Families London SE May 2014 issue159

ESTABLISHED 1996

EE

ISSUE NO. 159

FR

MAY 2014

®

familiesse.co.uk

south east london

online edition g

with workin website links

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1277 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

Here we are in May and the sun is shining. Party, anyone? If your offspring are feverish at their approaching birthdays start on page 5 for inspiration on organising a perfect ‘do’, and the best entertainers to get the fun started.

Meanwhile, in the grown-up world, after diligently cleaning all the windows last month, we can now see the weedy jungle that is our back garden, where the cats play hide and seek or bask like little lions of Longleat. Time to haul out the mower and make space for tent games in the garden over half term...

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views Music, theatre for tots, Tumbletots and indoor play; flowers in Forest Hill and this month’s weeks

4 Education News SHS girls support Lewisham Foodbank, Princess Beatrice visits south London schools, free schools and teachers on the rise

5-7 It’s Party Time!

Tips for perfect parties, and local party entertainers

8 Could You Foster a Child?

With Foster Care Fortnight on its way, we look at what’s involved in caring for a child in need

9 Ask the Expert Family solicitor Mandeep Clair advises a reader on divorce settlements

10 Justine’s Book Page Another fantastic review of new books from the Bookseller Crow on the Hill

11 Mothers Mean Business Making a song and dance with Kat Henry, founder of Freedom Academy

12-13 What’s New Brilliant baby products, you and your teenager, family health and what we like this month

14 Super-Mum vs Uber-Mum Which one are you? Plus tips for saving and earning money from home

15-19 What’s On Five pages of events, festivals, shows and family workshops

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier

Front cover: Girlswear from Oilily, www.oililyshop.com/en

Next Issue out: 5 June, deadline 19 May Families South East, PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesse.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk © Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

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families south east - may 2014

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

Activities for Children Tomorrow - the world Home grown in Lee Green, Theatre tots expanded to China in 2012 and have now gone the other way to New York in the USA. Theatre tots Inc is now up and running and already going down very well.

Theatre tots is now looking at bringing back a bit of these cultures to where it all started with summer family exchange programmes and an international links programme. This will give families, nurseries and schools a chance to hook up with families and schools in other countries to share experiences, stories and if possible visits. The programme will start this summer with a visit from 15 Chinese children to Blackheath. To find out more, email info@theatretots.com or call 0780 107 2776.

Tumble Tots are winners Tumble Tots fought off six other shortlisted companies to win the public vote once again for one of the most prestigious family friendly awards - ‘Best Activity Provider’ at Tommy’s Awards.

Julia Forrest from Tumble Tots commented: “We are absolutely delighted to accept this prestigious award.

The competition in our category is always extremely high and to have won it for the fourth consecutive year is just phenomenal. As the awards are voted by the general public it emphasises that our Tumble Tots and their staff work extremely hard to maintain such a high standard of physical activity which is paramount to getting children on a healthy active lifestyle from the word go.”

Now in its 19th year, the Tommy’s Awards recognises people whose lives have been touched by pregnancy complications or the loss of a baby. Each year, one in four mums-to-be in the UK will experience the heartache of losing a baby through complications causing miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth, and another 60,000 babies will be born too soon. Companies are nominated and voted for by the public in categories ranging from Best Supermarket to Best Children’s Activity Provider. This year, nearly 30,000 people voted for their favourite family companies.

To find out what makes Tumble Tots so special and enrol your child, call Julia on 020 8464 4433, email julia.forrest@tumbletots.com or go to www.tumbletots.com.

Gambado’s celebrity re-opening There was much excitement when the newly revamped Gambado Beckenham re-opened at the beginning of April following flood damage last December.

Special guests Jordan and Perri from Diversity took time out from their busy ‘Limitless - Reboot’ tour rehearsals to help commemorate the occasion by unveiling the celebratory plaque and cutting the fabulous Gambado Tiger cake.

Both also had fun testing out the new play frame, zooming about on the dodgems and spinning around on the carousel before it was time to say goodbye.

Gambado Beckenham boasts one of the largest playframes in Greater London, with special dodgems and a carousel included in the entry price. It is open daily at Natwest Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham BR3 1NZ, 020 8662 6910, http://www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham/.

Q: What’s yellow and hops up and down?

A: A canary with hiccups

The sound of music Brockley Strings Club is running new after school guitar, violin and ukelele lessons from 30 May at St Peters Church. Each class includes a unique blend of musicianship games, group learning and performing - all part of an exclusive curriculum in partnership with The Royal Schools of Music. Classes are for 4-12 year-olds and the first session is free - call 077 9933 2562 for details or see www.thestringsclub.org.

READER OFFER: As well as the first session free, Families readers can hire an instrument from the club for half price - mention the magazine when you call.

Fun, friendly and rewarding music classes for children aged 0-5.

Classes in Lee Green, Beckenham and East Dulwich

Call now for a free trial class Contact Rebecca Vicary

Tel: 020 8852 0118 Email: rvicary@musicforlittlepeople.co.uk

www.musicforlittlepeople.co.uk

ents News for Par

Streets of gold in SE23

Community Cuppa Week

The Forest Hill Society definitely has the Midas touch when it comes to planting. The team behind the last year’s hugely successful Urban Orchard is back and this time they are paving the streets of SE23 with gold!

On 10 May, The Edible High Road will be launched outside Forest Hill Station with music and a huge giveaway of free edible plants, from 2-4pm.

In addition, over 100 tubs of edible sunflowers and fruits will again spring up outside local shops in tubs and the large flower beds outside Forest Hill station, bringing bursts of colour and putting smiles on the faces of local shoppers. For the full programme of events, see www.foresthillsociety.com.

This spring sees the return of Great Big Community Cuppa Week from 12-18 May, and the fundraising team at Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice want to get the whole community involved.

Events are being held around the London boroughs of Royal Greenwich and Bexley to raise awareness and funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, a registered charity that provides free specialist end of life nursing, medical care and support for local people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Events can be as big or small as you like,” said community fundraiser Megan. “Simply ask your guests to give a donation for tea, coffee or cake. You could even hold a themed tea party, raffle or host a baking competition for something a bit different.”

For a free fundraising pack, call the fundraising team on 020 8319 9230, email info@gbch.org.uk or visit the website www.communityhospice.org.uk.

PTA fundraising

Dancing for grownups Adult dance is a great way to get in shape, to stay in shape, or to just have fun! Freedom Academy have branched beyond their children’s performing arts classes with fun for grownups too. Every class begins with a full body stretch and warm-up, followed by a fun routine and ends with a cool down stretch. All steps are taught with a variety of music styles and tempos, and no prior dance experience is required.

Classes are held at Forest Hill Pools, from 8-9pm on Thursday evenings. For information and bookings, call 020 8244 4873 or email nfo@freedomacademy.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

SE5 8LE t: 07947 104135 e: helena@paintingyourpathway.co.uk

Access the creativity below your conditioning and dissolve creative blocks through the playful process of spontaneous painting.

Sessions for children and adults.

Half term and summer holiday programmes for children. spontaneous expression as a pathway to the creative life

Walk this way It’s time to get walking again!

This year’s Walk to School Week runs from 19-23 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents.

Walk to School Week reinforces five benefits of walking: safety, discovery, health, eco-friendly and social time, and 2014’s campaign promises to be bigger and better than ever before. For inspiration, puzzles, pledges and challenges, click ‘Walk with us’ at www.livingstreets.org.uk.

If you do get involved, the organisers would love to hear from you: Tweet them at @livingstreets using #walktoschool, or post on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/livingstreetsuk.

© The Estate of E.H. Shepard.

Do you belong to a PTA and are you looking for an easy, fun, exciting event which can make your school a lot of money?

Amigo’s Magic Fundraising Show is a no-risk event for schools.

Children don’t have to find sponsorship or ask you or your neighbours for anything - it’s easier, faster, and a lot more fun! It’s also much more profitable and it’s easy to make hundreds and in some cases thousands depending on the number of people you can accommodate and how many ideas you take on board from the fundraising pack. The Family Comedy Magic Show features clean comedy, live animals, and join-in fun for the whole audience. This event has sold out many times in schools all over London. Best of all as it cost nothing to put on you have nothing to lose. For more information, call Amigo’s Magic on 020 8480 8176 or click the Fundraising tab at www.amigosmagic.co.uk.

w w w. p a i n t i n g y o u r p a t h w a y. c o . u k

Free admission

Toad Triumphant 27 – 30 May 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm The adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole, the popular characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’, are retold by a costumed storyteller in these interactive and fun sessions.

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

april 2014 - families south east

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Education News

Education News Food for thought Students at Sydenham High School yet again proved how resourceful they can bewhen given a charity challenge.

When a group of thirteen year 7 girls decided they wanted to help Lewisham Foodbank as part of the school’s ‘How hard can it be’ enrichment programme task, they didn’t just work out how to raise money, they thought hard about making that money go as far as possible for their chosen cause.

Having collected around £70 from cake sales and donations, they approached a number of local grocery suppliers to see if they could help them even more. Local family tea business Birchall agreed to provide dozens of boxes of their delicious teas.

Sainsbury’s in Sydenham then agreed to match the girls’ shopping funds so they were able to buy double the amount of key food items needed by the Foodbank. The girls went on a special shopping trip to the store - calculators in hand so that they could ensure they really did get the best value for money they could.

Luke Aylward and Saira Bohan-Croft from Lewisham Foodbank were delighted to hear about the girls’ initiative and visited the school to talk to them about how the Foodbank operates and to collect all the food. Luke told the girls that the groceries they had purchased and collected would help at least four large families in the borough with their weekly needs.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these girls who have shown great thoughtfulness as well as initiative in their task,” said Headteacher Kathryn Pullen. “It’s truly representative of the Sydenham High spirit we encourage in every student: to always think of others and contribute to the local community.”

Sydenham High School is holding an open day on 7 May. For more information, go to www.syd.gdst.net.

Lewisham Foodbank has helped feed some 4,000 people since it opened in 2012, also providing emotional support for those in crisis. It is open to accept donations on Wednesdays and Fridays, and arranges regular collections from local supermarkets. Find out more at www.lewisham.foodbank.org.uk.

