Families North London issue 96 May - June 2012

Issue 96 May/Jun 2012

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

North London

the olympics education out and about

The Jubilee issue Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster

Win!

one of the best-loved family holidays in the land

One lucky family can win a three night weekend stay with Feather Down Farm Days this September worth ÂŁ500!

Farmers Robert and Jayne look forward to welcoming one lucky reader to Billingsmoor, their picture postcard organic farm in mid Devon. Their tranquil herd of Friesians, Kunekune pigs, sheep and chickens will soon lift the cares of daily life from your shoulders. You'll enjoy spectacular views across rolling countryside whilst your children enjoy the sort of freedom you remember from your youth.

To enter simply go to: www.familiesonline.co.uk/featherdown Closing date for entries: 9am, 2nd July 2012 Please quote this competition code: FDF2012

DRAMARAMA Summer Holiday Football Courses in NW3

PLUS: Exciting football parties for 5-11’s.

We are now recruiting 7-11 year olds to join our training sessions for matches with our teams in Hampstead, Finchley, Highgate, Belsize Park, Mill Hill & Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Call for more details!

020 8446 0891

info@leagueone.co.uk www.leagueone.co.uk

Stage School Ltd

Drama Dance Singing Summer Holiday Courses in NW3

Star in exciting, dance shows, musicals & plays!

Plus Saturday morning Street Dance, Drama and Drama Exam Classes in Hampstead. Specialised, fun-based, classes for ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-11 & 12-14 yrs.

020 8446 0891

info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk

Contents Issue 96 | May/Jun 2012 | Families North London

This Issue

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8

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6 Competitions 7 A Passion for Fashion 8 Fathers Day 10 Jubilee 13 Royal Palaces 14 The Olympics 20 Education

34

25

Regular Features 4 News 9 Health 26 Special Needs 27 Ed’s Reading Room 28 Out and About

Welcome Families North London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon NW4 2DT For all advertising enquiries contact Tel 020 8202 2034 editor@familiesnorth.co.uk Web manager: Listings:

Design: Print: Next Issue: Focusing on:

melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.co.uk Positive2 Bishops Printers Issue 97 Jul/Aug 2012 Summer fun

to our Jubilee Issue. This month we are full of information from the upcoming Bank Holiday celebrations to the more serious business of starting school, both reception and secondary. I hope you all have a great extended Bank Holiday weekend and enjoy the many celebrations happening all over our great country. It certainly looks set to go with a bang. Check our listings for the great activities on offer. Enjoy this great start to summer. See you in July.

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.

Confidence, Communication and Concentration Book your FREE Drama Class today

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our Classes for weekly workshops will do wonders for their 4 – 8s and 8 – social, linguistic and physical development as Visit perform 12s. .org.uk well as being the best fun they’ll have all week. to find your nearest venue.

perform.org.uk www.familiesnorth.co.uk

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3

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

Narnia Who didn’t long for a magical wardrobe to transport them to another kingdom after reading the beloved The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe? Now prepare for a new generation to be charmed all over again by the new stage show of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Book now and relive the magical moments all over again.

The threesixty Theatre, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. Box Office: Telephone 0844 871 7693

‘THE MAGIC OF DISNEY IN CONCERT’ TO HEADLINE JUBILEE FAMILY FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SAINSBURY’S IN HYDE PARK Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 June Specially created show will see treasured Disney songs, music and characters including all ten Disney Princesses gather together on stage in a special performance for the whole family.

Disney UK has unveiled highlights of the headline live show that will form the finale on both days of the Jubilee Family Festival presented by Sainsbury’s. The festival will be hosted by The Royal Parks in Hyde Park on Saturday 2 June and Sunday 3 June 2012, and is expected to draw crowds of up to 50,000 ticket holders on each day.

‘The Magic of Disney in Concert’ will be a specially created performance that brings together songs, music and characters that span over 70 years of animated and liveaction Disney films. Artists will be performing music and songs from treasured Disney movies

including Tangled, Beauty and The Beast, The Jungle Book, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, Sleeping Beauty and The Lion King. The 70-minute performance will add a sprinkling of Disney magic as the finale to each day, providing an unforgettable and unique experience for the whole family.

Bare Necessities (Jungle Book), Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and The Beast), When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio), Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid) and Can You Feel The Love Tonight (The Lion King) are just some of the much loved and memorable Disney songs that are likely to feature in the concert, whilst Mickey Mouse himself will be making an appearance along with other classic characters, colourful pirates and all ten Disney Princesses – Ariel, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana.

Willows Farm The Tiger Who Came to Tea One of the best-selling children’s books of all time, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, looks set to enchant a new generation with the fabulous new stage show. Join in with Sophie and her mum as the hungry tiger eats them out of house and home!

Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES. 4th July - 2nd September 2012 Box Office: Telephone: 020 7492 1532

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Each weekend in May, Willows will play host to a range of children’s favourite TV characters, including Peppa Pig, Timmy the Sheep and Bob the Builder.

The annual ‘Spring Special’ event will also take place between the 2-10 June, 2012.

With all-new horse displays, goat racing and free entry for children named Elizabeth or Philip over the Diamond Jubilee, there’s plenty of fun in store for visiting families.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

news

Mystical Fairies The ever-popular fairy topic is booming for half-term Fairy School and Princess Academy for 4-8-year-olds and 3-4-year-olds. An enchanting fairy activity session with arts and crafts and much more.

12 Heath Walk, Hampstead, NW3 6th-8th June

Dinosaur Roar!

Disney in the Park I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Sainsbury’s Hyde Park Jubilee celebration finale that will feature the ten Disney Princesses live. It will, I am assured, be every little girl’s dream come true.

Prepare for a trip to the Disney store to recreate the outfits of the favoured princesses!

Good luck and enjoy!

Hyde Park, London

Tinker Tailor Competition If you are looking for some unique inspired prints to pretty up your children’s rooms check out www.tinkertailor-online. co.uk for a range of nursery rhyme prints sure to raise a smile.

Families North have teamed up with Tinker Tailor to offer our readers the chance to win a fabulous framed print.

To enter go to familiesnorth.co.uk.

Competition closes 25th June, 2012.

Good Luck!

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Noah’s Ark Hospice Congratulations to the wonderful Noah’s Ark Hospice on receiving a £92,782 grant from Children in Need in March 2012.

The grant will be awarded over a 3-year period to expand the Sibling Support Programme.

The fantastic work that the hospice does cannot be underestimated and Families North are delighted that their essential work is being recognized in this way.

For more information about the hospice visit www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk.

The amazing Walking with Dinosaurs is heading back our way in December 2012 at the O2 Arena. Tickets for this not-to-bemissed event are on sale now. Book early to avoid disappointment. This show is a must-see!

Wiz Kids WeekHalf-term Fun During half-term and summer, Creative Wiz Kids is running various clubs in Hampstead Garden Suburbs and Belsize Square. Each club will be run and led by professional artists specialising in design, performance, illustration and storytelling. The club provides new, exciting activities every day as well as free play time. Wiz Kids have storytime, picnic lunches and all sorts of fun and exciting games organized to make sure that every child will have the beat time possible. The clubs run for 3-9-year-olds.

To book please contact telephone 020 7794 6797 www.creatiewizkids.com.

‘Bewitching!’ Daily Telegraph ‘Highly Recommended’ Time Out

Magical parties with Laurie Temple and his Company Themed parties & complete party organisation available

magic juggling puppets guitar & songs storytelling mini disco face painting

www.thepartywizard.co.uk

020 8951 9469 07951 596240 5

competitions

Competition Feather Down Farm Days One lucky family can win a three night weekend stay with Feather Down Farm Days this September worth £500!

Our 27 farms stretch all the way from Lands End to the Lake District. You will be sure to find one that is perfect for your family.

There’s comfort to be found in the familiarity of our warm, spacious tents, one of the reasons why over 90 percent of our guests have told us their stay was ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ for two years in a row.

To enter simply go to: www.familiesonline. co.uk/featherdown Closing date for entries: 9am, 2nd July 2012.

Please quote this competition code: FDF2012

win one of the bestloved family holidays in the land!

Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North! familiesnorth.co.uk 6

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

fashion

As a dedicated fashion maven myself I was delighted to hear of Jane Bowler’s creative workshops for all the aspiring fashion designers out there.

I am sure many parents will appreciate the difficulties in getting into this career and these workshops offer a great opportunity to explore, create and most of all be inspired. Read on to find out more about this fabulous opportunity.

After graduating from the RCA, Bowler’s collection was immediately photographed by Nick Knight to appear in AnOtherman Magazine, she was featured in Dazed Digital ‘Rise’ for emerging designers and in a ‘Guardian online’ film for hotly-tipped young graduate talents. Her latest AW12 collection has been photographed by the iconic photographer Kate Garner who made her name by photographing the likes of Kate Moss and Bjork.

Bowler is known for her innovative approach to design. Her collections highlight her passion to transform inexpensive and mundane materials using unique processes. Hand-dyed plastics and innovative heat forming techniques make way for a unique approach to fashion design. Her collection has since then been borrowed by the likes of Lady Gaga, Pixie Lott and Jessie J. Jane’s commitment, talent and passion have made her a young experienced professional. Since her great success,

Picture credit: Christopher Dadey

A passion for fashion Jane has been busy working on her new collection and has found fulfillment in being able to coach her design interns aspiring to work in fashion in the future.

She has always had a great interest in sharing her experience and knowledge amongst other young people. She has been teaching at a range of different age groups, from children at the V&A museum, to tutoring textiles and design students at Universities. It has since then been an important part of her career.

