Families London southeast October 2014 issue 163

ESTABLISHED 1996

EE

ISSUE NO. 163

FR

OCTOBER 2014

®

familiesse.co.uk

south east london

HALLOWEEN EVENTS In and around southeast London

WIN! Peter Pan theatre tickets THE WONDER WEEKS Your baby's amazing milestones

online edition

with working website links

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Confidence, team work, self motivation, numeracy skills, pupil voice, responsibility, healthy lifestyle, employability skills

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families south east - october 2014

familiesse.co.uk

I opened the kitchen diary this morning and squealed like the cat does when someone accidently treads on the end of her tail - October already, which means looming deadlines for 2015 senior school applications. We have lots of timely education news and open day dates this month, with more online.

This month’s fun includes another half term to recharge your batteries, and the clocks don’t go back until 2 November, so trick or treating needn’t be such a dark affair this year. We bring you two pages of Halloween listings to end Shocktober.

Robina Cowan, editor

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

ildren

Activities for ch

IN THIS ISSUE 3-4 Local News and Views The Big Draw in southeast London, Dulwich Books celebrates, volunteering for Family Lives, a teddy bears’ hospital, and Peter Pan tickets to be won

5-9 Education News Creating a healthy dialogue with your child’s school; local schools’ news and Open Day dates

10-11 Halloween Events When did Halloween turn into a whole week rather than just one day?! Check out our ‘witch’ guide to organised, frightful fun and frolics for your little ones

12 You and Your Amazing Baby Fascinating findings from scientists, and an international expert on infant mental development

13 Mothers Mean Business We catch up with Charlotte Endacott, founder of Gymboree East Dulwich

14 Book Review Page Part blog, part review - what’s on Justine Crow’s mind this month, and what to read

15-19 What’s On Five pages of family shows, firework displays, workshops, events and Diary Dates for Grown Ups; because you have a life too

The Big Draw The 2014 Big Draw runs from 1 October to 2 November across the UK and in twenty other countries, with 280,000 people expected to join in. The Big Draw offers hundreds of enjoyable, and mainly free, drawing activities which connect people of all ages with museums, outdoor spaces, artists, designers, illustrators - and each other. These events are for those who love to draw, as well as for those who think they can't!

Launched with a day of creative fun at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green at the end of September, Big Draw's lead sponsors Faber-Castell provided its famous red-packaged 'Playing and Learning' art material range for an action-packed day with children contributing to an artist-created birthday party installation as they experimented with colour and play.

Closer to home, on 2 November at Dulwich Picture Gallery, artist Erica Parrett will be running a workshop with children making a large Totum that will be covered with drawings, sketches and scribbles from 2-4pm, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.

For more Big Draw events, see our What's On pages, and visit www.thebigdraw.org.

Books are My Bag Books are My Bag is a nationwide collaboration of authors, publishers and bookshops in the biggest ever promotion and celebration of bookshops.

Dulwich Books is taking part with a day of fun on 11 October, which will include readings by children’s author Laura Dockrill between 11am and 12noon, cake and prosecco with local author Jeremy Page between 2 and 3pm, and a limited number of exclusive, Tracey Emin-designed canvas bags for early bird visitors to each event.

Dulwich Books also has children’s workshops planned for Dulwich Literary Festival, which is running from 27-31 October.

The award-winning shop is at 6 Croxted Road, Dulwich SE21 8SW and online at www.dulwichbooks.co.uk.

For more campaign information and to find more bookshop parties, go to www.booksaremybag.com.

ts

News for paren

19 The Small Ads Local business contacts to make your life easier

Front cover: Front cover: Girlswear from Oilily AW 2014

collection, www.oililyshop.com/en Next Issue out: 14 November, deadline 24 October

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.

Q. Why do witches fly around on broomsticks?

A. Because vacuum cleaners are too heavy!

WIN tickets to see Peter Pan JM Barrie’s enchanting classic comes to life this winter in a stunning show for the whole family at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. Get ready for one of the greatest children’s stories ever told, bursting with original songs, puppetry, swashbuckling fun and fairy dust. For show details and bookings, go to www.polkatheatre.com.

We have a family ticket for four to be won! Enter online at www.FamiliesSoutheast.co.uk/competitions before the closing date on 24 November 2014.

october 2014 - families south east

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Fourway - after the flood Fourway Pharmacy in Herne Hill is proudly celebrating, after winning a national ‘Nurofen for Child Pharmacy Stars’ award. The award recognises Fourway as “... a pharmacy professional, nominated by the public for having gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve parents, specifically in the area of child health.” Awards are based on customer nomination and then a panel interview with pharmaceutical industry leaders and representatives from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the National Pharmacy Association.

Owner Roger Humbles told us: “It’s great to get some recognition, particularly as it was instigated by some of our marvellous customers who have loyally supported us throughout a very difficult 13 months, post-flood.

Incidentally we have just - and finally - completed the insurance claim!

“We can now move on and concentrate on our core services and looking after the families of Herne Hill and surrounding areas.

We have recently started some new services - we are fully accredited for NHS ‘flu vaccination and private ‘flu

vaccinination for those not eligible for the NHS service. We also offer a free NHS Health Check for eligible patients aged 40-74. We can now offer malaria prevention tablets for travellers without prescription. And of course we are still taking lots of passport photographs of babies, children and adults and stocking our extensive range of baby feeding accesories and organic baby food and eco-friendly disposable nappies!”

All this and you can pick up a free copy of Families South East instore. For ‘service beyond the call’, Fourway Pharmacy is at 12 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24 9HU, 020 7924 9344, www.fourwaypharmacy.co.uk.

A&E and TLC for loved ones

Supporting SEND families Family Lives is a national charity providing professional and non-judgmental parenting and family support, through a free 24 hour helpline on 0808 800 2222, and a website www.familylives.org.uk.

The charity is currently recruiting volunteers to support parents in Lambeth and Southwark who have children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), to convert their statement to the new Education Health and Care Plan (EHC). They explain: “If you are interested in working with young people with Special Educational Needs and their parents, this is an exciting opportunity. No qualifications needed, just a commitment to supporting families and a positive attitude. Full training is provided. You will learn more about how education and health care services are supporting young people with Special Educational Needs, develop new skills and be part of a welcoming team.”

Recruitment places are limited; if you have at least four hours a week to help others and are interested, contact Eileen Martell on 0753 120 3568, email eileenm@familylives.org.uk or see www.familylives.org.uk.

If there’s a favourite teddy or doll in your family that’s been loved to bits (here’s the editor’s very own lifelong companion) - help is at hand! Granny’s Goodies in Sydenham runs a Doll and Bear Hospital A&E service to make them look and feel much better.

The shop has charm written all over it, from the giant (and we mean giant) bear who proudly stands outside in fine weather, in her tutu, to the intriguing collection of antique dolls, character toys, dolls houses and miniatures nestling within. There are also dolls’ clothes, wigs and a large selection of books for sale from the shop and by mail anywhere in the world. Owner Brenda Gerwat-Clark is also interested in buying all types of antique dolls and bears.

Granny’s Goodies is open from 10am-4pm Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9am-5pm Saturdays, at 96 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26 4BG, 020 8699 4395.

A dad’s perspective on parenting The Dad Network blog aims to promote and encourage the role of dads within family life; right from the moment you see the blue line on the pregnancy test, through the life changing experience of labour and right into full blown parenthood.

The Dad Network shares information, provides light humour and tells stories, all to promote and encourage dads to be dads. The blog was born telling the story of a dad’s miscarriage, told the story of a dad’s pregnancy and is telling the story of a dad being a dad. Find it at www.thedadnetwork.co.uk.

Christmas is coming early Our next magazine will be out for November and December, ready for Christmas fun. If you have a shop, gorgeous gifts, a show to advertise or a school fair to promote, contact us soon - the deadline will be 24 October and you don’t want to miss out!

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families south east - october 2014

familiesse.co.uk

education news How to create

a healthy dialogue with your child’s school

By Hannah Hunter

However it is often impossible to know what really goes on at school - children are not very forthcoming when it comes to recounting their day. If they do raise any issues, or if you sense something is amiss, it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject with school.

As both a parent and a primary teacher, I know how hard it can be to strike the right balance.

If you’re meeting a teacher outside of parents’ evening or class surgeries, it’s because there

Tesco

Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well

Here are a few tips for successful communication:

become tense, with both ‘sides’ on the defensive.

4. Remain calm and neutral “Little Alfie came home

Helping out in school by volunteering.

Use your expertise Maybe there’s a school club that would fit your skill set or interests. If not, you could talk to the class or even do an assembly. One volcanologist parent at my son’s school did a legendary presentation including exploding volcanoes.

Parent helper Helping out in class can be fun and rewarding.

Research shows that having a parent who volunteers improves a child’s experience of school.

Organise a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) you can then volunteer regularly or as a one-off.

Join the PTA Fostering closer home-school links, the PTA usually organise the school’s fundraising projects, from fetes to family quiz nights. Run by committee, they may include ‘class reps’ who pass on information from other parents in the class.

School trips If you’ve had the DBS check, this one is great for ingratiating yourself. On what is invariably a stressful day, a responsible parent helping out can be a lifesaver!

Parent council member Some schools have a parent council, where parents meet to share ideas that are fed back to the school governors. This is great if you’re too busy to commit to PTA or governors, but want to have an input.

You can get an insight into how things are run and improve your relationship with the school

5. Mediation. If you have issues with a teacher’s conduct, and feel upset or angry, it’s best that an additional member of staff is present.

2. Let teachers know if there are problems at home.

You don’t have to go into graphic detail, just tell them if something’s happened which may affect your child’s behaviour.

3. Please don’t assume that your child always tells the truth! After all, teachers don’t automatically believe what your child tells them about home.

is a problem. These meetings can easily

rather upset about xxx, I wondered what your take on it is...”, rather than “Why did you shout at Little Alfie like that?”

