Families North London Issue 116 Sep 2015

Issue 116 Sept/Oct 2015

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North London

North London’s premier free family magazine

Annabel Karmel Carole Ann Rice Clubs & Classes Places to Go Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington

THERE’S

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Contents Issue 116 | Sept/Oct 2015 | Families North London

This Issue

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12

15

29

31

4 Back to School 14 Halloween Costumes, Crafts, Masks

and Decorations

Regular Features 12 Annabel Karmel 18 Clubs & Classes

27

25 Ed’s Reading Room 26 Places to Go

Welcome Families North London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familiesnorth.co.uk

to our Back to School issue. We hope you enjoyed your summer. Now as our thoughts turn back to school and a new term we hope you enjoy our articles and words of wisdom!

Do let me know if you enjoyed the magazine by email to editor@familiesnorth.co.uk.

I wish you all a happy new term.

Until next time‌ Sharon Editor

Families North London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families North London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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back to school

New School Rules – Words of Wisdom!!!

By Alison Hathaway.

(We hope this raises a smile). As we head back into another academic year, Families North offers a few handy and fun reminders about the behaviour expected of new school mums, and a quick refresher course for those who have already done playground time.

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Thou Shalt Run Late No, we are not talking about after-dark jogs (one great benefit of being a mum is that you’ll never ever have time to exercise again – so you can stop making excuses and wasting money on gym membership). We’re talking about constantly being five minutes behind where you ought to be, first thing in the morning especially. Can you lie in until 8.30am and still get the kids to school by nine? We think you probably can, especially if you don’t feed them any breakfast – and you can have yours when you get home.

2

Thou Shalt Forget Stuff Ginny’s tutu, Timmy’s football kit, Johnny’s packed lunch (if you even remembered to make it in the first place) – yes, you’ll forget all of them. Or maybe Timmy will get the tutu, and Ginny will get the football kit, and you’ll get the packed lunch (yum!). Or you’ll tie-up the dog outside the school gates and only remember she’s still there the following morning when you wake up at 8.35am wondering why the house is so strangely quiet.

3

Thou Shalt Bake Cakes for the PTA Everyone loves a good PTA cake sale – and you’ll be expected to contribute. Aim to spend most of preceding day baking. If your kids are like mine, they’ll then buy back all the cakes you’ve spent the previous day making, with the end result that you’re five quid poorer and have now got to carry the wretched things all the way back home again.

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Thou Shalt Cut Corners You’re going to be busy. Really busy – especially taking into account all those cakes you’re going to have to bake. So cut down on non-essentials. We think you only really need to vacuum two-thirds of every carpet and mow half the lawn, and if the

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packet says cook the pasta for ten minutes, we reckon eight will do. And as for washing, well if the family underwear begins to smell, try turning it inside out.

5

Thou Shalt Embarrass Thyself at Mums’ Nights Out It’s not just your kids who are going to make lots of wonderful new friends at school. It’s vitally important for your children that you fully immerse yourself in the life of the school and bond with your fellow parents.

So grit your teeth and get out there, forcing down that fifth glass of Cab-Sav, reluctantly ordering that Death by Chocolate desert and arm-wrestling your new chums for the right to have first crack at the gorgeous Spanish waiter. The sacrifices we make for our kids, eh?

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Thou Shalt Eat Chocolate and Other Stuff And while we’re on the subject of chocolate, remember that you’re going to need to keep yourself properly in shape. We’re talking a balanced diet here. Champagne and caviar, for instance. Or Chardonnay and chocolate. Or strawberries and cream. Or . . .

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Thou Shalt Host Playdates As for your children’s friends, consider them a strategic resource. Inviting your child’s friends around for a playdate can earn you some valuable chocolate and Chardonnay time, assuming they can entertain themselves.

If not, simply lock them both in your child’s bedroom (taking care to secure windows beforehand) and challenge them to get out.

Pretend it’s a game (it’s not). Never, however, agree to a sleepover under any circumstances.

Or only if you’re away for the night and your own parents are babysitting.

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Thou Shalt Carefully Monitor Screentime Experts say excessive time spent

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watching TV or playing video games can damage young minds. We agree, although we’d would also like to note that about the only time the horrors aren’t bugging us is when they’re plugged into the Playstation or similar. We suggest compromising at no more than four hours’ screentime per day – just long enough for a relaxing facial, pedicure and lunch with friends.

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Thou Shalt Feel Stupid Doing Homework Don’t be surprised when your children start asking you some awkward questions.

And not just ‘Mummy, mummy, where do little babies come from?’ but also things like ‘How do you divide 214 by 17.5?’ and ‘What’s the capital of Namibia?’ and ‘How do you define post-modernism within the Aristotelian philosophical tradition?’ Tell them to look on the computer (see Rule 8 above).

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Thou Shalt Sit Through School Plays and Christmas Shows And your own children will never have any lines – and indeed might not even be visible, having been cast as ‘Rear End of Pantomime Goat’ or similar. Which doesn’t mean you won’t be expected to bring the camcorder, record the entire show, and then sit down back home and watch it all over again.

Alison Hathaway’s new novel, ‘Class’ – a tale of twisted love, even more twisted parents, PTA politics and how to cook the perfect mashed potatoes – is out now on Amazon Kindle (bit.ly/ classkindle).

Follow Alison Hathaway on Twitter @ChalfenMagna or visit the website www.AlisonHathaway.co.uk for news and special free book giveaways.

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The London Nanny Consultant talks about the best ways to prepare your child for nursery or school.

Starting nursery or primary school is an important milestone in a child’s life. I have helped many parents deal with mixed emotions and it is crucial not to pass on these feelings to your child.

Keeping the event as low key as possible is tantamount plus following these simple tips can make the transition smooth and easy.

• • • •

For nursery If your toddler has attended day care, playgroup or classes then you have a head start. These provide important first steps towards independence (even if you have remained with them).

Re-enforcing these skills at home will build on their confidence. Some skills can take a little longer to master e.g. tying shoes or doing up zips. Hold off buying shoes with laces for year, when they will be more ready to master them, but don’t make it too easy for them as, with practice, they should be able to do buckles and can continue working on zips.

Some children can become anxious about school meal times. Try to get hold of a school menu and talk to your child about the food available at school.

Consider preparing some of the dishes (or similar versions) at home so that your child knows what to expect. Help them learn to use a knife and fork so that they can cut the food and feed themselves.

Most children can start to master this skill from the age of four.

If your child is taking a lunch box involve them in planning a weekly menu.

Ensure all the food groups are covered.

Don’t worry if they don’t eat it all. If they have a nutritious breakfast and dinner and a healthy snack after school then over the week everything will balance out.

A lunch box doesn’t just mean sandwiches there are lots of alternatives e.g.

• H elping them socialise with other children.

• Introducing them into a structured environment outside the home.

Leaving them with another responsible adult such as a grandparent, friend or babysitter also helps. If you have experienced issues with stranger/ separation anxiety don’t worry. This is all part of their development from around nine months and does not mean you will have issues when they start school.

The teacher will advise you on the best settling-in approach in the beginning.

Reading them stories about starting school gives them the opportunity to talk to you about it and will give them an idea of what to expect.

For children starting primary school They will have worked on skills at nursery such as:

• • • • • • •

Going to the toilet.

Washing their hands.

Tidying up.

Dressing/Undressing.

Noodles, vegetables and chicken.

Rice, vegetables and fish.

Pasta dishes.

Couscous dishes.

Quiche.

Crudities.

Falafels

Even with sandwiches there are numerous types of bread e.g.

• • • • •

Pita.

Tortillas.

Bagels.

Muffins.

Cholla.

Have fun shopping in the supermarket for varieties! You could trial picnic lunches

over the summer on days out or at home.

Don’t buy the school uniform too early, start half way through the summer holiday (sometimes items may sell out or need advance ordering) and try to buy slightly bigger as children grow fast.

Letting your child pick out pencil cases or storage containers for packed lunches and other equipment is also fun. Just remember to keep everything easy to use and practical!

If they don’t know any children in their class, arranging play dates is a good idea. This makes the transition easier and helps you get to know some parents too.

If your child already knows some of the children but is not seeing them over the summer then arrange play dates towards the end of the holidays to help them get reacquainted.

In the week leading up to school work on the morning routine; • • • •

Getting up on time.

Getting dressed.

Eating breakfast at a reasonable rate.

Washing, brushing teeth and hair.

This gets them in the habit, makes the mornings less stressful, and helps you figure out how much time you need.

You can even do a dry run in the car if you want to feel really sure!

Transitioning to school is a fun time and major milestone. If you work on all of the above areas then it should go generally smoothly for everyone!

For information on child and baby related consultations Miranda Tibble can be contacted at www.thelondonnannyconsultant.co.uk.

Miranda is a Norland trained Nursery Nurse and advises parents on issues such as eating, sleeping, behaviour, discipline, routine, dummy removal, potty training, sibling rivalry and baby/child development and activities.

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back to school PHARMATON

Helping your Child with Maths

By Rob Eastaway

Get ready for a maths test. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve quadratic equations, and you won’t need a slide rule or even a pencil and paper.

You just need to imagine that a 10 year old girl has asked you for help with her homework.

Which of the following would you be able to explain to her?

• • • • •

Partitioning Number Bonds Multiplication with the grid method Arrays Division using chunking

You probably found that tough. In fact, I’m prepared to bet that, however good you think you are at maths, you scored very low in that test. Most parents and grandparents score zero, which is a bit worrying given that this terminology is now commonplace in primary schools across the UK. I’ve always been confident in maths, but even I was intimidated by the new teaching methods. When my daughter started primary school, I was annoyed too because I realised that when it came to explaining how to do things, I was stuck with methods that would mean nothing to her. I was reminded of a friend who sat down to help his son with long division, only for the boy to run off to mum screaming ‘Dad isn’t helping, he’s just confusing me!’

So now that I have got to grips with the new methods and language, what advice can I give you?

First of all, relax. Like all jargon, this new language is intimidating, but the methods behind it aren’t actually new at all. One mother, who was terrified about having to learn ‘grid multiplication’ discovered with great relief that it was actually very similar to an improvised method she used herself.

Secondly, remember that maths is far more than just the arithmetic children learn at school. It’s the maths they learn while playing board games and helping with the cooking or shopping, which really gives children a sense of numbers and how they fit in the real world. One day, your kids are playing Monopoly, the next they are looking for the best interest rate deals available,

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or working out the hidden charges on their mobile phone contract!

For those most comfortable with the traditional shorthand methods of long multiplication and division, the good news is that those methods ARE still taught, usually after children have been introduced to the other more intuitive methods. In fact, one of the legacies of Michael Gove’s period as Education Minister is that old-fashioned arithmetic – including knowing times tables up to twelve – is once again knowledge required by all children when they leave primary school. So children will still be expected to do things like ‘borrow one and then pay it back.’

