www.familiesnorth.co.uk
e! e r F Issue 90 May/June 2011
It’s Party Time! INSIDE! • Bright Ideas for Birthdays • Day Tripping!
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Wed 22 - Sun 26 June
ILLUSTRATIONS © QUENTIN BLAKE 2009
N O E D R N IE LOREM P
A musical adaptation based on the hilarious children’s novel by
Wed & Thu at 12.30pm & 7pm, Fri at 7pm, Sat at 1.30pm & 6pm, Sun at 5pm. Tickets from £10.
Summer Holiday & Term Time Swimming Lessons Available
A full consultancy package for parents to determine the most suitable school for their child.
Start with a Free trial swimming lesson & Free A3 Poster. Our CBR checked instructors, specialise with Baby groups & motivating all children from the age of 3 years. You will find our 1:1 and 2:1 prices very competitive. Highbury Baker Street Swiss Cottage Kensington Olympia To book your free trial lesson or more info email us on: info@aquanautsswimmingschool.com call us on: 020 7644 2472 T&C Apply
www.aquanautsswimmingschool.com
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Services include:
• Advice for parents of children with special needs.
• Up to date advice on state, state selective, independent and faith schools.
• Knowledge about how your child compares against the national average and others competing for year 7 places.
• Specialist knowledge of North London schools and admissions criteria. • Help with application forms, dates, deadlines and understanding admissions criteria for each school.
• Advice on the best 11+ preparation books and resources to buy. • Help for ex-pats looking to find school places back in Britain.
Mobile: 07003 451785 Email: kateek@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.katiekrais.com www.familiesnorth.co.uk
Contents Issue 90 | May/June 2011 | Families North London
This Issue
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8 Bright ideas for birthdays 10 Party Frocks 12 Day tripping! 15 Postnatal Support
Regular Features 4 News
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13 Five of the Best: Ice Creams 14 Book Corner 16 Health – Spotlight on Eczema 19 Eating Out 19 Dudley does
Front cover image: White smock and denim shorts: www.belleandboo.com, felt crown: www.niddlenoddle.com, patchwork pouffe: www.homegardenliving.co.uk
20 Out & About
Families North Magazine PO Box 56943, London N10 9AE Tel: 020 8815 1351 Proprietor/Editor: Harriet Taylor Web Manager: Melanie Carpigo melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Advertising: advertising@familiesnorth.co.uk Listings: Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.com Distribution: distribution@familiesnorth.co.uk Design: Positive2 020 8444 5050 Print: Bishop’s Printers Next issue: July/August 2011 Issue 91 Focusing on: Summer Camps & Holiday Workshops Deadline: 1 June 2011
Get in touch editor@ familiesnorth.co.uk
Fam-North_QPL-Ad_SE2011.qxd:Perform
Welcome Whilst my husband and eldest daughters stayed at home in London (the pressures of work, and restrictions of the school term!) I flew off to the French Alps, traveling (relatively) lightly with my youngest two – knowing that it would either work out – or be a complete disaster! Fortunately, the break turned out to be quite honestly the most therapeutic, exhilarating and wonderful of holidays, thanks to the exceptional chalet staff and warmest home comforts. For the ultimate in family-friendly alpine holidays do check out www.snowlife-laclusaz.com. I even postponed my flight home for a further week, despite the deadline of the May/ June issue that was looming. 6/4/11
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Harriet Taylor Editor
B U I L D C O N F I D E N C E • B O O S T C O N C E N T R AT I O N • M A K E N E W F R I E N D S • H AV E F U N
FREE Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week. Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1274 or visit perform.org.uk
perform.org.uk www.familiesnorth.co.uk
0845 400 1274
Book now fo r our brilliant Peter Pan and A Midsu m m e r N ig ht’s Dream five day sum mer holiday courses!
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news
News who why where
Got some news for us? If you are a North London based group or organisation whose services or products are for families of young children, we’d love to hear from you. Send press releases and pictures to: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk
Nocturnal Adventures! Museums at Night, the annual after-hours celebration of UK culture, history and heritage, is back! Over the weekend of 13 – 15 May 2011, museums and galleries all across the UK will be opening late and staging over 200 unique events. Here is a chance to enjoy a great night out exploring the culture and heritage on your doorstep. For many people the idea of Museums at Night raises expectations of exhibits coming alive as they do in the Night at the Museum films, but who needs animatronic dinosaurs or rampaging museum miniatures when you can experience the thrill of being inside places whose very walls and collections contain the real stories of dramatic events?
There are over 50 evening events across the capital with lots of fantastic exhibitions, unique tours, talks and unusual happenings. There are lots of events for families across the city. Explore a brilliant line up of space and astronomy activities at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, have your leg amputated at The Old Operating Theatre – the oldest surviving operating theatre in England – or uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South Bank. For full details of all venues, events and activities visit www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ museumsatnight with London highlights listed in the Out & About pages of this issue.
Get Ready 4D Feeling of Flight PROFESSIONAL BABYSITTING
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07971 083207
Free Ironing Service Once the children are tucked up in bed, your babysitter will do your ironing!
Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North!
If you have ever wondered what it actually feels like to soar amongst the clouds or to participate in an intense aerial battle wonder no more. Visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum will be able to experience all the thrills and exhilaration of powered flight by entering the Museum’s newest exhibit – its 4 Dimensional Theatre. This cutting-edge 3D computer animated experience has the added dimension of dynamic seating and special environmental effects like water spray, smoke machine and shaking seats. Tickets for the experience are £4 per person or £12 for a family ticket. Entry to the Royal Air Force Museum is free of charge to visitors. www.rafmuseum.org/london
Happy Birthday Monkey Music! Monkey Music, the award-winning pre-school music group, celebrates five years in Barnet this Spring. Local mum, Katy Miller, who runs the classes in High Barnet, Mill Hill, Totteridge, Whetstone and North Finchley is understandably proud of their popularity. ‘I grew up in a family of musicians and have always loved music and singing – Monkey Music enables me to pass on not only that enjoyment but also the educational benefits. Music stimulates all kinds of learning from
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London Green Fair – Regents Park 4/5 June 2011 Coinciding with World Environment Day (5 June), The London Green Fair is London’s largest green event and has some exciting opportunities for Urban Green Fun for young budding environmentalists, including theatre, dance, music processions, storytelling and incredible crafts. All free, natural and organic play. Venue: Regent’s Park, Date: Saturday 4 June and Sunday 5 June 2011, Time: 12.00 7.30pm, Cost: FREE self-expression to hand-eye co-ordination, helping young children master language, develop their concentration and memory, and hone key social skills. I continue to be inspired by the progress I see children making and touched by their enthusiasm and affection for my classes.’ To find out more, or to book a free class, contact Katy on 020 8449 4025 or katy.miller@monkeymusic.co.uk or visit the interactive website at www.monkeymusic. co.uk to sample some of the delights of Monkey Music for yourself.
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news
Grief Encounter Grief Encounter is based in Whetstone, and one of the UK’s leading charities supporting bereaved children, young people and their families, following the death of a parent or a loved one.
Every half an hour a child loses a parent somewhere in the UK. Nobody wants to think about having to rely on Grief Encounter; the loss of a loved one has profound and potentially devastating effects on all concerned. Grief Encounter does not receive any government funding and relies solely on charitable donations. The money raised provides one to one counselling, family workshops, residential camps, bespoke support and fun days. The Annual Comedy Evening in aid of Grief Encounter is Saturday 18th June 2011 at the Arts Depot, Finchley. For tickets, please contact 0208 446 7452. www.griefencounter.org.uk
Drama for North London Toddlers Dramarama Stage School is proud to announce a new range of specialised, fun-packed drama classes for the stars of tomorrow! With over 20 years experience of teaching Drama to 3 to 17 year olds, Dramarama is bringing DramaBabes and DramaTots weekly classes to Hampstead, Haverstock Hill, St Johns Wood, Totteridge & Finchley from May 2011. DramaBabes invite ‘Mothers and Toddlers’ to explore our range of songs, movement, physical and imaginative games and stories in our exciting themed drama sessions. These classes have been especially created for toddlers to share the drama fun with their Mother, Father or Nanny as they develop language, movement, fitness, balance and co-ordination skills. DramaTots sessions offer boys and girls, aged 3 & 4, the chance to join weekly drama classes where they can take part in a range of action-packed creative activities. Each week the children will play a variety of physical and creative drama games that aim to develop focus, concentration and language skills. They will also have the chance to act in our special stories and plays where everyone has their own character to play and lines to say each week. Telephone 020 8446 0891 or visit www.dramarama.co.uk for more information.
Summer Essentials for Baby Don’t forget to protect your baby from those harmful rays this summer. Babies are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and heat stroke because of their delicate skin, so keeping him/her safe in the sun is crucial. Keep your baby out of direct sun as much as possible before six months, and take precautions when you do take him outside. Use a sunshade, like the Snooze Shade Blackout Blind available from NCT Shop – a unique blackout blind which attaches to prams, carrycots, pushchairs and buggies with UPF50+, to keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes. Available from www.nctshop.co.uk or call 08458 100 100.
