Families London East issue 67 May/June 2012

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Issue 67 May/June 2012

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Local News & Competition

Contact us: Families East Magazine P.O. Box 2358, Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD Tel: 07766 705655

www.familiesonline.co.uk Email: editor@familieseast.co.uk Printed by Warners Midlands PLC. Tel: 01778 391000 Designed by: www.sambrannangraphicdesigner.com East

IDEAL HOME EXHIBITION COMPETITION

Due to a technical problem we were unable to run the Ideal Home Exhibition competition. Families East would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

THEATRE BUGS ARE COMING TO TOWN! After seven years of singing, dancing and acting their socks off in South West London and beyond, the Bugs have finally come to East London!

What better way to launch in the East than magical Olympic themed summer workshops in Wanstead, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill.

That’s right, the Bugs are running five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and arts and crafts for boys and girls aged 3.5 to 8 years. The fee is £120 and there is a 10% discount for younger siblings.

These workshops fill up quickly and bookings are already pouring in.

Get in touch with BUG HQ today (on 0800 9755290) or visit www. theatrebugs.co.uk to book your summer adventure! Theatrebugs also runs magical children’s parties, after school clubs and Under 5s clubs.

Families East offers you the chance to WIN tickets to see:

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Live on the West End stage this summer! Playing at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from Wed 4 Jul - Sun 2 Sept! To celebrate Families Magazine has a family ticket to give away!

For your chance to win answer the following question.

For which prestigious award has the Tiger Who Came to Tea production been nominated for this year?

1. The Olivier Award 2. The Tony Award 3. The Orange Award Email your answer, together with your name and your full contact details to: competitions@ familieseast.co.uk Competition closing date: 22 June 2012 For more information on the show (and a clue to the competition answer!) see their listing in Out and About or visit: http://www. thetigerwhocametotealive.com

East London’s got talent!

Britain’s got talent. East London’s got talent and so has The Real Deal. The Real Deal students from Young and Talented theatre school, Bethnal Green have much to celebrate after winning the national BBC TV talent show, Sport Relief Does Glee Club 2012.

Their vocals, presence and energy consistently impressed the judges.

In the finals after delivering a stunning version of the classic Jackson 5 hit, “I Want You Back”, head judge Carrie Grant said, “We’re looking at the future of British music. The singing was beautiful. An amazing standard that would fit in America”. “This is an fantastic achievement for East London” said school owner, actress Suzann McLean who coached The Real Deal. “I would like to thank the BBC for giving us the opportunity to showcase the rich talent that resides in one of London’s poorest boroughs. I am so happy that I am able to give young people the opportunity to share their talents with the Nation.”

The winning family ticket admits four. Tickets valid for performances at Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue summer 2012 only. Subject to availability.

All Illustrations copyright © Kerr-Kneale Product

Copyright and Disclaimer: 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 consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families® nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families® is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families® franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Lesley Bishop.

New café opens in Hackney Located in the heart of the buzzing Broadway Market, Market Café combines a mixture of classic café styles and welcomes families to dine.

Inspired by classic Italian “Formica” cafes of the 1950’s, Market Café is serving rustic food and drink with a modern take on the ‘breakfast and bolognaise’ menu. Back to basics dishes play host on this simple but bold, modestly priced menu no airs or graces here.

The opening menu includes Steak and Kidney pudding for two, hand cut tagliatelles with meat sauces, sausage and bean stew, jam doughnuts and hot chocolate, and home made Hackney

Local News

Down’s Honey ice cream. Locally roasted coffee is served alongside craft beers, punches, cups, fizzes, and a good value wine list. Market Café is open for breakfast, lunch and supper all week, and offers weekend market go-ers all day dining including elevenses and high tea.

The café is split into a 60 seat dining room, more informal 45 seated bar and café, and plenty of outdoor seating for the warmer months.

Market Café, 2 Broadway Market, Hackney, E8 4QJ, Tel: 020 7249 9070

Peter Pan - Magical musical fun for the whole family!

