FSE Jan Feb 2015 issue 165

ESTABLISHED 1996

EE

ISSUE NO. 165

FR

NEW YEAR 2015

®

familiesse.co.uk

south east london

online edition

Your NEW YEAR starts here!

with working website links

EDUCATION NEWS Learn to read in 4 weeks for free

WHAT’S ON Family workshops, shows and half term events

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Call 0845 400 1277 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Clubs and Classes for Children - now enrolling play piano with piano maestros!

Established

1979

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The springboard to confidence for your child

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• Exciting physical play programme • Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination • First steps to an active life • Great fun! • Parties available

Love Music. Play Piano

For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets

FREE introductory session phone

07877 391005

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

Term g n i Spr Easter s & shop Worwkbooking no

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116 Blackheath 020 8417 0010 Beckenham 020 8541 0833 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066 www.stagecoach.co.uk

2

families south east - january / february 2014

familiesse.co.uk

SO, THE CORNER turned and here we are in a shiny-new 2015. I have to confess that this is not my time of year by a long chalk - the dank grey wintry skies get me every time. Still, onwards and upwards - my cure is a bracing, heart-pumping march around the park, followed by a latte in a smily-warm local café - make mine a large one.

However you’re starting the new year, we wish you happiness and success.

Robina Cowan, editor

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

ildren Activities for ch

IN THIS ISSUE 3-5 Local News and Views Active fun for children; what’s new for parents; and having fun while fundraising

6-7 The Best Start to 2015 Tips for parents, plus mother and baby get-togethers

8-11 Education News Local schools’ news; boosting maths and reading skills; school fees funding and the importance of risky play

12 Happy Birthday Stagecoach!

Catching up with Jonny Clines, principal of Stagecoach Dulwich, which celebrates 21 successful years

13 Ask the Expert Kalpa Prajapati explains how making a will “is not a once and for all activity”

Tumble Tots open new Gymbabes class The renowned and award winning Gymbabes programme is from six months to walking confidently. It includes developmental exercises to strengthen muscles and action songs to help develop listening skills.

Babies explore specially designed equipment to experience various gradients and textures, crawling through tunnels, balancing on beams, rocking and rolling on barrels, climbing over ladders and generally experiencing different kinds of activities for the very first time.

All activities take place under the supervision of trained staff. A great opportunity to play with other babies of a similar age and develop their social skills and a great way to meet new local parents and carers for 45 minutes of quality time together with no distractions! A new class is opening in January in Herne Hill. Join the fun by contacting Julia at julia.forrest@tumbletots.com or call 020 8464 4433.

Calling little superheroes

14 The Bookseller Crow Bookseller and writer - read Justine Crow’s page of new publications

15-18 What’s On Our pick of forthcoming family events, shows and creative workshops worth noting in your fresh new diary Front cover: Front cover: Aviator Black. Boy wears soft

leather baby & toddler shoes, from £18, Inch Blue, www.inch-blue.com, 01495 311 123 Next issue out: 27 February 2015, deadline 6 February

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 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.

Perform Drama School is back with another exciting February half term holiday course, and is inviting 4-7 year olds to be trained up at the Perform Superhero School in East Dulwich, from 16-18 February 2015.

After completing some specially designed Superhero training, the children will go on a thrilling adventure culminating in a mini superhero musical show on the last day for friends and family. With costumes, live music, scripts, improvisation and dance, they’ll have an amazing time making new friends and developing their social skills along the way.The course is £100 (with a 25% discount for siblings and reductions for groups).

READER OFFER: Book by 31 January and receive 10% off when you quote FAMI310115. For more details, click ‘classes and courses’ at www.perform.org.uk. Bookings can be made online, by phone on 0845 400 1277, or email enquiries@perform.org.uk.

NEW FRIDAY Session!

Kingsdale School Alleyn Park, Dulwich 4PM - 7.30PM

SATURDAYS EAST DULWICH 9.30AM - 1PM

Ages 3 yrs - 19 yrs

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY!

South East London

0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk

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january / february 2015 - families south east

3

ts News for paren The gift of reading Last year’s sales of (real, paper) children’s books were up 10 per cent on 2013; we’re delighted to learn.

Children who struggle to read are not only missing out on the great pleasure of curling up with a captivating story, but risk missing out on a vital life skill.

Beanstalk is a charity that trains volunteers to help children aged 6-11 become confident and literate. All training is provided, and in return for three hours a week, volunteers have the satisfaction of setting a child on the road to amazing discoveries. If you have time to spare, find out how you can become involved at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or phone 020 3751 1091.

The UK’s first babysitting app Dancing into the new year South London Dance Studios have just celebrated five successful years in their fantastic studios in Herne Hill. Over this time, their students have appeared on TV and in West End shows including ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’, ‘Billy Elliott’ and ‘Matilda’, also several dancing with National Youth Ballet and taking lead roles with English Youth Ballet. SLDS students achieve consistently high examination results (including two students gaining an unbelievable 100% in their examinations this year!) and some go on to win awards at the ISTD ballet awards. One student is currently a senior associate of the Royal Ballet School, several others have qualified for the All England Dance semi-finals and SLDS ex-students continue to be accepted into the top UK colleges for vocational training going on to perform in the West End, on tour and on TV. Always busy at SLDS, the students are now preparing for their ‘Presentation of Class Work’ in aid of the Charlotte Leatherbarrow Foundation and Demelza. In this show students will perform ballet, tap, modern, national and commercial/ street dances from Pre-Primary to Advanced level, which means the audience can see the progress that children make during their time training at SLDS. In addition, some of their best competition dances will be performed. The performance will take place on Sunday 15 February at 6pm at the Langley Park Theatre Centre in Beckenham.

And for adults, in January SLDS will be offering new ballet and tap classes for complete beginners.

Their adult dance classes are a great way to get fit in the new year whilst having fun and meeting new people. ‘Ballet Tone’ classes are ideal for improving posture, strength and flexibility. Body conditioning exercises and technical ballet movements/ exercises will be taught, and balance, control and coordination will be developed. In the tap classes, basic tap technique and steps will be taught using a wide range of music. Rhythm and coordination will improve as well as physical stamina and control.

Both classes are on Wednesday evenings from 8.45-9.30pm.

For more details, to enrol for classes or to book tickets for the Presentation of Class work, call 020 7978 8624 or email info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk.

4

With apps having revolutionised the taxi and dating industries, Like Minders thought it was time for childcare to catch up. The babysitting and flexible childcare agency has launched the UK’s first babysitting app, enabling parents to book childcare on the move at any time of day, in a matter of seconds.

With over 3,000 clients, many of whom already make bookings online and through mobile devices, the Like Minders app enables members to make bookings, view and amend their profiles and view their calendar of all future bookings.

Director Georgie Jones explains: “We know time is precious, especially for parents with busy lives. Now our clients can to book a babysitter on the go, with the touch of a few buttons, and in less than 30 seconds. Our app is efficient, flexible and reliable - just like the Like Minders service so many people now rely on.”

Like Minders provides direct and trusted access to high quality babysitters and childcarers throughout London and Surrey. The agency has over 15 years’ experience in childcare and offers a wide range of safe, flexible and affordable childcare services including babysitting; flexible daytime care; part time, temporary and holiday nannies, and emergency childcare. The app can be downloaded free from www.likeminders.co.uk; talk to the team on 0844 879 7189.

Free childcare to double The number of two-year-olds who are eligible for free childcare is doubling this winter, with around 40% now entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, up from 20% last year.

“Giving a helping hand to families that need it most will mean thousands more children get a brighter start in life,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. “We are doubling the number of free childcare places for two-year-olds. All parents need to do to check if they qualify is contact their local authority or children’s centre.” Find out whether your child is eligible at www.gov.uk/freechildcare

aisers New year fundr Take the Chatterbox Challenge I CAN, the children’s communication charity, are looking forward to the fun of this year’s sing-along Chatterbox Challenge. Now in its 14th year, the annual fundraiser will run from 9-15 February. This year’s theme is ‘Garden Adventures with Ben & Holly’, supported by popular children’s TV show, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom. As well as raising funds, the event helps to develop children’s communication skills by learning songs based on children’s surroundings both inside and outside and completing activities to help strengthen their development. Children perform the themed songs at a sponsored Chatterbox Challenge performance in front of parents and carers, with all fundraising going towards I CAN’s work with the one million children in the UK who struggle to communicate.