Heber Primary School OPEN MORNING at Heber Primary School Wednesday May 21st 2014 9.30am - 11.00am We are one of the most oversubscribed schools in Southwark, but we will have a few spaces in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 -6) next academic year.

At our recent (January 2014) externally commissioned teaching and learning review we were described as a ‘Good’ school where ‘pupil’s positive attitudes to learning contribute noticeably to their learning and progress’.

Our highly experienced staff includes specialist Art and Music teachers; concerts and exhibitions are regular features of school life. To get a flavour of the school please take a look at our website: www.heberprimaryschool.com.

Come and visit on the 21st. You will be struck by the calm purposeful atmosphere and by children pleased to be in school, eager to learn and whose behaviour reflects our three key values; thoughtfulness, resilience and responsibility.

Heber Primary School, Heber Road, London SE22 9LA

Telephone: 020 8693 2075

www.heberprimaryschool.com 4

families south east - may 2014

Princess Beatrice tells pupils: ‘Dyslexia is an opportunity’

HRH Princess Beatrice visited two ARK schools in south London at the end of April to talk to pupils and teachers about their work supporting children with dyslexia.

The Princess told a group of dyslexic pupils: “Dyslexia is not a pigeonhole to say you can’t do anything. It is an opportunity and a possibility to learn differently. You have magical brains, they just process differently. Don’t feel like you should be held back by it.”

The Queen’s granddaughter paid a special visit to ARK Globe Academy in Elephant and Castle and Bolingbroke Academy near Clapham Junction to see how pupils are supported by the Drive for Literacy programme, a partnership between ARK Schools and the Driver Youth Trust, to develop their reading and writing skills.

Pupils at both primary and secondary school are screened for dyslexia, and given small group and specialist tuition if they need extra support. The schools use a range of evidenced-based techniques including encouraging primary school pupils to form letters in a tray of sand or shaving foam to develop writing skills, as well as using magnetic letters and electronic spell checkers for older children and bespoke computer programmes. Specialist dyslexia training is provided to all teachers, to encourage a ‘whole school’ approach to literacy, whatever the subject.

The daughter of the Duke of York Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York told pupils: “I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was seven and it was a bit of a struggle to begin with. It was a challenge as I began my school career spelling and reading was something I couldn’t really get my head around. I created what I describe as a ‘toolkit’ for myself of skills you learn and pick up over the years, which I still have to use today. A lot of my best friends were dyslexic so we used to study together, working at our own pace.”

Parents flock to free schools Free schools are proving hugely popular with parents - attracting almost three applications for every available place.

The Department for Education surveyed all open free schools for data on admissions. Of the 110 schools that responded, 95 received more applications from parents than they have places available for the next academic year.

Overall, the schools received 23,542 applications for 8,755 places - an average of 2.7 applications per place.

Natalie Evans, Director of the New Schools Network said: “Free schools are proving increasingly popular with parents across the country, either because there simply aren’t enough local places or because they are not happy with what is currently on offer. This latest data shows how in a short space of time free schools have already become the first choice for many parents.”

Free schools are being set up by teachers, parents and charities where there is parental demand and the majority are in areas of deprivation. Read more at www.newschoolsnetwork.org.

Teachers on the rise Department for Education figures reveal that as of November 2013, there were 451,100 full-time equivalent teachers in England, 9,100 up on the previous year.

This is the highest number of teachers ever recorded.

The quality of the teaching workforce is also rising. A record 96% of teachers now have degrees or above, meaning there are an extra 43,000 teachers with degree level qualifications in classrooms since 2010.

The government is reforming teacher training to attract more top performers.

The DfE is reforming initial teacher training to improve quality and expand school-based training. It is also offering bursaries and scholarships worth up to £25,000 in priority subjects including maths, physics and modern languages.

familiesse.co.uk

It’s party time!

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

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

If you’re energetic, creative, an ace magician or puppeteer, have a vast house and actually like Other People’s Children, you probably rub your hands with glee when your precious poppet’s birthday comes around again.

Or not. Normal parents among us roll our eyes as we envisage the rampage of a classful of overexcited children. The devil’s in the detail, as they say - plan ahead and you could have a day to remember for all the right reasons.

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

PERFORM PARTIES

Before you start Start with the different needs and interests of particular age groups. As a guide: 0-3 year-olds don’t need an elaborate ‘do’. In essence, you’re catering for the grown-ups as much as for the children - because at this stage, the adults will definitely stay (and you’re more than likely to have a few grandparents in the mix as well). Create a fun, easy, safe space for the children with plenty of toys, and make sure the adults are well catered-for: if they stay calm, the children will too. If you want something with a bit of a theme, how about a teddy bears’ picnic? Make sure everyone remembers to take their favourite cuddlies home at the end though, or there will be tears at bedtime.

Three year-olds need a balance of planned activities and unstructured playtime.

Singing and dancing games or facepainting are useful ice-breakers while children are being namebadged on arrival. The ideal guestlist for this age is around 8-12 children in a venue where they feel familiar - clear away the sharp coffee tables and valued ornaments when it’s a party at yours. Lots of engaging songs, games and giggles will keep things rolling. An entertainer providing silliness could be a hit - book someone who specialises in younger children.

Four to six year-olds look forward to parties with great enthusiasm, and this is a great age for fantasy / character based fun. If you feel obliged to invite the whole class, you’ll need to plan lots of activities to avoid chaos. (If you didn’t before, it’s now you’ll really start to respect your child’s school teacher for her crowd control).

Magicians, balloon modellers and game-leaders are a good bet, as the variety and audience participation will keep them amused and entertained.

Seven to nine year-olds will have refined their birthday treat ideas by now. The party for ‘everyone who knows me’ often gives way to a smaller guestlist, single sex events or just a couple of best friends for a cinema trip or sleepover (beware that today’s ‘bestest’ friend could be someone else by tomorrow breaktime, and anyone left out of a select group can be very resentful). If they do still want a crowd, themed activities work well - the children are now old enough to concentrate on arts / craft / drama or sports parties; or book a soft playcentre and let them go wild.

Ages 10+ and this worldly-wise lot is unlikely to want Mummy and Daddy embarrassing them by leading the dancing and organising lots of jolly games. A more popular bet might be a trip to the theatre, a crafts studio or an exciting adventure playground they’ve not visited before, making the journey as much fun as the activity at the end of it with an I-spy type quiz. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, a trip to a climbing wall, an ice rink, a bowling rink or a go-karting centre can be wonderful fun too.

The golden rules • • • • •

www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham/holidaycamps

Two hours is pretty much the perfect timescale for a party The younger the child, the fewer the guests The best entertainers are booked up well ahead, so it’s worth bagging yours as soon as you’ve set the date Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops - and love them or loathe them, they seem to be a party staple these days Have a timetable for what should happen when, with a few party games up your sleeve to fill any gaps.

familiesse.co.uk

may 2014 - families south east

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DJ AQUAMANDA

AMIGO’S MAGIC

Party food tips • • •

•

•

Food doesn’t need to be complicated, but offer variety and look out for those with food allergies If you are catering yourself, keep sandwiches simple and use shaped cutters Add colourful, additive free ‘fist-food’ such as carrot batons, celery and cucumber sticks, breadsticks and fruit such as strawberries, sultanas or apples Avoid nuts, high sugar foods and messy (and expensive) crisps and offer diluted fruit juice rather than whoosh-inducing fizzy drinks Putting cup cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier.

DIDDI DANCE

NUTTY’S CHILDREN’S PARTIES

Expert hands My hat is off to party entertainers, having seen a fair few in action over the years. Pick the right one and they’ll have your guests entranced or in stitches while you enjoy their fun from a backseat, reassured that they are in the hands of experts.

Children’s entertainers usually have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into. Ask them about local venues for hire, pick their brains about a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as tailoring the entertainment itself to your child’s interests.

To reduce stress, book your entertainer early, ask yourself lots of questions and plan the details, such as will you have the party at home or in a hall? How many children will you invite, and how many will come? Will the entertainer be there as the children arrive or once they’re all there? When will food be served and when is the cake to appear, etc.

When phoning entertainers, find out their preferred age range and the maximum number of children they can cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.

SOUTH OF THE RIVER’s enchanting boutiques offer a fabulous selection of design led greeting cards and gifts to charm all ages from babies to adults, plus an on-trend collection of womenswear, handbags and accessories.

The stores can be found in Crystal Palace at 56 Westow Street, SE19 3AF and now also in Beckenham at 240 High Street, opposite Village Way. With new product lines arriving every week,

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they truly are a delightful place to visit and definitely a one-stop shop for busy mums. www.southoftheriver.co.uk, @southofriver.

GAMBADO With their unsurpassable facilities and indoor space, birthday parties are hassle free at Gambado Beckenham - which recently launched with the help of Perri and Jordan from Diversity!

The magnificent new packages cater for children from 1-12 years old. Choose from Laser Tag, new S.W.A.T (NERF parties), Make A Bear, Tiger Tots and the popular Tiger Party, now with new party themes and loots bag. Prices are from £8.95 per child for two hours including party host, Gambado balloons, printable invitations, thank you cards and a free gift for the birthday child. Private hire available. See www.gambado.com or telephone their specialist party booking advisors Mon-Fri 10am-5pm on 0844 375 9494.

DIDDI DANCE bring parties to your choice of location. Little ones enjoy an hour of great activities including dancing games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun. The parties promise fun and affordable entertainment which will ensure your party is the talk of the tots. For SE1-SE18, call 0797 398 2790; for SE19-SE26, call 0783 291 3282, or see www.diddidance.com.

CRAFTS BEE offer creative fun for children who love making things. The parties include handmade, personalised party invitations and take place in the company’s spacious, bright Beckenham studio.

Crafty staff will run the Craft Activity, play some games and provide you with a Birthday cake.

Activities include Polymer Clay, Beading, Glove Puppet Making and decorating a shoulder purse.

Crafts Bee, 1st Floor, 247 High Street, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1AB, 020 8650 7099, www.craftsbee.com.

THEATRE TOTS run interactive drama parties for 1-6 year-olds. Filled with songs, stories and silliness, you can choose from a traditional hour long parties or a character party hosted by one of 10 original characters - from Fairy fuss pot to Lipstick the clown. The team can work in spaces big or small, you only need provide a plug in the wall! Call Laura on 0780 107 2776 or see www.theatretots.com.