It is for this reason that Jane has decided to introduce her own Fashion Workshops aiming to teach and inspire ambitious young people. There will be separate workshops available, some for School students and some for University students looking to add to their portfolios and encourage them to use typically unusual materials to create beautiful pieces. All the materials that need to be used to create these pieces will be provided. The workshop will allow budding textile, fashion and jewellery designers to work in an experimental way, producing unique textile samples, which can be interpreted into accessory outcomes. Jane and her design assistants will instruct people on the workshop ensuring maximum quality learning time and will engage in a number of tasks during the day including exploring materials, working in 3D, cutwork, riveting and eyeleting, construction techniques, exploring colour combinations and more.

Each person will complete the workshop with a series of exploration samples, leading towards the completion of their own choice of accessory ranging from necklaces to headgear. They will also get the opportunity to view Jane’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection and

The dates available for the workshop are: Friday 8th June 2012 Friday 27th July 2012 Friday 3rd August 2012 And Friday 10th August 2012 The workshops are priced at £115 however any students wanting to apply will receive a discount rate of £95 and lunch will be provided. The workshops run from 11am and finish at 6pm at Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London, N1 3QP. If interested please book your place or request for more information at studio@ janebowler.co.uk (number: 07754470549) (website: www.janebowler.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Jane Bowlers creative workshops)

talk to her. It is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, get inspired and add something new to their CV’s and portfolios.

Bowler is known for her innovative approach to design. Her collections highlight her passion to transform inexpensive and mundane materials using unique processes.

Her collection has since then been borrowed by the likes of Lady Gaga, Pixie Lott and Jessie J.

Clothes Labelling made easy.

Reusable Dry clean At Campino Personalised Gifts we offer deluxe products at affordable prices.

We provide an individualised service which can be accessed online, by phone or at our studio in North London. We personalise a wide range of products including quality towels, robes, teddies, aprons and blankets.

www.campinopersonalisedgifts.co.uk Contact us on 0208 886 1833 www.familiesnorth.co.uk

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fathers day

Fathers Day In praise of fathers everywhere here are the top 5 sporting things to do with your dad.

1. Go fishing at: • Lee Navigation, Enders Lock-Ponders End. Tel: 020 8524 7270 • Walthamstow Reservoir, 2 Forest Road, Tottenham, London N17 9NH. Tel: 07747 641179 2. Play football at: • The Emirates Stadium, 75 Drayton Park Road, London N5 1VU. Tel: 020 7704 4504 • Holland Park.

Tel: 020 7361 3003 • Regents Park.

020 7486 7905 3. Playing golf at: • Alexandra Palace Pitch & Putt.

Tel: 01245 257682 golfwiseltd@btinternet.com • Finchley Golf Club.

Tel: 020 8346 2436 www.finchleygolfclub.co.uk • Hendon Golf Club.

Tel: 020 8346 6023 admin@hendongolfclub.co.uk 4. Playing cricket at: • North London Cricket Club.

Tel: 020 8340 8184 • Lords Cricket Ground.

Tel: 020 7616 8500 5. 10-pin Bowling at: • Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes.

Tel: 020 7183 1980 • Rowins 10-pin- Bowl.

Tel: 020 88001950

1280_GENERIC quarter page ad-ROMFORD:Layout 1

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at Celebrate in style at London's ultimate children's party venues

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 5 years Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age

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for more information call 01708 768003 www.kidspaceadventures.com The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU

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A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment

For Tumble Tots classes in Muswell Hill, Finchley Central and St John’s Wood Call: 020 8381 6585 Email: fun@tumbletotsnorthlondon.co.uk www.tumbletots.com/hampstead

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

health

FAMILIES NORTH

Health

Giveaway

Hayfever

With the winter months seeming to drag on longer each year, it’s no wonder that Brits eagerly anticipate the start of summer and warmer weather it can bring.

However, for allergy and hay fever sufferers, the start of spring can herald months of sniffling, sneezing, blocked noses and itchy eyes. With almost half of Brits being allergy sufferers and nearly 26% of the population allergic to pollen, many are unable to enjoy the Great British summer as much as they’d like.

Hay fever sufferers want products to help relieve their symptoms, so they don’t miss out on summer picnics, trips to the park to relax with friends or sitting in the garden in the sunshine. A product that can be used at the onset of hay fever symptoms, and once they have taken hold, is Stérimar® Isotonic Nasal Hygiene® a 100% natural sea-water nasal spray. Over two thirds of allergy sufferers say they would prefer to use an effective natural alternative for hay fever (72%) , and that is why you should try Stérimar® Isotonic Nasal Hygiene® which is suitable for long term use.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Symptoms Hay fever is characterized by symptoms such as itchy and/or watery eyes, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, coughing and also wheezing. These are caused by the body’s allergic reaction to various pollens in the environment.

These tiny particles are breathed into the nose where an immune reaction is triggered. Histamine is released and irritates the upper respiratory passages causing hay fever symptoms to take hold.

Stérimar® Isotonic Nasal Hygiene® is an effective sea-water nasal spray for allergy sufferers. The sea-water base solution clears and cleanses impurities and allergens away from your nose before they enter your body, working on the cause of the problem as well as on the symptoms. It also helps to rebalance nasal functions, allowing the nose to filter and trap the allergens effectively.

How to use Stérimar Nasal Hygiene® allows you to breathe naturally and, when used on a regular basis, can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions and chronic conditions developing. Stérimar® can be used as often as required, and is clinically proven to benefit sufferers of allergic rhinitis (hay fever is a seasonal type of allergic rhinitis that is caused by pollen). The makers of Stérimar®, who have more than 40 years

Families North London has 2 sprays to give away. Please email your name and address details to editor@familiesnorth. co.uk. Entries will be drawn at random. Competition closes 30th June, 2012.

of expertise in the nose and its problems, recommend you use it in the morning and again in the evening to clear your nasal passages and filter allergens that will appear in the nose during the day. It’s best to use before and after you visit high allergen density areas such as parks and fields.

Stérimar Isotonic Nasal Hygiene® is extremely gentle and has no known side effects. It can be used on its own or with other medications as long and as often as required. You can develop hay fever at any age, and Stérimar® Isotonic is naturally safe for all the family, including babies from 3 months and pregnant women.

All varieties of Stérimar® are 100% natural, anti-histamine-free, steroid-free, and have no preservatives or additives. They are made from the cleanest sea-water from the French coast of Brittany and are tested to ensure purity. Minerals and trace elements like those found in sea-water are extremely important to maintain the body’s internal equilibrium, and Stérimar® works with the physiology of the nose to keep its defences in tip top condition.

Did you know…

Here are some handy hay fever facts so you can prepare yourself better before the season starts : • G rass pollen affects 95% of people with hay fever in the UK • Hay fever sufferers are three times more likely to develop asthma than non-sufferers • Pollen is released early in the morning and descends in the evening as the air cools • The pollen season travels northward at about five degrees longitude per week • Food allergies can also be caused by birth pollen that is present in foods such as raw apple, raw tomato, hazelnut and aniseed spices Stérimar® is available in Boots and most pharmacies across the UK in 100ml (RRP £6.63) and a handy 50ml size (RRP £4.07) for when you are on the go.

For additional information, please visit www.sterimarnasal.co.uk.

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jubilee

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012

By Joanna Parry

Get ready for the celebrations across London this summer! 2012 not only marks the Queen’s 60th year as Monarch, but she is also the first to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee since Queen Victoria in 1897. Expect a whole host of exciting events in London. So dig out your flags and get celebrating.

BBC Concert at the Palace Monday, 4th June Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

Join in the fun at the Diamond Jubilee Concert with artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Annie Lennox. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a ticket – there’s room for 500,000 people in St James’s Park and Green Park and the Mall to watch on giant screens. www.bbc.co.uk/ diamondjubilee.

Diamond Jubilee Beacons Monday, 4th June

Other Events Surrounding the Central Weekend The Queen: Art and Image 17th May – 1st October Bringing together images of Elizabeth II fro throughout her reign, this exhibition shows the way she has been portrayed down through the decades, ranging from official paintings to works

by Lucien Freud, Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz and Gilbert and George.

Tower of London, EC3N 4AB

Diamond Jubilee Beacons

The Official Central Weekend 2nd – 5th June Sunday, 3rd June – Big Jubilee Lunch Building on the popular Big Lunch initiative, enjoy a lunch with neighbours and friends.

Organise your own street party or share a picnic – it’s all about the community coming together for food, music and good old-fashioned fun. www.thebiglunch.com.

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Sunday, 3rd June See the Queen lead a flotilla of 1,000 boats fro across the UK, Commonwealth and the rest of the world. Steam boats, tall ships, cruisers, kayaks, Dunkirk little ships and Dragon boats – the flotilla will be the largest fleet of ships to assemble on the Thames in 350 years, continuing a royal tradition which dates back to Anne Boleyn’s coronation. The Pageant will begin in Putney and culminate at Tower Bridge. www. thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org.

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A network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit throughout the UK and Commonwealth, including beacons on the battlements of The Tower of London, James’s Palace and Lambeth Palace.

Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession Tuesday, 5th June

At Home with the Queen 24th May – 4th November Museum of London, EC2M 5UU

Featuring Londoners photographed in their homes, this exhibition explores cherished mementoes of Her Majesty’s reign.

Royal Philharmonic Jubilee Gala 31st May

St Paul’s Cathedral EC4M 8AD

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Sw7 2AP

The final day of official celebrations includes a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral before the Queen travels in a procession through the streets of London.

The acclaimed orchestra will be joined by some of the UK’s most talented female musicians for a special concert. www.royalalberthall.com.