An enchanting new production of Peter Pan comes to the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch from 26 May – 16 June. The whole family will love this magical, musical staging of J. M. Barrie’s timeless classic that has delighted children and adults for generations, starring the award-winning group of actor-musicians Cut to the Chase.

Far beyond London’s starlit sky, a wondrous epic adventure awaits!

Audiences can join the multitude of colourful characters on a thrilling journey to a place where imagination takes flight and dreams come true! From a fantasy land of blue lagoons, swashbuckling pirates and tick-tocking crocodiles to mystical mermaids, mischievous pixies and boys who never grow up, this summer family spectacular is bursting with song, laughter and a generous sprinkling of fairy dust!

Peter Pan, Sat 26 May – Sat 16 June The Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT Tickets £12 - £21 or save with a family ticket, Box Office: 01708 443333 or www.queens-theatre.co.uk

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May/June 2012 Families East | 3

Women in Busi Last May Families East ran an article looking at a number of local business women and the diverse range of services they provide. It took a close look at their lives and their motivation and it recognised some of the key elements behind running your own successful business. Being your own boss can provide you with a perfect work-life balance around family life. Working hard and being flexible is how most women operate and these skills are vital to making a success of any business!

In this issue I have taken the chance to look at another group of women to promote their services and businesses. Hopefully they will inspire you but they certainly offer a great selection of goods and services that should interest you.

The Editor

Adina Marks

Jennifer Johnson is a Personal Vicky Kerrigan

is is the woman behind Essence of Beauty in Highams Park.

Ever wished you were doing your dream job?

Vicky did for many years but never pursued it until one day, she woke up and thought ‘why not?’ Vicky has always been passionate about beauty since being introduced to baby blue eye shadow in the late 70’s and so she decided to follow her dream at The London College of Beauty Therapy.

Essence of Beauty was born and in her home based treatment room, Vicky offers a wide range of treatments from essential waxing to facials, manicures, pedicures, massage and much more.

Continual professional development is a top priority for Vicky. She says ‘The world of beauty therapy is constantly changing with new products and treatments continually entering the market. I take time to research and trial new ideas and implement them at Essence of Beauty.

One of the most exciting treatments I offer is the wonderful Faith Lift, a non-surgical face lifting skin care programme which is currently taking the beauty world by storm because it is noninvasive and the results are incredible!’

Vicky’s aim for all treatments provided is for her clients to leave feeling relaxed, be pleased with the results obtained and looking forward to their next visit. A wealth of customer care experience during her working life she believes helps her achieve this aim.

For more information visit www.london-eob. co.uk or call Vicky on 07944 889346.

4 | Families East May/June 2012

Change Strategist. Throughout her career, Jennifer has always felt passionate about motivating people and helping them reach their full potential. Her roles include working as a Laughter Leader and Social and Emotional Intelligence Coach.

In today’s fast paced world it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Jennifer believes by reducing our stress levels, we empower ourselves to take action for positive change. This gives us back the ability to approach life generally in a more resourceful way.

Laughter is therapeutic and a great antidote to stress. Hearty laughter boosts our immune system, increases our pain threshold and improves our circulation.

Did you know you can laugh even when you are not happy? And you can laugh without a sense of humour. Jennifer runs Laughter and Relaxation sessions on a group and one to one basis. You will learn how to get the same benefits you would from hearty laughter through playful laughter exercises and breathing techniques.

Emotional Intelligence helps us manage our response to stressful or challenging situations. It drives our success in work, life and relationships.

As opposed to our cognitive intelligence (IQ), Emotional Intelligence can be strengthened and improved at any time; Jennifer provides tips, worksheets and strategies to support the coaching package.

For more information visit www.laughterworkout.co.uk or www.jenniferjohnsonlifechoices.com or call Jennifer on 020 8508 2134

owns and runs two franchisee areas for Little Kickers, who provide approved football classes for children aged from 18 months to under 7 years old. She currently operates her classes in Loughton, Wanstead, Woodford Green, Hackney, Wapping and Islington.