OLE KIDS can help you organise a party to remember with a PUNK ME UP BUTTERCUP bit of a twist. The team help organise with a Latin or Spanish twist, bringing games, stories, arts and crafts, songs, activities from abroad, so guests will learn some Spanish language without even realising. Throw in a piñata, put on your samba dancing arm bands and get going with the maracas. Para bailar la bamba!

For a themed party, Olé Kids bring children’s favourite Mermaids, Princesses or Pirates - all in Spanish, or in English where children learn some Spanish words to unravel the mysteries and find treasures. The company has a wonderful team of teachers and actors ready to get the party going for children of all ages. Email info@olekids.com or call 0773 490 0221.

PUNK ME UP BUTTERCUP guarantee a birthday experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether it’s an intimate birthday tea for five or the whole class of 30, Punk Me Up Buttercup’s professional team design unique activities to suit your child and take the hard work out of organising the event - imagine explosions of ideas, laughter, colour, taste, sparkles, paint, ribbons and excitement.

Select from yummy menu choices handmade on the day by their Italian chef and join them at their magical venue or yours! They offer extras like interactive invitations, luxury party bags, mini photo booth, face painting and much, much, more. Text PARTIES to 07956 758 661 for more information or see www.punkmeupbuttercup.com.

READER OFFER: Punk Me Up Buttercup are offering Families readers a £20 discount on a party package. Text PARTIES to 07956 785661 and quote PMUBFMSE. LOVE A SLICE is a family run business delivering cheesecakes by the slice, and milkshakes to your door - perfect for birthday teas! Drop in and try one at 260 High Street Beckenham, or contact them on 020 8663 6655, www.loveaslice.com.

familiesse.co.uk

OLE KIDS

GAMBADO GDND ACADEMY run dance parties. If your child has an interest in dance, you can book a super fun birthday to remember with everything from Street dance or ballet to ‘frozen’ themed party, suitably tailored to your child. As one mum says: The best and easiest party we have ever had. Poppy’s friends loved it and there were lots of games as well as dancing.

They danced to Poppy’s favourite songs and she was given a CD of her best songs at the end.” www.gdnd.co.uk/dance-parties, or call 0790 442 4504.

LUCY SPARKLES LUCY SPARKLES. If your child loves singing, dancing and pretending, then treat them to a unique birthday party. Lucy Sparkles provides outstanding party THEATRE TOTS entertainment and catering for boys and girls. The team are very flexible and happy to come to your home, as well as to privately hired venues.

Parties include live guitar, singing games, rhymes, parachute play, percussion instruments, puppets, masks, dance and drama games, action songs, free personalised invitations, bubbles, treats and lots of magic sparkles! Themes include: Mermaids & Pirates, Superheroes, Princesses & Knights, Fairies, Cars, Dinosaurs, On the Farm and In the Jungle.

07903 913 429, www.lucysparkles.com.

AMIGO’S MAGIC brings a magical show for all ages from 3 - 99+. With over 19 years’ experience across the world (and a member of the Magic Circle), award-winning Simon encourages the children to come up and help (as it all ‘goes wrong’ for him).

The more they get involved, the more things begin to happen - making for a fast, exciting and interactive entertainment. At the end of a one hour show all the children receive balloon models. The two hour show includes plate spinning, interactive and non elimination games all to music with a bubble machine at the end.

Mini Disco and Karaoke are also available, while for adult parties there’s close up magic (table hopping/ mix and mingle) and a cabaret.

Amigo’s also do fundraising shows for PTAs and charities. As it doesn’t cost anything to put one of these on you have nothing to lose and it’s a win-win situation. These shows sell out and there is little or no work from your side, as most of it is done for you. To find out more, email simonrosselli@themagiccircle.co.uk, 020 8480 8176, www.amigosmagic.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

PERFORM PARTIES are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Choose a theme and watch the guests enjoy lots of lively games, songs and improvisations. There are packages to suit 1-3, 4-8 and 8-12 year-olds, and even the invitations are included. 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk/parties.

NUTTY’S CHILDREN’S PARTIES, run by West Dulwich based actor, voice-over, DJ and father, Danny Nutt, offer a variety of fun-packed, exciting and original Adventure Parties for children aged 3-9, Drama Workshop Parties (ages 7-11) and Discos (ages 5-11), covering all areas of London and the south east of England. Especially aimed at those with active imaginations and bags of physical energy, party guests will be transported to... Pirate Dan’s Treasure Hunt, Super Dan’s Adventure, Danijel The Space Warrior’s Mission (for Star Wars fans), The Princess Adventure and Wizard Dee’s Adventure (for fans of Harry Potter), plus many more themes!

All parties are run by experienced, professional actors and most themes can be catered for. Also available is the Nutty’s Children’s Parties - Official Album packed with nine original, catchy songs from some of the most loved Nutty’s characters. You can download the album from iTunes or you can buy it on CD. READER OFFER: Families readers can buy the album for just £5.99 inc. free P+P (normally £8.99) until 31 August 2014. Just email Danny at danny@nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk and quote ‘Families SE offer’ for orders.

For more info on their parties, visit www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk or call Danny direct on 07884 050 954.

Olé Kids Boo you k Tri r al

Spanish classes for children and parents Ages from 8 months to 18 years.

Bilingual and beginners.

Group classes across London

Local class Thursdays 4.30 pm @ The Herne Tavern Spanish in Nurseries Private classes at home

After School Clubs

Birthday parties with a latin flavour

Weekend workshops at Iberica while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk

Quote: Families SE for a free group class trial

Our teachers are qualified native Spanish speaking teachers.

Facebook: olekidslondon Twitter:@ole_kids

Adult private classes available. Contact us for more information

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

DJ AQUAMANDA brings all the latest tunes to your party, with a full sound system including sparkly lights. At your venue, home or school 0796 851 2229.

CRAZY CHIMPS is an indoor playhouse in Kennington.

There are three party packages available for action-packed, hosted fun, including a meal, cake ceremony and add-on extras including balloons, party bags, a visit from the Crazy Chimp, snacks for the adults, and free re-entry for the birthday child. 020 3583 4040, www.crazychimps.co.uk.

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parties

to 07956 785 661

For more information and discount code

www.punkmeupbuttercup.com toni@punkmeupbuttercup.com

may 2014 - families south east

7

Family Life The best thing about being a carer is that you can give children the chance of a life they would otherwise not have had. We recently cared for a brother and sister who have now been placed for adoption. However, when they arrived, they were considered unadoptable. The boy in particular was very difficult. He would scream, break things and seemed to have no connection with, or love for, his sister. He would walk over her rather than go round her. We tried to look at the world though his eyes, worked on his social skills and kept him at home as much as possible.

TACT were very supportive during this period and our social worker Cheryl was always available and helpful. Eventually these children open up and blossom and it’s amazing. You can see how they come on and the anger gets replaced with laugher and affection. You can say ‘I did that, they didn’t have that before’.

We worked as a team with the local authority adoption workers to prepare them for adoption.

When they found parents for the children, there was a real mixture of tears as well as happiness.

It’s not easy letting them go. It’s a painful process for you, and you have to be honest with the child.

When they left in January 2013, the boy said to me, ‘It will be lovely to have a daddy and a mummy’. The first time the social worker came with new mum and dad, he ran down the drive saying, ‘You’re going to be my daddy’. That was my reward after two years. He saw I was a bit sad, so he said to me ‘You’re sad, but you’ve got Gareth and I’ve now got a mummy and daddy.’

Now they’ve moved to their new family we still keep in touch. The new parents have said that we will always be part of the family. We are all going to meet up in the summer in Cardiff.

For me, being a foster carer is the best job in the world. It’s challenging, but also so rewarding. You’re on a journey from the moment you get the children.

What’s really great is when they come back and visit. At five am this New Years Eve we had a knock on the door. It was the first boy we’d ever fostered who’s going to be 19 in June. He just wanted to come back to talk. We had a big hug and he said ‘Mam, I’m so pleased to see you’. We talked about what he’d been up to and his plans for the future. It meant so much for him to come back to us.”

Could you open your heart and home to a foster child?

Becoming a foster carer can be a life changing decision. There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. Whether you’re single or a couple; whether you have your own children or not; whatever your age, ethnicity, sexuality or gender, fostering could be for you.

TACT is the UK’s largest Fostering and Adoption charity providing loving families for vulnerable children. They told Families: “As long as you’ve got a spare room, some experience with children and time and energy, you could be who we’re looking for. Our carers consistently tell us that fostering is the most rewarding thing they’ve done.

We know that for a child in care to succeed, it is essential that their foster carers are given all the support they need. Before you start, you will be given extensive training covering all aspects of being a carer. You’ll have a TACT social worker and will be able to contact us 24 hours a day for help and support. As one foster carer says: ‘We have fostered with TACT for over 12 years now and, through thick and thin, they have listened to us and supported us.’

TACT foster carers come to us for many reasons.

They stay with us because we help them do the most rewarding job in the world. While we welcome all enquiries, we are particularly interested in hearing from people who might be able to offer a home to a teenager, siblings or a child with special needs.

If you think you might be able to transform the lives of these, or other, young people we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out more, call 020 3642 9238, email london.duty@tactcare.org.uk quoting ‘Families-0414’, or visit www.tactcare.org.uk.

Foster Care Fortnight On any one day there are more than 62,000 children living with foster families across the UK. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 8,600 foster carers are needed this year alone to provide the supportive, stable and caring home for these vulnerable children.

Running from 12-25 May this year, Foster Care Fortnight is the network’s annual campaign aimed at raising the profile of fostering. In 2014 the campaign will be extra special because the Fostering Network will also be celebrating 40 years as the leading charity for all those involved in foster care throughout the UK. Fostering is not easy, you need to have the energy, patience and dedication to care. But it gives you the opportunity to make a huge difference to children’s lives. If you’re new to fostering, the fortnight is an ideal time to find out more about how it all works and if fostering is for you. Contact TACT, or see www.fostering.net.

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families south east - may 2014

Life as TACT foster carers Sheila and Gareth Cummings are TACT foster carers. They reflect on their experience of fostering and why, for them, it is ‘the best job in the world’.

“We’ve now been caring for eight years. During that time we’ve looked after nine children, as well as offering occasional respite care. We’ve cared for children aged from three months to fifteen years old.

