Families SE November 2011 by Families Magazine

ISSUE NO. 134

ESTABLISHED 1996

NOVEMBER 2011

www.familiesse.co.uk

south east london

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 weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

perform.org.uk

Classes for 4 – 8s and 8 – Visit perform 12s. .org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Book now fo r our fantastic ✴ ✻ ❄ ✻ ❄ ✴ three day W inter holiday courses!

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0845 400 1277

Narnia

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NOW THAT the clocks have gone back, plunging us into evening gloom, we’re thinking ahead to the bright lights of twinkly Christmas trees and shaking out the holly duvet cover to welcome Grandma. In the interests of avoiding a painful spendfest, we’re thinking fewer, carefully chosen presents this year, bought locally to avoid the crowds and put a smile on an independent retailer’s face (see pages 7 and 8). And marrying festive with frugal (see page 19). Or even presents, theatre tickets and toys for FREE (see the back page). Next month we’ll be properly in the mood with more gift ideas, festive fairs and shows, and holiday workshops for children who say “I’m SO bored” even as they walk out of the school gates for a fortnight. Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views Baby and child research, Snow Queen tickets, healthy family meals and your baby as a scientist

4-5 Education News An expert explains the value of sensory play for young children; and news from and for local schools

6-7 Christmas Countdown Where’s Father Christmas? We’ve found him! And shopping locally for great gifts

8 Book Review Justine Crow’s browse of the best in the bookshops this month

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

children r o f s ie it iv t c A To Narnia with Perform Perform are looking for a new Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund and magical friends to travel through the wardrobe during the Christmas holidays, on an adventure based on ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’. Exclusively for 4-8 year olds, Perform Winter Experiences are specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence and communication skills. Children make new friends, stretch their imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they go on an adventure of a lifetime. The children will battle with the White Witch, cheer on Aslan the lion and discover the wonders of Narnia, preparing for a thrilling performance for family and friends on the last day. The three-day course runs from 19-21 December at St Stephen’s Millennium Hall in Dulwich. For details and bookings, call 0845 400 1277 or go to www.perform.org.uk.

wn ups o r g r o f s w e N

9-14 What’s On Winter shows, events and workshops in and around southeast London

15 Mothers Mean Business All about Greenwich Mums

Award-winning labels

16-17 What’s New A roundup of new products, baby news and useful information

18 Weaning Baby When to start, what to feed and avoiding allergies and intolerancies

19 The Last Word Susan Lightfoot is keeping Christmas frugal and festive this year

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

Front cover: Oilily Autumn/ Winter Collection, www.oililyworld.com Next issue: Next issue out December,

deadline w/c 21 November

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

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

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

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

Ann-Maree Morrison, director of Labels4Kids Ltd became Entrepreneur of the Year at a Retail Awards ceremony in September. Like many great business ideas, Labels4Kids was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of three young boys, grew tired of her boys coming home from school with other children’s clothes. Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active social media strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website www.labels4kids.com/fam. Many congratulations Ann-Maree!

Circular calendar In our last issue, we featured Circa - a brand new, award-winning learning toy from Forest Hill mother Melinda Holohan. Circa is a lovely, tactile stack of wooden discs which build up to help children understand the cycles of the calendar. There are separate discs for the days of the week; the months of the year and the days of the month, with moveable markers, reusable activity stickers, and nursery rhymes on the reverse side. Children can explore each different piece individually and fit them together as their knowledge increases, learning as they play. The good news is that Circa is now available to buy, priced £39.99 direct from www.circacalendar.com.

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.

020 7608 6819 www.childvisionlab.org

families south east - november 2011

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Young infant scientists

Violin / Viola Tuition

Much of what is understood about how children develop comes from studying ‘young scientists’ to see how they develop abilities as they grow. The activities are fun for participants (and interesting for their parents); usually take less than an hour, and travel expenses are refunded. These three London labs are always keen to hear from parents: • UCL’s Child Vision Lab recruits children for research into how vision develops in the eye and brain, and why this can sometimes lead to childhood visual problems. The lab recruits babies and children aged up to 12 years. Call 020 7608 6819 or go to www.childvisionlab.org. • Birkbeck Babylab studies how babies learn and develop, particularly during the first two years of life. Research includes how babies recognise faces, how they learn to pay attention to some things and not others, how they learn to understand what other people do and think, and how their language and understanding of the world develops. Call 020 7631 6258 or go to www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk. • The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at the UCL Institute of Child Health, is running a research project focused on how infants understand facial expressions of emotion at an early age and how this ability develops. The team are looking for 6-24 month olds to help. Contact Fernando Ferreira-Santos at f.santos@ich.ucl.ac.uk or call 020 7905 2652.

First Lesson Free! By experienced local performer/teacher All standards (beginners welcome). From age 6

£30 per hr (£15 per ½ hr etc) Reductions for booking a series of lessons Full CRB check

Call Peter on 07714 337 044

Come and Join the Fun!

WIN tickets to see The Snow Queen

The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale is coming to the Unicorn Theatre from 23 November to 8 January, and we have three fantastic family tickets (4 people each) to be won. What a treat! To read about the production, see page 10. Our competition closes on Monday 21 November, and winning tickets will be valid for any performance between 23 November and 8 January 2012. To enter, go to www.familiesse.co.uk and click on Competitions.

Babies 6 - 18mths Tiny Toes 18 mths - 3 yrs Mini Movers 3 - 4 yrs Tots Tap 3 yrs + Mini Groovers 4 yrs +

Tasty food to your door

Classes available in Greenwich and surrounding areas

Giving children healthy, delicious food is the aim for most parents, but cooking from scratch every night is not always an option when time is tight. South London mother Julia Boddy set up Mrs Tinks, to provide a range of delicious meals that the whole family would like to eat - from the youngest toddler to grown-up family members. The range is free from added sugar and salt, and filled with tasty vegetables to make complete and easy meals. Dishes include Fish Pie, Spinach and Butternut Squash Lasagne, Beef Lasagne and Chicken Curry, which can all be cooked in the oven or a microwave. Julia uses the ingredients parents would use themselves at home, relieving them of the stress of making every meal. She told us: “I love cooking and it’s great to see children enjoy my food but I understand it’s also nice to have a break and see them enjoy someone else’s!” Mrs Tinks meals are on the menu at the Horniman Museum cafe, and available as a home delivery service in southeast London. For information, go to www.tinksfood.com.

Contact Miss Stephanie on

07809 148 348

greenwich@babyballet.co.uk bb_Greenwich Babyballet Greenwich

www.babyballet.co.uk

The original and largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the world.

As seen on...

lling Enro r the fo now g Term n Spri 012 2

For 4-16 year olds, after school and at weekends.

Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing.

C your local Stagecoach: Call Blackheath 020 8417 0010 B B Beckenham 020 3394 0810 Dulwich 0845 055 63 68 D Sydenham 020 8949 1116 S www.stagecoach.co.uk w agecoach.co.uk g

CT A ! E C N A D ! G N SI

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NOW!

november 2011 - families south east

Getting to grips with

Sensory Play By Sue Gascoyne (BA, MA, MRTPI) BEING A PARENT can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, yet one of the most demanding. As an early years trainer and parent, every day I come across potential conflicts between the glittering ‘ideal’ of parenthood and reality. Take sensory and messy play - most children are hardwired to get the most from resources like mud and water, but as adults we can struggle to appreciate their appeal, as well as finding time in our busy lives and embracing the mess and dirty clothes! Growing up in London, the youngest of three and only girl, mine was a very different childhood from that of my husband-to-be. With daily adult-free adventures in rural Norfolk, spent exploring in woods, on boats or bikes, his was the childhood of my Swallows and Amazons fuelled imagination. According to the Sensory Play Research project, over 60% of adults’ most vivid childhood play memories involve making mud pies, building dens and climbing trees. 82% of adults feel that play has changed, with time, fear of stranger danger and screen-based competition, at the heart of this. Nowadays, adult-free experiences like these are harder to offer, but if we make time for sensory-rich play it reaps rich rewards, being hugely satisfying and good for children as each experience creates vital connections in the brain.

Treasure Baskets - a sensory feast Offering sensory-rich experiences doesn’t just mean playing outdoors. A Treasure Basket, quite literally a basket of household and natural objects, can happily engage young babies through to six year olds (and older). The secret lies in the fact that this collection of what adults may see as just everyday objects, becomes a basket of awe and wonder with limitless possibilities. As there are no actual toys, a spoon can be a wand or microphone and a purse a doll’s bed, rocket, boat or host of possibilities. Children can explore, problem solve, create and discover to their hearts contents as there are no right or wrong ways of playing.

At Tumbletots we endeavour to provide the opportunities, through a challenging environment of active physical play, for children to fully explore and develop their physical capability, especially their motor skills of balance, agility and co-ordination, whilst at the same time stimulating the imagination and having fun. Classes also include music, songs and rhymes, and are split into different age groups starting at six months up to 5 years.

Information / bookings: for Dulwich, Blackheath, Battersea and Clapham Call Julia Forrest on 020 8464 4433 or email julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com

What you will need • A sturdy basket, ideally round, straight-sided measuring 26-36cm across and 13cm deep • A collection of interesting objects, eg rubber plug, spoons, napkin ring, shell, large pebble, etc. Pick objects for child-size hands and include a mix of wood, metal, cardboard, fabric, shapes and colours to appeal to all the senses.

What to do • Clear the area of toys and put the Treasure Basket on the floor. If appropriate, position cushions to support young babies • Sit nearby and watch what your child plays with and how? Depending upon their age they may explore each object one at a time; use two or more objects together, eg putting an object in a tin to make a shaker; use the objects for building towers; or rustle up a fabulous imaginary feast • Simply sit and watch to discover interests and developmental milestones (adult supervision is needed).

Provide various brushes and spoons for children to experiment with discovering the treasure. Add magnifying glasses for exploring finds and magnets to extend to a mini-metal detector hunt. Talk about what happens and why the magnets did/ didn’t work. This simple fun activity will capture children’s imagination whilst developing muscle strength, language, thinking skills, problem solving and creativity. Older children’s play may naturally evolve into guess the pattern games.

Tips for minimising How do children benefit? problems • Increases concentration and focus • Develops muscle strength and skills • Gives meaning to words, eg soft, heavy, cold, rough • Encourages problem-solving and creativity • Develops connections in the brain.

What else can I do? Once your child/ children have had plenty of opportunities to explore the Treasure Basket, you could offer some of the objects next to a container of sand or water to see if and how this changes play. Be prepared for play lasting an hour or more and heaps of problem-solving, discovering, experimenting, pretending and creativity.