A Gala for the Queen’s Jubilee 2nd June Royal Albert Hall

Staring Russell Watson, and celebrating the Jubilee with a sensational programme of stirring favourites.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Sing-a-long 3rd June Royal Albert Hall

Get ready for a fight old knees-up. Showman

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

jubilee

Jonathan Cohen will lead you through toe-tapping, hand-clapping songs to sing… sing… singalong!

Jubilee Family Festival 2nd and 3rd June

Jubilee portrait and a set of diamonds given to her by the Sultan of Turkey.

Big British Bang 4th May – 31st August

Hyde Park, W2 2UH

Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

Hosted by Sainsbury’s this two-day festival will culminate in a finale on both days comprising of Disney songs and characters. Plus equestrian events, death-defying motorbike stunts and kids’ television characters. With giant screens covering the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, the festival will showcase Britain through the decades.

Pop-up shops, in-store events and fashion exhibitions combine to create retail theatre.

Don’t forget the extra Bank Holiday. Monday, 4th June and Tuesday, 5th June are both holidays this year, so there’s no excuse not to get celebrating!

Find out more at www.royal.gov.uk, www. direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee and www. thamesdiamondjubileepagent.org.

Palace Summer Opening 30th June – 8th July and 31st July-7th October Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA

Visit the lavishly decorated State Rooms furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection.

Diamonds: A jubilee Celebration 31st July – 30th September Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

This spectacular exhibition shows the many ways in which diamonds have been used by British Monarchs over the last 200 years. It includes the necklace made for Queen Victoria’s Coronation, a crown worn by Queen Victoria for her Diamond

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

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jubilee

10

Facts about the Queen enjoy a ball 64 a

1 2

The Queen was born Princess Elizabeth of York on 21 April 1926 in Mayfair, London.

On 6 February 1952 while in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth received the news of her father’s death and her own accession to the throne. The tour was abandoned and Princess Elizabeth flew back to Britain as Queen and moved into Buckingham Palace.

3

The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. The ceremony was broadcast on radio around the world and was televised for the very first time.

4

The Queen is the second longest-serving monarch. Only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more: Victoria (63 years); George III (59 years); Henry III (56 years); Edward III (50 years); and James VI of Scotland (James I of England) (57 years).

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Since her first official overseas visit to South Africa in 1947, overseas visits have become one of The Queen’s most important duties; and in 60 years, she has undertaken 261 official overseas visits to 116 different countries. Her Majesty has visited Australia 16 times, Canada 22 times, Jamaica six times and New Zealand 10 times.

The Queen has made a Christmas Broadcast to the Commonwealth every year of her reign except 1969 – making her 50th Christmas Broadcast in 2002; in 2004 The Queen issued her first separate broadcast for members of the British Armed Forces; and in 2006 it was available for the first time as a podcast.

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The Queen has been to countries, which no other British monarch has ever visited, including the first State visits by a reigning monarch to China in 1986, Russia in 1994, Brunei and Malaysia in 1998, and Korea in 1999.

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The first Royal walkabout took place in 1970 during a visit to Australia and New Zealand

by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, who wanted to meet as many people as possible, not just officials and dignitaries.

The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign – starting with Susan who was a present for her 18th birthday – and currently has three, Monty, Willow and Holly.

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Queen Victoria was the last and only British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee, when she was 78 in 1897. The Queen, who will be aged 85 on Accession Day in 2012, will be the oldest monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

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!

We are looking for babies and children between the ages of 0 and 12 years to assist us in a range of fun activities investigating how children see.

The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London.

We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.

Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.

020 7608 6819

www.enjoy-a-ball.com

www.childvisionlab.org

Holiday & term time swimming lessons available at the Fitness First Health Club, Avenell Road, Highbury Square We teach non-members of the health club to swim in 1:1 & 2:1 classes Introductory Promo 25% discount for all our 1:1 holiday courses.

020 7644 2472 | aquanautsswimmingschool.com

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www.familiesnorth.co.uk aquanauts hp ad 85x87mm v2.indd 1

14/02/2012 13:56

royal palaces

Eight of the Best:

Royal Palaces and Castles to visit Enjoy a royally good day out at one of the countries magnificent palaces or castles. Make sure to call ahead to confirm opening times and events.

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Kensington Palace Newly refurbished with a wealth of history to explore, from Queen Victoria to Diana. Kids under 16 go free.

Mon-Sun: 10.00-18.00

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The Tower of London For a day steeped in medieval magic there is nothing better than to see the Yeoman Warders, Crown Jewels, the white Tower, the Medieval Palace, and to spot the ravens.

Tues-Sat: 09.00-17.30. Sun-Mon: 10-17.30.

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Hampton Court Palace Tempted to be a Tudor? You will be at this medieval masterpiece. Join Henry VIII at this favourite palace and march around the maze. With jousting and lots of activities it’s a royal delight.

Opening times: 10.00-18.00

Local venues

Nurseries

Schools

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Windsor Castle A great family day out in historic Windsor in Berkshire. Visit Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, see Henry VIII’s armour, St George’s Hall, and watch the Changing of the Guard.

Opening times: 09.45-17.15 (last admission).

Subject to change.

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Buckingham Palace For every wannabe prince and princess visit the ultimate palace and see the glorious staterooms, see the glamorous diamonds in the Jubilee Celebration exhibition, and watch the Changing of the Guard. There are many exhibitions this year. Check the web www. royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions for details on admission prices and opening times.

Children’s Centres

6 7

Kew Palace A great day out for all the family and kids go free from April-Sept 2012.

Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 11.00-17.00.

Leeds Castle The loveliest castle in the world featuring a 1950’s Jubilee Weekend on the 2nd & 3rd June 2012. Jousting, medieval knights school, and Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

It’s simply an amazing day out.

Opening times: 10.00-17.30

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Warwick Castle Britain’s ultimate castle featuring a host of fabulous activities with a wonderful royal joust from 2nd-10th June 2012. Not to be missed. It’s well worth the trip.

Opening times 10.00-17.00

Parties

Baby Story Play

Imagination takes you everywhere...

story

drama

play

6 months – 7 years

www.debutots.co.uk

Dipping their tiny toes into the world of stories, words and sounds, babies and toddlers delight in a multi-sensory blend of storytelling, puppets, bubbles and music.

Early Years Drama Growing in age and poise, children are inspired by each week’s magical tale to share their own ideas and feelings as they creatively explore the characters, scenery and sounds together.

Family Story Play An engaging blend of our two class formats – perfect for siblings, childminders and children’s centres.

keeley@debutots.co.uk, 020 8211 3389 – Islington, Camden, St John’s Wood jennifer@debutots.co.uk, 020 8442 2380 – Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

13

The London 2012 Olympic Games

By Rebecca Carr

This summer, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an amazing festival of sport and culture: a breathtaking event that the whole nation can get excited about. You will get to see the very best athletes in the world, the fastest runners, the highest jumpers and the strongest swimmers. Here’s how you too can get involved and be a part of the greatest sporting event in the world.

TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? £500 – £2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business life” Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry” You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life …

If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242

14

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

olympics

Be a local leader The Local Leader programme is an opportunity for people in communities across the UK to be at the heart of the London 2012 Games and celebrate them in your local area.

Millions of people will be celebrating and at the heart of every celebration will be the one person who makes a difference, an organiser or someone who makes things happen. So if this sounds like you, why not become a London 2012 Local Leader and plan an activity that can include the whole family.

All you need is an idea of how you will celebrate the Games. You can create your own events or use the ideas communities across the UK suggested to London 2012. From gardening for the games to planning a sports quiz or an opening night in or a super Saturday family BBQ, get your friends, family and neighbours ready to celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world.

From gardening for the games to planning a sports quiz or an opening night in or a super Saturday family BBQ, get your friends, family and neighbours ready to celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Ideas to get you started and involve the whole family.

School’s out

Let’s get gardening Dig out your trowel and get planting! Use your window pots, garden or community allotment to celebrate through all things floral. You can use Olympic colours or Union Jack themes.

Every week during the school holidays keep the family busy during the holidays with the toolkit from London 2012. Packed with ideas and learning opportunities.

Design a flag Why not design an Olympic flag to wave when the Olympic Torch passes through your town or village.

Youth and Family Gold Challenge The Youth and Family Gold Challenge is the charity challenge where you take on Olympic and Paralympic Sports to raise money for charity. Everyone aged 5 and over can take part either as an individual, as part of a team, or with your family and fundraise money for one of Gold Challenge’s 125 charities.

For more information and to register visit: www.london2012.com/localleaders

15

olympics

The family activity challenge This challenge is all about doing sports together and is perfect for families. Learn one new sport and or try a family run, walk, cycle or swim. It’s accessible for younger children or those who want to involve elder members of the family too.

The Youth and Family Gold Challenge offers three challenge options to choose from. This is your challenge and you can choose how you do it: • C omplete your challenge indoors or outdoors • Choose new sports, or push yourself further in your favourite sport • Complete it as an individual or as a family

The 2012km Challenge

Olympic Sport Challenge This challenge is for those of you who want to try out new sports. Pick five Olympic or Paralympic sports to learn or improve on, then coach or take part in a competitive event to complete your challenge. You need to be aged seven or over to register.

More information is available at: www.goldchallenge.org

Celebrating the Olympic year, choose your target distance at 2,012, 201.2 or 20.12km and then complete this in your preferred sports. You need to be aged seven or over to register.

Cover your chosen distance via one or more of the following sports (for families or groups this is an aggregated total): • • • • • • • •

Running Walking Cycling Swimming Canoeing/Kayaking Horse-riding Rowing Sailing

The Family Activity Challenge This is a two part challenge, perfect for families as it’s all about doing sports together, regardless of age or ability.