A cautionary tale though. A teacher I met taught subtraction using the traditional method.

One day she set a test, which included the calculation 52 take away 16. One boy in the class spotted that you can’t take 6 away from 2, and he knew that this meant he had to borrow.

But where from? He noticed that the date was 24 November, so he decided to borrow 4 from the date and add it on to the 2! Everything on the page now added up correctly, as long as the teacher was prepared to accept that he had managed to go back in time four days!

The problem was that Stuart had been taught a mechanical method of arithmetic without any understanding of what it meant.

That is why some of the ‘new’ methods, such as grid multiplication, are so useful for many children. They tend to be a bit slower, but they are more visual and children can usually understand them much better than the more efficient ‘black box’ methods that their parents learned.

In the end, the most important thing is that your child becomes confident in dealing with numbers. The more they enjoy the maths that they do, the more they will practise, and the better they will get. By the time they are 18, few of them will be using long multiplication or any other written method – they’ll be working things out in their heads or using a calculator, like you do. But they will have gained a deeper understanding of numbers and problem-solving along the way, which will be essential in their adult life.

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

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

Pharmaton Vitality Capsules is packed with the unique Ginseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve temporary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically proven to enhance mental and physical performance. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, and never give up.

Rob Eastaway is co-author of Maths for Mums & Dads published by Square Peg (Penguin Random House) RRP £10.99.

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Montessori Parent & Child Classes Age 2 months to 3 years

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back to school Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and

Kindergarten Nursery School The Kindergarten Nursery School is celebrating its 13th year in Hendon.

Having just attained a ‘good’ Ofsted report the nursery is looking ahead to a new fun autumn term.

The Kindergarten is based in a large church hall fully adapted for the nursery with beautiful equipment and offering a fully-qualified staff team that have been together for 13 years.

We offer full-time, part-time and school day sessions and a fully flexible to suit every need.

The Kindergarten is open from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday.

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Additional maths tuition is essential for students taking the 11+ exams. Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children, including the 11+. What makes us unique is our bespoke service. If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais on: 020 3488 0754 at www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk

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Classes for children with Special Needs in North & East London Museums

020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street or Hoxton 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk

)

Access Sessions Deaf and disabled visitors can take part in talks and workshops. Contact the museum or email bookings@geffryemuseum.org.uk

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk British Sign Language Signtific Events Deaf-led family events with voiceover interpreters suitable for deaf and hearing audiences held on the first Saturday of the month and during holidays.

Visually Impaired and Blind Visitors Audio tours and object handling on selected dates. Check online or email for further information.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Morning Explorers October 10 Families with children under 13 years who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition can visit the museum before opening times.

Advance booking required.

Theatres ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park)

Light Show September 25-27 Journey through textures, smells and tactile experiences accompanied by live music. A multi-sensory experience for children on the autism spectrum. 3-11 years. Cost £15 admits one adult carer and child.

Clubs & Classes KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM

HOUSE OF ILLUSTRATION 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH ( King’s Cross) 020 3696 2020 houseofillustration.org.uk

1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ( Kentish Town) 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk

Ladybird by Design Until September 27 Paying visitors with special needs can be accompanied by a carer free of charge to the exhibition. Cost £7 /£4 children 5-11 years/ under 5s free.

Riding The farm runs the RDA programme that allows children and adults with disabilities to access riding. Call or email for more information or to book a session.

PERFORM

QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

020 7255 9120 perform.org.uk/sen Classes Parents-present for children with special educational needs. Acting, singing and dancing workshops to develop confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration. Free trial lesson. Call for more information and list of local areas.

E15 2ER ( Stratford) QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com

Special Events

Angel)

The Point at which it Last Made Sense October 9 Dance collaboration as part of the series presenting dance by deaf and disabled dance artists. Free post show talk BSLinterpreted.

Akram Khan Company: Chotto Desh October 31 BSL-Interpreted performance at 11am.

Dance experience show adapted for children 7+ years. Cost £12 / £7.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com The Forest November 13, 14 Specially created show for teens and adults with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Cost £8.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Breaking The Ice Until October 4 Highly visual show with little or no language suitable for deaf or hard of hearing visitors. Cost £8-£18.

BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2015 October 12-16 At the Copper Box Arena. Tickets online.

The Strings Club Term-Time Courses!

North London’s aspiring young musicians can now experience award-winning music tuition right on their doorstep with The Strings Club’s term-time courses for 4-11 year-olds!

Led by the UK’s leading string teachers, the fun-filled lessons are packed full of inspiring music tuition with each term concluding with a grand performance – giving your children the chance to show what they’ve achieved!

And to help track their progress, as partners with The Royal School of Music, The Strings Club will encourage your child to work towards a prestigious Music Medal award.

Book your little ones into ukulele or violin classes with The Strings Club Minis, especially created for children aged 4-5 years in their first year of school. Older children in Year 1 and above can join its Sound Start groups and choose between learning the guitar, violin or ukulele.

To celebrate the launch of its autumn courses, The Strings Club is offering FREE taster sessions w/c 14 September.

The term-time courses take place in Hampstead, Primrose Hill and Belsize Park and start from £15 per lesson, with instrument hire from just £3 per week.

Visit www.thestringsclub. org or call 0121 369 1950 for enquiries.

Friendly, fun family? Try hosting…

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French-English Bilingual Nursery School Children aged 1 to 5 Organic 4-course lunches Open 8am to 6pm 47 weeks/year

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School Open Days

020 8266 2300 habsgirls.org.uk

Independent School Girls 11-18

Independent School Girls 4-18 years

Open Day September 16, 17, October 14, November 12 Book a place in advance.

Open Morning Junior School October 3, November 10 Open Morning Senior School October 1, 3, November 11 Open Afternoon Sixth Form September 30 Limited places – booking essential.

HIGHGATE SCHOOL North Road, N6 4AY 020 8340 1524 (Senior) highgateschool.org.uk

CAMDEN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Sandall Road, NW5 2DB 020 7485 3414 camdengirls.camden.sch.uk

2 Arkwright Road, NW3 6AE 020 7435 1916 devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

State School Girls 11-18 Co-educational Sixth Form

Independent Co-educational School for 3-13 years. Nursery from 2 ½ years.

Open Day Main School September 15, 16, 18 Open day for admissions in 2016.

Tours and a talk with questions and answer sessions. No registration required.

Open Day Sixth Form November 24 Check online for booking procedures.

Ticketed event.

CHANNING SCHOOL The Bank, Highgate, N6 5HF 020 8340 2328 channing.co.uk Independent School Girls 4-18 years Junior School Open Day September 16 Early booking required.

Senior School Open Day September 17, October 5, 13, November 11 Online booking required.

CITY OF LONDON BOYS Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 3AL 020 7489 0291 020 7329 5106 (Admissions) clsb.org.uk Independent School Boys 10-18 years Open Afternoons September 22, 24, October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, November 5, 17, 19, December 3 Call or email the Admissions Department to reserve a place.

Early booking required.

Open Afternoon Sixth Form September 29

CITY OF LONDON GIRLS St Giles’ Terrace, EC2Y 8BB 020 7847 5500 clsg.org.uk Independent School Girls 7-18 years Open Events Prep 7+ September 9, 15 Email to book a place.

Open Morning Senior 11+ September 23, October 1, 14 No booking required.

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Open Morning October 14, 15 Whole school including The Oak Tree Nursery for parents only. No advance booking required. Contact the admissions secretary for further information.

FARADAY SCHOOL Old Gate House, 7 Trinity Buoy Wharf, E14 OFH 020 8965 7374 (admissions) faradayschool.co.uk Independent Prep School 4-11 years Open Days September 16, 30 Open days are held every term. Online booking.

GRANGE PARK PREPARATORY SCHOOL 13 The Chine, Grange Park, N21 2EA 020 8360 1469 gpps.org.uk office@gpps.org.uk Small Independent School Girls 3-11 years Open Mornings Contact the school office for current dates or special visits.

New Nursery Class Opening September 2015. Places available for 3-4 year olds. Curriculum includes art, drama, music and French.

HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF 020 8266 1700 habsboys.org.uk Independent School Boys 4-18 years Open Day October 3 Visit the Main school and Preparatory School, view the facilities and speak to the staff. No booking required. Small group tours can also be arranged on school days by appointment.

HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3BT

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Coeducational school Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior Schools 3-18 years.

Open Day 11+ and 13+ October 3 To book a place call, email or complete the online registration form.

Sixth Form September 9 Book online or call the Admissions office to reserve a place – for 2016 entry requirements.

KING ALFRED SCHOOL Manor Wood, North End Road, NW11 7HY 020 8457 5200 kingalfred.org.uk Coeducational Independent School 4-18 years Lower School Open Morning October 15 Book via email.

Sixth Form Open Evening September 28, November 16 Book via email.

LYNDHURST HOUSE SCHOOL

Sixth Form Open Day September 30 Book a place in advance.

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL Junior School: 5 Netherhall Gardens, NW3 5RN 020 7794 7198 Senior School: 3 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SS 020 7435 2899 shhs.gdst.net Independent Girl’s School GDST 4-18 years Open Day Senior School October 5, November 5 Book a place online.

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Wye Street, SW11 2HB 020 7228 3933 thameschristiancollege.org.uk Independent School Boys & Girls 11-16 Open Mornings September 22, October 3, October 7

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL Frognal, Hampstead, NW3 6XH 020 7435 2215 (Senior School) ucs.org.uk Day school 3-18 years.

Junior Branch Boys & Senior School Boys + mixed Sixth Form.

24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, NW3 020 7435 4936 lyndhursthouse.co.uk

Junior Branch Open Evening September 10, October 1 Book a place in advance.

Independent Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School for boys 4-13 years

Senior School Open Evenings 11+ & 13+ September 16, 21, 29 No booking necessary.

Open Morning October 14, 28 Contact the school to book a place.

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7RJ 020 8952 0912 (Senior) nlcs.org.uk Independent School Girls 4-18 years Junior School Annual Open Morning September 26

PALMERS GREEN HIGH SCHOOL

Senior School Open Evenings 16+ September 17, 28 No booking necessary.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ ( Sloane Square) schoolsshow.co.uk November 14, 15 Information, help and advice for parents choosing private education. Register in advance for free tickets.

104 Hoppers Road, N21 3LJ 020 8886 1135 pghs.co.uk Independent School Girls 3-16 years Open Morning October 10 Main school and Alice Nursery.

0845 644 5452

QUEEN’S COLLEGE LONDON 43-49 Harley Street, W1G 8BT 020 7291 7000 qcl.org.uk

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The Lyceum is a unique independent nursery and school for children ages 3 - 11, located near Old Street in central London.