Play snapshot A three year old boy plays outside with sand, a plastic digger and toy cement mixer. After a few minutes he draws a Treasure Basket near and begins using some of its objects for deeply focused play. In just one hour he explored cause, effect and gravity (the sand falling through the tea strainer holes); problem solving (discovering that if he speeded up the action he could catch some sand); the pattern-making potential of sand (pressing a bath plug into a mini-bucket of sand); big and small and volume (transferring the sand to different sized containers). Meanwhile the digger and cement mixer were left untouched.

• Where possible play outside so that mess isn’t an issue. This increases sensory appeal and scale, particularly for boys • Provide a dustpan and brush for the children to help tidy-up • Wear old clothes, so that stains aren’t a problem. The great thing about sensory play is siblings play happily together, each in their own age-appropriate way: A baby will enjoy the feel of sand and objects. A toddler may accidentally create patterns and use containers for pouring and transporting. An older child will mix ‘delicious’ concoctions or develop their own games. In our time-stretched lives the biggest boost we can give to play is giving children the time, space and ‘permission’ to discover and explore simple and natural ‘treasures’ like these. Watching sensory-rich play is magical and can be fun for us too!

About the author Sue Gascoyne has designed and run workshops nationally and internationally to help practitioners introduce learning through play. She is a published author who focuses on embedding sensory play experiences in the learning environment. Play to Z provides the Playscope range of quality playful learning resources, award-winning training and research. The Playscope products are designed to expand the opportunities of sensory play with children of all ages to meet as many of the EYFS areas of development and learning as possible. For more information, go to www.playtoz.co.uk.

Tips for adding sensory interest: Add dried rice, glitter or sequins to sand to change its texture or appearance. Add natural seed pods and clean recycled pots to give children’s imagination a free reign.

More for children

Try this activity with your little one(s): Bury some treasure-like objects, eg a smooth stone (for a dinosaur egg), mini-flower pot, necklace or chain (for treasure) in a container of sand to be discovered in a mini-archaeological dig. Simply saying “I’ve heard that there’s a fossilised dinosaur egg in here” can be enough to get them playing!

Pre-school classes are a great way to introduce young children to developmental activities in once a week classes. Parents and children ‘play’ together, building new abilities and friendships. Activities are based on drama, dance, music, singing and stories, and many offer a free trial class. For local details and contacts, browse our Children’s Activities Directory at www.familiesse.co.uk.

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Education news

A new route to university Students at Stockwell Park High School are benefiting from a Grammar School Pathway, which has been introduced to offer a new route to top universities. The school achieved academy status in February and is offering the Pathway to the most able students in years 7-9, who will study traditional academic subjects, undergo regular and rigorous testing and take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Head teacher Judette Tapper (pictured with some of her pupils) commented: “We have students at Stockwell who are very bright and have the potential to do whatever they choose in life. We have been catering for those students up until now with our accelerated curriculum, which allows them to take GCSEs up to a year early. However times are changing, competition for the best university places and jobs is getting fiercer. We can’t give our children the financial advantage that some students enjoy; what we can do is equip them with the very best education for life.” Stockwell Park High School caters for 11-16 year-olds, and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. For more information, go to www.stockpark.lambeth.sch.uk or call 020 7733 6156.

Leadership qualities for girls Apprentice finalist Claire Young was guest speaker recently at a Young Leaders Conference in Bath. The annual conference is a GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) event, bringing together 150 sixth formers from the UK-wide school network. Claire Young told the conference: “We desperately need to see more women in business and I want more excitement generated in schools to encourage girls to take charge and change the world for the better. It is crucial to develop thoughtful, caring and inspirational female leaders and encouraging female students in this direction is a much needed first step. “The GDST Young Leaders Conference is a shining example of how the current generation of successful women can help today’s girls become the influential leaders of the future.” The Girls’ Day School Trust owns and runs 26 schools, located throughout England and Wales, and is the largest group of independent schools in the UK, educating 20, 000 students each year. It is also the largest provider of education in England after the Government. For information and the full list of schools, go to www.gdst.net.

Rosemead Preparatory School Independent-Co-educational-3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

OPEN MORNINGS Tuesday 8th November 9-11 am Monday 14th November 9-11am Tours of the school held on Tuesday mornings during term time Bursaries available Please call 020-8670 5865 for further information Prep Department, 70 Thurlow Park Road, SE21 8HZ Pre Prep Department, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZ email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

Good behaviour guide A simple checklist of what schools can do to instil good behaviour in the classroom has been developed and published by the headteacher of a special school with some of the toughest behaviour issues and the Government’s Expert Adviser on behaviour. Entitled Getting the simple things right, the checklist follows Charlie Taylor’s recent behaviour summit, where outstanding headteachers from schools in areas of high deprivation gathered to discuss the key principles for improving behaviour. Charlie Taylor said: “Without good behaviour teachers can’t teach and pupils can’t learn. There are schools in some of the toughest areas of the country who are getting discipline right. However, some schools struggle with managing and improving behaviour.” The checklist sets out for all schools the simple but essential things to get right to ensure strong discipline and therefore strong teaching. It is published online at www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/behaviour.

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november 2011 - families south east

Where’s Father Christmas? HO HO HO - if you can’t wait, won’t wait to meet the big man himself, here’s where Father Christmas will be popping in to meet well-behaved children in and around London HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND From 18 November - 3 January 2012, HYDE PARK, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Winter Wonderland’s Father Christmas and his entertaining elves welcome children at his grotto in the heart of Santa Land. Santa meets visitors on a ‘first-come first-served basis’, treating children who have been very, very good to a special gift. Best of all, a visit to the Winter Wonderland Father Christmas is absolutely free, and there’s no need book first. Take your own photographs with Santa, or you can buy one from an official Winter Wonderland photographer. For more on what’s on at Winter Wonderland, see page 12. RAINFOREST CAFE 19+20, 26+27 November, 3+4, 10+11 and 17-24 December, 20 Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EU, 020 7434 3111, www.therainforestcafe.co.uk This magical experience includes a two course children’s meal, a personalised invitation from Santa, a welcome greeting from his elves, the chance to meet Santa in his grotto plus a festive goodie bag. £39.95 per child. Accompanying adults must dine from the à la carte menu & order a minimum of one main course each. Grotto open 12 noon-6pm. CANARY WHARF East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, CANARY WHARF, www.canarywharf.com SANTA’S GROTTO, December weekends. On 3+4 December a spectacular sleigh pulled by two giant reindeer arrives in Jubilee Place. The grotto will be open every weekend from 11am-5pm throughout December and during the final week before Christmas. Tickets are free, however there will be a collection for Richard House Children’s Hospice. SANTA’S SHOWTIME, 3+4 December. A spectacular free festive show for all the family to enjoy. FESTIVE FUN, December weekends. Hands-on activities for little helpers include free art and craft workshops and face painting throughout the Cabot Place and Jubilee Place shopping malls from 11am - 5pm. GREENWICH MARKET 30 November, 17, 18 and 24 December, GREENWICH MARKET SE10, www.shopgreenwich.co.uk From 6-24 December, Greenwich Market is selling all kinds of delightful festive crafts, food and other goodies to make your Christmas special. Santa will be in his grotto on 30 November when the Christmas lights are switched, and again on 17, 18 and 24 December.

families south east - november 2011

PENGUIN FATHER CHRISTMAS 19 December - 2 January, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 663 1678, www.sealife.co.uk/london Meet Penguin Father Fishmas in his festively themed icy grotto at the Sea Life aquarium. The giant jolly penguin has set up an icy, snow-filled home in the Antarctic penguins area to welcome children into the festive spirit and give each one a special Christmas gift. Visitors can get up close and personal to a family of real Gentoo penguins in their special Antarctic themed home, featuring a real ice wall, freezing touch pool and giant Japanese spider crabs. SELFRIDGES’ GROTTO 19 November - 24 December, SELFRIDGES, 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 1AB, 0800 123 400, www.selfridges.com Follow a magical Christmas themed maze before being welcomed by Father Christmas and his team of elves. Along the way visitors will be entertained by a miraculous 3D wish fairy, trying to avoid slipping down the 3D icy ravine, dive into a snowball pool and try their hand at a snowball shy. Father Christmas has a copy of ‘Rocket The Reindeer’ for each child, which reflects the Grotto’s journey and features the characters they will have encountered along the way. Tickets £3 children, £7 adults, with donations going to The Child Bereavement Charity. THE ENCHANTED HOUSE 26+27 November and 3-24 December, LONDON ART HOUSE, 2-18 Britannia Row, Islington N1 8PA, 020 3227 3200, www.enchantedhouse.net In the sitting room of the Enchanted House, children gather around for a storytelling session with Mrs Claus, while the adults relax with mince pies and mulled wine. On booking, parents will be sent a questionnaire about the child so when they meet Santa he knows their name, hobby, and favourite toy. The private audience with Santa includes a special present as a memento of the visit. Tickets £42, book first. LONDON WETLAND CENTRE 10+11 December, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, www.wwt.org.uk Meet Santa’s huggable huskies. These friendly dogs look gorgeous but they’re also working animals, so younger children can experience the excitement of a husky sleigh ride. You can have your photo taken with a husky as a special seasonal souvenir. Of course Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa, who will be in a cosy grotto set among the firs and pine trees throughout the weekend from 10am-12.30pm

and 1- 4pm. Merlin the magician will be on hand to help keep the children entertained. Admission free for accompanied under 16s, children £5.85, adults £7.85, families £29.40. MUSEUM OF LONDON 10-23 December, MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2 and MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Meet Father Christmas in a traditional Victorian grotto. Tell him your Christmas wishes and receive a special present in advance of the big day. Children £5 includes gift; optional photographs £5 extra. LAPLAND UK 26 November - 24 December, BEWEL WATER ESTATE, Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JH, 0871 620 7063, www.laplanduk.co.uk The UK’s leading and award-winning Christmas experience for children recreates Father Christmas’ arctic homeland in Kent. The visit includes the opportunity for every child to decorate gingerbread in Mother Christmas’ kitchen, go ice-skating, meet husky dogs, see reindeer, send a postcard from a working North Pole post office, help the elves with a new activity in Father Christmas’ toy factory and meet the mystical Sami people. A personalised visit to Father Christmas himself in his snowy forest home completes this unique day and every child is presented with a gift to take home. Tickets from £44.50, book first. BODIAM CASTLE GROTTO 10+11 and 17+18 December, BODIAM CASTLE, near Robertsbridge, E Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830196, www.national.trust.org.uk/bodiamcastle Father Christmas will be tucked away inside a beautifully decorated grotto in the heart of the Castle. Relaxing in his armchair, Santa will be waiting to meet all the good boys and girls before giving them a special gift to take home and put under the Christmas tree. Book first. Other festive activities include storytelling and the Christmas treasure challenge which takes place in the Castle and its stunning surroundings. Castle admission £7.50 children, £6.80 adults, National Trust members free.

