Families Upon Thames Issue 128 Jan/Feb 2019

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Upon Thames

RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

Issue 128 January/February 2019

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FRIDAY

29 TH MARCH #H attastic

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4- 18 year-olds CHERTSEY 0772 517 6102

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Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

2 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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contents

4 New Year New You 8 Early Years 10 Parenting 12 New Year Book Review 13 Education 20 Clubs and Classes Directory 26 Travel 28 Days Out 30 What’s On

To advertise in this magazine contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor SARAH HODGSON, Managing Editor DESIGN & PRINT, Ridgeway Press

m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 128 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames @FamiliesuponT Now more than 7,700 followers!

Make sure you pick up our September/October issue for Summer Days Out and Holiday Workshops Out early September

Families Upon Thames is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Upon Thames are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Upon Thames. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Upon Thames • 3

New Year New You

Healthy Eating Trends for 2019

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o you know your kombucha from your quinoa? Every year new healthy food and eating trends pop up that soon have many people following them. 2018 seemed to be the year for veganism with vegan food lines being released in many of the major supermarkets. You can even buy vegan Ben & Jerry’s ice cream now! Claire Winter looks at what people will be trying this year.

Your Gut Matters Gut health is fast becoming an important factor to consider when looking at your overall health.

Nutritionists say that poor gut health can lead to fatigue and depression. A move away from carbohydrates, meats and processed foods and to a plant-based diet can really help your intestinal health. According to Nutritionist Resource member Jane Snooks, foods good for your gut health are often unknown or feared: “Probiotic foods and drinks are fantastic for boosting the population of good bacteria in our gut.

Sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi are all readily available in health food shops and more recently in some mainstream

supermarkets. Don’t buy the pasteurised versions though as all the beneficial bacteria will have been killed in the process! These foods are also fairly easy to make at home at a fraction of the cost. Equally as important, we also need to be eating prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus and leeks, berries and bananas to name a few. Good bacteria in our gut need food to survive, and they thrive on these.”

Vegetables Take Centre-Stage Vegetarianism and plant-based diets will become increasingly popular this year, as people become more educated about the health and environmental benefits of eating less meat. New Covent Garden market in London has highlighted some veg trends for 2019: The rise of vegetables with meaty consistency taking centre-stage in a meal – we’ve seen a real increase in the usage of jackfruit, which is now available from the market’s traders whole, peeled and cut or ready to cook. This trend also applies to wild and cultivated mushroom species such as cloud fungus and hen of the woods selling well.

Skin-on veg and ‘root to flower’ eating – there’s been a shift towards not peeling veg, just simply scrubbing to clean and cooking

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

skin-on – particularly something we’re seeing more of with carrots and potatoes.

Similarly, ‘root to flower’ eating is becoming popular in a move to reduce food waste. You can cook with ruby chard stalks, the green flags from leeks and the pale green leaves from cauliflower heads.

Cooking from Scratch Jenny Tschiesche, nutritionist and bestselling author, is an advocate of easy, nutritious cooking from scratch. “Whether it is meal delivery boxes or fresh organic vegetable deliveries you can’t fail to have noticed that there is a definite move away from the processed ready meal and towards meals that are freshly cooked and prepared. While our lives have not necessarily got any less busy, we have decided, perhaps, that to keep up with the pace of life we may need to think about how we fuel our bodies better. Thankfully that’s where one pot or one pan cooking really hits the mark.

This style of cooking is designed for modern familiesonline.co.uk

lifestyles. Jenny’s latest book The Modern Multi-cooker Cookbook: 101 Recipes for your Instant Pot® is available from Amazon and bookshops.

asparagus, broccoli, and courgette.” For more information, you can buy The Beauty of Eczema on Amazon or visit www.thebeautyofeczema/ join for more healthy skin recipes.

Eating for Healthy Skin What you eat also affects your skin. Camille Knowles, natural chef and author of The Beauty of Eczema says you can improve your skin with what you eat.

“As an eczema sufferer for 20 years, I am incredibly passionate about understanding what foods you should fuel your body with to promote healthy, glowing skin.

Juices are something that the whole family can enjoy - a great way of ensuring that little ones get a variety of vegetables in their diet. My green juice recipe includes an apple, lemon, cucumber, celery, and a broccoli stalk. Meals full of protein, and essential fatty acids are great for your skin. Try a salad with mixed leaves, steamed vegetables, quinoa, and homemade hummus or avocado pesto. For dinner, a great skin boosting combination is an organic piece of fish (full of omega 3s which fight inflammation) or organic meat (full of the wound healing mineral zinc) with lots of green vegetables such as

Healthy Snacks Victoria Prince, who has just launched the UK’s first vegan healthy snack kit www.EnergyBallRecipes.com, is passionate about making nutritious snacks easy to make and affordable for all. “With ever increasingly busy lives many of us are looking for food on the go that is quick and easy. Yet we are knowledgeable and passionate about what we put in our bodies and are striving for only the best ingredients. Gone are the days when we are happy to just consume processed, easy, ready meals. Consumers are looking to have it all – healthy, quick and affordable. I believe packs of nutritious superfoods, which are rich in plant based goodness and which you can easily make at home will be a big draw in 2019 because they are fast, nutritious and cost savvy.”

While food trends may come and go, it is clear that the benefits of eating, a healthy,

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balanced diet of unrefined foods will never go out of fashion. We can all make small changes to our diets that can boost the health and wellbeing of our families so consider putting this on your list of New Year resolutions for 2019.

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Families Upon Thames • 5

New Year New You

There May be a Simple Solution to Respiratory Infections report by Dr Robert Arlt

Dr Robert Arlt is a private Consultant Paediatrician at Roseneath Medical Practice.

He has a special interest in allergology and is very experienced in paediatric ultrasound.

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espiratory infections are a major cause of absenteeism in schools and nurseries, causing considerable inconvenience for parents and children.

But these infections may also increase the risk of more serious respiratory conditions. And even if these are of viral origin, they are often treated with antibiotics with possible consequences for the immune system later in life.

There are only two really effective ways to

avoid respiratory infections: vaccinations for a few of them and, for all of them, hand hygiene.

Studies prove that hand hygiene programmess which educate children, parents and day care centre workers can be effective in reducing the number of respiratory infections.

One such study* was conducted recently on 911 children between 0 and 3 years of age in 24 day care centres in Spain. The children were from various cultural and socio-economic

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backgrounds and were divided into three groups. One group was trained in handwashing with water and soap; one in using hand sanitizer and one group received no training at all.

After eight months of observation, the study found that children educated in washing with water and soap contracted significantly fewer respiratory infections than the uneducated; but the children who had used hand sanitizer did even better.

*Effectiveness of a Hand Hygiene Program at Child Care Centers: A Cluster Randomized Trial Ernestina Azor-Martinez et al/Pediatrics 2018;142

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The secret to happiness turns out to be not-so-secret. Family.

Relationships, love, human connection - that’s basically it!

By Dr Andy Cope

S

o here are some quirky and fun tips taken from the science of positive psychology that will help your family towards the happiest year yet!

Get Huggy Christmas and New Year is a time for family and friends and, chances are, you will have been giving and receiving more hugs than usual in the last few weeks. So how about continuing the hugging habit all year and using this scientific fact that might just change your life: apparently, the average hug lasts 2.1 seconds. So a quick one…two… and it’s done and dusted. However, for the love to really transfer a hug has to last 7 seconds or longer. So a top hugging tip is to treat the ones you love to the full 7 seconds.

Obviously, don’t count out loud as that spoils the effect, and they might start wriggling after 4 or 5 seconds – but a 7 second hug says “I love you.” Everyone wins.

Hugging releases oxytocin (a happy chemical) in you and the one you’re hugging.

Be a Hygge Spotter The Danes have a word – hygee (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) – that has no direct translation in English. The closest I can give you is ‘comfort.’

For me hoo-ga is sitting by an open fire, drinking hot chocolate, while a storm rages outside. And hoo-ga also being wrapped up snug and warmly on a snowy walk. Hoo-ga is also sharing a tub of Quality Street while watching a family movie you’ve watched many times before. Work out what your hoo-ga familiesonline.co.uk

moments are, and then get good at spotting them, all year round. This is linked with mindfulness and improves your happiness by enabling you to better appreciate more wonderful moments.