We focus on giving the children in our care, high-level skills both academically and within the arts, creative and performing, which are achieved through innovative organisation and high-quality teaching.

“The caring secure environment, in which smiles and laughter are a significant part of school life, provides a fully supported backdrop to promote learning” - ISI Oct 2014 Inspection

Contact us to visit today! - www.lyceumschool.co.uk 6 Paul Street, City of London, London EC2A 4JH

T: 020 7247 1588

E: admin@lyceumschool.co.uk

Bancroft’s School

High Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 0RF Founded 1737 A Tradition of Excellence

Independent, fully co-educational, HMC day school for 7 – 18 year olds

Open Events 2015 For Entry September 2016

7+ Entry Saturday 17 October at 10 am until 12 noon

11+ Entry Monday 21 September at 7 pm until 9 pm Saturday 28 November at 10 am until 12 noon We ask visitors to arrive promptly for the Head’s introductory talk. Please note there is limited parking on

Keren’s Nursery ENROLMENT NOW OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER 2015 BOOK A NURSERY VISIT TO FEEL THE MAGIC OF KEREN’S!

Ofsted Outstanding Developing self-Confidence, Self-Esteem and Independence Stimulating Curriculum Kosher meals freshly prepared daily Bi-lingual Nursery (English and Hebrew) Opening hours are 08:00-16:00 (Fri 08:00 – 14:00)

WELCOME

Celeb ratin g

020 8455 9646 Contact@kerensnursery.com YEAR S www.kerensnursery.com

the School site.

Generous Academic, Means Tested and Music Scholarships available

LEARNING IS A TREASURE THAT WILL FOLLOW ITS’ OWNER EVERYWHERE!

For further details, including information about Scholarships, telephone: 020 8505 4821 or see our website

www.bancrofts.org To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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annabel karmel

Awesome After School Snacks When children come home from school, they head straight for the infamous biscuit tin. When children are hungry, they simply won’t wait which is why it’s so easy to grab a biscuit or a packet of crisps. I’ve teamed up with Families North to give you some recipe inspiration for quick and easy after-school snacks so you can satisfy hungry tums until teatime. Enjoy!

Chicken and Sweetcorn Quesadilla

Chicken, Cheese and Tomato on Toast

½ tsp sweet paprika 1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips 1 tomato sliced 4 spring onions, sliced 4 tbsp sweetcorn 50g Cheddar cheese, grated 4 small tortilla wraps

2 slices wholemeal bread A knob of butter 50g cooked chicken, chopped 20g cheddar cheese, grated 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tomato, deseeded and diced

Method 1. Mix the paprika, chicken and seasoning together.

2. Heat a little oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until brown and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Put one wrap in the pan.

4. Mix the chicken, tomato, onion, sweetcorn and cheese together. Put half of the mixture on top of the wrap. Put another wrap on top and press down.

5. After a few minutes, carefully flip over and cook on the other side for 2 minutes.

Slide onto a plate and slice into wedges.

Method 1. Pre-heat the grill.

2. Toast the bread in a toaster then butter one side and place it on a baking tray. Mix the chicken, cheddar, chives, mayonnaise and tomato together and spread on top of the toast.

3. Grill until bubbling. Remove the crusts, then slice each toast into four strips.

Makes 8 fingers

Makes 2 portions

Keep little ones busy this summer with Annabel’s BRAND NEW Family Cooking app.

As well as lots of simple, tasty recipes, it includes a special Kids Rule the Kitchen cooking course designed to feed young imaginations whilst teaching essential cooking skills. Available via the App Store.

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Mini Vegetable Balls 2 carrots, peeled and grated 1 small courgette, grated 75g butternut squash, peeled and grated 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped ½ tbsp chopped fresh thyme 50g mushroom chopped 50g parmesan, grated 150g breadcrumbs 1 small egg, beaten 1 ½ tbsp tomato ketchup, plus extra to serve 1tsp soy sauce a little plain flour 2 tbsp olive oil Method 1. Put the grated carrots, courgette and squash into a clean tea towel or muslin cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

2. Tip into a mixing bowl and add all the remaining ingredients except the flour and the olive oil. Stir to combine and, using damp hands, shape the mixture into 24 little balls. Put the flour on a plate and roll the ball in it to coat.

3. Heat the oil in a larger frying pan.

Add the balls and fry for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.

4. Allow to cool a little and serve with ketchup.

Makes 24 veggie balls

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health and happiness Carole Ann Rice is one of the UK’s leading life coaches and has run her own coaching practice for 12 years. She is author of two books Find Your Dream Job and Start Your Dream Business and has her own column Happy Mondays each week in the Daily Express. Her coaching academy www. purecoachingacademy.com is training people to be become coaches from all over the world.

Stop People Pleasing – Now!

Melon Flowers Honeydew Melon Cantaloupe Melon Watermelon Grapes Bamboo skewers Straws Method 1. Using cookie cutters, cut out flower shapes from the various melons and then cut out circles in the centre of each flower.

2. Using a small round cutter or a melon baller cut out small circles or balls of melon and insert them in the centre of each flower.

3. Push the tip of bamboo skewer through the flower and cover with a straw and thread a couple of grapes onto each of the straws.

4. You can arrange the flowers by pushing the end of the straws / skewers through the skin of an upturned melon.

Ewan the Dream Sheep SweetDreamers, the brand behind the famous ewan the dream sheep, is thrilled to unveil a new ‘fleece’ for its multi award winning sleep aid. Introducing ‘ewan the grey’, the newest member of the flock, who officially goes on sale today. SweetDreamers certainly don’t miss a ‘bleat’ as grey is undoubtedly the must have colour for 2015. Gender neutral and calming, grey is a fantastic colour theme for a nursery, the perfect place for ewan.

RRP: £29.99 Stockist: www. sweetdreamers.co.uk

Families North loves

Life Coach Carole Ann Rice looks at how you can please yourself and keep your friends too.

• W hat is the cost of needing to be liked?

• What would it take to value myself more?

• What do I want from others?

• What do I need to trust in order for me to speak up for myself?

Do you worry inordinately about what people think of you? Would you rather bite your tongue, swallow back your true feelings and ‘go with the flow’ than say what you really think? If you frequently feel misunderstood, overlooked or powerless in situations which, deep down you know are of your own making, then you could be one of life’s people pleasers.

You pride yourself on being ‘nice’, of putting other’s needs before your own and yet sometimes it can feel as though nobody puts you first or understands what you really want. It may feel good at the time to fit in and be accommodating to others, perhaps it makes you feel loveable and needed. But being easy-going may mean you are treated as a dog’s body or a pushover.

People pleasers may on the surface desire harmony but underneath may be people riddled with self doubt, can often feel isolated and alone and someone who certainly is not their own best friend.

If this is you then you’ll recognize the signs. From going along to another party you’d rather avoid to lying sleepless in bed wishing you’d had the courage to say the things you really believed in.

One of my clients, a self-confessed people pleaser, said ‘when I am being nice I’m telling a lie’ as he knew it was a coverup for his real feelings which he didn’t respect enough to express.

If you can relate to this here are some coaching questions to ask yourself and some practical tips to try to go from people pleasing to pleased person. Ask yourself:

Practical tips to try today: • V olunteer less • Say ‘no’ more often to small things and build your confidence gradually • Have healthy boundaries with others • See how people respect others who know and express their own mind • ‘Get’ that it’s entirely OK to have opinions and desires different from others.

• Dare to be true and authentic. Being you is entirely enough.

Worried about what people think about you? The bad news is that other people talk and think about you a lot less than you would imagine. They are far too occupied thinking about themselves.

What is important is what you think of yourself, liking what you know and truly accepting the good in you and that ‘

Say ‘no’ more often to small things and build your confidence gradually. www.realcoachingco.com

• W hat am I really scared about people knowing about me?

• Why am I trying to please people all the time? What do I get out of it?

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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halloween

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Crafts and Decorations 4.

Have fun with a few simple art and craft activities which will transform your home into a witch’s cavern or haunted house this Halloween. Create lanterns, flying bats and bunting or make a scary, floating ghost by wrapping a piece of white material or a white bin bag over a balloon and drawing on a spooky face. For a Halloween feast, or tea party, use a paper plate and card shaped into a cone to make a witch’s hat as a table decoration. Add a lantern and some creepy treats to create the perfect setting for a spooky supper! Try some of the ideas on these pages!

Halloween Bat Make this Toilet Tube Bat to decorate your house, as a spooky present or to take to a party! Una Fagan from Happy Potter Ceramics (www.happypotterceramics.co.uk) tells us how.

Instructions Materials: Toilet roll tube, black poster paint, black card, scissors, string, sticky tape, coloured poster paint or goggly-eye stickers 1. Fold the top of the tube inside to create two points making ears. Then, turning the tube sideways, do the same again to create a point at the bottom making the shape of a bat’s body.

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2. Once folded, paint the whole toilet roll tube in black poster paint for a really scary bat look.

3. Take a piece of black card and fold it in half, then draw two small curves at the bottom to create spiky bat wings. Cut this into shape.

4. Fold the piece into a concertina zig-zag shape to give the wings lots of body and make some scary shadows.

5. Cut two small holes on each side of the tube where the wings should go, then thread the folded wings through.

6. Open up the wings and fold them into shape. Add some spooky eyes with paint or goggly-eye stickers. Tape some string to the back, and get ready to scare all of your friends with your frightening hanging bat!

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halloween Trick or Treat Bag Make this simple but colourful trick or treat bag or box that is perfect for your toddler!

Liz Berry from Little Acorns Art Club (www. littleacornsartclub.co.uk) tells us how.

Instructions 1. Use coloured bags or boxes (can be bought from shops like Hobbycraft or Yellow Moon) and buy some stickers which your child can stick onto the bag/ box. Alternatively, get your child to paint a brown or white paper bag orange/ black/purple and allow to dry. Add a pumpkin shape, eyes, nose, stalk, mouth and stars and shapes that you’ve cut out from either felt or foam pads.

2. Let your child stick these on with PVA glue and allow to dry.

Once complete, your child can take their little bag out for trick or treating!

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Halloween Lantern Create a stunning but easy-to-make Halloween lantern to decorate your garden or window. Amanda Wright from Storytelling Adventures (www.bridgeac. com) tells us how.

Instructions Materials: 2 pipe cleaners or pieces of garden wire, glue, tissue paper, patterned wallpaper or wrapping paper, scissors.

1. Cut the patterned paper and tissue paper into strips of the same size

2. Cut shapes into the patterned paper 3. Stick the tissue paper onto the back of the patterned paper and stick the paper strips onto the jar 4. Twist the two wires together into a crucifix shape. Turn the crucifix upside down so that the long end or ‘tail’ points straight up.

