Families SE April 2013 issue 148

ISSUE NO. 148 ESTABLISHED 1996

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FR

APRIL 2013

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familiesse.co.uk

south east london

In this issue: Easter Activities for Children 10 Top Days Out (and 10 top days in for when it rains)

The Power of Play Mothers Mean Business

online edition

What’s On Listings

with working website links

The Pointer School (Blackheath)

A Prep, Pre-Prep & Nursery School for boys & girls between the ages of 3 and 11 • First Class examination results (100% success in recent 2012 examinations)

• Numerous extra-curricular clubs (36 in total, from fencing to horse riding)

• Organic food

• Large variety of outdoor and PE activities

• Breakfast club and after school care (8am-6pm)

• Three languages taught

• Christian Evangelical in ethos

• Holiday club (Christmas, Easter and Summer)

OFSTED: “OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS“ Telephone: 020 8293 1331

See OFSTED reports on our website

Email: secretary@pointers-school.co.uk

www.pointers-school.co.uk

Founded by Muriel & Della Pointer in 1951

THERE WAS A burst of sunlight the other day, pointing out just how much the windows need a good clean, and the lawn its first cut of the season. (I say lawn, its more forlorn after the dank start to the year but the overgrown plants make good hiding places for an Easter Egg hunt - everything has its upside.)

Once the clocks have gone forward at the end of March it will be spring, and whatever the weather, we’ll have our children to play with for the holidays what fun!

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views Opportunities for budding writers; Project Jelly is helping Mencap; a cup of tea can help a hospice; and we’re thinking party time...

4 Education News How to learn the times tables; and school open day dates

5 Easter Workshops Safe, supervised holiday fun for children

6-7 Top 10 Days Out Daytrips to castles and stately homes; and Top 10 Days In ideas to entertain restless children

8 The Power of Play Play therapist Shani Blumenfeld explains the enormous benefits of play in child development; and when play therapy can be helpful

9 What is Autism?

Dr Lucy Russell takes a looks at how autism can affect children and what a diagnosis entails

10 Mothers Mean Business Behind the lens with photographer Kate Darkins

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

ildren h C r o f s ie it iv Act Stagecoach Dulwich at Red House Book Awards Students from Stagecoach Dulwich performed as part of The Red House Children’s Book Awards at The Queen Elizabeth Hall in February.

The students, all aged between 7 and 16 were asked to ‘bring to life’ books that were nominated in three categories.

Principal, Jonny Clines, said “It was an exciting day for us all. We were invited

by The Book People to get involved but I didn’t think we’d be performing to about 800 people at such a big venue. The students thoroughly enjoyed it and I am incredibly proud of the contribution they made to the award ceremony.”

David Walliams was the star author for the event and he won in the Younger Readers category for his book Gangsta Granny.

All the students taking part are from Dulwich and the surrounding areas.

They attend Stagecoach for training in the Performing Arts every weekend. See www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich for more information.

11 The Book Review Page Storybooks, parenting guides and a whole lot of dinosaurs, with Justine Crow

12-17 What’s On Six pages of weekend and holiday events, Easter egg hunts, shows and family workshops

18 What’s New Our round up for products and services that have caught our eye

19 Luca and May Make

Story seekers Local 4-7 year-olds are invited to devise, write and illustrate a brand new story book for publication, and be part of a final performance week at the end.

Theatre tots’ director Laura Sydonie is running a new 12 week course, with visiting workshops from illustrator Bev Wilson and Al Davison. Story Seekers starts on 18 April in Blackheath. For more information, call 0780 1072 776 or see theatretots.com.

Easter Egg fun for crafty children

20 The Back Page Front cover: Front cover portrait by Kate Darkins,

07956 910019, www.katedarkinsphotography.co.uk Easter Issue out 3 May, copy deadline 15 April Families South East - 020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk editor@familiesse.co.uk © Families South East. 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. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Young writers’ award Here’s more for budding writers: children aged five to 14 are invited to write a 500 word short story on the theme of ‘Around the World’, for the chance to win a family trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for their school.

Organised by Explore Learning, the competition will be judged by best-selling author Cressida Cowell, writer of the world famous How to Train Your Dragon series, which inspired the DreamWorks movie.

Children can enter online between 15 April and 3 June.

Explore Learning will be running free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups to inspire children’s love of learning and encourage them to get involved. For all the details, go to explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.

Tel: 0208858 88586971 Tel: 020 6971

;OL SLNHS HK]PJL ZLY]PJLZ [OH[ .YHU[ :H^ VɈ LYZ HYL! FOR YOUR BUSINESS COMPANY & COMMERCIAL LAW LITIGATION & DEBT COLLECTION EMPLOYMENT LAW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Greenwich Office .YLLU^PJO Vɉ JL NormanHouse House Norman 110-114 Norman Road 110-114 Norman Road London SE10 9EH London SE10 9EH Fax: 020 8858 5796 Fax: 020 8858 5796

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families south east - april 2013

Blackheath Office

)SHJROLH[O 6ɉ JL 9 Hare & Billet Road Road 9 Hare & Billet Blackheath Blackheath London SE3London 0RB SE3 0RB Fax: 020 8318 6727

FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FAMILY LAW PROPERTY MATTERS & CONVEYANCING WILLS, PROBATE & ELDERLY CLIENT SERVICES PERSONAL INJURY & COURT CLAIMS

E-mail: enquiries@grantsaw.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@grantsaw.co.uk

www.grantsaw.com www.grantsaw.com

Fax: 020 8318 6727

familiesse.co.uk

Walk to school week National charity Living Streets is urging parents to leave the car at home and try walking with their children during Walk to School Week, which will run from 20-24 May. In 2011, 49% of primary school aged children and 38% of secondary school aged children walked to school, down from 62% of primary and 48% of secondary school aged children in 1991.

Walking to school makes the journey less stressful, petrol bills go down, children perform better at school and everyone feels healthier and fitter. It is also a great opportunity to teach your children vital road safety skills and ensure they are alert and ready to learn at the start of a new day.

Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: “This May, we want to get the whole of the UK buying a ticket to stride. We’re urging families up and down the country to give walking a go during Walk to School Week. We think you’ll be amazed at what a difference a short blast of fresh air can do for you. It’s free, green and easy and above all, it works. We need to encourage children to get walking now and set healthy habits for the future.”

Registration for National Walking Month opens from 1 April on livingstreets.org.uk.

Free Family Art Fun! Easter activities at the V&A www.vam.ac.uk/families

n Ups w o r G r o f s w Ne Jolly up your children’s feet this summer with a new pair of bright jelly shoes.

Project Jelly is the brainchild of southeast London mother Natalie Collier, who explains: “Project Jelly set out to repackage charity in a cool and innovative way, combining the best British children’s design with a big fundraising edge! My ultimate fundraising project was inspired by a big love for Mencap, jelly shoes, and my very own ‘Jellytots’ - Darcy and new baby Jude.”

The shoes are British made in Northampton, in children’s sizes 4-10, and 25% profit from sales go to Mencap. They will be onsale from 7 April from independent retailers including Gently Elephant in Brockley, Cissy Wears in Hither Green, Stella C in East Dulwich, and online at www.projectjelly.com.

Victoria and Albert Museum u South Kensington/Knightsbridge

Illustration by Marcus Walters

Project Jelly

Tennis for all SouthEast London Tennis are launching a new 'tennis for all' scheme, offering affordable tennis coaching in Ladywell Fields. On 13 April, they're holding an open day for juniors aged 6+ and adults, where you can meet the coaches and try free taster sessions. 10am-2pm, all abilities welcome, southeastlondontennis.com.

The online world As soon as they start using the internet, children are bombarded with commercial messages that they are too unsophisticated to understand.

Media Smart has produced two useful guides to help parents explain how it all works to their children. Developed primarily for parents of 6-11 year olds, Body Image helps children to think critically about the digitally enhanced images they see in the media, while Digital Adwise helps to educate children about the commercial nature of the online world.

Both are available to download for free, from mediasmart.org.uk/parents.

Party time!

Did someone say party? Oh yes! In our May issue we will publish a fun-filled, information-packed children’s party feature.

If you are an entertainer, facepainter or caterer, or have a venue for hire, an advertisement will mean that parents call you first. Contact us to see how we can help you spread the word and the chuckles.

Cuppas for a good cause Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Abbey Wood is asking cuppa lovers to take a break for a good cause by organising a Great Big Community Cuppa gathering during Cuppa Week, 18-24 May. Tea-loving supporters from all walks of life including fire-fighters from Plumstead Fire Station, members of Slimming World, pupils from local schools, and business owners including pub landlords, fitness, supermarket, cafe and cycle centre workers have already pledged their support to host events in schools, in the workplace and at home.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice provides expert end of life nursing and medical care, support, and comfort for local people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cuppa Week will help the hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care services free of charge, to those who need it most.

Fundraising packs include posters, balloons, ribbon, bunting and tips on how to make the most of the event, available from the fundraising team on 020 8319 9230, communityhospice.org.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

Easter Fun! 2 – 5 and 8 – 12 April 10:00am – 4:30pm

Easter EGGstravaganza!

Follow the treasure trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the Museum then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won.

Admission free 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum april 2013 - families south east

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education news

How to learn the times tables

By Elisabeth Dolton

Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12 x 12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents’ help in getting children to learn the basic facts.

Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques you should help make major progress.

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Start with explaining the concept If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

• Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 x 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers: 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6) • Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, eg any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, so 10 x 5 = 50. Have a look at mathsisfun.com/tables.html.

Further ways to help them memorise Your aim now is to recite memorised facts quickly and in any order.

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If your child is a visual learner, buy or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts. Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1 x 5=5, 2 x 5=10 and so on.

Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixty-four”.

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ - rap twice on a table, then show the number of fingers of a times tables, eg four fingers on your left hand, five on your right hand is 4 x 5 = 20. The winner is the first to say the answer.

More help After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instill the recollection of correct facts quickly.

• Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games • Onlilne, there are many computer games to help, apps and worksheets to print out and play with. Try these: multiplication.com, learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor.com,

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thamesbecause small schools build big futures our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org, multiplication.com and math.about.com.

Maths Zone at Education Interactive in Hither Green is a terrific source of games, puzzles, books, posters, calculators and more to make learning fun.

The shop is at 10 Staplehurst Road SE13 5NB, 020 8318 3680, and online at themathszone.co.uk.

Keep it fun Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important - go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together. Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic.