Play As we grow up, we get weighed down with responsibilities and life can lose its lustre. Stop seeing yourself as a ‘responsible adult’ and start being an ‘inspirational adult.’ Rewind to when Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

you were age 6, a time when everything was new and exciting. Start jumping in puddles and playing on the swings… Your children will love it!

A year of Experiences Get everyone in your family to write an early Christmas list for December 2019. The exact question is this: What 20 things would you would like for Christmas? That aren’t things.

Share the ideas and schedule them to actually happen (where you can) in 2019.

Celebrate What Hasn’t Happened Have you ever asked yourself, what hasn’t happened that I didn’t want that I haven’t celebrated?

Feel free to read that line again. And again.

And again? Sadly, unless you’re a black belt happiness ninja your children don’t sit in a maths lesson thinking how lucky they are to have a nice school and a wonderful teacher.

They curse because they have to remember stuff. And when you’re stuck in traffic you don’t sit there marvelling at the sunglasses compartment and cup holders, you mutter and swear under your breath at the delay.

The opposite of savouring good experiences is to notice the many things that could have gone badly, but didn’t. Hence the question again - what hasn’t happened that you didn’t want that you haven’t celebrated?

Here’s my list for today (and it’s only 7am): I woke up and didn’t have toothache. My laptop isn’t broken. I haven’t got measles. My children aren’t poorly. I haven’t just stubbed my toe, we haven’t run out of Cheerios, there hasn’t been an earthquake and I haven’t been bitten by a zombie.

I mean, what a fabulous start to the day.

None of those bad things has happened! Of course, it’s hard to notice something that didn’t happen. But it’s helpful to sometimes switch your thinking to all the bad things that could have happened, but didn’t. And then celebrating the positive result.

Share it with your children and get them to think of examples. The chances are theirs will be much more creative than yours!

EXTRA: Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a Brilliant Kid is available now on Amazon. For more information, visit www.artofbrilliance.co.uk Families Upon Thames • 7

Early Years

Seeking fantastic childminder?

If you’re in need of a babysitter or a nanny then look no further than Like Minders childcare agency. With over a decade of experience providing London’s parents with only the very best, safe babysitters, Like Minders was founded (and run) by mums and so they know a thing or two about what parents need in a babysitter.

Whether you need a one-off evening babysit, or a few evenings (with the same babysitter) they will find the perfect person for you. All of their childcarers are DBS checked and have passed their strict screening process and they trust each and every one

of them to look after their own children.

Like Minders can also find you childcare during the day, if you need some child-free time for work, shopping, or even to get your hair done! From a little as three hours, to a day, a few days a week or two or even longer they can find you the perfect nanny to look after your little ones.

Give them a call or drop then an email. They’re looking forward to hearing from you! childcare@likeminders.co.uk, 0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Two awards for Beaumont Day Nursery It has been a very busy few weeks at Beaumont House Day Nursery in Twickenham.

Firstly, they were delighted to be awarded Millie’s Mark for excellence in First Aid, part of a national scheme for nurseries.

Millie’s Mark is awarded as a special enorsement to nurseries that go above and beyond minumum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid, and also ensuring that everything learned during the course is kept alive and in the forefront of practitioners’ minds so that they are confident, ready and capable. This provides reassurance for parents that all childcare practitioners know what to do in a paediatric first aid situation.

Shortly after this award, the nursery was voted Best New Start Up Business at the Richmond Business Awards, organised by the Chamber of Commerce. The vibrant community of children, staff and parents at Beaumont House Day

Nursery feels so well established, it is hard to believe that they only opened for business in May 2017. There are currently over 80 families using the nursery and a team of at least 25 staff, many from the local area.

Eve Aitchison, Nursery Manager,

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said, ‘It has been a great few weeks for us and the whole team are delighted. It has been a busy year or so since we opened, and it has been hard work building our community, so it is really lovely to have all this effort recognised. We expect 2019 to be another great year and we will continue to strive for quality in all that we do.’ familiesonline.co.uk

Early Years

First Day at Nursery Oliver (11 months) is going to nursery for the first time. His mum, Sarah Jacobs, shares how Buttercups put her mind at ease

H

ave you registered with a nursery, and how many waiting lists are you on?’ It’s a scary, new and unknown world – and after tackling this question I had to face actually leaving my darling.

It was my son Oliver’s first settling in session at Buttercups Nursery Syon Park and I was invited to stay with him. I wasn’t too sure what to expect but by the end of it, I didn’t want to leave. I was filled with a warm fuzzy feeling that my baby boy was going to be ok.

As Ollie and I arrived I was blown away by the vast garden space full of climbing equipment, colourful toys and bikes. Miss Sarah welcomed us in, showing Ollie to his special coat peg. The aroma of

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home-cooked food filled the air, accompanied by sounds of laughter and chatter from children and educators. The atmosphere was lively.

In the baby room children were dotted around, engrossed in sensory and physical activities.

The room was laid out with a little kitchen, home furniture, books and musical instruments, even puppets and puzzles. Sarah explained that the room is set to encourage children to explore and develop.

Hanging up on the walls were brightly-coloured paintings, “We had a sensory art activity yesterday,” Sarah chuckled, “it got messy but the children loved the freedom to explore and experiment with the

paints. Today we will make play dough to explore a new texture and stimulate fine motor strength.”

Sarah explained to me that each child has a keyworker who develops a close link with parents, providing a personalised plan for the child’s well-being and learning. These activities and parent partnerships are the foundation of learning for the years to come, where Montessori teaching is practised and Forest School activities are provided.

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Choosing the right nursery is not an easy task but I can now put my mind at ease knowing that my son will be safe, happy, supported and cared for as an individual whilst I’m at work.

Buttercups Nursery Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF www.buttercups-nursery.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 9

Early Years Parenting

A

fter School Nannies is passionate about afterschool care. Managed well there’s no limit to what we adults can help our children achieve in those hours out of school!

We all want the best for our children – particularly when we can’t be there to give it to them ourselves. It’s no secret that

After School Nannies – Franchise Opportunities

after-school nannies don’t grow on trees, but After School Nannies has spent over 15 years sourcing excellent candidates for thousands of families across South West London. It knows where to look and what qualities make the best candidates.

The world may have changed considerably since 2003 when

After School Nannies was founded, but the needs of children at the end of the school day remain the same as they have been for longer than it has been in business. Its challenge now is to expand its provision to enable more families to try its particular brand of after school care – because it works.

Time and again, tried and tested.

This is why After School Nannies is launching its long-awaited Franchise programme, initially reaching out to the rest of London and the Home Counties.

And then? Well, watch this space, or better still, join the franchise!

For more information, visit www.afterschoolnannies.com

Kids Come First – guiding parents through the pain of divorce

D

ivorce has been described as “open-heart surgery while you’re still awake”. Many parents experiencing the painful breakdown of their marriage or partnership, will – sadly – agree.

Help comes from the people at Kids Come First who administer the essential ‘anaesthetic’ by offering specialist support to help you take the first steps on the road to meaningful recovery and acceptance for everyone.

They will support you throughout the process: when it’s difficult to focus on children’s needs because family life is in a state of flux and the future seems uncertain; when communication breaks down; when there is conflict over arrangements for

10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

children, and when the prospect of working together can seem daunting.

When you’re in a heightened state of stress and anxiety, it’s even harder to orientate yourself in the right direction. By helping you cope better, Kids Come First also helps your children - who need you to be the most positive parent you can be!

Talk to Kids Come First. They will help you prepare for the difficult co-parenting challenges that lie ahead, signpost you to collaborative options and offer guidance on how to avoid the adversarial pitfalls along the way.

Visit kidscomefirstuk.co.uk or contact kidscomefirstuk@mail.com

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Wear A Hat Day – Fun Family Fundraiser Friday 29th March

I

f you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat Day. The annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March 2019 and the Brain Tumour Research charity needs your help to make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! There are many ways to get involved; you and the little ones will have great fun all whilst helping an important cause. From organising a Please find below a proof of your for the hatty fashion show and making Easteradvertisement bonnets, to hosting bake sale and128) goingofonFamilies a hat-tastic Jan/Feb 2019a issue (No. UT. walkabout, you can plan any type of event you fancy… just don’t your hat!

