

RYA OnBoard Baby (WD3) A suit-wearing briefcasecarrying baby pairs up with his seven-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. At Watersmeet Theatre at 11am, 2pm & 5pm. www.watersmeet.co.uk

take home! Workshop is at 10-10.45am, followed by the film at 11am. Please Note: Accompanying adults do not need to purchase tickets to this workshop but will need tickets for the film screening. www.harrowarts.com

Tue 30 May - Terrific Tuesday (HP8) A day of themed family crafts and activities at Chiltern Open Air Museum. From 11 am - 4 pm. www.coam.org.uk

Tue 30 May - Half Term Fun: Circus Skills Workshop (HA5) Learn the magical circus arts of juggling, plate spinning, diabolo or tight rope in this special half term workshop at Harrow Arts Centre. Then perform your brand new skills at the end of the day! 1-4pm. www.harrowarts.com

Tue 30 May - Half Term Fun: Make Your Own Giant Ears Workshop (HA5) Make some nice, jumbly, giant ears to wear to the BFG film at Harrow Arts Centre – and your very own dream blower to

continued on page 30 v

Mon 29 May – Fri 2 Jun - Kings & Queens at Eltham Palace (SE9) Put on a right royal welcome at Eltham Palace as you learn how to avoid the pitfalls of palace life and impress your regal rulers.

Uncover the ultimate curtsey, bow like a pro, and entertain without being a fool. Find out how to be the King’s right hand man or the Queen’s favourite lady in waiting at this school for novice nobles. Get it wrong and it’ll be off with your head! www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham Mon 29 May – Sun 4 Jun – The Sailor’s Challenge (SE10) Have you got what it takes to join Cutty Sark’s crew? Join the sailor’s challenge, and demonstrate your sailor skills as you navigate around the life-sized gaming board. Will you be able to collect all the cargoes from around the world and make it back safely to England? www.rmg.co.uk Tue 30 May - Filmsmeet presents: Half term family film – The Boss

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What’s On

Cutty Sark - (c)National Maritime Museum v continued from page 29 Tue 30 May – Thu 1 Jun - Ancient Egyptians at Mill Green Museum (AL9) Holiday fun at the museum! On Tue 30 May make a stunning Egyptian Collar; On Wed 31 May write your name in hieroglyphics in a Cartouche, and on Thu 1 Jun, make a Clay Mummy in its very own sarcophagus. Workshop times are 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm. No booking required, just come along but please go at the start of the session as you will need a full hour to make your creations. www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Tue 30 May – Fri 2 Jun – Half Term Fun at Verulamium Museum (AL3) Roman themed crafts on Tue 30 May, Archaeology with storytelling on Wed 31 May, activities based on ‘Curse of the Pharaohs’ on Thur 1 Jun, and craft activities with an Egyptian theme on Fri 2 Jun. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Wed 31 May - Filmsmeet presents: Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience (WD3) Take your little one along to Watersmeet Theatre to see Peppa Pig and friends in this fun, interactive big screen experience! www.watersmeet.co.uk Wed 31 May - OAE Tots Musical Journey (SE1) Introduce your child to the magic of the orchestra in these kid-friendly concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. The very youngest of music lovers are always captivated

by OAE Totsconcerts, led by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. www.southbankcentre.co.uk Wed 31 May – Thu 1 Jun Explore: Mystery Specimens (HP23) Take on the role of a scientist and investigate which animals the specimens belong to at the Natural History Museum in Tring. For 5+yrs. www.nhm.ac.uk Fri 2 Jun - Half Term Fun: Make a Pet Workshop (HA5) Make your very own dog, cat or rabbit at Harrow Arts Centre to take to the showing of the film The Secret Life of Pets with you! Workshop is at 10-10.45am, followed by the film at 11am. Please Note: Accompanying adults do not need to purchase tickets to the workshop but will need tickets for the film screening. www.harrowarts.com

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Sat 3 Jun - Thomas & Friends™ Inflatable Play Station (WD17) Thomas & Friends™ is calling little engine drivers to travel with friends through Sodor, and join in on an exciting adventure with the Thomas & Friends inflatable Play Station! Thomas fans will be able to set friendship in motion at this fun and free Thomas & Friends experience, open from 10am at Smyths Toy Store in Watford.

Little ones can work together to complete nine different activities, as they make their way through the Play Station to the finish line where they will receive a free gift to celebrate friendship with Thomas! www.thomasplaystation.co.uk

June Sat 3, Sun 4, Mon 5, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Jun - Harrow Open Studios 2017 (Various) A group of artists will come together to open their individual studios or homes to the public, enabling you to see a diverse range of art and to meet the artists who will be happy to explain to you how they work.

Much of the work on display is for sale and often it is also possible to commission a bespoke piece.