1. Assume the best of your child’s teacher. They are trained professionals who understand the curriculum and child development. They ultimately want the same as you - a happy child who is learning.

6. Talk to the teacher first. Even negative feedback is appreciated. Going directly to the head is a bit like them phoning your boss whenever your child misbehaves!

7. Remember that teachers are human. They sometimes make mistakes, so try to forgive them for it.

School governors Comprising parent governors and other community members, this group of elected volunteers helps to make management decisions, such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting discipline standards.

It can be time-consuming, particularly if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change such as appointing a new head teacher, or joining with another school.

For more education features including how to settle a child at nursery, why homework matters, special needs in education, supporting left-handed children or healthy packed lunch ideas, click ‘Education & Childcare’ in the toolbar at www.familiesse.co.uk.

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Crystal Palace Primary School Opening September 2015 Come to one of our open events at Goodliffe Hall, Christ Church, 1 Highland Rd, Gipsy Hill, SE19 1DP FOR THE FAMILY Sat 27th Sept: 11.30am – 2.30pm Presentations at 12pm and 1.30pm Sat 22nd Nov: 3pm – 5.30pm Presentations at 3.30pm and 4.30pm

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life

FOR PARENTS Tues 30th Sept: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Weds 15th Oct: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Thurs 20th Nov: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Mon 8th Dec: 8pm – 9pm

www.crystalpalaceprimary.org.uk CrystalPalacePrimarySchool @CPPrimarySchool T 08458 603 277 · E admin@crystalpalaceprimary.org.uk CURIOSITY · DETERMINATION · ENTHUSIASM · GRATITUDE · OPTIMISM · SELF-CONTROL · SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 6th NOVEMBER 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

familiesse.co.uk

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education news

Local Schools

More than just a school...

In our rapidly changing world, pupils need a thorough and well-rounded education to succeed and enjoy life. At Thames Christian College not only do pupils achieve top grades, but they also leave with the depth of character and steadfast values that set them apart from other young people competing for school places and jobs.

This year 40% of grades were A*/A and 91% of pupils achieved the headline measure 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

Without compromising the schools’ ethos of valuing the individual, Thames Christian College is making plans to have two streams of entry by 2019, as well as a sixth form in new state of the art, purpose-built premises.

The school’s next open days are on 4 October and 6 November. For further information visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Crystal Palace Primary School Crystal Palace Primary School is a new school opening in 2015. The school is driven by a vision of local parents and teachers of a school for the community. The ideas for the school developed directly in response to many parents, who expressed concerns about the lack of primary school places in the local area. At the heart of the school is the idea that nurturing ‘character’ is crucial in ensuring future success and happiness for children.

The organisers are running a series of open events at the Goodliffe Hall, Christ Church, 1 Highland Road, Gipsy Hill, SE19 1DP, where families and parents will be able to find out more about the new school: • Wednesday 15 October - Parents’ open evening, 7.30-8.30pm • Thursday 20 November - Parents’ open evening, 7.30-8.30pm • Saturday 22 November - Family open day, 3-5.30pm with presentations at 3.30pm and 4.30pm • Monday 8 December - Parents’ open evening, 8-9pm.

For more information, see www.crystalpalaceprimary.org.uk.

A new Head at Bromley High School

Motivating Rosemead pupils and parents Never before has there been such an emphasis in the educational sector on the importance of children accessing the tools to be well prepared for life through managing themselves, building satisfying and productive relationships and being able to face the complexities of the wider world.

Rosemead Preparatory School is unique in that they offer the Motivation Club, where the children have the opportunity to expand their inter personal intelligence. This term, they are also kicking off a workshop for parents so that these tools can be used in the home and beyond. The response has been fantastic.

Leading the club and the workshops, Jenny Wannberg-James, Year 6 teacher, says: "The world today is competitive and, let's face it, as we grow up it does not get any easier. I strongly feel it is vital to share skills with the children which they can use for life.

They need to feel confident that they can turn any challenging situation around for the better with the support of others but without relying on them. They need to feel confident that it is absolutely fine to go and get your dream, however big or small, despite people telling you it is impossible. It enables the children to bounce back after a setback without knocking their confidence and it allows them to feel responsible for their actions in a positive way."

The feedback from parents of children who have taken part in the club ranges from "Our son focused all year and went up 4 sublevels in both Maths and English. We were astonished!" to "Our daughter is smiling again and therefore, so are we." The future is looking bright.

Rosemead Prep has a nursery and school through to year six. For admission information or to arrange a visit, contact the school: 020 8670 5865, www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

SHS sixth formers engage with political challenge There has been much written about the problem of decreasing political participation, particularly among young people. However, there was no shortage of interest in the subject for Sydenham High’s sixth form during their innovative Induction Day challenge.

The 16 - and 17-year olds were challenged to examine the causes of and potential solutions to political disengagement in a university-style day of lectures and seminars, led by a team from Southampton University.

After listening to a keynote lecture, they split into groups to look at four possible features of political disengagement: politicians and political parties; the Internet; the media and the issue of the current voting age. Following their research, reading and discussion, each group presented back their analysis and conclusions and took questions from the floor.

At the end of the inspirational day, Year 12 student and HSBC scholar, Orlane Doumbe said: “Before this project I never really thought much about politics but now I am determined to be more engaged.”

Sydenham High’s next senior school open days are on 1 October, 5 and 11 November. For more information, see www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net. .

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families south east - october 2014

Angela Drew became Headmistress of Bromley High School from September 2014, moving from Epsom College where she was Deputy Head Academic.

On taking the helm at the flagship GDST school, Angela remarked, “Having been a Head of Sixth Form Girls, a Housemistress and a Head of English and Drama in a girls’ school, it’s a huge pleasure to return to girls’ education. Bromley High epitomises that spirit of boundless ambition which makes the GDST such a beacon for innovation and excellence in girls’ education.”

For admissions information, open day and ‘taster day’ dates, see www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fse1 or call 020 8781 7000

Streatham pupils go wild for charity

Junior pupils at Streatham & Clapham High School recently took part in a Conservation Day, raising funds for the World Wildlife Foundation, helping its vital work through adopting an animal, and for charity, Tiger Awareness.

Every year group, from Nursery to Year 6, dressed for the day as an endangered animal, filling the school with orang-utans, rhinoceros, snow leopards, turtles, tigers, polar bears and pandas.

The pupils took part in workshops with conservation adviser Phil Williams and discovered more about the impact humans are having on the habitat of these animals and why it is so important to help preserve them. At lunchtime they enjoyed their mid-day meal in a dining-room decorated as a rainforest. The pupils raised over £500 with donations are still flowing in as we went to press.

The school's next Junior Department open days are on 4 November and 2 December. For more information and to register, see www.schs.gdst.net.

familiesse.co.uk

News for Parents Growing support for free schools A New Schools Network survey of parents has tested views on how they regard their local school, what they value in a good school and how their own school measures up.

Carried out by opinion research company Populus, the survey shows that there is significant dissatisfaction among parents. One in four parents would have chosen a different school if they’d a chance, representing 1.4 million families across the country. With 36% rating schools in their area as average at best, this amounts to 1.68 million families.

The survey asked parents to rate the importance they attached to various elements of a good school, and then to compare how they felt their own school performed on those same measures: • 95% of parents say that the quality of lessons is important or very important, but only 74% rate their school as good or very good • 93% of parents say that helping their child succeed in exams is important, but only 65% rate their schools as good or very good • 92% of parents say that the school’s role in helping their child secure a place at university and/ or a good job is important, but 58% rate their school as good or very good.

Despite these levels of dissatisfaction, it is interesting to note that parents with direct experience of their local schools have a more positive view of the quality of schools overall than the general public - 47% of whom believe local schools are average or worse.

Finally, parents who are aware of a free school in their area - and therefore have more knowledge about free schools - are considerably more likely to think a free school would be welcome in their area and consider sending their child to such a school.

New Schools Network is a charity that aims to improve the quality of education particularly for the most deprived - by increasing the number of independent, innovative schools within the state sector, www.newschoolsnetwork.org.

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

Inspiring Brilliant Futures

Open Morning Tuesday 4th November 9.30 - 11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

More PE in primary schools Nine out of 10 primary schools have improved the quality of PE lessons thanks to the £150 million PE and sport premium, new research has shown.

Introduced in 2013, the fund goes directly to primary school headteachers who can use it however they want, to provide PE and sporting activities for pupils.

New figures released this September show that schools are getting real value for money, helping more children get active and healthy, and learning the confidence and skills that will help them to succeed in life.