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Christmas Shopping – right up your street GOOD GIFT buying is far more about imagination and thoughtfulness than blowing next January’s gas bill in an overcrowded shopping-centre-panic. They say that good things come in small packages and it’s true. By shopping from local, independent retailers you’ll find much more interesting ideas, and knowledgeable owners who will help you pick out something meaningful and special for everyone on your list.

Alhambra Home and Garden There are original gifts galore packed into the bustling, busy Alhambra Home and Garden, with a teashop-cum-creative workshop space towards the rear. Great ideas for children include assorted Fairtrade craft kits, this organic monkey; knitted and crocheted vegetables and donuts, dinosaurs, octopuses and mutant monsters; bird bookends; cat cushions; owl bags and purses. For adults, Stockwell ceramics jewellery; paella kits; printed teatowels; traditional Spanish ceramics; Frida Kahlo cushions and purses; tile-trivets; cat and dog mugs and trays; Spanish food hampers, cooking dishes and ingredients. 148 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26 6BB, 020 3717 6385, www.alhambrahome.co.uk. On 2 December Alhambra is holding a Christmas Shopping Soiree from 6-9pm, with complimentary tapas, mulled sangria and special reductions on all stock.

Home and Kids Home & Kids is a new shop in Hither green specialising in traditional toys, gifts, interiors items and accessories. For the kids, Christmas favourites include Lego storage boxes in the shape of big Lego blocks, Brio wooden stoves and train sets and off course the ever popular Mini and Maxi Scooters. You will also find brilliant hand made stockings with gorgeous little gifts to fill them with. The fantastic Babies Go Lullaby CDs for funky new parents are also available - artists include Michael Jackson, Coldplay and U2. For the grown ups, luxury candles, beauty products, gifts and interior items including exclusive designs from Ferm Living, Donna Wilson and Belle & Boo. Whether you're looking for something for the little ones in your life, friends, relatives or even just for you...we've got it covered. We look forward to seeing you soon. Home & Kids, 37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, London, SE13 5ND, 020 8244 0172 and online at www.homeandkids.co.uk READER OFFER: Mention that you read this in Families and they will give you 10% discount. (not in conjunction with any other offer).

How does your garden grow? Have you ever wondered how to make the most of your garden, but don’t know where to start? Or would like to give someone a practical Christmas present that they can enjoy all year? Plews’ tailor-made gardening tutorials (lessons with a qualified teacher & horticulturalist) are an ideal gift, suitable for individuals or small groups. The ‘classroom’ is your garden, and the tutorials aim to increase your knowledge and pleasure of your own space. Or how about a gift voucher for more Plews Gardening Services? See www.plewsgardendesign.co.uk for more details or email: info@plewsgardendesign.co.uk. Plews Garden Design is also on Facebook and Twitter @plewsgd; and sends out monthly email newsletters with seasonal gardening tips.

TOYS and GAMES

2nd Impressions, 10 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3, 020 8852 6192 Art Stationers and Toyshop, 31 Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 5938 Beckenham Toyshop, 226 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5355 Education Interactive, 10 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13, 020 8318 6380 Green Baby, 52 Greenwich Church Street SE10, 020 8858 6690 Just Williams, 105 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8299 3444 Just Williams, 18 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24, 020 7733 9995 Ottie and the Bea, 12 Old Dover Road, Blackheath Royal Standard SE3, 020 8465 5318 Soup Dragon, 106 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8693 5575

BOOKSHOPS

Beckenham Bookshop, 42 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 9744 Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 8831 Dulwich Books, 3 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE19, 020 8670 1920 Kirkdale Bookshop, 272 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26, 020 8778 4701 Review, 131 Bellenden Road, Peckham SE15, 020 7639 7400 Tales on Moon Lane, 25 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24, 020 7274 5759 Village Books, 1d Calton Avenue, Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 2808

GORGEOUS GIFTS

Alhambra Home & Garden, 148 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26, 020 3417 6385, www.alhambrahome.co.uk Bunka, 4 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8291 4499 Dulwich Trader, 9 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21, 020 8761 3457 Juliette’s Handmade World, 3 Belvedere Road, Crystal Palace SE19 Jumping Bean, 45 Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8314 4747 Jumping Bean, 47 High Street Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5889 Home and Kids, 37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13, 020 8244 0172, www.homeandkids.co.uk Moe’s Potting Shed, 109 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich SE21, 020 8761 2600 Smash Bang Wallop, 40 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 5517 South of the River, 56 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8653 1669

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Home & Kids is a NEW boutique in Hither Green, specialising in beautiful interior items for the home as well as traditional and fun toys for babies and children. We pride ourselves in working with local producers of gifts, furniture and accessories as well as bringing you great British and Scandinavian designs including Donna Wilson and Ferm Living. We also have kids favourites including Mini and Maxi Scooters, Brio toys, Belle and Boo accessories and baby favourites Sophie Giraffe, Boo Boo Baby produce, Daisy Roots and Skwish. Visit our website for more details / or come and visit us at

37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13 5ND

020 8244 0172

www.HomeAndKids.co.uk

Alhambra Home & Garden

148 Kirkdale, London SE26 4BB Unique Christmas gifts for adults and kids, plus Spanish rugs, tiles, food and cookware. Special Offer Shopping Night Friday 2 December 6pm-9pm

020 3417 6385 www.alhambrahome.co.uk inspirational ideas... flexible solutions

gardening tutorials garden design • planting plans Tel: 020 8289 8086 or 0777 6237288

www.plewsgardendesign.co.uk

Crawley Studios

Great Fun for Any Age Come along and enjoy the excitement of painting the item of your choice. We provide a large selection of unpainted pottery, from egg cups and mugs to ducks and dinosaurs, as well as paints, brushes, stencils and stamps.

Children’s parties with a difference For further details please ring:

Tel/Fax: 020 8516 0002 www.crawleystudios.co.uk Open daily weekdays, weekends and evenings by appointment only 39 Wood Vale, Forest Hill, London SE23 3DS

november 2011 - families south east

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles. HURRAH, IT’S PARTY season! A pronouncement based less on my glittering seasonal social calendar stuffed full of invites to shimmy into the LBD and positively drown in champagne and more on the observation that we are a selling an awful lot of, er, picture books in the bookshop at the moment. Well, stands to reason. You want a gift for under a tenner to take to the jelly fest and somehow an e-book download doesn’t quite cut it on the absolutelydelighted-three year-old front. And try turning the pages with a sense of mischief and anticipation on one. Try accidentally dropping an expensive chip-based piece of computer equipment in a trifle and turning straight to page twenty three. Mindyou, a regular customer said today that her little lad only had a vocabulary of ten words and one of those is “book”. Less charming at 5.30am when he’s saying it over and over beside the parental bed she admitted, but it shows there is hope yet that the next generation isn’t about evolve with an ET index finger for merely stabbing at touch screens and pressing buttons and examining the wax from their ears.. I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen - Walker rrp £11.99. This wonderful, solemnly hilarious picture story would fall flat on its hairy phisog if presented electronically. The joy here is in the effortlessly measured pace and the slightly shifty gaze characteristic in all the creatures that participate in the bear’s hunt for the missing hat. The growing realisation that we’ve seen it some pages back builds the excitement and you can feel the ole bear’s heart beat faster as the truth dawns that one of those innocent looking critters he passed on the way was guilty as heck. But he gets his own back. As well as his hat. INTRODUCING LIMELIGHT HARRY by Leigh Hodgkinson - Orchard rrp £5.99. This is a book about a book. And about a flamboyant Larry who thinks the world revolves around his sumptuous feathers and he is just not interested in the opinions of his cheerful friends who are full of ideas about what constitutes a good story. In fact, when they all clear off the book seems awfully dull without them. And even a bit spooky... But, of course, what are friends if they are not there through the dark times as well as the brazen show-offy ones and, somewhat fittingly, there’s a party at the end. Like I said, hurrah! FLUFF AND BILLY by Nicola Killen - Egmont rrp £5.99. I think it is penguins this year. Last year it was meerkats, the year before that was polar bears, and the one before that, monkeys. If you look though the wholesaler catalogues and yes, we still thumb with real thumbs through reams of real paper in the booktrade, with real pictures and real publisher blurb which is so much nicer than having your real eyeballs dry out at a screen - you see a favoured animal emerging each autumn and that animal becomes ubiquitous, appearing all over book covers, cards and Christmas. Like I said, this year it is penguins. I bet a bucket of mackerel I’m not wrong. RED CAR, RED BUS by Susan Steggall - Frances Lincoln rrp £11.99. When I was primary school age I was taught a really neat trick to release the inner artist and the outward observer. Draw a bus stop. Then draw a long British line of arrivals, one by one, at the stop. It made me realise that people came in all shapes and sizes and had all kinds of days ahead of or behind them, their thoughts as they wait manifest in their posture and expressions. For months after that, I drew nothing but urban queues. This long landscape format story follows the bus as it collects and drops off amidst the burgeoning traffic and thickening buildings, with all sorts of vehicles and shops and people to spot all the way. Then there’s nothing but the anticipation of an empty stop once more. They’ll be set up for queuing for the rest of their life. Which is just as well really... ONE LOVE by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton - Chronicle rrp £10.99. Come on, if there’s one song by Bob Marley that even glum ole square heads know the words to, even your nan, it’s this. It comes with some lovely melting pot illustrations and a fabulously laid back mood that the whole family can enjoy. Mindyou, maybe grandma has had enough Camberwell carrot for one day...