Activities in the fundraising pack are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and will develop a range of skills including attention and listening, one of the early learning goals. To sign up, early years settings can register at www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk.

Parents are invited to get involved too through the original activities available from the I CAN website (www.ican.org.uk/chatterboxchallenge).

families south east - january / february 2015

familiesse.co.uk

Baby on a budget Most new parents will be prepared for sleepless nights and endless nappy changes, but how about being ready to spend up to £7,200 during your child’s first year?

The Money Advice Service (MAS) has found that parents can spend anything between £1,600 and £7,200 in their child’s first twelve months - and that doesn’t include the increasingly expensive childcare that many families will need to pay out for.

In response to this research, MAS has compiled advice to help new and prospective parents better understand the costs associated with a new arrival, as well as some ideas on how to reduce outgoings.

These include: • Assessing which items you really need, and which you could manage without. As many as 6 out of 10 parents admit they bought things for their baby they didn’t need or use • Shopping second hand for things like toys, clothes and furniture • Selling on items you no longer need or want after your baby has outgrown them.

For this and much more free and impartial information about family finances for new parents, go to www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk and type ‘having a baby’ into the search box.

Dulwich Piano Festival Sunday 7th June 2015 James Allen’s Girls’ School

Mini chicken and broccoli pies Weight Watchers are sharing this yummy recipe to warm up your winter mealtimes. Chicken thigh contains only 55 more calories per 100g (raw weight) than breast meat but it has much more flavour - it’s absolutely delicious in stews, bakes and pies. Preparation time is just 10 minutes, cooking time 50 minutes, serves 4.

400g (14oz) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into large chunks 250g (9oz) shallots, halved if large 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 300ml (1⁄2 pint) light chicken stock 125g(4 1⁄2 oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized chunks 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 4 tbsp water 150g (51⁄2 oz) half fat crème fraîche 100g (31⁄2 oz) filo pastry Low fat cooking spray 1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/ 200˚C/180˚C fan oven. Heat a large, nonstick frying pan, mist with low fat cooking spray and cook the chicken over a medium heat for 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally, until it’s well browned. Remove from the pan and set to one side.

2 Add the shallots to the same pan and cook for 5 minutes or until golden, adding a splash of water if it looks as if it might stick. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes.

3 Add the stock and broccoli and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornflour paste and simmer for about a minute until thickened. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste.

4 Spoon the pie filling into 4 x 200ml ovenproof dishes. Cut each of the filo sheets into quarters.

Scrunch the pieces and use to top the pies. Mist with low fat spray, season and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

This recipe has 7 Weight Watchers ProPoints and 344 calories per serving.

www.dulwichpianofestival.co.uk

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READER OFFER: Families readers who join Weight Watchers before the end of February can pay just £10 for the first month - see pages 6 and 19 for your coupon and local meetings.

6 March is Big Yellow Friday Big Yellow Friday, the national awareness and fundraising day for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) has proved increasingly popular with schools over the past couple of years. Now the charity has put together a special online toolkit to make it as easy as possible for schoolchildren to join in the fun and maximise their fundraising for this year’s event on 6 March.

CLDF is the only national charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases and relies on community fundraising for the majority of its income. Big Yellow Friday sees individuals, groups, workplaces and schools around the country undertaking all kinds of yellow themed activity in order to raise much-needed funds. Since its launch in 2008, the event has raised over £450,000 for the charity. With this year’s target set at £100,000, CLDF is keen for as many schools as possible to get involved.

“Big Yellow Friday is a popular event for schools and colleges because it’s simple to organise a Wear Something Yellow Day or yellow cake sale for example; and it supports a children’s charity,” said CLDF’s Head of Fundraising, Joanna Oldfield. “The theme gives pupils the freedom to be as creative in their fundraising as they wish and the cause - supporting other young people affected by a serious long term health condition - is something we find pupils can relate to,” continues Joanna. “We want to make it as simple as possible for schools to join in.”

The Big Yellow Friday Schools Kit includes promotional material, lesson resources, a presentation and a host of fundraising ideas, and is available at www.bigyellowfriday.org.

What will you be wearing on 27 March?

Wear A Hat Day is a fun-filled, annual brain tumour awareness event helping support research. The organiser, Brain Tumour Research, is asking families and children and schools across the UK to put 27 March in their diaries and don a hat to support the cause.

Involving families and school children in the campaign is poignant, given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members and teachers, and in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer.

Fundraising materials including posters, leaflets, fridge magnets, pin badges, wristbands quizzes and hat making instructions are available now to everyone who registers, and taking part is simple. Schools, nurseries, organisations and individuals can all register by visiting www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday.

familiesse.co.uk

Babysitting and Flexible Childcare S 100% DB D CHECKE RS R A E CHILDC

• Babysitting

NEW

download our free babysitting app !

• Flexible Daytime Childcare • Temporary Nannies • Part Time Nannies

• Permanent Nannies Holiday Nannies

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Streatham & Clapham OTSchool TJunior S ON TUESDAY

at Streatham & Clapham Junior School

s a great place to meet other parents and carers U a fun time for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years) U an opportunity to socialise and share ideas and support U a stimulating and safe environment U stay and play while enjoying a coffee (or tea!)

Tots on Tuesday takes place at 10 am until 12 noon every Tuesday morning during term time.

Junior School 7AVERTREE 2D SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

january / february 2015 - families south east

5

How to have

the BEST start to 2015 The best start for you Starting a new (ad)venture Many of us greet the new year by scribbling lists of New Year’s resolutions - to get fit, lose weight, get stuck into that pile of paperwork on the kitchen table and, often, to give our working lives a shake up too.

The New Year is not just about detoxing our bodies - it can also be a time to detox our lives. In fact, January is a fantastic time for those of us with children in nursery or full time education for the first time to go back to work, start a new venture, set up a small business or to re-train in something that will get us leaping out of bed every morning.

From a new job or a whole new career, there are plenty of opportunities to become a working mother.

If your hours are limited by the school run, setting up your own business or taking up a franchise offers the opportunity to do something you love while working flexible hours, and the options are limitless.

FITNESS FOR MUMMIES offer specialised Postnatal Fitness classes and Personal Training in Lewisham and Greenwich for mums who wish to exercise and socialise with their babies.

There are also ladies-only Insanity and Bootcamp sessions for those wanting more of a challenge. So, whichever stage or motherhood you have reached, there’s a workout for you! For information, call 0771 205 1208, email Vicky@fitnessformummies.co.uk or see www.fitnessformummies.co.uk.

You can choose anything from running a yoga franchise to teaching little ones dance or drama, from teaching Spanish to starting your own Families magazine! Think about taking a course, starting a marketing business, designing websites, setting up a blog or opening a café - what’s the best use of your skills?

There are plenty of websites out there to help you get started and find a new job, re-train, choose the right business, give you ideas, advise you on tax and even help you design your logo to start turning your wishlist into reality. Try these: www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business www.workingmums.co.uk www.mumandcareer.co.uk www.mumandworking.co.uk www.mumpreneuruk.com.

A new career in performing arts After almost 20 years building an established and quality provider of children’s performing arts classes in 20 locations, Jigsaw founder, Nicola Lander has decided to franchise in order to expand.

A working mother herself, Nicola explains: “I have enjoyed many years of the most rewarding job in the world. Not only do I enjoy the fulfilment of watching so many children grow and reach their full potential in their time at Jigsaw, I have a job that allows me to be there when my own children need me. I can be there for first day at school, the Christmas show or sports day.

“I’m sure that the success of Jigsaw is due to the fact that I love my job and I really believe in the benefits of drama, dance and singing for all children. I have two very different sons. My eldest is very sensitive and my youngest is a talker! They have both taken different benefits and skills from attending Jigsaw. They are not there because I want them to be professional actors, they are there because I know it will help them to be confident, well rounded individuals who work well with others and have great self esteem.

“I am now looking forward to supporting and training new Jigsaw franchisees in a fulfilling business and helping them to achieve a good work/ life balance. Our first franchise opened in Wimbledon last year and Michael is already seeing the benefits of his hard work.”