Practise quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months. That said, it is important for your child to have instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

Open day dates For more dates and listings, see our What’s On open days guide at www.familiesse.co.uk Thames Christian College 2 May. Wye Street SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Bromley High School GDST 9 May. Blackbrook Lane BR1, 020 8781 7000, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Oakfield Preparatory School 23 April, 8 June. 125-128 Thurlow Park Road SE21 8HP, 020 8670 4206, www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk Newton Prep School 3 May, 12 June. 149 Battersea Park Road SW8 4BX, 020 7720 4091, www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

OPEN MORNING TH U RSDAY 2nd MAY 11 .0 0 -1 .0 0 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

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families south east - april 2013

Rosemead Preparatory School 7 May, 20 June. Pre prep Elmcourt Road SE27, Prep department 70 Thurlow Park Road SE21, 020 8670 5865, www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk Streatham & Clapham High School GDST 14 May. Juniors, Wavertree Road SW2 3SR, 020 8674 6912, www.schs.gdst.net

familiesse.co.uk

Easter Fun Holiday Clubs & Workshops CLUBTASTIC ART CLASSES 27 March, 3, 8 + 10 April, 27 + 29 May in DULWICH, 2 + 9 April and 28 May in BECKENHAM, 0779 254 9874, club-tastic.co.uk Daylong art days, jam packed with different art activities and fun games.

9am-4pm, £32.50 per child per day.

FREEDOM ACADEMY WORKSHOPS 3-5 and 10-12 April in DULWICH and FOREST HILL, 020 8244 4873, www.freedomacademy.co.uk THE GINGERBREAD MAN, 3-5 April in Forest Hill and 10-12 April in Dulwich. Follow the Gingerbread Man on an all singing, all dancing journey! Ages 3-6 years, £60 per child, £50 sibling/ benefit rate MUSICAL MADNESS, 10-12 April in Dulwich. Children can learn the songs and routines from their favourite West End Musicals. 9am-3.30pm, ages 7-14 years, £90 per child, £80 sibling/ benefit rate.

HANSEL AND GRETEL WITH PERFORM 3-5 April, St STEPHEN’S MILLENNIUM HALL, College Road, Dulwich SE21 7HW, 0845 400 1277, perform.org.uk Take a magical adventure meeting many wonderful characters including the Poor Woodcutter and the Gingerbread Witch who tricks the children into her home. Perform’s three-day Experience has all the excitement of the original fairytale, with a hazardous journey, and eventual triumph taking in the dark and distant forest and the wicked cottage of cakes.

With unique games, specially written music, energetic dance and colourful improvisation, a team of enthusiastic and experienced actors, musicians and dancers bring this classic tale to life, inspiring and encouraging the children every step of the way so that they’ll have an experience to remember forever. Ages 4-8 years, 10am-12pm each day, £93 per child includes refreshments, 25% reduction for siblings.

INKHEAD CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS 3-5 and 10+11 April in HERNE HILL and LEE, 07943 514408, inkhead.co.uk Inkhead’s story writing workshops cover creative writing and the use of English. Writers who love words show the difference between writing to persuade, argue or advise and writing creatively. The course shows how to plot a story and write within a time constraint. Ages 7-14 years, 10am-1pm each day.

THE CATERPILLAR’S VOICE 3-5 April in CLAPHAM and 8-10 April in HERNE HILL, ages 31⁄2 - 6, 0800 9755290; 2-4 April in BLACKHEATH and ELTHAM, 8-10 April in GREENWICH and LEE, ages 31⁄2 - 7, 020 8244 2036, theatrebugs.co.uk A little caterpillar wanders into a cave one day and discovers how big and loud his voice becomes. He sounds like a big, huge, enormous animal! He decides to play a trick on his friends the hare, the elephant, and the lion. Flutterby Butterfly joins in the fun too!

Join Theatrebugs’ three fun-filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up. On day three it’s showtime! 10% sibling discount on bookings.

STAGECOACH EASTER WORKSHOP 8-11 April in DULWICH, 020 8949 4116, stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ is a fun-filled, four day compilation show that looks at musicals on the silver screen including Les Miserables, The Muppet Movie, Tangled, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and many, many more. The children meet for the first time on Monday morning and

LEARN

make lots of new friends. They have a full schedule of rehearsals so that no one can get bored; and by Thursday it’s show time for family and friends in the Great Hall at Alleyn’s School. Ages 4-7 and 8-16 years, book first.

FREEDOM ACADEMY

TENNIS-4-KIDS 8-11 April in EAST DULWICH, 0787 739 1005, tennis-4kids.com Fun filled indoor tennis games and activities designed for the younger player, in which all the PERFORM skills and tactics of the real game can be learned and used. Ages 21⁄2 to eight years.

STORY SOCK FUN 4 + 11 April in GREENWICH, 8 April in BLACKHEATH, 07957 136270, storysock.co.uk What will you discover in the story sock? Join in with a fun holiday class where stories are explored and brought to life with characters, props and activities that educate, enrich and entertain. 10am start, ages 2-6 years.

Places are limited so pre-booking essential. £6 per child.

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD WORKSHOPS 8-12 April in EAST DULWICH/ HERNE HILL, 0800 107 7949, funkymonkey.info KEYBOARD SUPERSTAR workshops offer a brilliant introduction to music. 5-8 year-old beginners read, play and write notes C-A alongside learning keyboard technique and countless music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. Your child can try making music for a week, and if they enjoy it, move on to term classes. 8-12 April, £119 per child includes all equipment and a snack.

ONE HIT WONDER is a one-off, four hour holiday workshop where 5-8 year-olds learn how to play and write notes C-G, have a basic introduction to music theory, learn famous tunes and enjoy quizzes and activities. £30 includes a workbook to take home.

READER OFFER: Families readers can book the Keyboard Superstar workshop for just £109 per child - quote ‘FSE’ when booking.

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.

SOUTH LONDON YOUTH ORCHESTRA 8-11 April in DULWICH, 020 8613 6444, jasspa.org.uk Four orchestras encompassing beginner to Grade 8+ musicians. Each orchestra is led by an inspirational conductor who brings a wealth of experience from the fields of music and education, performance and

STAGECOACH

conducting, working with the young musicians to prepare for a final day performance.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER 10+11 April, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8299 8732, dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Create colourful printed bird sculptures for display in your garden.

Artist Erica Parrett’s workshop will explore pattern and mark making through polyblock printmaking, painting and 3D construction skills, using materials like wire and recycled materials. Ages 6-8 years 10.30am12.30pm, ages 9-11 years 2-4pm, £18 per child.

SE LONDON TENNIS CAMPS 2-5 April week one; 8-11 April week two, SYDENHAM LAWN TENNIS CLUB, Lawrie Park Road SE26 6ET, southeastlondontennis.com, email chris@southeastlondontennis.com Four day group activities with professional coaches. Each session includes tennis coaching, games and other team events, with a mini tournament at the end of each week. Facilities are available for wet-weather activities if necessary. Beginners and improvers welcome.

9am-12noon for 7-10 year-olds, 1-4pm for 11-15 year-olds, £48 for all four days, one day £14. Book and pay online; or call Chris on 0773 993 6999 or Michael on 07956 995820.

MUNCHKINS HOLIDAY COOKING 2, 4, 5, 8-12 April in BLACKHEATH, 020 8269 1331, blackheathcooks.com At Munchkins’ popular holiday workshops, children are kept busy making their own lunch or tea and a snack to eat at breaktime, plus lots of tasty goodies to take home and share, These action-packed workshops give 4-11 year olds a great opportunity to get messy, be creative and develop their cookery skills within a range of different themes. Courses can be booked by the half day or as a longer course.

STUDIO FILM SCHOOL 8-10 April in BALHAM, 0845 533 3763, studiofilmschool.co.uk An epic action-adventure of a workshop as members make their own blockbuster movie, creating explosive Special FX, driving high-octane drama and mastering screen combat techniques. Ages 7-11 and 11-14, 10am-4pm, £165 includes DVD.

YOUNG

have fun!

A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2½-8 yr olds. Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court.

Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.

A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.

For further details, ring Gordon on

07877 391005 gordon@tennis-4-kids.com www.tennis-4-kids.com familiesse.co.uk

april 2013 - families south east

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easter fun

top ten t Days Ou The Easter holidays are here and there’s a whole word to discover.

What better than a daytrip to an historic property, packed with real-life accounts of royal derring-do, rich owners and hard-working servants.

See how life was lived in grand properties during ‘the olden days’ - there may even be a chocolate treat in store too...

DOWN HOUSE

CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE

LEEDS CASTLE

BODIAM CASTLE

HAM HOUSE

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families south east - april 2013

DOVER CASTLE

DOWN HOUSE DOWN HOUSE, Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, 07689 859119, english-heritage.org The Grade 1 listed Down House was Charles Darwin’s home from 1842 until his death in 1882.

Visitors can see the study where he worked, the rooms where he ate and slept, and explore the extensive gardens which inspired his travels and discoveries into the natural world. From 29 March to 1 April, follow the family trail to win a yummy Easter prize.

Open 10am-5pm Wednesdays to Sundays from 29 March, admission £5.90 children, £9.90 adults, £25.70 families, English Heritage members free.

ELTHAM PALACE AND GARDENS ELTHAM PALACE, Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, 020 8294 2548, english-heritage.org.uk Originally the childhood home of Henry VIII, Eltham Palace is now one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in England. Step into the stunning entrance hall and explore the marvellous panelled dining room, magnificent medieval Great Hall and beautiful gardens. From 31 March - 3 April the grounds will be full of missing eggs and clues to follow to win an Easter prize.

Open 10am-5pm Sundays to Wednesdays from 31 March, admission to house and gardens free for under 5s, £5.90 children, £9.90 adults, £25.70 families, English Heritage members free.

CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, Hill Hoath Road, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD, 01892 870347, chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Chiddingstone is a unique and unspoilt castle which houses outstanding collections of Egyptian and Buddhist artefacts, Japanese armour and beautiful Jacobean paintings.

The 25 acre grounds include a lake, a magnificent woodland and pretty gardens with nature trails to follow. Egyptian Day on 14 April is a fun day for the whole family to visit the castle and learn of the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.

Open 11am-5pm from 29 March - 30 October, Sundays to Wednesdays and bank holidays.

Admission free for under 5s, £4 for 5-13 year-olds, £8 adults, £21.50 families.

HEVER CASTLE 29 March - 7 April, HEVER CASTLE AND GARDENS, Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, hevercastle.co.uk With a double moat and drawbridge, the 13th century castle houses fascinating collections of Tudor treasures, from portraits and paintings to furniture and tapestries. Within the grounds is a recreation of a Tudor Village, a yew maze and splashing water maze; beautiful gardens, and rowing boats for hire.

From 2-7 April, young visitors can make their own brass rubbings to take home. The Annual Easter Egg Trail is a great opportunity to explore the gardens and claim a chocolate egg. Traditional brass bands playing throughout the Easter weekend add to the festive atmosphere.

Gardens open 10.30am-5pm, castle opens 12noon. Admission £8.50 children, £15 adults, £33 families for castle and garden.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

LEEDS CASTLE 29 March - 1 April, LEEDS CASTLE, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, leeds-castle.co.uk Built in 1119 and set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle houses sumptuous interiors and family treasures. Six medieval queens have lived at the castle, and it was regularly visited by Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon and King Edward VI. The castle has been used as a garrison, a prison, convalescent home, and home to the Culpeper, Fairfax and Wykeham Martin families, whose legacy can be seen in the furnished rooms.