GOLDILOCKS ON CCTV by John Agard & Satoshi Kitamura - Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99. Agard and Kitamura, what a naughty - with a glottal stop - combination. And who can resist Puss in Trainers or the Golden Goose Talent Show (that smuggles in a couple of words you’d never expect to read in a children’s poem that I couldn’t possibly quote here or else someone will write a grumpy letter to the boss instantly, even if they do rhyme beautifully)? BAGGAGE by the Etherington Brothers - David Fickling Books rrp £9.99. A riotous lost and found mystery from the indomitable DFC Library for those comic fanatics, with more chaos and wild shenanigans than in my house during one of Trasha’s coven wide sleepover and baking events (I’m still chipping the brownie mix off the ceiling from the last one). MAX AND MILLIE AND THE NEW BABY by Felicity Brooks and Desideria Guicciardini - Usborne rrp £5.99. From the ‘toddler’ series that is a sort of modernised Topsy and Tim, this is as robust as a board book but with a read together approach delivered in a kindly yet no nonsense GP’s waiting room sort of a voice, like a leaflet off the surgery rack. MR GUM IN THE HOUND OF LAMONIC BIBBER BUMPER BOOK by Andy Stanton - Egmont rrp £9.99. Children’s literary anarchy on a grand scale, this size is absolutely superb for - she treads carefully now - the slightly reluctant reader. I think the font should be bigger for all under Year Fours anyway and I think there should always be illustrations to grab then sustain their attention. And as this also contains that now legendary imperative when it comes to value, BONUS FEATURES, what is not to like? THE LEGO IDEAS BOOK - DK rrp £16.99. Don’t usually punt DK reads on the account of the fact that they need no help with publicity and have happily circumvented the ‘umble bookseller in recent years but here’s one product that is way bigger than its publisher. Who’d have thought those annoying brickettes would possess such longevity and, importantly, resonance with our children? Mine still get a kick from constructing hopeless buildings as well as insisting that Star Wars and Harry Potter Xbox games are by far and away superior fun if played on the Lego versions. And what about the shocking day that my chum Tina came round and crushed my boy’s carefully fashioned basketball match underfoot on her way to the chardonnay in the fridge - he’ll be in therapy for years. Meanwhile, we still talk about our trip to a somewhat faded Legoland when I changed the baby’s nappy on the Isle of Wight - there may well still be a tube of Drapolene blocking the bay at Ventnor. YOU AND YOUR BUMP by Emma Cannon - Rodale rrp £14.99. The author combines Chinese medicine with conventional Western practice, believing that our innermost feelings affect the health of a growing foetus and that pregnancy is the “perfect time” to rediscover all the things that make you feel good. Apart from smoking of course. And eating three fresh cream Rum Babas in one go in the cafeteria at Debenhams. And getting hammered at parties. Unless your idea of ‘fusion health’ is cheese and pineapple sticks... Went to a marvellous one yesterday hosted by Caroline, domesticus goddessticus, and was thrilled to eat, drink and fall over with a raft of beloved relatives and friends that I hadn’t seen for donkeys. Best of all, Caro had made her usual mountain of awesome meringues which are better than drugs. Indeed I felt compelled to snort several after my brother-in-law lit another ciggie, sucked in the smoke and cheerily blew it out with the statement that my writing had lost its bite. Hey Vic, if you are reading this with a hangover amidst a scatter of tiny shoes and a squealing horde of pre-schoolers with saturated pull-ups at soft-play in Greenwich or at toddler ballet - ha ha ha. Unlike you, I’m still in bed, giving my bite a well-earned rest.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 8

families south east - november 2011

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What’sOn See our online listings for MORE activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What’s On

Herne Hill

Diary Dates for Grownups MAKE DO AND MEND

POP UP SHOP

Sundays at CAFE CREMA, 306 New Cross Road SE14 6AF, 020 8320 2317, www.cafecremaevents.co.uk

First Saturday of each month, THE OLD NUNS HEAD, 15 Nunhead Green SE15 3QQ

Expert-led knitting and crochet sessions in a cafe! The sessions are suitable for beginners and intermediates, or those wanting to kickstart a new or old project. The cafe is open from 2-4.30pm on Sundays, serving lunch, Fairtrade teas, organic coffees and homemade cakes (including gluten free and vegan). Materials are provided, and accompanied children are welcome to join in.

TENNIS FOR BEGINNERS From 7 December, SYDENHAM TENNIS, SQUASH AND CROQUET CLUB, Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham SE26 6ET, 07776 231 676, www.sltcc.co.uk Do you want to start playing tennis or brush up on your skills after a long break? Sydenham Tennis Club is running adult ‘introduction to tennis’ courses where participants lean basic techniques, meet players of a similar standard and play some fun doubles. Each six week taster course is just £20. Book first.

CHILDREN’S TABLE SALE 12 November, LOCHABER HALL, Manor Lane Terrace, Manor Lane SE13 5QL A sale of outgrown children’s clothes, toys, books, sports equipment, musical instruments and more, plus pushchairs and cots. 3-5pm.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE 12 November, St John’s Church, 251 Eden Park Avenue BR3 3JN, www.nct.org.uk Nearly new toys and baby/ nursery equipment looking for a new home. Organised and run by Beckenham NCT. 10.30am-12noon.

BLACKHEATH HOLISTIC AND WELLNESS FAYRE 12 November, QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, Lawn Terrace, Blackheath Village SE3 9LL Living N Local Harmony Group are holding a health day to help support the children’s charity Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Make a date to find out more and sample massage therapies, energy healing, meditation, wellness talks and more. Browse the ethical stalls and snack on healthy foods while the children are entertained in the Kid Space. 10.30am-5.30pm, entry free. For more details, find Living-N-Local Harmony on Facebook.

ELEGANT HAND-MADE BROOCHES 13 November, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road SE21. 020 8299 8750, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Create beautiful brooches using millinery materials. Make the perfect festive gift, a piece of jewellery that will be both interesting to look at and flattering to wear. You will make one piece of work and gain an understanding of the techniques which you can then replicate at home. 10.30am-4pm with creative milliner Bridget Bailey. £55 a person, concessions and Friends £50, book first.

Stalls are inside this vibrant family-friendly pub sell a variety of vintage ceramics, pre-loved labels, recyled toys & bags, organic skin care, cup cakes and hot crepes, life art, photography, felt jewellery, wire wrap jewellery, vintage clothes & accessories, knitwear, soft furnishings & much more. The Old Nuns Head is a comfortable venue with vintage couches, books, low slung tables & the food is of a high standard. There is ample room for pushchairs. Pop up shop 11.30am-5pm. For more information, email lee.kim.salsa@googlemail.com.

THE SECRET ORCHARD 20 November, CAFE CREMA, 306 New Cross Road SE14 6AF, 020 8320 2317, www.cafecremaevents.co.uk Secateurs and spades at the ready - Cafe Crema is hosting a workshop on fruit tree care, covering pruning techniques for soft fruit canes and apples. Make the most of your fruit crops with Paul Richens, gardens manager for Global Generation’s Skip Garden on the King’s Cross development site. More seasonal workshops will follow throughout at key points in the gardening calendar. Family friendly, 10am-2pm, free but book first.

IDEAL HOME SHOW 16-20 November, EARL’S COURT, Warwick Road SW5 9TA, 0844 209 7330, www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk

Takeaway & Restaurant

Award winning sustainable Fish & Chips delivered to your school quiz night, children’s party or fundraising event ************

Every Tuesday GLUTEN FREE BATTERED Sustainable Fish & Chips ************

65 - 67 NORWOOD ROAD, HERNE HILL LONDON, SE24 9AA Opp Brockwell Park

tel: 020 8671 8259 ************

Book a table online www.olleys.info “Where fish is taken seriously”

The famous, trend-setting show includes six sections covering home improvements and interiors, Christmas food and drink, gifts and decorations, fashion, beauty and gadgets. Over 400 exhibitors will showcase and sell their best and newest products, alongside live demonstrations by celebrity experts including Gino D’Acampo, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Jamie Aston, Suzi Perry and Stuart Philips. Open 10am-6pm, tickets free for under 16s, adults from £16.

HAVEN’T STOPPED DANCING YET 3 December, St SWITHUN’S CHURCH HALL, Hither Green SE13 6QE, 0796 716 3247, www.haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk Book a babysitter and dig out your retro gear - HSDY is a fabulous night of 70’s & 80’s soul, funk and disco for those of us who remember the tunes first time round and still want to party. The events were launched in March 2010 by South London forty-something lifestyle journalist Nikki Spencer, who wanted to be able to go out dancing with friends without feeling like she was gate-crashing one of her teenage daughter’s parties. They now have a real cult south London following, with dapper DJ Lord Ant’s awesome tunes and choreographer-to- the-stars Ali Goldingπs energetic dance line-ups - not to mention the free retro sweets (love hearts, fizzers, flying saucers) and ice pops. This time around there’s also a festive chill-out zone in the crypt, complete with Christmas trees and fairy lights. What’s not to like? 7.30-11.30pm, tickets £10 in advance from local outlets or by phone or online, or £12 on the door.

Theatre, Shows and Music MATILDA THE MUSICAL Until 12 February 2012, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, 32 Earlham Street WC2, 0844 412 4652, www.matildaathemusical.com Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic comes alive in this brand new musical. Tired of being teased by her couch potato parents and horrible teacher Miss Trunchball, little Matilda discovers that she has a very special gift and sets out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Tickets from £15.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS 5+6 November, Ashcroft Theatre, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR0 1DG, 020 8668 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk Follow Goldilocks as the circus comes to town. Meet her father, the circus ringmaster, the hilarious Sarah (the cook) and the nasty Baron. This sparkling show features colourful costumes, lively characters, music and comedy. Children £7.50, adults £9.50, families £29.

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november 2011 - families south east

The Nature Bug

Inspiring children to love nature

www.thenaturebug.co.uk

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

Weekly classes teaching children about nature through fun interactive games, movement & music, art & craft & stories. Age 2½ - 4 yrs.

07521 778136 mail@thenaturebug.co.uk

Fourway Pharmacy 12 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London SE24 9HU • Moltex, Nature, Bambo and Tushies eco-friendly nappies • Buggiboards • Baby passport photos • Green toiletries, homeopathy, aromatherapy • Friendly and free health advice

Special offer! Free pack of eco-friendly nappies when renting a TENS machine for labour!

Roger Humbles MRPharmS

020 7924 9344 e mail: fourway@npanet.co.uk

wwww.fourwaypharmacy.co.uk

MR STINK LIVE ON STAGE

ALADDIN

15-19 November, Ashcroft Theatre, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291

2 December - 2 January 2012, Ashcroft Theatre, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291

Chloe doesn’t like school very much. She isn’t as cool as the other kids; no iPhone, no DS and no friends. Then she meets Mr Stink - the local tramp. He smells a bit but he’s the only person who’s ever been nice to her, including her mother. The production brings to life the smelliest book of all time, written by David Walliams. Tickets from £12 children, From £16 adults, from £50 families.

The fun-packed pantomime with Larry Lamb as the biggest baddie of them all and a west end cast. The show promises big laughs, great music, stunning sets and dazzling costumes. Tickets from £15.