Schools have used the money to recruit more PE teachers and sports specialists to improve the quality of lessons or after-school clubs, buy new equipment, offer a wider selection of sports and free after-school clubs. The findings include: • 91% of schools reported an increase in the quality of PE teaching thanks to the funding, with the remainder reporting quality remained the same • 96% of schools reported improvements in pupils’ physical fitness, 93% saw improvements in behaviour, and 96% thought the funding had contributed to a healthier lifestyle for their pupils • The proportion of schools using specialist PE teachers in lessons rose from 22% to 54% • Schools with a high proportion of free school meals (FSM) pupils were more likely to report improvements - 51% of schools with more than a quarter of FSM pupils reported an increase in available facilities compared to 39% of schools with the lowest level of FSM • 84% of schools reported an increase in pupil engagement with PE during school time and 83% saw an increase in participation in after-school clubs • A third of schools used the premium to reduce the costs of after schools clubs while a fifth made some clubs completely free to attend.

familiesse.co.uk

!"!#$%&'()&'*!%!'*!'+)) +,&'-!./)0'*)#!0.'!./ Junior School Open Days 2014 Tuesday

4 November

9.00 am - 10.45 am

Tuesday

2 December

9.00 am - 10.45 am

Register for Open Days at www.schs.gdst.net

Nursery and Junior School (3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 junior@schs.gdst.net

october 2014 - families south east

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education news

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AND OPEN DAYS Contact the schools for a prospectus and admissions information Alleyn’s School 6 and 18 November Juniors 4 October, 5 November Seniors Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8557 1519, www.alleyns.org.uk Blackheath High School GDST 11 +16 October, 5 + 12 November Juniors Wemyss Road SE3, 020 8852 1537, Seniors Vanbrugh Park SE3, 020 8853 2929, www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net Bromley High School GDST 4 October, plus regular ‘Taster Days’ for ages 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ Blackbrook Lane BR1, 020 8781 7000, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fse1

Colfe’s School Horn Park Lane, Lee SE12 8AW, 020 8852 2283, www.colfes.com Dulwich College 11 October and tours by appointment Dulwich Common SE21 7LD, 020 8693 3601, www.dulwich.org.uk

A

Alleyn’s

Marks & Spencer

Blackheath Preparatory School St German’s Place, Blackheath SE3 0NJ, 020 8858 7778, www.blackheathprepschool.com

Junior School The best start for boys and girls alleyns.org.uk

Eltham College Grove Park Road, Mottingham SE9, 020 8857 1455, www.eltham-college.org.uk Greenwich Steiner School Tours on Friday mornings by appointment Woodlands, 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE, 020 8858 4404, www.greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk

London’s top co-educational prep school as ranked by Sunday Times 2013 ‘Top 100 Prep Schools’ national list 8

Dulwich Prep London Nursery and Reception 8 Gallery Road SE21, Years 1-8 42 Alleyn Park SE21, 020 8670 3217, www.dulwichpreplondon.org

families south east - october 2014

Heath House Preparatory School Wemyss Road SE3 0TG, 020 8297 1900, www.heathhouseprepschool.com Herne Hill School Tours by appointment The Old Vicarage, 127 Herne Hill SE24 9LY, 020 7274 6336, www.hernehillschool.co.uk

James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) 11 October 144 East Dulwich Grove SE22, 020 8693 1181, www.jags.org.uk Oakfield Preparatory School 7 and 16 October, 4 and 13 November, and group tours held once a month on Tuesdays 125-128 Thurlow Park Road SE21 8HP, 020 8670 4206, www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk Pointer’s Preparatory School Visits by appointment 19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath SE3 7TH, 020 8293 1331, www.pointers-school.co.uk Riverston School Tours on Tuesday mornings by appointment Eltham Road SE12 8UF, 020 8318 4327, www.riverstonschool.co.uk Rose House Montessori Early years and primary years.

Forest Hill SE23, 07810 015698, www.rose-house-montessori.com Rosemead Preparatory School 4 November and Tuesday mornings by appointment Pre prep Elmcourt Road SE27, Prep department 70 Thurlow Park Road SE21, 020 8670 5865, www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk St Christopher’s School Bromley Road, Beckenham BR3 5PA, 020 8650 2200, www.stchristophersthehall.org.uk St Dunstan’s College Stanstead Road SE6 4TY, 020 8516 7200, www.stdunstans.org.uk Streatham + Clapham High School GDST 4 October, 4 November Junior school, Wavertree Road SW2 3SR, 020 8674 6912.

42 Abbotswood Road SW16 14 October Senior School and 6th Form, 020 8677 8400, www.schs.gdst.net Sydenham High School GDST 8 October and 4 November Junior school 15 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000 1 October, 5 + 11 November Senior school 19 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Thames Christian College 4 October and 6 November, Wye Street SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Virgo Prep School 4 October and 4 February 2015, 147 Central Hill SE19 1RS, 020 8653 2169, www.vfps.org.

familiesse.co.uk

What makes us different is the difference we make...

From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum Find out more at our open events: Junior

Weds 8 October 9.30-11am Tues 4 November 9.30-11am

Senior Weds 1 October 9.30-11am Weds 5 November 9.30-11am Tues 11 November 9.30-11am See our website for bookable Taster Days 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

Oakfield Preparatory School

125-128 Thurlow Park Road West Dulwich, SE21 8HP 0208 670 4206 Registrar DL: 020 8655 7691 www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk admissions@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

Oakfield ISI Report May 2014 •

“Staff are highly committed to providing the best education for children. They have an excellent understanding of how young children learn and develop”

•

“Children in the EYFS setting receive an outstanding start to their school careers and the provision of children’s well-being is outstanding”

•

“Pupils are confident and articulate, and readily express their opinions in lessons.

They reach exceptionally high standards in reading”

•

“By the time pupils leave the school, they have a good standard of personal development and are well prepared as well-rounded individuals for the next stage of their education”

September 2015 Application Deadlines: Upper Foundation (4+) Year 3 (7+) Lower Foundation (3+) Nursery (2+)

7th November 2014 7th December 2014 9th January 2015 30th January 2015

Please contact the Registrar to organise a tour familiesse.co.uk

october 2014 - families south east

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BODIAM CASTLE

Halloween Fun For MORE half term events, Diwali and firework displays, click What’s On at www.familiesse.co.uk

GHOSTS AND GHOULS

FRIGHTS AT FULHAM PALACE

26-28 October, ELTHAM PALACE AND GARDENS, Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, 020 8294 2548, www.english-heritage.org.uk Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween. Thrilling tricks and tasty treats await at eerie Eltham Palace. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten our fearless staff - a perfect day out for the family this Shocktober half term!

11am-5pm.

31 October, FULHAM PALACE, Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org Enjoy Halloween themed crafts and face painting in Bishop’s Park. No fee, small charge for facepainting, no booking necessary, 2pm-4.30pm.

LONDON EYE WITCH ACADEMY

CALL THE MEDIC

London Events HALLOWEEN AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk HALLOWEEN FAIR, 25 +26 October. Enjoy a spooky trail, find goodies in an arts and crafts market and take part in family craft activities - plus lots more. Dress in your favourite Halloween costume and join the Halloween parades taking place throughout the weekend.

MISS HORNIMAN’S HALLOWEEN TOUR, 31 October. Join Miss Horniman as she tells spooky stories and mysterious myths in the darkest corners of the Horniman Museum.

DISCO KIDS: SPOOKY SCIENCE 26 October, ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk Dust the cobwebs off your costumes and join the spook-tacular Halloween celebration. DJ Jean Genie and C12 Dance fly back in for a massive monster mash-up, with creepy crawlies, friendly ghosts, bone-chilling bubbles, spine-chilling slime and much, much more. Skele-tons of fun for all the family!

GAMBADO INDOOR PLAYCENTRE GAMBADO, NatWest Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham BR3 1NZ, 020 8622 6910, www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham From walking pumpkins and talking pussycats to terrifying vampires and cackling witches, Gambado play centre is inviting little horrors to dress up for half term playtime fun, Halloween style. Tickets £9.

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families south east - october 2014

28-31 October, Firepower - THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6ST, 020 8855 7755, www.firepower.org.uk Train to become a Military Medic this half term.

In the Battlefield Triage Centre, face painters will decorate you with cuts, scars, arrow wounds etc.

You will also see some of the medical items from the museum’s collection brought out specially for this week. Learn how to tie bandages and use stretchers. Then put those skills to the test in a Medic Drilling where you race in teams to get your patient across an assault course. Halloween based crafts top off this fantastic activity week. £4 plus admission charge.

HALLOWEEN TRAIL 31 October, SYDENHAM ROAD SE26 Don your costumes and join the Halloween Trail hosted by businesses along Sydenham Road, with fancy dress judging at the Sydenham Centre. Starts just as dusk falls - see local shops for trail maps.

SPOOKY SHIPS 31 October, CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Create a ghost ship or sea monster and see it come to life in your very own spooky puppet show; a special Halloween souvenir for you to take home and play with.

27 October - 1 November, LONDON EYE, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7JB, www.londoneye.com Enrol your little horrors into the Witch Academy to help guard famous London landmarks from ghastly ghosts and ghouls. Wicked hosts will guide children on an interactive tour featuring a series of spells and rituals from 135 metres above the city.

HALLOWEEN BOAT TRIP 25+26 October, from the LONDON CANAL MUSEUM, 12-13 New Wharf Road, Camden N1 9RT, 020 7713 0836, www.canalmuseum.org.uk Take a spooky ride through the 192 year-old Islington Tunnel on board one of London’s community narrowboats specially decorated for the occasion, and accompanied by a friendly costumed crew. Be prepared for some surprise goings-on in the darkness! The Canal Museum itself will be decorated for the occasion, with storytelling, face painting and free glowsticks for children. Children £8.44, adults £10.96, book first.

THE LONDON DUNGEON 1 October - 2 November, LONDON DUNGEON, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 423 2240, www.thedungeons.com/london The fiendish Master of Tricks will take up residence to grip visitors with scary fun, mischievous tricks and treats and gripping storytelling. Expect some stunning special effects, edge of your seat surprises and exciting thrill rides. One for older children, and not for the faint-hearted. Prebooking recommended.

SPOOKTACULAR FAMILY FUN DAY 31 October, THE QUEEN’S HOUSE, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Dress up in your scariest fancy dress outfit and take part in a day of spooky fun in the enchanted Queen’s House. There will be ghostly activities and scary entertainment for all ages, and prizes for the best costumes.

HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO 25 October - 2 November, BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO, Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea SW11 4NJ, 020 7924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Including a pumpkin trail, The Big Draw, slithery snake day, hedgehog day and Halloween Fun Day with scary story time and spooky face-painting.

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Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

LEEDS CASTLE

LONDON EYE

QUEEN'S HOUSE, GREENWICH

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

Out of Town DOWN HOUSE 27-31 October, DOWN HOUSE (the home of Charles Darwin), Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, www.english-heritage.org.uk Grab your cloaks and pick out your pumpkin as your little horrors scare themselves silly with creepy crafts and shocking stories. 10am-5pm, admission fees apply.