5. Place the horizontal wire that forms the cross of the crucifix around the rim of the jar, twisting the ends together to secure. Then bend the long’ tail’ up and over the top of the jar. Twist the ‘tail’ to the horizontal wire to secure the handle.

6. Place a tea light inside and your lantern is ready!

Trick or treat Etiquette

By Justina Gapper

Glow in the Dark Fabric Monsters Create a friendly little monster to light your way on the treacherous trick or treating trip!

Fiona Harvey from Artyard Handmade (www. artyardhandmade.co.uk) tells us how Materials and Instructions 1. Gather scraps of material (from around the house or bargain bins/scrap tubs at fabric stores), paper, pen, pins, needle and thread, wadding or toy stuffing, battery operated tea light. Buttons and ribbon optional.

2. Draw a simple shape for your monster.

An oval with straight bottom edge works best as it’s simple, but you can choose any shape. Remember, you are going to have to sew it up, so the more curves, the trickier the sewing.

3. Cut out your shape using paper scissors.

4. Pin your shape onto your fabric to stop it sliding it around, then cut two monster shapes from the fabric. Use two different fabrics if you want to mix it up, or the same colour all over.

5. Pin your back and front together with the right sides facing each other. Sew you monster together leaving a gap for the stuffing. Turn your fabric inside out through the gap remaining, so that the right side of the fabric is on the outside.

Place half your wadding inside, making sure you push it gently into every area of the monster’s body. Just before adding the last bit of wadding, pop the tea light inside and nestle it inside, then fill to the edge and sew up.

6. You can add a few extras such as button eyes, a ribbon round his neck and a bit of punky hair!

If you and your children are going trick or treating for the first time, here are a few guidelines.

What age can children start?

There’s no minimum age! Many parents enjoy dressing-up and venturing out with their toddlers, whilst others take babies along in prams with older siblings.

What are the rules?

Only approach homes that have a visible ‘invitation’ – whether it’s a pumpkin, lantern or other Halloween decorations displayed.

Don’t knock if the lights are off and don’t knock more than once. Alternatively, you may decide to knock only on doors of friends and neighbours that you have pre-warned of the visit!

What if my children don’t like the treat?

Make sure your children are briefed to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in addition to ‘trick or treat,’ plus they should try to be appreciative of any treat they are given.

What’s the trick all about?

The word ‘trick’ refers to the ‘threat’ to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. These days it is uncommon to have raw egg splattered over your driveway by pranksters, but it’s safest not to answer the door to raucous groups of older teenagers, or if you suspect your visitors are not well-intentioned. If you are asked for a ‘trick,’ what should you do?

One harmless but funny idea is to get the homeowner to close their eyes and put their hand in a witch’s hat or toy cauldron filled with a gooey mess or plastic spiders, rubbery worms and insects.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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halloween

Costumes and Masks Halloween is all about becoming someone – or something – else. Whilst there’s a huge range of costumes for sale these days, it’s fairly simple to create the same effect at home with a few swathes of material and a little imagination.

Whilst traditional spooky characters are always popular with children ‘not everyone wants to be scary, which is why cats are so popular, especially with younger children’ reports Adrienne D’Souza, proprietor of costume and accessory shop A Party Palace.

Masks can quickly transform your child into a different character and even youngsters can use paint or stickers to create monsters, ghouls or animals. Cut out simple shapes from card, or buy plain masks to decorate at home, advises Amanda Wright, who runs Storytelling.

Adrienne D’Souza from A Party Palace (www.apartypalace.co.uk) tells us how to make some Halloween costumes:

Cat Homemade cat costumes are fairly straightforward to create and both boys and girls tend to love to becoming cats – as long as they can accompany the costume with a jolly good meow!

Instructions 1. Find black leggings/tights and a black top 2. Stuff one leg of an old pair of black tights with newspaper or other material for the tail 3. Cut out pointy black ears from some card and attach them to a hairband 4. Use face paint for whiskers and a nose

The Dance of Expression Alain & Françoise

CHANTRAINE

– for all who love to dance!

Welcoming new & old pupils, all ages (5-18 years) to an exciting new year of dance Friendly, creative classes in S & W Hampstead, Kilburn area Including all main styles classical – contemporary – jazz

Photo: Sabina

Term begins Sept. 19th CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE Tel 020 7435 4247 email patricia.woodall@yahoo.com

Islington Green (Angel). 2-5 year olds.

8.00 am - 6.00 pm 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week 47 weeks a year

www.chantrainedance.co.uk

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Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery

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020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com

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halloween Mummy

Monster Mask

Much fun and great effect can be created from wrapping up your child as a mummy – as long as you are prepared to let them wrap you up too!

Fiona Harvey from Artyard Handmade (www.artyardhandmade.co.uk), which offers children’s art/craft workshops and courses, shares her mask idea.

Instructions 1. Cut up an unwanted white sheet or use any old white material or bandages that are lying around.

Get wrapping!

2. For extra effect, tea stain material or dab with black poster paint 3. Put on white, cream or light grey leggings/tights and a white, cream or light grey top.

4. Paint your mummy with white or light grey around the face and a darker colour, like black or dark grey around the eyes.

(Always spot-test skin a day or two before).

5. To add authenticity, attach plastic spiders, insects and rats to the costume or drape some fake cobweb over it once complete.

1. Draw the shape of a monster’s face onto cardboard and cut out 2. Measure up the eyes of the person who’s going to wear the masks and cut eye-holes in the cardboard 3. Scrunch up newspaper balls into varying sizes to create monster warts and extra eyes 4. Glue them into place on your mask 5. Use blends of green paint to create a swamp monster look.

6. Once dry, add ‘hairs’ to the wart (try a bit of broom bristle) and veins to the eyes/dripping blood if desired.

7. Secure some elastic from the edges of the mask using a stapler or glue gun or by punching a hole on either side of the cardboard and threading through some string/elastic 8. Put on your mask and get out there to scare people!

Masks can quickly transform your child into a different character and even youngsters can use paint or stickers to create monsters, ghouls or animals.

NW1 / NW6 / NW8 / N19

age range

020 7937 7965 Find your local class

www.kiddikicks.co.uk

Quote FamNorth for a 5% discount

Real Skills Real Fun

18 months - 10 years

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk 55346 Pharmaton UK AD 87mm x 130mm AW.indd 1

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clubs and classes

Clubs & Classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in North London.

This season there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Art & craft JW3 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET ( Finchley Road) 020 7433 8988 jw3.org.uk info@jw3.org.uk Fusion Juniors Half Term October 26-30 Drop-off event with different activities every day. 8-11 years. Booking required.

Cost £30-£33.

Fusion Kids Playscheme October 26-30 Drop-off event with creative activities for 5-7 years. Booking required. £30-£33.

Breakfast Club October 26-30 Early start. 5-11 years. £5 extra.

Starting With Art Hamptead www.startingwithart.com facebook.com/startingwithart 07886808896 Contemporary art workshops, parties and events for babies, toddlers and children.

Dance CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE South and West Hampstead 020 7435 4247

Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in North London?

Contact adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

chantrainedance.co.uk info@chantrainedance.co.uk Dance Classes Creative approach to all aspects of dance. Weekday and Saturday classes in contemporary, classical, jazz – creativity, choreography and more. Classes for children and teenagers. First class free.

LONDON ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS & DANCE (LAGAD) Muswell Hill, Alexandra Palace, Southgate 07887 367171 lagad.co.uk info@lagad.co.uk Classes Fun and energetic dance and gymnastics classes in North London with coaching from a number of former International Gymnasts. 3 ½ to 17 years.

JUMP UP DANCE ACADEMY The Rooms Above NW6, St Luke’s School NW3, UCL Academy, Mill Hill Music Complex NW7 07946 581933 jumpup.co.uk erna@jumpup.co.uk Dance Classes RAD ballet, ISTD modern, ISTD tap in a wide range of ages and abilities.

New, Street Dance at O2 Centre, NW3.

Take part in shows on a regular basis with invited guests and work towards RAD ballet examinations.

3-18+ years.

Film School STUDIO FILM SCHOOL Balham, Hampstead and Highgate 020 7101 9329 studiofilmschool.co.uk info@studiofilmschool.co.uk Classes Join Studio Film School and make your own movies each Saturday in Hampstead or Highgate! Unleash your creative imagination, increase in confidence and make friends in a fun and friendly environment as you explore all aspects of filmmaking including camera work, editing, crewing, acting and editing. Courses available for ages 7-18 years. Book your place for this September by calling 020 7101 9329, or email info@studiofilmschool.co.uk.

Alternatively visit the website: www.studiofilmschoool.co.uk

Languages BI-LINGUAL BEATS

Bi-lingual Bilingual nursery – English and Hebrew.

Book a visit contact@kerensnursery.com

French French classes for francophone children 0-14 years on Tuesdays & Wednesdays; French for English speaking children on Mondays; Drama in French 8+ years on Saturdays, French library twice monthly and Little French Film Festival. Play, songs and stories for young children, writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes for older children.

Lessons Learn music, Spanish and French. Early childhood programme that integrates music and a foreign language in a fun and creative way. Under 5 years.

Autumn Term 19 September to 11 December Fun French for children using the especially adapted ‘immersion method’ programme.

Songs, rhymes, dances and movement, art and crafts, theatre, role-play, fun language games and exercises, cooking, puppets…

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KEREN’S NURSERY 020 8455 9646 kerensnursery.com

83a Downs Park Road, E5 8NP 07749 973 791 info@les-crocodiles.org

North London bilingualbeats.com info@bilingualbeats.com

CLUB PETIT PIERROT

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Learn French CD for kids Fun educational CD ‘Learn French: Original songs and rhymes for children’ is available to buy on amazon.co.uk.

LA PETITE ÉCOLE DES CROCODILES

St John’s Wood, Notting Hill, Chelsea & Putney Free Trial Lesson 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

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all great fun! Many different clubs across London. Parent and toddler groups. After-school classes. Saturdays and holiday clubs. Also private tuition/ mini-groups at home during term-time and holiday periods and they teach in many prestigious schools too. 8 months8 years. Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out. Check website for special events including Halloween!

Ecole FLAM (Français Langue Maternelle) for children aged 0-12. Also French classes for non-French speakers and one-to-one tuition.

Also visit our French Library with a choice of more than 1,000 books and magazines in French.

Based in Hackney, E5. Saturday classes @ Baden Powell Primary School from 10am to 1pm.

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clubs and classes Info@les-crocodiles.org biblio@les-crocodiles.org www.les-crocodiles.org

LES PETITES ETOILES St George’s Hall, Crayford Road, London N7 OND 020 7697 8110 lespetitesetoiles.co.uk French – English Bilingual Nursery School. Organic 4-course lunches. 1-5 years.