Foster-family-friendly The Department for Education (DfE) has become the government’s first foster-family-friendly employer, giving staff who foster children extra support in balancing their work and care responsibilities.

From 24 April, DfE employees who foster - as well as those who care for children of family or friends, such as a grandparent caring permanently for their grandchild - are offered up to 20 days paid leave to attend training or meetings relating to their role as a carer. Employees are now also entitled to additional unpaid time off work to deal with unexpected emergencies, such as welcoming a child into their home at short notice.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who grew up with over 80 foster brothers and sisters, said: “We’re leading by example in becoming the first government department to introduce their very own foster-family-friendly policy.

I hope this will encourage more employees to take that important next step knowing that their employer is behind them every step of the way.”

The announcement is the latest in a series of reforms the government has made to improve outcomes for foster families, which include:

•

changing the rules so that children in care can stay with their foster families until their 21st birthday - enabling them to make the transition to adulthood and independence when they are ready, not at an arbitrary age

•

providing £775,000 to help fostering services attract and retain more foster carers from a wider range of backgrounds

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funding Fosterline - a confidential, free of charge advice service for foster carers

•

making over £3.5 million available to councils over two years to develop a range of training and support materials for foster carers, kinship carers, residential workers and adoptive parents

•

streamlining the rules to make the foster carer assessment process clearer and more efficient

•

introducing a faster-track process for foster carers who want to adopt

•

changing the rules so that foster carers have the power to make day-to-day decisions about their foster children - such as haircuts and school trips - allowing them to get on with the job of looking after their foster child.

familiesse.co.uk

Ask the Expert

“

The internet provides access to a wealth of information and documents at the click of a mouse and is undeniably a powerful resource.

But even the internet has its shortcomings.

Divorce and the resolution of financial issues is one area of law where tailor-made, face to face, and sympathetic legal advice can be vital.

Personally seeing the client and considering various documentation may allow the lawyer to get to the root of the problems and properly understand the case and the fundamental concerns.

The resolution of financial and property matters upon relationship breakdown can be complicated and time consuming. The court can exercise wide discretion in resolving such issues and it is really only by having full knowledge of the facts and figures that proper and precise legal advice can be given. Conversely, posting questions on internet forums, for example, is likely to elicit limited general advice without full regard to your exact situation.

The terms of your financial settlement may have far reaching ramifications which could affect the rest of your life. There may be all kinds of highly relevant

By Mandeep Clair issues which you may not have appreciated and which may only come to light by seeing a solicitor across a table. This could lead to a solicitor formulating imaginative solutions which cater for your particular needs and priorities.

�

EdwinP @freeimages.com

I want a divorce and need to sort out matrimonial financial and property issues.

Can I do all of this myself using the internet?

Instructing a solicitor is not necessarily expensive.

You might want to obtain just some initial advice on a fixed fee basis and some solicitors offer this. A good solicitor will also encourage you to undertake straightforward tasks in your case yourself rather than making a charge for doing so, and online resources can be very helpful for such purposes.

About the author Mandeep Clair is a mediator, collaborative lawyer and an experienced family solicitor at South East London Solicitors Grant Saw. The practice offers friendly, professional family mediation and legal services including an initial fixed fee appointment of ÂŁ100 + VAT for legal advice in respect of relationship breakdown and/or issues concerning children. Please call 020 8858 6971 or email mclair@grantsaw.co.uk

familiesse.co.uk

may 2014 - families south east

9

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.

I’M SURE YOU’LL agree that unless you are the worshipful Gwynnie or Madge, being a parent is an unglamorous occupation with scant regard for dignity, let alone privacy. My favourite time to do anything is on a Sunday morning with my world upstairs snoring and last week’s Archers omnibus on downstairs boring the cat to pieces while I get on with the luxury of personal chores, like dyeing my hair. There I was at dawn blissfully colouring my swim-school frightwig uninterrupted (and you thought I was a natural blonde) when Trasha made me jump by popping her head around the bathroom door. She said she was off out. In daylight? I exclaimed injudiciously, before adding quickly: Please keep me informed. Don’t nag, she warned with a mock wag of the finger. As a parent, it is in my job description, I shot back. Then get another job description! she ordered, leaving me stranded with dripping streaks while she slammed the door.

THE BUBBLE-WRAP BOY by Phil Earle - Penguin rrp £7.99.

Teenagers. Can’t live with them, can’t live without flicking the ‘v’s behind their back. As far as I’m concerned, they are all Kevins. Trasha is a Kevin. Poor Charlie Han isn’t allowed to be a Kevin. As far as his ma is concerned, he still needs a safety gate on the stairs and has to wear goggles to hang baubles on the Christmas tree. And thanks to a short stature seemingly only reserved for despots like Napoleon or losers like Toulouse Lautrec, he resides permanently on Humiliation Street. Until the glorious day that he discovers skate-boarding. But how is he going to smuggle his deck past his over-protective mum?

MARS EVACUEES by Sophia McDougall - Egmont rrp £6.99.

Like Mister Earle, this author is also local. But rather than set this novel in the recognisable landscape of school and takeaways and skateparks, our heroine Alice Dare is evacuated from the high street to, um, Mars. No really. It is all down to advancing polar ice and a mother who drives a spacefighter, not a Yaris.

BRILLIANT by Roddy Doyle - Macmillan rrp £10.99. It is hard to believe that when I first started bookselling, this world famous author was forced to home publish The Commitments and we sold the flimsy copies from a pile on the counter next to the ashtray. Now, not only are his novels staples of the fiction section, our telly screens and even the West End stage but his children’s books are also little marvels - my niece Sid cut her milk teeth on the Rover stories. A dog is central to this tale too.

A black one. A very black one. And the kids want to get it off Uncle Ben’s back. Brilliant.

BUILD YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Top That rrp £7.99. It credits the famous author as being behind this ingenious cardboard confection but I think we can safely say that while Roald Dahl may have invented Wonka, he had little to do with a press-out DIY 3D model of the famous edifice in the illustrative style of a certain Quentin Blake. Ah, that’ll be a trademark then. Still, it does look a) excellent fun and importantly b), simple to assemble. Which makes it nigh on perfect present material for any recipient under eight.

FIND MOMO by Andrew Knapp - Quirk rrp £11.99. Not strictly a children’s book and heaven knows what is wrong with me because I am no fan of any variety of canine - I don’t hate them as such but prefer my mutts to be attached to an RNIB harness or brandy barrel. But, this bit of photographical whimsy made me smile. Partly because the pictures are so very interesting and partly because the collie we have to look for on each page has only one expression - resigned obedience. Like us parents in the morning when a teen comes downstairs in pjs swilling snakespit in the back of their throat. Meanwhile, I can just imagine the chortling that went on behind the camera while the poor black and white wagger was parked among snow covered rocks or amidst a thicket of cuddly toys for the benefit of human amusement.

THE ODD ONE OUT by Britta Teckentrup - Big Picture Press rrp £10.99. Billed as a spotting book, now that our eyes are accustomed to weeding out a small hairy dog from various unlikely situations, identifying which of the seventy odd camels only has one hump should be a doddle. Or tracking down the

only cross-eyed lemur on a page of a hundred of the ring-tailed tykes. How about the penguin with a baby under his wing?

TILLY’S AT HOME HOLIDAY by Gillian Hibbs - Child’s Play rrp £5.99. Written by yet another local citizen (we might not have much of a tube network but boy has South London Got Talent), who needs fancy trips to India or the Mediterranean when there is all we need to have fun right here on our doorstep (look out for a certain iconic bike shop)!

ERIC THE BOY WHO LOST HIS GRAVITY by Jenni Desmond - Blue Apple rrp £12.99. Looks gorgeous and is especially realistic when it comes to the kids having a punch up while it pours with rain outside and daddy is so bored he is ironing his trousers. Then, as if it hasn’t already, all hell breaks loose when the boy defies science and starts wafting around the ceiling like George Clooney’s dropped spanner.

POM & PIM by Lena & Olof Landstrom - Gecko rrp £9.99.

There’s sunshine and rain, ice-cream and tummy-ache in this dear little picture book about the nature of good fortune. And bad. And making the most of circumstances.

BUSY TOWN by Rebecca Finn - Campbell rrp £4.99. From a series that is curiously detailed yet robust, there’s a bus that goes and lights that go off, doors that slide and ducks that disappear in the pond in the park. Other absorbingly interactive titles with tabs include Busy Railway and Busy Airport.

A TREE FOR ALL SEASONS by Maryse Guittet - Twirl rrp £7.99. A board book that’s a tree. No irony there then. But it’s clever as each page depicts a different season and it is rather lovely to hold. Not unlike a lollipop. Which I’m sure will add to the toddler appeal. Right then kids, open wide.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR, A Pull-Out Pop-Up by Eric Carle - Puffin rrp £5.99. Another riff on another trademark, I overheard a grown-up admit recently that whenever she read this classic picture book to her little boy at bedtime she had to run to the fridge as soon as he’d fallen asleep and scoff whatever she could find. I know what she means. It may be oh-so familiar but there is something alluring about those pears, that cheese, those holes..

CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE illustrated by Trisha Krauss Walker rrp £5. What every small child needs - a concertina of massive piles in regional France. It may well make you feel inadequate, especially as the only experience of the Loire your progeny is ever likely to enjoy is at a Eurocamp, but there’s nothing wrong with aspiration. Meanwhile, the Tower of London version, illustrated by Nina Cosford, same price and publisher, comes complete with sinister ravens. And I do like a sinister raven in a children’s book.

DICK & DOM’S BIG FAT & VERY SILLY JOKE BOOK Macmillan rrp £6.99. Considering their iconic telly show has long since folded, this pair are ubiquitous and I absolutely accept that, like dogs, this pair of idiots are an acquired taste that should definitely be kept off the furniture but children and dads absolutely love them. Why do the French eat snails?

Because they don’t like fast food. Cue much snorting and stamping followed by a quick round leg-cocking and bogies.

A SLICE OF BRITAIN by Caroline Taggart - AA rrp £14.99.