Firstly, choose one new sport to learn then do two of the following as a family: • • • •

Swim 500 metres Run 1,500 metres Walk 5,000 metres Cycle 10,000 metres

The Family Activity Challenge can be done anywhere you choose but you must complete it together as a family.

More information is available at: www.goldchallenge.org

At the Co-operative Childcare our nurseries offer: • Safe and stimulating indoor and outdoor environments • Highly skilled and qualified teams • Nutritious meals prepared on site • Flexible opening hours • Fully inclusive fees

Call 0800 954 0669 or visit

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16

Watercolour and Drawing Classes in NW1 In an artist’s studio in Kentish Town. Children aged 8 and above. All materials provided.

Children will learn to look at the objects they are studying in various ways and learn to mix their own colours. Each class lasts 3 hours. Beginners and adults most welcome.

The Tutor Gabriel Sempill, a practising artist, trained at the Royal College of Art and has worked as an art teacher for years in London. Join a single class or sign up for the term.

Weekly classes including half-term and holidays. Also art parties.

Email: gabriel.sempill@btinternet.com

Untitled-1.indd 1

Telephone: 0207 482 4118

www.familiesnorth.co.uk 30/01/2012 18:53

olympics

For those lucky enough to live near to the Olympic park, there’s one bit question you might be thinking; can I rent my house to visitors for the games? Some London letting agents have reported a serious interest from those looking to rent their homes near to the action this summer. Reports suggest some homeowners are asking between £3,000 and £5,000 per week to rent their home.

If you are thinking of renting your home, there are two options available: pay an agent who specialises in short-term lets or do it yourself! Agents will typically charge commission of 10 – 15% and the advantage being they provide a contract and crucially collect the money for the rent. If you wish to avoid paying commission, then there are a variety of websites such as rentduringthegames.com where you can list your property for a small insertion free.

Considerations for letting your family home: • All your cupboards, wardrobes and draws will need to empty

Carry on camping!

There is also the opportunity for garden owners of London to fill the accommodation gap with an affordable alternative – renting your garden to campers!

Campinmygarden.com launched in April 2011 is an online advertising site for private garden owners to rent their garden to travellers as a low cost short-term alternative to expensive hotels.

The London 2012 Olympic games offers homeowners the opportunity to rent their garden as a micro-campsite for two weeks, providing an accessible, affordable and fun alternative to traditional accommodation that might otherwise be very costly.

Campinmygarden.com

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

• •

•

•

and all personal possessions removed from y our property.

You will need to have a spotlessly clean house.

There will be a cost associated with finding somewhere for your family to stay while your home is rented.

You will pay tax on the income you generate from the rent.

Your home insurance will not cover you for commercial lets so you will need to organise additional cover.

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Useful websites to help you decide whether to rent your home during the Olympics. www.accommodatelondon.com/ olympics www.londonrentmyhouse.com www.2012homerentals.com www.rentduringthegames.com

, , We re open throughout the Queen s Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend ● NEW Horse Displays including the

allows garden owners to be open about the facilities they can provide and the pricing they offer. The rating and reviewing system also allows campers to provide a review and a rating, which can provide an insight for the next visitor.

Why not rent your garden this summer and earn yourself some extra cash whilst allowing visitors to experience the ‘real’ London with a warm welcome and friendly stay.

For more information visit: www.campinmygarden.com

Miniature Shetland Troupe ● NEW Goat Racing ● NEW Scarecrow's Animal Friends ● Story Time ● Animal Feeding Areas ● Puppet Show ● Pan for Gold ● Ride on Rabbit Racers ● Frisbee Golf ● Build ‘n Play ● Young Drivers Zone ● Fun Fair Rides ● Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge ● Tristan the Runaway Tractor ● Adventure Play ● Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn ● Bird-o-batics Falconry Displays ● Animated Chicken Show ● Woolly's Workout Agility Play Trail

Open daily 10am - 5.30pm Just 300 metres from Jnc.22 M25. Willows Farm Village, Coursers Rd, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF

Tel: 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Programme subject to change.

15575a 04/12

Renting your home for the games

RM VILL AGE FA

*This voucher admits one child free to Willows Farm Village with one full paying adult day ticket.

1. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, school/group bookings, birthday parties, online tickets or Willows Membership. 2. This voucher is valid until 19th October 2012 3. Only one child (up to 13 years old) admitted free with one full paying adult day ticket (aged 14+) per voucher. 4. No forged, defaced or photocopied vouchers or downloaded copies from electronic versions of publications accepted. 5. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of use.

www.willowsfarmvillage.com

17

olympics

Festival

2012 Since 2008, the Cultural Olympiad has been inspiring the arts in a variety of events from local projects to largescale performances across the whole of the UK. Festival 2012 will be the finale and the most exciting festival the UK has ever seen. Whether you like dancing, music, fashion or food, you’ll find

something you can get involved in, with many free events suitable for the family to enjoy.

Festival 2012 opens on 21 June and will run to 9th September (the final day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games). Festival areas include; arts, carnivals, comedy, dance, film, music, food and much more. Many events are free but tickets may be required so check the website for more details.

One of the highlights of Festival 2012 is The Big Dance Schools Pledge – the world’s largest and most influential dance initiative, which invites schools from around the UK and the world to join in a world record attempt for the largest simultaneous dance routine. The Schools Pledge is formed in two parts: Firstly, learn the choreography and School take partTrapeze in the world record attend For children for the largest dance routine on 18 (from 2 1/2 years old) May and secondly, do an additional Atofthe Primrose HillBig 20 minutes dance a day during community centre Dance week from 7-15 July.

Hopkinson’s On 18 May, schools Place aroundNW1 0207 284 0631/0797 345 1603 the world will go to their school gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk halls, playgrounds, playing fields or to public spaces and perform a 5 minute choreography arranged

La Libellule

B_Panthakarate.pdf

1

04/05/2012

by Wayne McGregor CBE, resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet.

The current record is held by the Netherlands with 264,188 people and 1,472 locations.

The schools pledge is a fantastic and fun opportunity for young people of all ages to learn a new dance inspired by the Olympics and to perform it as part of a world record attempt and share a unique moment in time, dancing together and in unison with schools from other countries.

Festival 2012 opens on 21 June and will run to 9th September (the final day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games). Festival areas include; arts, carnivals, comedy, dance, film, music, food and much more.

For more details and to register your school visit: www.bigdance2012.com or visit: http://festival.london2012.com

12:46

La Libellule

Trapeze School

For children (from 2 1/2 years old)

Beginners Classes: Wednesday 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.30 Swiss Cottage

020-8445-2588

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18

for children aged 5 to 14 years

At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

olympics

Lighting the way to London 2012

By Rebecca Carr

On 18 May 2012, the Olympic Torch Relay will start with a 70-day celebration that will travel thousands of miles to bring the London 2012 Games to hundreds of communities across the UK. The Olympic Flame will be lit on 10 May in Olympia, Greece and will embark on a 8 day relay around Greece before arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens for the official Olympic Flame handover ceremony. Lighting the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium signifies the beginning of the games and the flame

will stay lit until the closing ceremony on 12 August.

The Olympic Flame is one of the most recognized symbols of any Olympic Games. A ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. The flame is then handed over to the new host city and the Flame is then transferred from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship.

It’s not just sporting superstars who’ll carry the Olympic Flame this summer. People from all walks of life and from every part of the UK will take part. In all, 8,000 torchbearers will get the chance of a lifetime to carry the flame and over half of the torchbearers will be young people aged 12-25.

When will the torch come through North London?

For the first time in Olympic history, Britain will be the first country to hold a torch relay completely within the UK. The Olympic Torch Relay will be a fantastic spectacular, a chance to celebrate your community and showcase it to the world – so don’t miss out!

The Torch will be traveling through Haringey on Wednesday 25th July and Westminster on Thursday 26th July.

In all, 8,000 torchbearers will get the chance of a lifetime to carry the flame.

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

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

19

education

10

Starting Big School

By Sarah Butters

As soon as you find out which school your child is going to this September, it’s time to start preparing. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days. skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days – they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

1. Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air.

1 and 13/4/12 IfParentCourseAd-FN:Layout you can see buttons on trousers

things your child should be able to do when they begin school

less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’.

Beginning school toilet training now will mean less accidents in September.

2. Are they used to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated.

Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

4. Are they able to eat independently?

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life.

Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect.

3. Can they use the toilet on their own?

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to12:15 use it onPage their 1own. That can mean

5. Are they able to recognise their name?

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find

51

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education

their cardigan if it gets misplaced.

Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost.

If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

6. Can they use scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

7. Do they understand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off.

8. Can they communicate with an adult?

Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work?

A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up.

Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown ups attention.

9. Are they able to count?

If your child is about to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start.

Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!

10. Can they follow simple instructions?

The school day is full of instructions.

Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging cooperation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life.

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• I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child • Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson • Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne)

by Felicity Brooks • Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi • Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own...

Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence.

Music classes for babies and young children! ®

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL:

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

FamN Magazine Jun/July 2012

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   •   •  •   •   •  

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.

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21

education

Important changes to the State School 11+ exam timetable VERY BIG changes are on their way. And they are coming soon. Very soon!

My advice is don’t be afraid... but do be prepared.

This is going to affect children who are currently in Year 5 who will be starting secondary school in September 2013.

So what are the changes? In short, the timing of the state selective exams have been brought forward and the exams will now be earlier.

For the last few years the 11+ timetable in NW London has been very clear and has only affected children from the September of Year 6.

Now no more! The government has changed its admissions code.

There are a number of key changes suggested. One change is giving priority to children of staff who have been employed for at least two years or who have been recruited to meet a school’s particular skills shortage.