At Little Kickers the aim is to focus on children enjoying exercise and so builds confidence, coordination and motivation through games with and without a football. Their coaches are all CRB cleared and many hold a FA Level 1 qualification. All have been trained in the Little Kickers’ programme, which has been designed by football professionals and nursery teachers to give an all round experience for children which exposes them to exercise using the early learning goals they follow at nursery.

Little Kickers has proved to be an amazing opportunity for Adina by letting her run her own business whilst bringing up her two children. The benefits of operating a franchise for Adina have been that she can run her own business with the support, expertise and knowledge of a large organisation to help her. This has allowed her to grow and enjoy her business but still make the most of her family life such as taking her children to school and not having to worry about childcare.

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iness Suzie Hacker

Donna Benjamin-Blair

is the Managing Director of Little Adults Academy & Modelling Agency Ltd and is the main photographer for Donna Benjamin Photography Ltd. Celebrating fifteen years in business in May 2012, she is responsible for booking models, photography and the general day to day running of the business.

Being a new Mum herself, she states it has been very challenging: balancing family and work life but the rewards are amazing. If anyone wanted to start their own business, she would recommend it if they are extremely determined, can work under pressure, are self-motivated and have a talent or passion for what they are doing.

Donna says “When I work, I don’t even feel like I am working. Seeing my models on TV or hearing them on the radio is such a wonderful feeling.”

Little Adults Academy & Modelling Agency are especially looking for pregnant woman, confident children and adults and the jobs vary from T.V. work (commercials, background artists) to radio, photo shoots, fitting sessions, magazine and catalogue work.

The company has worked for some very well known clients and TV programmes and has been successful in obtaining as much as £10,000 for one of their models.

If you are interested in you or your child being promoted by Little Adults Academy & Modelling Agency please email a photo and details (Name, date of birth, residential area and contact numbers) to donna@littleadults.demon.co.uk or contact Donna on 020 3130 0798. www.littleadultsagency.co.uk

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Samantha Cannon

is a freelance Personal Trainer specialising in fitness and personal development.

As a busy working mum of two, Samantha understands the need for flexibility in today’s ever changing world and therefore offers much more than you would normally expect from a Personal Trainer you would see at your local gym. She also realises that working out in a gym is not for everyone.

Samantha will come to your home, office or even meet in the park, tailoring your fitness programme to fit in with your needs and lifestyle.

She can also help with your weight management goals by helping you to plan meals for the week.

She even offers a service where she will help you to clear your food cupboards and restock with healthy alternatives!

As a previous yo-yo dieter herself, Samantha has always been particularly interested in the reasons why people have issues with weight and body image and takes a holistic approach encouraging her clients to get outside in the fresh air and finds that walking and talking proves very beneficial.

She is also currently studying to become a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist which helps people to change patterns of behaviour and thinking to help them towards a more positive, confident and healthy future.

For more information contact Samantha on 07971 965252 or samcannon100@hotmail.co.uk

After studying aromatherapy and natural skin remedies Suzie was inspired to create hand-made skincare as a ‘natural alternative’ to massproduced cosmetics mainly made from cheap, synthetic and sometimes harmful ingredients.

Soothe-me products are designed to be ‘health food for the skin’ packed with natural goodness and nutrients. Each one is hand-crafted bespoke to order or small batches are made this way to guarantee they are as fresh as possible.

As a Mum Suzie understands the importance of caring for every member of the family. So soothe-me has range of gentle creams and oils for pregnancy and babies. There’s something for dads too – sootheme men’s range is very popular with men who want a natural way to look after their skin.

Through her work as a baby massage teacher Suzie met many local mums with babies and children with dry skin and infant eczema. So to help them she formulated soothe-me’s ‘Super Baby Oil’ and the results were outstanding! Suzie uses it on my own son to help his skin and Green Parent Magazine has featured it too!