Around the country by cake, says the sub-title and there’s no mucking about. The author dips us in and out of history and anecdote like a dunked biscuit and gets to the bottom of Lancashire Parkin, Manchester Tart, Bath Buns and Dorset Cider Cake. Honestly, if you’d have said to me when I was a bookshop junior all those years ago and one of my main jobs was to open the Bull’s Blood bang on 5pm that in thirty years time the king of punk would be more famous for advertising butter, Bruce Forsyth would still be all over the headlines and baking was the new rock and roll, I think I might have choked on my John Player Special while stock-checking the Cookery section.

But back to the present and Trasha has suddenly returned all lightness of step and sweetness of smile. “You hair looks nice,” she says. I get my purse.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 10

families south east - may 2014

familiesse.co.uk

Mothers Mean Business Freedom Academy is a thriving performing arts school in southeast London Before Christmas last year owner Kat Henry had a baby girl.

We found out how she and her husband are juggling their lives as new parents with running a business.

FSE: How long ago did you set up Freedom Academy, and what was the inspiration?

KH: “I decided to create Freedom Academy in 2008 with the aim that every child deserves a chance to shine. From a young age I attended a local theatre school. It was such a warm, caring environment and the teachers nurtured and inspired me to pursue a career in the arts. I had such a wonderful time performing in shows and at local festivals growing up that I wanted to offer the same experiences to the children in my local community. From the very beginning I was keen to make our classes accessible, as coming from a working class family I know it was sometimes difficult for my parents. So I created payment plans, siblings discounts and reduced rates for parents on a lower income.”

FSE: What did you do before that?

KH: “I trained at Mountview Theatre Academy in North London to be an actress. I am still managing to fit in the odd acting job in between running the school and being a new mum.”

FSE: What does Freedom Academy offer?

KH: “We offer a programme of acting, singing and dance classes and private tuition during term time, then holiday workshops during the school breaks for children aged 3 to 19 years. We have also just introduced adult dance classes to our timetable.

I would encourage all children to come to Freedom Academy whether it’s to build confidence, or for more experienced performers to learn new skills as our tutors are the very best and are great at helping each child develop in performing arts.

I am also keen to offer children as many new and exciting opportunities as possible and being in London we are never short of places to perform.

I am constantly approached by organisations and always on the look for new projects. We perform at all the local festivals / fairs and competitions, we are a private centre for LAMDA exams and at Christmas, all Freedom Academy classes come together to perform a huge production at the 350 seat Michael Croft Theatre.

We also have a child agency now which came about as a natural progression in trying to offer as much as possible to the children. So, now many of our students work professionally and we see them crop up on stage, TV and on film. It’s fantastic experience for them and a real proud moment for us.”

FSE: How easy or difficult was it to start up?

KH: “We had a very limited start up budget so I really had to learn a lot along the way. Things like flyer / poster design, creating a website and marketing which was difficult as I didn’t have any experience in that area at all. I realised very quickly that I was going to have to be the marketing manager, web designer, secretary, accountant and general dogsbody!

We began as a summer school which proved to be very successful, the children really enjoyed it and the parents loved what we were doing. Luckily, from there parents asked if we could run weekly classes so I decided to find somewhere that we could continue on a regular basis.”

FSE: How have you grown the business?

KH: “I started in 2008 with just one class on a Saturday of 10 children and over the years the demand for sessions has grown. We now teach over 300 children in many locations across southeast London. We also work with many local schools and nurseries; taking after school clubs and themed workshops for their pupils. We have grown steadily and organically over the years by listening to parent feedback and adding and adapting classes.”

FSE: What are the benefits of working for yourselves?

KH: “The main benefit is the flexibility of running your own company. I can start and leave the office when I need to and catch up at a time that works for me. I also enjoy the creative freedom I have to plan shows and lessons and develop a company with values that are important to me. The job satisfaction is something I’ve never experienced before.”

FSE: How are you managing your new work / family balance?

KH: “Now my daughter is getting older I’m finding being a mum and running Freedom Academy a lot easier. She often attends the performances and loves watching the children. When I am working I have an incredibly supportive husband and family, and a network of friends who live locally who are happy to lend a hand whenever I need them - and believe me they are real lifesavers. Also, I am extremely lucky to have a great team of tutors working with me. They are incredibly reliable and do an amazing job with our students. It has made me realise how important it is to surround yourself and work with the right people, they are truly invaluable.”

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

KH: “I would definitely recommend setting up a company to other parents.

Be adaptable as you might find you suddenly need to be a ‘Jack of all trades’.

Make sure it’s a project that you are passionate about as when you run your own business you tend to clock in but forget to clock out!

It is hard at the beginning, but remember to try and get a good work / life balance as it can be very demanding but is always rewarding.”

FSE: When you have time off for yourself, what do you like to do?

KH: “I love going to the cinema, theatre and concerts. We are so lucky living in London as everything you need is just on your doorstep. Even when I was heavily pregnant I managed to see the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park. I found myself a good spot, plonked myself down and hardly moved for the day, which was great!”

FSE: Do you have a favourite shop / café or park in south east London?

KH: “Wow there are so many! I love all the local boutiques around the area. We live extremely close to the beautiful Wells Park and Sydenham Woods which are both great for a peaceful stroll. There are some lovely independent coffee shops in Forest Hill which I visit during the week and on Saturdays after I finish class in East Dulwich I always pop by the North Cross Road Market for some goodies and grab a bite in the local cafes.”

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

KH: “Our website www.freedomacademy.co.uk has lots of information. Readers can also email or give us a call. I’m always happy to have a chat and answer any questions.”

SUMMER WORKSHOPS BOOKING NOW!

ACTING Ages 3 yrs - 19 yrs

*

SINGING * STREET DANCE * PERFORMING ARTS BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY! South East London

0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk

familiesse.co.uk

info@freedomacademy.co.uk

may 2014 - families south east

11

What’sNew r You and you

baby

Great British babygrows It’s no secret that British manufacturing has been in decline, but Baby Moo’s is passionate about getting behind the UK’s clothing industry and helping it to grow up big and strong. Blankets, babygrows, t-shirts, hoodies and sleepsuits from Baby Moo’s are all proudly now created in the UK. Founder Anna-Lee Kewley explained: “I feel strongly that whilst I’m producing fun, comfortable, individual clothes for children, I should also be doing my bit to help with their future work prospects.

I completely agree with Mary Portas’ campaign to kick-start manufacturing in Britain. We do need to bring more of our business home and help raise a healthy generation of British industry.”

Baby Moos’ stocks a range of stylish, quirky clothes for children aged up to six years with attitude and a love of cow prints! Have a graze at www.babymoos.com.

Silent nights The Shnuggle basket has won its eleventh award from a panel of nursery experts including Annabel Karmel.

The Shnuggle basket received silver prize in the Moses basket category from Prima Baby magazine, by a panel of industry experts including baby food expert Annabel Karmel and Blue Peter’s Katy Hill.

The Shnuggle basket has been designed to ensure that baby gets the best sleep possible without being disturbed by the creaking that is a common feature of traditional wicker baskets.

The material means it can be rocked silently without the rustling and loss of shape that is common to other Moses baskets.

A clever locking mechanism ensures the hood stays up; the hypoallergenic shell can be cleaned using warm soapy water, while the soft cotton dressings are machine washable so parents can be confident that the baby is in a clean safe environment. The base is specially ventilated to ensure a constant airflow.

Choose from ivory cream, pure white, sky blue, sage green, blossom pink and pebble grey, available from John Lewis. For more stockists, contact www.shnuggle.com, 028 91 815 169.

Multi-tasking muslins Swandoodles are hard-working muslins for mothers who want it all. Generously sized and ethically produced, they are one of the most coveted and versatile muslins on the market.

The new ‘Fabulous’ collection is available in six beautiful designs, all made from luxuriously soft Bamboo. The high absorbency and antibacterial qualities of the fabric make the muslins perfect for use as a cover when nursing, and the hypoallergenic nature of Bamboo also makes it ideal for allergy-prone skin.

Its natural temperature regulating and UV blocking capabilities make the Swandoodle an ideal sunshade through summer months and a great swaddle during naps.

The Great Swandoodle is a perfect gift for new mums, babies and toddlers too. Rrrp £22.99 from www.cuskishop.co.uk.

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families south east - may 2014

nager e e t r u o y d n You a Teenagers online Today’s teenagers are the first generation to have grown up with the web in their lives, and learning how to manage the way they present themselves online is an essential life skill. Do you know how you can help your teenagers create the online CV and presence employers and admissions tutors are increasingly looking for?

Leading UK online reputation management experts Igniyte offer practical support in areas like employment, university admissions, privacy and identity.

Their Guide to Managing Your Teenager’s Personal Information Online takes a closer look at all things digital and offers practical support in areas like employment, university admissions, privacy and identity.

You can understand how your teenager is presenting themselves online by following these key steps: • Search for your teenager’s name online, along with their home town, school or club, and see what comes up. If any of their social media posts show up in the searches, advise them to change their privacy settings to ‘friends’ only • Assess the different types of devices your teenager has access to, including computers, laptops, tablets, games consoles, mobile phones and web cams, and ensure these are securely managed • Know which social networking sites your teenager is using, for example Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online chat, and help them optimise privacy and security settings.

Igniyte’s free e-book aims to answer parents’ questions and more - providing easily accessible, expert advice for parents and youngsters. For a copy, go to www.igniyte.co.uk and click the ‘ Download our free guides’ tab.

Teenage dirtbag With their own laundry bag to fill, you might not have to wade through the floordrobe, come washday. It’s worth a try...

Designed to hang on the back of a door, with black, orange or pink print on unbleached cotton, £12.75 from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk.

ts New produc Isossy children An Isossy boy is going to stand out and be noticed; wherever he is, whatever his style. Think little Sapeurs, think dapper gentlemen and smooth style. This boys’ collection is a mix of special occasion suits and smart casual wear.

Isossy Children was founded by Amanda Rabor in 2010. Now entering its 9th season it continues to offer children style and design reflecting truly global culture.

“In times of change and diverse living, fashion can reflect diverse cultures for up and coming generations to own, to claim and to wear in everyday life. It’s for the new global citizens of the world” says Amanda.

The brand is honoured to stand by its ‘Made in England’ manufacturing ethos, integrating African, Asian and Western global cultures in a range designed for 0-14 year-old boys and girls.