Frocks Away Facelift! A beautiful new refurbishment for much loved local clothing boutique! Frocks Away is the down to earth and trendy boutique for today’s modern family. They stock ranges such as Marithe & Francoise Girbaud, Joules, Odd Molly, Scotch & Soda, Camper and Converse for Women and children, all served with a cup of tea and
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WHO IS A CRAZEE KID? You can always recognise a CRAZEE KID when you meet a child who is confident, creative and full of energy. This is a child who sparkles with enthusiasm after attending CRAZEE KID’S classes or workshops. CRAZEE KIDS has been running for ten years and is led by the charismatic Lisa Silverstein who trained as a dancer, movement therapist and Yoga teacher. Lisa has developed a method that unleashes the creative potential inherent in each individual. Too often the natural creativity of children is repressed in ordinary schooling which leads to a lack of self-confidence. The actual classes are a mixture of dance, drama, music and art designed to stimulate each child’s imagination. As Einstein said ‘imagination is more important than knowledge’. Children are encouraged to express themselves when they go on magical adventures – trips to far away lands where they meet strange animals and people completely different from themselves. All these energetic activities enhance the physical health of the children as well as stimulating their mental abilities. The innovative method is above all about having fun while expanding the child’s most precious gift of imagination. For further information call 0208 444 5333 or visit www.crazeekids.co.uk
a smile. They are a family run business with over 27 years of know-how, and understand the importance of a toy box to entertain the kids, and newspapers for dads! They also offer private shopping evenings with a glass of bubbly. Visit Frocks Away, 81-83 Fortis Green Road, N10 3HP, 020 8444 9309 or go to www.frocksaway.co.uk.
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news
Competition Corner!
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Log on to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions for the chance to win some fabulous prizes for all the family. Win a family ticket to watch Surrey Lions at the Kia Oval, educational DVD’s from Leap Frog ‘Maths Adventure to the Moon’, Mega Bloks Play ‘n Go table, and many more great prizes. Go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions, register your details and enter today!!
Kids Get Creative Exciting and educationally based workshops tailored to your child with no stress or mess for you to worry about, now running in Finchley, Muswell Hill and Hampstead. You enjoy essential quality time with your child in a safe and friendly environment at this innovative and award winning programme for pre-school children. The hands-on art and craft exploration sessions give children the chance to safely experiment with a wide range of materials, tools and ideas. Alexia Ispani who will be leading the weekly, term time programme for pre-schoolers says, ‘As a mum to three children I know how difficult it can be to organise art and craft activities at home. Quality arty time with your child, overalls, tools and materials are provided so there is no mess or stress for you!’ For further information contact Alexia on 0844 854 9085 or visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk
Scratch ‘n Sniff Musical! David Walliams (Little Britain star) has written a hilarious children’s novel illustrated by Quentin Blake, which is now being brought to the stage in a brilliant new musical at the Hackney Empire. The plot centres around Chloe, a young girl who doesn’t like school very much, and she isn’t as cool as the other kids – no iPhone, no DS and no friends. Then she meets Mr Stink the local tramp... This promises to be the first stage show that will actually pong! All audience members get their own 16 page booklet with accompanying scents! The show has a strong clear moral message and Walliams’ mix of adult popularity makes it an attractive show for parents too, and comes with a Dahlian ethos. The innovation of the ‘scratch ‘n sniff’ sensory experience looks set to make ‘Mr Stink’ the Musical a huge success! Wed 22 – Sun 26 June For tickets call 020 8985 2424 or visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery
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
020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com
Stagecoach Spectacular! New French-English Bilingual Nursery School Opens January 2011 St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road) London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110
www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk
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18 students from the Stagecoach Primrose Hill School had the chance to perform on a West End stage when they took part in a spectacular musical celebration at one of London’s most famous theatres, Her Majesty’s recently. Students representing Primrose Hill, whose ages range from 9-15yrs, rehearsed together for weeks beforehand on their own particular contribution a short piece from the Walt Disney’s Broadway spectacular Aladdin. Linette Beaumont principal at the school says; ‘I am very proud of the children... Division 18 represent those children whose
commitment, integrity, and creativity and tremendous enthusiasm create exceptional work...’ Stagecoach Primrose Hill is part of Britain’s largest part-time theatre school offering quality training in drama, dance and singing to young people from 4-18 at weekends where classes are designed to build confidence and develop communication through performance skills. Currently there are over 600 schools throughout the UK. For further information about Stagecoach Primrose Hill, contact Principal Linette on 07766227810 or visit the website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/primrosehill.
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Gardens Galore The hugely popular Open Garden Squares Weekend will take place on June 11 & 12, 2011. Organised by the London Parks and Gardens Trust, the annual event includes more than 200 gardens in 22 Boroughs. Entrance is free for children under the age of 12, and with its increasingly wide appeal there is much in the event for the younger visitor to explore. 40 of the gardens will be offering activities for children, these include garden trails at Culpeper Community Garden in Islington while Bowes Park Community Garden in N22 will be offering facepainting and Russell Square will have traditional Punch & Judy. Some highlights in North London include Alara Permaculture Forest Garden NW1 which has beehives, a wormery, a rainwater-fed fishpond and chickens. Plants will be for sale, including goji berry bushes, and refreshments are available. Caledonian Park and Community Orchard N7 (located on the site of the 19th century Metropolitan Cattle Market) retains at its heart the market’s imposing listed Victorian clock tower and railings. Enjoy the community orchard of apple, plum and pear trees, both modern and heritage varieties, to add to the biodiversity. Long Lane Pasture N3 (Finchley) – a meadow that has been undisturbed for centuries and is full of wildflowers in summertime. There is a large pond, which attracts many dragonflies, and several smaller ponds. Barnsbury Square N1 is a peaceful square framed by trees in the heart of residential Islington. Camley Street Natural Park will be hosting a mini-beast hunt and pond-dipping, and FOOD from the SKY in Crouch End will be offering the opportunity to make a bee or bug hotel. For details of other Children’s activities, and opening times of each of the gardens visit www.opensquares.org.
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Enjoy-a-Ball Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Classes running in Finchley, Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Children’s parties also available! Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.
www.enjoy-a-ball.com
Creative Movements Movement, Dance and Rythmn for all ages and abilities
Classes for children 15 months to all ages • Creative Movements • Dance: Ballet, Musical Theatre, Jazz • Mums and Toddlers • Jazz/Street • CM en Francais • Holiday Workshops • Parties: 2-10 Years • Adults’ Movement
020 7435 8217
La Libellule Trapeze School For children (from 2 1/2 years old)
At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0207 284 0631/0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk
www.creativemovements.co.uk ginny@creativemovements.co.uk
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For children (from 2 1/2 years old) At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk
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parties
Bright ideas for birthdays
by Robina Cowan
Top tips
Did someone say party? Yes, I’m afraid so. One thing’s as sure as eggs is eggs – your child will have another birthday in the next year. It’s Families to the rescue – we’ve put on our party hats to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year... Planning your party Crowd control: entertainers Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment.
TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into. Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with – too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.
Take them out: venues It might feel less imaginative than an organised bun-fight at yours,
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but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards. Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema.
TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time – you don’t want to be scratching around at the last minute and end up having to book ‘second best’.
Themed parties A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways. How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery, or print t-shirts to match the theme. You could even have a cookie baking party. Families North love the new ‘home made’ cookie stamp from www. suck.uk.com
TIP: Take the theme throughout the party – print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.
• I t’s all in the timing: For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work • Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea – you can share the costs and the hassle • Keep the food simple and don’t over cater. Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children maybe vegetarian or have a food intolerance • Sleepovers: come midnight, you’ll be regretting it... Planning ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www. familiesonline.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.
A Good Old Fashioned Party ‘Parties to Remember’, grew organically from owner Rowena organising her own daughter’s parties. The parent’s of her daughter’s friends said she should think of going professional following on from the success of the wonderful ‘traditional’ parties that sadly do seem quite rare nowadays. And ten years on, Rowena’s combination of enjoyable, challenging and competitive party games for all ages make for a perfect party. ‘Hearing children’s laughter and seeing their excitement is a most rewarding experience and I am lucky to be able to enjoy such rewards weekly,’ says Rowena. Rowena is offering a 10% discount on all parties booked quoting this article to December 2011. Parties To Remember 020 7249 3242; www.partiestoremember.co.uk
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parties can wear their own creations! Different variations and boxes are available to purchase (CE approved for children over 3 years). Each ‘party bag’ contains 12 small (17mm diameter) silk petal daisies with soft yarn stems, ribbon for joining and instructions. Available to purchase in boxes containing 10 bags and costs just £35 (inc. Postage and packaging). Purchase online from www.spottedcowcreations.co.uk
The Cutest Party Bags! Little girls love making daisy chains during the Summer months so check out this new range of cute daisy chains that little girls will love to wear with their friends. The Silk Daisy Chains consist of a beautiful array of delicate silk petal daisies, which are ready to be easily joined together – just as you would a ‘real life’ daisy chain – so it’s great fun and little ones
Make it special
Fantastic children’s parties
s including:
Fantastic theme
All this fo just £750r + VAT!