Take a springtime walk around the grounds in search of clues and answers to win chocolate prizes, and sample Spring arts and crafts in the events marquee.

Open daily from 10am, admission £12.50 children, £19.75 adults, Easter activities £2.50 per child.

BODIAM CASTLE 29 March - 5 April BODIAM CASTLE, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830 196, nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle Surrounded by a moat and beautiful Sussex countryside, Bodiam Castle is the perfect example of a 14th Century castle. Today, the medieval ruins offer a fascinating insight into what life was once like at the castle and impressive historical features include the original wooden portcullis on display in the gatehouse and the spiral staircases at the heart of the towers. Follow an Easter trail around the castle, claim a yummy prize at the end, and decorate eggs to take home.

Open 10.30am-5pm daily, admission £3.50 children, £7 adults, £18.60 families, Easter trail £2.

DOVER CASTLE Dover Castle, Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1HU, 0870 333 1181, english-heritage.org.uk Explore the castle’s Great Tower and immerse yourselves in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry II. Richly furnished chambers are adorned with vibrant wall hangings and stunning furniture, while at certain times, costumed characters re-enact famous historical figures such as the King, Prince John and the King’s court jester.

Beneath your feet are the atmospheric defensive medieval tunnels and secret wartime tunnels which housed a WW2 military command centre and underground hospital. From 23 March to 7 April, Easter family fun trails lead to a yummy prize.

Open 10am-6pm daily from 29 March, admission £9.90 children, £16.50 adults, family tickets £42.90, Entlish Heritage members free.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE OSTERLEY PARK, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB, 020 8232 5050, nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park One of the last surviving country estates in London, Osterley’s spacious grounds are perfect for Easter outdoors, with gardens, lakes and woods to explore.

Pick up an audio-visual digital guide for an insight into the realities of life above and below stairs. From Easter Friday to Easter Monday, children can follow a trail to win a chocolate prize.

Admission £4.50 children, £9 adults, £22.50 families for house and garden.

familiesse.co.uk

top ten Days In Because we know it will rain at some stage over the holidays, and there are better ideas than the TV / games option...

In collaboration with parents across the country, Galt Toys has put together ten creative ideas to cheer up the whole family and spur the imagination.

1 Cooking

HEVER CASTLE

Children love cooking and eating pizza, from kneading the dough to making creative faces with the topping! It is also a great opportunity for children to practise counting, measuring and weighing. For extra fun give prizes for the most creative pizza toppings.

HAM HOUSE AND GARDEN HAM HOUSE and Garden, Ham Street, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS, 020 8940 1950, nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house Explore the mansion using a house trail and hands-on activities that introduce children to its exciting and exotic past. Outside, acres of gardens are waiting to be explored with the help of self-guided garden trails, ‘Explorer Packs’ of activities, and a giant toy box. An Easter trail through the gardens leads to chocolate treats.

Gardens open 11am-5pm daily, house open 12noon-4pm daily except Fridays. Admission £5.50 children, £9.90 adults, £25.30 families; National Trust members free.

2 Cardboard boxes Cardboard boxes are great for the imagination and provide hours of entertainment for creative minds.

They make dens, cars and castles, which can be decorated in all sorts of fantastic ways. Small boxes can become spooky disguises - cutting out holes for eyes and mouth and painting on a scary face!

3 Indoor picnic You don’t have to be outdoors to have a picnic.

Gather the dolls and teddies for a creative mock outdoor picnic with a blanket, hamper packed with food, paper plates and plastic utensils. You could even get the children making a giant paper sun to hang from the ceiling.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE HAMPTON COURT PALACE, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777, hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace Discover Tudor life at Henry VIII’s famous palace and gardens, lose yourself in the most famous maze in the history of the world, and explore the kitchens. Costumed interpreters bring the palace to life, and there are family audio tours and trails with a prize at the end.

Open 10am-4.30pm Mondays to Sundays, admission free for under 5s, £8.80 children, £17.60 adults, £45.10 families.

ACTING * SINGING

4 Reading Spend some quality time together snuggled up on the sofa with your child’s favourite book taking it in turns to read aloud, adding silly voices and actions for the characters in the story to keep it fun and exciting.

*

STREET DANCE

* GLEE CLUB

5 Indoor disco If you’re up for something a little more energetic, raid the fancy dress box for your best dancing queen outfits and have a dance-off in the living room. See who can make the wackiest shapes!

6 Pasta jewellery There is nearly always some left over pasta in the cupboard so why not put it to good use by making some pretty pasta jewellery. All you need is some string, glitter and glue and penne pasta to make beautiful bracelets for everybody.

7 Treasure hunt Agree on the treasures you are going to hide around the house, small toys, wrapped sweets, stickers etc.

Create a series of clues leading to the treasure older children often enjoy doing these and the younger ones finding it.

8 Board games Everyone loves traditional board games, which are great fun and also help to develop important social skills, such as communicating, sharing, and taking turns.

9 Make slime Yuk! But children love it. Fill a bowl with water, add a few drops of food colouring (green if possible) and then gradually stir in cornflour until the slime is the right thickness. Children under six should be supervised at all times.

10 Singing in the rain Pull on your wellies and waterproofs and go splashing through the puddles singing as you go!

Then come inside and warm up with some hot chocolate and buttered toast.

*

PERFORMING ARTS

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY!

Week long courses jammed full of acting, song and dance!

TEL: 0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk familiesse.co.uk

april 2013 - families south east

7

parenting

The Power of Play

By Shani Blumenfeld, Registered Play Therapist

Play is a child’s natural, spontaneous way to explore the world and express themselves. It has long been recognised by educators and psychologists as vital to children’s development, helping them to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

Free play (unstructured) in particular, provides opportunities for children to play out and rehearse roles and feelings, try out new ideas, practise facing challenges, rethink experiences and work out solutions.

Play also has the power to heal, especially when children have problems that are disrupting their lives and those around them. Children’s thoughts and emotions naturally come to the surface during play and it is a good way for children to find solutions to problems. It’s generally easier for children to make positive changes when they are playing and playing allows children to express feelings and anxieties that may be difficult to put into words.

Playful families Whilst play comes so naturally to children, as adults we have often lost the ability to play and joining children in their play doesn’t feel ‘comfortable’ as it requires putting aside our familiar ‘adult’ roles, letting go of our authority and realism for a while, and risking appearing (to the adult world only), silly.

But research clearly shows that playing with our children has enormous benefits. It allows family members to relax and laugh together, we can

change roles, bend the rules a bit, and go where the fun takes us.

And kids just love it when parents step out of parental mode and join them as equals in play. Crucially, playing together can also bring parents and children closer and help to build warm and lasting relationships. Adults and children alike develop skills in talking and hearing each other; children gain a sense of security, self-confidence and a view of themselves as effective in the world; and it can even facilitate talking about problems through diversion and relaxation.

You don’t need any specialist skills or equipment to join your child’s play. Just give your undivided attention, watch and listen, comment occasionally on what you see and if you want to get involved allow your child to ‘direct’ you like a film director would an actor. Resist the temptation to teach, criticise/ praise or guide the play (unless for safety reasons) as this will help your child express themselves without the anxiety of failure or judgement. And don’t worry - letting your child take charge in their play for a while isn’t going to turn them into ‘bossy’ children. It needn’t be time-consuming either - just ten minutes a day of joint play will give your children the message that you are interested in them, that they are valuable and will help to strengthen your relationship.

The power of play therapy All children encounter challenges in their life and most children manage to weather these emotional storms with the support of parents, carers, friends and family. However sometimes children experience problems with their feelings or

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behaviours that are harder to work out even with the support of those around them, and they may need additional help. Play therapy is an effective way of helping children to work through muddled feelings or upsetting events that they haven’t had the chance to sort out properly and that are disrupting their lives or the lives of those around them. Rather than having to talk about what is troubling them - as an adult might do in a counselling session - in play therapy children use play and expressive activities to communicate deeper feelings or worries that may be hard for them to put into words.

Parents and carers may seek extra support from a play therapist when their child seems unduly sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive or when parents are concerned about their child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends or at school. Play therapy can help children affected by a variety of difficult life experiences, such as low self-esteem; separation issues; loss or bereavement; bullying or school-related issues; family changes or breakdown; domestic violence; abuse or traumatic experiences; issues relating to disability/ illness (of the child or family members).

Play therapy not only helps children make sense of difficult feelings or experiences but also to feel better about themselves, get on better with friends and family and find healthier ways of coping with challenges life inevitably brings. Play therapists can also work with children and their parents together.

About the author Shani Blumenfeld is a Registered Play Therapist with Manchester Play Therapy, 07812 089 760, manchesterplaytherapy.co.uk For more information and to find a therapist, contact the British Association of Play Therapists at bapt.info, 01932 820100.

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Vandis reversible soft toys, £18.99 each from nordickids.co.uk, 01202 400680

As adults we generally don’t take much notice of what children are doing when they are playing. In fact we may just be grateful for those moments when our children are occupied in playing and there is finally some respite from demands on our attention. But if we do stop to watch our children playing, we see that it’s not ‘just playing’ - there is something magical, spontaneous, uninhibited, creative and rejuvenating happening. As Plato, the Ancient Greek philosopher said “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation”. Play is the ‘window’ into a child’s world.

What is autism?

Dr Lucy Russell takes a looks at how autism can affect children and what a diagnosis will entail Autism is a developmental disability that affects children and how they communicate and relate to others around them. Autism can’t be cured, but there is lots of support that can help children learn to cope with their difficulties.

Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The spectrum part of ASD means that, while all people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Autism brings strengths If your child has autism, it’s important to remember that it also brings strengths. Many people with autism like to focus in on very small details of things in great depth. Channelled in the right way this could make them brilliant artists, mathematicians or computer programmers.

sometimes repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Children with Asperger’s can have highly functioning speech and ability. Physical clumsiness and peculiar use of language are also frequently seen.

Are there any quick tests?

Unfortunately not. Every child with autism is different and so diagnosing takes input from different professionals and different assessments. There are a couple of useful tools which you may wish to try. The National Autistic Society website (autism.org.uk) provides information on The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) and The Australian Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome (Garnett and Attwood 1998). By no means should these tools ever be considered as a diagnosis.

Autism brings difficulties Will a diagnosis help There are difficulties with autism, generally they are in three main areas: my child?

Communication: Development of language is often delayed in children with an ASD. Both verbal and non-verbal (ie, gestures) communication can appear unusual. Children may make fewer gestures than ‘normal’ children, such as pointing. They often struggle to make eye contact with others.

Conversation with a child on the autistic spectrum may feel disjointed and not synchronised with the person they are talking to or with. Such children may struggle with the ‘to and fro’ nature of a two-way conversation, and may dominate or avoid conversations. People on the autistic spectrum tend to be ‘black and white thinkers’, and struggle to understand phrases that are not concrete, or where the meaning is not obvious.

