Families SE JanFeb 2013 issue 146

ISSUE NO. 146

®

familiesse.co.uk

south east london

In this issue: New Year, New You Health and Career Tips

FREE Bootcamp Sessions What's On listings

FREE

DELIVERY!

The Pointer School (Blackheath)

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

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Founded by Muriel & Della Pointer in 1951

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JAN FEB 2013

WELL, HERE WE ARE at the start of a squeaky, fresh and sparkly new year. How quickly it came around; bringing the routine of those dreaded early starts for school when we’d barely finished picking pine needles and mince pie crumbs out of the cats’ backs.

For many, a new year inspires resolutions. Small steps can make us healthier and wealthier; big steps could lead to changing other aspects of our lives which have been a rut for too long - and we’ve found the experts to help. However you’re starting the year, we wish you a happy one.

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE

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

ildren h C r o f s ie it iv Act

2-3 Local News and Views Children’s activities, an award-winning children’s shop, and cut price theatre tickets

4-7 Education News Nurseries, preschools, news from local schools, and new campaigns and fundraisers

8-9 New Year, New You Inspiring ideas to support a career change or a change of mind

10 Mothers Mean Business How Shenda Falvey turned fitness into a business; and a free bootcamp session for readers

11 Family Life

Forest Hill Freedom Freedom Academy is coming to Forest Hill from 16 January. Children aged 3 to 6 years can join POP Dance and learn basic modern dance moves. This fun high energy session is jammed full of popular chart music and is a great alternative or compliment to the more traditional ballet class. Children aged 7 to 11 can attend Freedom Academy’s drama class at 4.45pm - 5.45pm where they will work towards group examinations in acting. The classes will run after school on Wednesdays. To book a free trial session for your child, email info@freedomacademy.co.uk or call 020 8244 4873.

Child benefit changes; and legal aid ends in April

12 Book Review Page Justine Crow’s guide to starting the new year with a whole lot of books

13-18 What’s On Diary dates for grown-ups; onstage performances; exhibitions and drop-in workshops for families; and half term specials

19 Family Holidays Ten top tips to help you plan this year’s get away

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier Front cover: Portrait by Kate Darkins Photography, 07956 910019, katedarkinsphotography.co.uk

Next issue 1 March, copy deadline 11 February Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk editor@familiesse.co.uk

Half term tennis Book some fun for your little ones with Tennis-4-Kids. The mini sessions for 21⁄2 to 8 year-olds will take place indoors on 19, 20 and 21 February in East Dulwich.

Term time classes are also available. For bookings or more information, call Gordon on 07877 391 005 or see tennis-4-kids.com.

In the swim Pool Jet Classes for children have arrived in south London.

With propeller power and a qualified swimming and diving instructor, children learn a faster and more fluid swimming technique, helping them feel safer while having enormous fun.

The classes are suitable for beginners or children with some swimming experience who are ready to whiz around with some extra speed. Pool Jet Classes are held at Battersea’s Latchmere Leisure Centre, for ages 5+. For more information email Michal at mk.diving.school@gmail.com or call 0782 587 5067.

Art for young people © 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.

Tel: 0208858 88586971 Tel: 020 6971

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A new studio-based course will provide 2D fine and applied arts to 8-12 yearolds. The course is taught by Alison Day, a practising artist, experienced tutor and former youth worker. It will run for ten weeks after school on Tuesdays at Lewisham Art House in New Cross. For details, see lewishamarthouse.org.uk or email alison.day10@yahoo.com.

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n Ups w o r G r o f s New Gently Elephant is great!

Toys galore Let’s hope your children haven’t yet tired of their Christmas goodies. That said, play is very important in children’s development, and variety is the spice of life, which is where toy libraries come in.

Lewisham Toy Library celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and is very proud to be still running. The charity offers membership to families, carers and groups in Lewisham who have children aged up to 9 years. For just £24 a year (waived membership for those on income support), members have access to all kinds of toys, games, puzzles, special needs toys and outdoor equipment for as many times as you want. Six month vouchers are also available as a gift to a family or carer.

The Toy Library is open from 1-3pm on Mondays, 10am-12noon Wednesdays and Fridays, and 101m-13.30 and 1-4pm on the first Saturday of each month, at 41 Rushey Green SE6 4AS, (entrance in) Rosenthal Road, 020 8697 6332.

Gently Elephant, one of southeast London’s newer children’s shops, has been included in a Time Out guide to ‘best new shops 2013’; and separately, won the Brockley Central ‘Best Newcomer 2012’ award, much to the delight of the owners; The shop opened in June last year and has been very busy since then. We asked one of the owners, Helen, to tell us more: “Alex and I set out to create an environment children and their parents would both enjoy and we feel we have really achieved this. We started out mainly as a children’s shoe shop, fitting and selling brands from Start Rite to Petasil, Bobux, Camper, Ricosta and PediPed to name but a few.

The initial small range of books, toys, clothes and gifts has grown beyond measure and is all just as carefully chosen as our shoes. Brands we stock include Sophie La Giraffe, Seedling, Alim Rose, Djeco, Bob and Blossom, Toby Tiger, Little Titans, Boys & Girls, Hatley, Ridleys, Sew Heart Felt, Best Years and Le Toy Van. Some of our products such as Little Titans are unique to us in the area and this one in particular has been created by another local mum - tights especially for boys - such a brilliant idea.

Our big wooden tepee is a big hit with our youngest visitors and the weekly music class run by Bea from Bea’s Baby Bop is a brilliant addition for mums looking for a class they can drop into.”

Worth a trip with your little one! As they say: “You can’t miss us. We’re grey like an elephant, with big beautiful windows.” Gently Elephant is open 10am-5pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays to Saturdays, and Wednesdays and Sundays by appointment. 169 Brockley Road SE4 2RS, 020 8692 2881 and gentlyelephant.co.uk.

Get into London theatre GILT is an annual promotion offering tickets to over 50 productions for a fraction of the normal cost. This year’s line up includes shows such as War Horse, Shrek, Billy Elliot and Horrible Histories. Tickets start from just £10, for performances running to 15 February.

For the full line up and bookings, go to getintolondontheatre.co.uk or call 0844 412 2703.

The costs of childcare A special government scheme allows parents to pay for childcare from pre-tax salary and National Insurance income. Childcare Vouchers can be given by employers to their workers as a perk in addition to salary, or you can opt to sign up for a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme in which part of your pay is turned into vouchers.

These can be used for registered and regulated nurseries, playgroups, nannies, childminders and holiday playschemes like Super Camps.

A basic rate taxpayer can pay for up to £243 of childcare with vouchers each month. You benefit because your salary will go further; employers don’t pay National Insurance on the vouchers so it saves them money; and your child can enjoy the wide range of childcare options and activities on offer.

Super Camps MD Guy Ker says: “A wrongly held belief is that childcare vouchers are only useful for paying for pre-school nursery places, when in fact they can be ‘banked’ and used in one go for older children during the holidays. With higher earning parents facing a cut in their family budget through means-tested child benefit, we would urge parents to sign up to childcare voucher schemes and start saving their vouchers, ready for the long summer holidays.”

For a further saving on SuperCamps’ summer daycare, book by 5 March and there’s 20% off, at supercamps.co.uk.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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0845 400 1277 new year 2013 - families south east

3

education news

Nursery and preschool news Finding a nursery Good Care Guide an independent, searchable, online database that lists all registered group childcare settings in England (as well as care homes and home care agencies), and enables families to rate quality of care, facilities and value for money, and add comments.

Director Stephen Burke says: “Whereas you can easily read online hotel and restaurant reviews, until now there has been nowhere on the web to find information and provide comment about both childcare and eldercare. This guide provides a place for people to share their views, give real, honest feedback, and add to the transparency of the care sector. The greater scrutiny will help improve the quality and standards of care.”

Ed’s note: when Families reviewed the site, many settings had yet to received user ratings; nonetheless it is a useful starting point, as each entry has a map, contact details and links to the most recent Ofsted inspection report. See goodcareguide.co.uk.

Free places for ‘hard-pressed families’ Currently three and four-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours a week of free nursery education.

In November, the Department for Education announced a further £500m to fund new places for the most disadvantaged two year-olds from September 2013.

Local authorities will receive an average of £5.09 per child per hour, for statutory places, which they are expected to pass on in full to schools, nurseries and childminders. This is significantly above the market rate of £4.13 (Daycare Trust figures) which providers charge and will enable high quality staff to be retained, recruited and trained.