Themed entertainer Themed backdrop and props Themed party programme Music, dancing, magic, stories and songs Up to 25 party bags Up to 25 Latex helium balloons Up to 25 tables and chairs Bouncy castle OR additional props
020 8542 1480 www.booparties.com
THE children’s event specialists
Captain Calamity to the Rescue! One entertainer who has worked his party magic all over London (including 11 Downing Street!), is the award winning entertainer Captain Calamity. He utilises magic, story telling, games, slapstick, circus skills, balloon modelling, puppets, dancing, giant bubble displays, a mini disco, bubble and snow machine, lights and more to enchant children of all ages in a world of interactive adventure. With Captain Calamity the children are the stars, engaging with the performer/s and becoming part of the act. They are invited to shout out, jump up and get stuck into the action, becoming Ben 10 style Alien Superheroes, Dora and Diego Animal Rescuers or even joining the Mad Hatter for a spot of
YOUR CHILD deserves the best, while YOU take a rest.
Cooking Parties!
Cooking Parties! • Fun, cooking parties • For boys and girls aged 5-16 years • Cooking classes
Give your child the best party ever! whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking
A great way to learn while having fun! Call for details:
0845 601 4173 email: carola@cookiecrumbles.net www.cookiecrumbles.net
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
PARTIES TO parties • Fun, cooking • For boys and girls aged 5-16 years REMEMBER • Cooking classes
Traditional fun, planned Give your child the best party ever! with you and your child, whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, food laughing, and piñatas optional. turning, licking, joking A great way to learn while having fun! Age 3 to 12 years
tea. Many character options are available making the party exciting and bespoke for every young party-goer. Anything is possible when Captain Calamity and team tap into the unlimited resource that is a child’s imagination! Parties suitable for tots to teens. ‘The children had a fantastic time and Captain Calamity did an absolutely first rate job of keeping them entertained! Everyone was very impressed with him indeed. It was exactly what we were looking for!’ 11 Downing Street ‘Lola’s 6th birthday was well wicked fly and fresh...you were completely brilliant, thanks so much. See you next year!’ Sara Cox (Radio DJ) Visit www.madhousekids.com to book Captain Calamity now!
If you want a great party without the hassle then try an ALL INCLUSIVE package from Boo! Fabulous themes, great décor, wonderful entertainment, colorful balloons and even a little party bag to take home – PLUS tables, chairs and a bouncy castle. Discover the easy way to host a party – call Boo! on 0208 542 1480
Call for details:
0200845 7249601 3242 4173 www.partiestoremember.co.uk
email: carola@cookiecrumbles.net www.cookiecrumbles.net
Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North!19/04/2010
b_parties _to_remember.indd 1
Cooking Parties!
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parties
Party Frocks! Pink twill dress – £36 www.belleandboo.com Parasol £14.50 www.niddlenoddle.com
White cotton smock top – £30 Blue shorts – £24 www.belleandboo.com
Patchwork Pouffe – £33 www.homegardenliving.co.uk Blue Block Print Princess dress – £35 White Parade dress – £39 www.belleandboo.com
Butterfly Blouse – £26 www.niddlenoddle.com
Diana Sweater in Cashllama £50 Linen & Silk Pink Skirt £26 www.niddlenoddle.com
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www.familiesnorth.co.uk
Photography: Seth Taylor
Felt Crowns £15 www.niddlenoddle.com
parties
For a one-stop, super-useful list of London party entertainment, venue ideas and party extras, log on to our website www.familiesnorth.co.uk/parties
the ultima t party e direct ory!
We have it all covered! Creative wiz kids.pdf
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12/04/2011
07:36
020 7794 6797
www.creativewizkids.com creative@gmail.com As seen on ITV! Celebrating creativity since 1990
London’s premiere kids party providers
For more information call Amanda’s team on 01895 623999 or visit www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Now at Huggle, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3NT Tues 3 & 4pm & Wed 9.30, 10.30 & 11.30am
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day tripping
Day Tripping Daycation is the new staycation! New research by the National Trust has revealed more people are now opting for ‘daycations’ rather than a two-week holiday.
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seaside experience, then Eastbourne is a really good bet, and an hour from Victoria by train (running every 15 minutes). It is far less crowded compared to Brighton, and the sea front is a short stroll from the station. Another cheerful and fun seaside experience is Southend in Essex, with sand, fish n chips and reachable by car in just over an hour from North London. Aside from seaside frolics, some other very family friendly day outs can be enjoyed with The National Trust. With fresh country air to detoxify us, there are some wonderful National Trust destinations that are all very reachable from North London. Tony Berry, visitor experience director of the National Trust, commented ‘The National Trust is perfectly placed to help the nation enjoy their days off. With over 300 National Trust places of beauty and interest to visit across Britain and places like Wimpole Estate, Ickworth and Blickling in the East of England, we have a huge choice of mental refreshment pit-stops to offer. You are never more than 40 minutes away from one of our beautiful places.’ Top National Trust daycation destinations in the East of England include: Wimpole Estate & Home Farm, Cambridgeshire, Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, Ickworth House, Suffolk, Blickling Hall, Norfolk, Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk. Also their coastal and countryside sites, such as the North Norfolk Coast, Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire and Hatfield Forest in Essex all provide the perfect combination of relaxation and enjoyment.
Competition!
The National Trust have teamed up with Families North London to give you the opportunity to win one of 10 ‘daycation’ family passes. These are valid for one visit up until March 2012, you can get a family (2 adults, 2 children) into a National Trust property pretty much anywhere in the county. For details on how to enter, please log on to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions, register your details and answer the short question.
Photograph: NTPL John Millar
Days out are also thought to be time well spent and good for your health. With the half term break and Summer holidays fast approaching, planning for some quality family time together comes into the thoughts of households all across London, but when we are tightening the belt – a fortnight away may not always be possible in practice. And quite frankly the upheaval and stress of uprooting the entire brood doesn’t always pay off. Yet the focus on entertaining the family in the long school holiday, whatever the budget, weather or timescale does require some planning – and the revival of the good old day trip is coming to the forefront of many families minds this year. A trip to the seaside is always a success if you have a spot of warm weather. Children of all ages are always delighted to get out their buckets and spades, bodyboards, beach balls, and if you invest in a Family Railcard, this really makes for a reasonable day out! From Kings Cross you can get direct to Brighton in 1 and a half hours, and once in Brighton, the buzzy seaside hot spot won’t disappoint as there is so much to do and see, both on the sea front and in town. If you are wanting a smaller scale
Win!
With fresh country air to detoxify us, there are some wonderful National Trust destinations that are all very reachable from North London.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
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five of the best
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Five of the Best: Ice cream Parlours
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Marine Ices 8 Haverstock Hill London NW3 2BL 020 7482 9000 www.marineices.co.uk Enjoy sundaes and traditional specialities galore from one of London’s finest ice cream houses. Marine Ices make all their produce on site, as well as supplying hundreds of restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and hotels with their gelato. The taste is divine, made from fresh double cream, and the finest fresh ingredients. Camden’s ice cream institution!
Gelato Mio 138 St John’s Wood High Street NW8 7SE 020 7011 3889 www.gelatomio.co.uk Sleek and stylish interior, serving homemade real homemade Italian style gelato in a huge array of flavours. Fine quality ingredients and containing on average 50 to 60 percent less fat. Velvety and full flavoured. Try the pear sorbet, the cinnamon and the chocolate with hazlenuts!
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Slice of Ice 8 Flask Walk, Hampstead NW3 1HE 020 7419 9908 www.slice-of-ice.co.uk Located in the pretty backstreets of Hampstead village, here is a fantastic array of indulgent icecreams, sundaes, waffles and more, with sauces, cones and toppings for all palates!
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Fortnum & Mason 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER 020 7734 8040 www.fortnumandmason.com For the ultimate in ice cream sundaes located in their 50s style parlour, ice cream lovers can really justify a trip to the West End for this! Prices high, but then I don’t think we’ve come across a Knickerbocker Glory piled quite so high either…. Well worth it.
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Chin Chin Laboratorists 49-50 Camden Lock Place NW1 8AF 07885 604284 www.chinchinlabs.com Europe’s first nitro ice-cream parlour. See it to believe it!!!
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Drama and Creative Classes for 2-7 year olds Let your child’s imagination Little supernovas explode with a different incorporates storytelling action adventure each week! theatre, music, props, drama, movement and plenty They’ll travel to mystical of giggles. lands, boogie with baboons or even blast off into space. hello@littlesupernovas.com Wherever our imaginations call/text: 07791 235 247 www.littlesupernovas.com take us!
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Dance, Music, Drama & Art Summer workshop for 3+ to 10 year olds August 1st – 5th 2011 10 am to 2pm Weston Park Primary School Denton Road, Crouch End, London N8 9WP Call 020 8444 5333 / 07958 501919 lisa@crazeekids.co.uk
www.crazeekids.co.uk
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
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book corner News from the
Book corner
Discover Children’s Story Centre This is the UK’s first hands-on creative literacy centre for children aged 0-11 years and their families, based in Stratford.
Discover’s overarching mission is to spark imagination, curiosity and creativity in a magical and stimulating environment. They offer a variety of programmes including family art activities, a literature programme led by children’s writers and illustrators, and artist residencies in schools. In The Studio they commission artists to create multisensory installations and exhibitions.