Social interaction: Every environment has social rules, such as turn-taking and good manners.

People with ASD can struggle to see others’ perspectives, so rules like turn-taking are often difficult to grasp. Some rules may seem illogical and confusing to a child with ASD. Why would you use different words when you’re talking to a child as opposed to an adult? Why are there rules about who you can play with in the playground and who you can’t? Why do I have to wait my turn?

This is understandably a big step for parents. On one hand, having a formal diagnosis can enable the family to move forward and plan how best to support the child’s strengths and weaknesses.

On the other hand, parents are often worried that having a ‘label’ will be a negative thing for their child. There is no easy answer to this dilemma, however, a diagnosis is often a positive thing for the family.

How is a diagnosis made?

Assessments are conducted with input from a multi-disciplinary team. There are usually multiple parts to the assessment including a structured parent interview with a psychologist, a cognitive assessment, occupational therapist assessment and school/nursery observation. The range of assessments is designed to ensure accuracy of diagnosis.

Obsessions and rituals: Because they often find the world unpredictable and scary, and are good at focusing on fine detail, people with ASD often develop intense and specialist interests. These interests may become obsessions. Common ones are trains/ Thomas the Tank Engine, and science fiction, but they can be almost anything. An obsession can be positive as it gives a child a ‘specialist subject’ which they can be expert on. They can help build a child’s self-esteem as well as being enjoyable.

If an obsession begins to take over a child’s life in a negative way, however, and other things get pushed out, it’s important to seek help.

Asperger’s syndrome One autism spectrum disorder is Asperger’s syndrome. Children with this syndrome can have significant difficulties in social interaction, and

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Can healthcare professionals help after diagnosis?

Absolutely. There are lots of things that can be done to help your child with their difficulties. For instance an occupational therapist can support your child with any sensory issues (such as dislike of noisy or bright places). A clinical psychologist can support the child therapeutically in areas such as social skills, anxiety or obsessions. The aim of therapy will be to reduce the impact of your child’s difficulties.

With help your child should be able to learn how to cope and adapt to minimise the difficulties. This can have a very positive knock-on effect on how they build friendships and their general happiness.

About the author Dr Lucy Russell is a Clinical Psychologist and leads the autism service at Everlief Child Psychology in West Wycombe, 01494 521332, www.everlief.co.uk.

Local support •

•

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism, providing information, support and an online services directory of schools and services for children and adults. 0845 070 4004, www.autism.org.uk. Local branches hold regular meetings for parents, grandparents and carers of individuals with autism and Aspergers Syndrome. For information, email lambeth@nas.org.uk, greenwich@nas.org.uk, or southwark@nas.org.uk SIGNAL Family Support is a parent support group for autistic children and their families in the borough of Lewisham, and occasionally for families in neighbouring boroughs, 07946 632 477, www.signalonline.org.uk

What getting a diagnosis can mean •

•

‘A few months ago our daughter was assessed and diagnosed with mild Asperger’s. Having the assessments conducted privately meant the process took about a month. It was, however, a difficult time, worrying if we had done the right thing and what would a diagnosis mean. How would being labelled affect the way she was treated? I realise now that she would have been labelled anyway as being different.

‘Now we know and understand more about the condition life is easier, so many battles have just disappeared. The fact she will eat cheese and bread but not a cheese sandwich is no longer an issue. We have found a social skills programme to follow, and are able to explain to friends that she is not being rude when she makes factual, honest comments. We have been able to find great resources that will help her learn the rules that she cannot pick up naturally. School reinforces these rules and teachers can now make allowances for the long detailed explanations she likes to give.

• We have been able to see some of the positive aspects of her condition and build on these and access systems to help manage the negatives. We feel that the more she is understood by those around her, the more able she will be to cope with the demands of growing up.’

Credit for children walking: © Doorq - Fotolia.com Credit for umbrella: istockphoto.com]

april 2013 - families south east

9

Mothers Mean Business

Kate Darkins - photographer Kate Darkins is a mother of two children from Bromley. As a professional portrait photographer, she has been booked for many family portraits, children’s parties, weddings and corporate events. We asked her to come out from behind the camera and tell us more...

FSE: Have you always been a photographer, or did you have a different career before?

KD: I studied a BTEC in Art & Design at college, part of which covered photography. After graduating from college I became a graphic designer working up to the position of art director and often had the opportunity to work the other side of the camera.

FSE: How did you get into photography in the first place - was it a childhood dream?

KD: My older half-sisters had their own dark room and from a young age would encourage me to experiment and have fun with photography. They taught me the basics, both in the dark room and behind the lens. I was lucky enough to be able to study photography at my secondary school which was fortunate enough to have its own dark room.

That’s when my parents bought me my first SLR camera. I’ve always loved taking photos but always felt it was a hobby, a passion. I never expected it to become my future career path.

FSE: You are now successful and in demand.

How easy or hard was it setting up the business?

KD: It has taken six years to get to where I am today. When I started, I already had my own graphic design business that was thriving. I had just had my daughter and started taking an obsessive amount of photos of her. Friends then started to ask me to take photos of their children and it just snowballed from there.

I reached a crossroads where I had to decide whether to continue with my graphic design business or throw myself headfirst into a whole new world and really make a go of the photography and to make money from it! It was hard at times.

Even though I knew I could compose a great photo I still had a lot to learn (and still do) in terms of the technical and business side.

About five years ago I was given the great opportunity of photographing a party at Hamleys toy store in London, and ever since I have been their party photographer covering all of their in-store parties and events.

As well as the family and children’s portraits, I now also do a lot of commercial and corporate photography, weddings and more recently I am setting up another business with a fellow photographer for natural school photography. I have been very blessed (not without a major amount of hard work) and have been privileged to have worked in some fabulous venues such as Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, and have also worked and met a lot of influential people and celebrities along the way.

FSE: Most people now have halfway decent cameras in their mobile phones. Has this changed what you do over the years?

KD: No really, I embrace the advances of technology. It’s great to have a camera at your fingertips and makes photography more accessible

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to everyone. Also, with the affordable consumer SLR cameras that are now on the market it gives people the opportunity to be more creative and take better photos.

Even with this in mind, there is still a market for professional family and child portraits. I invest thousands of pounds in the equipment I use and am continually attending courses and learning my trade. My clients come to me for that reason, and also because they want artistic, timeless photographs of their children and family. It’s an investment for generations of their family to come.

FSE: You are also involved with the charity Believe in Magic - how did that come about?

KD: I met Meg from Believe in Magic just after she started the charity. Meg had arranged a party at Hamleys in London and I had been booked to photograph the party.

Believe in Magic bring joy to so many terminally ill children through their work. They organise once in a lifetime experiences for these children as well as celebrity visits for those children in the hospitals and hospices. One Direction are big supporters of the charity amongst other big named celebrities. I’ve now photographed a few events for the charity and thoroughly enjoy working with them. In December I was privileged to be invited to join them at Buckingham Palace for a very special event, although can’t say too much about that as it’s top secret!

Working with this charity has reaffirmed to me how important a photograph is. Capturing special moments for children and families when it may be their last, leaves them with happy memories to cherish, even after those children have gone. If you haven’t already, I implore you check this charity out, I’ve seen the work they do and families and it’s truly heart-warming.

FSE: Do you have any tips for other mothers thinking of setting up on their own?

KD: Be determined and be prepared to exist on even less sleep than you do already! Use your contacts and people you know to help spread the word about your business. It’s not what you know, but who you know. Above all, believe in yourself and be confident! Dreams do come true.

FSE: How do you balance work time, family time and time off?

KD: I work a lot of evenings, whether it be in the office or out seeing clients. And I also work most weekends, whether it be photographing families, weddings, parties or events.

When I do get time for myself it really is very precious and is mostly spent with my very supportive husband and two children, family and friends - going for walks, day trips to museums, Sunday lunch in a nice country pub. And of course a nice chilled glass of wine!

FSE: How can readers contact you to see your work or discuss bookings?

KD: Telephone 07956 910 019 / email info@katedarkinsphotography.co.uk / website www.katedarkinsphotography.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

As a non-church goer (to put it mildly), I am a firm believer in Easter. It is my favourite of all the festivities because it comes with little stress attached and we get to shut the bookshop for a whole day. In the past it meant meeting my extended family in a pub garden somewhere (always pubs yes, but in those days there was precious little choice when it came to lunch with crowlets in tow and the backyard of a boozer was somewhere you could make a mess), my relatives teasing each other (blowing raspberries down the outside overflow pipe just as uncle Dave lowered himself onto the seat in the chilly ‘Gents’), grandad Crow surrounded by those he loved and contentedly sipping his half of Courage - for him, retired Fleet Street printer, a tipple at the Grove Tavern on the South Circular was a trip to the countryside. My folks might have been rubbish at the fluffy Easter bunny stuff but there was always lunch and laughter and in the old days we had real live sunshine at Easter too.

THE WILD WEATHER BOOK by Fiona Danks & Jo Schofield - Frances Lincoln rrp £.99. Unless a miracle of resurrectional proportions occurs, I think it is safe to assume that the holidays will be blessed with the now customary blustery conditions and getting the family outdoors for fresh air and a stretch will require more than a few chocolate eggs hidden in the shivering bushes and the promise of stiff drink. I love the simplicity of all these accessible ideas like making beautiful mud pies - and why shouldn’t they be beautiful? - studded with moss and acorns and blossom, and building a Noah’s Ark out of the recycling crate, pairing up natural treasures like feathers and seed heads to ride in it. Construct your own rain catcher or a water run (that shouldn’t be too hard) or create a wind sock (insert joke here about daddy). All hugely enjoyable and not a sun beam in sight.

TROLL WOOD by Kathryn Cave & Paul Hess - Frances Lincoln rrp £11.99. Sticking with the natural theme combined with family outings, this sumptuous though apparently dark sojourn into the wilderness finds grandad forever looking for somewhere to rest his legs and the kids scrambling up trees that barely conceal the presence of beasts. They all brave nightfall and are rewarded the next morning by a shack on a hill that is transformed into the perfect home. And the old fella gets to put his feet up and have a go on the swing.

DINOSAUR FARM Frann Presten-Gannon - Pavilion rrp £5.99. I have the rubbish at Easter bunnies gene too so have gone for Easter dinosaurs instead (for us they are as emblematic as the Welsh leek). Observe the farmer’s bemused benevolence as he nurtures his livestock and mucks out the massive pile of Jurassic poo, caring for the young as they hatch out their giant eggs (even creationists would approve, surely), irrigating the triffid-like crops and trudging back home at sunset to have a well-earned bath and before crashing out. Ah, but look what happens when you leave the gate open - don’t you just hate it when you get dinosaurs all over your duvet?