For stockists, call 07930 673 545 or see www.isossychildren.com.

familiesse.co.uk

Family health Carbon monoxide kills New figures reveal that over 650 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the past 20 years. Now, a charity is calling for the introduction of public health warnings about the gas, as it is not only odourless and colourless but can kill in seconds.

Stephanie Trotter, president of CO-Gas Safety says: “Being a deadly gas which cannot be sensed by smell, taste, touch or hearing, it is vital that people are aware of the dangers and know the steps to take to reduce their risk of being poisoned. We are calling for public warnings to be introduced, to advise families of the dangers and how to protect themselves.”

To reduce your risk of CO poisoning: • Have all appliances regularly maintained and chimneys regularly swept and checked • Never take a barbecue or stove into any interior space such as a tent, boat, caravan or home, even if you think it has burned out • A CO detector costs from as little as £7 - choose one that works to standard EN 50291 • Read more at www.gassaferegister.co.uk and www.co-gassafety.co.uk

GDND ACADEMY BALLET CLASSES Following the IDTA Syllabus our academy will help your child to learn the art of Ballet in the most enjoyable way

National Vegetarian Week National Vegetarian Week runs from 19-25 May this year. Restaurants, shops, libraries and schools are all signing up to offer veggie dishes, promotions and taste tests. To register an event, order a free promotional pack or see what’s on locally, visit www.nationalvegetarianweek.org Founded in 1847, the Vegetarian Society inspires and supports people to be vegetarian. The charity organises National Vegetarian Week, runs the Cordon Vert vegetarian cookery school and provides services to support those pursuing a vegetarian way of life, including the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark scheme. Find out more at www.vegsoc.org.

Young vegetarians

FREE tasterufoprils new p 3UH VFKRRO %DOOHW FODVVHV Toddler Toes: 2-3 years Twinkly Toes: 3-4 years Our pre-school Ballet classes are all about having fun whilst learning, giving LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ĂŶ ĞdžĐŝƟŶŐ ďƵƚ ǁŽƌƚŚǁŚŝůĞ ŝŶƚƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ to Ballet.

3UHSDUDWRU\ DQG 3ULPDU\ %DOOHW FODVVHV Age: 4-8 years approx Pupils will enjoy the IDTA syllabus, and take accredited ĂůůĞƚ ĞdžĂŵŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĂƐ ĂŶĚ when they are ready to do so.

WƵƉŝůƐ ĂůƐŽ ŚĂǀĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ to perform on stage at our GDND annual showcases.

W: www.gdnd.co.uk E: RI¿FH#JGQG FR XN T: 07904 424 504

For a fantastic source of recipes - try This Is Uni Food. It’s a colourful blog written by two students who call themselves: “a couple of foodies trapped in a university kitchen, with culinary ambitions beyond the capabilities of our rather temperamental oven and an overwhelming need to share Baked stuffed mushrooms with Yorkshire puddings, our exploits in the world of university cuisine.”

When not attending to their studies and social lives, the . roast potatoes, red wine and onion gravy and some roasted veg. thisisunifood.blogspot.com pair whip up all manner of meat-free dishes, dropping the recipes online with amazing photography. The accompanying commentary is a witty and informative insight into student life in and out of the kitchen. Go to thisisunifood.blogspot.com.

See our website timetable for class listings in the following areas:

SE14 | SE15 | SE21 | SE22 | SE23 | BR1

From tea towel to toy Inspiring children to get creative with colour has just become easier with the arrival of Eggnogg’s new ‘Create a Cuddly...’ colour-in tea towel toy.

Children can go colour-in crazy and create their very own cuddly masterpiece in the form of a toy Fergal frog or Colin the dog. In four simple steps, the colour-in tea towel transforms into a cuddly toy: simply colour-in, cut-out, sew together and fill... voila, the toys are all set for some exciting role-play adventures!

The ‘Create a Cuddly...’ is rrp £11.99 per pack. For stockists or orders, to go www.eggnogg.co.uk.

Snacks on the go

www.isossychildren.com

We’re tickled by these weeny Lego snack boxes. Measuring 9cm x 4.5cm, they’re just the right size for popping carrot sticks, raisins or other nibbles into a backpack. £7 each from stockists including www.ellieellie.co.uk.

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re:vitalise your website today!!! lots of fresh ideas for websites, blogs & shops

020 8658 9975

www.lancasters.co.uk

may 2014 - families south east

13

Are you a Super-mum or an Uber-mum?

By Lisa Boughton, co-founder of Angelfish

“Super-mum”. The very phrase immediately conjures up exhausting images. Highly over-used, it places unnecessary pressure on mothers and their expected roles in society.

So what exactly is a Super-mum?

SMs are portrayed raising perfect, adorable and well-mannered, healthy children; effortlessly juggling the demands of family life; cooking like their life depends on it with low-sugar / fashionable / exquisite recipes and looking devastatingly fabulous at all times with a gorgeous size 8-10 figure - all while still holding down high flying careers.

Exhausting? Absolutely.

The rise of the Uber-mum Gradually, more and more mothers are waking up to the reality that Super-mum status is simply not possible in the real world - move over Super-mum and all hail the rapid rise of the Uber-mum.

The Uber-mum is the modern 2014, forwardlooking mother who has been confident enough to take back a little bit of control for herself. She refuses to spread herself so thinly that she is ‘ Jack-ess’ of all trades and master of none. She doesn’t want to dilute the wonderful experience of simply being a mother either. Rather, she wants to maintain a healthy and steady balance in her life, spend quality time with the family at home, while saving and earning where she can.

Lisa Boughton, director and co-founder of Angelfish consumer market research agency says: “Uber-mums are savvy and resourceful, making the very most of their precious time to find a healthy balance between work, family and self. We are finding that many of our market research respondents are actually stay-at-home-mums who contact us to boost their family income and make extra pennies by taking part in our paid-for market research groups.”

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families south east - may 2014

How Uber-mum saves money Yes. The Uber-mum is not someone who wants to spend long hours on a stressful career to raise funds rather than her children. She uses a clever and tactical mix of earning and saving money where she can to keep finances in check, enabling her to spend more cherished time with the family, at home.

Try these: • eBay - sell unwanted goods and old clothes you no longer need. This online auction site usually pays the best compared to all the others. Check out www.ebay.co.uk for more info • Sell off old baby goods. There are numerous dedicated sites such as www.nappyvalley.co.uk and local NCT sales that specialise in mothers and parents who are looking for a bargain. The key is to be targeted in your selling for the best selling success and profit margin • Register to take part in paid-for market research or check out some of the online survey sites offering to pay you for your feedback. Get heard and paid for voicing your opinion on exciting brands and products during face-toface focus groups or taking part in online surveys etc. Check out www.thisisangelfish.co.uk for more details • How about making a profit from taking photos?

Budding photographers can upload their digital photos to photo bank websites such as www.istockphoto.com and earn royalties for

•

•

•

•

each one sold. You might have a whole host of photos that are just waiting to be unleashed so most of the work is already done!

If you’re running a small business from home, see if you’re eligible for a government grant.

You could potentially bag a grant in excess of £1000 or more. Start by searching ‘business finance support’ at www.gov.uk Organise a car boot sale to sell off all your unwanted items. While you’re busy selling why not factor in some time to also buy some goods on site at rock bottom prices, and then up-sell them to eBay, making a nifty profit from the comfort of home. Don’t forget to take a car boot partner with you on the day so they can cover your stall while you browse for items Babysit! You already have a wealth of parenting knowledge - so why not use it? Start up with friends and family to build up your reputation first. You could offer to have the children to your home to make it even easier. Once you have a proven track record you could command up to £8 per hour Re-organise your banking and maximise the interest your savings are making you. So many people are losing out on great rates because they just haven’t bothered to check out the latest high street bank account deals. Five minutes’ work can save a significant amount over the year. If you’ve got savings, ensure they are working well for you. Check out www.compareandsave.com to compare rates and the latest offers.

About Angelfish Angelfish is a market research company; dedicated to gathering opinions for organisations to help them better understand their customers. They have thousands of people taking part in market research on a range of subjects from lawn mowers to the latest tablet computers!

You can earn £1-£100 for taking part in focus groups, online surveys, community social networks, video diaries and many other interesting market research studies. The Angelfish research community love telling the big brands how to do things better. Market research is a great way to get your points heard and really make a difference to the way a product is launched, branded, packaged, marketed and priced.

To sign up, go to www.thisisangelfish.co.uk. It will take no more than two minutes to enter your details.

You can then log in to your account and add more information about yourself. The more interests you add, the easier it is for the company to send relevant surveys for your lifestyle and location. You will receive invitations to studies via e-mail, and can also log in to your account to check the latest available research anytime. Alternatively, you can call 01242 240849 or email info@thisisangelfish.co.uk.

Angelfish are members of the Market Research Society and strictly adhere to their codes of conduct which include the Data Protection Act 1998.

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SENSACIONAL

VIEW FROM THE SHARD

What’sOn

Theatre, Shows and Music

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

Diary Dates for Grownups KILMORIE TABLE TOP SALE

PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

10 May, KILMORIE PRIMARY SCHOOL, Kilmorie Road, Forest Hill SE23 2SP, friendsofkilmorie@hotmail.co.uk Bag a bargain by browsing 30 tables of books, clothes, toys, bric a brac, crafts and much more. Then stop off at the refreshments tent for hot tea and cold drinks. 11.30am-1.30pm, organised by Friends of Kilmorie (PTA).

7 June, LEWISHAM ARTHOUSE, 140 Lewisham Way, New Cross SE14 6PD, email alison.day10@yahoo.com, www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk A one day course for adults and young people providing a beginners’ introduction to pinhole and photogram photography. 11am-4pm, from £40, book first.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE 17 May, St JOHNS CHURCH, Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham BR3 Good quality children’s toys, clothes and equipment for sale, run by NCT Beckenham and Borders. 10.30am-1pm.

Half Term Workshops INTUITIVE PAINTING

CAR BOOT SALE 18 May, HEBER PRIMARY SCHOOL, Heber Road, East Dulwich SE22 9LA, email kristy.macdonald@heberparents.org Having a Spring Clean? Sell your unwanted/ preloved household or garden goods, toys, equipment - anything goes! £10 for a car pitch, £5 table top rental, £1 admissions for buyers (children free). Refreshments available, car parking near site. 9.30am-12.30pm. Email for more information.