Visit their indoor trail and let your imagination soar. Explore a secret cave, make a spoon puppet, have a tea party, find the giant’s legs, slide down a magic tower, dance on noisy polka dots and dress up in a weird and wonderful costumes. The Story Garden gives an outdoor adventure and slide down a monster’s tongue, climb on a space craft, sail away in a pirate ship, enjoy a story in the story glade and play with giant musical instruments. www.discover.org.uk or phone 020 8536 5555.
Book Reviews Twinkle Lullaby
Cuddle, the Cutest Kitten
(Ladybird)
(Ladybird)
Use this book as part of baby’s bedtime routine, and enjoy singing together. Bright pictures, and different touch-andfeel areas, babies love finding the little pictures or patterns in the big illustration on the left-hand pages. With five classic lullabies, this is a perfect bedtime companion to the wellloved Baby Touch Rhyme Book.
For 5 to 7 year olds, and following in the paw-prints of Puddle, the Naughtiest Puppy, here are four delightful stories, where magic is never far away! In Magical Friends, Olivia and Grace are in for a big adventure when Cuddle appears! With a sparkle of kitten magic, the girls find themselves at an amazing pyramid. Princess Beset has lost her kitten inside the pyramid maze. With Cuddle’s help, can the girls save the day? In the second story, Superstar Dreams, the girls find themselves at a TV talent show. It’s Chloe’s turn to audition but she can’t do it without her lucky charm. Will Cuddle and the girls help save Chloe’s dreams? There are two further stories, Princess Party Sleepover and School of Spells, which round off the first four instalments of Cuddle, the Cutest Kitten.
My Very Noisy Digger (Ladybird)
Perfect for boys (and girls!) who love diggers and building sites! With a loud, roaring engine sound button, this book is full of big, exciting vehicles. Help the digger driver to choose his vehicle, his materials and a job to do! A great gift for under-fives.
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The River Cottage Baby & Toddler Cookbook by Nikki Duffy (Bloomsbury)
This book puts real food on the table for the whole family to share and makes it fun and hassle-free. Nikki Duffy brings the River Cottage ethos to family meals. She shows it’s never too early for even the youngest family members to start eating with their parents and siblings. Rather than spending lots of unnecessary time and energy cooking lots of different meals for different members of the family The River Cottage Baby & Toddler Cookbook gives you the easy alternative of making tasty food that will appeal to young and old alike. It’s a spectrum the whole family can be on, the food each person eats becoming a little more sophisticated and seasoned as they mature’. Gorgeous photography, so delicious and fresh...
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parenting Ladybird Live! On 2nd June Ladybird will be getting the nation reading with the first ever Ladybird Live half term event! This daylong celebration of storytelling for children will be taking place in bookshops, libraries, nurseries and cinemas across the UK. To find out more about events happening in your area please visit www.ladybird.co.uk/live
Cash prizes for schools in national storytelling competition Registration is now open for the National Schools Storyonics Competition for years 5 and 6. There are over £10,000 worth of prizes including 500 sets of ‘Storyonics for PC/Whiteboard’. Participating schools will receive 12 slides each with four images. The class selects one image from each slide and creates a story for submission before the half term break. A wonderful opportunity to encourage imagination and creativity, while incorporating curriculum literacy skills in a fun way. The competition is run by ZooBooKoo to celebrate the National Year of Communication and in recognition of schools’ services to children’s literacy learning. The competition is supported by The Communication Trust and Volunteer Reading Help. Schools can register by visiting www.zoobookoo.com and clicking on Storyonics Competition. This is a great chance to win resources for your school. So do remember to mention it to your child’s teacher.
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Top postnatal support for North London parents At Viveka St John’s Wood, Ann Herreboudt, one of London’s top parenting experts, has been running mums and babies groups for over 15 years. Mums come back baby after baby, women make new friends, and have their questions answered and their anxieties put to rest. Originally part of the birthing programme of the acclaimed Birth Unit of John & Lizzie’s Hospital, the weekly group continues to run at Viveka, a health centre with a focus on families, from pre-conception, for life. ‘The postnatal group is a lifeline for many mums,’ says Ann, who is a practising midwife, a child psychologist and family counsellor. ‘Over the years, mums have enjoyed the relaxed and informative group. Some women, especially those whose families are not close by, find it becomes like an extended family, and many long-lasting friendships are formed.’ Ann covers topics such as sleep, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, weaning, returning to work, childcare and relationships – all common concerns for parents of young children. It’s an ideal forum for mums to talk about what’s on their minds. She also welcomes special guests to cover topics such as nutrition for families, or Baby Led Weaning, and there is a visiting GP who comes regularly to answer questions and give advice. ‘Something that’s really encouraging,’ says Ann, ‘is that many women who feel blue begin to feel so much better once they have support and regular contact with other women in an environment where they feel reassured, and realize that they’re not alone. Parenting a young baby can be lonely and challenging; it also holds
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incredibly rich rewards: the key to a good experience is mum’s wellbeing, and these groups really do help to support women.’ As well as the weekly postnatal mums and babies group, Ann runs toddler groups and first aid training for parents, and provides one-to-one counselling support at Viveka. At Viveka, Ann is joined by consultant medical doctors, midwives, complementary therapists and counselors. ‘It’s a great environment,’ says Ann, ‘offering lots of choice and excellent support for parents. I think it adds to the success of these classes. But we do like to keep reminding people that the classes are running – new mums are always on the look out for groups where they feel welcome and cosy.’ More on Viveka at www.viveka.co.uk, and on Ann’s postnatal group and other courses at www.viveka.co.uk/courses. Or telephone Viveka for more information on 0207 483 0099
Improve your posture, strengthen and tone your body
Pilates Classes
P
ilates romise
Wednesdays 9.30 -10.30am at popupyoga, 199 Upper St Islington N1 1RQ With Jackie Johnson Qualified Pilates Foundation teacher 07796 955334 jackie@pilatespromise.com ‘Ideal for the post natal woman.’ www.pilatespromise.com
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health
Spotlight on eczema
In the last few decades, the number of children who have eczema has risen – one in five children are now affected by this skin condition.
A
lthough it is not fully understood why some people get eczema, it seems to be primarily a genetic overactive immune system and barrier defect, creating gaps in the skin that allow skin to lose water too quickly. If you or your spouse have the condition, there’s a 50 percent chance that your child will have it too. Only 30 percent of affected children have no family members with the disorder, according to the National Eczema Association Researchers. Many people believe that certain foods are responsible, or at least make the symptoms worse. Eczema is a skin condition characterised by inflammation and irritation of the skin, which can affect infants, children and adults. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include itchy, dry, red skin and small, fluid filled bumps on the forehead, cheeks or scalp. In more severe cases, open lesions can occur in affected areas and rashes can spread to the arms, legs and trunk. The most common cause of eczema, atopic dermatitis, occurs when a person is highly sensitive or intolerant to certain foods or other environmental allergens like moulds, dust, pollens and animal dander.
Healing from the inside Probiotics Probiotics are healthy bacteria found in foods such as cultured dairy products that emulate the body’s natural healthy bacteria. They are known to
possible. A study in Ukraine, presented at a 2010 New York Academy of Sciences symposium, reported that children 1 to 3 years of age with moderate to severe eczema showed marked improvement in symptoms after taking the probiotics Lactococcus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. A separate study published in the journal ‘Allergy’, in 2009, showed that daily probiotic supplements may reduce the risk of eczema by 58 percent during a child’s first two years of life.
Symptoms vary from person to person but can include itchy, dry, red skin and small, fluid filled bumps on the forehead, cheeks or scalp. aid in proper digestion and may help improve skin conditions. According to research published in the Journal of the Academy of Dermatology in March 2004, incorporating probiotics into one’s dietary lifestyle may help to reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Dietary sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, miso, sauerkraut and various soya products. Incorporate a variety of probiotic sources into your diet regularly to get the best results
Yoga ad 55x70:Yoga ad. 55x70 24/02/2011 15:59 Page 1
www.elaine-yoga.com e: e-yoga@talktalk.net
NORTH LONDON - FINCHLEY, N.12
Yoga Small friendly classes
SUNDAY MONDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY
10.00 6.30 8.00 6.30
-
11.30am 8.00pm 9.30pm 8.00pm
THURSDAY 7.30 - 9.00 FRIDAY NEW 10.00 - 11.30am *Receive £4 off when paying for 4 lessons
07976
901371
IYENGAR YOGA
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www.panthakarateclub.co.uk info@panthakarateclub.co.uk
Finding out if there is an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. With the help of a trained professional, an elimination diet can be used to determine what food may be the culprit. There are fast tests, such as the York allergy test but these are invasive and expensive in comparison. If you do use an elimination diet be sure to do this with the help of a nutritionist or dietician as this can ensure that your child is still receiving a well-balanced diet, with all the essential vitamins and minerals that are so important for their growth and development.
We are looking for children between the ages of 2 and 12 years to assist us in a range of fun activities investigating how children see.