Please CHECK ALLforget INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, By taking part in Wear A Hat Day, you will be telephone helping numbers to raise vitaland fundsaddresses. for research into brain tumours. The disease is indiscriminate and it can Any changes needattoany beage. made at this stage. affect anyone What’s more, brain tumoursamendments kill more children adults under Any further will and be charged for.the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically Pleasejustcontact usnational by return either to amend or approve your 1% of the spend on cancer research advertisement. has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Register for Wear A Hat Day and your family can help change this; simply go to https://www. braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/wear-a-hatday/wear-a-hat-day-registration

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

Upon Thames

T: 07792 006546 E: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

Are you a budding Party Planner?

Looking to hire the perfect children’s party venue?

WelCare House is a 5 mins walk from Kingston bus and train station.

Ground floor facilities include lounge, playroom, garden plus Kitchen/cafe area.

We are seeking a tenant to share our family friendly building. Available evenings, Fridays and weekends. Great rates for long term bookings.

Enquiries to: manager@welcarekingston.org.uk

After School Nannies SW is expanding!

Could you help us make that happen?

We are looking for people who: • Share our passion for our unique brand of childcare • Are genuinely interested in working together to develop our provision • Are curious about how to make it more affordable for families and more accessible for carers In return we offer: • Proven business formula that works • Trustworthy brand and reputation giving you credibility from day one • Franchise package providing all the knowledge, information and support to launch a successful business • Clear return on investment And what’s more, our team is there for you every step of the way; if you’re successful, then we’re successful.

For more information please email elizabeth@afterschoolnannies.com familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames • 11

New Year Book Reviews

By Justine Crow

Most of the books featured this time round are a little on the large size and all are most definitely sublimely illustrated, even the titles for older readers. And why not? It seems to me to be short sighted (excuse the slight pun) to ration the visual representation of storytelling - or indeed science and history - just because a child has learned to read. Imagery on paper has a subjective permanence that we all enjoy and often it is the pictures over text that we recall from our own childhood.

Ages 0-2 Deep in the Forest Seek & Find Adventure

By Josef Anton & Lucie Bruniellere Abrams RRP £10.99 Created by a French duo with backgrounds in televisual animation and decorative art respectively, there are over 50 animals to find in this beautiful bright and feisty big book full of flaps to lift and names to shout out in triumph.

Obviously it’s in English but double points if you know what an anteater is in French.

Parrots Don’t Live in the City

By Lucy Reynolds & Jenna Herman Scribbles and Doodles RRP £7.99 There’s a nice townie vibe to this breezy distraction that features a special surprise right at the end. But for now, your toddlers will relish peeking through the trees and spotting the green feathered interlopers that are pretty much ubiquitous to our civic parks. Crikey, you can add your own squawks if you like. If not, you can guarantee the real thing will.

Ages 3-5 The Glassmaker’s Daughter

By Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jane Ray Frances Lincoln RRP £12.99 This clever picture book depicts the actual history of glassmaking in Venice through the tale of Daniela, an inconsolable craftsman’s daughter who spends her days staring into the dark depths of the canals in existential torment.

Eschewing

her father’s gift of a glass palace, her smile is finally revealed when a young man discovers the secret of making mirrors. Suddenly, splendidly, the pages explode with splintering glass and the city is rocked with laughter.

Amazing Dinosaurs

By Matt Sewell Anova RRP £12.99 This author-illustrator has a knack for bringing natural history to life especially through his books about birds. Here he aims his deft brush at the prehistoric periods that produced the incredibly diverse gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet a gasquillion years ago, yet still absolutely intrigue today’s digital kids.

Ages 6-8 50 Cities of the USA

By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero Wide Eyed Books RRP £20.00 I found their previous title 50 States of the USA absolutely compelling and this is no less addictive for its fascinating detail presented in artful bite-sizes. Along with the more obvious candidates of New York and San Francisco, we learn that as well as the famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville hosts the oldest Shakespeare festival in America; that Memphis as well as being home to Graceland, is where Justin Timberlake was born. And that huckleberries are a real thing and they grow in Boise.

So there!

The World of Moominvalley

By Tove Jansson Macmillan RRP £35.00

A super-sized price but what value for money this exquisite gift edition is, thanks to the many drawings and facts about the magical bohemia created by Finland’s most famous writer. Once you develop a love for the Moomintrolls, Snufkin, the Snorkmaiden and Little My, it can’t be shaken off.

Ages 9-12 The Gritterman

By Orlando Weeks Penguin RRP £17.99 A softly penned graphic novel from a musician that speaks of stoicism and patience through many winters and questions the definition of loneliness through the eyes of a dignified man who knows his place in the universe. Thanks to him the traffic travels, pedestrians pass and life goes on.

Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor & Loki

By Kevin Crossley Holland & Jeffrey Love Walker RRP £18.99 It’s never too soon to point out to the kids that long before Tom Hiddleston stepped into a leather frock and green tights to play Marvel’s movie version of Loki, stories about him and his brother Thor as well as Odin, god of all gods, were captivating listeners as far back as Roman times, and not just from the Viking period. Imagine being a youngster a thousand years ago hearing whirling adventures of sorcery and battles from across the land, passed on by mouth to future generations.

How lucky we are now to be able to take images for granted. What a page-turner!

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published

by Bloomsbury.

12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2019 Educating the whole child

Education Model behaviour at Hampton Prep Recently Hampton Prep Kindergarten learnt all about the famous story, ‘The Gingerbread Man’. They read different versions of the story, made moveable gingerbread men using card and split pins, created a large 3D gingerbread house for display and mixed up gingerbread-scented playdough. To top off the topic, they decided to embark on a journey to the bakers to purchase gingerbread men!

On a cold and frosty morning, they wrapped up warm and set off on the journey to the bakers. On the way they demonstrated excellent road safety knowledge – holding onto their partner’s hand tightly and crossing roads safely – watching and listening out carefully for approaching vehicles.

As they arrived at the bakers, what a sight to behold, so many yummy treats on display in the window! Each child was given money in order to make their purchases independently and they waited in line patiently for their turn at the counter. It was very exciting to find out that they had gingerbread reindeers instead of men on sale that day! When the time came, they politely asked for a reindeer and handed over the money very carefully and then carried their paper bag complete with gingerbread reindeer carefully back to school.

The staff and other customers at the bakers complimented the children on their excellent manners! Well done, Kindergarten!

Focus on Cyber Safe & Antibullying at Newland House Pupils at Newland House gained invaluable understanding in how to keep themselves safe online and the importance of being kind and acting sensitively towards others in a special Cyber Safety and Antibullying week.

The week promoted mindfulness towards others and also helped pupils appreciate how their use of the internet has a long-term impact on their personal digital footprint.

The school focussed on staying safe whilst online playing games and also welcomed a specialist Online Safety Advisor who delivered workshops for the children, staff and parents.

The anti-bullying focus was underpinned by the Antibullying Alliance resources; pupils participated through a range of activities and events around the underlying theme for 2018, ‘Choose Respect’.

Pupils wrote kind messages on leaves which were pinned to a beautiful Kindness Tree. And during the finale, ‘Oddsocks Day,’ they pulled on their wackiest odd socks which created an opportunity for them to express themselves and celebrate their individuality.

Open Day Listings – Spring Term 2019 HALLIFORD SCHOOL • Open Day – Saturday 2nd March 2019 • Visitor Mornings – Tuesday 26th March 2019 and Thursday 2nd May 2019 Spaces fill up quickly, so please book in advance to guarantee your space. See below for more details on the events and to book.

You are also most welcome to book a personal visit at any time during the academic year.

Please contact our Registrar on 01932 234921 or email registrar@hallifordschool.co.uk Russell Road, Shepperton, TW17 9HX www.hallifordschool.co.uk HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL Friday, 1st March 2019 9.30am to 11.00am • 9.30am: Headmaster’s Welcome – Prep School • 9.45am – 11.00 am: Tours of the Pre-Prep and Prep They actively encourage parents to visit Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep while the School

is in progress so that they can see how they operate and gain a feel of the interaction between the staff and the children.