In future, funding to councils will be based on the number of participating children. Less money will go to local authorities that have not ensured parents are taking up these places - in other words, they will be funded on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis.

Helping your pre-schooler You can support your nursery child’s learning at home in a variety of ways.

Talking with them and sharing ideas are the most natural way but also do make time to: • Read to your child • Take your child to the library • Play games with letters • Help your child learn the alphabet • tntroduce your child to numbers or counting • Share songs, poems or nursery rhymes with your child • Paint and draw with your child Parents at London Early Years Foundation nurseries are invited to evening workshops to develop their understanding of how children learn. They welcome parents asking what children have shown interest in during the day and using this information to extend learning at home. Look for more parenting tips and advice, and find a LEYF nursery on their website leyf.org.uk/parents.

Campaigns and fundraisers

4

Read for My School

Wear a Hat Day

Read for My School is a brand new national schools reading competition from The Pearson Foundation and Booktrust, with support from the Department for Education.

From 21 January to 22 March, children will be encouraged to read 48 titles selected by a panel of teachers, librarians, booksellers and children’s book reviewers. They include favourites from Michael Morpurgo, Shirley Hughes and J K Rowling, along with a host of new talent.

During the competition, children will also be encouraged to redeem their World Book Day tokens and read one of the four books published for the 2013 promotion that are suitable for nine to 11 year-olds, including titles by Lauren Child, Anthony Horowitz, Liz Pichon and Tony Robinson.

Aimed at children in years 5 and 6 in its first year, Read for My School is being offered for free to all primary schools in England, thanks to donated titles from Pearson, Penguin and DK. All participating schools will be entered into a prize draw to receive a substantial donation of books drawn from a pot of 100,000 titles provided by Pearson, Penguin and DK. Read more and sign up at readformyschool.co.uk.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and bake sales, schools and nurseries around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can on ‘Wear a Hat Day’ in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

Charity director Sue Farrington-Smith commented: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer”.

To register for a fundraising pack, email sarah@braintumourresearch.org, or read more at braintumourreasearch.org.

families south east - new year 2013

Climate Change Week Britain’s biggest climate change campaign runs from 4-10 March this year, inspiring a new wave of action to create a sustainable future.

The week showcases real, practical solutions to combat climate change from every sector of society, with half a million people attending over 3,000 events run by schools, businesses, charities and councils. You can help accelerate action on climate change by making Climate Week happen where you are - register your school for the Climate Week Challenge, take part in Climate Week Swap, which highlights the positive impact that swapping clothes, books, toys and DVDs can have on our environment, or indulge in some culinary delights in Climate Week Cuisine by eating a low carbon meal using up leftovers or cooking food made from local ingredients.

Join in at climateweek.com.

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new year 2013 - families south east

5

education news

School news A history of excellence

By Louise Simpson, Head, Bromley High School, GDST. “In January 1883, on Elmfield Road in Bromley, Bromley High School opened its doors.

As one of the second wave of schools opened by the Girls’ Public Day School Company, which had formed in 1872, it was a pioneer. At the time there were about 15,000 residents in Bromley, a town covering 4700 acres, there was a new public baths and the Baptist church was a recent addition. Miss Heppel was the founding headmistress and the school took an entry in the Bromley Directory of 1887, alongside some other schools. There was Y GARN, on Ravensbourne Road, advertised as a ‘School for the Daughters of Gentlemen’; adding: ‘The Lower Class is open to boys’. At the Ladies’ High Class School in Bromley Common the Principal, Miss Wheeler, boasted resident French and German governesses and classes for physical culture in her advert. At Elsternwick School in Bromley, Professor and Mrs Yarrow offered to receive a limited number of the daughters of gentlemen to board and educate.

The educational landscape then was very different from today’s. The world that girls inhabited, and the world that they were destined for as women, was determined almost exclusively, by their class and their gender. In only one of the schools in the Bromley Directory are any examinations mentioned for girls. The mistresses or teachers in the girls’ schools do not mention their qualifications and there is a distinct lack of reference to subjects to be studied. This is in stark contrast to the boys’ Prep Schools which are advertised. They promise that boys will be prepared for scholarship and entrance to the Public Schools (and, by implication, successful admission to university and beyond that, status and a profession). They suggest that their boys are well prepared for scholarships to Eton, Tonbridge, Harrow and Winchester. They paint a picture, for the privileged boys who were able to attend these schools, of action packed school life and an exciting and very successful adult life beyond.

At Bromley High School the girls were lucky; they belonged then, as they do now, to a forward thinking, innovative and ambitious group of schools, the GDST (now 26 schools nationwide) who believed that girls and young women deserved to have an equal education and equal chances in life to their brothers. We continue to believe this and it

for this reason that our girls outperform girls educated in maintained schools at every age and stage. Our girls are more likely to study Maths and Sciences than their counterparts in co-educational and maintained schools and it is for this reason that our girls leave us to become productive and contributing members of society, often to high profile and very successful roles.

In 2013 we celebrate 130 years of Bromley High School. In that time the face of education has changed, but our aims have not. We continue to put girls at the heart of all that we do and we are very proud of all that they achieve.”

Bromley High School is holding assessment and taster days for girls in January. For more information, and to organise a tour of the school, email admissions@bro.gdst.net or see bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

The Girls’ Day School Trust is the leading group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, educating 20,000 pupils in Junior and Senior departments. As well as Bromley High, local GDST schools include Sydenham High, Streatham and Clapham High, and Blackheath High. Read more at gdst.net.

From primary to academy Four hundred primary schools judged to be among the weakest in England and Wales are set to become academies, the Prime Minister announced. David Cameron plans to pair these schools with sponsors, taking them out of the control of their local authorities in a drive to improve education in the poorestperforming schools.

“The driving mission for this government is to build an aspiration nation, where we unlock and unleash the promise in all our people,” he said. “A first-class education system is absolutely central to that vision.

Time and time again we have seen how academies, with their freedom to innovate, inspire and raise standards are fuelling aspirations and helping to spread success. So now we want to go further, faster, with 400 more under-performing primary schools paired up with a sponsor and either open or well on their way to becoming an academy by the end of next year.” At the time of the previous general election there were 203 academies, all secondary schools. There are now 2,456, with 823 more in the pipeline.

Montessori Twelve

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A brand new Montessori for 0-5 year-olds, opening new year 2013 in Lewisham • Day nursery and pre-prep • Baby room and activity rooms for preschoolers • Montessori approach to Early Years Foundation stages • Music, dance, arts and crafts, trips out • Potty training • Nutritious home cooked meals and snacks • Set in a four storey house with a large garden • Open 8am to 6pm

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our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 7th MARCH 11.00-1.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

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Virgo Fidelis Prep School Independent co-ed Nursery, Prep, KS1 & KS2

Open Day for Nursery & Reception Thursday 17th January 2013 - 9.30am-3.00pm

Open Day for the Whole School Wednesday 6th February 2013 - 9.30am-3.00pm

Women’s rights Sir Mark Allen, former diplomat and Middle East expert, visited Streatham & Clapham High school in November to address the 6th form in the Head Master’s lecture series. He gave the girls a fascinating insight into the current political situation and the origins of the Arab Spring, discussing the cultures and traditions of individual countries in the region. He spoke with great clarity from an interesting perspective, tracing historical routes back to the Babylonian empire.

Sixth-form student, Shree Patel, says:”Sir Mark’s talk was so interesting. The questions about the rights of women were particularly relevant - not only to us as an all-girls school, but also to every woman in society.”

Streatham and Clapham High’s next open days are on 5 March and 14 May. For more information, see schs.gdst.net or call 020 8674 6912.

Youth finds its voice Thames Christian College pupils have been fortunate to be involved in a new social enterprise which represents the voices of the under 20s across the whole of the UK. Thames pupils were invited to pilot the idea last year. Podium.me enables young people aged 13-20 to express their views on a wide range of topics, anonymously via podcasts. Recent stories include social networks, piracy, gambling and the new GCSEs. Camilla Byk, journalist at Podium.me comments: “We were so impressed with the articulate and well considered views of the Thames pupils that we now visit the school monthly to talk to students who wish to take part.”

Hannah, a Year 9 pupil at Thames Christian College comments: “Podium.me really got me thinking about different issues such as whether or not Facebook reduces social skills. I really enjoyed debating the different topics.”