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN WATERLOO STATION, London SE1, 0871 297 0740, www.seetickets.com London’s breathtaking theatrical event is once again staged at the former Eurostar terminal where a 1,000 seat venue has been built around the railway tracks with audiences seated either side. Join Bobby, Peter and Phyllis as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children in an adaptation of E.Nesbit’s classic story. Tickets from £22.75.

BLACKBERRY TROUT FACE 10+11 November, ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Qay, Deptford SE8. 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk, and 22-26 November, UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com One morning, three teenagers discover a note in the Frosties. Mum has abandoned them; they have been left home alone. Leading Liverpool-based theatre company 20 Stories High present a bold, gritty and funny play that explores family, loyalty and ambition. With sharply-drawn characters, crackling dialogue and plenty of humour, we follow three young people as they struggle to cope in exceptional circumstances. Ages 13+, tickets from £9.

TWINKLE TWONKLE 29 November - 30 December, Studio Theatre, ROUNDHOUSE, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8EH, 0844 482 8008, www.roundhouse.org.uk Tall Stories perform an intergalactic theatre adventure, full of stories, music and the mystery of space to lift you up, up and away. Inspired by nursery rhymes and the Big Bang, the play follows Stella and her little brother Ryan in a starry adventure including the Great Bear, the Little Bear and a brand new constellation - a Medium-sized Bear. Ages 4+, ticket from £7.

SANTA CLAUS AND THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE 29 November - 31 December, AMBASSADORS THEATRE, West Street WC2H 9ND, 08448 11 2334, www.theambasadorstheatre.co.uk Santa Claus will have a very special helper this Christmas as Britain’s most popular magician, Paul Daniels, takes to the stage in a live Christmas show with a traditional ‘grotto’ experience. The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole, The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed and the toys are piled high on the sleigh, then chaos strikes. Rudolph is missing and the Elves are misbehaving - will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and girls? Help Santa find Rudolph, and in return the children will get to meet him after the show and even receive a present. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras in order to capture the magic moment their little ones meet Father Christmas for the very first time. Ages 2+, tickets from £8.

THE GRUFFALO 23 November - 15 January 2012, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue, 0844 412 4661, www.gruffalolive.com The hugely popular modern classic by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns to the west end for a monster season. Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical modern classic. Discover what happens when he comes face to face with wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking Snake. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their families. Tickets from £12.50.

LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN Rally round for a smashing time. A fun ﬁlled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds. Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court. Aids agility, co-ordination and balance. A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun. Weekend and weekday sessions now available. For further details ring Gordon on 07877391005 or e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

www.tennis-4-kids.com 10

families south east - november 2011

THE SNOW QUEEN

THE SNOWMAN

23 November - 8 January 2012, UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com/snowqueen

30 November - 8 January, PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street, Holborn WC2, 0844 412 4322, www.sadlerswells.com

The Unicorn Theatre brings the classic Hans Christian Andersen story of The Snow Queen to life with a twist this Christmas, in a brand new version transported to India by Anupama Chandrasekhar (‘Free Outgoing’, Royal Court).

The live version of Raymond Brigg’s much-loved children’s classic returns for the 14th consecutive year. When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and of course, Father Christmas.

After a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar disappears. Gowri, his best friend, discovers that he has been captured by the formidable Snow Queen, and embarks on a journey across the length and breadth of the continent to save him. From the burning heat of southern India, through lush backwaters, glitzy Bollywood and desolate bandit country, our brave heroine strives to bring the warmth of friendship to the icy north. Will Kumar be trapped forever in the deathly cold of everlasting winter? Or can his closest friend find a way of melting the Snow Queen’s heart? In the Unicorn’s production of the magical tale, audiences are transported to a land rich in colour, music and unforgettable imagery. There are also Audio Described, Autism Friendly, Captioned and Integrated Sign Language Interpreted performances available. Ages 7+, children’s tickets £10-£15, adults £16-£22, families £44-£64. FAMILY DAYS, 27 November, 4, 11 and 29 December. Take part in a 90-minute pre-show workshop for the whole family, see the Snow Queen at 1pm, then meet members of the cast after the show. From £26 per person. WIN TICKETS! We have three family tickets to be won for this fantastic production. To enter, go to www.familiesse.co.uk and click on Competitions.

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PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT 1 December - 1 January 2012, CRITERION THEATRE, Piccadilly Circus W1, 0844 847 1788, www.peppapiglive.com Peppa Pig and her friends set off on a treasure hunt and get up to fun and games on a day out on Grandad Dog’s boat. There are clues a-plenty for the audience to follow, along with true-to-life puppets and sing-along songs.

FAMILY THEATRE AT THE ALBANY

He’s back for Christmas! BASED ON THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER

ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8. 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk STIG OF THE DUMP, 8 November. An enchanting tale of a unique friendship: Stig wears rabbit-skins, has his own language and uses empty tin cans for a chimney. Barney has scuffed shoes, grazed knees and dirty fingernails, in his world anything is possible. Join Stig and Barney on their delightful adventure as puppetry and performance turn rubbish into something real, change scrap into scenery and make garbage gorgeous. The retelling of this classic story by Olivier Award winner Mike Kenny will captivate, inspire and excite everyone aged 8+. Tickets from £7. ROBIN AND THE BIG FREEZE, 13 November. With suitcases and Sat-Navs the birds are getting ready to leave town. Robin remains; he’s got lots to do like tweeting at anyone who comes near his patch and posing for Christmas cards. But the snow is on its way and lots of it. Is everyone ready for the big freeze? A festive feast of a show with fantastic puppets, live music, and birdwatching. 3pm, ages 4+, single tickets £6, family tickets £22.

TED LIMSIT END WE ASON SE

SNOWPLAY, 20 November. Imagine if one day winter decided to come and stay in your house. You would have icicles in the bathroom and a snowman in your kitchen! In this charming interactive show, audiences can play with all types of snow, snowmen, ice and snowballs. An interactive treat that will transport children to a winter wonderland world. Ages 2+, 3pm start, single tickets £6, families £22.

LYRIC OPENS 23 NOVEMBER

THEATRE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE BOOK NOW 0844 412 4661 www.gruffalolive.com

Send a Letter from Santa

THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER, 6-24 December. Michael Rosen introduces young children to Shakespeare. Grown-up Miranda tells her daughter about a faraway time when she lived on a magical island with her father Prospero. Little Angel Theatre’s trademark blend of puppets and song bring the tale to life, in a gentle play for ages 3+. Tickets £7.50 children, £9 adults, £30 families.

W LAa tri IN PL p to AN D

ted Suggestio dona n

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

£5

10 December - 2 January 2012, BROADWAY THEATRE, Catford Broadway SE6, 020 8690 0002, www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk Be dazzled by this year’s family panto at the Broadway. Leon Craig, Allan Jay and Angela Wynter will raise the roof in a colourful traditional tale featuring magic, spectacular scenery and costumes, live music and a huge side dish of slapstick. Tickets from £10.

POTTED PANTO

PICCADILLY CIRCUS

TRAVELS WITH GRANDAD, 27 November. Meet Grandad, eccentric traveler and storyteller extraordinaire. Enter his battered Bedouin tent to hear magical tales of adventure in real and imaginary worlds. The Clock That Stopped Time, The Violin Princess and The Most Beautiful Thing in The World are brand new old fashioned fairy tales. With evocative sound, light and exquisite puppetry this is a classic show that will enthrall and delight the whole family. “Are you sitting comfortably...?”. Ages 3+, 3pm start, single tickets £6, families £22.

18 December - 8 January 2012, VAUDEVILLE THEATRE, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH, 0844 412 4663, www.pottedpanto.com Eight classic pantos in 80 minutes! CBBC’s Dan and Jeff return for a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from panto. The dastardly duo dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London. Searching for Cinderella’s lost slipper, they try to wake Sleeping Beauty before the giant climbs down Jack’s beanstalk to squash Snow White’s seven dwarves.

A magical Christmas starts with a Letter from Santa. Order yours today. visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa

call: 0845 839 9304

From conventions and costume to heroes and villains, the dastardly double act explore all the elements of the art form we both love and loathe as a nation, bringing unmissable fun for all ages. Tickets from £16.50 for under 16s, £22 adults.

SANTA CLAUS + THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE 2-30 December, Arnhem Gallery, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR0 1DG, 020 8668 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk In Santa’s HQ in the North Pole, the reindeer SatNav is programmed and the toys are piled up high on the sleigh, then chaos strikes - Rudolph is missing and the elves are misbehaving. Will Santa ever get the presents to all the boys and girls? Santa needs your help, and in return the children will get to meet him after the show and even receive a present. Ages 3-7, tickets from £10.

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november 2011 - families south east

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

Events & Exhibitions DULWICH COLLEGE CHRISTMAS FAIR 27 November, DULWICH COLLEGE, Dulwich Common SE21, www.dulwich.org A day of festive shopping, entertainment, sport, food and fun to raise funds for a variety of charities.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. THE STUFF OF NIGHTMARES, until 26 February 2012. When re-told to children, fairy tales often assume an air of innocence. Good always triumphs over evil, heroes are selfless and love is everlasting. Some fairy tales however, explore the darker side of a child’s imaginary landscape. The Stuff of Nightmares takes a closer look at the playthings of innocents, and features an installation made by local schoolchildren, alongside work by Katherine Tulloh, Ruhe Weinbergh, Daniel Bell and Sharon Brindle. MAGIC WORLDS, Until 4 March 2012. Delve into the captivating world of fantasy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the imaginary and fantastical realms of witches, fairies, elves, dragons, magicians and illusionists. On display will be costumes, tricks, paintings, ceramics, beautifully illustrated books and posters, games, optical toys and dramatic puppets.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM EVENTS IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk Museum open daily 10am-6pm. Admission £3.95 children, £5.95 adults, families from £12.50. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM, 5-6 and 12-13 November. Create personalised poppies and find out more about Remembrance in a free family drop-in activity. 11.20am and 2.30pm. THE CHILDREN’S WAR. Look at the home front in Britain and the impact of WW2 through the eyes of the children who lived through it. Incorporating hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, it also features the popular 1940s house and part of a post-war prefab.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW, 12 November. Face painters bring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to life. Professional make-up artists will turn young visitors into the well-known characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England. Last entry 4.30pm. 11am - 5pm.