FREAKY FRIDAY PHOTOGRAPHY 31 October, LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Studio, 67 Chatterton Road, Bromley BR2 9QQ, 020 8466 8580, www.lifephotostudio.com Take your little witches, warlocks, ghosts and ghouls for a free photography shoot, with special prices on prints to take home. 11am-7pm, no appointment necessary.

MORDEN HALL PARK 30 October - 2 November, MORDEN HALL PARK, Morden Hall Road, Surrey SM4 5JD, 020 8545 6850, www.nationaltrust.org.uk A Halloween Spooktacular with pumpkin carving, a spooky trail and Halloween crafts, 11am-3pm, £4 per child.

WILD HALLOWEEN CAMP 27-31 October, PAINSHILL PARK, Painshill, Cobham, Surrey, 01932 868113, www.painshill.co.uk Have a wild time with den building, woodland craft, campfires, treasure hunts and extreme adventures.

For children aged 8 to 13 years. £35 per day or £150 for 5 days, 9am-4pm.

HALLOWEEN GROTTO 27-31 October, BIRDWORLD, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LD, 01420 22992, www.birdworld.co.uk The celebrated Halloween grotto will once again be open for screams and laughs, a trail, crafts and more.

From witches and wizards to goblins and elves, who knows what you’ll see visiting throughout the holiday.

PUMPKIN TRAIL 25 October - 2 November, IGHTAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow a trial around the grounds and visit Ightham’s own pumpkin patch. 11am-3pm. The trail surrounds a moated manor house which medieval knights and courtiers to Henry VIII used to own. A children’s craft activities centre is open during school holidays come rain or shine. Standard admission to house and gardens £10.50 adults, £5.20 children, £26.30 families.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN 25-31 October, LEEDS CASTLE, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.co.uk Join in the Haunted Hunt and Spooky Quest this October. A fancy dress competition for the best blood curdling outfit takes place daily at 2pm near the Maze, while Spooky Stories with Raggedy Jack will entertain younger children in the Playground area throughout the day. Normal entrance prices apply with a small fee for the quest.

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SPOOKY FUN 25-31 October, 1 November, PENSHURST PLACE ESTATE, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, www.penshurstplace.com Find the tree spy faces and war themed pumpkins in the gardens. Plus, enjoy the half term with spider hats, Halloween masks, gas masks and colouring activities.

Crafts from 12noon -4pm, trails from 10.30am-dusk.

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HALLOWEEN TRAIL 27-31 October, CHARTWELL, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868 381, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Join in with a creepy ‘50 Things’ activity week around the grounds. Hold a scary beast, track wild animals and go bug hunting in some spooky surroundings.

BODIAM CASTLE Bodiam, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830196, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle HALLOWEEN TRAIL, 25 October - 2 November.

Join in with dragon quests, storytelling and crafts in the setting of a moated medieval castle. Normal admission charges apply, trail £2 per person.

11am-3pm.

CRONE’S CORNER, 1-2 November. The Crones are back and hiding away in a tower where they’ll be busy selecting and mixing, stirring and brewing a delightful range of concoctions. Enter if you dare to listen to their stories but be wary of their unconventional cooking. Normal admission charges apply, 11am-3pm.

HALLOWEEN AT HATCHLANDS 28-30 October, HATCHLANDS PARK, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT, 01483 222482, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Who is the howling hound of Hatchlands? Find out more on the Halloween trail. 11am-3.30pm, included in admission, ages 3+

HALLOWEEN AT HEVER 25 October - 2 November, HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk A spine-tingling programme of entertainment with prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Creepy craft workshops, awesome activities and a spooky trail to follow in the grounds. Bring a torch and nerves of steel!

ALL ABOARD THE HALLOWEEN EXPRESS 28 October - 31 November, KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE, 01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk There will be plenty of spine tingling tricks and treats for the whole family this half term. Enjoy spooktacular entertainment all day at Tenterden station and join in the ‘make and take’ activities, including pumpkin carving workshops. All activities included in the ticket price.

FRIGHT NIGHT TRAINS, 31 October and 1 November. As the clock strikes 6.30pm take a spooky journey from Tenterden to Northiam Station.

Enjoy scary face painting, ‘make and take’ activities and pumpkin carving at Tenterden Station from 4.30pm. Once on board, be prepared to be frightened silly with ghostly goings on at stations with a firework display and a few surprises along the way. Come in fancy dress, the scarier the better!

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october 2014 - families south east

11

family life You and your amazing baby

TV through tiny eyes Infants and young children experience the world as an overwhelming, buzzing confusion. In ‘Motherese’ or babytalk, adults change their voices and put a bigger emphasis on the words to help babies pay attention to the important parts of speech.

A recent study shows that children’s television producers use a ‘visual Motherese’ to talk directly to babies in the same way. Scientists at Birkbeck, University of London and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit have shown that producers of the most popular children’s television shows have intuitively developed techniques where cartoons ‘talk’ to

children in the same way that a mother talks to her child. This is the first research to offer a scientific explanation for why young children prefer cartoons: it is the visual equivalent of babytalk.

Dr Tim Smith from Birkbeck, who supervised the study, explains: “When we look at different television genres, children’s television clearly stands out. Shows aimed at young children are brighter, slower paced and use camera movement and framing in a very different way from adult shows. However, the difference between adult and children’s TV hasn’t always been so clear, suggesting that these differences have evolved over time.”

Young infants are starting to develop language between six and eighteen months, but as they aren’t yet able to make sense of the language in TV shows, visual cues are required to draw their

attention to this. The researchers found that in children’s television shows, the visual cues directed the infants’ attention to the character who was speaking or singing. In contrast, adult television shows often have the centre of movement elsewhere on the screen, relying on the adult viewer’s ability to ignore distracting stimuli.

Birkbeck is a world-class research and teaching institution, with a Babylab exploring how babies and toddlers experience the world. Baby scientists are regularly recruited for fun studies in central London, with travel expenses refunded. To join in, call 020 7631 6258 or see www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk.

The wonder weeks

By Frans Plooij Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your baby’s head? Why does a normally well-tempered baby suddenly become difficult and demanding? No, it’s not cramps, teething or other standard answers. It’s a wonder week! When this phase is over, your baby will be doing things he could not do before.

Wonder Weeks are key developmental leaps in every baby’s life. They influence the rest of a child’s life. Frans Plooij shares his five golden tips with Families.

1. Stop doubting yourself or your baby

5. Try to see the world through your baby’s eyes!

All babies go through ten wonder weeks during his first 20. Every wonder week consists of three phases: the fussy phase, the week of wonders (in which he is happy again and suddenly does a lot of new things), and the practice period.

The fussy phase is the phase in which parents start doubting themselves, or even worse, their baby. The truth is there is nothing wrong with either you or your baby. Remember: the fussy behaviour is actually a sign of a gigantic leap forward.

This is of course in line with informing yourself about what you baby perceives in each leap so you can help him, but it’s also just a lot of fun. During the leap of patterns (8 weeks), your baby loves observing patterns. So give him a visual treat!

2. Know when the leap starts and when it ends The good news is you can calculate pretty accurately when your baby will be making a leap.

The leaps are based on the due date. Not the date of birth. (see book)

3. Inform yourself about the leap This is really the most important thing to do. If you know what your baby is looking for in a particular leap you can make the fussy phase shorter and sweeter. There are great advantages for your baby if you know how to help him through each leap.

In the short run he will be comforted and soothed better. A parent who is able to really understand what a baby is going through and what the baby wants to discover in that particular wonder week, is helping their baby to build up self-confidence, happiness and from a developmental point of view: stimulating the brain in the right way.

4. Don’t see the fussy phase as a carte blanche to stop parenting OK, we now know when the leaps will start and when they will end. Yes, these wonder weeks will start and end without any interference from you.

However, this does not mean you should just wait for them to pass!

You should really help your baby, be there for your baby and show him he can rely on you. He’s going through a hard time and needs your help and love.

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families south east - october 2014

Do you know why a baby now starts to look at your eyes and mouth, and before only at the outsides of your head? Before this leap he could only really perceive contrasts. So he would look at the contrasts of your face against the light sky. After the second leap he looks at the patterns in your face: your eyes, mouth and your hairline.

Does he move a bit like Pinocchio? That’s because his body now is able to move in patterns.

The ‘ah ah oh oh’ sounds he now makes? Patterns with his vocal cords! Try all this. Place your fingers on your throat and feel the static movements when you make the same sounds your baby now makes.

Next up is the leap of smooth transitions.

Try following a moving object with your eyes and feel how your eyes are making a smooth movement.

Your baby is now able to do this for the first time in his life. It’s so much fun to see the world through your baby’s eyes and if you know what to look for in each wonder week, you’ll see so much more of the special things your baby does and you’ll be so much more equipped to give him the proper help.

About the author Frans Plooij is an international expert on the mental development of infants, and author of The Wonder Weeks. His book explains how to stimulate your baby’s mental development and help him turn his 10 predictable, great, fussy phases into magical leaps forward; describing in easy-to-understand terms the incredible developmental changes that all babies go through during the first 20 months of their lives. Rrp £15.99 from good bookstores and online.

There’s also a Wonder Weeks app, priced £1.49 from iTunes.

familiesse.co.uk

mothers mean business Charlotte Endacott is mother to Thomas and lives locally. She is also the founder of

Gymboree East Dulwich FSE: How long ago did you set up Gymboree East Dulwich and what was the inspiration?

I initially started Gymboree in Herne Hill in May 2011. In June this year we found our new home at 184 Peckham Rye in East Dulwich.