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE 07572579501 worldofmyl.com

mylclubs@gmail.com Language Fun Fun French language classes, cooking with French sessions and music and games. Fridays at Christchurch Islington and Saturdays at Dalston Hackney.

4-11 years.

MARS MONTESSORI BILINGUAL NURSERY Islington Green London N1 2XU 020 7704 2805 marsmontessori.com Bilingual Nursery 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week.

2-5 years.

Studio Film School

Favourite

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD THIS Autumn - Ukulele, violin and guitar - Partners with The Royal School of Music - Instrument hire from £3 per week

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North!

Awarding winning term time courses for children aged 4-11 years

learn co-ordination, rhythm and great moves to funky pop songs and boost confidence Classes held in Crouch End, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Swiss Cottage, North Finchley

R

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950

Danny Grant Families ad 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page 1

Danny Grant Soccer School

Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11.

Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day!

Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12yrs.

Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

Call for more details!

info@dgsoccer.co.uk

020 8446 0891 www.dgsoccer.co.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes FLEET TUTORS 0845 644 5452 fleet-tutors.co.uk Tuition Help students reach their potential with private home tutoring.

JADERBERG KRAIS Tutoring Assessments Consultancy 020 3488 0754 jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Club Petit Pierrot

Learning & tuition EXPLORE LEARNING Crouch End 020 3375 4245 Finchley 020 8150 2218 Islington 020 3597 7856 New Barnet 020 3375 4248 Palmers Green 020 3597 7858 West Hampstead 020 7993 1309 Enfield 020 3713 9721 explorelearning.co.uk Tuition Centres Tailored courses to support children of all abilities to become confident and engaged learners, providing Maths, English and 11+ tuition. Children attend centres twice a week on a drop-in basis and centres are open seven days a week. Childcare vouchers accepted.

5-14 years.

Tutoring & Assessments Educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children. 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSEs and A Levels. Help children achieve the results they deserve. Call for further information.

KIP MCGRATH EDUCATION CENTRES 5 Crowndale Road, Camden, NW1 1TU 020 7383 9060 kipmcgrathcamden.co.uk camden@kip-mcgrath.com Tuition Professional tutoring in fully equipped educational centres. Maths, English, Reading, Spelling, Exam Prep and comprehension. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free assessment. 6-16 years.

Music PIANO LESSONS David Moss 07713957902 Lessons Piano lessons in the home for beginners and advanced by experienced and patient teacher.

PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME Highly qualified, experienced and patient teacher. Beginnersadvanced welcome.

References on request.

Enquiries David Moss 07713957902

Performing arts CRAZEE KIDS Jacksons Lane, Archway Road, N6 5AA 020 8444 5333 07958 501919 crazeekids.co.uk lisa@crazeekids.co.uk Autumn Term From September 15 Tuesdays and Saturdays weekly classes in a wide variety of creative activities, dance, drama, music and art, tailored to different age groups. 3-10 years.

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL North & North West London 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk info@dramarama.co.uk Half Term Courses October 19-23, 26-30 Dramatots, Stage One, Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Advanced Acting Courses.

Held at South Hampstead High School,

3 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SS. Cost £150/£155 per week/ £40/£45 per day.

Term Time From September 19 Wide range of Performing Arts Classes for 3-4, 5 & 6 and 7-12 year olds, including drama, dance exams, musical theatre exams and street dance. Creative activities to develop self confidence and vocal skills for 3-4 years. Performance based courses with daily dramatic technique workshops, play rehearsals and musical and street dance shows presented at the end of the week to family and friends for 5-11 years and Advance Acting courses for 11-15 years.

Birthday parties also bookable.

EXCHANGE THEATRE 46 Oxford Drive, Magdalen Street, SE1 2FB ( London Bridge) 020 8403 8560 echangetheatre.com fanny@echangetheatre.com French and Drama Clubs Your child wants to act? And you want them to learn French? Mix it all together with acting classes in the morning and Cultural and Drama related fun in the afternoon. 7+ years.

PERFORM Belsize Park, Crouch End, East Finchley, Edgware, Finchley, Finsbury Park, Friern Barnet, Golders Green, Hampstead, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Highbury, Islington, Kentish Town, Mill Hill, Newington Green, North Finchley, Primrose Hill, Southgate, Stoke Newington, Totteridge Village, St John’s Wood, Swiss Cottages, West Hampstead 020 7255 9120

Tel: 07754120751 keith@rugbytots.co.uk 20

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clubs and classes perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk Term Time From September 1 Weekly drama classes for 4-7 years and 7-12 years. Younger children can boost confidence, improve communication, make friends and have fun with an Arthurian adventure. Older children will rehearse a unique adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with hip hop sounds, street moves and songs. Free trials available.

Holiday Courses October 26-28 In Hampstead, Highbury and Primrose Hill. Magical 3-day course with Alice in Wonderland as the theme. Combine live original music, dance, improvisation and costumes with a show-stopping performance on the final day. 4-7 years.

RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOLS Barnet 01923 805846 / 07788 592171 Hampstead 020 8150 7198 / 07875 331254 razzamataz.co.uk Drama Classes Musical theatre, dance and drama.

Razz Tots aged 2-3 years. Trial sessions available. 4-18 years.

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLS Highgate 020 7272 8108 stagecoach.co.uk/highgate Theatre Workshops Fun confidence building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

4-18 years.

THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL North London & Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands, Lewisham 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design with shows, competitions, annual Oscar Night and holiday schools.

Students get the chance to be considered for professional work. Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green, Wednesdays in Docklands and Thursdays in Lewisham.

Fiorentini Weenies for 3-6 years and drama qualifications also available.

Check online for ‘taster day’ dates.

3-18 years.

Sport DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL North & North West London 020 8446 0891 dgsoccer.co.uk info@dgsoccer.co.uk Half Term Courses October 26-30 Held at UCL Academy School, Adelaide Road/Avenue Road, NW8 6HX. Funbased introduction to football. Develop fitness, skills and confidence. Sporting games and drills to improve technique for boys and girls of all abilities. 3-12 years. Football tournaments played each day. Reserve a place via email or phone.

Cost £150 (3-4 years) / £155 (5-10 years). Daily rates £40/£45.

Term Time From September 19 Football classes on Saturday mornings for 3 & 4 years and 5-7 years. Weekly football training sessions for 7-12 years (children in School Years 3-6). Teams play in The Camden and Regents Park Youth League.

New players welcome to join at any time.

Football or sports birthday parties also bookable.

ENJOY – A – BALL 08452 26 26 94 enjoy-a-ball.com Enjoy-a-Ball holiday camps Fun, action packed camps during the school holidays for 3-9 year olds.

Different sport every day for 5+ years and active games for 3-4 years, plus arts and crafts for all ages. Email prior to booking to check availability. Full and half day weekly sessions. Check online for dates and prices.

Term Time Play Ball – throwing, catching, bouncing and balancing.

Play Ball Level 2 – Sports Skills including basketball, baseball and touch rugby.

Year 2 – Champs: Sports skills, team work, rules and matches.

Parties Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3-9 year olds full of high energy games for boys and girls.

FIT FOR SPORT 0845 456 3233 fitforsport.co.uk Activity Camps Sports, games and activities. 3-12 years.

KIDS YOGA Southbury Leisure Centre yogakids@holisticworld.co.uk Classes Tuesdays during term time. 6-11 years.

LONDON SCHOOL OF CAPOEIRA HERANCA Units 1-2 Leeds Place, Tollington Park, N4 3RF ( Finsbury Park) 020 7281 2020 londonschoolofcapoeira.com kids@londonschoolofcapoeira.com Capoeira for Children A capoeira school values quality discipline, health and personal development.

Develop physical abilities through dance, music, self-defence and acrobatics. After school classes. 7-16 years.

MULTI SPORTS Crouch End & Mill Hill 0844 335 0450 themultisportsgroup.co.uk Weekend Sports Take part in a variety of sports activities – 18 sports a year, with professional coaches. All abilities welcome. Little Sporties for 4-5 years and Main School for 6-16 years.

POOLSIDE MANOR Lyndhurst Gardens, Finchley, N3 1TD 020 8349 1945 poolsidemanor.com Swimming Lessons Learn to swim in a warm and friendly pool. Swimming lessons for all ages, activity day camps and birthday parties with swimming and a range of sports.

Call for more information.

RUGBY TOTS Finchley N2, Highbury/Islington N7, Crouch End N8, Muswell Hill N10, Cricklewood NW2, Parliament Hill NW5, Queens Park NW6 07754120751 rugbytots.co.uk keith@rugbytots.co.uk

Classes Rugby specific play programme designed to build confidence and enhance physical and social skills.

Led by qualified and trained coaches.

Book online. 2-7 years.

SNOZONE snozoneuk.com/family-fun 0871 222 5673 Snocamps Supervised ski and snowboard lessons during every school holiday. Suitable for beginners and experienced skiers/ snowboarders. 7-15 years. Family private lessons and family sledging sessions also available.

Theatre workshops ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Arts Depot Junior Performers From September 22 Term time classes in drama, movement, games and performances. See shows and perform in front of family and friends.

5-11 years.

Arts Depot Messy Play From September 25 Weekly term time messy play activities.

Book in advance. 10 months-3 years.

Cost £8 per session.

What the Ladybird Heard Workshop October 27-November 1

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clubs and classes Craft activities with ladybird puppets.

3+ years. Cost £6.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Saturday Shed 12 Sep-31 Oct, 10am (5-8 years) and 11.15am (9-12 years) Price: £6 per child per session.

25% discount when booking 8 sessions.

Age: 5-12yrs. Saturday Shed is a great opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills using our proven teaching methods and unique performance style. Led by our highly experienced and energetic staff, each fun session will involve movement, drama, singing and story-making. Every workshop is different and designed so that a child of any ability can come to all sessions, or drop in to one session from time to time.

Autumn Shed Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 10am-4pm each day Price: £130 (50% sibling discount).

Ages: 5-12years (school years 1-8).

Participants at this brilliant week-long event will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story making. Parents and friends will be invited on the final afternoon to see a performance. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.

Toddlers & babies COLOURSTRINGS Muswell Hill, Highgate, Islington, Stoke Newington 020 8444 9435 nlcolourstrings.co.uk Music Kindergarten Active fun, musical learning for babies,

Supporting students in North London to reach their potential For many young people, developing a passion early on in life will lead them to their future career.

Performing arts is one such area where the desire and training often starts early. But in this highly

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toddlers and children, based on traditional and classical music. Small age-related classes where every child is treated as an individual.

DEBUTOTS Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Swiss Cottage 020 8442 2380 debutots.co.uk jennifer@debutots.co.uk Classes Interactive story telling and dramatic play classes. Build self confidence, creativity and communication.