Entry is free and some studios will also have refreshments. This event is perfect whether you are curious about what is being created in your street, looking for a piece of art for your home or if you just want to know more about the creative process. http://www.harrowopenstudios.com Sat 3 Jun - Garden Open Day (WD18) Go and join the team of New Hope at their Community Market Garden Open Day! Pick up a range of ornamental plants, vegetable seedlings, herbs and craft items made in the garden for a donation. Whilst there, you can experience storytelling in the garden yurt, take part in percussion workshops and enjoy other music throughout the day, service user poetry readings, children’s craft activities and light refreshments. Entrance to garden is through the gate between 62-64 Rickmansworth Road. Entry is free. 10:30am - 3pm. www.newhope.org.uk Sat 3 Jun - Family Volunteer Days at Celtic Harmony Camp (SG13) Go over and explore the Prehistory settlement, the largest reconstructed Iron Age settlement in the UK, and help out with the day’s tasks from woodland work to putting the finishing touches to the new Roundhouses. Take a walk around the woods and then relax with

North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

a warming drink in the Archer’s Rest Cafe. Pre bookings only. Free Admission! 10am - 1pm.

01438 718 543 www.celticharmony.org Sat 3 – Sun 4 Jun - St Albans Steam and Country Show (AL4) Showcasing steam engines, vintage vehicles, classic cars and more. At Oaklands College from 10am. www.hertssteam.co.uk/events Sun 4 Jun – Hillingdon House Farm Sports Ground 5K (UB8) Cancer Research UK’s Race for life is a series of women-only events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. Since 1994, women of all ages and fitness levels across the UK have come together at these inspiring events to walk, jog or run to help beat cancer. From 11 am to 5pm. www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org Sat 10 Jun - Nascot Wood Schools’ Association Summer Fair (WD17) At Nascot Wood Junior School from 12-4pm. Raffle prizes include: Overnight stay for 2 at The Grove, with dinner and breakfast! Bouncy castles, amusements, games, stalls, food/drink, candy floss + lots more!

Entrance £1.

NWSA@live.co.uk Sat 10 & Sun 11 Jun - Watford Pretty Muddy and Race for Life 5k & 10k (WD18) Watford Race for Life will bring thousands of women together at Cassiobury Park to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research. Run, jog or walk; the only thing that matters is that you’re part of it.

Want to push yourself further? Enter the brand new 10k. Or take on Pretty Muddy on Sat 10th Jun - the obstacle course that sees women of all abilities crawl through tunnels, bounce on space hoppers and slip down mudslides. www.raceforlife.org Fri 16 Jun - Ladies in the Night Disco Fever Walk (HA6) A very special 70’s themed Ladies in the Night Disco Fever Walk to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Michael Sobell Hospice. You can choose from a 5½ or 9 mile challenge through the local area. So bring out the disco diva or the soul man in you and get your ticket today for the biggest disco party of the year and raise some money for your local hospice.

0203 826 2367 www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Sat 17 Jun - Watford Rural Parish Council Summer Fun-Day (WD19)

A Summer Fun-Day with free entry. Activities include children’s rides, bungee, bouncy castle, bucking rodeo, stalls and raffle. 11am - 3pm at St Andrew’s Precinct in South Oxhey. www.watfordrural-pc.org.uk Sat 17 Jun - Relay For Life in Harrow (HA3) Throughout the year, teams of 8 to 15 people get together and fundraise in their local communities to support the work of Cancer Research UK. Then everyone comes together in an inspiring overnight celebration and commemoration that the whole community can be part of. On the day of Relay For Life Harrow you can expect a celebratory mix of music, games, entertainment, food, fundraising and perhaps a few surprises! As the evening draws in, everyone gathers to light Candles of Hope and pay tribute to those whose lives have been affected by cancer. Bags are decorated and lit up by a glowing candle so that messages of remembrance and celebration line the track to create a moving and unforgettable moment. At Bannister Sports Centre. www.relay.cancerresearchuk.org Sat 17 Jun – Open Gardens Weekend: Canons Park (HA8) Open on Saturday from 1-5pm, there will be activities such as Yoga sessions for all; Herb discovery walk at 3 & 4pm; Face painting and art activities for children; Friends of Canons Park stall, featuring information and leaflets on the history and restoration of the park; Story-telling sessions, as well as a Café. Open Garden Squares Weekend takes place on both Saturday and Sunday at over 200 private and little known gardens. Take a look at the website for further information. www.opensquares.org Sat 17 Jun - Tring Bioblitz (HP23) Family-friendly activities at the Natural History Museum in Tring, including pond dipping, mammal trapping, tree shaking and grass beating. Suitable for all ages, drop-in from 10am-4pm. www.nhm.ac.uk Sun 18 Jun – Father’s Day Medieval Jousting (SG3) The turrets and towers of Knebworth House provide a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship.

Knights demonstrate their skills in hand to hand combat to the delight of the crowds who are encouraged to cheer, and jeer, their favourite knights. There are two scheduled jousting displays at about 12.30 and 2.30pm (dependent

What’s On on the weather). www.knebworthhouse.com/events Sun 18 Jun - Working Heavy Horse Show (HP8) Go and see this popular event at the Chiltern Open Air Museum.