For further information or to reserve a place, call 020 8979 1844.

Gloucester Road, Hampton, TW12 2UQ www.hamptonprep.org.uk NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Welcome Mornings 11th January, 15th February, 22nd March, 10th May, 21st June, Prospective parents should call 020 8865 1305 or email admissions@newlandhouse.net for more information or to arrange a bespoke visit.

Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ www.newlandhouse.net

arrangement, to minimise the impact of visitors on our youngest children. To book a tour please telephone the school office on 01895 234371.

Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX www.sthelenscollege.com TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Thursday 14th February 2019 – Pre-Prep 9.15am – 10.45am would be delighted to show you around our school on one of our regular Open Mornings when you can meet the Headmaster and see the school in action.

Please call 020 8979 6216 to reserve a place.

43 High St, Hampton TW12 2SA www.twickenhamprep.org.uk

ST HELEN’S COLLEGE Tours of the school are available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during term time.

Visits to Ducklings Kindergarten are by special

14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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Twickenham Prep at the Royal Albert Hall

Hillingdon’s Haven of Harmony St Helen’s College is an outstanding school for boys and girls aged 2-11 in Hillingdon which Inspectors described as a ‘Haven of Harmony’.

Pupils are polite, confident communicators who gain excellent 11+ results and delight in their beautiful green, home-like environment.

There is a huge programme of co-curricular sports, arts, music, drama and more, and the school’s focus on the values of love, harmony and growth sets it apart.

Home and school work closely together to ensure that all children are happy and reach their potential. Wraparound care is available from 7.30a.m. to 6.00p.m. during term time and school holidays.

Prospective parents should telephone 01895 234371 to make an appointment. www.sthelenscollege.com

On Monday 26th November, the 50-strong Choir from Twickenham Prep took part in an extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall: the Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert.

The pupils, from Years 3-8, had been working really hard in weekly rehearsals in school in preparation for this event, learning over 20 songs!

Everyone was very excited that the school was performing in this prestigious venue and the children conducted themselves admirably on the day, summoning up all their energy to sing with gusto in the evening after a long day of rehearsing with over 1400 children from 38 other school choirs.

Songs from The Greatest Showman, Frozen and La La Land were included in the programme. A fun night was had by all.

Newland House School Nurturing, Inspiring, Successful

Independent Nursery and Preparatory School for girls and boys aged 3 to 13 Welcome Mornings • 15 February • 22 March Call to book your place or to make an individual appointment to see the school

Innovate, nurture, inspire, fly... ewlandhouse.net www.nese.n

t: 020 www.newlandhouse.net Ne 8865 1305 e: admissions@newlandhouse.net TW1 4TQ Waldegrave Park, Twickenham 28 - 36 WALDEGRAVE PARK TWICKENHAM TW1 4TQ

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et

Pre-Prep Open Morning 14th February 2019 9.15am-10.45am

Discover who they want to be Independent Day School in Hampton for girls aged 4-11 & boys aged 4-13 Tel: 020 8979 6216 Email: office@twickenhamprep.co.uk www.twickenhamprep.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546 Sheengate_8th_Oct_2018.indd 1

Families Upon Thames • 15 08/10/2018

22:11

Education

The Inside Track on Exam Preparation

I

n the coming year, many children will be preparing for SATS, senior school entrance exams or the 11 plus. It may seem too early to talk about teaching children of primary school age how to prepare for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine and use throughout their entire education (and even in their working lives) and it can definitely help them feel less overwhelmed by the concept of being tested. Claire Winter gets some advice from tutors on preparing primary school children for exams.

Make a Plan Once you know the date of your child’s exam, make sure you mark it on the calendar and think about

what kind of preparation it would be appropriate for them to do. Most exams include maths and English and some contain elements of verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Would worksheets from your child’s school, online resources or verbal or non-verbal reasoning practice papers be helpful? You needn’t make a big deal about the preparation with your child but you do need to create some time for them to do it.

Allocate certain times in the week to go over different topics, to prepare and build their confidence and to go over any problem areas they may have. At the same time, balance is so important, so don’t overdo it. Make sure your child continues with their extra-curricular activities and has lots of fun too.

Practice Lucy Parsons, (www.lifemoreextraordinary.com) author of The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take says, “My top tip for any exam is to do past papers and to get the child taking the exam to mark their work themselves, using the mark scheme. This way they understand what the examiners are really looking for and can start to spot what’s a good answer and where they will need to improve.” You can find out more about Lucy at www.lifemoreeextraordinary.com.

Another tip is to get your child to set a timer while doing the exam, so they get used to working under time pressure.

16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

Do your Research Make sure you are up to date on the 11 plus format that your county or area is using. Selective independent schools set their own 11 plus exams, so find out from each school what the format will be so you can tailor your child’s preparation accordingly. Often tutors local to the school you are applying for or your child’s own current school will have detailed knowledge about its entrance exam. Chris from www.roots2success-11plus.uk/ says, “Probably the most important point about preparing for the 11 plus is to realise that, not only does the format vary over the 36 local authority areas in England but it also tends to change every few years. So parents with a child who took the 11 familiesonline.co.uk

plus a couple of years ago may not realise their younger child needs to use different materials. I update my website every year with the current 11 plus format for each of the 163 grammar schools in England.”

Know the Syllabus Education Consultant, Paul Anderson from www.tutordoctor.co.uk says it vital to have in-depth knowledge about the exam. “Our number one tip for exam success is knowing what is included in the syllabus for the particular exam you are studying for.

Once you know the syllabus, you can evaluate your child’s knowledge and see where the gaps are.”

Talk about what you have Learned In terms of information retention, it’s helpful for your child to

verbally recap what they have learned. Paul from Tutor Doctor says, “Do not underestimate the value of verbal revision. Just half an hour articulating what they know to teachers, friends, and family is a fantastic opportunity for children to test themselves.”

Short Sharp Bursts Make sure your child takes a break when they are doing exam preparation. Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. It’s important not to schedule too many preparation sessions in one day – one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also

managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.

Stay Calm Do your best to instil in your child the importance of staying calm and coping with any obstacles they face while sitting their exam. Teach them to leave challenging questions and come back to them once they have answered easier ones. Suggest that

they look at the questions before they read a passage or text, so they know what to look for when they are reading the text.

Taking entrance and 11 plus exams can be stressful for some children. Try to ensure they get enough sleep and eat well. It also helps if learning can be fun. You can play games, colour code their work and even produce short videos about topics they find hard to learn.

It’s also vital to praise your child’s effort in preparing for their exam, regardless of whether they pass or do well. Children need to understand that all you expect of them is for them to do try their hardest and that no one exam that they take in their life will ever be the key to success, failure or happiness.

Part of the Hampton School Trust.

IAPS Independent Day School for boys aged 3 -11 & girls aged 3 - 7 years

Open Morning

Friday 1 March 2019

9.30am: Headmaster’s welcome – Prep School 9.45am - 11.00am: Tours – Pre-Prep and Prep Book your place via our website: www.hamptonprep.org.uk - ‘Visit the School’ page

Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School is highly successful in meeting its aims. The achievements of the pupils are excellent.

ISI Report 2016

020 8979 1844 admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2UQ

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Families Upon Thames • 17

Education

Five Tips for De-Stressing Getting to School Children don’t understand time in the same way as adults. This can make school mornings a stressful time of day for parents.

Here are five tips to that may help make things a little easier.

The Crucial 10 Minutes Why not get up 10 minutes earlier?

This will give you a chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee, have a shower and get dressed in less of a rush than usual.

Being up 10 minutes earlier also gives you a fair chance of making sure both you and your children are ready 10 minutes before you have to

Tip One

leave. This will give you time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything. No more rushing out of the door and rushing back to pick up forgotten items!

routine, or just verbally repeat the jobs they are expected to do until they remember them. A checklist could include: eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, packing lunch and water

The Night Before The night before, do everything that can be done to prepare for the morning. Lay out the school uniform, make pack lunches, sort snacks, check all homework and sports kit are where they should be.

Make showers/baths and hair washes part of the night time routine, rather than obstacles to overcome in the morning.

Tip Two

Have a Checklist Either write an actual checklist for your child’s school morning

Tip Three

18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

bottle, putting on shoes and coat.