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

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

SCIENCE MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December. ROBOTS FESTIVAL, 30 November - 31 December. A showcase of the latest and greatest in robot research and development. Robots and scientists from around the word will surprise and educate, including emotibots, swarming, swimming shark robots, throwable exploration robots, medical robots and many more. There will be accompanying workshops for children. COCKROACH TOURS, weekends until December. Take on the form of a cockroach; dress up in a realistic costume and take a journey through the museum, exploring the impact on the climate of scientific and technological developments from the perspective of one of the oldest, most resilient life forms on the planet. Book first on 0870 870 4868. LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free. WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM FUN The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

families south east - november 2011

ROCKMOUNT PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR 3 December, ROCKMOUNT PRIMARY SCHOOL. Chevening Road, Upper Norwood SE19 3ST Get in the Christmas spirit by visiting Santa in his grotto, then munch on home-made hot food and browse for handmade gifts while the children enjoy craft activities, festive story telling and entertainment. Noon-3pm, entry 50p.

TREE DAY 4 December, London Wildlife Trust CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE GARDENING, 28 Marsden Road SE15 4EE, 020 7252 9186 Enjoy a day of tree-themed family fun and discover the Centre for Wildlife Gardening while celebrating the splendour of our native species. There will be talks, gardening advice, wood arts and crafts, cakes and treats, and exciting activities for children of all ages. 11am-4pm, admission free.

TOWER OF LONDON

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel, funfair and thrill rides, Zippos Circus and Cirque Extreme, a Bavarian Village, traditional Christmas market and festive food and drink. Open 10am-10pm daily, admission free. Skating and show tickets can be bought in advance online or by phone.

ICE RINK, 4 November - 8 January 2012. Set within the historic Victorian grounds of the Natural History Museum, the 1,000 square metre ice rink attracts beginners and advanced skaters alike, as well as those simply wanting to bask in the beautiful atmosphere, where twinkling fairy lights adorn the surrounding tall trees. As well as the main rink there is a children’s rink, a beautiful fairground carousel and a cafe-bar. Whether skating or spectating, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is the place to be and be seen. Check www.nhmskating.com for daily session times.

WINTER WONDERLAND IN HYDE PARK 18 November - 3 January 2012, HYDE PARK, London, 0844 858 6755, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com The capital’s most popular and dazzling winter event returns for its fifth year, set across 20 acres of historic parkland. Attractions include the

TOWER OF LONDON, EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Tower open 9am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am Sundays and Mondays. Admission free for under 5s, children £10.45, adults £19.80; book for less online. FIT FOR A KING. Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes in this stunning exhibition on the first floor of the White Tower. Learn about the personalities, power and physical size of our nation’s kings, from the Tudors, and the notorious Henry VIII, to today’s royal family through the historic collection. POWER HOUSE. Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day. The exhibition showcases the roles of the major organisations that provided the bedrock of England’s power throughout the centuries. ROYAL BEASTS. Find out about the Tower’s imperial Royal Menagerie. Founded during the reign of King John in the early 1200s, it became a regular feature of the Tower for over 600 years. Visitors can encounter a diverse cast of former Tower residents through arresting modern animal sculpture by artist Kendra Haste and new interactive sensory displays. The recently restored north wall walk and the never before opened Brick Tower will host some of the displays, including sights, sounds and smells of some of the animals.

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NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk

During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free

The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.

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

DRAW YOUR WEAPONS. A colourful and dynamic exhibition exploring the history of the war comic, in partnership with leading publisher DC Thomson.

Until 31 December, The O2, Meridian Gardens, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, 0844 844 2121, www,dinosaursunleashed.co.uk

CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS CUMING MUSEUM, 151 Walworth Road SE17 1RY, 020 7525 2096, www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum FAMILY CLUB, Thursdays. Explore and play with the Cuming explorers. 10am-11.15am for under 5s and their parents/ carers.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-5pm, admission free for under 16s, £13.50 adults. KYE HISTORY, 26+27 November and 3+4, 10+11 December. Find out more about the story of HMS Belfast and the company that sailed her on her various journeys around the world and have a sip of warming naval hot chocolate (kye is a naval term for grated cocoa). 11am-12.30pm and 24pm. GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. The guns are trained and elevated onto a target some 12.5 miles (20 kilometres) away in north-west London - the London Gateway Motorway Services Area on the M1 - a reminder of the awesome power of naval gunnery in the Second World War.

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

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families

DINOSAURS UNLEASHED Dinosaurs last roamed Earth 65 million years ago - now they’re back and unleashed at The O2. With over 22 life-size dinosaurs, a prehistoric CGI aquarium, holographic video presentations by wildlife expert Chris Packham, real and replica fossils, interactives galore and more than 40 educational interpretation panels, this unique exhibition appeals to family audiences, especially budding young palaeontologists aged 2-12. Children can get their hands dirty and dig for fossils, piecing them together in the Fossil Zone. They can also create their own dinosaur skins and colours at the popular Dino-Paints as well as testing their dinosaur knowledge with dynamic quizzes. Open daily 10am - 6pm, timed entry tickets £11.25 children, £14.25 adults, £42.60 adults, discounted for Greenwich borough residents.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Here are some highlights: ANIMALS IN WARTIME, 12 November. Many creatures including glow-worms, pigeons, cats and dogs supported British and Allied forces during the two world wars. Hear the remarkable, true story of just a few of those animals, including ‘The Brave Flight of Winkie the Pigeon’, the first pigeon to be awarded the Dickin Medal, the animals’ Victoria Cross! 12.30, 2.30 and 3.30 start times. Ages 3+, free.

East Dulwich & Dulwich Park 0778 613 0537 (Suzie)

Rotherhithe & Bermondsey 020 8979 9139 (Tim & Emily)

MUSEUM OF LONDON EVENTS MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. ENTER A VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPH, 20 November. Create fictional Victorian characters, then using blue screen technology, dress up and enter a photograph from the era. Ages 5+, 12.30, 2 and 3.30pm starts, free with a ticket. LITTLE MOLES, termtime Wednesdays. Weekly hands-on creative sessions for 1 to 5 year-olds and their carers. 3.30-4.30pm, free but book first. UNDER 5s STORYTIME, last Tuesday of the month. Stories, music and interactive fun for under 5s and their carers. 3-3.30pm.

Family Legal Services To arrange an initial free consultation please ring

020 8858 6971 Friendly, professional legal advice Email family@grantsaw.co.uk Visit www.grantsaw.com Norman House, 110-114 Norman Road, Greenwich, SE10 9EH Find us just around the corner from Greenwich train & DLR stations

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november 2011 - families south east

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

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space. BALI - DANCING FOR THE GODS, until 8 January 2012. An exhibition exploring Balinese culture and the central role of dance as a visual feast. Beautifully gilded costumes, lavishly decorated artefacts, puppets and sculptures are featured alongside unique film and photography from the 1930s. Adm fee.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM EVENTS National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk. The museum’s new Sammy Ofer Wing allows the museum to

completely change the way it presents its galleries, exhibitions and events. A new, purpose designed exhibition gallery will host a full programme of temporary shows, while a permanent gallery - Voyagers introduces the story of Britain and the sea. Rest your sealegs with break in the new restaurant and cafe, taking in the views over Greenwich Park, along with a state-of-the-art library. Museum open 10am-5pm daily. Admission free.

10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk. THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show narrated by Patrick Stewart. Explore the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, the show charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at what impact this has on the universe around us. HIGH ARCTIC, until January 2012. An exciting exhibition which conveys the scale, splendour and fragility of our unique Arctic environment through an immersive installation which encourages us to question our relationship with the world around us.

DISCOVER GREENWICH OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk

EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.

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

DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free.

Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS, 12 November. Celebrate the Festival of Lights and explore British Asian heritage with a colourful mix of music, workshops, performances and film, culminating in a lantern-lit outdoor procession in Greenwich Park, set to live music. 11.30am-6pm.

PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama.

Art Activities classes in England, particularly in London. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission free HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE, 5 November + 3 December. Visit the Geffrye’s restored 18th century almshouse, which has been taken back to its original condition and offers a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in the 1780s and 1880s. Tours at 11am, 12noon and 3pm, adults £2.50, under 16s free. ART DECO DECORATIONS, 3 December. A creative craft workshop for families, where you can make an array of delightful 1930s decorations. 1pm and 2pm start, free. CHRISTMAS FUN, 3 December. Listen to stories, sing festive songs and make Christmas decorations in the Geffrye’s workshop for children aged 3+ and their carers.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free. With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

LEE GREEN OPEN STUDIOS 12+13 and 19+20 November, VARIOUS VENUES, www.leegreenopenstudios.com Fifty local artists will be throwing open their doors to visitors, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can pick up a few Christmas presents away from the crowds. Homes and studios will show a diversity of work such as textiles, jewellery, children’s books, stationery, ceramics, photography, mosaics, paintings, sculpture and prints to view and for sale, direct from the artist. Meet the makers, have a chat about the creative process, and perhaps sign up for a workshop. Several local cafes will also showing work. Collect a stamp from at least 10 venues to enter a prize draw to win £100 worth of art. Admission free, families welcome. For more information, see the event website.

FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature,

FAMILY SUNDAYS. Fly away on the magic carpet as it comes to land in front of a different painting every Sunday for an interactive story session. Under 5s, 10.30 and 11.30am start.

he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS. Every Sunday for 5-11 year-olds, at 11am1pm and 2-4pm.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS

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

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

Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult. A GLOW IN THE DARK, 5 November. Celebrate fireworks night by making your own glowing constructions based on the energetic abstract paintings in The Courtauld Gallery. SKETCHES OF SPAIN, 12 November. Take inspiration from ‘The Spanish Line’ exhibition and create bold drawings in dramatic charcoal and chalks. BEHIND THE MASK, 19 November. Learn the history of the masquerade at Somerset House and construct a costume for your own masked ball.

FAMILIES AT THE TATE

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures. Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9551, www.wallacecollection.org

GEFFRYE MUSEUM, 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury. Free trails are available from the Information Desk, and children’s audio guides can be hired for £1.50. Drop in any time to try on armour in the Conservation Gallery. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

Explore the home over the past 400 years, from around 1600 to the present day. The museum focuses on the living rooms of urban middle

THE LITTLE DRAW, first Sunday of each month. A drop-in workshop held in the galleries from 1.30-4.30pm.

FANTASTIC FIESTAS, 26 November. Discover how to create vibrant masterpieces in pastels and paint after exploring ‘The Spanish Line’ exhibition.