If you are interested in setting up your own local Jigsaw franchise, call Nicola on 020 8447 4530, or click ‘become a franchisee’ at www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk.

We’re

Meetings | Online | Mobile

HERE TO HELP

We’re here to help with a range of options to suit you.

However you choose to eat, vegetarian, gluten-free, lower carb - it doesn’t matter. The Weight Watchers approach offers you different ways to eat, enjoy the food you love and achieve a healthy weight loss.

WITH A PLAN TO SUIT YOU

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

Find out more at your local meeting Abbey Wood Community Centre 4 Knee Hill, Abbey Wood SE2 0YS Thursday 6:30pm Joanne Cole 07718 796 047 Charlton School Charlton Park Road, Charlton Village SE7 8HX Thursday 7:00pm Rosemary Cattley 07899 046 048 Theydon Bois Village Hall Coppice Row, Theydon Bois CM16 7ER Thursday 7:00pm Laura King-Segal 07531 463 020

Noak Bridge Village Hall Coppice Lane, Basildon SS15 4JS Sunday 10:00am Emma Anderson 0345 677 7788 Salvation Army Hall Park Road, Hartlepool TS26 9HT Thursday 10:00am Dawn Stanway 07767454707 Ilford Conservative Club 42 Ilford Hill, Ilford IG1 2AT Monday 5:30pm, 6:45pm Tuesday 7:45am, 11:00am Marie Gray 0345 677 7788

For more local meetings visit weightwatcherslocal.co.uk 0345 677 7788 text LOCAL + postcode to 62223** ** Standard network charges apply.

Dagenham Goals Soccer Centre Dagenham Leisure Park Cook Road off Ripple Road, Dagenham RM9 6XW Saturday 8:30am Julie Durban 0345 677 7788 Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club Victoria Road, Dagenham RM10 7XL Monday 10:00am Marsha Giltnane 07948 735 064 Monday 6:00pm Nikki Martin 07986232472 Wednesday 9:30am Marsha Giltnane 07948 735 064 Wednesday, 1:00pm 5:30pm, 7:00pm Nikki Martin 07986232472

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†Purchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting before 28 February 2015 and pay £10 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Note that if you purchase Monthly Pass without a coupon, you will be charged £16.95 for the first month. Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Available in England, Scotland or Wales. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work. Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals aged 18 years or older.

6

families south east - january / february 2015

familiesse.co.uk

Are you tired all the time?

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the children, and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. The capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies. For more information, see www.pharmaton.co.uk.

You and your baby Mother and baby get togethers Whether a coffee in a pushchair-friendly cafe, the one o’clock club or a mother-and-baby group, having a baby opens up an entire new social life with other parents.

The NCT arrange regular coffee mornings (www.nct.org.uk/branches), and local playgroups often arrange get-togethers outside of the playgroup.

You don’t have to ‘join’ these groups or attend every session, but you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and have the chance to swap tips and experiences while introducing your baby to the big wide world.

Alternatively, join a class for a regular and fun get together. Start with a baby massage class, where simple techniques help stimulate your baby’s senses.

Baby massage has also been proven to help enormously with postnatal depression.

Many Children’s Centres run free baby massage classes and there are plenty of private classes around too, often including postnatal support which can be very helpful.

After the first couple of months, any activity that includes movement is great for helping bodies develop, and baby music classes are great fun for all.

Across southeast London, local community centres, church halls and studios are buzzing with activities to entice you out of the house with your little one.

Too many to list in this magazine but you can easily find them online - go to www.familiesse.co.uk/directory, and click on ‘Children’s Activities south east London’.

GYMBOREE SENSORY BABY PLAY for 0-6 months focuses on developing your baby’s interest in the world through sensory exploration.

Classes use engaging and calming ageappropriate activities including tummy time, scarf play, visual, tactile and auditory exploration.

This builds trust and emotional connections.

Each 45 minute class includes parent discussion, enabling you to share your parenting experiences and learn more about your child’s development. Members also benefit from free play sessions and there are classes for siblings up to four years of age. There are classes throughout the UK with the nearest in East Dulwich.

Find out for yourself at a FREE trial session. Gymboree also offer group discounts for three or more. For details, call 020 3616 0033 or email eastdulwich@gymboree-uk.com.

TUMBLE TOTS are the leading physical activity in the area, with action-packed movement classes for six months to five year-olds on brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment in a safe and caring environment, plus songs and rhymes each week. A new Gymbabes class is opening in January in Herne Hill, with places now available. To sign up, call Julia on 020 8464 4433, email julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com, or see www.tumbletots.com.

AQUATOTS BABY SWIMMING teaches babies, toddlers and children to swim in a natural, safe and fun way, without the use of armbands or buoyancy aids. They run small classes of five to eight babies in warm water, which is 32+ degrees. The best age to start is three to 12 months, and there are 26 progressive swim levels.

Aquatots were thrilled recently to be announced as runners-up in the Best Educational Provider Award 2014 by parenting website KalliKids, where all activities are recommended by parents.

Classes are available in pools across the country, the nearest being in Catford, Lewisham, Charlton and Beckenham. For details, call 020 8688 6488 or visit www.aquatots.com.

familiesse.co.uk

www.fitnessformummies.co.uk Specialist Female Fitness classes in South East London i Postnatal Mum & Baby classes Bootcamps INSANITY Personal Training Weightshift Club: an exclusive 6 wk Fitness & Nutrition Package Please call 0771 2051208 or email vicky@fitnessformummies.co.uk before your first class to check availability

Easy to follow programme that develops baby’s natural ability to swim underwater without the use of buoyancy aids.

Pools in Guildford, Ottershaw, Addlestone, Bagshot, Pools Woking, in Catford, Lewisham, Chertsey, Charlton Staines, Whiteley and Farnborough. and Village Beckenham

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Franchise

An exciting part-time opportunity that offers a great work-life balance .....

Be your own boss .....

Fit your work around your family

We are looking for franchisees in your area, for more details call: 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/franchise january / february 2015 - families south east

7

education news

Local Schools Success at UpStArt Art Competition Minna Williams, an Upper Sixth student at Streatham & Clapham High School (SCHS), reached the shortlist for the new UpStArt Art Competition for Y13 students in Greater London.

Launched in 2014, the competition is designed to identify and nurture new talent while raising awareness and funds for charity. The shortlisted pieces went on display in December at the Strand Gallery in Covent Garden, and on the UpStArt website. Minna attended the private view with Head of Art at SCHS, Amy Sillitoe, where she was approached by Foyles bookshop and invited to speak at its Graphic Novel Club.

Entitled ‘Domestic’, Minna’s work attracted one of the higher bids in UpStArt’s online auction, with half the proceeds going to the Anne Frank Trust UK, a charity that challenges prejudice and promotes tolerance and the respect of others.

UpStArt Art showcases the work of up and coming young artists, from all backgrounds, to leaders of the art world, as well as the general public. It is supported by major dealers, gallery directors, curators and artists, plus the deans and principals of London’s leading art schools, colleges and universities.

Read more at www.up-start.co.uk.

Streatham & Clapham High School is holding Junior School open mornings on 3 March and 5 May. To register or find out more, go to www.schs.gdst.net.

Building for the future Students at Sydenham School have been taking 30-minute tours of the New Building, which is the centrepiece of the three-year, £23 million Building Schools For The Future project nearing completion at the school’s Dartmouth Road campus. All is on schedule for a spring 2015 opening, but it is still a building site requiring the student visitors to be kitted out with safety gear.

The New Building will feature industrystandard music, media, performing arts and PE facilities, including a professional dance studio with mirrored walls and sprung floors; as well as a new main hall designed to accommodate the whole school community at one go and which opens out onto an exterior amphitheatre for 500 people.

“There are weekly tours every Wednesday so that every tutor group can see the building in a state of near completion,” says Headteacher Carolyn Unsted.

“As well as increasing the anticipation of moving into this amazing building, it is important the girls get a sense of the enormous complexity of such a project - the pipes, sprinklers, cabling and other infrastructure that will never be on such display again. We hope it will inspire students to consider a career somewhere in the whole process of construction - more and more women are doing so as we move into the 21st Century.”