Another change proposed is that the requirement that siblings must be attending the school at the time of admission has been removed and schools may give priority to the siblings of former pupils.

However the biggest change is that selective schools must inform parents of the outcome of any test before they express a preference for other schools.

For example this means that parents must be told if their child has passed the QE Boys, Latymer and/or Henrietta Barnett Exam before completing and submitting their CAF form by the middle of October. The test results will give parents the opportunity to

make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with an application to a selective school.

Parents should, however, be aware that the information they are given will not equate to the offer or refusal of a place. Similarly, taking a test does not commit parents to naming a particular school on their secondary transfer application form.

This will allow parents to make better informed choices on their forms... only listing selective schools they know they have a realistic chance of receiving an offer from. However, the impact will be huge.

In order to accommodate this

Children in Year 5 will now be under much more pressure to prepare for these exams as they are essentially arriving a term earlier. Then there’s the question about the private school exams. Will they change as well and sit earlier in the academic year or will children now be expected to take exams in September and then again in January rather than sitting them all in one cluster?

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education

process, there will be significant changes to key dates and Barnet schools will be holding tests much earlier than usual, either during the summer term 2012 or the beginning of the autumn term 2012.

Children in Year 5 will now be under much more pressure to prepare for these exams as they are essentially arriving a term earlier. Then there’s the question about the private school exams. Will they change as well and sit earlier in the academic year or

will children now be expected to take exams in September and then again in January rather than sitting them all in one cluster?

If you would like more information on how these changes could affect your child please contact Katie Krais on: Mobile: 07956111728, Email : kateek@hotmail. co.uk or see www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk and www.katiekrais.com

In short, the timing of the state selective exams have been brought forward and the exams will now be earlier.

Christ Church, Heriot Road, Hendon, NW4 2EG Full, part-time and sessional day-care for children aged 2-5-years-old Free places available for all children aged 3+ Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Open 48 weeks per year Fully-trained staff All welcome Please call to make an appointment to view the Nursery

Telephone: 020 8202 5687 www.familiesnorth.co.uk

23

education

Secondary steps How often have you got to a place and remembered you have forgotten something?

Written by Katie Krais

Helping your child get ready for Secondary School and become more organised!

but some manage to achieve far more in that time than others. Some are able to remember everything they need for the following day – others quite simply haven’t got a clue.

Many parents leave nothing to chance and take the lead. This is extremely normal and common.

However, doing the organising for your child in secondary school will not help them – they now need to start taking control for themselves.

Sometimes it’s not a problem – you improvise – you borrow a friend’s lipstick or you promise to bring the cheque with you next time. Sometimes, it’s a bigger problem, such as going to the airport and forgetting your passport. Being organised is an essential part of day to day life and for the first time your child will begin to appreciate this. They can forget their homework in primary school and the world doesn’t end. In secondary school the implications may be more serious.

Every child has the same amount of time,

Helpful tips to get your child more organised: • E ncourage your child to practise packing everything they need for the next school day in their bag. It is always best to do this the night before – we all know how things can get a bit manic in the mornings.

• P lan their route to and from their new school in the Summer holidays and practise it with them at first, then get them to do it on their own.

This is one of the biggest anxieties children face and to have mastered it before the first day of term is a huge bonus.

• Encourage your child to go out more on their own before September so they are used to it before starting secondary school. Yes, I know… why give them independence when you would really prefer to wrap them up in cotton wool? The answer is because they will learn nothing about life wrapped up in cotton wool – and now is as good a time as any to let them spread their wings.

Obviously, when I suggest they start flying solo I don’t mean completely solo – make sure they have

24

a mobile phone with them for the numerous occasions you ring them just to check they are breathing! On a more serious note it is important to encourage your child to keep their mobile phone hidden when they’re not using it and to think carefully about buying the latest phone model – this may attract potential thieves.

You should also warn your child that wearing an ipod/mp3player/ personal can be dangerous as it prevents being aware of what is happening around you. When using public transport remind your child to sit near the driver or guard where possible and to avoid empty carriages on trains.

• Make sure your child knows school and home phone numbers.

• E ncourage your child to do their homework as soon as the work comes in – often it has to be done for the next day that can be very different from primary school.

• F ind an appropriate working space in the house for your child to do homework.

• K now the new school rules regarding uniform (including jewellery, make-up, mobile phones, ipods and gameboys).

Many parents leave nothing to chance and take the lead.

This is extremely normal and common. However, doing the organising for your child in secondary school will not help them – they now need to start taking control for themselves. www.familiesnorth.co.uk

education • P ractise putting on the school uniform – you’d be surprised how difficult school ties can be.

• M ake sure all equipment and uniform is named using either marker pens, tape, labels or correction fluid.

• W arn your child that the school day will be very different to what they are used to. Some secondary schools have weekly timetables – some have fortnightly timetables.

Being organised is an essential part of day to day life and for the first time your child will begin to appreciate this.

• G et a map of their new school and go through it with your child so they become familiar with the site – it is easy to get lost inside. If your child is a visual learner, it can be helpful to take photos of the different parts of the school in advance of arrival.

• M any schools will have Year 7 planners – these become the bible for them when they start school and are a great way of preparing them. Try to get hold of a copy – if they have no spare copies, see if your primary school can get hold of a copy.

• A lways write down in your diaries term dates and special events as soon as you receive the information – otherwise parents evening can come and go without your ever knowing!

Individual tutoring and assessments available 9 East Barnet Road, Barnet EN4 8RR www.coffeeandtwist.com

5-18yrs children, including children with special educational needs.

Preparation for 11+ state selective and independent secondary school entrance examinations.

Katie Krais

P.G.C.E., Cert. Spld.

Lorrae Jaderberg Cert.Ed., Cert. Spld.

Tel: 07956 111728 Family Friendly cafe/ healthy menu/ fresh home-made cakes/ good coffee/ baby/children’s menu/ soft play/ outdoor play area/ babies & toddlers rhyme times/ birthday parties Sundays/ baby massage & baby sessions.

Ring for more details: 0203 609 3342

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk 25

Special Needs

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy National sunflower campaign encourages children to learn about the environment and growing plants while raising awareness and funds for charity Action Duchenne Action Duchenne is launching its national campaign, the Seeds of Hope Appeal for the third year running. Seeds of Hope is aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, with the objective to raise awareness of the life limiting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The appeal, which has been very successful in the last two years with over 3,000 participants last year, will raise funds for the charity, which campaigns to find a cure and viable treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

For a donation of £1 each child receives a pack which contains a range of activities and fund raising ideas, as well as a pack of sunflower seeds with instructions on how to plant and look after their sunflowers. Children are also encouraged to get sponsorship for their sunflowers, with every child

26

raising £10 or more receiving a special Seeds of Hope pencil case.

Teachers of each class involved in the project will receive a support pack with ideas and activity sheets for learning in the classroom as well as outdoors in the garden. Worksheets for teachers at Key Stage 1 and 2 give ideas for introducing sunflowers and the Seeds of Hope Appeal into the classroom. They cover planting seeds, watching them grow and learning how they produce more seeds. Ideally the project is run over the summer and autumn terms. Action Duchenne is also giving a series of child friendly talks at schools about the work of the charity.

Designed to both generate funds and stimulate children’s interest in nature and the environment, the project also provides the opportunity for them to engage with their communities outside of school. It includes activities that support the children’s learning – measuring the flowers, counting the seeds, monitoring weather, drawing pictures, recording data and publicising their efforts. The project has been designed to link many subjects of the national curriculum including literacy, numeracy, science, IT and art and design.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a muscle wasting disease that affects boys and very occasionally girls. It affects 1 in 3,500 male births, affects 2,500 people in the UK and 40,000

Action Duchenne’s Seeds of Hope Appeal set to blossom for the third successive year

globally. Action Duchenne is the only national UK charity focused on raising awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The charity aims to find treatments or a cure for Duchenne by funding research and clinical trials, campaigning to make sure that everyone has access to the best standard of medical care, providing up to date support to families living with Duchenne and also to run a specialist education programmes (one of which received National Lottery Award in 2011).

Nick Catlin CEO of Action Duchenne said; ‘This is a great way for children to appreciate the wonders of nature.

They learn about the environment and growing plants, in a fun and interesting way, while helping those less fortunate than themselves.

‘As government grants are cut, charities like ours must find ever more ingenious ways to raise the funds needed to continue our critical work in finding viable treatments and a cure for this devastating disease. Despite finding the gene that causes the condition in the 1980s there is still no cure, although scientists say we are tantalizingly close.

Action Duchenne is committed to not only finding a cure, but to raising awareness and improving medical care, which can substantially increase both quality of life and life expectancy.

Action Duchenne also provides support to families living with Duchenne and educational programmes.’

All proceeds from the campaign will go towards funding medical research – the ‘Seeds of Hope’ for those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Entrants can register for the competition on the Action Duchenne website from March, <http://www.actionduchenne. org> www.actionduchenne.org (£1 per participant) to receive their individual pack, containing full instructions, a pack of seeds, Action Duchenne stickers and a sponsorship form.

To take part in the Action Duchenne Seeds of Hope campaign, please go to www.actionduchenne.org and complete the registration form.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www. edontheweb.com.

Room

Reading

Ed’s Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories.

There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

For ages 5-7 years

5-7

Barney the Boat Dog: Fairground Surprise

by Linda Newbery (Usborne Publishing £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Barney loves living on Jim’s narrowboat and he particularly enjoys it when Jim’s young grandson is staying with them.