It’s good to have a plan of their weekly school routine somewhere handy too so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on.

Provide a Pay Off Give kids an incentive so that if they finish their school morning routine early they are rewarded with some time for television, reading or something they would like to do before school.

Tip Four

Use Devices Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

Tip Five

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Handwriting Tutor P Achieve clear and confident handwriting

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P Neat handwriting is important in Exams P Don't lose marks unnecessarily!

Mrs. Cutler: 07521 554188 e: 11plusnvr@gmail.com St Margarets, TW1 BA(Hons) Languages - Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology Member of the National Handwriting Association - DAB checked

MIMA WALIA, Editor m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

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11 PLUS TUITION

Mrs Jones EDUCATION

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MOCK EXAMS State Grammar and Private Schools Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cloze Procedure and Exam Technique

Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

Year 4 and Year 5 NOW BOOKING courses starting in January 2019

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Families Upon Thames • 19

Clubs & Classes

The Values of Learning to Ride Andrew Campbell reports that horse riding develops real life lessons of confidence, empathy and responsibility

C

hildhood is full of stories, songs and roleplay games about horses, so learning to ride an actual, real life horse can add an exciting new dimension to childhood.

Aside from the obvious advantages of good physical exercise in the outdoors, horse riding offers other clear benefits.

Developing Responsibility Learning to look after and ride a pony instils in a child a sense of responsibility and accountability for another living creature.

Children looking after animals are required to interpret their non-verbal signals of comfort and discomfort and act accordingly.

This experience promotes maturity and will be invaluable as a child grows up.

Stress Relief Being outside will enhance your child’s sense

of happiness and well-being. Experienced riders talk about the freedom the sport offers and the exhilaration of riding a horse in the great outdoors.

Empathy Dealing with animals helps children understand that the needs of other living creatures have to be considered alongside – and sometimes before – their own. This enhances their ability to empathise and helps them learn that sometimes they have to put other people’s needs before their own too.

Confidence Boost Learning to ride and care for an animal that’s twice their size can be really empowering for children.

Life-Lessons Riding is great for instilling in children an attitude that success and reward comes off the back of hard work.

Many riding schools will take children as young as age 3 but some prefer them to be at least age 5 or 6. They usually teach in small groups to ensure each pupil receives a good level of attention, but you may be able to book individual lessons too.

20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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Just Imagine Ballet Little Voices boys and girls 7-13, working towards accredited Musical Theatre Examinations

.SMALL CLASS SIZES .HIGHLY QUALIFIED TUTORS .100% EXAMINATION PASS RATE

Mini Voices boys and girls 4-7, building confidence and self belief in a fun and exciting way www.littlevoices.org.uk SWL@littlevoices.org.uk call: 0208 088 0117

Venue 1: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW (Every Tuesday) Venue 2: The Salvation Army Hall, 27 Church Road, TW11 8PF (Every Thursday)

Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -

Sparkle Ballet 6 - 11 years old

Dazzle Ballet 11 - 18 years old

Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School

07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - ST MARGARETS - TWICKENHAM KEW - EAST SHEEN - TEDDINGTON

NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams

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Families Upon Thames • 21

Clubs & Classes

N

ot only can martial arts training give your child the opportunity to improve physical fitness and strength, it can also have surprising benefits for their mental and emotional development.

is preferred by non-competitive children or lone wolves.

Reducing Aggression In a US study, children aged between 8 and 11 undertook martial arts training as part of an anti-bullying programme. The researchers found that the training reduced the level of aggressive behaviour in boys, and found that, afterwards, they were more likely to step in and help someone who was being bullied.

Offers Attainable Goals Martial arts offer concrete goals which are attainable. Children work at their own pace and are awarded a different-coloured belt as they reach a new skill level. This can boost self-esteem and keep them motivated.

Self-Improvement and Individual Growth In martial arts, the focus is on individual growth, not on team competition. Some children struggle with the pressure of having to compete with other kids or simply don’t feel motivated to work as part of a team. So traditional sports may not be appeal to them. In martial arts, the focus is on self-improvement and measuring progress against personal goals and sometimes this

Martial Arts stimulates concentration, reduces aggression and encourages respect

Self-Control and Concentration Attention is central to martial arts.

Children must stay focused to learn and perform.

A Safe Outlet for Excess Energy Martial arts does not encourage violent behaviour but at the same time, kicking and chopping can allow children a setting in which they can work out frustration and anger.

Respect Martial arts demands high levels of respect from children towards other students and instructors. By showing respect at all times, they help each other achieve common goals.

For more information please contact us on ( 07880 491278 * seb.tiska@hotmail.com : www.tiskakarate-staines.co.uk www.tiskakarate-surbiton.co.uk

BOOK TODAY AS SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Surbiton Staines

Sunday - 10:00am

Tolworth Recreation Centre Fullers Way North, KT6 7LQ

Sunday - 11:45am

The Thames Club Wheatsheaf Lane, TW18 2PD

All instructors are fully qualified and Enhanced CRB Checked

22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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ART & CRAFT

CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All Children can create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes.

It is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2 to 4 days. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays on Bank Holidays/half terms.

In: Kew Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com

years), Sparkle (6-10 years), Dazzle (11+ years).

Plus: Tap, Contemporary, Street, Jazz, Character Dance, Classical RAD Ballet, Boys Only Ballet, Family Dance/Homeschool Classes, Holliday Camps, Birthday Parties, Adult, Silver Swans Dance (60+ years) and SHINE (SEN Dance classes, workshops and one2one sessions with a Dance Therapist).

In: Richmond, East Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington, East Sheen, Kew Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07813 741189 info@justimagineballet.com www.facebook.com/ JustImagineBalletLondon

MUSIC AND DRAMA HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS Ages: 6+ Arts and crafts café for all ages offering pottery painting, clay, T-shirt design, mosaics, foam clay and decopatch. NEW: After School Art Club, plus holiday workshops, baby prints and children’s parties.

Adult workshops available also.

NEW Arty Tales- Toddler book reading followed by themed pottery painting. The first book is “The squirrels who squabbled” with squirrel painting. Running every last Wednesday of the month from 10.30-11.30. £12 per head.

In: Teddington Contact: Una 02089731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention.

Perform offers no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

In: Esher, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham and Weybridge.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www. perform.org.uk

DANCE JUST IMAGINE BALLET Ages: All Just Imagine Ballet is an inclusive ballet and dance school for all ages and abilities. Just Imagine values creativity and expression and focuses on the healing and nurturing aspects of the creative arts.

Children can progress through four separate ballet programmes created to be in line with their physical, emotional and social development and aligned with the National Curriculum key stages. Glimmer (018 months), Twinkle (18 months-5 familiesonline.co.uk

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 4-18 Fun, educational and confidenceboosting classes in singing, dancing and drama, which cater for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or budding talents. Classes focus on the Performing Arts and having fun in a structured safe environment, whilst learning life skills to prepare them for the stage of life. Two-week trial available. NEW: Saturday class at St Mary’s & St Peter’s School, Teddington, 2.30-5.30pm.

In: Chertsey, Cobham, Hinchley Wood, Kew, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington & Twickenham, Weybridge Contact: Chertsey: 0772 517 6102

Clubs & Classes Cobham: 020 3723 9702 Hinchley Wood: 01372 238238 Kew: 020 8487 1456 New Malden: 020 8540 7791 Richmond: 020 8332 6741 Staines: 07802 800633 Teddington & Twickenham: 020 8979 5276 Weybridge: 0808 208 5134 www.stagecoach.co.uk

STEP ON STAGE PERFORMING ARTS – DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC Ages: 3-18 Mondays to Fridays: Dance, Drama and Music at The Exchange Arts Centre, 90 London Road, Twickenham (opposite station) – Drama, Dance and Singing Classes, LAMDA, Trinity and ISTD. Saturdays: Dance and Musical Theatre at Hampton Hill Theatre, United Reform Church, Hampton Hill and St James Church, Hampton Hill – Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, LAMDA, ISTD and Trinity exams.

Contact: Emma Tinniswood 07973 900196 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

are taught in an exciting yet disciplined way and build your child’s confidence and self-belief whilst promoting good posture, articulation, projection, clarity and diction. Lessons work towards a yearly performance as well as highly accredited LAMDA examinations.