All soothe-me products are tested on people, not animals. The packaging is recyclable and biodegradable wherever possible. You can by online and by mail order and Suzie offers consultations for families and individuals and a refill service for local customers.

For more information visit www.soothe-me.com or contact Suzie at suzie@sootheme.com 2 Arlington Building, Bow Quarter, Fairfield Road, E3 2UB.

May/June 2012 Families East | 5

The Queen’s Diamond Don’t forget the late May bank holiday has been moved to Monday 4 June 2012 and an extra Jubilee bank holiday will take place on Tuesday 5 June 2012 so that means there’s no excuse not to enjoy the Diamond Jubilee so get out the flags and bunting and get ready to celebrate!

The main dates for official celebrations will be held during the extended weekend with major events in London starting on Sunday 3rd June.

Big Jubilee Lunch Sunday 3rd June This builds on the popular Big Lunch initiative, which aims to get as many people across the UK to have lunch with their neighbours and friends. Last year, the best part of two million people took part and for 2012 they are expecting a record number of people to take part so why not be one of them!

Why not organise your own street party or share a picnic - it’s all about the community coming together for food, music and good old-fashioned fun. All you need is one guest.

Visit www.thebiglunch.com to get your free pack, helpful ideas and resources to make your lunch a memorable day.

What an amazing year for London with a host of major events taking place across the Capital during 2012 to celebrate both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London hosting the Olympics.

Over the next few issues, Families East will be highlighting some of these fantastic events so you can make the most of these celebrations this summer.

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Sunday 3rd June See the Queen lead a flotilla of 1000 boats from across the UK, Commonwealth and the rest of

the world including steam boats, tall ships, cruisers, kayaks, Dunkirk little ships and Dragon boats.

The flotilla will be the largest fleet of ships to assemble on the Thames in 350 years and continues a royal tradition that dates back to Anne Boleyn’s coronation.

The Pageant begins at high water in the afternoon with the Pageant starting at Putney and ending at Tower Bridge. Those vessels with sails too high to pass under London Bridge will line the river from London Bridge to Wapping to create an ‘Avenue of Sail’. For more information about both the Pageant and Jubilee Festival described below see www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

Diamond Jubilee Festival Sunday 3rd June Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ The festival will become an immersive world of eccentric British culture, celebrating the 60-year reign of Queen and provide a full day of entertainment and celebration, beginning at midday and continuing until 7pm. All activities at the Festival will reference the

Bring the family to Rich Mix this summer 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA • www.richmix.org.uk Liverpool Street tube, Shoreditch High Street Station or Bethnal Green tube For more information & booking 020 7613 7498 Rich Mix’s popular family events continue this season and include favourites such as Wiggly Jigglers! and StoryCraft Workshops.

Film for a Fiver / Every Monday and Tuesday

If you’d like to experience the music and culture of Africa and the Diaspora then jump aboard the Mwalimu Express with a special free family event in May. And we are delighted that Tucked In and Theatre of Widdershins return to Rich Mix with their new children’s theatre shows.

Rich Mix has also introduced some great new family cinema tickets from just £16.50 and is now showing 3D films as well as continuing their weekly Kids’ Cine Time films for just £1.50 every Saturday and Sunday.

FAMILY EVENTS

FAMILY CINEMA

Kids’ Cine Time / Every Saturday & Sunday / £1.50 / Children and Adults

Enjoy a collection of films for all the family every Saturday and Sunday for just £1.50 per person.

Autism-Friendly Screenings / Once a month / £1.50 / Children and Adults

Once a month, Rich Mix hosts an autism-friendly Kids’ Cine Time screening, with the volume lower and the lights raised higher than usual to create a more calming environment for people on the autism spectrum.

Parents and Babies / Every Monday / £6, £4.50 concs

All parents can now bring their babies to watch the latest releases on Mondays so you don’t have to worry about the little ones making noise.

£5 films for Tower Hamlets’ Idea Store and Tower Hamlets’ Library members every Monday and Tuesday.