Freddie is hoping to buy his grandfather a surprise birthday present but he is horrified when his piggy bank with all his savings falls into the canal. He tries to rescue it but things really start to go wrong and Barney realises it is time for him to try and sort things out.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

‘This is a warm-hearted adventure in this lovely series. It is about fun, loyalty and friends and is ideal for newly-confident young readers.’

My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster

by Timothy Knapman (Simon and Schuster £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Wally is a fairly regular young boy with a very unusual uncle.

Uncle Foulpest’s name is rather odd but the really odd thing is that he is an ogre and that makes Wally’s life far from regular! Wally becomes ill but is desperate to go to Tommy’s party, so Foulpest comes up with a cure – but as usual things don’t go to plan. And when Wally’s class goes on an outing he hopes Foulpest isn’t going to be there. But…you’ve guessed it. Foulpest is there in the middle of all the fun!

‘This is a hilarious book with fantastic illustrations. It has two laughout-loud stories about these wonderful characters and will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.’

For ages 7 years plus

7+

Boobela and Worm to the Rescue

by Joe Friedman (Orion Children’s Books £7.99)

Ed Says: ‘Boobela is a young giant whose life changed when she met Worm. Boobela has to rescue her parents who have been taken prisoner in the Dabushta Jungle. She and Worm make the dangerous journey in a hot-

air balloon, on a surfboard and a raft.

They come across wild jungle animals, make new friends and have many adventures on the way. But can they deal with the dangerous Ralo? And will they be able to complete their quest?

‘This book is beautifully written and has amazing illustrations throughout. The unique characters and unusual storyline make for a truly memorable read.’

Titanic: Death on the Water

by Tom and Tony Bradman (A & C Black £5.99)

Ed Says: ‘Billy is working in the shipyard on the giant ship Titanic. It is a dangerous life but Billy manages to find work on this floating city rather than in the dockyard. However even when Titanic sets off on its maiden voyage it is not all plain sailing for Billy as he has to avoid the taunts and bullying of a mean young colleague. Of course things become really dangerous when they hit the famous iceberg and Billy has to discover just how brave he is.

‘The well-known story of the sinking of Titanic has been complemented here by the fictional creation of Billy. It is a brilliantly written book and is a real page-turner.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning 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.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

27

out and about jubilee • cinema

Out & About Your guide to North London family entertainment

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE FAIR (NW3) cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead June 2 – 5 Hampstead Heath, Lower Fairground Site, East Heath.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7528 barbican.org.uk

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE FAMILY FESTIVAL (NW11) cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead

Family Film Club Saturday morning film club. Cost £5/£3 for members.

June 4 Golders Hill Park.

Mayton Street Festival and Tea Party

queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations BBC CONCERT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE bbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee June 4 Music festival in front of Buckingham Palace. After the concert over 2000 beacons will be lit around the country. Tickets by public ballot.

BIG JUBILEE LUNCH thebiglunch.com June 3 Community celebrations with street parties and picnic lunches.

DIAMOND JUBILEE BIG LUNCH Arlington Square, Islington, N1 7ED islington.gov.uk June 4 Community celebrations with live music, food stalls and games.

Flotilla Fun June 8 Diamond Jubilee celebrations. 5 – 11 years.

28

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING June 5 Service held at St Paul’s Cathedral with Royal Family members followed by a formal carriage procession.

June 2 – 3 Live music and lots of entertainment for children with a Disney finale.

Tickets £20/£12.50/under 3s free.

THAMES DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGEANT thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

Queen’s Jubilee Celebration June 2 Make a crown, rosette or royal puppet! Tickets on first come first served basis. Cost £6 per child.

FENTON HOUSE Windmill Hill, NW3 6RT 020 7435 3471 nationaltrust.org.uk High Spirits Tea Party June 4 Traditional tea party on the formal lawn. Cost £2/£1.

ISLINGTON MUSEUM 245 St John Street, EC1V 4NB ( Angel) 020 7527 2837 islington.gov.uk

ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk Diamond Jubilee Half Term June 4 – 8 Special family activities covering the past 60 years.

JUBILEE FAMILY FESTIVAL Hyde Park ( Marble Arch) sainsburys.co.uk/jubilee

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk

MAYTON STREET (N7) FESTIVAL & TEA PARTY hollowayartsfestival.co.uk June 2 Street party with artists activities and events.

cinema

June 3 Floating celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 60-year reign with around 1000 boats on the River Thames. Roads and bridges will be closed, but big screens will be placed along the route for the public to view. Families can enjoy a full programme of music, fun fair and themed entertainment.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Royal Rumpus June 2, 3 Diamond Jubilee celebrations – make a regal crown or a flag. All ages. Free.

CINEWORLD CINEMAS Southbury Leisure Park, Enfield EN1 1YQ cineworld.co.uk Movies for Juniors Classic kid’s films on Saturdays.

Cost £1.

EVERYMAN HAMPSTEAD 5 Hollybush Vale, NW3 everymancinema.com The King’s Speech (12A) June 24 Free screening on a first come first served basis. Part of the Hampstead Summer festival.

PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk Kids Club films with pre-booked activities for 5 – 10 years. Under 8s must be accompanied. Cost £2.

The Lion King (U) May 5 Hachi: A Dog’s Story May 12 Happy Feet 2 2D May 19 The Tale of Despereaux May 26

PLATFORM Islington, N7 7QT hollowayartsfestival.co.uk Islington Reels Gala Screening June 10 Animations and films made by young people. Part of the Holloway Arts festival. All ages. Cost £2.

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland )

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

cinema • museums • exhibitions out & about 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Hugo 3D (U) May 5 Cost £3/£2.

Horrid Henry – the Movie 3D (U) May 12 Cost £3/£2.

A Cat in Paris (PG) May 19 Cost £3/£2.

The Muppets (U) May 26 Cost £3/£2.

Playcentre Matinees May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Screenings on Tuesdays at 4pm. Cost £3/£2.

Free guided tours of parts of the bank not usually open to the public.

BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Family Activities Special activities on Sundays and during school holidays. Under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Thirsty Work May 5 Taste drinking chocolate and paint a mug with patterns. 5 – 11 years.

Wonderful Wooden Toys June 2 Make and decorate wooden toys.

5 – 11 years.

The Pirates at the Tricycle Cinema

THE TRICYCLE CINEMA 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!

June 2, 6 On a mission to win an award. From the creators of Wallace & Gromit.

Cost £5/£4.

museums & exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Museums at Night May 18 Late evening opening with bank staff available to answer questions about gold! Free.

Crowning Glory June 6 – 8 Create a crown to take home and celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Competitions and prizes.

Free entry.

Gold and the Bank of England From June 22 An exhibition all about gold.

Open Door June 23, 30

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Workshops May 5, June 2 Free sessions on first come first served basis. 11+ years.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, UCL, University Street, WC1E 6DE ( Euston Square) 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk What on Earth? Family Day May 12 Hands-on activities with bizarre bones and brutish beasties! Free.

Diamond Jubilee Gift June 5 Make a gift to commemorate the occasion and listen to stories about the Coronation. 5+ years.

A Poster for the Olympics June 9 Make a poster. 5+ years.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands May Day May 7 Lots of craft activities, storytelling and hand-on sessions with a procession and folk dancing displays.

3+ years.

Half Term Events June 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 Story telling, games and activities.

Age ranges and workshops vary.

Free.

Under 5s Olympics June 2 Run, jump and throw! 2 – 5 years.

Free.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Family half-term activities Range of activities on selected dates for all ages including themed tours, workshops and storytelling. Tickets allocated on arrival.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk Family Art Workshops & Storytelling Sessions May 19, June 16 Explore portraits followed by an art activity. Check website for further Saturday and holiday activity days.

3+ years.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Big Nature Day May 27 Family activities, pond life, bug hunting and tree trails. Free.

After Hours May 25, June 29 (until 10.30pm) Late night opening with special events. Families welcome.

Spirit Collection Tour A glimpse behind the scenes in the Darwin Centre’s Zoology spirit building. Accompanied children 8+ years. Free.

PETRIE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Malet Place, UCL, WC1E 6BT ( Euston Square) 020 7679 2884 ucl.ac.uk

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at The Millfield Arts Centre

Extreme Animals June 6 – 8 Free family event to explore strange animals with hands-on specimenbased activities.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk Tunnel Boat Trips May 13, 27, June 10, 24 Guided boat trip through the tunnel. Booking recommended.

Cost £8.30/£6 includes museum entrance.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Homes of the Olympics June 2, 3 Venues past and present with art workshops. 5+ years. Free entry.

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out and about museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts Happy Birthday Mr Punch June 9 – 10 Punch & Judy shows. 4+ years.

Barnardo’s Big Toddle June 28 Sponsored walk for under 5’s followed by activities. Register at bigtoddle.co.uk.

New Voices Festival June 30 Music, dance and theatre.

Happy Birthday Mr Punch at the V&A

Half Term Activities June 6, 7 Make an Egyptian crown and find out about Pharaohs and emblems.

7 – 11 years. Free.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Burlington House,W1J OBD ( Green Park) 020 7300 8000 royalacademy.org.uk Theatre & Illusion May 20 Drop-in art activities.

Summer Exhibition June 2 – August 12 Contemporary art exhibition.

Possible family events on special dates.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk Free Family Events Science based activities during weekends and school holidays.

Science Museum Live on Tour May 27 At Wimbledon Theatre. 7+ years.

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP ( Holborn) 020 7440 4263 (bookings) soane.org Heroes, Gods, Monsters..and Books June 6 Make a book with favourite stories.

Pre-book. Whole day workshop.

Cost £20.

City in a Box June 7 Build a city with paper! Half day workshop. Pre-book. Cost £12.