THE GEFFRYE MUSEUM

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families south east - november 2011

Mothers Mean Business Greenwich Mums FAMILIES IN GREENWICH are sharing local information and recommending places to go to each other, and benefiting from discounts from local retailers. This is all thanks to Rebecca Thomson, who set up the Greenwich Mums website. FSE: When did you set up Greenwich Mums, and what was the inspiration? RT: Greenwichmums was created around the time I returned to work after having our twin girls. As there was a waiting list at our childminders, my husband had to take time off work to look after them as his work is more flexible. The weekend before ‘Daddy Day Care’ began we sat down and I gave him the low down on Greenwich, the kind of info which mums normally gather like where he could go, what he could do, where the coffee is good, changing facilities, etc. Having a double buggy means it’s often a tight squeeze and lots of planning is involved. My husband was amazed that none of this was online and that’s when we had our lightbulb moment. FSE: What did you do before that? RT: Right now I still work part time in the day job which is as an office manager for a central London management consultancy. Every other spare moment when not with our children is spent on Greenwichmums. My husband literally has to take away my phone and iPad because I never switch off - I’m always tweeting or jotting down ideas. Some of them a little hair-brained, but most hopefully at least quite good! FSE: What does Greenwich Mums offer parents? RT: Greenwich Mums helps parents plan a great trip to SE10 by offering word of mouth information on the services that are available for parents and their kids in Greenwich. Members write the reviews them-

selves so visitors get a real perspective on what’s good and what maybe needs to improve a little. Alongside this we have also recently launched our Mumscard loyalty scheme, which gives holders at least 10% discount in many popular shops in the area. FSE: How easy or difficult was it to start up? RT: Some aspects of starting up were quite easy. After having the idea we just bought the domain name, sat down one day and thought about the look and feel of the site; basically what we wanted to achieve with it. We then started tweeting, facebooking and growing the community. I am very fortunate in that my husband is very I.T. literate and keeps me grounded on what we can and can’t do - usually over a coffee when the girls are napping. It’s very much a team effort and without his knowledge it is fair to say we’d still be on the starting blocks! FSE: What are the benefits of working for yourself? RT: Freedom is the biggest benefit. A lot of my meetings, research and reviewing is child friendly. I get to take my girls with me and they get to experience lots of interesting things to do. FSE: Does the work/ family balance work for you? RT: I’ll be honest and say we have had a tough time with this one lately, so much that we have implemented the ‘family day’ one day off at the weekend. This is a time when we switch off the phones - no laptops, iPads or business chat we just enjoy each other’s company.

I’ll admit it’s quite difficult as quite often in this downtime my mind will race with new ideas and I am guilty of sneaking off to make notes. Sorry James! FSE: Do you have any tips or advice for other parents thinking of setting up on their own? RT: Just do it. You don’t have to sink in thousands of pounds. Start small and just build build build. Before you know it you’ll be in business, sending out your first invoice or making a sale. FSE: How can readers find out more about what you do? RT: Go to www.greenwichmums.com and become a member! If you are a business and want to list you can follow the Suggest a Business link and we will get you on as soon as we can. You can also get your Mumscard and start saving at places like Bert & Betty, Heaps, SoOrganic, United Ideas or Sophia&Matt. Alternatively we’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

Call Greg Randall on

020 8670 6141 We help with family problems, including: • Divorce • Separation • Civil partnership dissolution • Disputes about children • Inheritance disputes

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november 2011 - families south east

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sNew Baby r u o Y d n a u o Y Colour changing bath mat We all know how much fun it is splashing around with bath toys and bubbles - too much to want to get out sometimes. Now children can have just as much fun out of the bath as they did in it. Cuddledryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colour-changing bath mat is like magic - when hot little feet land on it, neon funky footprints appear. The supersoft mat is made with 100% natural, absorbent cotton and is machine washable, priced ÂŁ19.99 from www.cuddledry.com.

DaddyNatal DaddyNatal is the only dad-centred antenatal and postnatal education provider in the UK offering positive support, information and role models as men go through the transition of becoming a father. All classes and information has been specifically tailored to fathers and their needs. The classes teach fathers the essential skills they need with regards to their role in labour and life with newborn as well as practical techniques from changing a nappy to swaddling, while providing them with the opportunity to meet and talk to other dads. The next â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;roadshowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classes will be held in central London on 1 and 8 November, and there is a wealth of information in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dads Info Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the website www.daddynatal.co.uk.

For Children

This oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got legs

Creativity in a bag

The Nod Pod is a soft fleece baby blanket with legs and a hood to keep your little one safely wrapped up and warm. Great for children who kick about with glee, the blanket is just the thing in pushchairs, carseats, baby carriers or moses baskets. The Nod Pod currently comes in three colours - soft blue, soft pink and winter white in size 0-6 months (6-12 months coming soon). The blankets are made from lightweight, machine washable super soft fleece and each one comes in its own handy cotton drawstring bag, for ÂŁ20, with gift wrapping and a message optional extras. For more information or orders, visit www.nodpod.co.uk.

Sleep tight with Ewan

Baby choes When babies are born their eyesight is not fully developed. Their vision is blurred and they can only see 8-10 inches in front of them. Visual stimulation is an important part of their development, and it is widely recognised that black and white images appeal to babies and help to stimulate their sense of sight. One of a babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite objects of interest is their feet. They love wiggling their feet in the air and reaching out to grab their toes. Baby choes are a range of handmade soft leather shoes in striking designs to encourage babies to reach out and grab their tiny feet - helping to develop their hand to eye coordination skills. Baby choes have been designed in the UK, and come in a stylish bag which makes them the ideal gift, priced ÂŁ16 from www.babychoes.co.uk.

Little Creative Days kits are for children who like to make things. With Christmas fast approaching, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an easy way to make personalised presents for family and friends - or interesting stocking fillers. The kits encourage children to use their imagination, conjuring up all sorts of creations, from sponge paintings to embroidering bags and accessories, and personalising jewellery boxes and photo frames. The initial range includes 24 kits which can be selected by age, type of craft and the mess factor. This includes four kits for the 10 and over age group inspired by tattoo designs. Prices start at ÂŁ5.99, online at www.littlecreativedays.co.uk .

Ewan the dream sheep is a very soft cuddly toy with light and sound features (including actual womb and heartbeat recordings) to calm babies and toddlers and lull them into a peaceful slumber. Earlier this year, the product was crowned winner in the Kids category of the Gift of the Year Award, hosted by the Giftware Association. Since launching in 2010, sales have increased rapidly, with Ewanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity growing on the back of his proven effectiveness at helping settle babies and toddlers to sleep. He is now stocked by the likes of Mothercare, John Lewis, JoJo Maman Bebe and many independent stores (rrp ÂŁ29), and online at www.easidream.com, 02392 262332.

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families south east - november 2011

$FWLRQ VRQJV DQG UK\PHV 0XVLF DQG PRYHPHQW )XQ ZLWK SHUFXVVLRQ 0XVLFDO JDPHV 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. 5RFN ÂśQÂˇ UROO IURP PRQWKV +HLJK KR Â˛ IURP PRQWKV -LJJHW\ MLJ Â˛ \HDU ROGV 'LQJ GRQJ Â˛ \HDU ROGV :LQQHU RI WKH %HVW 1DWLRQDO 3UH 6FKRRO $FWLYLW\ $ZDUG

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Safe surfing

Hands on education

A new product using special USB keys enables parents to keep their children safe when using the internet. CYBERminder allows parents unrestricted access to the internet, while making sure their children can only view material which is appropriate to their age group. Packs contain two special USB keys - parents use the ‘Supervise’ key, and their children use the age appropriate ‘Protect’ key. Once the right key is plugged into a spare USB socket, all the rest is done automatically. A simple icon is displayed in the system tray to tell parents which key is inserted, and the keys are easily visible and distinctive so that parents can easily check which is being used. The system has been launched in the UK by IT consultant Nathan Wright: “We are continually hearing stories of children either getting into serious trouble having met the wrong person on the internet, or even just looking at inappropriate material - many parents feel powerless to protect their children”. There are three different ‘Protect’ keys so that as children get older, they can access different material on the internet. The age ranges are under 9, 9 -12 years, and teenager. Each key restricts access to pornography or gambling sites. CYBERminder is £34.99 from www.superviseandprotect.com.

The Hands On Club is a useful website for anyone who is interested in education. It offers free downloadable teaching resources and stickers, display ideas and special offers giving money off popular products from the main Hands On website. The website is specifically designed to provide inspiration and genuinely useful resources, created by teacher advisors and motivated by their years of experience in the classroom. The aim is to support teaching in schools, nurseries and individuals. Read more at www.handson.co.uk and www.handsonclub.co.uk

BAFTA kids’ vote BAFTA is seeking children’s votes for the 2011 British Academy Children’s Awards, which will take place on 27 November at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane. The Awards celebrate the very best in children’s media including television, film, video games and online. Nominees this year include Peppa Pig; Horrible Histories; The Sarah Jane Adventures; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Tangled and Jamie’s Dream School. Bafta Kids’ Vote allows 7-14 year-olds the chance to have their say, until 25 November at www.baftakidsvote.org.

Social skills games

ation Useful Inform Adoption support Autism Eye A new quarterly magazine has been launched for parents and carers of children with autism. Autism Eye is written and published by national award-winning journalists who are also parents of a child with autism. The first issue has features on the link between the sore throat bug Streptococcus and obsessions; what to do when your child has a meltdown; teaching environments; pioneering ball games that make a difference to learning; and a special sibling corner. An annual subscription is £20. For the latest news, sample features and to subscribe to the magazine, go to www.autismeye.com, and follow them on Twitter @autismeye.

EARLY YEARS

ICAL MUS TRE E TH A

Ten years ago Fiona Strachan started the process of adoption and is now a mother of three children. While going through the long, drawn out process, Fiona felt there wasn’t enough support and practical information on hand; from trying to find out how to adopt and what adoption was like to support when the children were placed. She decided to start her own company AdoptResources, which offers information, training and online parent coaching for families who have adopted or who are thinking about adoption. Through the services on offer, people can find the answers to questions they might have about the process and practical tips and strategies to help deal with challenges throughout the process and day to day family life. Read more at www.adoptresources.co.uk.

WEEKLY CLASSES PRIVATE TUITION AND EXAMS

EAST DULWICH / FOREST HILL

A range of teaching games is available for children with special needs. Home Train’s animated multimedia programmes are easy to use, and designed to help children learn by interacting with characters, playing games and listening to the narrator. Accessibility is forefront, with large pointer and easy to navigate screens make independent play possible - children can go anywhere in the games with just one click. The social skills games ‘Hello’ and ‘How Are You?’ are being used in schools and homes. Creators William and Claire said: “Social skills do not emerge naturally for many children and this causes difficulties in many other areas of their lives. Responding to everyday questions is vital for a child’s social confidence.” The games are available as CD-Roms. For samples, plus free activity sheets, go to www.hometrain.ie.