WINNIE’S DINOSAUR DAY by Valerie Thomas & Korky Paul - Oxford rrp £6.99. We are colossal fans of the jolly old dark arts at Crow Towers and of tales such as WINNIE IN WINTER, all three of my kids being permanently convulsed by the notion of a skeleton in trunks and poolside zombies clutching cocktails while either side of the ramshackle mansion, it snowed.

Despite all those years of mischievous spell-casting with her frazzled sidekick Wilbur the cat, in this newest adventure full of old bones our favourite hippy sorceress doesn’t look a day older. What a role model.

DINOSAURS IN THE SUPERMARKET by Timothy Knapman & Sarah Warburton - Scholastic rrp £6.99. This gang of prehistoric hooligans does exactly in the aisles what I feel like doing when I get one of those blasted wee tickets that pronounce uselessly: ‘your shop was 16p cheaper today!’ Gggrrrr. It’s one marketing idea I definitely wish was extinct.

LUNCHBOX: THE STORY OF YOUR FOOD by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti - Walker rrp £5.99. When First Born was small, this publisher did a brilliant picture book now shamefully unavailable that explained to children how their dinner got to their plate, called Beans on Toast.

Fortunately, this goes some way to making up for it by taking various elements of a packed lunch like cheese, tomatoes, apple juice, and showing us where they begin and how they end up, with a nutritional map at the back and endpapers depicting so many choices for a lunchbox, it’s worth a sneaky consult if you are stuck for inspiration. I foolishly once told the children it was absolutely illegal to eat a hot cross bun before Good Friday and that somebody would call a policeman if they did, therefore forever depriving myself of a fallback option from January to May. WELCOME TO YOUR AWESOME ROBOT by Viviane Schwarz - Flying Eye Books rrp £8.99. The acclaimed auteur of There Are Cats in this Book and There Are No Cats ditto has produced a wonderful comic manual of technology for beginners using a humble cardboard box and lots of imagination. Marvellous.

RASPBERRY Pi OWNERS’ WORKSHOP MANUAL Haynes rrp £17.99. “Why have we got this?” asked Him Indoors last week, as he updated his Facebook page and checked his Twitter feed on his iPad. Crikey, what a dinosaur, I groaned, don’t you know anything? Somebody give him a cardboard box.

DARCY BURDOCK by Laura Dockrill - Red Fox rrp £5.99.

New from the fabulous walking advertisement for state education (Lady Gaga meets Mother Goose says the publicity and it is hard to disagree), with doodles and notes and homemade stories, Darcy says exactly how it is for burgeoning ten year olds. With bells on -”Alfie’s mum smelled of coffee and Vivienne Westwood perfume..” and, “I drink three glasses of water before bed... to replace all the tears I must have cried...”

THE PREGNANCY & BABY BOOK - Dorling Kindersley rrp £25. Visually enticing, it brags. Well, it would have to be wouldn’t it? I mean, if they published a birth manual that showed us what it all really looked like from start to, um, end product, they wouldn’t sell quite so many copies. Still, if the world insists that procreation is a butterfly-infested event, full of fun and pastel shades then this is what we end up with and I have to admit, they do cover all the bases most attractively.

THE KNACKERED MOTHER’S WINE CLUB by Helen McGinn - Macmillan rrp £12.99. It’s a distinctly first world problem - buying wine. Now that supermarkets have pretty much elbowed the competition into obscurity, ergo the expert, leaving you alone to make decisions based on how quickly you can get to the checkout with a full trolley because the kids need picking up from tai kwondo, you can’t exactly ask the lad stacking the shelves for advice.

Given that (rightly or wrongly) the aforementioned beverage plays such a large part in our lives, knowing what will complement fishfingers or can be abandoned to the tombola or which best lubricates the delivery of a bedtime story, is vital. Keep it next to Gina Ford, Penelope Leach and the first aid kit for all those parenting emergencies.

Easter done, my parenting credentials are about to be tested again by the next BIG event in our house. Yes, after years of successfully bodging all sorts of fancy dress outfits, Trasha has tasked me with her latest obsession The Rocky Horror Show. Where’s Woolworths when you need it? Meanwhile, after more than a decade of Disney songs, “I’m just a sweet transvestite..” takes some getting used to.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk familiesse.co.uk

april 2013 - families south east

11

AMAZON ADVENTURE AT THE HORNIMAN

What’sOn

Are you feeling frustrated with your current job and want a change?

Bring a fresh change to your working life by joining a free careers workshop run by Imagine Careers. 2-3pm. Find out more and book your place by calling career coach Veronica on 07757 939 940.

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

Diary Dates for Grown Ups LIFE COACHING GROUP Tuesdays in DULWICH VILLAGE and HERNE HILL, Fridays in WEST and EAST DULWICH, 0775 369 9232, email coaching@themindbodyandsoulcoach.co.uk When we honour our values, prioritise our wellbeing and get the results we’re looking for, life feels very good indeed. Life coach, fitness expert and reiki practitioner Kathy Yvanovich holds regular informal get-togethers where participants can refresh and support life, loves, work and goals. £8 per person.

CRYSTAL PALACE VEGANS 11 April, DOMALI CAFE, 38 Westow Street, Upper Norwood SE19 3DF, www.dvvs.vegangroup.co.uk/ South London Vegans has new groups popping up all the time, welcoming vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike to spread the word. The newest is Crystal Palace Vegans, where interested people are invited along to chat, eat yummy food and have a lovely time whilst

TRANSPORT MUSEUM

supporting the vegan mission by creating a demand for compassionate food. 7.30-9.30pm.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSE 16 April - 21 May, BOOKSELLER CROW, 50 Westow Street, Upper Norwood SE19 3AF, email havetowrite@hotmail.com After the success of last year’s popular Creative Writing Workshops, Writer-in-Residence + published author Karen McLeod will be running a six week course for beginners to more practised writers who would like explore new ways of working and/ or build confidence and get motivated. Students will each receive a welcome pack including a suggested reading list with a Bookseller Crow student loyalty card. £95 including biscuits.

KICKSTART YOUR CAREER 17 April, PLEASAUNCE CAFE, Greenwich SE10 0LB, 07757 939 940, imaginecareers.co.uk

BABY & TODDLER SHOW 19-21 April, Glow, BLUEWATER, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9SG, 0844 995 9663, babyandtoddlershow.co.uk Whether you’re pregnant, have a new baby or a lively toddler, The Baby & Toddler Show supported by Emma’s Diary, in partnership with Nurofen for Children, has everything you need to give your baby the best start with amazing shopping and expert advice on pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Over 150 brands will be under one roof allowing visitors to test, try, compare and buy everything you need for the important first years of life, with special show deals. As well as big name brands, there are unique, stylish products that aren’t available in nursery stores or on the high street - with special show deals available to shoppers on the day. Free workshops will provide advice and practical tips and information on subjects from sleeping and feeding to first aid, and there will be fun sensory sessions for little ones to enjoy. Pick up a free goody bag from Emma’s Diary including eight great products. Open 9.30am4.30pm Friday, to 5pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, parking free. Entry free for under 16s, adults £14 on the door, READER OFFER: Families readers can book 2 for 1 tickets and save £12 - quote BS56 at www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk.

ANTIQUES DISCOVERY DAY 20 April, HERNE HILL BAPTIST CHURCH, Half Moon Lane SE24 9HU, 020 8761 2522, roseberys.co.uk

er s t s a E shop WoSrukmmerkTienrgm &

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boo now

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BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Have your antique treasure valued by Rosebery’s experts for £5, and browse bric-a-brac, handcraft, book and cake stalls. The event is organised to generate proceeds for Dulwich Helpline and Southwark Churches Care. 10am-2pm, tickets available on the day.

SE LONDON MUMPRENEURS NETWORK 25 April, COTE Restaurant, Blackheath SE3 0TL, email motherslife@hotmail.co.uk, selondonmumpreneursnetwork.co.uk An informal and friendly monthly networking meeting, offering practical business support from other like minded business mums over coffee and pastries. Brainstorm your business ideas and make new connections. 10am-12noon, £15 to trial the group; book first.

NAPPY NATTER 26 April, Baring Room, MANOR HOUSE LIBRARY, 34 Old Road, Lee SE13 5SY

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

By the time a baby is potty trained they could have worn 4000 - 6000 nappies. Using real, washable nappies rather than disposables can save hundreds of pounds and reduce the amount of rubbish going into your refuse bin. Find out more at an informal get together over tea, coffee and biscuits. Lewisham borough residents can pick up a £25 voucher towards the cost of ‘real’ cloth nappies. 10am-12noon.

VILLAGE COMMERCE POP UP INDOOR MARKET 27 April and 4 May, St BARNABAS PARISH HALL, 23 Dulwich Village SE21 7DG, 07824 957 634, villagecommerce.co.uk A pop up monthly indoor market, featuring quality traders from gourmet food to vintage fashion, to Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and rum cake.

10am-5pm, admission free.

Events and Attractions FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space.

AMAZON ADVENTURE, until November. Experience the world’s largest and most biologically diverse river with its extraordinary animals, exotic plants and fascinating cultures, with unusual creatures including mysterious pink dolphins, piranhas and anacondas, live rays and tetra fish. Discover the environmental dangers facing the Amazon and its inhabitants such as overfishing, poaching and logging. Fittingly, the displays and audio are bilingual English/ Spanish. Admission free for accompanied under 3s, £3 children, £6 adults, £15 families.

EASTER ART FUN, 1-12 April. Make a leaf-eating caterpillar, snacking his way through a big, green leaf or a feathery nest with some chicks inside. 11am-3.30pm, ages 3+, free.

NINOS ESPLORADORES, 12 April. A fun bilingual session for under fives and their carers, filled with stories, songs, games and simple crafts inspired by the Amazon Adventures exhibition. No Spanish speaking necessary to join in! 11am-11.45 and 12.15-1pm, £2 per child on the day.

TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTS LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Saturdays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 ‘drive’ a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They can also take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum’s miniature London.

STORYTIME, 1-12 April. Find out about London’s Underground stations and meet the imaginary characters who live there. Listen to tales of adventures as they reveal the secrets of what life is like on the

Underground. 11am and 2pm starts, best for 3-7 year-olds.

MAKE AND TAKE, 1-12 April. Join the craft workshop and add your contribution to a model tube station, before becoming a junior architect and designing your own fantastical station. 11.30am and 2.30pm starts, best for 4-12 year-olds.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection.

It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

THE GREAT MAP, 1-12 April. Imagine a giant map with secrets to reveal. Secrets about people, places and journeys from the past. Mark your stories, and be the first to walk on The Great Map, an exciting new experience for families. The display is brought to life with storytelling, workshops and characters from the past.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

FATE, HOPE AND CHARITY, until 19 May. Bringing to light the untold stories of the Foundling Hospital tokens, which were small everyday objects left by mothers with their babies at the Hospital in the mid 1700s.