Sydenham School educates girls from year 7 to sixth form. A STEM school, it has strengths in Science and Mathematics, and an additional focus on Technology and Engineering. For more information, see www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk.

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families south east - january / february 2015

Open air learning at Chelwood Outdoor play is an integral part of the learning experience children have at Chelwood Nursery School in the heart of Brockley, SE London.

Chelwood has adopted the Swedish saying; “there is no such thing as bad weather... just bad clothing” and staff are committed to providing high quality outdoor learning all year round whatever the weather.

Chelwood was built in 1939, as an ‘open air’ nursery school, and has a long history of high quality early childhood education for young children in the local community. Children have direct access to the outdoors from their classes, all day, come rain or shine, wind or snow.

Children develop a confident use of the whole school as their learning environment, visiting the other classes and making their own decisions about where they play, inside or out.

Chelwood makes the most of being outside, ensuring children develop an awareness of the environment around them, and respond to changes in the seasons and weather on a day to day basis, whilst developing socially and emotionally through a physical and a sensory curriculum.

The activities and learning experiences are carefully planned by the class teams of well qualified early childhood specialists, led by qualified teachers with an Early Years specialism. The staff use their detailed knowledge of the children and families, personalise learning experiences, to follow and support the children’s individual interests and learning styles.

Chelwood has been judged as an ‘Outstanding’ nursery school in the last two inspections, and offers the three and four-year-old Free Entitlement, with full time places (subject to eligibility), and places for two-year-olds under the Early Learning grant.

Families and childminders join with the school in learning outside, joining staff for outdoor play experiences including ‘Walk and Talk’ events, Stay and Play and Gardening days at the school, a ‘Wild Play Day’ in Hilly Fields Park and attending the Winter Fair in the drizzle!

For more information contact the school on 020 7639 2514, see www.chelwood.lewisham.sch.uk, or catch up on Twitter @ChelwoodHT.

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 5th MARCH 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

familiesse.co.uk 555

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Heber Primary children create street art Waiting at one Southwark bus stop has become an altogether more stimulating business thanks to young artists at Heber Primary, whose artworks can be seen on the hoardings surrounding the adjacent redevelopment of 265 Lordship Lane.

Pupils at the East Dulwich school were given the chance to put their paintings and drawings on show until the end of 2015 in a project devised with local property developer Lightbox London.

The children’s pictures are themselves a response to local street art. “One of the great benefits of the scheme is the way it encouraged our Key Stage 2 children to become more aware of the environment around them,” explained Heber art teacher Mike Worobec. “It was also hugely exciting when one of the children’s suggestions for the name of the new building - Kaleidoscope - was actually adopted by the developers. In years to come, if any of them pass by as adults, they’ll have a tale to tell about their contribution to this bit of the London landscape.”

For more information on the school, go to www.heberprimaryschool.com, and more community projects at www.lightboxlondon.com.

News for parents Learn to Read in 4 Weeks for FREE* with Reading Eggs Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading.

Three to seven-year-olds, or older children who are struggling with reading, will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs programme.

Reading Eggspress continues the reading adventure by taking children to a brand new world designed for 7-13 year-olds, focusing on comprehension and grammar in a way that is exciting and relevant.

These programmes provide a comprehensive range of online lessons that teach the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success, and over 90% of parents who have signed up report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the programme makes learning fun.

READER OFFER: Reading Eggs are offering Families readers a special 4 WEEK FREE trial* and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/jan15lse by the end of February. Registration is quick, easy and free! *Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Not applicable for schools.

Can you spare three hours a week?

Beanstalk is a charity that trains volunteers to help children aged 6-11 become confident readers.

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www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk You can contact us at londonsoutheast@beanstalkcharity.org.uk

or phone 020 3751 1091 Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, therefore all reading helpers will be required to undergo a DBS Enhanced check via Route 1 or Route 2

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january / february 2015 - families south east

9

education news Schoolwork boosts

Funding school fees

Maths and English are the cornerstones of education. If your children are finding schoolwork tricky, adding tailored courses such as those offered by Explore Learning can help them become confident and engaged learners.

The award-winning Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Sessions fit easily around family life; with centres open seven days a week for attendance up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

Explore offer free trials. To book one, call 020 8659 6026 for Sydenham, 020 7871 7110 for New Cross Gate, or 020 3713 9722 for Brixton, or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Even though the cost of sending a child to an independent school has risen, pupil numbers continue to rise. Yet even though fees have risen, parents continue to recognise the value that independent education can offer.

Providing a good education can be one of the most valuable gifts parents or grandparents can give to children. While the financial implications can be daunting, the key to affording school fees is to plan as early as you can.

Generally, parents looking to fund school fees fall into three categories, those who want to invest a lump sum, those who would like to spread the cost of fees, or parents wanting to set up a regular savings scheme to provide funds to cover future fees. There are several ways to help make school fees more affordable and an experienced Wealth Manager can draw up a bespoke investment plan that can be both tax efficient and flexible. For example, you could consider using your annual tax-free NISA allowance. By investing the maximum amount permitted in a NISA and selecting funds run by full-time professional investment managers, a tidy sum could be accumulated over a space of ten years.

For grandparents, trust planning can be a useful tool if they wish to make provision and achieve Inheritance Tax benefits at the same time. If they make regular payments from their income without reducing their lifestyle, these gifts are not counted as part of their estate for inheritance tax purposes.

Grandparents may also want to consider other solutions, such as life assurance to help increase the funds created for grandchildren. This can be very useful when there is more than one child you wish to provide for. With interest rates remaining low it is important to make your investments work as hard for you as possible.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Michelle Debono of St James’s Place Wealth Management on 07957 623762 or email michelle.debono@sjpp.co.uk. Locally based, Michelle specialises in providing high quality face to face advice and is offering Families readers the opportunity to discuss school fees planning in a no-obligation financial review.

Foreign language skills With English teenagers scoring lowest for first foreign language skills in a recent European Commission study of 16 countries, the move to starting earlier is a positive step towards improving language skills in all key stages.

Teaching a language from Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) is now mandatory in primary schools, with schools free to choose from modern languages - French, German, Spanish, Italian or Mandarin, or ancient languages - Latin or Ancient Greek.

At Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14), the guidelines stipulate that a modern language must be taught, with a greater focus on grammar and written language. According to the DfES programme of study: “A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.”

Maths & English tuition centres For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

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families south east - january / february 2015

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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familiesse.co.uk

The early years: the importance of

risky play

By Jenny Wannberg-James

Mainly for mummy and daddy though. Your child doesn’t mind testing out potentially harmful things.

But why is risky play important? Rebecca Moore, interim manager at Aston Pierpoint Nursery in Hampton explains why: Risky play does not mean to let the children do things that might cause them harm or put them in danger, but it is important for them to experience new things and new situations in order for them to develop a sense of self-belief and to be shown what is safe and what is not when they are exposed to a new situation.

Taking a risk is part of being alive and human.

Life is full of varied risks and we have to learn to recognise and manage them.

Babies would never learn to crawl, negotiate steps or stand up without being prepared to take a tumble. Risks are about being prepared to have a go at something, being adventurous and gaining new experiences.

A very simple example is to ask yourself what you feel confident doing; chances are that you have

gained that confidence through trying, practising and persisting, until you have found the ‘safe’ way of dealing with this particular situation or activity.

Risk taking is not just about developing physically but socially and emotionally too, ie a child moving away from a trusted carer to go and explore.

Regular expression of worries from parents with children in a nursery are often that the activity the children undertake may cause them harm: if the child has a water activity it might get wet or dirty and subsequently experience discomfort; sand play may cause the child to get sand in their eyes and when using tools such as scissors (yes, a child should starting to try out tools such as scissors by the age of two!) the child may cut themselves etc.

Boys in the wood images: nem_youth at StockXchange photos

The baby months are over. Your baby is slowly becoming a toddler and the exploring which before was endearing and encouraged is now becoming a tiny bit scary.

It goes without saying that children sometimes have accidents in nursery just as they would have at home but a good nursery will always have strategies in place and good supervision to deal with such events.

So, seeking a challenge, having a can-do attitude, learning by trial and error and taking risks after weighing up the pros and cons are all traits which define a successful and balanced human being; and it all starts a lot earlier in life than we may expect!