Beginners Classes: Wednesday 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.45 Swiss Cottage
020-8445-2588
Omega-3 essential fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats the body can’t produce on its own. Preliminary research published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, in 2006, showed a positive correlation between omega-3 fatty acid intake and improved eczema. Foods that provide these healthy fats include fresh fish, such as: tuna, mackerel, salmon and sardines; as well as eggs, ground flax seeds, flax seed oil, walnuts, walnut oil and canola oil. Omega-3 fats are also linked with improved heart health. Include these foods in your children’s diets by giving them salmon fish cakes, tuna and salmon fish pies, egg on toast for breakfast, mixing ground flaxseeds with yogurt or cereal. Recipe ideas are available on my website www.thefoodremedy.com
The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London. We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.
for children aged 5 to 14 years
020 7608 6819 www.childvisionlab.org
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health ASK THE EXPERT ‘Can I stop breast-feeding my daughter now I have weaned her? She is 9 months old.’ Milk, whether breast or formula, should still be the main source of nutrients for your baby until he or she reaches the age of one, when her diet contains a wide enough variety of food to ensure an optimal level of nutrients. In an ideal world you would breast feed until she was at least one, but 6 months is around the time when many mothers go back to work and wish to stop breastfeeding, so you may wish to change from breast milk to formula, which is fine. Babies of this age still need to consume around a pint of milk (540ml) a day. This can be broken down into three feeds or two feeds; one in the morning and one in the night with the extra given on cereal in the morning. ‘My son who is two has diarrhoea, what should I give him to eat?’ The most important thing to consider is fluids, as children can rapidly become dehydrated, which can become very serious. You should ensure your child has enough fluids, be it water, half apple juice and water or even re-hydration solution. This will help restore the electrolyte balance. It is important to keep a balance of electrolytes in your body, because they affect the amount of water in your body, blood acidity (pH), muscle action, and other important processes. While it might make sense to you to not let your children eat when they have diarrhoea, this is now considered rather old-fashioned advice. Experts now believe that children should continue their regular diet when they have diarrhoea. Yogurt with active cultures, which
contain acidophilus, may also be helpful when your child has diarrhoea. The BRAT diet plan for diarrhoea was created by Debora Duro and Christopher Duggan in 2007. The BRAT diet is commonly used as a short term dietary treatment for diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and some incidences of food poisoning. The name BRAT is an acronym for: Bananas – Rice – Applesauce – Toast. Although an oral rehydration solution or other liquids are usually given to the patient immediately after the diarrhoea or gastroenteritis starts (to prevent dehydration), a BRAT-type diet is usually administered after about 24 hours, once vomiting has stopped and they are able to eat. Generally speaking, the sooner the affected child is able to resume more normal eating, and full nutritional intake, the better. If a child experiences constant diarrhoea, you should consult your doctor. If there is not any serious cause, then it would be a good idea to check for allergies or intolerances by keeping a food diary and checking if it is present after a particular type of food is eaten.
phytochemicals and fibre that your body needs to stay healthy. Get into the habit of adding a chopped apple/pear or a handful of berries to breakfast cereal. Mid morning snacks can include fruit smoothies. Raw crudités at lunch goes down very well for toddlers, as do snacks of fresh berries or dried raisins. For a full day’s menu of tempting ideas for fussy toddlers log onto www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ fiveaday If you have a question you would like answered on this page please email thefoodremedy@yahoo.co.uk . If you would like to book a personal consultation regarding you or your child’s diet, please contact Kirsten Davies 07780007361 or email the above address.
‘How can I ensure my 5 year old has her five servings of fruit and vegetables a day?’ The Department of Health recommends eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day as part of a healthy balanced diet. Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables eaten each day can make a significant contribution towards your child’s overall health. Fruit and vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals,
Local nursery care and education for your child… • High-quality care and education meeting Early Years Foundation Stage requirements • Qualified and professional staff teams • Wide range of activities meeting the individual needs of every child For more information please contact 0800 085 4074 parentenquiry@brighthorizons.com
Floral Place Nursery, N1 2PL Pentland Nursery, N3 2QL Mount Carmel Nursery, N7 8EQ Teddies Nurseries New Southgate, N11 3AE Regents Park Nursery, NW1 4HG Highgate Nursery, NW5 1TL Teddies Nurseries West Hampstead, NW6 4NT
60948_12
www.brighthorizons.co.uk _62044_02_Local_180x85v1.indd 1 www.familiesnorth.co.uk
15/04/2011 16:37
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E! DANC ! G SIN T NOW!
AC The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world. Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing. For 4-16 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.
Stagecoach Highgate
is now taking bookings for next term
Call: 0207 272 8108
email: highgate@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate
DRAMARAMA Stage School Ltd
Drama Dance Singing Summer Holiday courses in NW3 Star in exciting Dance Shows, Musicals & Plays Coming Soon to NW3 and NW8, DramaBabes and DramaTots classes
Contact us for details:
020 8446 0891 info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk
LEAGUE LLEA LEAGU EAG AGUE UE ONE ONE Crouch End Playing Fields Park Road London N8 8JJ
Summer Holiday football courses in NW3 PLUS: Exciting football parties for 5 to 11 year olds. We are now recruiting 7-11 year olds to join our training sessions for matches with our teams in Hampstead, Finchley, Highgate & Belsize Park. Call for more details!
020 8446 0891 info@leagueone.co.uk www.leagueone.co.uk
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www.georgiansclub.com info@georgiansclub.com Tel: 020 8347 7550 Club Mobile: 07850 458 087 Children’s Tennis Groups weekdays & weekends Adult Groups weekday evenings Easter and summer Tennis camps Children’s party bookings Unbelievable rates on Junior and family memberships.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
eating out • dudley does
Eating out
Leon Brent Cross Shopping Centre London NW4 3NB Tel: 020 8457 9300
We visited Leon on a busy Saturday lunchtime and were immediately charmed by the quirky interior – bold, bright colours, shelves filled with knick-knacks and furniture which is artfully mismatched. Leon’s fresh and different approach to decor is more than matched by the food on offer – the hot dishes my partner and I opted for were both delicious and wonderfully fresh: Sweet Potato falafel aioli combined delightfully with chili sauce, while a grilled chicken wrap blended perfectly
with aioli and a slice of pickle. The fair trade brown rice and coleslaw which accompanies all hot mains, ensured we were more than sated. Our three year old, who loved the unconventional atmosphere of the place, munched through all her grilled chicken with tomato dipping sauce. Leon is very welcoming to families. They provide a compact but attractive kids menu and offer every child a LEON badge, a sticker and an activity sheet. In summary, Leon offers fast food that is wholesome, tasty and much more exciting than the usual fare, and it does with a sense of style and panache. Go try!
Dudley does... Vaccinations
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www.familiesnorth.co.uk
I was delighted to see fellow flat-coated retriever chum Jet was crowned Dog of the Year at Crufts recently. What an honour – but of course I expect nothing less of my handsome namesake. I felt particularly proud capering round the woods on the Sunday morning after this triumph. Families exercising their offspring in droves couldn’t take their eyes off me. I bounded proudly between their buggies, capering in front of the stick-collecting tots, rounding up those that had strayed too far from their parents, hoovering up the odd croissant. All the while, my handsome coat shimmering in the sun over my sturdy frame (and longer than crufts-average legs) was admired. The picture of health! I was simply going about my woodland duties, and I could sniff the success of the breed in the air…. so proud! Enough trumpet blowing though, I have National Vaccination Month to promote. This great campaign aims to help all you pet owners out their keep their animals as beautiful and healthy as me ‘n Jet, despite the current economic strain (I too have had to let go of 1 x daily portion of tinned sardines, substituted for the rather plain handful-of-dried-biscuits-again alternative). During the month of May, many vets are offering families a discount on vaccinations to encourage pet owners whose animals are currently unprotected, not to cut back on life saving health care. It is thought that about 3 million dogs in the UK are unvaccinated which potentially leaves them at risk of a range of fatal diseases, many of which are untreatable. It really isn’t worth it my friends…. I wouldn’t miss my vaccination – I need it for my Pet Passport now that Summer is approaching. I have always been a bit of a ‘Jet’ setter! Go to www.nvmonline.co.uk and find your nearest participating vet to get your voucher now!
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out & about cinema • museums
Out & About Your guide to North London family entertainment
Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7528 barbican.org.uk Family film club with free activities. Cost £3/£5 non-members. Babe (U) May 7 Danny the Champion of the World (U) May 14 The Aristocats (U) May 21
PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk Toy Story 3 (U) May 7 Kids club screenings every Saturday with free bookable activities. Cost £2. Bringing Up Baby Special mid-week screenings for parents with babies under 18 months. Cost £6.
THE TRICYCLE CINEMA 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Family films £5/£4. Alpha and Omega (U) May 7 Animated adventure about two wolves. A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Tale (U) May 14 A turtle travels the globe. Enchanted (U) May 21 A fairytale princess meets a handsome lawyer. Despicable Me (PG) May 28, 31 An evil villain plans to steal the moon. Mars Needs Moms (PG) June 4 Milo’s mum is abducted by Martians. Your Highness (PG) June 11 Swashbuckling adventure.
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Winnie the Pooh (U) June 18 New Disney animation.
Museums at Night May 13, 7.15pm – 8pm Tour by candlelight. £10/£9.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) June 25 A world of fairies and goblins.
The Gough Square Tales June 2 Story telling. Advance booking. All ages. Cost £2/child.