Podium.me are linked with many youth organisations including the Princes Trust, Childline, The Challenge and Radio 4 extra. Parents and other adults can listen to uploaded stories and they actively encourage government to listen to the youth view through links with MPs. Visit Podium.me.uk.

Thames Christian College is holding an open day on 7 March. For more dates, enrolment and fee details, call 020 7228 3933, thameschristiancollege.org.uk.

ARE YOU THE PERSON WE NEED?

Home-Start Southwark is recruiting volunteers for our FREE training course starting in January 2013 Can you give a family in need of support a shoulder to lean on?

All it takes is a few spare hours a week. You can be of any age, the only qualification you need is knowing what it feels like to be a parent.

For more information call us on

020 7737 7720

Home-Start Southwark, Albrighton Community Centre, 37 Albrighton Road, London SE22 8AH Reg. Charity No. 1107413 E: info@homestartsouthwark.org.uk

147 Central Hill Upper Norwood SE19 1RS

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Open Days Tuesday 5 March 2013

2.00 pm to 3.30 pm

Tuesday 14 May 2013

2.00 pm to 3.30 pm

Nursery and Junior School (Independent education for girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 enquiry@shj.gdst.net

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new year 2013 - families south east

7

New year, new you

• Searching for your ideal career?

• Feeling frustrated with your current role and want a change?

• Need help to get back into the job market or update your CV? Free Kick Start your Career in the New Year workshop at East Greenwich Pleasaunce café, SE10 0LB, 2pm Wed 16 Jan, 2013

New year, New you Are you superstitious? Nah, me neither. There’s nothing wrong with

First consultation free!

the number 13 - this could be your best year yet with some

email: veronica@imaginecareers.co.uk T: 07757 939 940

tweaking, adjusting and a positive outlook.

www.imaginecareers.co.uk

We’ve gathered some great ideas to kickstart your year.

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!

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

New year, new career As the new year starts, you might be considering what you’re going to do with your career. Veronica Lysaght, from Imagine Careers, has some top tips on what to consider before returning to work, especially after a career break.

1. Don’t rush it Make a considered decision about what you want to do. Take your time to be clear about your career goals and then put in place a plan to get there. This is where career coaching can really If you have a supervisory, help. And remember Winston Churchill said, ‘No managerial, sales, marketing, idea is so outlandish that it should not be recruitment or self-employed considered with a searching but at the same time a steady eye.’ background or you wish to develop 2. When you’re ready, talk to people an extraordinary lifestyle, Start at home and talk to the people who will be most affected by you returning to work. Once your goals are clear, widen the circle and talk to those please call Skye Edwards who know you well, then your friends, neighbours, and former colleagues. Keep telling them what you want to do and asking for their advice and if they can introduce you to someone who knows something about the area you want to work in.

When you approach contacts, know what you want to say and ask them.

3. Stay informed about your sector Go to a meeting of your professional body, subscribe to blogs, email friendly, informal get-togethers - refresh and newsletters, LinkedIn groups and follow people support your life, loves, work & goals with positive who are leaders in your focus, playful planning, camaraderie & coffee! field. Who are the people

07973 749 846

WEEKLY LIFE-COACHING GROUPS 65mins. Hosted by The Mind Body and Soul Coach

Tuesday mornings in Dulwich Village and Herne Hill Friday mornings in West Dulwich and East Dulwich £8 plus your own drinks. Check details, book a seat!

Call Kathy 0775 369 9232

This is my Me Time! www.themindbodyandsoulcoach.co.uk 8

families south east - new year 2013

whose names keep coming up? Research them and find out what their career path has been. Join in online discussions and keep up, or re-start, your professional relationships.

4. Make sure your CV reflects where you want to go, not where you’ve been. If you want to change sectors/ careers, get some evidence of your interest and enthusiasm for a new direction.

What reading, study, volunteering have you done in the new area? Until you demonstrate your commitment to your new area of work, you cannot expect an employer to do so.

5. Don’t leave a time gap in your CV Employers want to see a continuous record of employment, so be honest about what you’ve been doing and state which skills you’ve gained while on a career break, like time management, organisation and negotiation skills, eg 2010-2012 • Career break while raising children • Maintained professional links and association with colleagues • Volunteered to help the local NCT fundraising committee 6. Keep believing in yourself For many people, taking a career break can be synonymous with a drop in confidence. Do the things, whatever they are, that help restore your confidence.

Veronica Lysaght is a Career Coach at imaginecareers. She is running a free workshop in Greenwich on 16 January. Find more information at imaginecareers.co.uk, or call Veronica on 07757 939 940 for a free individual consultation.

New year, new mindset Something positively inspiring is happening around Dulwich with Kathy’s Life Coaching Groups. Here’s what people have said: Jai “Thank you for your ongoing support, I sometimes tell myself that my questions are just trivial but working on them with you has prevented a lot of negative self-talk from draining my energy... you are 100% natural goodness for people who want results.”

Patricia: “Kathy has inspired me to change my view of myself by 180 degrees.

I feel so positive and in control of myself... totally encouraging and supportive and completely non-judgmental.”

Think about what you need or want and join in! The groups meet in Dulwich and Herne Hill on Tuesday and Friday mornings. For details, call Kathy on 0775 3699 232, see our What’s On pages, or email coaching@themindbodyandsoulcoach.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

Supporting local families Home-Start Southwark supports families with young children, helping them build a brighter future when times are difficult.

Volunteers are central to the work of Home-Start. They provide invaluable emotional support, practical help and friendship to parents in need. By visiting families in their own homes, the volunteers are a lifeline for many families who are finding it hard to cope. The volunteers are of all ages and from all walks of life. They bring experience of bringing up children either as a parent, step parent, foster parent or perhaps older sibling and have an ability to listen with understanding.

From January, the charity is running free training courses for new people who would like to gain valuable experience and support as members of the friendly volunteer team. You could make a difference! For information, call 020 7737 7720 or see homestartsouthwark.org.uk

Relationship Difficulties?

Mums get marketing Putney-based marketing consultancy Mumpreneur Marketing offers new monthly training workshops to give women the necessary skills to promote their businesses.

“It is hard to be creative when you are faced with the daily challenges of running a business,” says Mumpreneur Marketing’s Director, Kate Miranda.

“Our workshops aim to give business women the time and tools to develop creative and compelling marketing ideas that will make an impact.”

To learn the fundamentals of online marketing, direct marketing, writing press releases and more in 3-hour sessions for £40, see mumpreneurmarketing.com.

By Geraldine Marsh As Donald Rumsfeld once said ‘there are the known unknowns and the unknown unknowns’. Sometimes, seeking counselling for relationship issues feels like that. Whether you go as an individual, or as a couple, there can be as much fear regarding what counselling will ‘uncover’ as what the benefits may be. Feel reassured then, that it is categorically not the role of a client-led counsellor to quiz or lay bare any facts other than those that you, or both parties, wish to explore, and additionally this is at a pace to suit you.

Additionally, counselling can focus on what does work in a relationship, what’s good, and what’s worth holding onto.

Sometimes, even joyous events, such as the birth of a child, can provoke changes in a relationship. Roles change, work can feel different, and the pressure mounts up. By ignoring those changes, it does not make them go away, in fact it can cause more pain trying to evade painful situations which may in fact be resolvable. By discussing them with a professional counsellor, you are then able to recognise and initiate proactive ideas to create the domestic situation you most desire.

Geraldine Marsh PG Dip, is a BACP Regd. Counsellor and NLP Coach.

She is based at Gatehouse Complementary Health in Hither Green SE13, 020 3556 9803, gatehousecomplementaryhealth.com.

MERTON COUNCIL

You don’t have to be rich to adopt With a tailor made support plan, a dedicated worker to help and a perfect match, adoption is a lot more than just a possibility.

www.merton.gov.uk/rich familiesse.co.uk

new year 2013 - families south east

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New year, new you

Mothers Mean Business

- fit for life Shenda Falvey is a mother of two lively girls from Blackheath. When not running around after her children she is running around a southeast London park, leading bootcamps and personal training sessions. With New Year fitness regimes already kicking in, we caught up with her:

personal training at a time and location of customers’ choice, I have tried to make exercise fun and accessible to everyone. Babies and children are always welcome and during the holidays I organise childminders on site when required.

FSE: When did you set up your personal training and bootcamp business?