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january / february 2015 - families south east

11

Stagecoach Dulwich celebrates its 21st birthday

Wizard of Oz

To mark this big milestone, we caught up with Principal Jonny Clines, who reflects on what the school has achieved over the past 21 years.

What makes Stagecoach Dulwich so successful?

The core of Stagecoach Dulwich are the 240 students who attend week on week for dance, drama and singing training. It is their commitment and loyalty to the school that make it so successful.

I have been running the school for nine years now and the number of families that have been with me for most, if not all, of that time is incredible. Each term we award medals for the length of time that students train with us and it’s so rewarding to see how long the students stay. I gave four awards to students who have trained for over nine years in December. Stagecoach really does become a big part of our students’ lives.

How has Stagecoach changed over the 21 years?

To be honest, I don’t think Stagecoach has changed much at all. The basic format has stayed the same with students receiving three hours of training each weekend (11⁄2 hours for 4-7 year olds) and parents being invited to see classwork demonstrations or shows at the end of each term. The basic building blocks of a school (principal, teachers and students) might change, but I think anyone walking into the school who attended back in 1993 would be familiar with its structure and feel.

What have been your favourite shows?

Gosh, that’s a difficult question. It’s really hard to choose because you get so involved with them all and every show I have produced has turned out well. But if you twisted my arm some of my favourites would be ‘Bye Bye Birdie’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Sister Act’.

Also, some of the best shows I’ve done have come out of our Holiday Workshops. These are courses during the Easter and Summer holidays where children come to Stagecoach for a week and we put on a show together. It’s always fast and furious but I am usually blown away by how much the children achieve in such a short time. Some of my favourite holiday workshop shows have been ‘Summer Holiday’, ‘High School Musical’ and of course ‘Cats’, which we produced last summer.

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End of term demonstration

What other opportunities do Stagecoach students have?

I regularly try to get performing opportunities for students in the West End. Luckily, Stagecoach Head Office organise a West End showcase three times a year. Schools get to take a group of 18 students to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre, home to ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’. It is a wonderful and exciting day and the students always impress me with the quality of performance they achieve. We have performed pieces ranging from ‘Sweeney Todd’ to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and I’m particularly proud of our last piece which we devised ourselves and was inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela.

Stagecoach Dulwich also has a good relationship with The Royal Opera House and we regularly provide children to be part of the acting ensemble. This season alone we have had children in four operas and it’s been amazing for them to perform at such a prestigious venue. Some of the children even performed with Placido Domingo.

How jealous was I? And, of course, Stagecoach also has an Agency that children can become part of if they want to.

Several students have done very well out of the agency but perhaps, my most successful student, in this regard, is George Hill who has been featured in an episode of ‘Casualty’ and is also in the Channel 4 comedy series ‘Man Down’. The Agency is not compulsory but is there for students who might want to try auditioning for professional work.

It was through the Stagecoach Agency that we got one of our most exciting opportunities this year when we provided students to perform onstage with Robbie Williams at the O2 arena. I was so proud of the students performing in front of thousands of people. I could tell they were loving it too!

What is the future for Stagecoach Dulwich?

Well, there’s lots going on this year. We have our Easter Holiday Workshop coming up and I am pleased to announce that we will be performing ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

It’s a show I’ve always wanted to do with the school and I’m really looking forward to it.

We are also going to celebrate our 21st Anniversary with a birthday gala concert in March at The Michael Croft Theatre at Alleyn’s School. This will be the first time we have got all the Main School students together in one show. It will be quite a challenge but I’m really looking forward to it.

Twenty one years is definitely a milestone worth celebrating. The school is in great shape and we look forward to many more years to come.

families south east - january / february 2015

George Hill in Gangsta Granny

with Robbie Williams

Cats Holiday Workshop

How can children join in?

Anyone who would like to join Stagecoach Dulwich for this special year should contact Jonny on 020 8949 4116 or see www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich for more details. Limited places are available across the school but enquiries from Year 7 students and above are particularly welcome.

Stagecoach is the biggest acting, dancing, singing and drama provider for children and teenagers across the UK. For classes in Blackheath, call 020 8417 0010; Beckenham 020 8541 0833; Sydenham 020 7228 0981; Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066 or see www.stagecoach.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

“We drew up Wills after our children were born. However, since then, the appointed Guardians have moved abroad, two of our Executors have died, and their replacements are not necessarily our first choice now. If we do nothing, how much of our Wills will remain valid; will our children automatically become Executors once they come of age, or do we need a completely new Will?”

This scenario is more common than you may think and it is a question that raises several issues.

The Guardians The appointment of Guardians in a Will is important if you have children who are under the age of majority (18 years) and it is a good idea to appoint Testamentary Guardians who will take responsibility for the care of your children if both you and your spouse are not around to do so yourselves.

The fact that your Guardians are abroad would not invalidate their appointment, but it would raise practical issues such as where would your children live? Would the children have to move abroad which would involve major upheaval, or would the Guardians agree to come back and look after them?

It is important to remember that the appointment of Testamentary Guardians is an expression of wishes only and is not strictly legally binding.

If nobody disputes the appointment of the Guardians in your Will, and they are willing to take up the appointment, then they will be the appointed Guardians of the children. If however, there is a dispute regarding the appointment of the Guardians, then ultimately it will be decided by the Courts. Also, once your children are of a certain age, their wishes will also be taken into account when deciding on who their Guardians should be.

Ask the Expert Kalpa Prajapati The Executors The Executors are the people whom you appoint to take responsibility for dealing with and winding up your Estate after you have gone. They can be family or friends or a professional, like a solicitor. Many people prefer to appoint a professional as their Executor in order to avoid burdening members of a family with this additional responsibility at a time of bereavement and it also ensures that the work is done properly and efficiently (albeit at a charge).

Your Executors have wide powers to deal with all of your assets and therefore it should be someone that you can rely on, is competent and most importantly, whom you trust.

In this scenario, where the two appointed Executors have died, their replacements would take up the appointment. Only if the replacement Executors renounce (reject their appointment) can the children become Executors when they come of age, and only if they are the main beneficiaries of the Estate.

The Executors also have the power to appoint an Attorney, so with their consent they could appoint your children to take their place if the children are of age and wish to take up the appointment of Executor. However, please note that both renunciation and appointment of an Attorney are with the Executors’ consent only. If there is a dispute, this will ultimately be decided by the Court.

If all of the Executors have died and the children are the main beneficiaries of the estate then this is the only scenario where they can take up the role of Executor (technically an Administrator in this case), once they come of age without needing anyone else’s consent.

familiesse.co.uk

Wills will always remain valid until revoked by the Testator or Testatrix (the person making the will). If anyone named in the Will pre-deceases you, they will simply not take up their appointment or receive their gift under the Will, but the rest of the Will remains valid.

Making a Will is not a “once and for all activity”.

You should keep your Will under periodic review, such as every three to five years and if your family or financial circumstances change significantly, you should consider updating your Will.

I would recommend that you make a Will in respect of who the replacement Executors will be as this is a very important role and you do not wish to have people that are not necessarily your first choice now. At the same time, you may wish to appoint Guardians who live close by in order that your children do not have to potentially move abroad if something happens to you both.

About the author Kalpa Prajapati is a Solicitor and Partner at Grant Saw solicitors and is also the Head of the Wills and Probate department. She specialises in making bespoke Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and disputed Wills. Kalpa also deals with the administration of Estates following a bereavement, and setting up Trusts. If you would like to find out more, please call for a free initial consultation about your requirements on 020 8858 6971 or email her at: kp@grantsaw.co.uk.

january / february 2015 - families south east

13

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.

So, it’s a new year and in the spirit of resolution, my son and I were having a conversation along the lines of: if money were no object, which country would you go and visit tomorrow? Portugal, the boy replied after a pause. I suppressed a snigger when he was small, he insisted on calling footy ace Ronaldo’s place of birth “Porkujel.” Still, I was impressed by his modest choice given that he grumbles like hell about going to the “boring old farmhouse” each summer. I’ve tried the how-many-of-yourfriends-can-say-they’ve-been-to-France-every-year-of-theirlives?’ tack but he reeled off a list of the glamorous places that his chums were variously on their way to or from, starting with San Diego, and Aspen, through the Maldives to Hong Kong and dog-legging back to Rio. “Face it mum, it isn’t exactly LA..” he remarked glumly. “Normandy is more like the Wales of France.” Kids today don’t know they are born, eh?