POCKET PIECES STORYTELLING, 6 April. Weave tall tales from small beginnings. This drop-in storytelling workshop is inspired and shaped by objects found in your pocket. 10.30am- 12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm, free

Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

+ Schools, nurseries and parties too! info@theatretots.com - 07801072776

familiesse.co.uk

Carmela Guida’s School of Ballet Fun and creative RAD Ballet classes

for toddlers aged 21⁄2 years upwards to all major ballet levels in a warm and friendly environment Now in Beckenham BR3 For a FREE trial class, call 07886 390 869 carmelaguidaballet@hotmail.co.uk

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

for children and up to two accompanying adults. Ages 5+.` FOUNDLING SUNDAY, 7 April. Dr Gillian Clark talks about her research, which led to the exhibition Fate, Hope & Charity, and reveals some of the personal stories she encountered along the way. 2-4pm.

TEXTILE WORKSHOP: TOKENS, 20 April. Drawing inspiration from Fate, Hope and Charity, the East Anglian Stitch Textile group is running family workshops helping visitors create their own tokens.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank.

Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors.

Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

EASTER EGGCITEMENT, 2-5 and 8-12 April. Follow the treasure trail to find the chicks and eggs hidden in the Museum, then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. A chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10am-4.30pm.

THE HUGUENOT LEGACY, until 10 May. The Huguenots were the French Protestant religious refugees who came to Britain during the 16th and 17th centuries. They made an immense contribution to every aspect of life in Britain, including banking. The first Governor of the Bank of England, Sir John Houblon, was the grandson of a Huguenot refugee.

This exhibition celebrates the achievements of the Huguenots and their early connection with the Bank.

EASTER EGGCITEMENT, 2-5 and 8-12 April. Follow the treasure trail to find the chicks and eggs hidden in the museum, then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. A chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10amñ4.30pm.

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM, County Hall, Southbank SE1, 0871 663 1678, visitsealife.com/london Explore the world’s rivers, oceans and reefs and come face to face with the life that inhabits them. Open 10am-7pm daily, admission from £12.96 children, £17.82 adults, family tickets available.

OCEAN OF STARS. A new collection showcasing six unique species of star fish, including a central pop up display where guests large and small can climb through sea tunnels and emerge right in the middle of one of the largest displays for a tentacle-tastic close up view.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS whisk visitors right into the heart of the aquarium to discover what it takes to keep everything running smoothly.

You can see the dedicated aquarists at work on research and breeding programmes, caring for sick creatures and new arrivals, preparing food and monitoring the sophisticated water management systems. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on entry; £5 children, £7.50 adults.

SHARK REEF ENCOUNTER features a stunning shoal of over twenty magnificent creatures - including two impressive 2.8m long brown sharks and a ten strong group of sleek black tip reef Sharks swimming literally inches beneath your feet.

THE LONDON DUNGEON RIVERSIDE BUILDING, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 423 2240, thedungeons.com/london The Dungeon turns 1000 years of history into 90 minutes of laughs, scares, theatre, shocks, rides, special effects, characters, mazes, jokes and storytelling. It’s a scary fun feast the senses, suitable for ages 10+.

Open 10am-4.30pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays,

EVENING BABYSITTERS at £7-8 per hour Before a first minimum 3 hour booking, children can meet our teacher, midwife, nanny or nursery nurse.

Plus we do school holiday daytime 6-month Agency fee £30

020 8650 3232

www.littlemastersandmisses.com april 2013 - families south east

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SCIENCE MUSEUM

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES

HMS BELFAST

museum. A daytrip to the ornate Victorian mansion offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the workers, alongside exhibits of wartime toys, early working computers, and a new children’s playground for a runaround. Open 9.30am-5pm until 31 October, admission £6 children aged 6-12, £12 adults, £26 families until 30 April.

EASTER WORKSHOPS, 1, 3 and 10 April. The whole family can enjoy special activities including craft and spy workshops, children’s guided tours, trails, quizzes and handling collections.

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On from 11am Thursdays, 10am-5.30pm weekends. Admission £19.20 on the door for children, £24.60 adults, discounts for online prebookings.

BAD EGGS EASTER HUNT. Forget fluffy chicks and bouncing bunnies, for some scary springtime fun - six of the Dungeon’s most rotten characters have been turned into eggs and put on spikes, spot them all for the chance to win prizes including a Premium Family Merlin Annual Pass worth up to £658.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

EASTER TREASURE HUNT, 6 April. Explore the gardens, answer clever clues and collect your treasure from the quiz desk. 12.30-4.30pm.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR, 9-12 April. Get in the mood for spring by baking herbal biscuits, creating seasonal headwear and taking part in a treasure hunt around the gardens. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE, 9 + 23 April. The museum’s almshouse has been taken back to its original condition, with tours offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in the 1780s and 1880s.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.

Ages 8-14, free.

WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

EXTINCTION: NOT THE END OF THE WORLD? Until 8 September.

Go beyond dodos and dinosaurs to explore the crucial role extinction plays in the evolution of life. The exhibition combines astonishing images, real specimens and interactive installations to bring to life species that disappeared long ago. Exploring the latest scientific findings, it also looks at today’s endangered species and asks whether conservation can save them. Admission £4.50 children, £9 adults, £24 families.

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, 29 March - 15 September. From

14

families south east - april 2013

chomping caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, the Natural History Museum comes alive for summer. Dive into a tropical butterfly house to take on butterfly challenges, try out fun games and exciting activities as you discover one of the planet’s most amazing life cycles. Experience the magic of walking among hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies and come face to face with a huge variety of these incredible and beautiful creatures. Admission £4.

TOWER OF LONDON TOWER OF LONDON, EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Tower open 9am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am Sundays and Mondays. Admission free for under 5s, children £10.45, adults £19.80; book for less online.

FIT FOR A KING. Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes in this stunning exhibition on the first floor of the White Tower. Learn about the personalities, power and physical size of our nation’s kings, from the Tudors, and the notorious Henry VIII, to today’s royal family through the historic collection.

POWER HOUSE. Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day. The exhibition showcases the roles of the major organisations that provided the bedrock of England’s power throughout the centuries.

ROYAL BEASTS. Find out about the Tower’s imperial Royal Menagerie.

Founded during the reign of King John in the early 1200s, it became a regular feature of the Tower for over 600 years. Visitors can encounter a diverse cast of former Tower residents through arresting modern animal sculpture by artist Kendra Haste and new interactive sensory displays.

The recently restored north wall walk and the never before opened Brick Tower will host some of the displays, including sights, sounds and smells of some of the animals.

VIEW FROM THE SHARD THE SHARD, London Bridge SE1 9RN, , 08444 997111, theviewfromtheshard.com Renzo Piano’s iconic London landmark offers viewing galleries, restaurants, a hotel and residential apartments. The View from the Shard is the highest viewing point in Western Europe and nearly twice as high as any other view in London, providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience and exhilarating views for 40 miles across London from floors 68, 69 and 72. Open from 9am to 10pm daily. Tickets from £29.95, book first.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.

DRAW YOUR WEAPONS. A colourful and dynamic exhibition exploring the history of the war comic, in partnership with leading publisher DC Thomson.

ROYAL ARSENAL, Woolwich SE18 6ST, 020 8855 7755, firepower.org.uk Firepower tells the powerful and dramatic story of artillery, scientific discoveries made through warfare and human stories of courage and endeavour. The ‘ground shaking’ Field of Fire audio-visual show puts you in the midst of battle as shells whizz overhead and guns roar.

The Royal Arsenal was one of the most important centres in the world for munitions manufacture and until recently was a well kept secret from the public. Many of the guns and carriages on display were made in the Arsenal, making it a significant part of the local heritage. Together with a world class collection of artillery and associated weapons, uniforms, drawings, displays of diaries and medals bring together some 700 years of world artillery history, Open 10.30am-6pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission £2.50 children, £5.30 adults, £12.50 families.

BLETCHLEY PARK

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier) Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept.

Open 10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £14.50 adults.

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. The guns are trained and elevated onto a target some 12.5 miles (20 kilometres) away in north-west London - the London Gateway Motorway Services Area on the M1 - a reminder of the awesome power of naval gunnery in the Second World War. Entry included in general admission price.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South Bank. The museum presents a vivid retelling of her story and how modern nursing began. The museum’s unparalleled collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM - CLOSED IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, iwm.org.uk IWM London will be closed temporarily from January to June 2013 in order to complete a transformation of the museum which will allow for more significant and rich collections to improve the visitor experience.

Leading up to the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War, the museum will create ground-breaking new First World War galleries.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A

FIREPOWER - THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM

THE MANSION, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Milton Keynes MK3 6AB, 01908 640404, bletchleypark.org.uk Once Britain’s best kept secret, Bletchley Park is now a heritage site and

CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS CUMING MUSEUM, 151 Walworth Road SE17 1RY, 020 7525 2096, www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum Thursdays, FAMILY CLUB. Explore and play with the Cuming explorers. 10am-11.15am for under 5s and their parents/ carers.

V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out, and backpacks filled with jigsaws, stories, puzzles and construction games. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

THE IMAGINATION STATION, 30 March - 14 April. Invent your coat of arms on a flag or shield using symbols from across the museum and your imagination. 10.30am-5pm.

MAKE IT: ARMOUR, 1-5 April. Create a unique piece of armour with fashion designer Juliana Sissons. Ages 5-12 years, £5 per child, book first. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm, book first.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children.

The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails.

There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD, until 14 April 2013. Charting 64 tumultuous years in history, this exhibition explores issues surrounding

familiesse.co.uk

CHILDREN AT THE V&A

education, health, family, entertainment, fashion and play. Exhibits include NHS prescription glasses, clothing, toys, books and childcare items, TV and film footage and photography.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

THE GREAT EXHIBITION AND THE CRYSTAL PALACE, 10 April. Hear the story behind the celebration of marvellous manufacturing and displays of ingenious inventions in London. Ages 5+.

CARNIVAL - ZIPPOS CIRCUS

The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free with admission ticket.

EASTER EGG HUNT, 29 March - 1 April. Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying their eggs in some strange places - how many can you spot around the shop?

MUSEUM OF LONDON

DISCOVER GREENWICH

MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

MAKE DO AND MEND, 2 April. Create your own ‘make do’ toys and discover how Londoners were making do and mending during WW2.

Ages 5+, 11.30am-1.30pm.

OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development.

Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Fun Spanish for Children • 3 – 11 years old • Games, Songs & Drama • Native Spanish Teachers • Professional Materials • Free Trial Session For SE21, SE22, SE23 & SE24

Call Séverine: 020 8699 7665

Theatre, Shows and Music CARNIVAL - ZIPPOS CIRCUS 28 March - 9 April, BLACKHEATH, Shooters Hill Road SE3 0UA and 11-16 April, BROCKWELL PARK, Herne Hill SE24 9AA, 0871 210 2100, zippos.co.uk Carnival is a colourful and action-packed two hours of high energy acts from across the Globe. The new line-up includes thrilling aerial antics from Cuban acrobats, awesome Brazilian motorbike riders in the Globe of Death, a new equestrian riding act and an astonishing Strongman from the Ukraine. The show is hosted by the one and only Norman Barrett MBE and his world famous budgies. Tickets from £7 children, £9 adults.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME 1 March - 25 May, APOLLO THEATRE, 31 Shaftesbury Avenue W1 7EZ, 020 7452 3000, nationaltheatre.org.uk, curiousincidentlondon.com Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

Mark Haddon’s touching and bleakly humorous novel is portrayed in Marianne Elliot’s much-acclaimed production. Ages 13+, tickets from £12.