The A-Z of foundation years Families in the Foundation Years is a new website offering information for parents, from pregnancy to five years. The website is a partnership between the government and charities that work with families who have young children. Experts explain how the first five years of a child’s life are the most important for their later development; and what support and services they are entitled to in each phase of their child’s development. Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children says: “Whether you are a mum or a dad, whether you have just seen the positive result on a pregnancy test or are looking for your child’s first school, this new website is spelling out the A to Z of all your unanswered questions. Find it at www.foundationyears.org.uk.

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november 2011 - families south east

you and your baby

The great weaning debate By Joanna Parry

IT’S ONE of the questions that is bound to be on your mind if you have a young baby - when is the right time to wean? Over the years the guidelines have changed. Many of our parents gave us rusks in our milk when we were only a couple of months old, and when I had my first child nearly six years ago I was advised to start weaning as early as four months. Now, many parents wait until their baby is six months. Either way, weaning need not be a huge chore.

When to do it Department of Health guidelines recommend that the best time to start weaning is six months, as it is thought the stomachs of younger babies aren’t mature enough to cope with a more diverse diet, and that early weaning can increase the risk of infections and the development of allergies like eczema and asthma. Premature babies may not be ready by six months so consult your health visitor before introducing solids. Often, it’s best to be guided by your own baby. • Babies can be ready for weaning if they: • Show interest in the food you or your older children are eating • Can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady • Can look at food, grab it and put it in their mouths by themselves • Have doubled their birth weight • Can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will tend to spit their food out and get more on their faces than in their mouths. Never start weaning before your baby is 17 weeks old or put solids such as baby rice or rusk into your baby’s bottle. And remember, there is no rush to wean!

Getting started Many parents start with baby rice mixed with formula or breast milk to get them used to a new texture. Move on to sweet vegetables like carrots, sweet potato and parsnip and fruits - apple, pear, peach and mango. Mashed bananas and avocados are good choices as they don’t need to be cooked.

After introducing single tastes, move on to combinations such as potato and parsnip, leak and peas, plum and pear. Once you are well established on the first foods introduce protein fish and chicken are good as they have a mild taste and can be mixed with vegetables. As your baby starts to chew, mash their food instead of pureeing and gradually let the lumps get bigger. By the time your baby is about seven months old he should be eating solids three times a day, which could include vegetables such as courgette, broccoli and spinach as well as meat, fish, hard-boiled egg and cheese. At around this time you can introduce finger foods such as soft-cooked carrots, pasta, slices of melon, strips of omelette or buttered toast, which encourage your baby to chew and will help with their pincer grip. Always stay close to your baby when they have finger foods in case they choke. Remember, solid food shouldn’t replace formula or breast milk. Babies between the ages of six to nine months still need at least 16oz of milk daily.

Top tips • Choose a time of day when your baby is not too tired or hungry - late morning is good • Add milk to new tastes to encourage baby to try them • Once they’re used to a taste, move that food to the evening meal and introduce another food at lunchtime • As long as you don’t wean your baby before six months there’s no need to sterilise feeding utensils • Puree your own food if you’ve used very little or no salt in its preparation • Make purees in a large batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen pop them into labelled freezer bags. You DON’T need to cook everything yourself! There are some fantastic foods on the market that are just as nutritious and ‘homemade’ as if you cooked them yourself. Just more pricey and with packaging that is often difficult to recycle. Look out for Ellas’s Kitchen, Hipp and Organix.

Going veggie? There are no medical or health reasons against raising your baby as vegetarian, providing you feed them a well balanced diet. You can make sure your baby has enough iron through pulses, dried fruits, fortified cereals and green vegetables. Vitamin C helps absorption of iron from food so include fruit or juice in the same meal as iron-rich foods. Protein can be obtained from pulses, egg, dairy products, tofu, bread and meat substitutes.

Allergies and intolerances Almost one in 12 young children suffer from a food allergy. Milk and egg allergies are the most common and tend to disappear before adulthood. The other common allergens are peanuts and tree nuts, fish and seafood, wheat, soy, sesame and kiwi. If there is a history of allergies in your family think about delaying the introduction of certain foods. Start out slowly with very basic purees and wait three days after each food is introduced before trying a new taste to ensure your baby doesn’t have an allergic

families south east - november 2011

reaction. If you decide to wean before six months don’t offer eggs, dairy products, fish, shellfish, citrus fruits or foods containing gluten. Avoid nuts until three years of age and honey until your baby is one. There are two types of food allergies. Some are easy to spot - as soon as food is eaten an itchy rash develops, usually around the mouth or eyes. There may also be swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth, runny nose, watering eyes, vomiting, tummy cramps and diarrhoea. In severe reactions there may be difficulty breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure, which requires urgent medical attention. These reactions are often more common in older children and teenagers. Other allergies can be more difficult to detect, especially if they have delayed allergies. These are sometimes called food intolerances and tend to be more of a problem in infancy. Delayed allergies may cause symptoms such as eczema, reflux, colic, poor growth, diarrhoea or constipation. However, all of these symptoms commonly occur during childhood and an allergy may not be the cause. Trying to work out if the problem is due to a food allergy can be difficult and requires the help of an experienced doctor. However, exclusion diets may be possible with the help of a dietician. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy but is the inability to digest the sugar in milk. Once the problem is dealt with and the gut has recovered the intolerance will disappear, but while the condition lasts it can be managed by using a soy-based or low-lactose formula. Most babies grow out of lactose intolerance by six to nine months. Gluten sensitivity can cause coeliac disease which, although rare, can be serious. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include loss of appetite, poor growth, swollen abdomen and pale, bulky and smelly stools. Foods containing gluten i.e. anything made from wheat, rye, barley or oats should not be introduced into any baby’s diet before six months. When buying baby cereals choose gluten-free varieties and look for gluten-free products such as soy, corn, rice, buckwheat spaghetti and potato flours. The good news is that many children grow out of their allergies. In the meantime there are a range of lactose- and gluten-free products from companies including Hipp, Organix and Holland and Barrett.

Weaning websites For more advice and information, try these: www.nhs.uk www.annabelkarmel.com www.ellaskitchen.co.uk www.wholesomebabyfood.com.

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the last word

Keeping it frugal and festive By Susan Lightfoot

WE LOVE CHRISTMAS in our house but we want it to be more about making happy memories than a big hole in our bank accounts. Like most families, money is an issue this year, so here are our ideas:

Festive savings • If it’s your turn to host this year, ask everyone to make a contribution. Rather than cold cash, this could be in the form of Christmas pudding, mince pies, cheeseboard, chocolates or nuts • Everyone understands when money is tight. If you feel uncomfortable about accepting gifts that cost more than you spent, ask the whole family to set a ceiling on the amount everyone spends to help avoid embarrassment • Presents for free - now that would be good, wouldn’t it? Hop onto www.familiesse.co.uk and you could win theatre tickets, DVDs, toys and more in our ever-changing free-to-enter competitions • Earn money by using cashback facilities on credit cards, or shop online at specialist cash back sites such as www.cashbackshopper.co.uk.

Creative presents We’re not suggesting that you give Granny a junk robot - but if you pick the right craft or idea to suit your talent, a thoughtful present can outshine any new gift. • Frame your child’s picture - the right frame can do justice to any work of art, however abstract • Make a family photo calendar. There are companies that can do this for you, but if you are a dab hand on the computer, you may even be able to do it yourself • Decorate a piece of pottery. At Crawley Studios in Forest Hill (see page 7), you can go and paint a ready made piece of pottery. It doubles as an afternoon’s entertainment as well as presents • Homemade chocolate truffles, jams or chutneys always go down a treat and this year we made lemon curd too • If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you could also try customised cushions or bed linen • The new box isn’t important - buy outgrown toys and games from a nearly new sale and you’ll be helping a local fundraiser too.

It’s all in the timing Children value the time we spend together far more than presents - it’s a fact. • Find games that all the family can play together rather than plugging each child into electronic games all day • If you’re buying new battery-operated toys, make sure you have the right batteries too. Ask for an adult volunteer to be in charge of the Philips screwdriver so that lunch preparations aren’t delayed for the sake of a new Tank Engine • Don’t give all the children’s presents on Christmas Day - spread them over the whole period between Christmas and new year. This saves on present overload for little ones and brings a sense of excitement and anticipation every day. You could try hiding a few presents and doing a treasure hunt each day

• Allow your children some decent periods of time to play with and enjoy their presents. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to go off to another relative’s house when you really want to make a Lego model.

Being frugal with food • Plan your meals; estimate your quantities precisely and only buy what you need. It’s all too easy to go to the supermarket with an open-ended list and buy far more than you actually need • Buy quality in a few things such as a British, organic and well-reared turkey and use it all. Try the things our mums used to make; turkey sandwiches, casserole, stock and curry! • If you know someone with an allotment, ask if they’d be interested in swapping some of your home made jam/ mince pies/ Christmas decorations for a bag of their winter vegetables • There is no doubt that home-baked mince pies and yule log taste better than shop-bought ones - but the ingredients can be costly and baking can be time consuming (and sometimes disastrous). Focus on cooking what you’re best at and don’t worry about buying everything else in.

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How is it for you? We asked our readers what makes Christmas special for them

“

We always try to go to the church’s Cristingle service. We’re not big on religion but Christmas is a religious holiday so it’s important for children to understand the real reason we celebrate

“ “ “ “

We give gifts to a local charity - last year there was a present donation scheme for Kids Company

“

We have a screen ban on Christmas day so it’s all about the time spent together

Our street has a Christmas carol singalong complete with mulled wine and mince pies - it’s very sociable and festive A difficult jigsaw usually keeps everyone in our house happy

” ” ” ”

On Boxing Day it’s a tradition that my parents-in-law very helpfully take the children out for a couple of hours in Dulwich Park (along with new bikes, skateboards or roller skates) while we take a breather

” ”

november 2011 - families south east

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COMPETITION C OMP PETITION

Win a New Year treat for your family! One lucky family will win a fairy tale weekend in London worth over £1,000! Your weekend will include four fantastic tickets to see Shrek The Musical, an overnight stay in the 4* Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, four London Passes - giving you access to over 50 London attractions, so you can take in the sights. Then finish it all off with a meal at the world famous Rainforest Cafe.

To enter, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions and use the code: TRIP-SHREK Full F ull terms terms and and conditions: conditions: www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions www..families l online.co.uk/competitions

families south east - november 2011

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