27-30 May, THE WHISTLING STUDIO, 88 Grove Park, Camberwell SE5 8LE, 07947 104135, www.paintingyourpathway.co.uk Children are natural intuitive painters, until they start trying to meet the expectations of the fridge door. Intuitive Painting encourages them to reconnect with their own creative impulse and paint from their hearts, rather than some ideal they have observed outside themselves.

Ages 8-11 10-11am, ages 12+ 2-3pm, £10 per child per session, book first.

GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk ALICE IN WONDERLAND, 24 May - 1 June. It all starts one summer’s afternoon, when Alice drowsily falls asleep under a tree and catches sight of a White Rabbit in a waistcoat running beside her. Desperate to know where he is rushing to, Alice jumps down the rabbit hole after him, and the adventure begins... Lewis Carroll’s classic characters spring to life in an enchanting new adaptation for the whole family, bursting with music, madness and mystery. Tickets from £8.50.

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

SENSACIONAL, until 11 May. Take your toddler along to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. Watch as your child puts on a white suit and becomes part of a digital world of ladybirds, shapes, squiggles and squarks that won’t keep still, no matter how hard you try to catch them! Bursting with colour and joy, this interactive and immersive digital experience will captivate both you and your child.

Make a day of it at the Unicorn by enjoying the soft play area and café in the foyer. Ages 18 months - 3 years, tickets £10 for one child and 2 free adults.

BACKSTAGE TOURS, 17 May. Have you ever wondered what happens in the parts of the theatre you don’t see on stage? Join the Unicorn’s technical team on a backstage tour and find out what really goes into making a play. Ages 7+, tickets £3.

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

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may 2014 - families south east

15

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

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

CHALK ABOUT, 16+17 May. A playful, funny and sometimes moving look at how we see ourselves and others, featuring dance, conversation and one perfect scene containing everything you could wish for. Join the cast on their journey as they find answers to some big questions about identity and the meaning of life. Is it where we are from? Or how we talk?

Our pasts or our futures? Or is it about the way we dance? Ages 8+, tickets from £10.

O SNAP, 22+23 May. Choreographer Erik Kaiel has been making dances for many years - in subway stations, sculpture gardens, empty swimming pools, city streets, and occasionally on stage. In O Snap he brings together three young dancers to explore friendship, loyalty and what matters most when you’re young. Dynamic, visually striking and physically impressive, Kaiel’s choreography perfectly communicates the explosive passion of youth and what it takes to find your place in the world. Ages 13+, tickets from £10.

THE SECRET OF Q, 24-29 May. G is ten and has never been outside because that’s just the safest thing to do, according to Q, the man who runs the town where G lives. Everyone in town sticks to Q’s rules; that is, until G’s grandfather remembers something extremely important and then suddenly disappears. For the first time in her life, G breaks the rules and goes outside to look for her grandfather and discover the secret of Q. Renowned Dutch theatre company, Het Filiaal, brings you a clever, playful and inventive show about health and safety gone mad that uses cameras, puppets, models, and projection. Ages 8+, tickets from £10.

A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSE Until 18 May, PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com Old and modern poems are brought to life as a visual anthology with shadow puppets, marionettes and specially composed music. Suitable for ages 3 to adult, £8.50 children, £12 adults.

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

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

DISCO KIDS SPECTACULAR, 4 May. Disco kids returns with top tunes and a Spacetacular theme for an afternoon that’s out of this world. Come in fancy dress and boogie away the afternoon to top tunes from DJ Jean Genie.

GROWING UP CLUB, until 18 May. Kids can dig, grow, play, make and discover before watching a show in the theatre. Only children can take part in the workshops, therefore adults do not need a ticket, but book first.

SMASHED until 18 May, Udderbelly Festival at SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 545 8282, www.udderbelly.co.uk Nine jugglers, four crockery sets and 80 apples - Smashed is a sensational mix of skills and theatricality. Gandini Juggling has been at the forefront of contemporary circus for over 20 years and, having performed in over 40 countries, now bring their award-winning sensation to London for a limited season as part of the Udderbelly Festival. Tickets from £12.50.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com THE POETRYJOE SHOW, until 17 May. Join PoetryJoe, star of CBeebie’s Rhyme Rocket, for his light-up world of fabulous foods, beastly bugs and peculiar pets. Armed with his trusty overhead projector and props, PoetryJoe introduces children and their families to lots of new friends, including a naughty but nice hamster, a cheating cheetah and a whole family made out of paper and light.

MINOTAUR, until 24 May. Myth meets modern day in a boy’s heroic quest to save his dad. Freddie receives a mysterious text from his dad, a soldier fighting in a faraway war. He is in trouble and only his son can help. Transported to the twisting, turning labyrinth of ancient Minos, Freddie must travel through time to fulfil his destiny, in a modern-day war story with Greek mythology. Ages 8-14, tickets from £9.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL Until December 2014, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU, 0844 412 4652, www.matildathemusical.com Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda is the captivating musical masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

STOMP AMBASSADORS THEATRE, West Street WC2H 9ND, 08448 112 334, www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than ever before.3pm and 8pm, tickets from £26.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

VIEW FROM THE SHARD THE SHARD, London Bridge SE1 9RN, , 08444 997111, www.theviewfromtheshard.com/ The View from The Shard provides an unforgettable experience as it is the only place you can see all of London, all at once. Whether it’s your first stop or last stop to watch the sunset and city lights turn on, it is the perfect place to nurture a child’s fascination with the history of London.

From the spectacular 64km (40 mile), 360-degree view, families can spot both modern and historic landmarks, including The Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Olympic Park and Wembley Stadium. Open from 9am to 10pm daily. Adult tickets from £24.95 when booked ahead.

KIDS GO FREE, 26 May - 1 June. Two free child tickets (ages 4-15 years) with the purchase of one full price advance or on-the-day adult ticket.

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

EXTREMES, until 2 November. Calling all explorers. Go on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness or with little oxygen, in the museum’s new family-friendly exhibition. Book tickets first.

TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTS LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 17s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

HALF TERM FAMILY FUN, 26-30 May. Join in with storytelling and make-and-take sessions for the whole family. Meet Ole’ Bill, the bus that helped Britain in the First World War. Learn about his adventures with his best friend Driver Bob. Ages 3-7 years, 11am and 2pm. Design a bus badge with your own cartoon driver. Ages 5-12 years, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

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

FAMILY STATION, weekends and school holidays. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum.

Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages.

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

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families south east - may 2014

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• Babysitting • Flexible Daytime Childcare • Temporary Nannies • Part Time Nannies • Permanent Nannies

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

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

FREE introductory session phone

07877 391005

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

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Gymboree Herne Hill & Gymboree Crystal Palace Award winning classes from newborn to 5 years

Gymboree Crystal Palace ww

Living Water Cafe, 46-48 Westow Street, Crystal Palace, SE19 3AF 0208 123 8423 crystalpalace@gymboree-uk.com

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10% off first months membership

Quote FAMILIES MAGAZINE. Book your free trial class today!

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2013 winner!

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South London Dance Studios, 130 Herne Hill, London, SE24 9QL 020 8123 8423 hernehill@gymboree-uk.com

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HMS BELFAST

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

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

TOAD TRIUMPHANT, 27-30 May. Join a costumed storyteller and hear about the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole as they step out of the pages of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ for some interactive fun for little ones.

pÄ­\ p666 \ ÄŞ .2\O\.4\ 8\ \ Ä­ \0P \ \ \ \ \ S\ \ \ \ \ \ p S A playful, funny and sometimes moving look at how we see ourselves and others that features dance, chat and chalk!

GEFFRYE MUSEUM GEFFRYE MUSEUM OF THE HOME, 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Explore the home from 1600 to the present day through a series of period living rooms and gardens which reflect changes in society, behaviour, style and taste. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays, admission free. Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied children on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop.

IDEAL HOMES, 27-30 May. Be inspired by the museum’s Useful + Beautiful exhibition and create futuristic homes, wacky wallpapers and funky fabrics. Includes a special day of activities exploring garden design in celebration of Chelsea Fringe. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, ages 5-16.

NURSERY RHYME TIME, 27-30 May. Stories, songs and craft activities celebrating home sweet home.

10.30am-11.30am and 12-1pm, ages 2-5.

HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE TOURS, 7, 13, 21 + 27 May, 4 + 7 June. The restored historic almshouse has been fully restored to its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in former times.

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

\ \ \ 15\O\13\ 8\ \ Ä­ \0P \ pÄ­\ \ \ \ p 8\p pÄ­\ p\Ä­ \ pÄ­666 Renowned Dutch theatre-makers, Het Filiaal use cameras, puppets, models and projection to bring you an inventive show about health and safety gone mad.

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

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

BY GEORGE! HANDEL’S MUSIC FOR ROYAL OCCASIONS, until 18 May. In the 300th anniversary year of the coronation of George I, the first Hannovarien king, this fascinating exhibition explores Handel and his music for royal occasions.

GROWING... UP! Until 12 June, NLA, The Building Centre, 26 Store Street WC1E 7BT London’s skyline is currently going through a massive change. Over 200 towers are planned in the capital in an attempt to meet the needs of the capital’s growing population. So how will London’s skyline change in the next 20 years?

A series of panoramic views of London chart the ever-changing landscape, from the 1960s through to the modern day and demonstrating how London will appear in 10 years time. Famous structures including Canary Wharf, The Gherkin and The Shard are examined in the exhibition, looking at their context, their economic raison d’etre and the impact they have on our understanding of the city. The exhibition also explores the significant growth in high-rise residential development. High-rise residential was once only seen on council estates and glass skyscrapers were reserved for the business world, but the growing trend of luxury towers is currently providing the majority of new developments in the capital. Open 9am-6pm Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm Saturdays, admission free.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, ÂŁ15.95 adults.

The UK’s No.1 school holiday day camps

Fun and affordable childcare in the school holidays

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

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free.

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

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Book online at www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 467300 may 2014 - families south east

17

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

BRITISH MUSEUM

MoreWhat’sOn

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.

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

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

GOLDEN HINDE

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

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

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, until 14 September. Wander among hundreds of the beautiful free-flying creatures as the family friendly exhibition returns to the Natural History Museum for a sixth year, housed in a specially constructed tropical enclosure on the Museum’s east lawn.