POTTED POTTER 23 March - 14 April, GARRICK THEATRE, 2 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0HH, 0844 482 9673, pottedpotter.com Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, this brilliant comedy will make you roar with laughter. Written and performed by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, who also created the West End hit Potted Panto, this show is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed). Tickets from £20, family tickets £70.

FAMILY SHOWS AT THE ALBANY THE ALBANY, Douglas Way, Depford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, thealbany.org.uk All tickets £7 or £24 for a family unless otherwise stated.

ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT, 3-7 April. One night, Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. He can’t wait to tell everyone about it but no one (not even his dog!) is interested.

They don’t even notice that this very same boat is growing on his head, getting larger and larger by the minute. Soon, Arthur is bouncing along the waves in his very own dream boat. Maybe now his family will listen!

Ages 2+.

SENSACIONAL, 21 April. Treat your toddler to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. Watch as they explore a digital world of

familiesse.co.uk

ladybirds, shapes and squiggles that won’t keep still, no matter how hard you try to catch them! With a lively soundtrack and spellbinding visuals, Sensacional is an interactive and playful theatre experience designed for ages 18 months - 3 years. Tickets £8 per adult and child pair.

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! 28 April. The friendly bus driver leaves us with one simple instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” But the Pigeon is very clever and whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his own way. Will you let him drive? Adapted from the book by award-winning children’s writer Mo Willems, this thrilling production is full of fun, feathers and plenty of audience participation.

GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, greenwichtheatre.org.uk THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, 4-6 April. Embark on an adventure with the three little pigs as they battle the big bad wolf with their charming and witty ways! Filled with humour, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. 11am + 3pm, tickets £7.50 children, £12.50 adults.

THE SNOW QUEEN, 20-22 April. After a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar disappears. Gowri, his best friend, discovers that he has been captured by the formidable Snow Queen, and embarks on a journey across the length and breadth of the continent to save him. Matinee and evening performances, tickets £12.50 children, £15 adults.

THE ELEPHANT BRIDESMAID, 12 May. Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. 2.30pm start, tickets £7.50 children, £10 adults.

UNICORN THEATRE UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, unicorntheatre.com BACKSTAGE TOUR, 27 April. Have you ever wondered what happens in the parts of the theatre you don’t see on stage? Join the Unicorn’s Technical team on a backstage tour and find out what really goes into making a play.

12pm, £3.

CARNIVAL, 9-28 April. Someone is coming who will turn everything upside down. This someone is a curious clown who lives in a tiny place full of things. This someone can eat 100 sausages and change the order of everything you know, even if it’s only for the smallest of moments. Carnival is about the power of imagination.

Made through a series of workshops

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april 2013 - families south east

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GARRICK THEATRE – POTTED POTTER

ALBANY – SENSACIONAL

GREENWICH – THE SNOW QUEEN

MoreWhat’sOn

UNICORN – CARNIVAL

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On with local school children from Southwark, Compagnia Rodisio’s vibrant new show is an ode to creativity, the madness of art and the endless possibilities of papier maché. Ages 4-7.

MISTER HOLGADO, 24 March - 28 April. In a dark house in the dark city of Schwartzgarten there’s something lurking in the shadows. Conrad tells his parents that there’s a tiger living on top of his wardrobe, but they don’t believe him. When Conrad’s parents suddenly welcome a mysterious stranger, Mister Holgado, into their home, Conrad suspects he’s more of a threat than any tiger ever could be. Ages 8+.

ROMEO AND JULIET, 29 April - 9 May. Box Clever Theatre Company return to the Unicorn with their highly innovative and successful production of Shakespeare’s enduring and tragic tale of young love.

The skilful intertwining of the original text with contemporary language creates a world in which the lovers and their fate speak directly to a 21st century audience. Ages 13+.

EXCUSE ME MRS PARDON 28 April, BRANDRAM ROAD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Bramdram Road SE13 5BH, 0780 1072 776, theatretots.com Theatre tots are about to publish their third book but they need a few more ideas! Who better to ask than those they want to enjoy it - are you the clever person to help?

The workshop is two hours of storytelling, idea bouncing, illustrating, role playing, silliness and fun to finish off ‘Excuse Me Mrs Pardon’.

Ages 3-7, 3-5pm, £20 per child, £35 for two siblings includes refreshments and a credit in the publication. Book first.

MY FIRST CINDERELLA 27+28 April, CHURCHILL THEATRE, Bromley 0844 871 7620, ballet.org.uk Everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story in a beautifully adapted version for young audiences. The ‘My First’ series brings young audiences their first taste of ballet through the magic of fairy tales, captivating music and beautiful dance. ENB2 returns with its graduating dancers of outstanding potential from English National Ballet School. Prokofiev’s ravishing score is accompanied with narration to ensure that everyone enjoys this classic fairytale. Tickets £10-£25.

CANADA WATER CULTURE SPACE CANADA WATER CULTURE SPACE, 21 Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR, 020 7525 2931, canadawaterculgturespace.org.uk DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! 20 April. The friendly bus driver leaves us with a simple instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” But the Pigeon is very clever and whines, pleads and even sings a song to get his way -will you let him drive? Get ready for fun, feathers and plenty of audience participation. 1pm and 3pm, ages 3+. Tickets £7 or family ticket £24.

EAT PEACH PEAR PLUM, 11 May. Each Peach Pear Plum is a game of ‘I spy’ for little ones and their families. Watch as your favourite nursery rhyme characters spring to life through songs, music and enchanting puppetry, and join them as they head to Mother Hubbard’s for some plum pie. 11am and 1pm, ages 3+. Tickets £7 or family ticket £24.

HUE BOY, 18 May. Hue Boy has a problem that everyone is talking about - he doesn’t seem to be growing at all. He’s tried everything from exercise to pumpkin soup, but nothing works. Performed under a magical, giant parasol, Hue Boy is a story about learning to stand tall, no matter what your height. 11am, 1pm and 3pm, ages 3+. Tickets £7 or family ticket £24.

FAIRFIELD SHOWS FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, fairfield.co.uk KATIE AND THE MONA LISA, 3-6 April. Katie and Grandma are visiting an art gallery. As Grandma rests, Katie can’t resist gazing at the Mona Lisa and wonders she is smiling. James Mayhew’s children’s book is adapted for the stage with beautifully painted sets, actors, puppets and music in a fun-filled show for all the family. Tickets £10 children, £12 adults.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND, 11+12 April. Ballet Theatre UK stages the magical adventure where Alice tumbles into Wonderland and meets the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, a studious caterpillar and the mischievous twins Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Tickets from £14.

CHRIS & PUI ROADSHOW, 13 April. The CBeebies’ double act bring songs, rhymes and comedy sketches to the stage. Take along your teddies or character toys to join the show too! Tickets £10 children, £12 adults.

SPOT’S BIRTHDAY PARTY, 18+19 April. Everyone’s favourite puppy is having a party and all his friends are invited to share music and songs, games and stories.

Come dressed for a party and make a birthday card for Spot. Tickets £12.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, 23-27 April.

An all singing, all dancing show starring Any Dream Will Do runner up Keith Jack as Joseph. Tickets from £12.50.

SOMERSET HOUSE

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

WWT WETLAND CENTRE

The Great Outdoors WWT WETLAND CENTRE WETLAND CENTRE, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, wwt.org.uk Open 9.30am - 6pm daily. Admission free for under 4s, £6.10 children, £10.99 adults, £30.60 families.

EASTER EVENTS, 29 March - 14 April. From ducks to dragonflies, egg laying is a vital part of many animal’s life cycles as they scramble to create the next generation. On the Easter egg hunt you’ll discover the nesting and spawning secrets of wetland wildlife. Crack the clues and you’ll be rewarded with a prize. Get creative with the egg painting team and take home your own personalised Easter ornament. Then there are the Easter games: a life-cycle relay race, egg and spoon race and egg rolling.

MEET THE OTTERS, daily at 11am and 2pm. Watch the otters playing, foraging, feeding, swimming and grooming. You’ll even be able to watch them sleeping in their specially designed holt, although this species of otter is more active during the day than some of the 13 other species found worldwide. Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest otters in the world and live well together in family groups, unlike most other otters which tend to be solitary. They often play games which helps their young to develop hunting skills.

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DUKE OF YORK SQUARE EASTER EGG HUNT 30 March, Duke of York Square, Kings Road, Chelsea SW3, dukeofyorksquare.com Try and unscramble all the clues and find the hidden riddles dotted around the Square in the race to reach Golden Ticket and win an amazing prize. Each clue leads to the next and will be displayed in shop windows and on features in the Square. Once all the clues are solved, families will discover a unique Duke of York Square web page which they will need to visit to get a key word. Whisper this word in Mr Bunny’s ear and pluck an egg from his lucky basket. One lucky egg will contain the Golden Ticket which will win an iPad Mini, as well as a £200 shopping spree in Duke of York Square for Mum and Dad!

THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE 29 March - 14 April, KEW ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655, kew.org/events Open 9.30am-6.30pm, admission free for children aged under 17, adults £16.

Take a journey through time and discover the history of chocolate at Kew Gardens. Learn where our passion for chocolate originated; from the ritualistic use of cacao in Ancient Maya and Aztec culture; to sailing across the seas to Europe with the Spanish Conquistadors; and finally

arriving in 17th century London, where only high society could afford to indulge their sweet tooth in newly fashionable Chocolate Houses.

There will be chocolate workshops with arts and crafts activities, and a traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 31 March - collect tokens from around the Gardens to pick up a delicious chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny.

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, thehopfarm.co.uk The Hop Farm World of Activities is filled with indoor and outdoor attractions for families, including friendly animals, adventure play areas, a driving school, crazy golf and a magic factory. Open 10am to 5pm every weekend and daily during school holidays.

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK 08456 770 600, visitleevalley.org.uk Lee Valley Regional Park is a 10,000 acre award-winning park which winds its way 26 miles from East India Dock Basin on the River Thames and along the banks of the River Lee through north London and Essex to Hertfordshire.

From country walks to star gazing, wildlife exploration and historical sight-seeing to family cycling and traditional country crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

familiesse.co.uk

Fun French for Children • 3 – 11 years old • Games, Songs & Drama • Native French Teachers • Professional Materials • Free Trial Session For SE3, SE4, SE12 SE21, SE22, SE23 & SE24

Call Séverine: 020 8699 7665 CHURCHILL – MY FIRST CINDERELLA

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!