Spring 2011 saw the launch of my business after the ‘Homes and Communities Agency’ - owners of Central Park, the green space in front of the O2 granted my exclusive licence to train there. Being the recreational hub of Millennium Greenwich Village, a purpose built ecological area, the ‘Agency’ initially took a little persuasion - they were concerned about the impact my activities would have on the area. But after some extensive negotiations and submitting a proposal that included my knowledge of aerating grass (!!!) they agreed that ‘green’ fitness could only be of benefit to the local residents and they have been a fantastic support ever since.

FSE: Fitness or weight loss - what do most of your clients ask for, or achieve with you?

It really does depend. As a specialist in sports conditioning, boxing and ante and postnatal exercise, clients’ goals vary hugely. I have recently been training a client for the Dublin Marathon, a heavily pregnant lady who wants to achieve an easier labour and birth, several couples who want to look great for their weddings and a client who wants to be fit enough to climb Mt Kilimanjaro!

But I have to admit the majority of my clients want to lose weight - fitness plays second fiddle until they realise how fantastic they feel once their energy levels and stamina increase.

FSE: What did you do beforehand?

In my past life I was a global director of a consumer public relations company. With the arrival of my second daughter, the realities of juggling small children whilst rarely being in the same country as them, proved difficult, so for several years I studied for my advanced personal training diploma, whilst being a stay at home mum.

FSE: How easy is it to fit in family life with your clients’ needs?

Like any working mum it’s a struggle to get the balance between giving the best service possible to your clients and the attention your family deserve.

It is a fine line and has been a steep learning curve.

Many clients want early mornings, evenings or weekend slots - the times that my husband and kids want too! To make sure both my clients and family get 100%, I laid down some ground rules - limit my evening work to three nights per week, work Saturday but devote Sunday to my family.

FSE: What inspired you to set up the service?

Exercise and fitness had always been an integral part of my life and having come from a fast paced industry, I understood the difficulties of squeezing exercise into a hectic schedule. Becoming a mum also made me realise that it’s not just the ‘out to workers’ who have frantic timetables, but parents too!

Armed with this knowledge, and wanting to do something I had a passion for that fitted better with family life, Shenda Falvey Personal Training & Bootcamps was born. It is designed to offer affordable environmentally friendly exercise solutions at different times to suit my customers.

With bootcamps running in the evenings, after school drop off and Saturday mornings and

ACTING * SINGING

FSE: We understand you are a Wonder Woman - how did that come about?

It was thanks to my customers who voted when ‘The Wonder Woman Network’ asked locals to nominate their most inspirational business woman. I managed to get 23% of the votes and the fabulous title ‘Wonder Woman of the Year’! My kids, friends and family, think it’s hilarious and you can imagine the jokes about golden lassos and hot pants...

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from getting more organised about eating when training clients back to back!

When I train clients in a row there is little time to refuel to keep energy levels up. Bouncing around, sparring, demonstrating exercises and generally being active is physically draining and food is essential to keep going. Now I bring with me quick, easy to eat carbohydrate loaded food such as homemade hummus, vegetable sticks and nuts to give a steady slow release of energy. Also fibre rich fruits such as apples, pears and grapes are great when I need an instant sugar boost.

FSE: When you have some downtime, how do you like to put your feet up?

Apart from catching up with friends, my idea of heaven is reading a good book with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc - I must be getting old! I’m currently ploughing through the epic Earth Children series, about Ayla’s life on the glacial continent of the last Ice Age. I’m losing sleep because I can’t put them down...

FSE: How can readers find out more about what you do?

They can check out my website shendafalveypersonaltraining.com, give me a call on 07887 727 335 or just pop down to Central Park for a chat. For social media lovers, my page, facebook.com/shendafalveypt, has exercise and tip of the week, nutritional advice, health and fitness news, client ‘big ups’ for reaching targets alongside fun bootcamp pictures, with twitter.com/ShendaFalvey, giving more of the same.

FSE: Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d done differently when you were starting out?

There’s nothing I would have done differently apart

READER OFFER To help get your 2013 fitness programme on track, Shenda is giving every reader a FREE one hour bootcamp session. Just text her with your name, preferred day and time and quote ‘Families’.

STREET DANCE

*

* GLEE CLUB

PERFORMING ARTS

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY!

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

TEL: 0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk 10

families south east - new year 2013

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New year, new you

Child benefit Five things you need to know: 1. Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January 2013, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they’re married or not.

2. The tax charge increases in line with your income For every £100 of income you or your partner have between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments. It’s the higher earner who pays the tax.

3. Your income is based on your adjusted net income Even if you or your partner have an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn’t apply. This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income. This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme). You could even consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down.

4. You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit If you or your partner’s adjusted net income is over £60,000, it could make sense to stop receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won’t have to complete a tax return. But if you don’t know exactly how much your income will be, or you’re under the £60,000 threshold, it’s best to carry on getting it.

5. If you decide to keep Child Benefit, you’ll have to do a tax return If either you or your partner has an adjusted net income of £50,000 or more, then the highest earner must complete a tax return, declaring the Child Benefit as income. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure they’re registered for self-assessment by 6 October 2013 or they’ll face a penalty. They then have until 31 October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online).

Registered charity:1093411 More information.

This information was provided to Families by MoneyVista; a free online service that provides access to financial experts. By entering your information, Money Vista works out what tax and national insurance you pay, your projected state pension and what your savings, investments and property might be worth in the future. Joining all these elements together lets you see the impact on your overall plan of financial decisions you are considering. See moneyvista.com.

Legal aid cuts concern The introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 which comes into force on the 1st April 2013 means the end of legal aid for all Divorce and children cases relating to Residence, Contact, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issues that may arise in respect of children.

Legal aid will also cease for financial cases relating to matrimonial assets and assets owned by cohabitees.

Legal aid will continue on these types of cases if the person is a victim of domestic abuse. The definition for ‘domestic abuse’ has been widened to include emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, coercion or control. However for victims to fall within the exemption of the domestic violence, they will have to show a conviction or a caution or evidence either from a doctor, a health professional or domestic violence support organisation.

There is a huge concern for those who do not fall within this exemption but have limited means. There will simply be no legal aid available to deal with applications in respect of children and financial applications after April 2013.

Duncan Lewis solicitors have always maintained that legal services should be available to everyone in society, saying “We are avid supporters of Legal Aid and proactively helped many clients. Our Family Department has 85 staff with most of them being accredited Panel members and spread over 7 sites across London. We have the expertise to help those considering or in the process of separation. We can offer speedy advice and if required secure legal aid before the 31st March 2013. You can contact us 24 hours on 020 7275 2010”. See duncanlewis.com.

familiesse.co.uk

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

www.braintumourresearch.org new year 2013 - families south east

11

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.

With publishers still sleeping off the excesses that began, like many desk-bound.. er.. craftspeople, somewhat before the festive season lasting right through and out the otherside to emerge blinking in the light of the New Year around about the second or third week of January, it is with my customary frustration that I attempt to flag up some of the more attractive prospects for 2013. Some of us not ensconced in a cosy office block have been up for hours and indeed, many of us never close. Anyway, even without the help of our industry sibling that I am doing my best to - adopts streetwise swagger - “big up”, I can see there is much to look forward to on the book front in the months to come.

A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE by Julia Donaldson & Axel Sheffler - Macmillan rrp £6.99. To celebrate twenty years eek, yes, count ‘em - since its original publication, this new edition contains rare early drawings from Maestro Sheffler’s jotter as well as a foreword by the children’s laureate and all round good-egg (I’m thinkin’ libraries here, and certain necks being stuck out regardless of public office). Myself, I am gulping hard as I compute the years that have passed since I sat up straight in a foundation stage classroom and read this out loud to thirty bobbing, nodding, sneezing, trumping nippers and managed to keep every single one of them seated AND awake right until the triumphant final refrain, though granted I delivered the last line at a foghorn level. But credit where it is due, Donaldson is a witty poet who weaves a compelling narrative whereas most of the illustrated rhyming picture books that pass through my turret come with verse verging on the criminal - sadly in this business, it is still ‘who you know’ and not ‘how you scan’.

THE RUNAWAY BUNNY by Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd - Harpercollins rrp £6.99. Scandalously often unavailable in the UK in recent years, the publishers have finally seen sense (don’t worry, I can say what I like as they are still snoring). I was first introduced to this and her other famous GOODNIGHT MOON, Macmillan rrp £5.99, by a friend married to an American who would think no more of raising his offspring without this iconic tale of a small bunny and his mum than we would ours without Peter Rabbit.