HOUSE GUESTS, HOUSE PESTS by Richard Jones Bloomsbury rrp £16.99. My if-I-won-the-pools destination is Australia. I really fancy the outback, crocodiles, massive skies, massive seafood & massive sunshine. I don’t even mind shark-infested waters. I’d love to see a great white - a massive one, even. The boy shrieked. “No way..” Crocs and sharks too scary? “I don’t mind those - it’s the deadly spiders that attack you when you’re on the loo,” he shuddered. Now planning a dream holiday on the basis of the host country’s entomology is not something I would consider. Mindyou, you might think twice about staying at home once you’ve read my old pal and erstwhile Little Book of Nits collaborator’s latest foray into the world of domestic creepy crawlies. What he doesn’t know about bugs could be written on the back of a ladybird.

Including juicy descriptions of grotty ‘70s bedsits begetting wildlife as diverse as the window fly and the bacon beetle - ooh, yum! Accompanied by myriad historical snippets, the Bugman goes compellingly large on fleas, moths and all manner of indoor hatching miniature beasts. Your house will never feel the same again. Scratch scratch.

CHRIS PACKHAM’S BACK GARDEN NATURE RESERVE Bloomsbury, rrp £16.99. As if that wasn’t enough, the same veritably green-fingered publisher has re-issued our favourite music loving (look for the hidden lyrics) wildlife expert’s practical guide to cramming in the creatures in your outside space too. Won’t take much effort this spring to use the ole noggin & ditch the toxins to get the birds and the butterflies back. The answer is, in part at least, blowin’ in the wind.

And if like me you’d prefer a less formal effect (no keeping up with the Joneses here), MAKING WILDFLOWER MEADOWS

by Pam Lewis, Frances Lincoln rrp £14.99, reveals all the tricks for attracting the bees. How can my ungrateful son can say that our small corner of France is dull when the verges and roundabouts are positively heaving with wildflowers sown deliberately by the proud civic gardening departments? One thing is for sure, France can certainly do floral. Wipes the floor with our miserly marigold obsessed municipal counterparts.

FIVE by Rachel de Thample - Ebury rrp £14.99. Another chum of the bookshop, this hard-working food-lover has come up with an ingenious device for getting us to eat our five-a-day, if indeed the prospect of the year ahead fills you with nutritional resolve - make them attractive. Fancy glorious chard Dolmades with rice, grapes, feta and fennel anyone? Or how about Peas on toast with chorizo? Asparagus crab noodles with chilli?

Chocolatey pears? What she does is manage to take the contents of a whole farmer’s market and make it incredibly palatable, awnings and all. Me, with this book to guide me, I simply resolve TO EAT. 1000 FOODS TO EAT BEFORE YOU DIE by Mimi Sheraton Workman rrp £16.99. Now this is my kind of bucket list - bucket nosebag even! It covers everything from Tuscan Frito Misto (aw heck, my tummy just leapt) to black truffles. I used to work for an Italian hotelier who would buy himself Piedmont truffles and stand in his big clanging kitchen to eat them off a slice of toast whilst we ran in & out of the swing doors loaded up with plates.

He never did offer me a bite.

WILD ADVENTURES by Brita Granstorm, illustrated by Mick Manning - Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99. This looks fun. Following in the steps of Nature Adventures, same team, this has lots of

stuff to do outdoors in the springtime, like making shelters and tracking creatures, building campfires and flying kites. There are also spotter tips for parks and back-gardens. See that creature grubbing about under the honeysuckle? That’s me that is...

Hehehe, for littlies, beneath the above listing in the catalogue is the unintentionally hilariously entitled WIPE-CLEAN FARM ANIMALS by Kirsteen Robson, Usborne, rrp £4.99. Reminds me of the story about the person who found a cow in her kitchen but when it was eventually rescued and removed, couldn’t get rid of the smell no matter how much she mopped the room down. It wasn’t til she moved house that she discovered the underside of her dining chairs were spattered with cowpat...

PLEASE MR PANDA by Steve Antony - Hodder rrp £11.99.

Trasha and I went on a road trip together last year after she announced she was desperate to see the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo (other parents have teenagers who want to see One Direction so it could be worse). We went all the way up to the top of Britain with our pre-booked tickets only to learn Mrs P was up the duff and wasn’t entertaining visitors. Neither, unfathomably, was her furry husband. That was one long drive amidst the YES and NO boards to go and see some very stationary penguins and eat a shortbread pintail I can tell you.

And then it turned out mummy bear was having a laugh and not expecting after all. Trasha meanwhile was livid and has demanded a re-run. I’m not sure I can face the schlep, no offence to our Celtic cousins. Despite her.. ahem.. mature years, Trasha will have to make do with this striking picture book on the value of manners instead.

ALL MINE! by Zehra Hicks - Macmillan rrp £6.99. Ah, this is all about NOT snatching. That naughty seagull is after mouse’s crisps and sarnies but mousey has a ruse up his sleeve. Well, not literally up his sleeve as that would be silly. Mice don’t wear clothes...

WANTED! RALFY RABBIT, BOOK BURGLAR by Emily Mackenzie - Bloomsbury rrp £6.99. This bonkers bunny isn’t satisfied with the bucolic existence normally associated with long ears and big bouncy feet. No. His obsession with reading leads him into a life of crime and libraries. Not two activities one would customarily combine (with the exception of Joe Orton).

Unless one borrows a book without bringing it back...

THIS BOOK JUST ATE MY DOG by Richard Byrne - Oxford rrp £6.99. A similar theme here about the positive attributes of the book as an enjoyable ‘thing.’ It seems publishers are finally waking up to the possibility that if they don’t encourage a love of their product, their diminutive punters won’t grow up into big ones who spend money on their stock. Silly old publishers...

WHERE THE WILD MUMS ARE by Katie Blackburn & Sholto Walker - Faber rrp £9.99. One thing those silly old publishers are extremely adroit at however, is jumping on the band wagon.

Thus here comes another in a growing genre of picture book parodies for adults only. It says here that this is ‘an ideal gift for a baby shower...’ Excuse me? Would this reputable British outfit usually known for their lofty literariness like to explain to me what one of those is? Bless ‘em for trying but I don’t suppose they are thinking of the pejorative.

THE CONSCIOUS PARENT by Shefali Tsabary - Hodder rrp £14.99. Ah, this is designed to shift the approach from the more traditional “me parent, you child” model to a more meaningful, mutually rewarding relationship. Testing the author’s philosophy, I remind my despondent son that there is more to life than swanky holidays in hot places; that there are spiritual journeys we can take together as a family too. That causes a cocked eyebrow from him, I can tell you. I re-consider. “Oh for goodness sakes,” I say. “Have a look online and see how much it costs to get to Porkujel.”

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 14

families south east - january / february 2015

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THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

THE ART OF THE BRICK

What’sOn

Until 12 April, OLD TRUMAN BREWERY, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL, 020 7492 5374, www.artofthebrick.co.uk Marvel at over eighty art sculptures created from more than a million LEGO® bricks, including many human figures, a T-rex skeleton, and interpretations of world famous artworks. The exhibition includes an Interactive Zone where younger (and older) visitors can explore their own creativity using the iconic bricks. US artist Nathan Sawaya’s world renowned exhibition has so far captured the imagination of over 100,000 visitors in venues across the world - catch it while you can! Open daily, admission from £8 children, £14.50 adults.

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Events and Attractions THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM 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 which has the oldest nature trail in London.

THE BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH, 24 January. Help museum staff count how many birds there are in the gardens, learn more about garden birds, their different songs, and make a bird puppet. 11am-3pm, free.

CROSSING BORDERS, 7 February. Join in activities led by refugees and migrants including art and craft and storytelling from around the world. Organised in collaboration with Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers. 11am-3.30pm.

PLANTASTIC, 14 February - 1 November. Explore the wonderful world of plants on a massive scale. £3.85 per child, £7.15 adult, £18.15 family.

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, 16-20 February. A half term week of activities to welcome in the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Sheep.