The seed of the project came from my beautiful son Thomas. We were living in Chiswick, West London when he was little, and Gymboree was recommended to me by another mum. As a very curious, active boy he instantly loved it, and we were hooked. When we decided to move to South East London and gave our notice at Gymboree Chiswick, the owner suggested I start a Gymboree! That’s how it all started.

FSE: What did you do before that?

I had been working as an actor for 10 years in the West End and touring, alongside teaching, and crewing on superyachts. When Thomas was born, and as I grew into motherhood I realised sustaining a career as a jobbing actor wasn’t something I wanted to continue with. I wanted to find something that kept me near to home, and that I could do while raising Thomas. Gymboree teachers are often creatives themselves - musicians, artists, and actors, and their imagination and talent create a wonderful experience for many children. With a performance and teaching background the decision was an easier one.

FSE: What does Gymboree offer local children?

We provide age-specific movement based classes for children from newborn - 31⁄2 years. Our classes are crafted by child development experts to encourage social, physical, mental and creative development. It’s a “whole-child programme” with our focus on learning through self discovery and fun! Gymboree provides a real progression in self-discovery and self-esteem which I see in my son, and the 1000s of other little ones coming through our doors. It’s wonderful to witness.

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

The great thing about buying a Gymboree Franchise was the incredible support offered by the already existing Gymboree network, who offered invaluable advice and expertise. The brand has been in the UK for over 10 years so there were a lot of flourishing businesses to learn from and and they offered a lot of help. This made the transition into becoming a business owner quite a smooth process. It was a huge learning curve and a lot of hard work, but if you like a challenge and want to be pushed out of your comfort zone then it’s well worth it.

FSE: How have you grown the business since starting out?

We initially rented a studio space in Herne Hill to get us going and grew a strong customer base, but all along I knew we would need a permanent venue to see the business really grow and flourish. This year we have been lucky enough to do this and have found our home at 184 Peckham Rye. This means we can offer a diverse timetable of classes to our members. Gymboree also offers an On the Go Nursery Programme and Baby Play Programme which we have delivered to the wider community, and now with a permanent venue we offer Gymboree Parties to members and non-members.

FSE: What are the benefits of working for yourself?

Working for myself means as a mum I can be there at the crucial times for my son. It’s great to be able to drop off and pick up from school and keep the consistency of care for Thomas, as and when he needs. I often work in the evenings after bedtime, to compensate for missing hours in the day, but the flexibility has made it manageable, and the reward is I can take time out as and when I need.

FSE: How do you manage your work/ family balance?

Everything is in the planning, and if you can be as organised as possible and think ahead that can really help. I have a great network of friends and family who have stepped in when needed. It can be challenging when there’s a last minute problem such as a staffing or building issue but as I live and work locally that makes it a lot easier. The local trades and networks of East Dulwich have been a huge support and I’m really proud of the fact that East Dulwich works as a supportive and inclusive community.

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

Follow your instincts about decisions and people.

We can often rush into things to “get them done” but the consequences of this can have a real impact on the prosperity and success of your business.

Take time to really consider the implications to you and your family of setting up your own business, and the pros and cons. It is hard work and challenging on your resources, but the rewards are great if you get it right.

Do lots of research into your product and the expectations and needs of your market. You may believe 100% in your product but it’s crucial that there is a demand.

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

I love swimming, so I’m either in East Dulwich Leisure Centre or Brockwell Lido during the summer.

I’m very excited to see The Picturehouse arriving in the area, and all the lovely parks are a real haven when I need to unwind.

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

I have to be biased here. We’re shortly opening an Artisan Bakery and Coffee House at 184 Peckham Rye. Cafe G. is opposite Peckham Rye Park and will offer the local community fantastic coffee and baked goods in a wonderful surrounding. Cafe G. is almost open and we’re very excited to be bringing the building back to life since it closed over a year ago.

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

Gymboree always offers a FREE TRIAL which you can book by emailing eastdulwich@gymboree-uk.com or calling 020 3616 0033. There’s also plenty of information on the website www.gymboree-uk.com.

familiesse.co.uk

october 2014 - families south east

13

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.

Today’s page comes straight from the shop front thanks to that inadequate time-life balancing act that all of us parents perform in order to get by. And no madam, I am not texting whilst serving you like some bolshy receptionist, I am checking to see if my son arrived at footy practice on time, or indeed, at all. Next!

THE SOCIAL BABY by Lynne Murray & Liz Andrews - The Children’s Project rrp £13.99. There’s nothing quite like working at the till while one is writing to ensure my reader(s) gets the freshest fruit, as it were. This, however, isn’t new. Ordered in especially, it caught my eye because the sub-title ‘Understanding Babies’ Communication from Birth’ seemed such an impossible proposition that I could not resist a peek. And there you have it, page after page of sequential photos showing tiddlers “talking” pretty much from the moment they slither out, all the way to their first legit pint at the bar. Okay, so I made up the last bit but the early stuff - the expression mimicking, the hand movements, the smiles and tears - all mean “HELP!” and the pictures prove it.

EXPECTING BETTER by Emily Oster - Orion rrp £8.99. But before you communicate with the critter, you gotta gestate it.

Overturning as it does the general advice for booze, caffeine, sushi, homebirth and induction, forgive me if this title seems familiar - I have punted it before to you but its tell-it-how-it-is attitude makes it definitely worth a second mention. Afterall, sometimes we need our information filtered through the ole Vaseline smeared lens and scattered with rose petals but only a fool would prefer not to know the truth about being up the junction. F’rinstance, urinary tract infections, common during pregnancy, are described thus: a combination of stomach flu and being kicked in the crotch. And she’d be right about that.

BABY-LED PARENTING by Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett Vermilion rrp £11.99. Granted this is a method that isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, though surely we could all do with an excuse NOT to beat ourselves up when the hefty business of childbirth transforms us into taciturn car-wrecks. Or when our burgeoning offspring fails all expectations by not smiling, sitting-up, weaning - tick where appropriate - when everybody else from your antenatal group has already put their kids’ names down for university.

INSIDE CHARLIE’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Lucy Mangan - Penguin rrp £20. Working in a bookshop isn’t all poverty and grind and umpteen people asking if a) the internet has affected our business at all (no, not one jot, right?) and b) whether we’ve ever considered selling coffee (for pete’s sake, we’ve got cafés on both sides). Sometimes we get to meet people who really do give a monkeys about children’s books and the places in which they are sold. This solid sarf Lundun girl spreads her custom and her passion, no less so when celebrating the crowning achievement of Mister Dahl’s canon. (PS. It is a great show too!)

THE VERY HUNGRY ZOMBIE by Michael Teitelbaum, illustrated

by John Apple - Skyhorse rrp £9.99. “But WHY can’t we buy this book” asks a small child plaintively as his mother tries to prise it from his wistful grasp and hand it back to me. “Because,” she says through gritted teeth, giving me an exasperated look that I recognise on the faces of parents at check-outs confronted with eye-level Kinder Eggs, “it ISN’T for children...” Truth be told, he probably would have coped with minimal therapy after the nightmares. Mindyou, shut your eyes - well, no don’t as that would be silly - and it really could be one of Eric Carle’s iconic creations. Apart from the missing limbs. Revenge for grown-ups.

Next!

ONCE UPON A POTTY by Alona Frankel - Firefly rrp £4.95.

Actually, it is once upon two potties as there are two versions of this little American board book, one for each gender. Being from the US I was expecting inoffensive euphemisms and was looking forward to discovering how a toddler could ‘go to the bathroom’ on a pot but with untypical honesty we get a little girl with real girl bits and a little boy with boy bits too. And after much cogitation

and discussion - and all parents will recognise the reality here we get a real poo-poo! Well done. Now go and wash your hands...

A DEAL’S A DEAL by Stephanie Blake - Gecko Press rrp £6.99.

Speaking of bodily functions and Americans refusing to live up to stereotype, the author of the excellent Poo Bum and ditto, Stupid Baby has come up with another mischievous story that starts off all earnest and cute, takes a swerve, promises redemption and has a punchline that is anything but; we all know that toddlers can be deliciously devious but we aren’t accustomed to celebrating their deceit.

THE WONDER by Faye Hanson - Templar rrp £7.99. Looks as lovely as one would hope given its premise of a wee lad whose gigantic imagination runs riot. Sit back and enjoy the show.

JAMPIRES by Sarah MacIntyre & David O’Connell - David Fickling Books rrp £6.99. The product of a brilliant comic strip collaboration, these sticky thieves have been relieving the nation’s favourite doughy vice of their signature jammy contents, so Sam sets a trap and travels to a land so dredged in sugar it makes the teeth ache just turning the page. And it seems Mz MacIntyre’s appetite for all things sweet and baked is as bottomless as her collaborative abilities. This time she teams up with the great Philip Reeve to bring us an early reader novel full of killer cupcakes, batty battenbergs and marauding muffins in CAKES IN SPACE, Oxford rrp 8.99. Dear customers - that strangulated sound is me gagging for a cuppa and something spongey to dunk, afterall a brew’s too wet without something to soak it up.

TOM GATES EXTRA SPECIAL TREATS... (Not) by L. Pichon Scholastic rrp £6.99. “Excuse me,” begins a smallish lad, holding a book up to me. “Can I have this?” I glance over my Dame Edna’s and eye the sixth in the series that combines fiction with manic doodles whilst single-handedly rescuing the children’s section from being re-named The Wimpy Kid Department. “You mean, can you BUY it?” I ask, as kindly as my pointy spectacles will allow. “No - can I HAVE it?” he replies. My specs pause a beat as I scope out the shop floor for a parent before snatching said item from the ridiculous child’s paw. Next!

DANGER IS EVERYWHERE, A HANDBOOK FOR AVOIDING DANGER by David O’Doherty & Chris Judge - Puffin rpp £7.99.

Can I just say right now that the world’s greatest dangerologist Docter (yes, docTER) Noel Zone, is also a right nutter and about a third of the way in I began to wonder if perhaps I should go and have a nice lie down rather than try to fathom out what is going on here (absolutely nothing to do with safety that’s for sure).