SLOW DOWN SIDNEY by David Sim - Macmillan rrp £5.99.

Great illustrations here to go with this lift-the-flap speedy squirrel. He is a squirrel isn’t he? Either that or a fox that climbs trees and the illustrations aren’t so impressive afterall.

OPEN VERY CAREFULLY by Nicola O’Byrne - O’Brien Press rrp £10.99. Snapping its way towards us in February, this really does look like a book with a bite and I’m all for a kids’ book that bares its teeth. It’ll teach the wee bleeders that are fond of a random chomp - and I owned one of those, got us into all sorts of trouble with the scariest parents - that clamping down on flesh doesn’t make many friends.

TEN SCARED FISH, Ros Moriarty, Allen & Unwin rrp £6.99 is a cracker of a counting book with really startling drawings in superb aboriginal style by Balarinji. I’m always terribly impressed by people who go by just the one name.

JEMMY BUTTON by Alix Barzelay, illustrated by Jennifer Unman & Valerie Vidali - Templar rrp £12.99. I did a double-take when I saw this. It wasn’t just the serene jacket that caught my attention, but the title. I know this story, I know who he was. You might know part of it too. If you are ever lucky enough to be idling in the traffic on Church Road SE19 with your back to All Saints church, look left and you’ll see a green plaque commemorating one Admiral Fitzroy.

This man was responsible for shipping the original Jemmy Button all the way from the wild coast of Tierra del Fuego to the wilder streets of London to be tamed. Imagine dropping a stunned tribal kid in the middle of early Victorian Mayfair when all he’d known was penguin guano and canoes. It seems in reality and in fiction the lad was a real character loved by those around him, which is a charming storybook premise though so long as the author doesn’t go anywhere near the true ending of the story...

THE GREAT BIG BOOK OF FEELINGS by Mary Hoffman & Ros Asquith - Frances Lincoln rrp £11.99. Don’t expect to

find this on your local bookshop shelf until March but if it is anywhere near as useful, funny and truthful as primary school stalwart the GREAT BIG BOOK OF FAMILIES, also rrp £11.99, it will be worth the wait.

ANT AND BEE by Angela Banner & Jon Mitchell - Egmont rrp £4.99. These lovable rogues are back too. They were around when I was a tiddler and have had various revivals since, not least a fat decade and a half ago when I was forced to - takes a deep breath and assumes confessional tone - dress up as the red one of the partnership at a read-aloud event after our Saturday boy mysteriously came down with the plague the very same day he was supposed to wear the costume we’d hired. Stuck at short notice without a babysitter, my eldest and indeed only child at that time had to come with me to work, whereupon she enquired at the top of her voice while all the other visiting children had gathered round: “Why is that ginormous ant wearing my mummy’s shoes?”

For older readers, the future is bright. Indeed, BURNING BRIGHT, the latest from Sophie McKenzie, Simon & Schuster rrp £6.99, follows FALLING FAST, the teenage adventure that stars River and Flynn. Thankfully Mizz McKenzie spares us the sickbag when she does the romance stuff. Also aimed at the same crowd, FEARLESS by Inkheart trilogy queen Cornelia Funke, Chicken House, rrp £7.99 that picks up where RECKLESS, rrp £6.99, left off.

EXPECTING by Anna McGrail & Daphne Metland - Virago rrp £14.99. It’s tempting to preview this one word title with er, just one word - ‘updated’ - but that would be childish.

HOW ESKIMOS KEEP THEIR BABIES WARM by Mei-Ling Hopgood - Macmillan rrp £12.99. If you can find a moment while you are struggling to maintain a Western countenance, sleep-training by numbers and potty training without resorting to bribery (jelly tots work every time, mark you), spare a thought for the way other cultures drag up their young and then ponder how our dear, strict Gina Ford would cope with putting the little darling down in a yak skin amongst the herd and creeping away.

MOTHERS RAISING SONS by Nigel Latta - Ebury rrp £12.99. Not out until March, though already courting interest in the press, I was also very tempted here to question the gender of the author spouting advice here but then without a review copy to hand, who am I to judge? Maybe he doesn’t offer wisdom but merely a microphone. I do know that after that revelatory scan I was quite anxious about having a puppy after two kittens but when that miniature male god plopped out my first thought was now I understand why baby boys are worshipped in other societies and I have enjoyed looking after him so very much since then. Except when he bit that scary kid at nursery incurring the wrath of the aforementioned even scarier mum.

And that time in the pouring rain on a muddy touchline when he punched his own team’s goalie for letting the ball in. He was five years old. That particular parent however, was very reasonable about it.

I note that RAISING GIRLS by Steve Biddulph, Harper Collins rrp £12.99 is due back on the shelf this month.

I didn’t seek refuge in his RAISING BOYS, not even after the goalie incident, but many swear by his methods. Given my now extensive experience however, my advice in gender nurturing is thus: Keep boys regularly fed, watered and exercised, and keep their sisters well away.

Actually it seems that Trasha and her brother have magically reached that pivotal moment where they can share a sofa so long as he sits still and acts invisible. From that first visit to A&E when (aged two) she dropped him (six weeks) face down on concrete or when she tossed china plates into the lobster pot play pen in which he was incarcerated (for his own safety) to the time she wellied him with a tennis racquet for daring to hum at breakfast (last month), I can finally anticipate the year ahead being full of familial peace and harmony. What? Oh, you cynical lot.

I don’t know where you get it from...

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 12

families south east - new year 2013

familiesse.co.uk

EXCEL - BABY SHOW

LYRIC – ROOM ON THE BROOM

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

Diary Dates for Grown Ups TASTY FOOD WRITING COURSES

FIRST AID FOR LIFE

From 15 January, BLACKHEATH COOKS, 13 Old Dover Road, Blackeath SE3 7BT, 020 8269 1331, blackheathcooks.co.uk Do you love food and want to write about it, and sample some mouth-watering treats at the same time? Food writer and media tutor Nikki Spencer is running fun and practical four week courses which will cover everything from writing reviews and pitching features and book ideas to editors, to blogging and recipe writing. Each course will also include a ‘Meet the Expert’ Q&A session with a cookery book writer or established blogger. There are daytime or evening courses to choose from, £105 per person, book first.

19+25 January, 7, 9 + 28 February in Balham and Westminster, 020 8675 4036, firstaidforlife.org.uk A 3-hour emergency course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesse ssuch as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60 a person.

LEWISHAM DADS TRIPLE P

KICKSTART YOUR CAREER

From 7 February, LADYWELL CHILDREN’S CENTRE, 30 Rushey Mead SE4 1JJ, lewishamdads.com Time spent with dad is important for children throughout their early years.

Research indicates that children who spend quality time with their fathers develop better relationships with their friends; do better at school and in their exams; are less likely to come into contact with the police and be involved in crime; and are happier. Lewisham Dads’ Triple P Parenting Course is for fathers and male carers of 0-12 year-olds. It provides participants with support in coping with parenthood, avoiding power struggles, setting boundaries and developing creative and imaginative play. Triple P runs for eight weeks in the evening, from 7 February, and it’s free to join. For details and to sign up, email tim.neville@pre-school.org.uk

16 January, PLEASAUNCE CAFE, Greenwich SE10 0LB, imaginecareers.co.uk Kickstart 2013 by joining a free careers workshop run by Imagine Careers. 2pm start. For information call Veronica on 07757 939 940.

22-24 February, EXCEL, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL, 0871 213 0844, thebabyshow.co.uk

LIFE COACHING GROUP Tuesdays in DULWICH VILLAGE and HERNE HILL, Fridays in WEST and EAST DULWICH, 0775 369 9232, email coaching@themindbodyandsoulcoach.co.uk Refresh and support your life, loves, work and goals in a friendly, informal coaching get-together. £8 per person.

THE BABY SHOW

BLOOMSBURY – TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN

The Baby Show is the UK’s biggest and best pregnancy and parenting event, providing a superb shopping experience with thousands of products from over 300 trusted brands. The event provides a unique opportunity to hear from baby and childcare experts, and take advantage of special show offers.