Museums BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Museums at Night May 13, 5.30pm – 9pm Bank notes and bullion. Late evening visit. Free.
FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Who Am I? June 2, 3, 4 Decorate a life-size cut out. Drop in family sessions. 3 – 12 years. Children + 2 adults free entry.
Characters of Note May 31 – June 3 Drawing workshops on characters featured on bank notes. Free.
GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF ( Charing Cross) benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Homes from Around the World May 31 – June 3
Museums at Night May 14, 6.15pm – 8pm Late night historical experience. Cost £10/children free.
Family Day June 12
Georgian Homes May 31 Fun sessions. Cost £5/child.
CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ ( Westminster) 020 7930 6961 iwm.org.uk
Fantastic Fans June 4
GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, University Street, WC1E 6DE 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk Museums at Night May 13, 6pm – 9pm Late night opening and treasure hunt. All ages.
Museum at Night May 13, 5pm – 10pm After hours opening. Adults only/£15.95.
Rainforest Animals May 31 – June 3 Hands-on activities. Free family activities.
Out of the Box May 14 – 15 Drop-in session to handle objects and try on clothes. Cost £14.50/ children free.
Nasty Nature July 2 Family activity day.
DR JOHNSON’S HOUSE 17 Gough Square, EC4 3DE ( Temple) 020 7353 3745 drjohnsonshouse.org
HACKNEY MUSEUM 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ hackney.gov.uk/cm-museum Family Activities June 1, 2 Drop-in creative workshops. 5+ years.
HUNTERIAN MUSEUM The Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE ( Holborn) 020 7869 6560 rcseng.ac.uk Jones the Bones June 2 A journey around the human body with horrible facts to impress! Booking required. 6 – 12 years. Cost £2.50.
LONDON CANAL MUSEUM 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk Summer Tunnel Boat Trips May 8, 15, June 12, 19 Travel by boat through Islington tunnel. Museums at Night May 14 Late opening. Activity Day May 31 Treasure trail, craft activities and a short boat trip. 6 – 12 years. Cost £4.
MARKFIELD BEAM ENGINE & MUSEUM Markfield Road, N15 4RB ( Tottenham Hale) 01707 873628 mbeam.org Museums at Night May 14 Late opening steam power. Free. Steam Dates May 30, June 26 Steam pumping engines at work.
MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2, ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Object Handling May 28, June 3 Objects that survived the Great Fire of London. Storytelling May 28, 31, June 1 – 5 Various London themes. 5+ years. Art Drop-In May 30, 31 Make a clay sculpture. 5+ years.
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museums out and about MUSEUM OF LONDON – DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumindocklands.org.uk
Family Workshops May 14, June 7, 18 Family activities. Under 5 years.
Mini Mudlarks May 9, 23, June 6, 13, 27 Stories and rhymes for babies. Book in advance. 6mths+.
PETRIE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Malet Place, UCL, WC1E 6BT ( Euston Square) 020 7679 2884 ucl.ac.uk
The Romans May 14 Roman dock scene craft activities. 4+ years.
Museums at Night May 13 Explore the museum at night. All ages.
Pirates: The Captain Kidd Story From May 20 Special exhibition and events. Cost £7/£5. London Forever June 1, 11, July 2 Workshops based on cultures and traditions. 5+ years.
NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Museums at Night May 13, 5pm – 9pm Music and storytelling session. All ages. Free.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk Museums at Night May 13, 6pm – 10pm Live music and tours. All ages. Free.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Animal Vision June 11 Interactive show with live animals. 7+ years. Free. Dino Snores June 17, 18 Sleepover with activities. 8 – 11 years. Cost £45/child. Age of the Dinosaur Exhibition Weird and wonderful extinct plants and animals. Cost £9/ £5.40.
OCTOBER GALLERY 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL ( Holborn) 020 7242 7367 octobergallery.co.uk Museums at Night May 13, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Late opening. Family friendly.
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ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk Museums At Night May 14 Late night opening with activities and special guest. The Hendon Scale Model Show May 22 Search & Rescue May 30 – June 3 Holiday activities. Armed Forces Day Weekend June 25, 26
SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk
Fun for all
You can Bank on it! 31 May – 3 June 10:15am – 4:15pm
Characters of note Join our drawing workshop. Learn the basic techniques for sketching faces using characters which have featured in Bank of England’s banknotes. Enter our quiz with prizes to be won.
Admission free 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
LEGO Inventors May 31, June 1, 2 Help build a giant invention. Free drop-in.
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP ( Holborn) 020 7440 4263 soane.org The Treasures of The Pharaohs June 1 Whole day workshop. Booking required. Cost £18. All Cathedrals Great & Small June 2 Design and create a model cathedral. Whole day workshop. Booking required. Cost £18. Paint a Pot – Ancient Greek Style June 3 Half day workshops. Booking required. Cost £10.
SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2R 1LA ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk
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out & about museums • special events Museums at Night May 13 At the Courtauld Gallery – Victorian evening. Any age. Cost £4.50/£3.50. London Under Ground May 28 Drop-in workshop.
V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Drop in Design May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 Drawing and making activities. Mini Me May 30 – June 3 Create a miniature self portrait. 5 – 12 years. As Seen on Screen May 30 – June 3 Create digital projection designs.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk The Tiger Who Came to Tea May 30 – June 5 Drop in holiday activities and special exhibition. All ages. A Glimpse of Asia June 11 Live music, dance and art workshops. Drop in. All ages. Barnado’s Big Toddle June 14 Sponsored walk with activities. Bring a packed lunch. Under 5 years.
THE WALLACE COLLECTION Manchester Square, W1U 3BN ( Bond Street) 020 7563 9500 wallacecollection.org Fighting Fit! June 1 Armour handling workshop. 7+ years. Booking required. Cost £7. Pop Up Feast! June 2 Painting banquet scenes. Booking required. 9 – 12 years. Cost £14. Brilliant Bookmaking June 3 Free drop-in session to make a special book.
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT 2011 culture24.org.uk May 13 – 15
Special evening events at museums, galleries and heritage sites with family friendly activities.
Special events APSLEY HOUSE 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT ( Hyde Park Corner) 020 7499 5676 englishheritage.org.uk Museums at Night May 13, 14, 6pm – 9pm Visit after dark. Cost £7.90/£4.70. Road to Waterloo Festival June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Events to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. Cost family/£20.50.
BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk The Story of British Jazz May 3 – June 30 Barbican Library exhibition. Free. Family Concert May 28 Concert, workshops, foyer activities and crèche. 7 – 12 years. Cost £8/£4. Watch Me Move From June 15 Animation show and exhibition. Cost £10, children under 12 years free. Ravi Shankar June 21 Sitar player’s 90th birthday celebrations. Cost £25 – £75.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE SW1 ( Victoria) royalcollection.org.uk
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W1U 5BA ( Baker Street) 020 7794 1636 cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Dog Day Afternoon May 7 Demonstrations, pet competitions and accessories. Free admission. Spring Fair May 14 Held at Primrose Hill School, Princess Road, NW1 8JL ( Chalk Farm). Vintage fashion, toys, books stalls and entertainment.
CITY HALL london.gov.uk thebiglunch.com uefa.com The Big Lunch June 5 Organised community lunches around the country. UEFA Champions Festival May 21 – 28 Free events at Hyde Park.
CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL colf.org June 26 – July 16
Touch & Feel June 2, 3 Explore and handle objects including hats and uniforms. 5 – 11 years. Entry to the Royal Mews only £8/£5/ under 5’s free. Family (2+3) £21.25.
Opening service at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by various free musical events around London.
BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk
May Fayre & Puppet Festival May 8 St Paul’s Church Gardens, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED. Free admission.
Pictures & Poems June 3 Compose and frame a poem, help make a collage and listen to poetry readings. 3 – 9 years. Booking required. Cost £4/child.
‘The Ugly Duckling’ at the Tricycle Theatre
Museums at Night
CABBAGES & FROCKS MARKET St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street,
COVENT GARDEN 020 7375 0441 alternativearts.co.uk
EFDSS Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY ( Camden Town) 020 7485 2206
FAIR IN THE SQUARE Pond Square, Highgate Village, N6 6BS fairinthesquare.co.uk Community Event June 18 Creative activities, live entertainment, stalls and dog show. Free admission.
FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 enfield.gov.uk/fortyhall Jacobean Pageant June 11, 12 Entertainment, crafts and battles! Free event.
HIGHGATE LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION 11 South Grove, N6 6BS 020 8340 3343 hlsi.net A Passion for Percussion May 22 Music workshop. Booking required. Limited places. 7 – 13 years. Cost £20/child/discounts available.
HIGHGATE WOOD 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood Spring Guided Walk May 7 Birds & Their Song Walk May 14 Tree Identification Walk May 28 Insect Safari June 4 Evening Bat Watch June 16 Booking required.
efdss.org
Come Meet the Bees June 25
May in a Day! May 7 Maypoles, barn dance, stories and crafts. Tickets on-line or on the door.
HOLLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL hollowayartsfestival.co.uk therowanartsproject.com
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
special events out and about Festival June 10 – 17 Varied programme of events around North London for all ages.