I don’t know about tea, more like absinthe with a Tizer chaser.

Meanwhile, I’m not sure this man ever went to medical school.

FILL ME IN by Moose Allain - Templar rrp £9.99. The man whose imagination runs riot on Twitter has now been let loose upon your children.

120 WAYS TO ANNOY YOUR MOTHER (And Influence People)

by Ana Benaroya - Thames & Hudson rrp £10. Strictly in near teen territory here with a DIY approach to getting through life with a doodlepad mentality that tackles such thorny issues as How to Make the Most of a Visit to Grandma’s, How to Make Your Hair Grow Quicker than Usual, How to Be Really Awkward and my favourite, How to Pretend You Are Really Interested in Something Someone is Talking About...

Another question we are asked regularly is: Have you ever considered putting on more events? Given that we are open a full seven days and throw roughly two literary soirees a week (the wine rings on the play table and the Pollock-style spattered carpet bear testament to that), I already feel as if I live here. But it does mean we have lots of signed copies to sell. Cue my final customer of the day clutching the latest offering by a famous author, exclusive to us: “Excuse me, have you got this novel without a signature in it?” Once again, I take a breath. Next!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 14

families south east - october 2014

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FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD WORKSHOP

DULWICH BOOKS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

CRYSTAL PALACE FOOD MARKET

What’sOn

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Half Term Workshops HALLOWEEN MUSIC WORKSHOPS

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING

27-31 October in HERNE HILL, DULWICH, STREATHAM and BATTERSEA, 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info

School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes will be running their fun packed, spook-tastic Halloween Music Workshops in the October Half Term.

The four-hour taster days are a great way to launch 4-8 year-olds into the world of music with an introduction to playing the electronic keyboard, Halloween based music activities, groovy tunes and a whole lot more.

DULWICH BOOKS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS 27-31 October, DULWICH BOOKS, 6 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21 8SW, 020 8670 1920, www.dulwichbooks.co.uk MYTH STORIES, 27 October. Write your own myth story with Sam Hepburn and learn how to describe your characters and write effective dialogue to create your own story. Ages 7-11, £45 FANTASY STORIES, 28 October. Write your own fantasy story with Margaret Bateson-Hill. £15.

AWESOME COMICS, 29 October. Join a workshop with Neill Cameron, contributor to The Phoenix magazine, and learn how to make your own awesome comic. £15.

CAN’T DRAW, CAN DRAW, 31 October. Join a workshop run by Mik Brown, who will show you how to draw cartoons and improve your drawing skills. £15.

THE ICE QUEEN 27-19 October in BLACKHEATH and Dulwich, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk Perform’s holiday workshop features the popular Ice Queen story, with an energetic team of actors, musicians and dancers leading the children through three, icy-thrilling days with a show for family and friends at the end. Ages 4-8 years, £98, with a discount for siblings.

HOW NIGERIA BECAME: A STORY

THE HIVE 27-31 October, ELTHAM COLLEGE, 69 Marvels Lane SE12 9PH, 020 3291 3791, www.thehive-kids.com Fresh from saving the Haekos, Hive agents are urgently needed! The Hive’s week of outdoor fun is a team-building adventure that teaches children new and different skills each day, including willow engineering, bow and arrow making, market trading, kite designing, bioblitz, bread baking, a water assault course and first aid challenge. Ages 7-11 years.

SE LONDON TENNIS CAMPS

Saturdays, Haynes Lane SE19 3AP, www.crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk Crystal Palace Food Market brings together the best quality, locally sourced, low-carbon food, including meat, fresh fish, fruit & veg, eggs, cheese, raw milk, artisan bread, cakes and hot food into the heart of Crystal Palace, with regular events as well. Open 10am-3pm every Saturday. All event listings are subject to change or cancellation: to avoid disappointment, check the market website beforehand.

ONCE UPON A STORYTIME, 11 October, with Shinter Summers, 11.15am, 1.15 and 2pm, £2 per child.

SECRET ADVENTURES, 18 October. Make a stick man to take on an adventure around the market. 11am-2pm, ages 5+.

HARTBEEPS HAPPY HOUSE, 25 October. Interactive educational music sessions for babies and children under 4 and their parents.

11.30am and 12.45pm, free.

THE CHOCOLATE SHOW 17-19 October, OLYMPIA WEST, Hammersmith Road, Kensington W14 8UX, www.thechocolateshow.co.uk The grand finale of Chocolate Week will see the return of Salon du Chocolat’s world famous Chocolate Fashion Show, bigger and better than ever. Daily catwalk shows will showcase couture outfits designed by chocolatiers and fashion designers made entirely out of chocolate prepare to be wowed by the magic of chocolate. Visitors can get their hands chocolatey in a L’Ateliers des Chefs chocolate workshop, discover more in the Tasting Room and enjoy demos from top chocolatiers and pastry chefs on the main stage, as well as of course buy delicious treats from the best UK and international chocolatiers and chocolate makers. Tickets from £12.50.

THE BABY SHOW

SYDENHAM LAWN TENNIS CLUB, Lawrie Park Road SE26 6ET, www.southeastlondontennis.com, email chris@southeastlondontennis.com Four day group activities with professional coaches in weekly blocks.

Each session includes tennis coaching, games and other team events, with a mini tournament at the end of each week. Facilities are available for wet-weather activities if necessary. Beginners and improvers welcome. 9am-12noon for 7-10 year-olds, 1-4pm for 11-15 year-olds, £52 for all four days, one day £15. Book and pay online; or call Chris on 0773 993 6999 or Michael on 07956 995820.

24-26 October, Grand Hall, OLYMPIA, Hammersmith Road W14 8UX, 0871 231 0844, www.thebabyshow.co.uk Celebrating the best in pregnancy and infant essentials, the Baby Show brings together over 200 companies showcasing and demonstrating their latest products for young families. Professor Robert Winston, Annabel Karmel and Clare Byam-Cook will be some of the expert names offering interactive workshops, there will be catwalk shows and a ‘Mothers Know Best’ live debate panel. 10.30am-5.30pm each day, admission free for under 12s, adults £20 on the door.

SUPER CAMPS

25 October, St LAWRENCE CENTRE, 37 Bromley Road, Catford SE6 2TS, www.facebook.com/LewishamNearlyNewSales Baby & children’s clothes, toys & books, maternity wear, pushchairs, cots & baby equipment - all nearly new quality at bargain prices. £1 entry per adult (free after 12pm). Bag a bargain and support your local NCT branch - all proceeds to NCT Lewisham to provide support for parents. Early entry (from 10.45am) for NCT membership card holders.

27-31 October, St DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE, Stanstead Road SE6 4TY, 01235 467300, www.supercamps.co.uk Fun, action-packed and stimulating day camps for children aged 4-14. £42 per days, £170 for the week.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW

Diary Dates for Grownups BABY JUMBLE GOES TO SCHOOL 11 October, St HILDA’S CHURCH HALL, Courtrai Road, Crofton Park SE23 1PL, www.babyjumble.com Pre-loved essentials for children aged four to 11, at second hand prices, with 25% of door takings going to charity. Early bird tables can be purchased from £18, with sellers keeping 100% of their takings on the day. At each event Baby Jumble offer parents a “leave behind” service, where sellers are welcome to donate any leftover items to their charity partner Wandsworth Oasis who support children affected by HIV. 2-4pm, entry £2.50 per family.

LEARN SPANISH

ST CHRISTOPHER’S MIDNIGHT WALK 11 October, around Crystal Palace, starting and finishing at St CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham SE26 6DZ, registrations 020 8768 4570, www.stchristophers.org.uk Raise sponsorship for St Christopher’s Candle Project which supports bereaved children and young people. The five mile walk starts at 11pm.

Young people aged under 18 must have parental consent, and those aged 11-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

8+9 November, Evolution Centre, BATTERSEA PARK, Chelsea Bridge Entrance SW11 4NJ, 020 3301 0299, www.schoolsshow.com By bringing Britain’s top independent schools together under one roof, this unmissable event enables visiting parents to explore the many options available in a single day and make informed choices based on their child’s particular needs. Exhibitors include expert speakers and experienced independent advisors, alongside representatives from over 190 of the UK’s leading nurseries, preparatory and senior schools.

The longest running and most established exhibition of its type, it is a ‘must attend’ event for parents considering private education. The event is completely child-friendly, with a children’s entertainment area offering circus skills and a whole host of other exciting activities for young visitors. Family tickets are free if you register online in advance, saving £10 per head on the door.

so much you can LIVE so much you can LEARN with just one LANGUAGE

www.livetolearnlanguages.com

020 8244 4811

• One-to-One & Small groups • Residential Courses in Spain & Argentina • Corporate language Tuition • Workshops: Vocabulary – Pronunciation • Exam Preparation: A/AS - GCSE – ELE

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october 2014 - families south east

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Streatham & Clapham OTSchool TJunior S ON TUESDAY

at Streatham & Clapham Junior School

s a great place to meet other parents and carers U a fun time for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years) U an opportunity to socialise and share ideas and support U a stimulating and safe environment U stay and play while enjoying a coffee (or tea!)

Tots on Tuesday takes place at 10 am until 12 noon every Tuesday morning during term time.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Junior School 7AVERTREE 2D SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

THE WAY BACK HOME

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Firework Displays BLACKHEATH FIREWORK SPECTACULAR

FIREWORKS

1 November, BLACKHEATH SE3, www.lewisham.gov.uk/fireworks One of the biggest free community events in the capital, Blackheath Fireworks now attract up to 100,000 people each year. The event promises a fun evening of entertainment, with a funfair from 4pm, bar, food and other stalls from 5pm and the main display at 8pm.