REVISITING ROMANIA, until 6 September. From beaded bird motifs and embroidered metal threads to intricately carved wooden cups, this exhibition showcases elaborately decorated textiles, costumes and artefacts to explore how Romanian folk art has been used to express social and political ideas in the village and on the national and international stage.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.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 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

MUSEUM CLOSURE, 5-16 January. The museum will be closed for maintance.

STRIKING GOLD STORIES, 16-20 February. Listen to some fascinating true stories about gold narrated by a costumed storyteller, from the California gold rush to the sewer man who found his way into the Bank’s vaults nearly 200 years ago. Follow the gold trail around the Museum to claim a small prize.

Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games Karaoke, Mini Disco

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

DISCOVER GOLD! From 19 January. A new permanent display featuring gold bars from Roman times to the present day. Find out why gold has been treasured for thousands of years, and learn about the amazing scientific properties that make it so useful in modern technology.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

GOODBYE PICCADILLY, until 8 March 2015. Discover the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital.

THE FAMILY STATION. Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. Open weekends and school holidays, suitable for families with 3-12 year-olds.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.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 10am5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

INTRODUCTORY GALLERY. Showcasing a decade’s research into the Hospital’s archive, the introductory gallery takes visitors on an emotional journey through the history of London’s first home for children who would otherwise have been abandoned. New displays of favourite objects offer visitors greater access and depth of information, while previously unseen items shed new light on the Foundling Hospital story.

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CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.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, www.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.

COSMONAUTS: BIRTH OF THE SPACE AGE. The remarkable story of Russian scientific and technological ingenuity that kick-started the space age is explored in a landmark new exhibition at the Science Museum. Cosmonauts will bring to life the stories of Russian space endeavour through a unique collection of space artefacts, many of which have never before been seen outside Russia. Amongst the star objects on display will be real, cosmonaut-flown spacecraft, pioneering rocket engines, space suits and other life support systems. Ages 8+, charges apply.

CRAVINGS: CAN YOUR FOOD CONTROL YOU? From 12 February.

From the flavours you learned to love in the womb to the very next bite you take, your appetite has been shaped by food. Through personal stories, fascinating objects and cutting-edge science and technology, Cravings explores the power food has over our bodies, brains and behaviour. This new exhibition will reveal how the brain, gut brain and gut bacteria work together to control our desire for food. Visitors will be able to discover how not one but two brains affect our cravings and take part in real experiments to uncover how our senses trick our brains into wanting more.

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THE ART OF THE BRICK

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

GRANT MUSEUM

BRITISH MUSEUM

HMS BELFAST

OAE TOTS, 21 February. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment return with their always-popular event for the under sixes and their families. Tickets £9 adults, £1 tots.

MoreWhat’sOn

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

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ENGINEER YOUR FUTURE. Put your problem-solving skills to the test and explore engineering through large-scale, high quality interactive games and digital experiences. Discover some of the fascinating stories of women and men who work in engineering today, with striking objects and an accompanying film illustrating cutting-edge engineering. Suitable for ages 11+

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.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.

ONE MILLION YEARS OF THE HUMAN STORY. What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £4.50 children, £9 adults, £24 families.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY, UCL, University Street, WC1E 6DE, www.ucl.ac.uk/museums EXPLORE ZOOLOGY, 17 January and 7 February. Have you ever wondered what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has? Be inspired to ask these questions and many more with enthusiastic museum educators. Drop in between 1pm and 4.30pm, free.

Free admission

THE IMAGINARY MENAGERIE, 31 January and 28 February. See the amazing, unusual and beautiful animals on display like the quagga, a not very stripy zebra, or the duck billed platypus. Create your own animal artwork in the Imaginary Menagerie with a Museum artist. 1-4pm, free.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES at The Queen’s Walk by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk 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-5pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.50 adults.

TATTOO T-SHIRTS, 14-22 February. Impress your friends and family by designing your very own t-shirt, inspired by traditional Navy tattoos.

11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

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. Entry included in general admission price.

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 through a vivid retelling of her story and a look at 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 free for under 5s, £4.80 child, £7.80 adults, £18.60 families

DIG UP THE DEAD

Striking Gold Stories 16–20 February 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm Listen to some fascinating true stories about gold narrated by a costumed storyteller, from the California gold rush to the sewer man who found his way into the Bank’s vaults nearly 200 years ago.

Follow the gold trail around the Museum to claim your small prize.

10:00am–5:00pm Share your experience Monday to Friday. #BOEMuseum Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Entrance T: 020 7601 5545 in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

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families south east - january / february 2015

15-22 February, LONDON DUNGEON, County Hall, SE1 7PB, 0871 423 2240, www.thedungeons.com/london Grave robbing is rife at The London Dungeon this February half term when the live action attraction will be over-run by The London Burkers, a criminal gang of grave robbers famous for making a less-than-honest living digging up the dead. £20.05 children, £25.95 adults.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8PX, 020 7960 4200, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk RUG RHYMES, 16 January 16 February. What rhymes with rug? Join the Poetry Library puppets on their poem rug to find out. Every other Friday, 10.30am-11am.

THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN, 8 February. Hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform a new version of this familiar legend written especially for families. 12 noon, tickets £7 children, £14 adults AROUND THE WORLD WITH 12 CELLISTS, 15 February. Imagine that 12 cellos break free from the orchestra and form their own group to play melodies, rhythms and harmonies all by themselves... 12noon, tickets £14, concessions half price.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London has been transformed with ground-breaking First World War Galleries alongside a central atrium space with large object displays, shops and cafes. Admission free.

PRINT IT: TRUTH AND MEMORY, 14-22 February. Roll up your sleeves over half term and join the IWM in a free family printing activity.Have a go at drawing your favourite artworks on display in major exhibition Truth and Memory: British Art of the First World War and then transfer your design into a print you can keep. 11.30am and 2pm start.

FIRST WORLD WAR GALLERIES. Discover the story of the war - how it started, why it continued and its global impacr, through the lives of those who experienced it at the time on both the front line and the home front across Britain and its empire.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - SPIES. Uncover the deadly world of spies in interactive exhibition aimed at families. Horrible Histories: Spiesbrings to life the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes, based on Terry Deary’s book. Adults £6.20, children £3.30.

OBJECT CONVERSATIONS, Sundays. In these new immersive object handling sessions, families can explore objects from our collections and they connect with iconic objects on display in our new atrium and Terraced Galleries. Feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects from the museum’s collections. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

CREATIVE RESPONSE, Sundays. Make a creative response to themes held within the new atrium and Terraced Galleries as a drawing, a photograph or a postcard. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

A FAMILY IN WARTIME. Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home.

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.

ACTION ZONES. Learn about life as a Victorian soldier or World War evacuee through quizzes, games and hands-on activities.

KIDS’ ZONE. Under 8s can enjoy an exciting soft play area.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A 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. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am5pm.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.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.

AT HOME IN A DOLLS’ HOUSE, until 6 September. This exhibition reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the UK’s best-loved dolls’ houses, taking you on a journey through the history of the home, everyday lives and changing family relationships. The small stories of 12 dolls’ houses from the past 300 years will be brought to life by the characters that live or work there. Meet the residents and discover tales of marriages and parties, politics and crime.

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES, 16-20 February. A week of different activities for different ages, including Chinese New Year celebrations, miniature bookmaking and miniature wallpaper.

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IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

HIDDEN IDENTITIES UNFINISHED. A new display of photographs by Yvonne de Rosa examines the lives of children and families living under adverse conditions in Bosnia and Romania. The project was the result of a collaboration with Hope and Homes for Children, an international charity that works to prevent the breakdown of families and to ensure children grow up in a loving environment.

IT’S MY PARTY. A new exhibition that takes a look at children’s birthday parties from the perspective of both children and parents. The centrepiece is a life-sized installation telling the story of a party thrown for Wilfred, a shy resident of the museum.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.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.

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.

DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free.

PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through making, music, dance and drama. Timed sessions; collect tickets from the admissions desk.

A HUMBLE CUP OF TEA, 16-20 February. Tea is an everyday essential for many people, but what is it worth? Visit the National Maritime Museum to share your stories of having tea with your family and friends, and discover the surprising history behind how tea first came to Britain from China by exploring the Traders Gallery.