6 months-7 years.

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET ( Finchley Road) 020 7433 8988 jw3.org.uk info@jw3.org.uk Hartbeeps Baby Bells September 16, 30, October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 11 Classes for parents and their newborns with baby massage and calming techniques. 6 weeks to 6 months.

Cost £7.50-£8.50.

Charlene 07892 711162 diddidance.com

Puppet Tales September 16 30, October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 11 Fun stories with puppets.

2½ to 6 years. Cost £6.

Pre-school Dance Classes Move to funky pop songs and boost confidence. Learn co-ordination, rhythm and great moves. Parties also available.

Classes held in Crouch End, Highgate,

Imagination Station September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1 Music and movement sessions.

Under 4 years. Cost £8.

DIDDI DANCE

competitive field, young people need as much support as possible to achieve their dreams.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools, based in Barnet and Hampstead, are working with their students to support them through their professional training. The part-time theatre school works with youngsters in dance, drama and singing each week and covers the whole spectrum of genres from classic West End musical theatre to pop singing and street dance. This creates ‘triple threat performers’ which is what the industry now demands.

Razzamataz Barnet & Hampstead offer a wide range of performing arts styles for

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Islington, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Swiss Cottage, North Finchley. 2-4 years.

children from the ages of 2-18 with classes in dance, drama and singing. Students experience various genres from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing and street dance. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student.

To book a free performing arts session with Razzamataz Barnet, call Michael on 07788 592171 or email barnet@razzamataz.co.uk.

For Razzamataz Hampstead, call Frances on 07766 500812 or email hampstead@ razzamataz.co.uk.

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clubs and classes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY BBC & DAILY TELEGRAPH

FREE TRIAL LESSON

The MultiSports Group Change your game

MultiSports Crouch End MultiSports Mill Hill

Fun French Lessons for Children Est 1993

Weekend sports for boys & girls aged 4-16 of all abilities

Tel: 0844 3350450 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk

A wonderful headstart in French

www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

020 7385 5565 - admincpp@btconnect.com

18 sports a year – professional coaches – Ofsted registered Little Sporties for 4 & 5 years – Main school for 6 -16 years Advert Dramarama Families North 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page

London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance

Drama

Street Dance

Musical Theatre

Stage School Exciting Holiday Performing Arts Courses

LAGAD Muswell Hill Alexandra Palace Southgate info@lagad.co.uk 07887 367171 www.lagad.co.uk

Star in exciting Plays, Street Dance Shows and Musicals!

Plus term-time Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes on Saturdays in Hampstead.

Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14.

Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses.

Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

020 8446 0891

Contact us for more details www.dramarama.co.uk

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clubs and classes

Discovering Stagecoach Highgate

‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.’

Albert Einstein

As Stagecoach Highgate enters its 21st year, Principal Odette Garvey talks of the performing arts school’s journey over the last decade.

In the beginning I became Principal of Stagecoach Highgate in 2004 after a career as an actress and director including a long spell in production at the BBC. The school was already a big part of the local community and I was attuned to the wider benefits that performance and production had to offer.

Stagecoach pioneered the unique formula of an hour of singing, an hour of dance and an hour of drama on Saturday mornings which proved an instant success and so demand was high.

As a result the school extended to include classes on Saturday afternoons and Fridays after school.

We have trained thousands of children from across North London and currently have over 175 students aged between 4 and 16 years.

Quality training Stagecoach Highgate has a proven track record of quality training in the performing arts and has a hand-picked team of fantastic teachers with extensive experience both on the stage and in the classroom. We are delighted to have once again been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ from the Independent Inspector that oversees quality and safety across the UK network of 600 Stagecoach schools.

Our aim is to develop our students both as performers and as people, building skills for the stage as well as skills for life! A recent survey of 1,500 parents whose children attend Stagecoach found that 93% felt their child was more confident at school and 95.1% had seen an improvement in their child’s general wellbeing. We strongly believe that the arts complement traditional education and

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can help children fulfil their potential in all aspects of life. We also put on fantastic shows! This year as part of our 21st year celebrations our students performed at The Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End. Whilst most students come to us for the fun they have, the friends they make and the sheer pleasure of performing to family and friends, we also cater for those who want to take their performing arts further and audition for shows and TV. Past students have appeared in major films and others in stage shows such as ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Matilda’. We are all immensely proud of current student Nana Bediako who has landed the juvenile lead role in ‘Kinky Boots’, the newly opened West End musical.

One of our particular strengths here at this stagecoach school is the variety of media workshops we do i.e. short films, green screen, voice-overs, pop videos, audition technique and more. This enables our students to see how they present themselves visually and vocally.

perform to their parents and peers is lovely to watch but watching them grow in confidence is what the Stagecoach journey is all about.

I recently joined the stagecoach family with my son Jack attending the main school and my daughter Ella in Early Stages so I too get the chance to watch my children perform on stage as well as learning the skills that will help them perform better in life.

TWO-WEEK TRIAL Stagecoach offer a two week trial to give children a taster of our dance, singing and drama classes. Parents will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they have about the school.

A bright future The mainstream education system has been under increasing pressure to put the arts to the bottom of the list – this is where Stagecoach comes in! Education is not just about facts but about thinking creatively. It’s not about telling kids what to think, but how to think and I believe that is the greatest gift you can give to inspire a generation of independent thinkers.

At Stagecoach, we believe that it’s not how talented they are that’s most important, but how good they feel about themselves. When we are inspired we want to become good at what we do and we build self-confidence. Seeing children

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To book our two week trial or register your interest please visit our website www.stagecoach.co.uk/ highgate or call Odette on 07956 436028.

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book corner

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools.

Room

Reading

Ed’s See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com. Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

5-7

Knight in Training: Dragons Can’t Swim

by Vivian French (Hodder £4.99)

Ed says: ‘Sam’s ambition is to become a Very Noble Knight but he has no idea how to do this. He and his doodlebird are packed off to Mothscale Castle to stay with his tiresome cousin Prune and several wild beasts including a little dragon called Godfrey. Godfrey gets stuck down a well and while Sam and Prune try to rescue him Sam makes an amazing discovery which could help him in his quest. Will Sam find his True Companion and can he accomplish the tasks to achieve his ambition?

‘Sam and Prune’s adventure is the first in an exciting new series. It is a lively and entertaining story with great illustrations that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.’

Stitch Head: The Beast of Grubbers Nubbin

by Guy Bass (Stripes £5.99)

Ed says: ‘Stitch Head is the creation of mad professor Erasmus of Castle Grotteskew. He would like to hide away in the shadows but he must do all he can to keep the castle and its monstrous inhabitants safe.

Stitch Head has to contend with a crowd of rioting human children – who are getting very hungry. With Guzzlin’ Day approaching, he and his friend Arabella hope to find food in Grubbers Nubbin but they are thwarted by a terrifying beast. Is it the professor’s latest creation?

Can they overcome the beast before it is too late?

‘This adventure of the likeable Stitch Head is an atmospheric tale that will delight young readers who enjoy quirky characters, a fast-paced story and great illustrations.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

7+

The Bolds

by Julian Clary (Andersen £6.99)

Ed says: ‘When the Bolds arrive in West London they are seen to be rather unusual.

Perhaps that is because they are not human – they are hyenas! They try to keep this fact a secret, often with very funny consequences. A visit to the local safari park heralds the start of a new chapter in the Bolds’ lives with their daring rescue of another hyena. But for how long will they be able to keep their secret from their nosy neighbour?

And will they ever be accepted in the neighbourhood?

‘Here is a hilarious tale that is full of warmth and fun thanks to the delightful characters and inventive storyline. It is sure to be a great hit!’

Binny in Secret

by Hilary McKay (Hodder £10.99)

Ed says: ‘The holidays are over and it’s back to school. Binny hates everything about it so when a storm damages their house and they have to move Binny hopes to escape from school – but not for long.

When one of the chickens disappears and Binny finds strange footprints she has a mystery to solve. It would be so much easier if she had a friend. Binny’s story is interwoven with a tale of three children in the same area a hundred years ago who have to face the onset of war.

‘This is a fantastic book in which the characters’ hopes, thoughts and worries are captured brilliantly. It is a real pageturner, a lot of the time very funny but also poignant.’

Ed’s Reading Room is at www.

EdontheWeb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.

WalkWalk.co.uk.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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places to go cinema • museums • exhibitions

Places To Go

Your Guide to North London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

Cinema EVERYMAN BARNET Great North Road, Barnet, EN5 1AB ( High Barnet) 0871 906 9060 everymancinema.com The House of Magic (U) September 19 Kids Club event for accompanied children under 14 years.

Frozen (PG) September 26 Kids Club event.

EVERYMAN MUSWELL HILL Fortis Green Road, N10 3HP ( Highgate) 0871 906 9060 everymancinema.com The House of Magic (U) September 19 Kids Club event for accompanied children under 14 years.

Frozen (PG) September 26

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden) 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk

Romeo and Juliet September 22 BP Big Screens outdoor event at Trafalgar Square, Canary Wharf, Hammersmith and Waltham Forest.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Open House London Weekend September 19, 20 Guided tours. Visit areas not generally accessible to the public. No booking necessary. Free.

The Big Draw October 26-30 How does the Bank keep the economy on a steady course? Jump aboard the boat to find out, take part in design competitions and win a prize. Free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org

Half Term Events October 24-November 1 Create drawings using a range of software, use green screen technology and become an ancient Greek athlete, contribute to a giant Celtic art installation or celebrate the Day of the Dead, Mexican festival. Check online for dates and age ranges.

)

Mrs Sew and Sew October 24, 25 Story telling sessions about ‘making do’ during WW2. 5+ years. Free.

Cosy Time October 29-November 1 Half term activities based on keeping warm and cosy at home. 5-16 years.

Home Sweet Home October 29-November 1 Half term nursery rhyme activities with stories, songs and craft activities. 2-5 years.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk

Disease Detectives October 29 Make a microscope slide and examine specimens in this hands-on family workshop. Booking essential.

Accompanied children 10+ years.

The Great Small World of John Quekett October 30 Celebrate the wonders of the microscopic world with talks, demonstrations and workshops. Suitable for adults and accompanied children 10+ years. Free.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

International Peace Weekend September 19, 20 Drop-in discussions on war and peace and learn to fold an origami paper crane.

All ages.

Black Poppies – Britain’s Black Community and the Great War October 31

Geffrye Museum

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Crafty Card October 25, 27 Card braiding and how to reuse old clothes to create new items. 5+ years.

Free.

WW2 Sing-a-Long October 27 28 Interactive music and storytelling session.

5+ years. Free.

