Local News

Win a 3-day Magical Holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland There’s lots of wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas, but nothing beats a magical family trip to meet Santa and his cheeky elves in his Lapland home. In December 2021, one lucky family will go on an unforgettable break to the other-worldly snowy forests of Saariselkä, situated in far north Finland, more than 200km above the Arctic Circle. Here, on a Santa’s Magic trip, you will get to enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride, sledging with huskies, exploring a real igloo, tobogganing, ice fishing and much more, including a once in a lifetime private visit with Santa himself! You’ll stay two nights in Santa's Hotel Holiday Club, with return economy flights included for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 2*-12). From the natural beauty of the multi-coloured skies and snowy landscapes of Saariselkä, to going on your ‘Search for Santa’ with Rudolph and friends, your trip to Santa’s Lapland will be cherished by your family for years to come. You may even be lucky enough to experience the wonder of The Northern Lights! For more info and a chance to win this magical prize, visit www.SantasLapland.com/families. T&Cs apply. See website for details. *Holiday not recommended for children under 2 years.

Back to school with Sprout Pencil The world’s first and only patented plantable pencil that grows into vegetables, flowers and herbs when you’ve finished using them. Instead of throwing them out when they become too small to use, just plant the Sprout Pencils into soil, and water – the capsule cleverly dissolves and will sprout into anything from cherry tomato plants and basil, to carnations and sunflowers. It’s a great way to demonstrate sustainability and encourage children to think about recycling, the natural world and environment from a young age. Includes a colouring book made from eco-friendly paper. 8-pack edition with 2 graphite pencils and 6 colour pencils that sprout into herbs, vegetables and flowers. RRP: £14.95 http://www.sproutworld.com

Perform returns with Covid Safe Confidence Building Fun Families talks to Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick. We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do and we're thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities. We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines whilst making sure the children can still sing, dance, act and have the best fun of the week. To help children get back to enjoying the things they love most, our autumn term is packed with games and activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun that they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won't be handholding games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend. Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s as well as Perform At Home, our popular online classes. Book a FREE no-obligation class in Croxley Green, Dartmouth Park, Golders Green, Eastcote, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Stanmore, West Hampstead and Wembley by visiting www.perform.org.uk/try Trusted local provider now under a new name! The popular tuition centre based in Eastcote, is relaunching as ‘The Learning Wheel’. Over the last 9 years the centre has been at the heart of the local community and provided support in Maths and English to children of all abilities. The Learning Wheel, for children aged four to seventeen was opened by the mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Teji Barnes, on 1st September 2020. Classes officially begin on 7th September 2020. Darshani Nardani, the proprietor and teacher of the tuition centre said; “The Learning Wheel has added an exciting new element to its services as it now provides assessment and support for children with dyslexia. It is also a place that will help children to get the support they need to catch-up with their Maths and English since the lockdown in March”. The Learning Wheel has been seen a place of support for parents too. A local mum said “I would highly recommend The Learning Wheel to anyone looking to give their child's maths and English or confidence a boost. I found all the staff to be very helpful, positive and focused on helping children to catch-up with their learning.” The tuition centre is open every evening and weekends. Strict social distancing and strict Covid-19 measures are in place to meet government guidelines. The Learning Wheel is located in The Barn House, opposite Eastcote Library. For more information or to book a free assessment call 0208 868 7672.