Highlights include an outdoor butterfly garden with tips on how to attract butterflies and create your own butterfly garden at home; interactive activities allowing you to explore fascinating butterfly facts; the chance to watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises through the hatchery window; a riot of colourful tropical plants in the house and garden; and tips and advice from the butterfly house manager. Open 10am-5.50pm, single tickets £5.50, families £19.

1 Pickfords Wharf SE1 9DG, 020 7403 0123, www.goldenhinde.com Board the replica ship on Saturdays for a family-friendly guided tour to find out about life at sea and Sir Francis Drake’s voyage around the world. Regular fun days with costumed staff feature Tudor life at sea, filled with gruesome stories, treasure hunts, battles and hands-on activities. Open 10am-6pm, £4.50 children, £6 adults, £10 families.

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

Open 10am-5pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.50 adults.

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. 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 recreate the gun turret experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price.

D-DAY WEEKEND, 24+25 May. Search for clues around the ship to learn all about HMS Belfast’s role in the D-Day campaign. Volunteers will be on hand to help answer any questions you have about life on board HMS Belfast, along with a live gun crew presenting simulated gun fire throughout the weekend. Discover how sailors communicated at sea by simulating Morse code messages and watch the live radio team in action as they send messages across the globe from the ship’s Bridge Wireless Office. Onboard craft activities will include plaster cast medal-making and t-shirt designs.

MAKING MEDALS, 24 May - 1 June and 7-8 June. Mark the 70th Anniversary of D-Day on board HMS Belfast. Learn about the role it played on that important day and to make your own plastercast medal to commemorate the sailors, soldiers and airmen who took part in Operation Overlord - the largest naval, air and land operation in history.

11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

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

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

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

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

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CUTTY SARK

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

Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free.

Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

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

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

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

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

DAYDREAMS AND DIARIES, THE STORY OF JACQUELINE WILSON, until 2 November. Delve into Jacqueline Wilson’s life and work and find inspiration in the settings where she came up with some of the ideas for her most famous books. The exhibition begins with a replica of the childhood bedroom where she developed her love for reading and finishes with a mock-up of the study in which she now works. Also on display will be short stories and diaries written by Jacqueline as a young girl, showing the origins of her talent for writing, while annotated drafts of favourites such as Tracy Beaker and the later work Hetty Feather will give fans further insight in to these well loved stories.

CONFISCATION CABINET, Until 1 June. A collection of items confiscated from children from 150 different London primary and secondary schools over three decades.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY, until 1 June. The effects of environment and design on teaching and learning, from the formality of the Victorian classroom to the outdoors self-directed learning of a wood school.

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

THE CITY WE LIVE IN, 24+25 May. Discover hidden London at the museum’s family weekend festival, for all ages aged 5+, noon-4pm.

FAMILY STREET ART, 25 May - 1 June. An interactive event at the Museum of London.

MAPPING LONDON, CITY SOUNDS, 29 May. Dig down to London’s foundations and create a soundscape for a giant map made throughout half term. Ages 5+, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

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

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

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION

CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations.

Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays.

Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

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

Activities for children 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.

BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org VIKINGS: LIFE AND LEGEND, until 22 June. Swords and axes, coins and jewellery, hoards, amulets and religious images show how Vikings created an international network connecting cultures over four continents. At the centre of the exhibition are the surviving timbers of a 37-metre-long Viking warship, the longest ever found. Open 10am-5.30pm Saturdays to Thursdays, 10am-8.30pm Fridays.

Admision free for accompanied children, £16.50 adults.

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

HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE TOURS, 3 May and 7 June. The restored historic almshouse has been fully restored to its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in former times. Tours are conducted by museum volunteers and take place at specific times each month.

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

The Royal Arsenal was one of the most important centres in the world for munitions manufacture and until recently was a well kept secret from the public. Many of the guns and carriages on display were made in the Arsenal, making it a significant part of the local heritage. Together with a world class collection of artillery and associated weapons, uniforms, drawings, displays of diaries and medals bring together some 700 years of world artillery history, Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Admission £2.50 children, £5.30 adults, £12.50 families.

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BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE AND PUPPET FESTIVAL

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION

LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE

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

2-4 Tooley Street SE1 2PF, 08000 434 666, www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com Get ready for the biggest fright of your life as you journey ever deeper into the horror that is the London Tombs on a thrilling journey that uses the latest in Hollywood style wizardry and hilarious live actors. Formerly a plague pit, the venue has walls that are dripping in blood, confined spaces, spiders, snakes, ghosts and ghouls, and many other horrors.

Staff are on hand at all times for those of you who just find it a little too much and have to leave. For those less brave the Guardian Angel tour is advised (suitable for under 11s), with special guides accompanying younger visitors to protect them from anything too frightening. Tickets from £20.

LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, www.wwt.org.uk Discover some of the prettiest ducks, geese and swans from around the globe - plus a family of otters - on a stroll through World Wetlands.

Find out how WWT’s conservation work around the world is helping to protect them and learn more about their habitats and behaviour. Why does one of the world’s rarest geese have purple poo? Which duck can dive up to 70m?

Make more of your trip by downloading a family trail which highlights some of the wildlife you will see during your visit. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 4s, children £6.90, adults £12.35, families £34.50.

FULHAM PALACE

The Great Outdoors THE COCKTAIL GARDENER Last Sundays of the month until 28 September, BRUNEL MUSEUM GARDEN, Brunel Museum, Railway Avenue, London SE16 4LF, 020 7231 3840, www.brunel-museum.org.uk, www.hahahopscotch.co.uk It’s playtime for all ages as Hahahopscotch joins the Cocktail Gardener at the Brunel Museum for summer. Much as we love family time, parents yearn for those days when weekend afternoons could be whiled away, drink in hand, at funky and sophisticated venues. Help is at hand! The Cocktail Gardener and Hahahopscotch bring Sunday afternoon jollity for all ages to the Brunel Museum, allowing parents to enjoy unique cocktails in a beautiful setting while their children have the best but simplest fresh air fun of the weekend. From 3-3.45pm there’s Giggly and Greenfingered gardening for budding horticulturists; from 4-4.45pm it’s sack races and marbles with a little Brunelish twist. All ages welcome, £4.50 per child per session, tickets available from wegottickets.com/BrunelMuseum.

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES BROCKWELL PARK, Herne Hill SE24 9BJ, 07427 685714, www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses is a small charity specialising in horticulture and education. With three part time staff and up to 50 volunteers, the Greenhouses offer a range of activities including training and education courses, activities for schools, public open day events and a community nursery, all set in a beautiful open space. Open 1-5pm

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. All family events are £5 per child and need prebooking. Discounts are available for those on low incomes.

PRINTED POTS, 26 May. Design your own flower and bird stamps and decorate a terracotta pot to be sown with your choice of herb seeds.

10.30am-12.30pm.

BROLLIES AND BLOOMS, 26 May. Create a stunning mobile for your room using recycled materials. 2-4pm SPRING GLITTER GLOBES, 28 May. Make a ‘no-snow snow globe’ featuring spring flowers and butterflies. 10.30am-12.30pm.

SPRING TREES, 28 May. Use natural and recycled materials to create a woven tree artwork. 2-4pm.

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE AND PUPPET FESTIVAL 11 May, COVENT GARDEN neighbourhood WC2, www.alternativearts.co.uk Punch and Judy professors and puppeteers from all over the country will be coming to perform throughout the day in celebration of Mr Punch’s 352nd birthday. Events start with a grand procession around the neighbourhood of Covent Garden starting in St Paul’s Church garden, lead by the Superior Brass Band with a birthday toast to Mr Punch by the commemorative plaque on the church wall in the piazza. From 12.30-5pm, there will be puppet workshops, stalls, refreshments, folk music, maypole dancing and clowns.

FULHAM PALACE, Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org Fulham Palace has a wealth of things to see and do, from exploring the museum that charts the Palace’s eventful history to having lunch in the Drawing Room Café that looks out onto the beautiful gardens, including the recently restored 18th century Walled Garden. Gardens open daily from dawn to dusk, admission free.

MUSEUM DROP IN, 11 May. Visit the museum and try on period WWII costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of Fulham Palace.

2-3.30pm, free.

PALACE EXPLORERS, 12+19 May. Monday morning fun for parents with their 2-4 year-olds. Activities vary from week to week and might include arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, dressing up, games and singing. 10.30am-12noon, £3 per child includes a drink and snack, book first.

WILD CAPITAL ROAD SHOW, 26 May. A marquee of discovery for the whole family, with a tank of minibeasts, microscopes to discover the details of nature, competitions and prizes. 1-4pm, free.

ANIMAL PUPPETS FAMILY WORKSHOP, 27 May. Join puppet maker Tricia Brummer for a fun filled family workshop for children. Ages 5+, 1-3.30pm, £10 per child, book first.

FULHAM PALACE FUN DAY, 28 May. A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up. 10am-12noon and 1-3pm, free.

IGHTAM MOTE IGHTAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Visit a moated manor house which medieval knights and courtiers to Henry VIII used to own. Standard admission to house and gardens £10.50 adults, £5.20 children, £26.30 families.

Art Activities DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £6 adults.

Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

HOCKNEY, PRINTMAKER, until 11 May. Over 100 carefully chosen works give a highly constructive and entertaining overview of David Hockney’s graphic career and reveal the thought and technical expertise that underlies his extensive print oevre. Admission free for accompanied children, £11 adults.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session.

Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

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

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

SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk

MOVE 16-18 May, THE HEBE FOUNDATION, upstairs at 823 Wandsworth Road SW8 3JL, http://wandsworthartsfestival.com Move is a group exhibition of new and original artwork in cartoons, collage, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture made by emerging talent aged 4 to 83 who took up around 90 free workshop places.

Developed alongside eight professional artists, who are also exhibiting, the show taps into the grassroots artistic talent of Wandsworth, Lambeth and Tower Hamlets. Sculptor Christopher Guest will be in-house at the exhibition, and running a live sculpture workshop. All ages are welcome to drop-in to be part of the creation of the dance inspired sculpture.

10am-6pm, admission free for under 19s, adults £2.

JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, www.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.

Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

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

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE

FAMILIES AT THE TATE

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

TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain

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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.

may 2014 - families south east

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