HUNTERIAN MUSEUM The Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE ( Holborn) 020 7869 6568 (Bookings) rcseng.ac.uk

Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ ( Waterloo) 020 7416 5000 iwm.org.uk

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk London’s Night Owls Sleepover September 19, October 24 After hours sleepover sessions for 7-11 years accompanied by an adult.

Advance booking required. Cost £60.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street or Hoxton 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk

Illustrated talk and displays. Suitable for families and adults.

Wildlife Garden Until October 31 Wildlife conservation area with plants, woodland and meadow. Free.

Nature Live: Natural Histories September 19, 26 Held in the Attenborough Studio as part of the BBC Radio 4 series about extraordinary specimens from the museum’s collection. Free.

PETRIE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Malet Place, UCL, WC1E 6BT ( Euston Square) 020 7679 4138 ucl.ac.uk Score Cards October 27-31 Follow the special trail and score points by spotting different objects and people in the collections. Drop-in sessions. 7-12 years. Free.

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museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts places to go V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Chinese Festival Day September 27 Dance performances, paper cutting and calligraphy workshops. All ages.

Free drop-in.

Natural History Museum

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age From September 18 Exhibition on Russian Space with a collection of space craft and artefacts.

Cost £14.

TATE BRITAIN Millbank, SW1P 4RG ( Pimlico) 020 7887 8888 tate.org.uk/tate-britain BP Family Festival October 31, November 1 Drop-in family sessions to discover, explore and create. 7-14 years. Free.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Captain Linnaeus Tripe Until October 11 Photographs of India and Burma from 1854-1860. Part of the India Festival.

Free.

Digital Design Weekend September 26, 27 Installations, workshops, performances and family friendly activities. Free. Some ticketed events.

London Design Festival September 27 Themed events, talks and workshops celebrating design. Free and ticketed events.

October Half Term October 26-30 Various drawing activities as part of the Big Draw. Some charges may apply.

Theatre Shows & Concerts ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Rosie’s Magic Horse September 20 Join Rosie and Stickerino the horse on an adventure to various lands full of scurvy pirates and ice-lolly mountains. Based on the book by Russell Hoban and illustrated

by Quentin Blake. 3-8 years. Cost £7.

Light Show September 25-27 Multi-sensory experience for children on the autism spectrum. 3-11 years.

Cost £15 for adult carer + child.

Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular September 27 Magic show and lots of silliness.

5+ years. Cost £10/ £7.

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Neighbours October 4 Moving house issues with rock music, puppets and projection.

6+ years. Cost £7.

The Scarecrow’s Wedding October 10, 11 Betty and Harry decide to get married but trouble starts when Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials.

Adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book. 4+ years.

JoJo & Billie’s Tour de France October 18 Bicycle adventure with live music, video

Natural History Museum

and mime in a tale of two young people who can still be friends despite their differences. 4-11 years. Cost £7.

Akram Khan Company: Chotto Desh October 25 Akram Khan’s hit solo performance Desh adapted for children with dance, text, visuals and sound. 7+ years. Cost £9 includes entry into The Big Draw.

I Believe in Unicorns October 26 Tomas meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. Interactive production with book swapping event at the end of the show.

6+ years. Cost £11/ £8.

What the Ladybird Heard October 27-November 1 Colourful farmyard adventure with music, puppets and lots of audience participation.

3+ years. Cost £14/ £11/ £8.

16 Singers October 27, 28 The very young can experience singing, dancing, sculpture and improvised sound.

Cost £12 admits one adult and child 0-18 months. £7 for additional observing adults over 12 years old.

Hurricane Boy November 1 Storytelling and live music in a story of chaos and calm. 5+ years. Cost £7.

Bear and Butterfly November 8 Bear and Caterpillar are the best of friends but one day Caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. Puppets and music in a tale of love, loss and friendship. 4-7 years. Cost £7.

Chotto Desh at the Arts Dept

Jazz All Stars November 15 Introduction to jazz for families featuring Juliet Kelly and jazz musicians. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival events. 5-11 years. Cost £7.

CADOGAN HALL 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ 020 7730 4500 cadoganhall.com Crash Bang Wallop!

October 31 Family concert with activities. 3-8 years.

Cost £10/£8.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Tales from the Shed Fridays and Saturdays until October 4, October 29, 30 Interactive theatre shows for young children. 0-6 years. Cost £6/babies under 6 months free.

A Winter’s Tale November 7 Music, dance, story telling and games.

Cost £8/under 1 year free.

DUGDALE CENTRE Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 enfield.gov.uk/millfield Whisper Me Happy Ever After November 18, 19 A show about troubled home life for school audiences only, funded by Enfield Council. Teachers to book on 020 8350 3461. 9-13 years. Cost £3 per pupil.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ

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places to go theatres • concerts • nct (Hackney Central ) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk What the Ladybird Heard September 15-16 Colourful farmyard adventure with songs, puppets and audience participation. £12/ £9 for schools and groups of 10+ receive the 11th ticket free.

Horrible Histories Groovy Greeks & Incredible Invaders October 7-11 Two new shows live on stage with actors and 3D special effects to bring history to life. Separate bookings apply for each show. Cost £10-£20.

Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, London N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Mrs H and the Singalong Band September 19 Music and movement performance.

2-7 years. Cost £4.50.

Liang and the Magic Paintbrush September 26 A magical adventure. 2-7 years. Cost £4.50.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com

‘Whisper Me Happy Ever After’ at the Dugdale Centre

Shaolin September 29-October 17 Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu – ancient martial art, movements with weapons and combat demonstrations. Cost £15£38/under 16s half price.

Into the Hoods: Remixed October 23-November 14 New choreography, remixed soundtrack and fresh designs with hip hop dance theatre ZooNation Dance Company. Cost £15-£38/ under 16s half price.

The Snowman From November 25 Advance booking for Christmas show with music, storytelling and magic.

Cost £15-£35.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Breaking The Ice Until October 4 Get involved in the fun with projected images that mirror the audience’s movements. 2-5 years. Cost £8-£18.

Raw October 16-17 Dance piece about being a child and about growing up in a chaotic world.

10+ years. Cost £8-£18.

The Zombie the Witch and the Wardrobe October 29-31 Drama games, Halloween treats and makeovers. Under 18 years. Cost £8.

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Baddies: The Musical November 3-December 24 Meet fairy tales’ most villainous characters with live music on stage.

6+ years. Cost £12-£24.

WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 ODS 020 8232 1010 watermans.org.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk November 21-January 3 Advance booking and early bird discounts for the annual pantomime show. Cost £10-£34.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE

A Mano (By Hand) October 29-November 1 A story about a very small but very special hero. 4+ years. Cost £8-£18.

What to do When you Find a Dinosaur October 28-31 Pre-historic story to make history come alive. 4+ years.

NCT – North London BARNET, ENFIELD HARINGEY, TOTTENHAM BRANCHES nct.org.uk/branches/enfield nct.org.uk/courses bookings5b@nct.org.uk Contact Belinda on 020 8752 2343 Early Days Postnatal Courses September 14-October 19: Southgate N14 October 8-November 19: Crouch End N8 November 13-December 11: Borehamwood WD6 For mums with babies up to 6 months at the start of the course. Cost £149.

Introduction to Solid Foods Workshop September 9 – Enfield October 7, November 16 – Crouch End October 8 – Barnet For parents of 3-6 month olds. Cost £33.

Waterbirth Workshop September 25 Practical sessions in Crouch End N8 during any stage of pregnancy.

Cost £54.

NCT Essentials Antenatal Courses September 10-October 4: North Middlesex Hospital October 13-November 3: Enfield for December due dates.

October 8-November 5: Tottenham for December due dates.

NCT Signature Antenatal Courses A range of courses in Haringey, Enfield and Barnet. Check online for full details.

HARINGEY BRANCH nct.org.uk/haringey parentsupport@haringeynct.org bookings5b@nct.org.uk Autumn Nearly New Sale September 26 Union Church, Weston Park, N8.

Excellent quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment organized by age, style and size. Haringey NNS has been awarded the Gold Standard for fundraising success with sales being among the best in the UK. Expectant Parents Pub Night September 30 from 8pm Held at The Old Dairy, 1-3 Crouch Hill, N4 4AP. For those expecting a baby near

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theatres • concerts • nct • local events places to go October, November or December. Confirm attendance on events@haringeynct.org

London N2 9DP eastfinchleyartsfestival.org.uk

Weekly Events NCTea@Blend N8 Mondays NCT@Maison Blanc N10 Tuesdays Padres y Bebés @Blend, N8 Tuesdays NCT Stay and Play@MyCreche, N8 Tuesdays NCTea@Delicia,N2 Tuesdays NCTea@Pickled Pepper Books, N8 Thursdays Bumps and Babies@The Woodman, N6 Thursdays Dads and Babies meet up@The Salisbury, N4 every 2 weeks.

Mamás y Bebés@ various locations every 2 weeks.

October 3-11 Local annual festival with opera, musical arrangements, exhibitions and a Punch & Judy show.

Monthly Events Startup Mums@The Alex, N8 Book Club@The Bull, N6 Tootoomums@Tootoomoo, N8

ISLINGTON & HACKNEY BRANCH nct.org.uk/islington nct.org.uk/courses 0300 330 0700 helpline Contact Caroline on bookings5d @nct.org.uk 020 8752 2495 coordinator.islington@nct.org.uk Nearly New Sale October Check online for current information and dates.

Local Events Barnet ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, London N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk The Big Draw Family Day October 25 Drawing related activities for all ages including adults. Cost £3.

EAST FINCHLEY ARTS FESTIVAL All Saints’, Durham Road,

BARNET WALKS Paul Baker 020 8440 6805 barnetwalks.talktalk.net Battle of Barnet October 17, November 15 Guided walk of the famous Wars of the Roses Battlefield of 1471.

5+ years. Cost £9/ £4.

Halloween Ghost Walk October 27-31 Spooky tour. Prizes for everyone in costume.. 5+ years. Cost £9/ £4.

Camden BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB ( Kings Cross) 01937 546546 bl.uk Animal Tales Until November 1 Exhibition showing the important role played by animals in adult and children’s literature.

FENTON HOUSE Hampstead Grove, NW3 6SP 020 7435 3471 nationaltrust.org.uk Apple Weekend October 3, 4 Tasting sessions, local produce, cake stalls and activities for children. Cost £8.50/ £3 for children 5+ years.

HOUSE OF ILLUSTRATION 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH ( King’s Cross) 020 3696 2020 houseofillustration.org.uk Ladybird by Design Until September 27 Celebrate 100 years of Ladybird Books.

Cost £7 /£4 children 5-11 years/ under 5s free.