Grand Union Youth Orchestra / Sun 13 May / Sun 17 Jun / Sun 15 Jul / 10am - 2pm / Free / Ages: 13 – 25 yrs

London’s pioneering world music youth ensemble run free monthly master classes and workshops for aspiring young musicians from all musical cultures.

Wiggly Jigglers!

Creative Movement for Babies and Toddlers Mon 14 & 28 May / Mon 11 & 25 Jun / Mon 9 & Mon 23 Jul / 1pm – 3pm / £5 per child/ Ages: 0 - 2

At these creative movement sessions the children get the space, freedom and time to move in ways that support their development, and that stimulate their imaginations.

Snapshots Family Workshops Sat 19 May / Sat 21 Jul / Free / Ages: 5 - 12

As part of their year-long Snapshots festival, running up to the Olympic Games, they are hosting monthly themed creative workshops and activities for all the family.

The Golden Cowpat By Tucked In Sun 20 May / 11am / 2pm / £6 per person / Ages: 3 - 9 Join naughty cow Betty and her farmer Hector as they embark on their quest to find their fortune. Tucked In’s new children’s show is a funny and moving story about the perils of greed.

Mwalimu Express Sun 20 May / 2pm - 6pm/ Free / All Ages

London’s only Pan African family adventure chugs in with a dazzling experience of Africa and the Diaspora. All aboard the Mwalimu Express as we pull in to African cities and bring you awesome music from around the continent. So come join in the stupendous storytelling sessions, Screen Station films and far out family arts workshops.

StoryCraft Workshops with Apples and Snakes Mon 21 May / Mon 18 Jun / Mon 16 Jul / 1.30pm – 2.30pm / £3 per child / Ages: 2 - 5

Led by a different storyteller or poet every month the sessions are aimed at mums, dads and carers with children aged 2 to 5, and encourage families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way.

The Elves and the Shoemaker By Theatre of Widdershins Sun 1 Jul / 11am / 2pm / £6 per person* / Ages: 3 - 9

This well-known and well-loved tale - made popular by the Ladybird Classic - has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style.

Free Creative Courses this summer in partnership with Futureversity Jul & Aug / Rich Mix / Free / Ages: 14 – 25 yrs

This summer, Rich Mix is offering an exciting range of creative courses for young people aged 14 to 25. Courses will include filmmaking, dance and DJ’ing. * See website for special Tower Hamlets’ resident prices

The Golden Cowpat

6 | Families East May/June 2012

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Jubilee 2012 Celebrations Diamond Jubilee, reflecting design, music, fashion, art, film and food from the six decades of The Queen’s reign.

As well as providing excellent riverside views to watch the Pageant pass by, Battersea Park will play host to an array of family- focused entertainment with plenty of activities for children, including a traditional steam-powered fun fair, competitions, games, storytelling and craft workshops.

The park will be divided into zones and also features music, pop-up pub, giant cake stand, village fete, outdoor cinema, fancy dress flotilla on the Boating Lake and a mini-museum of royal memorabilia at the Pump House Gallery.

Parks and the Mall to watch on giant screens or its broadcast live on BBC One and Radio 2. www.bbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee

Diamond Jubilee Beacons Monday 4th June Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB A network of over 3,000 beacons and growing will be lit by communities throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with locations including the battlements of The Tower of London, St. James’s Palace and Lambeth Palace.

This will be lit between 10pm and 10.30pm on the evening of Monday 4th June 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Diamond Jubilee Concert

Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession

Monday 4th June Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

Tuesday 5th June St Paul’s Cathedral, EC4M 8AD

Join in the fun at the Diamond Jubilee Concert with the BBC and music maestro Gary Barlow are bringing together some of the biggest names from the worlds of music, dance and musical theatre.

Artists include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder, Jessie J, JLS, Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran and Annie Lennox. The concert starts at 7.30pm but don’t worry if you didn’t get a ticket – there’s room for 500,000 people in St James’s and Green

The final day of official celebrations includes a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. After lunch the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family will travel on a processional route from the Palace of Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace in an open carriage. After their arrival, the Royal Family will appear on the Balcony and

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a RAF Flypast will take place.