THE DESIGN MUSEUM

Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH

JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Families visiting the Gallery are invited to take free children’s trails of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Learn about the most famous and beautiful paintings in the collection and complete the activities to discover the stories behind them. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Gallery admission free for under 18s, £6 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between.

2-3.45pm.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER, 10+11 April. Create colourful printed bird sculptures for display in your own garden. The workshop will explore pattern and mark making through polyblock printmaking, painting and 3D construction skills using materials like wire and recycled materials.

Ages 6-8 10.30am-12.30pm, ages 9-11 2-4pm, £18 per child.

JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, jewishmuseum.org.uk The museum houses internationally acclaimed collections where visitors can explore Jewish culture, heritage and identity within the wider context of British history. Open 10am-5pm daily, Fridays to 2pm. Admission £3.50 children, £7.50 adults, £18 families.

MOVING PICTURES, 7 April. Join the exciting ‘Mirror Miror’ for an immersive experience bringing the paintings of Kitaj to life through movement, making and conversation. Explore colour and gesture in a workshop especially designed for the Jewish Museum. Ages 4-8, £6 includes entry to the museum. Booking recommended.

DOOPO DOOPO GALLERY, 15 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23 3HN, 020 3632 5041, doopodoopo.co.uk CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOPS, Sundays from 14 April. 10 weeks of discovering and learning different art media and art techniques, leading you to one, very special and magical Goal. Each week a different artist will be teaching children various techniques to put together a Dream Book, using felting, crochet, painting, drawing, clay modelling, cut outs, photography, collage, knitting and more. 11am-12pm, £10 prebooked, £12 drop in.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY, five weeks from 27 April. Discover your camera and the joy of taking pictures Play with shapes and colours, take photo of your favourite animal or your best friend!

Get Artsy, get Creative, develop your natural talent of observation. Ages 4+, 11am-12.30pm, £12 prebooked, £15 drop in.

KIDS AND PARENTS CLAY WORKSHOPS, Saturdays from 27 April. A five week workshop that allows bonding, fun and learning with your child.

While learning new skills you will find the joy of collaborating on the same artistic project that you will both develop. No previous experience required.

11am-12.30pm, £20 prebooked, £25 drop in.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

EASTER EGG TREASURES, 5 April. Join artist Laura Archer in exploring the galleries for spring imagery, elaborate patterns and bejewelled trinkets, then return to the studio to paint a stunning Easter design onto a wooden egg that opens up. 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm, ages 7+, £7 per child, book first.

THE LITTLE DRAW, 7 April. A free drop-in workshop for all ages with artist Zoe Scammell, who creates detailed drawings of the grotesque beasts and monsters of the natural world. 1.30-4.30pm.

COMIC BOOK ILLUSTRATION, 10 April. Award-winning comic artist and illustrator Tom Humberstone will teach participants which materials to use and provide handy tips and pictures for making a comic to take home to show family and friends. 11am-4pm, ages 13+, £14, book first.

MUSICAL STORIES, 11 April. Musician Luke Crookes and artist Marc Woodhead will join forces for interactive storytelling sessions in the galleries, focusing on stories about some of the Wallace Collection’s most famous objects. 11am, 1 and 3pm, free drop-in for ages 5+.

THE DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames SE1 2YD, 020 7940 8790, designmuseum.org The museum demonstrates how design is an integral part of every aspect of life, making the world around us a better place to live. There are regular family days and creative workshops, and free family trails to make the most of any visit. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free for under 12s, £7.50 children, £11.85 adults.

MADE CHOCOLATY, 29 March - 1 April. Crack the riddles and the clues in the Design Museum Alternative Easter Egg hunt. A printed trail will take visitors on a journey throughout the museum’s current exhibitions to be rewarded with a chocolaty prize courtesy of luxury chocolatier Rococo Chocolates. 10am-4pm.

INGENIOUS INVENTIONS, 21 April. Think up and make a model of your own fantastical invention using a cardboard box, a kit of design materials and plenty of imagination. 2-4.40pm, ages £5-11, £5 per child, book first.

familiesse.co.uk

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP, 020 7440 4263, soaneeducation.org.uk Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753-1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

GODS, GODDESSES AND FABULOUS BEASTS, 4 April. Make your own amulets, badges and jewellery inspired by Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects in the museum. 10.30am-3pm, £20.

DARING DOORS, 4 April. John Soane kept his pictures behind huge double doors. What would you keep behind yours? Make a double-door model to show your ideas. 10.30am-3pm, £20.

LOOK, LINE AND LAYER, 10 April. Explore new ways of looking and drawing in the museum. Make your drawings come alive using giant lines, streams of light and twirling ribbons to create your own museum landscape for your friends and family. Morning or afternoon, £12.

GOING GREEK, 14 April. Gather Grecian inspiration, and create your own prints of repeated images and patterns. Morning or afternoon, £12.

BUILDING BOX, 29 May. Observe models of buildings in the museum and create a box in the shape of a building. Whole day, £20.

FANTASTICALLY FASHIONABLE CREATURES, 30 May. Print your own designs onto T-shirts in time for summer, inspired by the fantastical creatures in the museum. Whole day, £20.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, somersethouse.org.uk Regular weekend family workshops invite families to be creative and learn together alongside artists, illustrators and designers. Explore exhibitions and displays though an exciting range of activities, from painting and model-making to fashion design and animation. Each workshop is designed to inspire and encourage creative discovery, and spark fresh activities to try at home. Open 10am-6pm daily, admission free for under 18s, £6 adults.

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Spanish PROGRESSIVE, MULTI-SENSORY, FUN CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-12

School S h l Child Children A Age 5-12 2 Lunchtime and after school clubs for primary schools

Nurseries We can contact your child’s nursery to open a club

Mama, Papa and Toddler Enjoy learning Spanish with your toddler

Areas covered: Greenwich - Dartford Tel: 0208 123 3028 michelle@spanishamigos.co.uk www.spanishamigos.co.uk

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, nationalgallery.org.uk With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start. Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

april 2013 - families south east

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It’s good to talk

What’sNew If found, please return to...

Labelling specialist Easy2Name stock single use ID wristbands that are an immense help should your child get lost or wander off, but offer peace of mind even if they don’t.

Ideal for outings and holidays, simply add contact details such as a phone number and any important medical or allergy information on the inside. The wristbands are waterproof and tear proof with a secure sticky closure and only come off when cut with scissors.

Packs of 10 are just £3.50 from easy2name.com, 01635 298326. The company also has an extensive range of sew-on, iron-on and stick-on labels for shoes, clothes and bags, greatly increasing the chance of lost belongings finding their way home.

Miffy bounces into spring Not everyone wants to give their little ones chocolate at Easter, so for a more enduring gift, there always everyone’s favourite bunny - Miffy.

New for spring, there is a new range of Miffy babywear, soft toys and sleepwear in Tescos and Marks and Spencer stores.

This jolly Pirate Miffy and the Wash Mitts are both available online from miffyshop.co.uk.

Children’s communication charity I CAN has produced Chatting with Children - a stunning pack of 30 fun and interactive activity cards aimed at helping parents develop young children’s communication skills. Containing a top tips activity guide, the pack is useful for parents, families or practitioners working with children aged 3-5 as it offers simple and effective ways of enhancing speaking, listening and understanding skills.

Designed in association with Studio Conran and illustrator Owen Davey, each beautiful activity card has an activity to develop a different aspect of communication.

Babbling Babies, Toddler Talk and Chatting with Children are each available in paperback for £7.99 or hardback for £12.99. From www.ican.org.uk/bookshop

Cluedo comes to London The popular whodunit game of Cluedo has been given an urban make-over and relocated to London for the first time.

The game features new London-themed murder scenes St Paul’s Cathedral, Soho, Tower Bridge, Covent Garden, Heathrow, Wembley, The Houses of Parliament, Knightsbridge and Canary Wharf ; and a set of new suspects Malcolm Mustard the Mayor, Paul Plum the Journalist and Gus Green the Footballer.

The rrp is £24.99, available from high street stores and online retailers including winningmoves.co.uk/shop.

Sunny side up It’s like putting a smile on your plate... Folly’s silicone egg mould separates the yolk from the white to make a perfect sun and cloud. £7.95 from follyhome.co.uk.

Simple precautions with iPads

By Joanna Parry If you don’t already have an iPad, you probably know someone who does: the amazing swipe- it, see-it mini computers are so user friendly that even babies and toddlers are now playing with them.

However, some parents are concerned about their children’s use of iPads.

“The health effects of iPads are largely untested,” says one mother, “but there have been studies of the effects of the electro-magnetic radiation they emit. Scientists hope that the levels emitted are safe but I’m not convinced.”

In fact, the International Agency for Research and Cancer and the World Health Organisation now classify the radiation emitted in WiFi mode as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

So, should we ponder the warnings before allowing our children loose on our iPads? According to some studies the radiation from WiFi devices can weaken the brain’s protective barrier, and children’s brains, cased in a thinner skull, absorbs more microwave radiation than an adult’s. The radiation exposure from wireless devices is constant and there are concerns that this cumulative exposure might be damaging in the long-term.

The problem is that this exposure generally starts young and continues throughout children’s lives, while the body and nervous system are still developing. The worry is that it is experimental - we don’t know about the cumulative effect of such

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The Council of Europe now advises that children’s exposure should be reduced, so if you are concerned about the effect your iPad might be having on your child, you could take the following precautions: • Turn off the WiFi connection and turn it to Airplane mode to reduce emissions

long-term exposure starting at such a formative age.

“These technologies are developing faster than our ability to understand potential health impacts,” says Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Executive Director of Healthy Child Healthy World. “We’re not asking parents to not buy or use them, we’re simply asking them to take precautions. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our children’s health.”

“People need to know that the only safe way for a child to use such an iPad is when it is disconnected from the wireless,” echoes another parent.

•

Don’t let your children hold the iPad too close to their bodies. To reduce risk of headaches, blackouts, seizures and eyestrain, avoid prolonged use, and use in a well-lit room

•

Don’t leave the iPad on your child’s nightstand or near where they’re sleeping

•

Limit their use. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise that children under 16 should use mobile phones for essential purposes only, and to keep calls short, so perhaps the same should apply to iPads

•

Some studies show that even if your iPad isn’t connected to WiFi and is just on standby mode, radiation can still be emitted. It looks like there needs to be more research done before we can all rest easy!

Inform yourselves: read more on safety concerns about cordless phones, baby monitors and mobile phones, online at familiesonline.co.uk/radiation.

familiesse.co.uk

Luca & Maya make...

an easter egg tree

familiesse.co.uk

april 2013 - families south east

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Families South East PO Box 11591 London SE26 6WB Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan

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Mondays in Crofton Park, Saturdays in East Dulwich Call Audrey 0798 977 9578

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Relationship Counselling Young People, Couples, Individuals, Families

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Next issue out 3 May – Deadline 15 April

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families south east - april 2013

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DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

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