From well know brands like Mothercare and Fisher-Price to small independents, with advice on everything from feeding, sleeping and first aid, a free creche, baby feeding area and shopping drop-off service, portrait photographers and a daily fashion show, a trip to the Baby Show is bursting with ideas and entertainment. Open 9.30am-5.30pm each day, babies to 12 year-olds can go in for free when registered in advance.

READER OFFER: Standard ticket prices are £20, but Families readers can book tickets from £10.95 when booked in advance before 20 February - quote FMSE8 to claim your discount.

BUSINESS MUMS NETWORKING GROUP 23 February, CHAPTERS RESTAURANT, Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3, selondonmumpreneurs.blogspot.com The SE London Mumpreneurs runs monthly networking meetings, providing a great chance to meet like minded businessmums, brainstorm any business issues you may have and make new connections. £15 to trial the group includes coffee and croissants, book by emailing Clare at motherslife@hotmail.co.uk.

g n i r p S g Tebrom okin now

familiesse.co.uk

new year 2013 - families south east

13

VIEW FROM THE SHARD

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

Theatre, Shows and Music ROOM ON THE BROOM Until 13 January 2013, LYRIC THEATRE, Shafstbury Avenue W1D 8ES, 0844 412 4661, roomonthebroomlive.co.uk The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a gust of wind blows her hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, the lost belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch; and will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? The production is based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and is from the creators of The Gruffalo. Ages 3+.

TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN

Fun for all

You can Bank on it!

18 – 22 February 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm

Toad to the Rescue The adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole, the popular characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame, are retold by a costumed storyteller in these interactive and fun sessions.

With special events and displays throughout the year, the Bank of England Museum is a great day out.

Admission free 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 14

families south east - new year 2013

Until 19 January 2013, BLOOMSBURY THEATRE, 020 7388 8822, thebloomsbury.com Tom has always been told it’s impossible to travel back in time, but when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past. Here he meets Hatty and together these two new friends enjoy fantastic adventures in a magical wonderland. But with each new journey through time, strange things begin to happen - and Tom must solve the mystery of the midnight garden. Tom’s Midnight Garden features incredible illusions, spellbinding music and an extraordinary cast that will take you on a thrilling journey and enthral children (ages 4+) and adults alike.

THE MASTER AND MARGARITA Until 17 January, THE BARBICAN, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS, 020 7638 8891, barbican.org.uk/theatre Complicite returns to the Barbican with Mikhail Bulgakov’s magical novel pitting the power of evil against the power of compassion. Tickets from £16.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Until 19 January, LONDON COLISEUM, St Martin’s Lane WC2N 4ES, 020 7836 0111, eno.org, ballet.org.uk Kenneth MacMillan’s production of the popular classic is the perfect way to bring some sparkle into your New Year. Tickets from £10.

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Lavender Hill, Battersea SW11 5tn, 020 7223 2223, bac.org.uk MIDNIGHT’S PUMPKIN, Until 19 January. Renowned theatre makers Kneehigh present a tipsy, tingling and foot-stomping hit. Age 6+, tickets £15 children, £25 adults.

A VERY OLD MAN WITH ENORMOUS WINGS, Until 19 January. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s modern fable is brought to life with Little Angel Theatre’s beautifully crafted puppets. Tickets from £10.

UNICORN THEATRE UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, unicorntheatre.com THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, until 13 January 2013. Set in a Tudor London so vibrant you can smell the potato-peelings, poor Tom Canty has a chance meeting with the young heir to the throne, Prince Edward - and by pure coincidence they find they look almost identical. Mark Twain’s classic tale of confused

identities tells the story of what happens when the one is mistaken for the other: Tom Canty is forced into the world of the court and power, while Edward is cast down into a world of poverty and thieves, from which he must fight his way back to the Court. Part traditional and part fantastical, a riotous show for all the family. Ages 6+.

THE PRESENT, 13 January - 27 February 2013. Join theatre-makers Hannah Ringham and Ansuman Biswas in a glorious participatory theatrical game exploring the mystery and pleasure of wrapping, receiving, giving and sharing. Ages 4-6 years.

LIAR, LIAR, 31 January - 6 March 2013. Acclaimed writer E V Crowe’s latest play is a contemporary tale about a young girl who knows the truth can be dangerous... Ages 13-16 years.

A THOUSAND SLIMY THINGS, 30 January 7 February. A wedding, a party, a perfect day. What could possibly go wrong? Beware! The Ancient Mariner is here and will be heard! Ages 10+, tickets from £10.

1001 NIGHTS, 5 February - 17 March. Using everyday objects that you might find in your bedroom, the bookish Shahrazad transports her sister and father night after night to an imagined world of kings, viziers, and jinns. Ages 6-9, tickets from £8.

LITTLE RED...YOU KNOW WHO, 8-10 February. This spell-binding play for young children follows a magical path through the woods. Ages 2-6, tickets £10-£16.

THE PRESENT, 13-17 February. A glorious participatory theatrical game exploring the mystery and pleasure of wrapping, receiving, giving and sharing.

Ages 4-6, tickets £10-£16.

SENSACIONAL, 19-24 February. And now for something completely different. Bring your toddler along to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. 18 months - 4 years, £10.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH Lyric Square, King Street W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk MAZYMEG AND THE HONEY BEES, until 12 January.

Albert lives alone with his beloved honey bees. When a stranger steals Albert’s bees, will the brave Mazymeg come to his rescue? Ages 4-7, tickets £8.

MY BIG LITTLE SISTER, 19 January. Tom says he can’t understand his little sister Ruby, who wishes she were a grown-up with no one telling her what to do. £8, age 4-8 THE SELFISH CROCODILE, 26+27 January. When a very selfish crocodile gets a nasty toothache, all the other animals are too scared to help him. Ages 3-7, tickets £8.

ARTHUR’S DREAMBOAT, 2 February. Sail away with Arthur and his magical dreamboat in this original tale about a little boy with a very big dream. Ages 2-7, tickets £8.

MAVIS SPARKLE, 9 February. With a mix of illusion, animation and fun, discover the magic and wonder of the universe with Mavis. Ages 5-10, tickets £8.

JACK AT THE BEANSTALK CAFÉ, 16 February.

A nourishing feast of stories told with puppets and live music at the Beanstalk Café. Ages 4-8, tickets £8.

HOW TO CATCH A STAR, 19-23 February. One night a little boy who loves stargazing decides to try and catch a star. Ages 3-7, tickets £8.

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LONDON BIKE SHOW

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

HANSEL AND GRETEL Until 26 January, Cottesloe Theatre, NATIONAL THEATRE, Southbank SE1 9PX, 020 7452 3000, nationaltheatre.org.uk A trail of breadcrumbs; and a bewitching house made of sweets.

Following ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Katie Mitchell returns to the National Theatre to stage the classic fairytale as an intimate and magical new production. Hansel and Gretel promises to be an enchanting and eerie Christmas treat, Ages 7-10, tickets from £12.

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, polkatheatre.com TOO MANY PENGUINS? Until 16 February. How many penguins are too many penguins? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, thank you very much! 1-4yrs, £8-£10.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, until 16 February. When Mole abandons spring-cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. A delightful adaptation with songs.

Ages 5-11 tickets £11-£16.

THE WILLIAM STORIES, 19-23 February. Journey into a world of imagination, books, fairytales and exploring. Ages 4-7, tickets £10.

WHY THE LION DANCED, 20 February - 2 March. Deep in the mountains of ancient China, every 13th moon the dreaded monster Nian pays a visit to the village. The villagers must protect themselves but which animal can save them? Ages 6-11, tickets £8-£12.

COLOURHOUSE THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills SW19 2RD, 020 8542 5511, colourhousetheatre.co.uk JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, until 27 January. Will Jack find hidden treasure at the top of the beanstalk or will he be eaten by the horrible Giant? Come along and find out! Tickets £8 children, £10 adults.

SLEEPING BEAUTY, 9 February - 14 April. Green Fairy casts an evil spell on baby Princess Aurora because she wasn’t invitedto her christening. Tickets £8 children, £10 adults.

JOEY’S FIREWORKS 19 January - 17 March, PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, puppetbarge.com A marionette spectacle celebrating the arrival of the New Year and featuring traditional characters such as Burglar Bill, Dog Toby, Joey the Clown and Mr Punch, with the Beadle keeping an eye on the goings on.

Ages 3+, tickets £8.50 children, £10 adults.