Another major family event taking place over this is the Jubilee Family Festival but this is a chargeable event.

Jubilee Family Festival 2nd & 3rd June, 10.30am-7pm daily Hyde Park, W2 2UH Hosted by Sainsbury’s, this two-day festival will showcase Britain throughout the decades and involve visitors being treated to some of the nation’s best live music and entertainment. The finale of each day will be an unforgettable, 70-minute Disney concert produced specially to mark the Jubilee celebrations, featuring beloved Disney songs and characters. Plus equestrian events, death-defying motorbike stunts and kids’ television characters.

Pageant Tower bridge

May/June 2012 Families East | 7

Green News

Top Tips We’re for Saving officially in drought Water After two of the driest years on record, parts of the UK including East London and Essex are in now drought and Essex is already the driest county in the UK. We can’t control the weather, or the rainfall this year so everyone needs to play a part in reducing water use.

Thames and Essex & Suffolk Water customers are being offered free water-saving gadgets that help you reduce your household water use by up to a quarter, and cut water and energy bills.

Visit www.thameswater.co.uk or www.eswater.co.uk to claim these devices.

8 | Families East May/June 2012

Learn to use water wisely to ensure there is enough for everyone in years to come.

1. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth - a running tap can use six litres of water per minute.

2. Take shorter showers - four minutes should be enough - on average a shower uses 10 litres of water a minute.

3. Skip the car wash - a dirty car shows you’re doing your bit to save water.

4. Fully load your washing machine - a full load uses less water than two half-loads.

5. Only flush the toilet if you need to - on average, each flush uses 7 litres of water.

6. Make your garden ‘drought tolerant’ - your garden centre will be able to recommend plants that need less water.

7. Fix leaking taps - a dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week.

8. Keep a jug of water in the fridge - planning ahead means there is no need to run the water until it gets cold.

9. Don’t leave the tap running to clean dishes or vegetables use a bowl of water instead.

10. Order a water butt - collect rainwater to use on your plants and lawn.

11. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need saves water and energy

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The Community Festival with a Green Theme The Redbridge Green Fair is a large community focused festival celebrating all about planet Earth and our environment.

Organised by local people, it offers a fantastic event for all the family to enjoy - whether to discover practical ways to change your lifestyle, reduce your carbon footprint, learn

how to make a wildlife garden/balcony, grow your own vegetables, you can get your bike repaired, shop ethically, try out the delicious vegetarian food, organic beers and fair trade beverages and browse through the 130+ stalls, have fun with the kids or just lay on the grass. Understand what you can do to save the planet by walking round the ‘Eco-House’, an interactive display stand demonstrating how to save energy, water and money in the home.

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Live music plays an integral part at the Green Fair and 2012 is no exception with two music areas where you will see a wide variety of music and performances throughout the day.

Get creative and visit the Eco Fashion Event and recycle with style! Create bespoke clothes out of recycled materials (even using plastic bags!) at designer-run workshops from fashion house Caramel Rock. Anyone can participate so be inspired and create unique clothes that can end up on their catwalk fashion parade. Or help make a beautiful world-planet map using natural materials collected from Valentine’s Park. Other activities include a Give or Take stall where you can give or take anything! Visit the Solar Cinema for a selection of short films.

There is plenty for children to do with a large messy play tent for under 5’s and a Storyteller too. Join Darcy Turner in making amazing large, paper constructions and sculptures made from recycled newspaper created into poles using his Stixx ‘machines’.

Everything for a perfect day out!

Please note that there is no parking except for cyclists and people with blue disabled badge.

There will be a shuttle bus will be running throughout the day from Ilford Station (first left into York Road) and Gants Hill station (outside Valentines Pub, Perth Road).