In: Richmond & Teddington, Every Tuesday and Thursday Contact: Ashlea Pearson 0208 088 0113 SWL@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk/ locations/london-richmond www.littlevoices.org.uk/ locations/teddington

SPORT

COERVER COACHING PERFORMANCE ACADEMY Ages: 7-16 The Performance Academy is the UK’s premier football development programme for boys and girls aged 7 to 16 and offers unrivalled level of support, both on and off the training pitch. Book a FREE Trial Session today!

In: Hounslow, Kingston Contact: Michael Cook 020 3544 2284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon

LITTLE VOICES RICHMOND & TEDDINGTON Ages: 4-13 years Little Voices teaches Singing and Drama to the highest standard whilst building confidence and promoting children’s personal and social development.

The lessons give your child specific individual tuition within small group sizes. This is crucial for helping your child to work within ‘a cast’ and acquire the necessary group skills and individual tuition for achieving success in every area of their life. The elementary Vocal and Dramatic techniques

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Families Upon Thames • 23

Clubs & Classes FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots (2.5-5), Footie Wizards (5-13) An introduction to the world of fitness and football with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way!

Classes encourage the children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age. All classes indoors.

In: Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Molesey Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720/020 8979 1497 andy@footie-tots.co.uk www.footie-tots.co.uk

TISKA KARATE Ages: 4-65 Karate lessons for all ages and abilities, from beginner to black belt. Three FREE lessons included.

In: Staines, Tolworth Contact: Andrew Sebley 07880-491278 seb.tiska@hotmail.com www.tiskakarate-staines.co.uk and www.tiskakarate-surbiton. co.uk

swimming experience through lessons which develop and perfect new skills.

In: Chessington Contact: 020 8397 7731 www.hookswimschool.co.uk

TEAM SWIM SCHOOL Ages: 2.5yrs+ Swimming lessons for all abilities and ages. Fun and engaging classes for non-swimmers, as well as taxing for stroke improvers. Children enjoy the whole pool, not just sectioned areas.

NEW: Water Polo for kids – Stage 4 swimmers and above. Contact the school to register interest. Small groups, great results. Plus club swims available three evenings a week. Call or email to arrange a trial lesson.

In: Cobham Contact: Paul Furness 07915510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

WATER BABIES Ages: 0-4 An incredible sensation of freedom and empowerment. Babies have a real affinity with water and because they’ve spent 9 months floating in SWIMMING the womb, being in warm water feels much more familiar to them HOOK SWIM SCHOOL than being on dry land. However, Ages: 3 months to adult this early confidence usually Hook Swim School & Aqua Centre diminishes with time and can even is a privately owned, family-run 15 turn to fear. That’s one of the main metre, purpose-built teaching pool reasons why Water Babies believes where children build in confidence in starting them young. But a baby through a fun and personal never swims against their wishes, and lots of bonding, fun and socialising is always incorporated so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy baby.

In: Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Shepperton, Richmond, Surbiton, SWIMMING West Horsley, Woking, Godalming, Cobham, *crash LESSONS Farnham, Addlestone, courses AFTER SCHOOL Cranleigh available Contact: Melissa Holt Baby/Toddler Classes 01932 227 428 Tues, Thurs & Fri’s underthewaves@ waterbabies.co.uk Please Call Cass on www.waterbabies.co.uk 020 8397 7731

HOOK SWIM SCHOOL

www.hookaquacentre.co.uk

TUITION

Handwriting Tutor HANDWRITING WITH MRS CUTLER Ages: 4 to 11+ Achieve neat, cursive, joined-up handwriting and boost your child’s self-confidence with one-to-one handwriting lessons. Half term group courses are available for pre-school and older children.

Pre-school children will learn to build fine motor skills to improve strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. The courses for older children will focus on learning how to hold a pencil correctly, letter formation, spacing and cursive handwriting.

In: Twickenham Contact: Selene Cutler 07521 554 188 selene.cutler@ handwritingsupport.co.uk

MRS JONES EDUCATION – 11 PLUS TUITION Ages: 8 to 11 Mrs Jones Education aims to enable your child to reach their full potential and successfully gain a place at a good senior school where they will achieve and be happy. Learning is structured to maintain your child’s enthusiasm and imagination and allow them to enjoy learning. In Year 4 children attend 11 Plus Foundation before moving onto 11 Plus Preparation in Year 5. 11 Plus Mock Exams are also available for both age groups.

In: Kingston, Surbiton, Wimbledon, South Wimbledon/Sutton, Hampton, Richmond, Twickenham, Chiswick, Ealing, Hounslow and Isleworth Contact: 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

Step On Stage Sets Bar High for 2019

S

tep On Stage has had a highly successful 2018.

The Advanced Acting and Musical Theatre groups built on their success in 2017 achieving Distinctions for their Trinity Acting examinations. They presented original plays written by Emma-Louise Tinniswood which were also performed at their Festival of One Act Plays at The Exchange Theatre and were also nominated for Best Young Actor, Best Young Performer and Best Costume at The Woking Festival. All students in the summer LAMDA examinations session gained Distinction and several gained marks in the top 10%; several also gained medals and trophies at the Kingston, Richmond and Ealing Arts Festivals.

Music students celebrated their talents at the annual music concert at the Normansfield Theatre and finished the year with the annual Holly and Ivy Christmas Concert in aid of charity, whilst Dance students gained excellent results in Ballet, Tap and Modern.

Students also enjoyed theatre trips to War Horse and Kindertransport, Summer Schools and Stage Combat Workshops.

Step on Stage is super proud of those who have gained places to Arts Educational, The Brit School, London Children’s Ballet, English Youth Ballet, Rambert, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Italia Conti.

2019 starts with their award-winning youth theatre’s production of Goodnight Mr Tom at the Hampton Hill Theatre, and everyone looks forward to another busy and successful year.

24 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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Clubs & Classes Food Trampolining – A Bounce in the Right Direction

A

lmost regardless of age and how physically active they are, children love bouncing on a trampoline. There’s something about the combination of danger and exhilaration in a safe environment that keeps them coming back for more.

One of the great things about trampolining is that it’s exercise ‘in disguise’ which makes it perfect for children who don’t like taking part in sports lessons or sports activities.

If this sounds like your child, you are far more likely to succeed in encouraging him or her to go to weekly trampolining sessions or join a trampolining club than take up rowing, netball or even gymnastics.

One of the sport’s distinct advantages is that children learn at their own pace. Some may be good enough to take part in competitions or displays but others can still participate and reap the benefits by just having a fun session every week.

If they wish, children can work towards official British Gymnastics badges and certificates so that they can enjoy a sense of direction and achievement.

Trampolining can be enjoyed by children with all sorts of different abilities and missing the odd session does not generally mean a child will lose out or fall behind - though most kids won’t want to miss a single second once they have confidence on the trampoline.

Trampolining also provides an overall body workout which is highly recommended for multi-sport success.

Trampolining clubs take coaching and safety very seriously and some will have a special code of conduct for participants and parents. There are clubs at many leisure centres or schools: they usually allow children to learn from around age 5, although many have pre-school and toddler sessions too.

Trampoline parks are popping up all over the country and are increasingly popular. Parents can take up trampolining too, so this is a sport the whole family can enjoy together.

Raising Confident Children with Perform Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old.

“I’ve always wanted my children to feel confident speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of people. I think these are essential life skills these days,” says Sara.

Sara was drawn to Perform because of its focus on developing confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” she explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a topic like manners, making eye contact or introducing yourself, but this is wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the context of drama and songs.

“Since my children started attending Perform, other parents frequently remark on their confidence and how well they speak in school assemblies. I’m really impressed with how they chat to adults in places like shops and restaurants.”

Classes at Perform are small with two teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to understand and engage every child,” reports Sara.

Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

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Families Upon Thames • 25

Travel

Holidays with a Difference

By Claire Winter

new Grand California Motorhome available In the Spring of 2019.

Prices start from E910 a week in July. More info at www.campervantastic.com

A

re you fed up with package or resort-based holidays?

Why not try some of these quirky suggestions for a short break or alternative summer holiday destination?