CHINESE NEW YEAR, 21 February. Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Sheep and British East Asian heritage with a day of workshops and performances. Discover how trade by sea brought ideas, culture, language and people from Asia to Britain. 11am-4pm.

GUIDING LIGHTS, until 28 February at the National Maritime Museum.

Five hundred years ago, a fraternity of London mariners was given a charter by Henry VIII and became the Corporation of Trinity House, with instructions to improve the safety of navigation on the Thames. Since then, Trinity House has looked after pilotage, buoys, beacons and lightships and has become the Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands MEET THE TIME TRAVELLERS, Weekends and holiday weekdays throughout June. Meet time-travelling Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne or his human computer Mary Edwards next to the Steampunk time machine in the Meridian Courtyard and find out about their life and work at Greenwich in the 18th-century. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm, ages 7+.

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

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.

HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE TOURS, 7 February and 7 March. The restored historic almshouse has been fully restored to its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in former times.

Tours are conducted by museum volunteers and take place at specific times each month.

FIREPOWER - THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM ROYAL ARSENAL, Woolwich SE18 6ST, 020 8855 7755, www.firepower.org.uk Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich 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 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission £2.50 children, £5.30 adults, £12.50 families.

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm April September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50.

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MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands, and MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.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. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on actitivies at 11am and 2pm.

SHERLOCK HOLMES, until 12 April. An exciting exhibition delving into the mind of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

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

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MUSEUM OF LONDON

BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the latest block-buster exhibition.

Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charge for some exhibitions.

EXPLORING EGYPTIAN MUMMIES, 31 January. Explore digital techniques used by museum scientists to uncover the secrets of the ancient Egyptians, and see if you can make your own museum discovery!

11.30am-3.30pm.

SHADOW PUPPET WORKSHOP, 1 February. Learn about the ancient tradition of shadow-puppetry in Java and then decorate your own beautiful puppets. Use voice recording software and video cameras to then bring your characters to life through film. Ages 7+, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

GREEKS ALIVE! 8 February. Use stop-motion software and digital video cameras to create animations based on myths from ancient Greece.

Sessions last 120 mins, ag 7+. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

EGYPTIAN PHOTO BOOTH, 14 February. Turn yourself into a pharaoh, an Egyptian god and other characters using a range of digital technology.

Age 5+, 11.30am-3.30pm.

DIGITAL DRESS UP, 22 February. Turn yourself into a Samurai warrior, an ancient Greek or other characters using Photoshop. Dress yourself in weird and wonderful outfits from different cultures and times. Age 7+, 11.30am3.30pm.

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

TEA TASTINGS, 21 February. Sample some of Twinings’ finest blends of tea, and discover the story of the ancient Chinese drink underneath Cutty Sarkís beautiful hull. 11am and 2pm starts.

DISCOVER GREENWICH 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 enable families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

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CUTTY SARK

CHINESE NEW YEAR IN GREENWICH

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MUSEUM OF LONDON

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

SOMERSET HOUSE

PUSS IN BOOTS, 8 February. Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to vivid life on an incredible sloping stage by Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies. Ages 4+, 1pm and 3pm.

MoreWhat’sOn

SMASHFEST, 14 February - 22 March. An innovative, exciting, and unique new festival for all the family, this glorious mash up of entertainment will provide workshops, theatre shows, music and comedy performances and lots to see and do.

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

Theatre, Shows and Music UNICORN THEATRE

STORY DAYS AT THE GLOBE

UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com GET UP AT THE WEEKEND. Join the Unicorn Play Club every Saturday from midday. Take part in free activities in the foyer such as rocket building, cake decorating or even Olympic musical chairs.

THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE, from 16 January. Terrible is the temptation to do good. Blood runs through the streets and the Governor’s severed head is nailed to the gates of the city. A young servant girl must make a choice: save her own skin or sacrifice everything to rescue an abandoned child. Tickets from £10.

THE POLAR BEARS GO WILD, until 25 January. Get your skates on if you’re five or under, here’s the show for you. Two friendly (and slightly naughty) polar bears are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Where are they going? What will they get up to next? And have they got enough sandwiches? Because polar bears love sandwiches, everyone knows that! Tickets from £10.

Sackler Studios, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919, www.shakespearesglobe.com/education Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family. Ages 6+. 11am and 2pm start. Tickets £15 for one adult and one child.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Until 17 January 2015, VAUDEVILLE THEATRE, 404 Strand WC2R 0NH, 020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk Alan Titchmarsh will make his West End debut starring as the narrator in the Royal Opera House’s production of The Wind in the Willows.

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold through dance, song, music and puppetry.

From a dusty old attic a wonderful tale unfolds; the peaceful riverbank world is rocked by a speeding car, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the Wild Wood. Ages 5+, tickets from £15.

NATIONAL GALLERY

FAMILY CIRCUS WORKSHOP, weekends 15 February - 2 May. Tumble, fly, swing and spin with your children. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Each workshop will focus on different circus skills.

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EAT HER 17 January - 15 March, PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Blomfield Road, Little Venice W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com Prize-winning writer Deborah Jones retells the popular story of Little Red Riding Hood with poetic beauty, humour and a new twist to the tale.

Red Riding Hood And The Wolf Who Tried To Eat Her is presented with marionettes and shadow puppets, original music, lighting and effects, in an enchanting show for ages 3+.

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

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, 25 January. It’s the moon’s birthday and he is having a party! Everyone’s invited, but how do we get there? Join the journey to the moon through strange and distant lands and meet some curious characters along the way. Incorporating dance, live music and audience interactivity, this dance theatre piece offers children and their grown-ups a truly magical experience. 1pm and 3pm.

YEH SHEN - THE CHINESE CINDERELLA, 31 January. A beautiful and enchanting tale of a young orphaned girl, a magical fish, a nasty stepmother and sister, and a lost shoe. With puppetry, live music and elements of Beijing Opera, award winning British East Asian Theatre Company, Yellow Earth will bring this age old story to a new generation of children and their families with all the excitement, colour and sounds of the Chinese Spring Festival. 11am and 2pm.

DISCO KIDS: FAIRYTALE KINGDOM, 1 February. Snow White, the biggest disco diva in the entire kingdom is throwing her biggest ball yet, and all fearless knights, princesses and fairytale characters are invited.

Under 7s, 1-5pm. Family tickets £20.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com GRANDAD, ME, AND TEDDY TOO, until 8 February. Mia loves her Grandad very much. He lives far away, on the other side of the world, but now he’s coming to stay and Mia’s excitement is growing. With playful humour and original music, this charmingly-observed show is a magical family treat for all generations. Ages 2-5, tickets from £11.50.

CURIOUS, 13+14 February. Cake making gets messy in this perfect introduction to theatre, guaranteeing giggles galore for the young and young at heart. Journey into a playfully imaginative world where kitchen meets the garden, where dirt is good, and where messiness mischievously conjures the perfect birthday surprise. At the end of the performance, children are invited onto the stage to create their own recipes, by digging in soft, moist soil.Ages 6 months-3 years, tickets from £11.

Art Activities DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £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.

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

SUNDAY FAMILY ART CLUB THE CONSERVATOIRE, 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 020 8852 0234, www.conservatoire.org.uk Join the Conservatoire on the first Sunday in every month for a family art adventure. Each month there is a different themed activity and absolutely no experience is required as the sessions are led by a professional artist tutor. Pre book or just drop by, but places are limited. Max three children per family group. 10.30am-12noon, £15 per family.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk The gallery features thousands of portraits of the most famous people in British history, from the 16th century to the present day.

OUT OF THE SHADOWS, 15 February. Create a pop-up photographic studio to dress up, make up stories and explore family portraits. Ages 3+ 1-2.30pm, ages 7+ 3-4.30pm, free drop-in family sessions.

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DROP IN FAMILY SUNDAYS. On the third Sunday of every month, families are invited to drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

PORTRAITS OF ARTISTS AND FRIENDS, 16-20 February. During half term there will be a range of friendship activities inspired by the Sargent exbibition, suitable for ages 5+.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.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.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org 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.

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SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

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.

CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL DAY, 21 February. Arty activities for children of all ages to celebrate Chinese New Year.

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.

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