Redbridge Green Fair, Melbourne Fields, Valentine’s Park, Ilford, Essex IG1 4SD 11.30am – 7pm Entry £1 adults, free children and concessions

May/June 2012 Families East | 9

Out & About At Families East we make every effort to ensure our Out & About listings are correct at time of going to press. Please check ahead whenever possible.

THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN

Silk St, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk LSO Discovery Family Concert Sun 24 Jun 2.30pm £10/£4 7-12yrs It’s musical sport at the LSO! Medals awarded to the fastest, slowest, grandest and oddest music of all time while cheering on players as they compete to be the softest, loudest and of course, the best Pre-concert workshops 10am –12.30pm Get those creative juices flowing based on the concert theme. Get the chance to compose music as well as making your own props. Tickets £5 per person (adults and children) Open to Family Concert bookers only. Free foyer activities 1pm–2.30pm. Arrive early to join in exciting pre-concert events and activities.

For families with younger siblings, a free crèche is available for children aged 6 mths to 6 yrs. Open to Family Concert bookers only. Limited space Family Film Club Discover a world of film together with your family on most Saturday mornings at the Barbican. Membership is free, and you can join via the website

BROADWAY THEATRE

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com The Wizard of Oz Sat 5 May 3pm £10/£8 Family £32 All new songs and the chance for everyone to take part in this family theatre at it’s very best. Expect lots of audience participation!

The Tortoise and the Hare Thu 17 May 10am 2pm £5 Meet two competing friends in this new fantastic adaptation of Aesop’s fable; a story about racing, opposites, time and friendship There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Sat 2 Jun 2pm £9.50/£7.50 Family £30 The perfect treat for anyone aged 4 to 104! This magical new show is a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun

GARRICK THEATRE

2, Charing Cross Rd, WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 www.barmybritainlive.com Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain Wed to Fri 1pm, Sat 10.30am & 12noon, Sun 3pm & 5pm until Sept 2012 £14.50/£12.50, £10. 6yrs+ British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other. With blood, battles, murder and mayhem HH explores historical stories right through the ages and features lots of famous characters from English history

GREENWICH THEATRE

Croom’s Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk The Selfish Crocodile Sat 26 May 11am 1pm £10/£7.50 Deep in the forest, by the banks of a great river, there lived a large crocodile.

He was a very selfish crocodile and he wouldn’t share this river with any of the other creatures The Gruffalo Fri 8 Jun 1.30pm Sat 9 & Sun 10 Jun 10.30am 1.30pm £11/£8.50 A fantastic musical adaptation of the Blue Peter award-winning picture book

HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

291 Mare St, E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Isango Esemble : Aesop’s Fables Sun 13 May – Sat 2 Jun £34 - £8 (times vary each day so check website) A vibrant and moving new musical for all the family with inventive and beautiful choreography

LYRIC THEATRE HAMMERSMITH

Lyric Square, King St, W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk All tickets £8, Family £30 The Pied Piper Sat 5 May 11am & 1pm 3-7 yrs Rediscover a classic story told with puppets, music and magical tricks.

Features fully integrated Sign Language Travels with Granddad Sat 12 May 11am & 1pm 3-7 yrs Meet Grandad, eccentric traveller, and hear magical tales of adventure in both the real and imaginary worlds. Both shows have Messy Play sessions 12noon & 2pm

QUEEN’S THEATRE

52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk Aliens Love Underpants Sat 5 May 9am 5-6yrs 9.50am 6-7yrs (45 mins) £5 per child Kids aged 5–7 yrs will love these storytelling workshops, packed full of fun and games, based on popular children’s stories Peter Pan Sat 26 May - Sat 16 Jun £19.50/£14 (times vary see website for details) Enjoy this enchanting new staging of J M Barrie’s timeless story. A thrilling journey to a place where imagination takes flight and dreams come true and boys who never grow up

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE

New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 Bookings: 020 7401 9919/020 7087 7398 www.shakespeares-globe.org Open daily for tours 10am-5pm £13.50/£8 Under 5’s free Family £36 Plays this season include Henry V, The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, Twelfth Night, Hamlet & As You Like It. Please see website for times and prices

10 | Families East May/June 2012

Your guide to the best entertainment and local events London has to offer.