KEATS HOUSE Keats Grove, NW3 2RR ( Hampstead) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshouse Kids Soiree May 14, 15 Museums at night – story trail and activities. Booking required. 5 – 10 years. Cost £5/child.
KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk Creative Art Activities May 29 Free afternoon of activities. Half Term Events May 30 – June 5 Help with work on the farm. 8+ years.
KENWOOD HOUSE & ESTATE Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR 020 8348 1286 englishheritage.org.uk picnicconcerts.com Bat Spotting June 22, 29 Introduction tour to observe British bats. Cost £9/£7. Picnic Concerts From June 24 Star studded line-up including Tom Jones, Jools Holland and Sandie Shaw.
LONDON GREEN FAIR Regents Park, NW1 0207 324 4693 londongreenfair.org Festival June 4, 5 Free festival with entertainment and activities.
NORTH LONDON COLOURSTRINGS Hampstead Garden Suburb Free Church, Central Square, NW11 7AG ( Golders Green) 020 8444 9435 nlcolourstrings.co.uk Summer Festival May 20 – 22 Family concerts, children’s workshops, masterclasses and art exhibitions.
RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL 1-3 The Campsbourne, N8 7PN ( Finsbury Park) rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
Summer Fayre June 18 Family fun with stalls, activities, live music, pizza making, grand raffle and homemade food. Bring this magazine for a reduced entry rate.
SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, SE1 7PB ( Waterloo) 0871 663 1678 visitsealife.com Penguin Pandemonium May 28 – June 5 Penguin fun, games and activities. Online booking from £12.66.
SPITALFIELDS FESTIVAL spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk June 10 – 25
Musical Rumpus June 16 Brady Arts & Community centre, E1 5HU. Concert for toddlers. Booking required. 2 – 3 years. Free. Folk at the Farm June 18 At Spitalfields City Farm Buxton Street, E1 5AR. Music and dancing from EFDSS. Bring a picnic. Free.
SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Free Family Day May 29, June 26 Family Man June 2 Create a present for Father’s Day. Entry charges apply.
TOTTENHAM CARNIVAL Bruce Castle Park, Lordship Lane, N17 (White Hart Lane ) tottenhamcarnival.co.uk Community Festival June 18 Carnival parade, funfair, play area, music and dance.
WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk Family Jam May 14 Music workshops. 5+ years. Cost £8/£6. For Crying Out Loud! June 7 Concerts for new parents and babies. Cost £6/adult. Around the World in 80 Songs June 25 Songs with percussion. 5+ years. Cost £10/£8.
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out & about theatres Mr Stink June 22 – 26 Chloe meets Mr Stink – the local tramp. Written by David Walliams. 7+ years. Cost £10 – £20.
JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk Wolf Tales May 8 Meet Mr B.B.Wolf to hear his version about the tale of Little Red Riding Hood! 5+ years. Cost £7.95.
‘Wolf Tales’ at Jacksons Lane
Theatres ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Looking for Yoghurt May 7 Norang follows a stray cat. 6+ years. Cost £10. The Balloon Gardener May 8 Danny is keen to grow his own balloons from seeds. 4+ years. Cost £7 Rip, Fold, Scrunch May 15 Dance and live music with activities after the show. 2 – 5 years. Cost £7. The Lost Sock Princess May 22 Magical adventure with lost odd socks. 3+ years. Cost £7. The Steadfast Tin Soldier May 29 The tin soldier tumbles into a dangerous adventure. 3 – 8 years. Cost £7. The Frog Prince June 5 Frog adventures with masks, shadows and puppets. 5 – 11 years. Cost £7. The Owl & The Pussy Cat June 12 A topsy turvy world with songs and puppets! 4 – 7 years. Cost £7. Draw Me a Bird June 19 A little bird and a street musician. Workshop extra. 3+ years. Cost £7. Luminous Tales June 26 Shadow play and storytelling. 3 – 8 years. Cost £7.
BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1H OAH
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( Euston) 020 7388 8822 thebloomsbury.com Fame The Musical May 10 – 14 Based on the film. Peter Pan July 2, 3 West London School of Dance. Cost £20.
CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane,Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk Love’s Labour’s Lost June 19 Open air theatre. Cost £10/£7. Much Ado About Nothing June 21 – 24 Open air theatre. Cost £12.50/£10 – family (2+2) £38. The Tempest June 28 – July 2 Open air theatre. Cost £12.50/£10.
CHICKENSHED Chase Side, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Tales from the Shed May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Creative shows. Under 7 years. Cost £5.25. Saturday Shed May 7 – July 16 Performance skills workshops. 6 – 12 years. Cost £6/session. Story Tales June 3 The magic of story telling. Under 7 years. Cost £7.50.
HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk
LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Stuart Clark May 7 Magic and juggling. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Teddy’s Seaside Holiday May 14 Seaside fun with Teddy and Sammy ragdoll. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. The Drones May 21 Musical session with strange instruments. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Gerald and the Dragon May 28 A dragon who wants to learn to sing! 3 – 7 years. Cost £4.50. Singalonga Showtune June 4 Favourite songs. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Elliott & the Land of Rhymes June 11 Singing, dancing and fun. 2 – 5 years. Cost £4.50. Farmer Who’s Enormous Turnip June 18 Farmer Who and his animals need some help. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Three Little Pigs June 25 Shadows, music and puppets. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50.
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com The Magician’s Daughter May 28 – July 10 Written by Michael Rosen. 3 – 6 years. Baby friendly performances on Sundays. Cost £10/£8.
LYRIC THEATRE King Street, Hammersmith, W6 ( Hammersmith) 0871 22 117 29 lyric.co.uk
Tickets £8/£6/family £25. Messy play workshops £5. The Mousehole Cat May 7 Can Tom the fisherman and his cat save the village from a storm. 4 – 7 years. The Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Furry Tails May 14 A fairy tale adventure. 3 – 7 years. Little Ruby Red Tells Tales May 21 Ruby Red meets some strange characters. 3 – 5 years. The Planet of the Beetlebuns May 28, 29 Crazy things happen. 2 – 5 years. The Little Red Hen June 4 Help Little Red Hen make some bread. 2 – 5years. Peter & the Wolf June 11 Puppet production. 3 – 7 years. Princess & the Pea June 18 Classic tale. 2 – 5 years. Egg & Spoon June 25, 26 Journey through the seasons. 6 months – 3 years.
MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldartscentre.co.uk Annie May 17 – 21 Musical with little orphan Annie and her dog Sandy. Cost £14, £15.
NEW DIORAMA THEATRE 15 – 16 Triton Street, NW1 3BF ( Great Portland Street) 0844 2090 344 newdiorama.com The Birthday of the Infanta May 6 – 8 Based on a story by Oscar Wilde. Cost £12.50/£6. Flhip Flhop May 31 – June 4 Things go wrong for two painter -decorator friends. All ages. Cost £12.50.
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com Red Riding Hood and the Wolf who Tried to Eat Her May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 – 31 June 1 – 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26. A new twist to a popular tale. 4+ years. Cost £10/£8.50.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
theatres • workshops out and about
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bring this leaflet with you ‘The Boy and the Statue’ at The Tricycle
REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR ( Baker Street) 0844 826 4242 openairtheatre.org Lord of the Flies May 19 – June 18 Recommended for 11+ years. Cost £14 – £46. The Beggar’s Opera June 23 – July 23 Cost £14 – £46.
SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Rambert Dance Company May 24 – 28 Nats Nus Dansa – Momentari June 4 Tari owns a magical cube inhabited by four characters. 6+ years. Cost £10/£7.
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT ( London Bridge) 020 7401 9919 shakespearesglobe.com Much Ado About Nothing From May 21 Child’s Play June 4 & 25 Workshops for 8 – 11 years to explore the play.
SOHO THEATRE 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE ( Tottenham Court Rd) 020 7287 5060 sohotheatre.com Comedy Club for Kids May 7, 21, June 4 Comedy entertainment. 6+ years. Cost £10/family (4) £30.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF ( Charing Cross) shrekthemusical.co.uk Shrek The Musical Previews May 6 From swamp to the stage with Donkey, Princess Fiona and other favourites. 6+ years. Cost from £15.
THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Finding Alice May 6, 7 Interactive adventure. 3+ years. The Boy and the Statue May 12 – 14 Suitable for deaf and hearing audiences. 4 – 7 years. Cost £6/£5.
Tom joins the girl pirates on a daring adventure. 3+ yrs. Cost £11. Tin Soldier June 15 – 19 The tin soldier embarks on a mysterious journey. 7+ years. Cost £11/Family (4) £32.
Workshops ACTIV CAMPS Held at Mill Hill School, The Ridgeway, NW7 1QS 07896 546 067 activcamps.com info@activcamps.com Multi-Activity Camp May 31 – June 3 Quad biking, aqua slides, rock climbing, football, tennis, obstacle courses and more. 4 years (half day) – 14 years.
BARBICAN CHILDREN’S LIBRARY Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 0569 cityoflondon.gov.uk/libraries Animal Tales from the Tower! May 21 Craft activities and tales told by a Beefeater. 4+ years. Free event. Bonjour! June 18 French sessions. 3+ years.