Hidden Helpers of the Museum June 8 Use papier-mâché in 2D and 3D. Pre-book. Whole day workshop.

Cost £20.

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SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2R 1LA ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk Spray Away!

May 5 Design a sculpture. Free workshops for 6 – 12 years. Tickets allocated on the day.

Kokoro Dragons May 12 Japanese art form.

River Poems May 19 Create haiku – short 3-line poems.

Dazzle the Eye May 26 Optical art and patterns.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Make-It May 19, June 16 Themed workshops for 10 – 12 years. Booking essential.

Half-Term Events June 2 – 10 Various art and craft activities for accompanied children. Pre-book.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN ( Bond Street) 020 7563 9500 wallacecollection.org RNIB Family Day May 19 Special free day for blind and partially sighted children 6 – 12 years. Tickets required.

Fabulous Furniture June 6 Art activities.

Rubbing Shoulders with a Knight in Shining Armour June 7 Brass rubbing. Booking required. 7+ years. Cost £7.

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT culture24.org.uk May 18 – 20 Late night opening at various museums, galleries and libraries with special events for families.

Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall at the Arts Depot

Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals May 13 Theatre, comedy and live music. 3 – 8 years. Cost £7.

Box May 20 Find out what’s in the box! 1 – 5 years. Cost £7.

Happy Feet May 26 Big Dance master class – for all family members young and old. 5+ years. Booking required. Free.

Swamp Juice May 27, 3pm & 7pm Shadow puppets with a 3D finale. 7+ years. Cost £10.

Half Term Show Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales June 8 – 10 Songs, puppets and characters. 3+ years. Tickets £10/£34 family. Craft workshops cost £7.

theatres & concerts

Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall June 15, 16 Haiku, origami and Japanese folklore.

3+ years. Cost £7/£5 schools.

ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7528 barbican.org.uk

Hare & Tortoise May 6 Two competing friends in Aesop’s fable. 3 – 7 years. Cost £7.

LSO Discovery Family Concert June 24 Classical champions. Pre-concert workshops. 7 – 12 years. Cost £10/£4.

Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals at the Arts Depot

Royal Rumpus June 2, 3 See Jubilee Celebrations section.

Playful Puppets June 4 – 8 Story telling and glove puppet workshop. Free.

Pinocchio June 4 – 8 All day activities with storytelling, costumes and games. Booking from May 21. Age 5 – 11 years.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

theatres • concerts out & about CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk The Rain that Washes May 2 – 19 Growing up in turbulent Zimbabwe – political and personal. 11+ years.

Cost £8.

Tales from the Shed May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 June 29, 30 Interactive show for a young audience. 0 – 7 years. Cost £5.50/ under 6mths free.

Sunshine on a Rainy Day May 12 South African cultural festival with individual shows. Cost £6 shows/ £12 day pass.

Story Tales June 9 Story telling sessions with characters.

0 – 7 years. Cost £7.50/under 6mths free.

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk The Snail & the Whale May 6 A snail hitches a lift on the tail of a huge humpback whale. 4+ years.

Cost £8.95.

The Planet of the Beetlebuns May 13 Weird and wonderful things. 0 – 5 years. Cost £8.95.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk The Rumbustious Tale of Sir Goward the Coward…..

May 5 Tale of knights and dragons. 2 – 9 years. Cost £4.50.

Tales from the Shed June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 Touring Chicken Shed theatre show.

0 – 7 years. Cost £5.50/under 6mths free.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Isango Ensemble: Aesop’s Fables May 13 – June 2 African musical theatre. 8+ years.

Cost £10 – £34.

Skewbald Stories at the Dugdale Centre

Fairy Grannie June 9 Magic tricks and stories. 2 – 6 years.

Grandparents welcome. Cost £4.50.

The Emperor & the Nightingale June 16 Singing and silly sounds. 3 – 8 years.

Cost £4.50.

DUGDALE CENTRE Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 Skewbald Stories May 26 Story telling for young audiences.

Booking at Millfield Arts. 2 – 8 years.

Cost £5

Singing Kettle: Farmyard Party at the Millfield Arts Centre

Not Such an Ugly Duckling at Lauderdale House

Not Such an Ugly Duckling May 12 Traditional tale with a message. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50.

Monty & Mirabella May 19 A musical slapstick journey. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50.

Family Friendly Concerts May 20, 27, June 17, July 1 Instrumental concerts where children are welcome too. 5+ years. Cost £7/£1.

Bright Sparks May 26 Rhymes, songs and audience participation. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50.

Elliott at the Olympics June 23 The mischievous dog’s sports adventure. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50.

Iain ‘Ukule’ Lee June 30 Comedy and music. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com The Ugly Duckling From May 19 Live music and puppets. 3+ years.

Cost £10.

Puppet Club May 5 – July 7 5 – 11 years. Cost £85.

Crafty Kids May 5 – June 30 Saturday morning club. 2 – 5 years.

Cost £90.

Youth Theatre May 5 – July 7 11+ years. Cost £85.

LONDON COLISEUM St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES ( Charing Cross) 020 7836 0111 0871 911 0200 eno.org Madam Butterfly May 8, 10, 13, 17, 19, 24, 26, 28, 30, June 2 Colourful costumes. Cost from £22 – £99.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

LYRIC THEATRE King Street, Hammersmith, W6 OQL ( Hammersmith) 0871 22 117 29 lyric.co.uk Cost £8/£11 with messy play/family £30.

The Pied Piper May 5 Puppets, music and magic. 3 – 7 years.

Travels with Granddad May 12 Meet the eccentric traveller. 3 – 7 years.

MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk The Wonderful Wizard of Oz May 6 Family musical with audience participation. 5+ years. Cost £8/£7online.

Boat 13: A Titanic Encounter May 15 – 18 A young girl’s experience onboard the famous vessel. 7+ years. Cost £6/£5online.

Skewbald Stories May 26 See Dugdale Centre for details.

Singing Kettle: Farmyard Party June 6 Fun filled singalong – not to be missed. 1+ years. Cost family £40/£36 online.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com The Town Mouse & The Country Mouse May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

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out and about theatres • concerts • workshops The Pied Piper May 19 Puppets and magic tricks. 3 – 7 years. Cost £6/£5 advance.

The Selfish Giant May 26 Beautiful music changes his tune. 3+ years. Cost £6/£5 advance.

The Magical Comedy Show June 2 Audience participation. 3 – 7 years.

Cost £6/£5 advance.

Apple Pip June 9 Story telling and meet the puppets after the show. 3 – 6 years. Cost £6/£5 advance.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

The Marvellous Magical Coat at The Tricycle

June 2, 3, 9,10,16,17, 23, 24, 30 Two cousins visit each other experiencing exciting sights and sounds. 3+ years. Cost £10/£8.50.

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 ( Baker Street) openairtheatre.org A Midsummer Night’s Dream June 2 – September 5 11+ years.

ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH ( Chalk Farm) 0844 482 8008 roundhouse.org.uk World Shakespeare Festival Half price tickets for up to 4 children with full price paying adult. Tickets £12 – £47.

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk LPO FUNharmonics May 13 Family concert with the London Philharmonic Orchestra with havea-go sessions and workshops. Cost £18 – £10/children half price.

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly June 2 – 8 6+ years. Cost £12 + booking fee.

Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra June 24 Family concert at Royal Festival Hall in an informal atmosphere. Cost £14 – £8.

Twelfth Night June 5 – July 5

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden) 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk Day of Percussion May 13 Workshops, demonstrations and performances. 6+ years. Cost £16/£8.

Lunchtime Recitals May 14, June 11, 18 Free ticketed events.

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Something Very Far Away June 1 – 24 Love, loss, space and time. Puppet making workshops, Father day special and Queen’s Jubilee festivities. 8+ years. Cost £15/£10.

Tales from the River Thames June 12 – 23 A magical walkabout taking place at Number 10 Bermondsey Street. 7+ years. Cost £15/£10.

workshops CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG ( Finchley Road) 020 7472 5500 camdenartscentre.org Ceramics Courses June 5 – 8 Clay creations with printing and embossing onto clay. 5 – 11 years.

Early bird discounts. Cost £140.

The Comedy of Errors June 1 – July 4

The Tempest June 9 – July 5

English Pocket Opera May 21 – 25 Jazz opera with participating schools.

7+ years.

Malina’s Dream at The Tricycle

THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Malina’s Dream May 5 Malina saves a stranger. 4 – 7 years.

Cost £6/£5 advance.

The Marvellous Magical Coat May 12 Modern day fairy story. 5+ years.

Cost £6/£5 advance.

CIRCUS SPACE Coronet Street, N1 6HD ( Old Street) 020 7613 4141 thecircusspace.co.uk Experience Days June 16 Circus introduction days with trapeze and tightwire walking. 8 – 16 years.

Cost £45.

CRAZEE KIDS Held at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. crazeekids.co.uk crazeekids@hotmail.co.uk The Magic Toy Shop June 6 – 8

Dance, drama, music and art based around a theme – sing along with Buzz & Woody or become a toy in the toyshop! 3 – 8 years.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS At St Judes Church, Central Square, NW11 7AH 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Half Term Workshop June 4 – 8 Art, music, dancing, free play, stories, cake decorating and fun! 3 – 9 years.

ISLINGTON TENNIS CENTRE Market Road, N7 9PL 020 7700 1370 aquaterra.org Holiday Programme June 6 – 8 Tennis tuition, tactics and match play. Pre-book. 5+ years.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE 6 Park End, NW3 2SE 020 7431 9866 jcclondon.org.uk (online booking) Gefiltefest May 20 Family events at the Jewish food festival. Advance booking essential.

Cost £12.50 per child.