RUBBISH 15-17 February, ARTS DEPOT, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner N12 0GA, 020 8369 5454, 7-9 March STRATFORD CIRCUS, Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BX, 0844 357 2625, theatre-rites.co.uk Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish. A world where, at the touch of a puppeteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

your eyes. Theatre-Rites’ production is stunning and playful, silly and inventive.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP, 0845 401 5045, royalalberthall.com KOOZA, 5 January - 14 February. Cirque du Soleilreturn to the Royal Albert Hall with their sensational show KOOZA, coming to the UK for the first time.

Tickets from £14.

FAMILY IGNITE: THE ANIMAL KINGDOM, 19 February. Join the Hall’s very own 15-piece mini-orchestra for a musical safari through the animal kingdom.

In the Elgar Room, tickets £3.50 children, £5 adults.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL Until 17 February, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, 32 Earlham Street WC2, 0844 412 4652, matildaathemusical.com Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic comes alive in an award-winning musical.

Tired of being teased by her couch potato parents and horrible teacher Miss Trunchball, little Matilda discovers that she has a very special gift and sets out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Tickets from £20, child discounts available.

Audio-described and captioned performances are available for some dates.

SHREK THE MUSICAL Until 24 February, THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE, Catherine Street WC2B 5JF, 0844 412 4660, shrekthemusical.co.uk Join Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey, as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got the acclaimed, must see musical comedy. Ages 5+. Captioned performances available for some shows.

MADAGASCAR LIVE! 1-3 March, WEMBLEY ARENA, Empire Way HA9 0DW, 0844 815 0815, wembleyarena.co.uk Relive the adventures of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the plotting penguins as they escape from their home at New York’s Central Park Zoo, and find themselves on a journey to King Julien’sMadagascar. Tickets from £20.

Events and Attractions LONDON BIKE SHOW 17-20 January, EXCEL, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL, 01666 511532, thelondonbikeshow.co.uk London’s largest bike exhibition returns ExCeL. Along with the Outdoors Show and Active Travel Show, it’s a fantastic day out for all ages and bike, sport, travel, outside enthusiasts, with something for all the family.

Highlights will include the opportunity to meet the UK’s best cyclists and coaches including members of Team GB; live cycle racing; a display of rare and exclusive bicycles on The Cool Wall; hundreds of product stalls; an exhibition commemorating 60 Years on Everest, a Farmers Market and National Geographic children’s activities featuring live amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals. Open 10am-6pm Thursday, Friday and Sunday; to 7pm Saturday. Tickets on the door £20 adults, concs £15, reduced when booked in advance. One under 16 free per ticket holding adult.

VIEW FROM THE SHARD From 1 February, LONDON BRIDGE SE1 9RN, , 08444 997111, theviewfromtheshard.com Renzo Piano’s iconic London landmark opens with viewing galleries, restaurants, a hotel and residential apartments. The View from the Shard is the highest viewing point in Western Europe and nearly twice as high as any other view in London, providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience and exhilarating views for 40 miles across London from floors 68, 69 and 72.

Open from 9am to 10pm daily. Tickets from £29.95, book first.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 10 February, VARIOUS VENUES Welcome the year of the Snake in style with Chinese New Year celebrations

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across the capital. It is expected that 500,000 people will flock to the West End to welcome the Year of the Snake with a series of spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. 2012’s event saw extravagant displays of dance, music, puppetry and acrobatics opening a year of celebration for London.

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 11-24 February, SOUTHBANK SE1 9PX, 0844 847 9910, southbankcentre.co.uk Children take control of Southbank Centre for two weeks in February, as the Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a range of theatre, music, film and comedy alongside readings by some of the UK’s top authors. From 10:30am-4pm each day Imagine offers a packed programme of free and ticketed events, with trails to follow and games to play across the whole site, making it the perfect place to entertain families during half term. There are activities for all ages, from opera for babies to vampire-themed Valentine’s Day celebrations for teens and interactive shows for adults.

Open 10.30am-4pm daily.

Highlights include readings from leading authors, life-size dinosaur puppets, theatre for children, animated films and children’s comedy.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

Olé Kids Boo ky

Boocla our k yss clas our s

Spanish classes for children and parents Join us for fun, energy packed and culturally rich Spanish for Spanish classes where classes children from 6 months 10 years old come toand speakparents and learn Spanish children inenergy a friendly environment.

Join us for fun, packed and culturally rich Spanish classes where children from 6 months - 10 years old come to speak and NEW Dulwich Park: learn class Spanishinside in a friendly environment.

Francis Peek Centre Thursdays 3.45pm NEW class inside Dulwich Park: (children 6 months to 5 years old) Francis Peek Centre Fridays 2 pm Quote: fortoa5free (children‘FSE’ 6 months years trial! old) Quote: ‘FSE Xmas’ for a free trial!

FREE weekend Spanish workshops for children weekend Spanish workshops for children Iberica FREE Restaurant Canary Wharf 12 to 3 pm Iberica Restaurant Canary Wharf 12 to 3 pm (for families eating restaurant (for families eatingat at the the restaurant only) only) Telephone : 020 7386 0376/07734 900221 Telephone : 020 7386 0376/07734 900221 Email : info@olekids.com Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com www.olekids.com

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

Call Séverine: 020 8699 7665

revitalise your website today!!! lots of fresh ideas for websites, blogs & shops 020 8658 9975

www.lancasters.co.uk

new year 2013 - families south east

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Fun Spanish for Children • 3 – 11 years old • Games, Songs & Drama • Native Spanish Teachers • Professional Materials • Free Trial Session CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

ICE AGE ART AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

For SE21, SE22, SE23 & SE24

Call Séverine: 020 8699 7665

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On TOAD TO THE RESCUE, 18-22 February. Enjoy interactive story telling as a costumed guide brings to life tales from The Wind in the Willows.

Sessions through each day.

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, 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.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, 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.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

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

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

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

Mama, Papa and Toddler Enjoy learning Spanish with your toddler

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

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

Rally round for a smashing time.

A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds.

Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court.

Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.

A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.

Weekend and weekday sessions now available.

For further details ring Gordon on 07877391005 or e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

www.tennis-4-kids.com 16

families south east - new year 2013

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8299, britishmuseum.org Open 10am-5pm daily, the museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free to all visitors, some special exhibition charges apply.

AWESOME AZTECS! 19 January. Find out more about the objects and beliefs of the Aztecs. Take part in a musical workshop and create your own Aztec keepsakes based around the mosaics in the Mexico gallery.

2-7pm, admission £12 children, £15 adults.

ICE AGE ART: ARRIVAL OF THE MODERN MIND, 7 February - 26 May. A unique exhibition exploring the development of the human brain during the last Ice Age, specifically the pre-frontal cortex, which enabled humans to communicate via the symbols of words and images. Some exhibits are over 30,000 years old and include the oldest known portrait, ceramics and figurative sculptures, along with the work of modern artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Henry Moore to demonstrate how similar their work is to these Ice Age artists.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

FATE, HOPE AND CHARITY, 25 January - 19 May. Bringing to light the untold stories of the Foundling Hospital tokens, small everyday objects, left by mothers with their babies at the Hospital in the mid 1700s.

BADGES AND BUTTONS, 16 February. Drop-in activities exploring the exhibition Fate, Hope and Charity.

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

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

Ages 8-14, free.

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

WEB LAB, until July 2013. Five experiment installations bring the extraordinary workings of the internet to life. Both a physical exhibition at the museum and an interactive website chromeweblab.com, visitors will be able to make music with people across the world, launch information into cyberspace, see where images on the web live, or watch their portrait being drawn in sand by a robot.

COCKROACH TOURS, weekends. Dressed in realistic cockroach costumes, visitors journey through the museum, exploring the impact on the climate of scientific and technological developments, from the perspective of one of the oldest, most resilient life forms on the planet.

Book first on 0870 870 4868.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA, 020 8983 5219, museumofchildhood.org.uk EXPEDITION TO THE EXHIBITION, 9 February. Join a pair of Victorian sisters who are setting off to visit the Great Exhibition of 1851. £3 per child, age 5+ MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD, until 14 April. A major new exhibition at the Museum exploring how childhood has transformed in Britain during the period between the London Olympic Games of 1948 and 2012.

TOWER OF LONDON

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN

findings, it also looks at today’s endangered species and asks whether conservation can save them. Admission £4.50 children, £9 adults, £24 families.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, until 3 March.