BECKENHAM FIREWORKS DISPLAY 1 November, CROYDON ROAD RECREATION GROUND, Beckenham BR3 3QL Always a popular event for children and families, Beckenham Round Table’s annual event is a colourful pyrotechnics show, complete with a funfair and fairground rides for little ones. Gates open 6pm, fireworks at 8pm.

DANSON PARK FIREWORKS 1 November 2013, DANSON PARK, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8HL, www.dansonparkfireworks.co.uk Welling Round Table organise one of the biggest local firework events, set to a background of music in the grounds of Danson Park. Plus a funfair for children, and food and drink stalls. 6pm start, firework show at 8pm.

CRYSTAL PALACE FIREWORKS 5 November, CRYSTAL PALACE PARK SE19 2AA, www.crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk Not one but two fireworks displays, plus a family funfair and stalls selling traditional food and drink. Gates open 6pm, children’s fireworks 7pm, main display 8.30pm. Funfair runs until 10pm. Tickets £5 children, £7 adults, under 3s free.

BATTERSEA PARK FIREWORKS

8th & 9th November 2014 =!91#7"6.#>""51#?61 @"#89."A%.B1#CD%#E9@5F#A9 !#/G19*# 9+1-9."5#27#6+9/6@1#%(# !"#A%.@5H#8%.# A%#*%+1"*G 9I"#+9J! 13# !"#/%1 #9+*."592@"#591-@67#%(#-7.% "*!+9*1#A9@@#@9J! #G-# !"# 1B7#%I".# !"#?61 @"3#17+*!.%+91"5#A9 !#/%I9+J#9/6J"1#6+5# .%G19+J#/G19*H## Adult: £19; Child (under 16 yrs): £12.50, Under 4s: Free Group Rates (15 or more) Adult £16; Child: £11.50 Visit www.leeds-castle.com/events or call !"#$%&#'()#*"#%+#01622 880008 ,%-"+#(.%/# 01 #'* %2".3#4%+567# %#8.95673#0:6/# %#;-/<

8 November, Battersea Park SW11, 020 8871 7534, www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fireworks Marvel at an impressive display of fireworks at Battersea Park, one of London’s flagship fireworks events. Expect traditional Guy Fawkes fun all evening, with stunning pyrotechnics, bonfire and traditional attractions. Advance tickets from £6.50.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW 8 November, RIVER THAMES, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, www.lordmayorsshow.org The Lord Mayors Show London celebrates an 800-year tradition in grand, historic style. Take to the streets to enjoy parades, festivities, fireworks and more in this historic London event. The fireworks display starts at 5pm from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Watch from the banks or grab a prime position on one of the bridges.

‘GO WILD’ CASTLE FIREWORKS 8+9 November, LEEDS CASTLE, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 880008, www.leeds-castle.co.uk This year Leeds Castle Fireworks ‘Go Wild’ with music inspired by animals of the world. For two nights, the most incredible display of pyrotechnics will light up the sky, synchronised with moving images and glorious music.

Arrive early for the ‘Go Wild’ themed afternoon entertainment, enjoy hot food and drinks at a variety of stalls before the sky goes wild at 5.30pm. Adults £19; Children £12.50, book first.

Theatre, Shows and Music FAIRFIELD CROYDON

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families south east - october 2014

FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk THE GRUFFALO, 7+8 October. Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake! Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s award-winning picture book has songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+. Tickets £11.50.

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, 11+12 October. It’s the Moon’s birthday and he is having a party. Take a journey to strange and distant lands and meet some curious characters along the way. With dance, live music and audience participation, Wiggle Dance Theatre’s production is a magical experience for 3-6 year-olds. Tickets £10.

ADVENTURE CONCERTS, 19 October. Arthur Davison Family Concerts presents a whirlwind tour around the world visiting faraway places such as the Rio Carnival, the Ruins of Athens, the Javanese Dragon Festival as well as a host of other exotic locations. Tickets £8.

THE SNOW QUEEN, 26 October. A brand new musical in which Gerda sets off on an epic adventure, battling the elements, overcoming great distances and making friends with some whacky characters to save her brother from the evil Snow Queen. Tickets £10 children, £11 adults, families £36.

OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE, 29+30 October. A new live stage show featuring super heroes Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso. Tickets £13.50 children, £15.50 adults, £54 families.

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

HOW NIGERIA BECAME: A STORY, 9 Oct - 9 November. It’s 1914, and Nigeria is about to be formed. Herbert and his well-known troupe of female actors are preparing to stage a story for the British Governor and his wife. Age 8+, £10-£16

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STREAM BOOK FESTIVAL

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

TRIPLE BILL, 28+29 October. The Unicorn and Dance Umbrella join forces for an exciting new mixed bill of award-winning, international dance for under 12s - and only under 12s - this show is not open to adults. Triple Bill is part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2014. Age 8-12, £10-£16 NOSFERATU, 30 October - 2 November. A young lawyer travels to the Carpathian mountains to close a sale for a mysterious count. Despite surprises and bad omens he encounters on the way, he continues his journey to the castle where he is welcomed by Count Orlock - someone who looks a bit like a bat but also a bit like a garlic clove. Dracula, but not quite as you know it. Age 8+, £10-£16.

BROADWAY THEATRE CATFORD BROADWAY THEATRE, Catford SE6 4RU 020 8690 0002, www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk MILKSHAKE LIVE, 19 October. Starring some of your Milkshake favourites this brand new musical spectacular is sure to have children up on their feet and singing at the top of their voices! The show features brand new songs, classic favourites and funky dance routines, plus plenty of laughter, bags of audience interaction and bucket loads of fun for all the family. 1pm and 3.30pm.

CHRIS & PUI, 29 October. See Chris & Pui from ‘Show Me Show Me’ in their new stage show with the toys & characters from their hit TV programme.

SUNDAY FAMILY JAZZ 19 October and 23 November, THE CONSERVATOIRE, 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9RQ 020 8852 0234, www.conservatoire.org.uk Grown up jazz for little people. A fun way for you and your child to explore musical opposites with some of London’s best jazz musicians.

Jazz is simple to understand. It’s high and low, it’s fast and slow, it’s yes and no. And it’s fun. 4pm, £5 children, £10 adults.

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

PIRATE AND PARROT, 12 October. A rip-roaring adventure that brings the family together through laughter! A perfectly capable, yet diminutive pirate (the world’s smallest) and a dowdy parrot of gigantic proportions (the world’s largest) meet in a strange twist of fate. Join this hilarious odd couple as they sail the high seas to discover bountiful hidden treasures and fight untold scary things on their journey of discovery.

Ages 4+, 1pm and 3pm.

GROWING UP CLUB, 12 October, 9 and 16 November. Dig, grow, play, make and discover before or after watching a show in the theatre. Adults do not require a ticket. Ages 2+, 2-3pm, children £3.

AFROVIBES - TOWNSHIP CAFE, 13-18 October. Sample the tastes, sounds, colours and creativity of South Africa’s township culture in a festival of food, music, workshops, films and more.

SHINY, 21 + 22 October. Join dancers from Turned On Its Head for their dazzling new show Shiny as Dance Umbrella presents a show for the very young. In a long forgotten room, two people find friendship, joy and treasures that turn from ordinary to extraordinary. Watch and play as all that glitters unfolds before your very eyes. Ages 6-18 months and 6 months - 5 years, book first.

HANSEL & GRETEL, 28+29 October. The deliciously scary story of a tango dancing witch and her irresistible recipe for an edible house.

Follow two brave and resourceful children as they take the path deep into the woods. Red Earth’s retelling of one of the most popular and powerful of all fairy tales is atmospheric, funny and free-spirited. Ages 3+, 1pm and 3pm.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, 30+31 October. In this new fantastical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Princess and the Pea, Mike Kenny and the inventive tutti frutti team create a funny, original, beautiful retelling of this familiar tale. Not for the faint hearted, fake Princesses or for those who have trouble sleeping at night! 1pm and 3pm, ages 3+.

MATCH, 9 November. Follow the story of a little girl who sells matches on the city streets, as she opens the door to adventures, challenges, visions a new beginning. Full of hope and optimism, Match is a charming and moving tale inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Match Girl, brought to life with puppetry and evocative music. 1pm and 2pm, ages 2+.

HUGLESS DOUG, 16 November. Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug... He tries to find the perfect one, but none of them seem quite right.

After all, there are so many different hugs to choose from. But Douglas soon discovers that there’s only one hug that will do - a big bear hug from his mum! Ages 3+, 1pm and 3pm.

THE BIG DRAW

CANADA WATER CULTURE SPACE CANADA WATER CULTURE SPACE, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, Rotherhithe SE16 7AR, 020 7525 2931, www.canadawaterculturespace.org.uk Located within Canada Water Library, the 150-seat Culture Space is managed and programmed by the Albany, south east London’s leading performing arts venue.

THE PILLOW MAKER, 11 October. Mr Pillowmaker comes from a long line of Pillow Makers. Throughout time they have used magical Stuff to fill their super soft, super plumpy pillows for beds and heads across the land. One day, Mr Pillowmaker finds that for the first time ever, his Stuff Box is empty and now he doesn’t have anything to stuff his pillows with!

Suitable for ages 1+. 11am, 1pm and 3pm, tickets £7 for one, £24 families.

POP! 25 October. Follow the magical journey of Christian Lee, who with his faithful teddy bear, deckchair and fantastic basket of tricks is set for a lovely day at the seaside, when the day takes a turn and things don’t quite work out as planned. A mind-blowing feast of magic, illusion, comedy and a MASSIVE balloon! 1pm and 3pm.

MATCH, 1 November. Follow the story of a little girl who sells matches on the city streets, as she opens the door to adventures, challenges, visions a new beginning. Full of hope and optimism, Match is a charming and moving tale inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Match Girl, brought to life with puppetry and evocative music. 1pm and 2pm, ages 2+.