Try Weehouse Life The Garden Village In Slovenia is a beautiful eco-viIlage of treehouses, glamping tents, Finnish Sauna, Massage Pavillion and a garden, which supplies the on-site restaurant with fruit and vegetables. The tree houses are raised cabins with two levels and have indoor nets to lounge about on, kitchenettes and bathrooms. The wooden-floor pier tents are by a stream and fishpond, while glamping tents have a mezzanine level, bathrooms, TV and hot tub. Lake Bled, which offers a vast array of activities, is just a short

walk away. Treehouses are expensive in peak season (£360 a night) but tree tents which sleep four and have shared bathrooms/toilet facilities, are less at (£260 a night. More info at www.gardenvillagebled.com Hit the Road Why not discover Europe in a camper van? The UK’s largest VW camper van hire company Campervantastic is based In Forest Hill, south east London, just over an hour from the Channel Tunnel and south east ferry ports. Staff are experienced in catering for a variety of European adventure tours. You could explore the Alps, cycle in the Dordogne or explore vineyards in Bordeaux. You can hire out the relevant equipment, such as bike racks and wine storage to suit

your plans. Some of the campers have electrically powered pop-up roofs, bike racks, comfortable beds, folding picnic table, satnavs, and media ports. They also have a Mercedes Marco Polo carnpervan for hire and will have the brand

How about a House Swap?

A house swap can be a great way of exploring the world and cutting holiday costs. You lend your home to another family, while you live In theirs. All you have to do is buy your flights or ferry ticket. You do need to clean and tidy your home so another family can live it. You also have to empty some cupboards and drawers for their clothes and leave a manual about the house. You can negotiate to swap cars and look after each other’s pets too. Try Love Home Swap (www.lovehomeswap. com) or Home Exchangewww. homeexchange.

Chalet Home Alpine Holidays with Chilly Powder

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o you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people.

They have adapted their Chalet Holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests who consider Chilly Powder a real home from home.

Chilly Powder offers the perfect ski and summer holidays for families, couples or mixed groups. Relax in luxury with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, as well as unrivalled in-house childcare facilities.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Issue 46 : (E)

26 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

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tatistics show that children rarely play outdoors, yet it is well known that being close to nature helps boost children’s attention spans and enhances their mental and physical wellbeing.

So, why not enjoy a Spring family break at Coppins Farm where children will discover that the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer is far more exciting than any iPad? A stay at Coppins Farm – in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk countryside – is guaranteed to put those roses back in the family’s cheeks. Kids (and grownups!) can blow off a bit of steam outside, race through wild meadows, get down with some bugs and splash around in the streams.

There’s so much to do during the day and more adventures with the bat detector at night!!

Badgers are regular visitors after dark too so bring plenty of peanuts – their favourite treats. The challenge is to stay quiet (!) and awake, waiting for

Wonderful outdoors at Coppins Farm Now off erin

g free Spottin g Guide s to all gu ests.

Nature

your nocturnal visitors to come a-munching!

Visitor accommodation on this conservation farm includes two charming Showman’s Wagons and a Victorian Railway Carriage which have been lovingly kitted out for

guests.

For more information visit: www.coppinsfarm.co.uk or Email: coppinsfarm@ hotmail.co.uk

Book with Coppins Farm Holidays Suffolk

Choose from:

Our Victorian Railway Carriage or one of our charming Showman’s Wagons

familiesonline.co.uk

Phone: 01787 269297 Email: johnfmcglashan@gmail.com www.coppinsfarm.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 27

Days Out Bocketts Farm Park

AMAZING OFF PEAK

WINTER WEEKDAY PRICES ENJOY GREAT VALUE VISITS THIS WINTER WITH OUR REDUCED ENTRY PRICE! ONLY

£7.50

PER PERSON

(For everyone age 2 years +)

VALID MON - FRI ONLY 7th Jan - 15th Feb 2019

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.

D AR AW WI NN ING !

FM

The Great Brick Safari 26 January - 3 March 2019

Please tell advertisers you found them in This winter more than 40 life-size LEGO® brick animals are coming to Wisley. See how many animals you can spot whilst learning about their habitat. Buy garden tickets online and save 10% at rhs.org.uk/wisley. RHS members go free.

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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Safari Seeking Fun

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earch for more than 40 animals and plants in the gardens at Wisley and in both the temperate and tropical zones of The Glasshouse. There will be loads of information about each animal - including their habitats, the food they eat and the conservation efforts going on around them - and plant.

You can also join a LEGO® bricks making workshop in the Glasshouse Gallery; buy your chosen LEGO® bricks animal and away you go. As a fun souvenir, have your photo taken in the LEGO® bricks jeep.

The Glasshouse is open from 10am-3:45pm daily.

Book admission tickets online in advance to save 10%.

The Great Brick Safari, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB

Calling all Sailors!

Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an action-packed day out on the fastest ship of its time.

Meet characters from the ship’s past such as Captain Woodget and the ship’s cook and listen to their epic stories about life on board.

Try and outwit the crew in our Sailors’ Challenge game, get your sea legs by taking the helm at the ship’s wheel, follow a family trail or take part in regular workshops.

Book now to save 10%: rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

February Half Term Fun on the Farm 16th - 24th February 2019

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njoy a great day out on the farm this February Half Term with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 70 lambs due from mid February with daily Meet the Shepherd sessions giving an opportunity to learn all about the newborns. Birds of Prey flying demonstrations will also take place twice daily from Monday-Friday. What’s more, there is a full programme of fun farm familiesonline.co.uk

activities including pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing. Outdoors, enjoy the jumping pillows, treehouse towers, pedal go karts and play trails. Plus the large indoor area with a giant heated playbarn, trampolines, ride-on tractors and craft corner means you can have a great day out whatever the weather!

Add Address?

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 29

Whats On EVERY WED DURING TERM TIME PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2 & 2-4 Cost: £5 A popular, drop-in musical workshop with plenty of fun and games, a brilliant way to introduce music to your children and to make new friends.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY FRI DURING TERM TIME AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SEE SAW DROP-IN SESSIONS AT ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Ages: under 5s Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Cost: Child £6 (additional sibling £3) Multi-sensory sessions which include music, play materials, soft play, creative activities, stories and rhyme time in a relaxed informal environment.

020 8831 6000 www.orleanshousegallery.org

meet the puppets and create your very own Dragon Puppet. Ages 4+ 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn. co.uk 5 JANUARY & 2 FEBRUARY KIDS RUN FREE AT MARBLE HILL PARK Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE Free running events for children.

08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk 10 JANUARY & 14 FEBRUARY MINI ACES UNDER 5S CLUB Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10.30-11.15am and 11.30am12.15pm Mini Aces club brings the Museum to life through stories, craft, song and dance. With a focus on different objects, stories and exhibits each month, children will discover the treasures in the collection and build self-confidence in a new and exciting environment. Book in advance.

01932 857381 www. brooklandsmuseum.com

EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new, on the big screen. See website for details.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

12 JANUARY CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS - THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 4pm An accessible film screening suitable for families with special needs. These screenings will be made with autism friendly adjustments designed to make the cinema more inclusive and accessible for people with sensory sensitivities. Free entry.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn. co.uk

EVERY SUNDAY JUNIOR PARKRUN AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB For Ages: 4-14 Time: 9-10am Enjoy a free timed run around the front lawn as part of the national Junior Parkrun series.

020 8232 5050 www.parkrun.org.uk/ osterley-juniors

13 JANUARY VOLUNTEER OPEN DAY Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-3pm Looking for a new challenge? Come along to the open day to find out more about how you can play your part at Morden Hall Park.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park

5 JANUARY THE DRAGON’S TALE Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 2pm Cost: £12 Adult, £10 Child Theatrix Arts presents The Dragon’s Tale. Watch this magical story based on the legend of the Lambton Worm through puppets, changing scenery, song, music and sound effects. Then

FROM 16 TO 17 JANUARY TODDLER DAYS The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Go along with your toddler to one of the special toddler days. There will be extra activities on such as arts and crafts, story telling and face or hand painting. 10am-4pm, no need to book.