Revealing nature photography in its purest form, this collection of images combines the work of talented young photographers with leading lights of the profession from around the globe.

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

ANIMAL VISION FOR FAMILIES, 12 + 26 January. Can we really see everything that goes on in our environment? This show featuring live animals reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates.

10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm.

EXTINCTION: NOT THE END OF THE WORLD? 8 February to 8 September 2013. Go beyond dodos and dinosaurs to explore the crucial role extinction plays in the evolution of life. The exhibition combines astonishing images, real specimens and interactive installations to bring to life species that disappeared long ago. Exploring the latest scientific

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

TOWER TWILIGHT TOURS, 9, 16, 23 + 30 January, 27 February. Dare to take an evening tour of the Tower, taking in the gruesome sights and spooky stories which make it famous. 12yrs+, £25 LIFE IN THE MEDIEVAL PALACE, until 15 February and 25 Feb - 28 March. Step into a world of gallant knights and beautiful damsels, of brutal lords and sturdy peasants. As King Edward I extends his fortifications and royal lodgings, there are skills to learn and friends to be made. Age 12+, £25 BEAT THE BLOCK - THE WARS OF THE ROSES, 16-24 February. As the nobles of Medieval England take sides, it can be difficult to keep your head! Who do you support and who do you betray? The choice is yours.

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

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

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

CUTTY SARK

CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath SNOWDROP TRAIL - HEVER CASTLE

and Hither Green

+ Schools, nurseries and parties too!

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

info@theatretots.com - 07801072776

HMS BELFAST The Queens Walk, London SE1 2JH, iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier) Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £13.50 adults.

HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS, 19+20 January. An interpretive activity examining objects and spaces in and around HMS Belfast and the stories behind them. 11am and 2pm.

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

SLANG AT SEA, 16-24 February. A fun look at navy slang and the origin of popular phrases that link to life at sea and the importance of the navy in British history and culture. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, free drop-in.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Saturdays to Thursdays, from 11am Fridays.

Admission free for under 16s; under 12s to be accompanied.

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

Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM - CLOSED IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, iwm.org.uk IWM London will be closed temporarily from January to June 2013 in order to complete a transformation of the museum which will allow for more significant and rich collections to improve the visitor experience. Leading up to the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War, the museum will create ground-breaking new First World War galleries.

SNOWDROP TRAIL - HEVER CASTLE

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17thcentury 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.

CHINESE NEW YEAR, 18-22 February. Explore the museum’s special displays, performances and workshops which celebrate the cultural connections between Britain and China.

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. 10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk.

THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show, narrated by Patrick Stewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at what impact this has on the universe around us. Ages 5+, tickets £4.50 chidren, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

SPACE SAFARI, weekends and holiday weekdays. Join teddy bear Ted for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in a show designed especially for younger children and presented by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer.

Tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A

CUTTY SARK

V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, 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 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, 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.

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

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, 2+3, 18-23 February. Celebrate the Year of the Snake, and British East Asian heritage with music, workshops and performances. Discover how trade by sea brought ideas, culture, language and people from Asia to Britain. There will be workshops through the week where children can make lantern lights, New Year fans and animal masks. Free with entry.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

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

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

MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD, until 14 April 2013. Charting 64 tumultuous years in history, this exhibition explores issues surrounding education, health, family, entertainment, fashion and play. Exhibits include NHS prescription glasses, clothing, toys, books and childcare items, TV and film footage and photography.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, and MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

familiesse.co.uk

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

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

new year 2013 - families south east

17

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

WETLAND CENTRE

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

The Great Outdoors Established

1979

The springboard to confidence for your child • 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 For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

SNOWDROP TRAIL 18-24 February, HEVER CASTLE AND GARDENS, Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, hevercastle.co.uk Wrap up and enjoy an exhilarating walk in the magnificent gardens of Hever Castle in Kent this half term. At this time of year delicate snowdrop bulbs are starting to emerge after their winter dormancy, the first sign that spring is just around the corner. Following the trail is a great way to wake up the system and a dusting of frost adds to the beauty of a walk in the award-winning gardens. You’ll discover interesting facts about this symbolic little flower such as the origins of its name, its preferred habitat and the number of different species and varieties. Look out for signs of wildlife and bring your camera to record the breathtaking photo opportunities the vista offers. Gardens open 10.30am-5pm, castle opens 12noon. Admission £8.50 children, £15 adults, £33 families for castle and garden.

SNOWDROP DAYS 2-10 February, CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN, 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS, 020 7349 6453, chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Visit London’s oldest botanic garden for a snowdrop extravaganza.

Discover dozens of fascinating types on the Snowdrop Trail and on display in the Snowdrop Theatre.

THE BIRDLIFE OF PORTUGAL 26 January, WWT WETLANDS CENTRE, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london

Join Portuguese birding expert for a fascinating talk on the birdlife of Portugal. 2.30pm, £3.

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO BATTERSEA PARK, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11, 020 7924 5826, batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Have you ever come face to face with a ring tailed lemur? Or popped up right beside a meerkat? Have you spent time with Kune Kune pigs, seen an otter at work, chatted with a mynah bird or patted a pygmy goat?

From giant rabbits to miniature Shetland ponies, monkey mayhem to the mouse house - this is the zoo that gets you up close and personal. Open 10am-4.30pm. Admission £6.50 children, £7.95 adults, £26 families.

STORYTIME WEDNESDAYS, Join the zoo staff for a story and colouring in fun. From 11am.

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

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

Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH ®

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DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. 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.

THE SUNDAY SPOT Sundays, SOUTH LONDON GALLERY, 65-67 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH, 020 7703 6120, southlondongallery.org Hands-on family workshops every week linked to the gallery’s collection, using stories, art materials and film. Ages 3-12, 2-4pm, free.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, npg.org.uk The gallery hosts free weekend workshops and storytelling for families with young children. Some are drop-ins, others require a ticket, available an hour before events start on a first come, first served basis. Open 10am-6pm daily, until 9pm Thursdays and Fridays. Gallery admission free, charge for special exhibitions.

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

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP, 3 February. If you are starting to trace your family history and would like to find out more about researching your Jewish ancestors, the museum’s workshops offer a fantastic opportunity to consult standard texts, swap information and get advice from experts.

2.30-4.30pm, take your family tree with you. £8, book first on 020 7284 7384.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE

Signs of meningitis

(a really helpful video) www.familiesonline.co.uk/ meningitissigns 18

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SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, 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.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7224 2155, wallacecollection.org A DAY IN THE 17TH CENTURY, 12 January. Go double Dutch with an Asian twist for a free fun-filled day packed with talks, performances and activities celebrating Dutch masterpieces and Journeys East: A Discovery of Hidden Treasures exhibition. 10.30am-4.30pm FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITY: BUILD A BOAT, 19 February. Take inspiration from Canaletto’s paintings of the Venetian canals in the collection and create a 3D gondola to take home. Age 5+, 10.30am12.15pm and 2pm-3.45pm, free FAMILY ACTIVITY: PIECE OF CAKE, 20 February. Design and create your very own cake stand, using the Wallace Collection’s world renowned collection of Sevres porcelain as inspiration. Age 7+, 10.30am-12.30pm, £7 per child.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, 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, 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.

FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, 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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and finally...

How to have your

best family holiday ever Joanna Moorhead, who has been planning her family’s holidays for the last 20 years, shares her insider tips to help you plan for a summer to remember in 2013

s t e r c e s n e t p o t - our

Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters. Of course everyone loves spontaneity but for spontaneous decisions to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place; and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

So how do you do it? Here are our top ten secrets.

1. Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research.

Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s nursery, school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for - the location you’re after, the facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/ villas/ hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

2. Don’t expect a bargain. After two decades of planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between ten and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

3. Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room?

Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague.

Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups with small children. You want a bit of luxury on holiday and space is luxurious.

4. Location, location, location. Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

5. Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with. However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together.

You think you know that couple, and you think you like their children? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their offspring by the flight home.

6. Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd.

They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

7. Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today.

If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today. Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8. Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you find when you get there.

Where to go...the Alps The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays - in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and for the foodies - an in-chalet chef.

Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it). Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at chillypowder.com.

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It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in - essential, in fact - but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down. You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends - and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

9. Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

10. Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone - especially the parents - get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the créche. If your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

Where to go...north Devon Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hardpressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods - all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together - the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer. More information at libbearbarton.co.uk.

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