CREATIVE DRAWING STUDIO 1097 Finchley Road, Temple Fortune, NW11 OQB 020 8458 0707 creativedrawingstudio.com Olé España! May 31 – June 3 Creative art projects inspired by flamenco dancers, matador, buildings
The Ugly Duckling May 21 Puppets and story telling. 3+ years. Cost £6/£5. The Four Friends May 28 A story of friendship. 3+ years. Cost £6/£5.
UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com One Little Word May 18 – 22 Story of friendship and play. 3+ years. Cost £11//family £32. Lost and Found May 25 – 29 A boy and his penguin. 3+ years. Cost £11. Lost and Found (Toddlers) May 27 Special version for 1 – 2 years. Cost £11. The Night Pirates May 31 – June 12
‘Finding Alice’ at The Tricycle
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out & about workshops HALF PAGE 88 X 128 mm ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE FILM SCHOOL
&
The aim of the school is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow.
FREE TASTER DAY
Saturday 8th January
and paintings. 6+ years. Cost £15 per session.
Drama classes and creative activities for 3 – 4 years.
CREATIVE MOVEMENTS At St Marys, Primrose Hill, NW3 3DJ. 020 7435 8217 creativemovements.co.uk
GREEN PEAS EVENTS Eco Crafts for Kids 07949 392 708 greenpeasevents.co.uk
Workshops May 7, May 21 Artwork, prop making and performance. 2 – 4 years. Cost £40.
Eat Your Art in the Park June 2, 4 At Muswell Hill Methodist Church, N10 & Nature Reserve Railway Fields, N4.
Nobody Rides the Unicorn May 31, June 1, 2 Workshops at Primrose Hill and Notting Hill. 4 – 8 years.
Family arts picnic with nature craft activities using recyclable and natural objects. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8 and £5.
Work alongside prestigious Reserve your place now industry professionals. Plus LIMITED PLACES! opportunities to join our agency See website for details and audition for professional work.
CREATIVE WIZ KIDS St Lukes Church, Kidderpore Avenue, NW3 7SU 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com
Drama / Singing / Dance / Film / Set & Costume Design
Half Term Workshops May 30, 31, June 1 – 3 Art, dance and play. 3 – 9 years.
Saturdays in North London and Hackney Wednesdays in Docklands Ages 7-18. Winner of 3 Business of London Awards.
www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com tel: 020 7682 1403 “The talent I saw from this school was superb” - Barbara Windsor
North London
DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL South Hampstead School, NW3. 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk DramaBabes Starts May 9 Themed drama sessions for toddlers. DramaTots Starts May 9 New arrivals from Dramarama Stage School!
Win MEGABloks goodies! www.familiesnorth.co.uk For the chance to win this great Play ‘n Go Table and more MEGA Bloks goodies, log on to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions and enter. It’s that simple!
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE 6 Park End, NW3 2SE 020 7431 9866 jcclondon.org.uk Soapmaking June 1 Make bubble baths and soaps. 6 – 10 years. Cost £15. Little Tales June 7 2+ years. Cost £5. Cheesecake Making June 7 Make dairy treats. 5 – 10 years. Cost £17.50. The Big JCC Picnic June 12 Bring a picnic. Free event.
Babes and dramaTots drama
Drama based games & stories for little ones
Classes starting soon in Finchley Road, Hampstead, Haverstock Hill, St John’s Wood, Totteridge & Finchley.
020 8446 0891 info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk
Music classes for babies and young children! ® d no blues ! all r hythm an Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730
www.monkeymusic.co.uk
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Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games
Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.
Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!
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workshops • further afield out and about PERFORM 49 Chalton Street, NW1 1HY 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Outer Space Term-time acting, singing and dancing workshops held at various venues.
WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Family Day Workshops May 14 Free drop-in and bookable sessions + family trail. Junto: Projects June 1 Artist-led workshops. Booking essential. 9 – 11 years. Cost £35.50. Marysa Dowling June 2, 3 Artist-led workshops. Booking essential. 5 – 8 years. Cost £35.50.
Further afield CHELSEA THEATRE Kings Road, SW10 0DR 020 7352 1967 chelseatheatre.org.uk Draw Me a Bird May 19 – 24 Dance music theatre about a little bird in a big city. 4+ years. Cost £8.
HATFIELD FOREST Nr Bishop’s Stortford, Essex (M11/J8) 01279 874040 nationaltrust.org.uk Forest Survival June 1 Navigation skills. Booking required. 8+ years. Cost £10.
HOLLAND PARK THEATRE W8 6LU ( High Street Kensington) 0300 999 1000 operahollandpark.com Opera 2011 From June 7 Various Summer productions. Limited free tickets for 9 – 18 years. Cost £12 – £64.
KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, W8 ( High Street Kensington) 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk Museums at Night Event May 13, 6pm – 9pm Spend an enchanted evening and explore the palace at night. All ages.
KENSINGTON TOWN HALL Horton Street, W8 7NX ( High Street Kensington) dollshousefestival.com
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DollsHouse Festival May 13 – 15 Collector’s show with free children’s miniature making sessions and activities. Cost £4 – £11.
LETCHWORTH MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3PF letchworthgc.com Museums at Night May 13, 7 – 9pm Late night opening with have a go textile techniques. Free dropin event.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Romney Road, SE10 9NF (Greenwich ) 020 8858 4422 nmm.ac.uk
House Extension Design
Museums at Night May 14, 5pm – 9pm Cosmic evening at the Royal Observatory. Family event.
Do you need more space at home? I provide a professional & efficient Architectural design service. Call James Vesica Design – 07908 687 289
Treasure Island May 30 – June 3 Themed holiday activities with pirates and buried treasure.
Man with Van Local and long distance. Well established in local community. References available. Contact Mark Watson: 07956 206172 markwatsontransport@yahoo.co.uk
O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk
Cheerful Nannies & Au Pairs
Romeo & Juliet June 17 – 19 All star cast from the Royal Ballet company. Cost £10 – £60.
0208 144 7929
Prompt & efficient service with guarantee. Excellent, fully vetted, long term candidates available!
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) royalalberthall.com Family Ignite May 30 Free family concert in the Elgar Room. Tickets on first come first served basis.
WATFORD MUSEUM 194 High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 2HG Museums at Night May 14, 5pm – 9pm Late night opening with live music and refreshments. All ages. Free.
www.cheerfulnannies.com Piano LESSONS Ages 5 – Adult All levels CRB checked Tel. 07792 052 919 www.pianotalents.co.uk
SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !
07837 713 699
are proud to present
HENRY HEDGEHOG for 2–8 year olds
Delightful, original puppet shows, magic and games
WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13 9WT (Barnes ) 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/London
www.pippinpuppets.co.uk Tel: 02083484055
Animal Encounters May 28 – June 5 Meet animals face-to-face. Holiday activities. Cost £9.59/£5.32.
Zumba North London
Qualified Artist With experience, offers private tuition in drawing and painting for children 4 to 15 years old. Saturdays (small groups/ reasonable rates) in NW6. Tel: 0207 328 9018. Mob: 07765156928 bobandpilar@hotmail.com www.flickr.com/photos/artclasses
Dance fitness All levels/Ages. Now enrolling for new term. Drop in also possible. 0771 731 4954 zumbanorthlondon.yolasite.com
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The free pick-me-up for busy young families in North London
North London
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Issue 87 Nov/Dec 2010
Issue 86 Sept/Oct 2010
INSIDE!
Issue 89 March/April 2011
Easter Family Fun!
INSIDe!
• Gift Guide • Milk Intolerance Options • Family Entertainment Guide • Cinema Special
Schools special!
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Issue 88 Jan/Feb 2011
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Pregnancy Nutrition Fostering
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Festive Fun
Choosing a Nursery! INSIDe!
Education News Family Getaways
INSIDE! • School Open Days • Clubs & Classes • Pregnancy Tips • Ballet Special
Performing Arts Training 4 - 16 year olds
STAGECOACH PRIMROSE HILL 077 6622 7810
Venues: Friday School: Primrose Hill Primary Princess Road, London NW1 Saturday School: 14 Gloucester Gate email: primrosehill@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/primrosehill
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
• Childcare: The cost of paid work • The Weaning Process
Stretching children’s imagination for 20 years ENROLLING NOW FOR
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Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Established business for sale! • • • •
Are you looking for a new career? Fitting in with childcare and school holidays? Creative, fun, worthwhile local business opportunity! Work from home, control your own hours
Families North London has been going from strength to strength since I took over in 2008. This bi-monthly free publication offers North London parents a wealth of local information, news and interesting articles, together with a super useful Out & About guide. It is distributed throughout schools, nurseries, libraries, health & leisure centres, children’s boutiques, activity classes and workshops etc, and covers postcodes N1-N22, NW1-NW11, EN1-EN5. The print run is 23,000 and we have a solid database of loyal advertisers and repeat bookings running right into 2012 already. In addition to this well-established franchise with a proven track record and successful business practice, support from the Franchisors include a franchise manual, training and ongoing support, a fully functional website, customised software package with entire Families North London database, free ready-to-use articles, group sales, regular themed workshops and support from fellow franchisees. Please email Harry at editor@familiesnorth.co.uk for more information or call 020 8815 1351