‘The Scarecrow’s Wedding’ at the Arts Depot

JEWISH MUSEUM Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB ( Camden Town) 020 7284 7384 jewishmuseum.org.uk Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit: A Judith Kerr Retrospective Until October 14 Exhibition featuring drawings, artwork and illustrations to celebrate Judith Kerr’s picture books. Museum admission charges apply.

Enfield CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk City Harvest Festival September 19 Country crafts, farm animals and activities.

Admission £6.50/£3.50.

Halloween Howler October 25 Pumpkin carving, craft activities, tractor rides and scary stories in the haunted house. Admission £6.50/£3.50.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk

Family Fun Day October 4 Range of activities with Tales from the Shed characters and performances. Free entry.

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk Apple Fair October 4 Held at Forty Hall Farm, EN2 9HA. Apple tasting, Farmers Market, games and activities. Cost £4/ £2/ under 3s free.

Hibernating Inhabitants October 29 Craft activities for accompanied 4+ years. Cost £4 in advance/£5 on the day.

Spooky House Trail October 31 Spooky adventures with trails, mysteries and pumpkin carving. Accompanied 4-11 years. Cost £7.50.

WHITEWEBB MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT Whitewebbs Road, Enfield EN2 9HW (Crews Hill ) 020 8367 1898 whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk Open Day September 27, October 25 Admission £4/ children under 12 years free.

‘Hibernating Inhabitants’ at Forty Hall

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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places to go local events • festivals

Hackney HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central ) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Open House September 19, 20 Special tours – backstage and stage access may be limited during shows.

Booking essential. Free.

HACKNEY ONE CARNIVAL hackney.gov.uk/carnival September 13 Carnival parade, food and entertainment.

Haringey ALEXANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com Paper Craft Show September 19, 20 The Knitting and Stitching Show October 7-11

BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Open House September 19, 20

Free guided tours as part of the Open House activities weekend.

haringey.gov.uk Black History Month Throughout October Check online for exhibitions, films, readings and workshops.

Hubbub – A Musical Adventure October 31 Interactive musical concert. 4+ years.

Cost £7.50/ £5.50.

HARINGEY COUNCIL

Islington BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 OQH ( Angel) 020 7288 6475 businessdesigncentre.co.uk Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair November 11-15 Gifts, decorations and designs.

ESTORICK COLLECTION OF MODERN ITALIAN ART

0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com

KINGS PLACE 90 York Way, N1 9AG ( Kings Cross) 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk

Tiger Tale October 23, 24 Dancers and live music.

5+ years. Cost £12/ £7.

Akram Khan Company: Chotto Desh October 30, 31 Dance show adapted for children 7+ years. Cost £12/£7.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM

Festivals

12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk

BIG DRAW FESTIVAL thebigdraw.org

Amazing Halloween Experience October 31, November 1 Spooky boat trips and activities in the museum.

Throughout October Various events to promote an interest in drawing and art.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

PARASOL UNIT FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

blackhistorymonth.org.uk Throughout October Local events to celebrate Black cultural heritage.

14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW ( Angel) 020 7490 7373 parasol-unit.org

Africa on the Square london.gov.uk/events October 10 Celebrate African culture at Trafalgar Square. Free.

39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN ( Highbury & Islington) 020 7704 9522 estorickcollection.com

Exploring the Abstract September 27 Family workshop. Advance booking.

5-15 years. Cost £5 per family.

Big Draw – Light Layers October 28 Family art day. Cost £5/ children free with accompanying adult.

Family Big Draw Workshop October 25 Drawing and sculpture. Advance booking.

5-15 years. Cost £5 per family.

X-ray Outfits October 29 View x-ray photos and create x-ray style costumes for Halloween. Cost £5/ children free with accompanying adult.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO

BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL bloomsburyfestival.org.uk October 22-25 Local community event with performances, arts and music.

DANCE UMBRELLA

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel)

danceumbrella.co.uk

Family shows every weekend including ...

North Finchley

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct

The Scarecrow’s Wedding Mon 26 Oct // HALF TERM

I Believe in Unicorns Tue 27 Oct – Sun 1 Nov // HALF TERM

Birthd ay party packag e availab s le

What the Ladybird Heard Wed 2 – Sun 6 Dec // CHRISTMAS

Hetty Feather Tue 8 Dec – Sun 3 Jan // CHRISTMAS

Room on the Broom Booking: artsdepot.co.uk // 020 8369 5454 No booking fees

30

familiesnorth.co.uk

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festivals • special events • further afield places to go Aldwych over three and a half miles long with a fireworks display at the end of the day.

OPEN HOUSE openhouselondon.org.uk September 19, 20 Access to buildings not normally open to the public includes Burgh House, Fenton House, Hackney Empire, JW3, Kenwood House and Unicorn Theatre.

Special Events Conquer it Together Challenge – The Canal Walk 2015!

An 11-mile challenge that is set to be a really lovely day of fellow supporters walking along the Grand Union Canal, a great day out – all for a tremendous cause. There is no pressure on this challenge it is to be done at your own pace. If you would like to take part you must register below.

The details: The event is on 26th of September 2015. 9.15am registration at the Grand Union pub at the Three Locks, Stoke Hammond. There is a public car park next to this pub. We will be walking to Grove Lock in Leighton Buzzard (5.5 miles) where people can purchase a pub lunch or bring their own picnic to have alongside the canal. Return and sign out at the Grand Union by 5pm. In total 11 miles (or just under!).

It is £10 registration fee for individuals and £20 for groups and we are hoping you get on board and fundraise £100; this could be hosting your own dinner party/coffee morning, doing a car boot sale, getting others to sponsor you for the walking achievement – anything you like, whatever it is – have fun! U16 is free. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

You can sign up here: www.active.com/stoke-hammondbuckinghamshire/walking/races/brain-tumour-researchcanal-walk-2015 Brain Tumour Research is striving to ensure that funding for vital research into this devastating disease is continued and raised.

Our dream of funding 7 Centres of Excellence and ultimately finding a cure can only be done with your help!

October 15-31 International dance events and various performances held at Arts Depot, Barbican, The Place, Unicorn Theatre, Shaw Theatre, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Waterlow Park.

EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL

FIREWORKS DISPLAY Early November Organised displays held every year on November 5 or early November. Possible venues -Enfield Town Park, Lord Mayor’s Show and Crystal Palace.

FUN PALACES

efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

funpalaces.co.uk

November 13-22 Various jazz events at venues including Arts Depot, Barbican, Cockpit Theatre and Wigmore Hall.

October 3, 4 Annual local events in arts and sciences.

FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL familyartsfestival.com October 9-November 1 National festival of events held at various locations including Bernie Grants Arts Centre, Museum of London, Park Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Sadler’s Wells, V & A Museum, Waterlow Park and Wilton Music Hall.

Arts Depot Fun Palace October 3 Free activities, workshops and performances.

Unicorn Theatre Fun Palace October 4 Free family day. Art and science activities.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW lordmayorsshow.london November 14 Procession held between Bank and

(Includes Half Term and Halloween Activities)

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead-heath Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club September 27 Club activities for unaccompanied children 8-12 years. Booking required on 020 7332 3773.

Conker Championship October 4 At Parliament Hill. Conkers provided!

Halloween Party October 30 Adventure Playground – games, drawing and fancy dress. Contact 020 7482 2116.

KEATS HOUSE Keats Grove, NW3 2RR ( Hampstead Heath) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keats-house Whatever the Weather September 20 Themed events for families. Free.

Hallowe’en with Joshua Seigal October 18 Tales of ghosts, pumpkins and witches.

Family event. Free.

KENWOOD HOUSE Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR (Hampstead Heath ) 020 8348 1286 englishheritage.org.uk Kenwood Stories September 27, October 25 Family event with storytelling sessions.

Free.

Under 5’s Fridays October 2, 9, 16, 23 Term time events with stories, art and music. Cost £1/ £1 under 5s.

Family First October 4 Monthly event to explore the collection and take part in activities. Cost £1/ £1.

Big Draw October 26-29 Artist-led activities as part of the Big Draw festival. Free.

LEE VALLEY PARK visitleevalley.org.uk Countryside Live September 26 Countryside activities at Leyton Marsh.

Spooky Boat Ride October 29 At Broxbourne Riverside. 5-12 years.

OSTERLEY PARK & HOUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB ( Osterley) 020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk Halloween Pumpkin Festival October 24, 25 Crafts, games, trails, stories and pumpkin carving activities. Cost £4.80/ £2.40/ family £12/ members discounts. Pumpkins £3 extra.

Hold a Scary Beast October 28 Halloween themed ‘50 things to do’ activity. Cost £4.80/ £2.40/ family £12/ members discounts.

Craft Cart October 29 Free Halloween Craft Cart activities.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk National Maritime Museum Half Term Events October 26-30 Learn about the world’s oceans and create monsters and masks. All ages. Free.

National Maritime Museum Halloween Events October 31 Come in fancy dress for spooky activities and scary maritime stories. All ages. Free.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, St Albans, AL4 OPF (M25/J22) 0870 129 9718 willowsactivityfarm.com Potato Shindig!

Until September 27 Harvest a bag of potatoes and take part in potato arts and crafts and other activities. Admission prices from £10.50/£11.50/under 2s free.

Pumpkin Festival October 24-November 1 Pick a free pumpkin and join in the activities, shows and rides.

Further Afield ARUNDEL CASTLE Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB via Victoria) (Arundel 01903 882173 Normans & Crusaders in The Keep October 28, 29 Combat, weaponry, armour and craft displays. Admission from £9.

ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY (M25/J26) 01992 707370 royalgunpowdermills.com Spooky Secret Island October 24-November 1 Science shows and gruesome activities.

Admission charges apply. All ages.

Guy Fawkes Festival and Fireworks November 7, 8 Gunpowder plot story, craft activities, a play for children and a 15-minute fireworks display. Entrance £9.75/ £7.75.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

31

JW3London JW3London Finchley Road

FAMILY FUN SUNDAYS Join us at JW3 every week for a Family Fun Sunday.

With plays, concerts, activities, craft sessions, films and more we’re sure the whole family will have a magnificent time.

Visit www.jw3.org.uk for more information

y out full of A wholesome family da ke part in the pumpkin pumpkin-tastic fun! Ta e mpkin olympics and th carving competition, pu ! popular pumpkin hunt e under cover adventur Acres of outdoor and ice. for one all inclusive pr play, shows and rides 0pm Open daily 10am - 5.3 Jnc. 22 M25.

Just 200 metres from , Coursers Rd, Willows Activity Farm 4 0PF ans, Hertfordshire AL London Colney, St Alb

Tel: 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm .com

Events and activities subje ct to change without notice.

Please call to check the lates information. We recommend t wellington boots to be worn as the ground can be mudd at this time of year. All inclu y sive and unlimited price inclu des adventure play activities, shows and demo nstrations – excludes any cater ing or product purchases.

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