Half Term Club June 6 – 8 Activities including cooking and survival skills. Cost £40/£100.

Ditty Disco June 10 Balloons, beats and bubbles! Held at Arts Depot. Booking available. Under 5 years.

Events for Parents May 22, June 11, June 20, Evening talks.

MARKET ROAD FOOTBALL PITCHES Market Road, N7 9PL 020 7700 1370 aquaterra.org Holiday Football Camp June 6 – 7 Skills and techniques. Pre-book. 7 – 14 years.

MYSTICAL FAIRIES 12 Flash Walk, Hampstead, NW3 1HE 020 7431 1888 mysticalfairies.co.uk Themed arts and craft activities.

Cost £25.

Fairy School & Princess Academy June 6, 7 4 – 8 years.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

workshops • special events out & about Dickens & Victorian Barnet June 16 Barnet Ghosts June 23

BELMONT CHILDREN’S FARM The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1QT 020 7318 4421 belmontfarm.co.uk Young Farmers Club 6+ years. Cost £8 incl farm entry.

Holiday Activities Visit the farm during the school holidays for special events and activities. Entry cost £5/£2.50.

BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk Art & Craft Fair June 4 Free entry.

Mermaids and Pirates at Perform

Toddler Fairy School June 8 3 – 4 years.

PERFORM 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Mermaids & Pirates Until July Weekly classes at various venues in and around North London. Free trial session. 4 – 8 years.

SOBELL LEISURE CENTRE Hornsey Road, N7 7NY ( Finsbury Park) 020 7609 2166 aquaterra.org

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Drawing Workshops May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 23, 30 Book early. 10+ years. Cost £50 for 5 sessions.

The Factory of Confessions May 12 Family day with special photo booth!

Art Courses June 6/ 7, 8/ 9 Led by artists and inspired by the current exhibition. 5 – 8 years & 9 – 12 years. Cost £45 for 2-day course.

special events

Safari Soft Play Indoor playground sessions during the holidays. Under 10 years.

APSLEY HOUSE 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT ( Hyde Park Corner) 020 7499 5676 englishheritage.org.uk

THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk The Tiny Tots Playhouse June 6 Nursery rhymes and storytelling. 3 – 5 years. Cost £2.50.

Summer Forests June 7 Art workshop. 6 – 8 years. Cost £6(£5).

Summer Forests June 8 12+ years. Cost £10(£8).

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Waterloo Festival June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Family events to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo with stories and activities. Cost £6.50/£4.90.

BARNET WALKS Paul Baker 020 8440 6805 barnetwalks.talktalk.net Guided family walks. Pushchairs allowed. Cost £7/£3.

Battle of Barnet May 13

Jazz on a Spring Day June 10 Afternoon music. Cost £10/£8.

CABBAGES & FROCKS MARKET St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BA ( Baker Street) 020 7794 1636 cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Absolutely Arty Day! May 12 Paintings and prints, also live music, fashion and food.

CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane,Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk Open Day at Capel Manor College June 16 Free entry to local residents with proof of address.

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE St Paul’s Church Gardens, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED 020 7375 0441 alternativearts.co.uk Puppet Festival May 12, 13 Punch & Judy shows to celebrate the 350th anniversary.

CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL colf.org June 24 – July 27 Community and family events at various locations. See the complete programme on the website.

50 Golden Street Pianos streetpianos.com June 24 – July 13 Street pianos located across the City and in neighbouring boroughs with free piano lessons on June 24.

Festival Procession June 29 Guildhall Yard, Cheapside, St Paul’s Steps. 1000 children and young people in a street procession.

Power of Flowers June 30 Barbican Children’s Library, EC2.

Stories and art sessions. Free.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

!

VE GE LISTA ON

Socca Skills June 6 – 8 New techniques and skills. Pre-book.

5 – 8 years.

Paint Hampstead!

June 8 Stories and craft activities.

Booking required. 2 – 9 years + accompanying adult. Cost £4 per child.

Marylebone Summer Fayre June 17 Global food, fashion and lifestyle.

a musical play by DAVID WOOD based on the book by JUDITH KERR

LYRIC

THEATRE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE PICCADILLY CIRCUS

WED 4 JULY - SUN 2 SEPT Box Office: 0844 412 4661

www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com

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out and about special events Festival June 9, 10 Free family festival with entertainment and activities including dance classes, theatrical and musical performances and workshops.

London Green Fair

Holloway Arts Festival

World on the Heath Family Day July 1 Parliament Hill Bandstand, Hampstead Heath. Open-air celebration of music, games and craft activities. Free.

Adventure playground. 020 7482 2116.

FAIR IN THE SQUARE Pond Square, Highgate Village, N6 6BS ( Highgate) fairinthesquare.co.uk

HAMPSTEAD SUMMER FESTIVAL ( Hampstead) hampsteadsummerfestival.com

June 16 Music, stalls, children’s activities, Punch and Judy and roundabout rides. Free admission.

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE 2012 granddesignslive.com May 5 – 13 Held at ExCel London, E16 1XL. Home design ideas, improvements and renovations. Tickets £12 – £28.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322

cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club – Family Day May 27 Golders Hill Park. All ages.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations June 2 – 5 Street Pianos June 24 – July 13 Parliament Hill Staff Yard. Singalongs and piano playing. Part of the City of London Festival.

Wimbledon Week Tennis Festival June 25 – 30 Free coaching and tournament. 020 7332 3773 Children’s ‘Animal’ Olympics June 30

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World on the Heath Family Day July 1 (See City of London Festival)

One Moment in Time June 10 Islington Platform, N7 7QT. Tales from beneath the sea. 3 – 10 years.

Cost £2.50.

Me and My Shadow June 10 Islington Platform. Shadow puppet

June 18 – 24 Charity event with stalls, activities, fashion show, art exhibition, musicians and kids entertainment.

All-day Sunday fair on final date.

HIGHGATE WOOD 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood

workshop. 8+ years. Cost £2.

Guided Walks May 5, 12, 19

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

Insect Safari June 2 The Big Tree Climbing Co. June 8 Climbing apparatus – extra charge.

Bush Craft Skills June 16 Booking required. 6 – 12 years.

Bat Watch June 21 Booking required.

HOLLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL hollowayartsfestival.co.uk June 1 – 10 Full programme of events on website.

Big Day Out June 3 At Whittington Park, N19 4RS. Entertainment, activities and music.

Free.

Holloway Arts Festival

May Day Festival May 6 Pony rides, face painting, barbecue, live music and games. Cost £1/30p.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF 01992 892 781 leevalley.org.uk Open Farm Sunday June 17 Special activities, tractor rides and sheep shows. Visit River Lee Country Park next to the farms.

LONDON GREEN FAIR Regents Park, NW1 ( Regents Park) 0207 324 4693 londongreenfair.org

MODERN SHOWS Lord’s Cricket Ground, North Gate, St John’s Wood, NW8 8QN The Midcentury Show May 27 Original and vintage midcentury furniture to buy or hire. Under 14s free – no buggies allowed. Admission £7/£6 online.

NCT nct.org.uk/branches Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party May & June Fun family tea parties held at local NCT branches to raise funds.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC Marylebone Road, NW1 5HT ( Regent’s Park) 020 7873 7373 ram.ac.uk Family Play Day June 9 Dickens-inspired music and drama. 5 – 11 years. Booking via email. Free.

SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Family Day June 24 Live performances, games and fun.

TOTTENHAM CARNIVAL tottenhamcarnival.co.uk Community Festival June 23 Carnival parade from Eade Road to Bruce Castle Park, N17.

Also music, kids area, sports, food and funfair. Check website for current programme.

Free entry.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

further afield • subscriptions • classified out and about

further afield BATTERSEA PARK FESTIVAL ( Clapham Common) wandsworth.gov.uk Diamond Jubilee Festival June 3 Jubilee-themed family entertainment and children’s activities with a view of the boats on the Thames.

DESIGN MUSEUM 28 Shad Thames,SE1 2YD ( London Bridge) 020 7940 8783 bookings designmuseum.org Hat Tricks May 13, June 10 Hands-on workshops to design and make stylish headwear.

Advance booking. 5 – 11 years. Cost £4.50/£10 adult entry.

HOLLAND PARK THEATRE Holland Park, W8 6LU ( High Street Kensington) 0300 999 1000 rbkc.gov.uk/operahollandpark Opera 2012 Season From June 7 Cost £12/£48.50/£57.50/£65.50.

Fantastic Mr Fox July 17, 19, 21, 26, 28, August 2, 4 Advance booking by phone.

KEW BRIDGE STEAM MUSEUM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Middlesex (Kew Bridge ) 020 8568 4757 kbsm.org

Fire engines and appliances and hands-on children’s activities.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT ( Sloane Square) 020 7730 0717 nam.ac.uk Jubilee Weekend June 2 – 3 Special activities with hands-on history and make and decorate a Jubilee crown. Free entry.

Fighting Fit Father’s Day Event June 16 – 17 Explore ways in which the Army has kept fit. Free.

Waterworks Railway May 6, 7, 13, 19, 20, 27 June 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 17, Mini railway ride.

O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ODX ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk nightgardenlive.com

Historic Fire Engine Rally May 20

In the Night Garden Live!

May 24 – June 9

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Live show in a purpose-built showdome, with Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka

ROCHESTER DICKENS FESTIVAL High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX (Rochester ) rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk June 8 – 10 Bicentenary celebrations in and around the town centre.

RHS Garden Wisley Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB (M25/J10) rhs.org.uk/wisley Garden Party June 9 – 10 Family event with Punch & Judy shows, games and live music.

Cost £10.50/£4.50/under 4s free.

classified

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