Watch spectacular arena events and parades at 12 pm and 3 pm. Meet a variety of working horses including Shires, Clydesdales, Comtois and Percheron. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional farm work such as hay making, horse logging and cultivation in the arena field between shows.

See a unique horse gin (engine) demonstration in the Farmyard. www.coam.org.uk Sat 24 Jun - Medieval medals (E14) Create your own medieval masterpieces at the Museum of London Docklands. Make pilgrims badges like those that can be found on the banks of the Thames today. A free activity taking place from 12-1.30pm & 2.30-4pm.

Sun 25 Jun - The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Buttercup Walk (HA7) The Buttercup Walk is a sponsored 1-mile walk through the grounds of the Stanmore hospital, which is enjoyed by several hundred people every year. The attractions and entertainments on offer include children’s rides, a wide range of stalls, a live band and a dog show. buttercupwalk@rnoh.nhs.uk www.rnohcharity.org Sun 25 Jun - Travelling Words (NW1) Head along to the British Library to celebrate Refugee Week, with writer Jenneba Sie-Jalloh, using the Library’s wonderful archives as inspiration. This is a fun and creative workshop using games, words, music and pictures to tell stories and explore different pasts and shared futures. 11.30am – 1pm and 2-3.30pm.

Free drop in suitable for ages 5 – 11 years. www.bl.uk Tue 27 Jun – Tue 18 Jul – Living with a Teenager (HA1) This ‘4’ Part Workshop is for every parent with a teenager or adolescent aged 12 years+. It can be exciting and satisfying helping our young people grow up to be capable independent young adults! Topics

Travelling Words British Library

include: Understanding and acknowledging the needs of pre-teens and teenagers; Negotiating and setting limits; Finding different ways to communicate effectively; Peer pressure. Sessions run from 7-9pm at Hope Harrow, 64 Pinner Road.

0208 863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk Fri 30 Jun - Midnight Walk (HA3) Walk through the streets of Harrow and Brent with thousands of other women to Light up the Night for St Luke’s Hospice! On the 10th anniversary special Midnight Walk, get together with friends, family and colleagues and walk 5 or 9 miles through the night with 1,500 women all dressed in pink supporting St Luke’s Hospice.

The walk starts from Harrow Leisure Centre at 10.30pm. www.stlukes-hospice.org/midnightwalk

July Sat 1 Jul – Summer Fete (HA1) Trinity preschool in Harrow, Hindes Road, are holding a Summer fete on Saturday July 1st 10am-12pm. There will be face painting, stalls, cakes and refreshments, craft activities, and much more. www.trinitypreschoolharrow.co.uk Sat 1 Jul - Lots for Tots Sale Rickmansworth (WD3) An indoor table top sale at Rickmansworth School for people that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler and children’s items, and those that want to buy them. Visitors can browse each sellers table and pick out exactly what they need, paying the seller direct. The seller keeps all of the money they make and the buyer goes home with lots of bargains. The sale opens to the public at 10am and finishes at 11.30am, entry is £1 per adult. info@lotsfortotssale.co.uk www.lotsfortotssale. co.uk/rickmansworth Sat 1 Jul - London Shopping Festival (HA3) The London Shopping Festival is a multi-cultural event with a jampacked programme including styling sessions, trend tips, makeup master classes, new product demonstrations and special discounts. There is something for everyone, including family fun and entertainment, with opportunities for little ones to meet some of their favourite characters and enjoy exciting activities. 2-8pm at Harrow Leisure Centre. www.londonshoppingfestival.com

stalls and sellers, live music, food and drink, games and sport activities, and Heritage walks.

All ages are welcome, and the event will run from midday until 8pm at Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross. £2 adult entry Children up to aged 11 years old free. www.thewoodoaksassociation.com Sat 1 Jul - Morning explorers (ASC friendly) (EC2Y) Morning Explorers at the Museum of London offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as arts and crafts, self-directed trails and sensory room. 8.30-10am, advanced booking required. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Fri 7 – Sat 8 Jul - Richard the III, Has Anyone Seen My Horse (HA1) The Hillplayers invite you to go and enjoy Shakespeare in the park, “Richard the III , Has Anyone Seen My Horse” adapted by Geoff Bamber on Fri 7th Jul at 8pm and Sat 8th Jul at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm at Arc House Open Air Theatre (outside Harrow on the Hill tube station).

Set during the War of the Roses, this is a modern family friendly version of the play which is fun for all. Tickets available from Sunday 21st May at midday, and can be purchased online. www.hillplayers.ticketsource.co.uk 0333 666 3366.

Sat 1 Jul - Woodoaks Summer Festival 2017 (WD3) The fourth annual summer festival, with activities including local

For many more local events and diary dates for the whole family visit www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk North West London MAY/JUNE 2017

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