HUGLESS DOUG, 15 November. Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug... He tries to find the perfect one, but none of them seem quite right.

After all, there are so many different hugs to choose from. But Douglas soon discovers that there’s only one hug that will do - a big bear hug from his mum! Ages 3+, 1pm and 3pm.

THE WAY BACK HOME 29 October - 2 November, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8PX 020 7960 4200 / 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk When a boy discovers a single-propeller aeroplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: he flies into outer space. Millions of miles from earth, the plane begins to sputter and quake, so the boy must make a daring landing on the moon. But as it turns out, he is not alone up there. Based on the hugely successful book by Irish author Oliver Jeffers, this is a space adventure, and a show without words.

11am and 2pm, £7 child, £14 adult.

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

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

KATHAK DANCE FOR ALL, 29 October. Learn how to tell a story through dance and find out how it is linked to Diwali - the festival of lights. Suitable for ages 5+, 11am, 12.15, 1.45 and 3pm.

NATURE TRAIL DISCOVERY, 27+28 October. Follow the Horniman’s mile-long Nature Trail, the oldest in London. Encounter wildlife and pond, meadow and log pile habitats. Suitable for ages 3+. Not suitable for prams or pushchairs. 2-3.30pm.

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

STREAM BOOK FESTIVAL 8 November, STREATHAM & CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW, www.stream2014.co.uk STREAM South London Book Festival is an exciting new event for children from nursery-school age through to young adults, packed with authors’ talks, readings, workshops, book signings and competitions.

The festival will be opened by Malorie Blackman OBE, Children’s Laureate and author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Noughts and Crosses series. Open 10am-5pm, admission free with a small charge for some activities.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

BUSES IN DISGUISE, 27-31 October. Join the museum on a time travelling adventure to Victorian London - can you make it back to 2014 without anyone finding out you’re from the future? Maybe you’ll need some sort of disguise... There will be fun and interactive storytelling sessions for families with children aged 3-7, at 11am and 2pm.

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Get messy with some hands-on craft activities - build your own bus inspired by over 150 years of public transport, then take it on a ride round the Museum before taking it home. Suitable for families with children aged 4-12, at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

SEN MORNING, 31 October. London Transport Museum opens early for a limited number of visitors with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC).

Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public and take part in one of the museum’s interactive workshops and demonstrations. Book first on 020 7565 7298.

GOODBYE PICCADILLY, until 8 March 2015. Discover the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital.

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

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

AS SAFE AS THE BANK OF ENGLAND, 27-31 October. As part of the Big Draw, the Bank of England welcomes young visitors to let their imaginations take over by designing a new safe for the Bank of England vaults. Enter the competition and your design could be displayed on the Bank’s website.

THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW, 8 November. As in previous years, the Bank of England Museum will join in the Lord Mayor’s Show celebrations with a special family event. Step into the role of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. Professional face painters will transform young visitors into the well-known characters from “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame, a former secretary of the Bank of England. 11am-5pm.

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.

october 2014 - families south east

17

Monday 27 Oct.Friday 31 Oct.

Creative Workshops for Children Make your own comic!

Draw your own cartoons!

Write your own fantasy story and learn how to create your very own myth!

Dulwich Books 6 Croxted Road, SE21 8SW 020 8670 1920 www.dulwichbooks.co.uk dulwichbooks@yahoo.co.uk NOSFERATU

Early Learning and Development Classes for Children Under 5

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

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Book Your Free Trial Class

www.theBabyBearClub.co.uk or 07825 710044 Classes For Babies, Toddlers, And Pre-Schoolers Dance For Toddlers • Parties Our classes offer a range of activities which aid speech, social, and physical development. Each week we learn something new through singing, dancing, puppet play, musical exploration and more.

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

GOLDEN HINDE

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

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

CAVATINA FAMILY CONCERT, 19 October. Join The Antara Flute and Harp Duo for a special family friendly chamber music concert, 2.30pm, children free, adults £5.

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

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

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

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

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

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

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

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

FREE introductory session phone

07877 391005

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

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families south east - october 2014

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.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London has been transformed with brand new, ground-breaking First World War Galleries alongside a new central atrium space with large object displays, new shops and cafes. Admission free.

FIRST WORLD WAR GALLERIES. Discover the story of the war - how it started, why it continued and its global impact, through the lives of those who experienced it at the time on both the front line and the home front across Britain and its empire.

ATRIUM AND TERRACED GALLERIES. ‘Witness to War’ displays nine iconic objects including a Harrier, Spitfire and V2 rocket suspended from above, as well as a T34 tank and a Reuters Land Rover damaged by rocket attack in Gaza. Levels 1 to 3 tell key stories from the Second World War to modern day conflicts, though curated displays using both large objects and other materials from IWM’s collections, including film and artworks.

OBJECT CONVERSATIONS, Sundays. In these new immersive object handling sessions, families can explore objects from our collections and they connect with iconic objects on display in our new atrium and Terraced Galleries. Feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects from the museum’s collections. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

CREATIVE RESPONSE, Sundays. Make a creative response to themes held within the new atrium and Terraced Galleries as a drawing, a photograph or a postcard. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

A FAMILY IN WARTIME. Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home.

A POPPY FIELD, 25 Oct - 2 Nov. Grow your own poppy from paper and wire and plant it in the museum’s Poppy Field to remember those who gave their lives to protect their country, from both world wars to conflicts today. 11am-5pm.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH, 11, 12, 18+19 October. Examine the crucial role made by the Empire on the fighting fronts and on the home front during WW1.

HMS BELFAST

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

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

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

D-DAY FAMILY TRAIL, until 31 December. Pick up a family trail to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day by learning about the role HMS Belfast played during this important day. The trail will bring visitors through the ship while pointing out interesting facts that relate to D-Day. Pay close attention to the various points around the ship for clues that help to crack the final code!

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. Entry included in general admission price.

DAZZLE CAMOUFLAGE, 25 October - 2 November. How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships and take part in an animation workshop and create your own camouflage. 11am-12.30pmnand 2-4pm.

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

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

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

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

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

TOY STORIES, until 14 December. An exhibition of photographs by Gabriele Galimberti explores the role and function of toys in the lives of children around the world. The collection reflects the impact of the children’s backgrounds and families on their choice of toys and highlights the universality of play.

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IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timed sessions; collect tickets from the admissions desk.

GUIDING LIGHTS, 27-30 October. From the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, and the games we play; many goods travel by sea to reach us. For 500 years, Trinity House lighthouses and light vessels have helped sailors find their way home safely with their cargoes. Find out more through a week of free activities celebrating the museum’s Guiding Lights: 500 Years of Trinity House exhibition. 11.30am and 2pm at the National Maritime Museum.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS, 8 November. Celebrate British Asian heritage and Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a day full of colour, music and fun activities for all the family. Discover more about how trade by sea brought people, ideas and culture from Asia to Britain. 11am-4pm at the National Maritime Museum.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH

LONGITUDE PUNK’D. Until 4 January 2015. The Royal Observatory celebrates the creations of wacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and extremely elegant explorers of the 18th-century. Nine UK ‘Steampunk’ artists have created new works inspired by the technical inventions that were presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828.

10am-5pm.

MEET THE TIME TRAVELLERS, Weekends and holiday weekdays throughout June. Meet time-travelling Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne or his human computer Mary Edwards next to the Steampunk time machine in the Meridian Courtyard and find out about their life and work at Greenwich in the 18th-century. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm, ages 7+.

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

CROSSING THE SEA: THE BIG DRAW, 27+28 October. Learn what lies in the wake of a ship. Join our Big Draw artist to explore the world of ports, rivers and oceans and help create a shimmering sea underneath Cutty Sark’s hull. 11.30am and 2pm.

DIWALI SHIP LIGHTS, 29+30 October. Cutty Sark had to sail day and night to be the fastest tea clipper. Make a ship diwa inspired by Cutty Sark’s long journeys to India; to light up in a colourful display. 11.30am and 2pm.

IGHTAM MOTE IGHTAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Visit a moated manor house which medieval knights and courtiers to Henry VIII used to own. A children’s craft activities centre is open during school holidays come rain or shine. Standard admission to house and gardens £10.50 adults, £5.20 children, £26.30 families.

PUMPKIN TRAIL, 25 October - 2 November. Follow a trial around the grounds and visit Ightham’s own pumpkin patch. 11am-3pm 50 THINGS WILD ART, 30 October. Use natural resources to create a wild piece of art. Noon-3pm.

CUTTY SARK

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY FRIENDLY GHOST TOURS, 31 October + 1 November.

An evening of (not too scary), ghost stories and a tour of Firepower for families. At the end of the tour warm the chills away with bangers and mash and juice or a hot cup of tea or coffee, all included in the price of the tour, in a building inhabited by four of museum ghosts. 6pm start, £12.

The Small Ads Families South East PO Box 11591 , London SE26 6WB Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan

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T. 020 8299 9798

E. info@thevalepractice.co.uk

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www.thevalepractice.co.uk

familiesse.co.uk

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous service

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child & adolescent psychotherapy parent support parent / infant therapy Consultation & Treatment London SE22 Jackie: 0797 092 7001 vanrosetherapy@gmail.com I am a professional member of ACP

Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games Karaoke, Mini Disco

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october 2014 - families south east

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The big draw

Free admission

As safe as the Bank of England 27 – 31 October 10:00am – 4:30pm Help us to make the Bank even more secure by designing a new safe for our vaults! Enter the competition with prizes to be won and the winning designs will be displayed on the Bank’s website.

10:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

Share your experience #BOEMuseum

Now they can drive a Tube train, climb in a bus cab and lose themselves in our exploration zone. Better still, kids go free at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden.

T: 020 7601 5545

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

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families south east - october 2014

familiesse.co.uk

Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

Let your kids drive in London.