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre 18 JANUARY, 1 & 15 FEBRUARY

MUSEUM MONKEYS Chertsey Museum, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5 per child, additional sibling £2.50 (1-5 year olds) Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts Under 5s (must be booked in advance) 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum. org FROM 19 TO 20 JANUARY BIG WETLAND BIRDWATCH Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-3pm Discover a wealth of wetland bird life at Morden Hall Park. Join expert volunteers and help to identify the feathered friends that call this urban oasis home. Booking not needed, free event.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park FROM 19 TO 20 JANUARY FAMILY FUN: DOWNSTAIRS AT THE OSTERLEY DINNER PARTY Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 11am-3pm Enjoy a range of family activities and learn what went into preparing a Georgian dinner party. Plan a menu, create invitations and learn how to serve at a Georgian table. When you’re done, visit the Made the the Table exhibition to see the beautiful silverware and ceramics.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/osterley-park 19 & 21 JANUARY, 2 & 4 FEBRUARY HAVE-A-GO NORDIC WALKING Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD Time: 2–2.45pm Get the year off to a great start with a workout in the woods. Join Vicky, a qualified Nordic Instructor, for an exercise class in the great outdoors.

30 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019

Suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, this taster session will give you an introduction to Nordic Walking technique. Pole hire included. Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkwortharboretum 19 JANUARY & 16 FEBRUARY YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB Chertsey Museum, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 11am-12.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm Cost: £5 per child (£4.50 for members) For 8 to 16 year olds (must be booked in advance) 01932 565764 www. chertseymuseum.org FROM 19 JANUARY TO 24 MARCH UNDER THE SEA The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Enter the magical world of the ocean as you take a journey through the wonders of the deep. Discover the creatures that live there and help protect them through different challenges. Can you help us save our seas?

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre 20 JANUARY THREE SAT UNDER THE BANYAN TREE Watermans Art Centre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: Premium tickets: £12 (£11) or Standard tickets: £10 (£9) Animal tales brought vibrantly to life with wonderous masks, movement and music. Based on The Panchatantra - India’s Aesop’s Fables.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk FROM 26 JANUARY TO 3 MARCH THE GREAT BRICK SAFARI RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Times: 10am–4pm: Weekdays, 9.30am–4pm: Weekends and half term

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The Great Brick Safari is coming to RHS Garden Wisley. Search for more than 40 animals and plants in the garden and both the temperate and tropical zones of The Glasshouse. You can also join a LEGO® bricks making workshop in the Glasshouse Gallery. www.rhs.org.uk 27 JANUARY MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VALLEY Watermans Art Centre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 2pm, 3.30pm Cost: £12 (£11) Based on the much-loved novels by Tove Jansson, this intimate, gentle, heart-warming show takes us on a journey through the seasons of the year in Moomin Valley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are playful.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 27 JANUARY VSCC DRIVING TESTS Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10.00am–4.00pm The Vintage Sports-Car Club and their annual Driving Tests - some 60 pre-war cars will tackle a dozen different tests around complicated courses laid out around the historic Brooklands site including Test Hill and the Banking, with drivers competing against the clock while trying to avoid any penaltyattracting mistakes.

01932 857381 www. brooklandsmuseum.com 2 FEBRUARY 15 MINUTES OF FUN Chertsey Museum, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30 pm-3.30 pm Free drop in family craft activities. No need to book, just go along and join in!

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 2 FEBRUARY AUTISM HOUR: LONDON BUS MUSEUM Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 9-10am Following the success of the Autism Hour Events in 2018, Brooklands Museum is again opening its doors early for families with members on the autism spectrum. Reduced rate admission applies and carers enter free accompanying a paying visitor.

This time the event will focus on London Bus Museum. This activity has restricted numbers and pre-booking is required.

01932 857381 www. brooklandsmuseum.com

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2 FEBRUARY MUM2MUM MARKET Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, Teddington, TW11 8PF Time: 2-4pm Quality second-hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, and preloved baby equipment. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 3 FEBRUARY SNOW WHITE, ROSE RED & BEAR BROWN Watermans Art Centre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) per person; Family Ticket of 4: £36 Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. A new show from the Woods of Widdershins, using puppets, storytelling, original music and a fantastical fairytale forest.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 3 FEBRUARY STORY CAFE - THE GIANT JAM SANDWICH Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3.30pm Cost: £4 (age 3+) / £2 (age 2 and under) includes drink and teatime treat Take a cushion and cuddly toy to this creative storytelling events. Enjoy crafty projects, themed activities and a tea-time treat - the perfect afternoon outing for families with small children.

9 FEBRUARY TOM THUMB Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 2pm and 4pm Cost: Adult £10, Child £8 Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table, this classic story is brought to life in a playful and fascinating show full of Lyngo’s magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Go and join tiny Tom on his very big adventure!

Ages 3+.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 10 FEBRUARY MORGAN & WEST’S UTTERLY SPIFFING SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 4pm Cost: £15 / £13 concs Morgan & West present magic and mayhem for ages five to 105! Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and of course a truck full of tricks and tea. Mixing brain boggling illusion and good old

fashioned tom-foolery, Morgan & West present a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound! Ages 5+ 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk FROM 16 TO 24 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Bocketts Farm, Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Enjoy a great family day out this February Half term with the start of the spring lambing! See over 70 new born lambs and ‘Meet the Shepherd’ to learn all about them.

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk FROM 16 TO 24 FEBRUARY LONDON PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT This half term take your friends and family and see who can make the biggest, craziest splash with the special ‘splashometer’ at the Puddle Jumping Championships.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk FROM 16 TO 24 FEBRUARY HALF-TERM TRAIL: SHAPES AND SIZES Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4pm Get some fresh air as you discover all things great and small with the children’s trail. Guaranteed fun, come rain or shine! Booking not needed.

Admission fee applies.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden 17 FEBRUARY JOHN HINTON’S ENSONGLOPEDIA OF ANIMALS Watermans Art Centre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Twenty-six animal songs, one for each letter of the alphabet. Get to grips with fascinating facts about extraordinary echinoderms, distressed damselflies, crazy corals, batty birds and amazing arachnids.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk FROM 18 TO 20 FEBRUARY MADE FOR THE TABLE: FAMILY ACTIVITIES Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB A programme of family activities to accompany Osterley’s exhibition this winter, Made for the Table,. From crafty workshops to hunts around the garden, there’s plenty to experience.

Coaster Painting on 18th Feb, Mug Painting Workshop on 19th Feb, and Tealight Holder Painting on 20th Feb. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/osterley-park

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Whats On FROM 18 TO 24 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF-TERM AT KEW GARDENS Kew, TW9 3AB Time: 10.30am-4pm Take your family to the Batalla de Flores! Inspired by the Barranquilla Carnival, there will be a host of workshops on: flower costumemaking, drumming, dancing and the chance to take part in the hourly parade!

020 8332 5655 www.kew.org FROM 19 TO 21 FEBRUARY DROP-IN CRAFTERNOON Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG A whole afternoon dedicated to children’s crafts in the Thatched Cottage. Little people will love settling down to try out a new craft, led by the friendly team of volunteers. Booking not needed, admission applies. uk/claremont-landscape-garden FROM 19 TO 22 FEBRUARY HALF TERM SPECIAL – IF ALL THE WORLD WERE PAPER Watermans Art Centre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 11am & 2pm A hilarious, poignant play about falling out, making up, and the joy of true friendship. A slapstick, comedy show with plenty of Laurel and Hardy influences that is ideal for young audiences aged 3-8 years but with plenty to engage and delight older children, their parents and grandparents.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 21 FEBRUARY FAMILY FUN: THE OSTERLEY DINNER PARTY Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 11am-3pm Visit the Made for the Table exhibition, and then go to the basement for free family activities. Discover what it was like to hold a party at Osterley in the Georgian period, as the owner of the house and the servants who worked there. Plan a menu, create invitations and learn proper Georgian table manners.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/osterley-park 24 FEBRUARY LUCKY DIP DISCO Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3.30pm Cost: Child £7, Adult £5 Retro disco for children and adults to dance together. Booking essential.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk Families Upon Thames • 31

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

stagecoach.co.uk/teddington 020 8979 5276

teddington@stagecoach.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 32 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth Spelthorne • North Surrey - January-February 2019 Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach• Theatre Arts Limited.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.