To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk E4 Underbelly Festival Ongoing Sun 8 Jul This festival is one of the best places to meet friends and socialise, boasting one of the biggest outdoor areas in central London – here are some family friendly shows: The Vocal Orchestra Until Sun 27 May Weekdays 7pm, Weekends 2.30pm & 6pm £24.50-£10 Combining jaw dropping human beatboxing, glorious vocal harmonies and floor-wobbling baselines, this show will leave you clapping and dancing all the way home Claytime Sun 3–Tue 5 Jun 4.15pm £10/£15, 3yrs+ A place where the earth’s natural materials meets the children’s imagination. With live musical accompaniment Comedy Club 4 Kids Sat 4, Sun 13 May, Sun 17 Jun 4.15pm £10/£15 Cracking entertainment for everyone over the age of 6, with the best comedians on the UK circuit Impropera Mon 7 & Sat 12 May 4.15pm £10/£15 Great music, surreal comedy and sublime silliness The Adventurers Club Sun 6 & Sun 27 May 4.15pm £10/£15 A smash hit sell-out of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and an afternoon of sheer hilarious adventure Little Howard’s Big Show Sat 19 & Sun 20 May 4.15pm £10/£15 3yrs+ The nation’s favourite human/animated double act mix jokes and songs

STRATFORD CIRCUS

Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX 0844 357 2625 www.stratford-circus.com Petit Mal Fri 1 & Sat 2 Jun £12/£10 7yrs+ Break-dancing and hip-hop fuse with a Chinese pole, trampoline work and acrobatics, a truly unique experience!

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org Ragtime Fri 18 May – Sat 8 Sep £44.50-£17.50 Tragic, poignant and ultimately triumphant. Set at the turn of the 20th century, this powerful musical unites three families separated by race and destiny. An experience not to be missed!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sat 2 Jun – Wed 5 Sep £44.50-£17.50 Shakespeare’s enduring story of young love. A fusion of original music, movement and unique setting, this magical, comedic and seductive tale is set to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year

THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 020 7928 3535 www.bfi.org.uk May Film Funday – Tales of the Night in 3D Sun 13 May 1.30pm £10/£6.75 In a rundown cinema, a group gather each night to tell and act out six stories and create some magic. It’s an intoxicating combination of sharp dialogue, dry sense of humour and enchanting pleasure Tales Of The Night Funday Workshop Sun 13 May Foyer 11.30am Learn the art of classic silhouette animation with the usual arts and crafts tables, competitions and prizes. Free to ticket-holders for the Funday Screening

UNICORN THEATRE

147 Tooley St, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com English Pocket Opera Mon 21 – Fri 25 May £15/£10 7yrs+ Performing and recording the biggest children’s opera ever known.

Teams of musicians, percussionists and choreographers will present performances of a new jazz opera with over 200 schools – one for each Olympic nation. Every performance will be unique, with each participating nation represented and celebrated on stage with professional singers, musicians and over 6,000 children Something Very Far Away Fri 1 – Sun 24 Jun £15/£10 8yrs+ Kepler is an ordinary man who loves two things beyond all others: the cosmos and his wife Tomasina. After a sudden and tragic loss, he looks to the stars for answers. With live animation Insight Sun 10 Jun Meet the team behind the show after the 3pm performance Sun 10 & Sun 24 Jun from 1pm Make your own puppets before visiting Kepler and his galactic quest Father’s Day Sun 17 Jun from 1pm Explore the galaxy before Something Very Far Away. Star-gazers especially welcome Sun 3 Jun from 11am Grab a drink and prepare your Union Jack flag and windsock to wave at the Royal flotilla as it goes past

JUBILEE EVENTS ROYAL RIVER: POWER, PAGEANTRY & THE THAMES

Fri 27 Apr – Sat 9 Sep National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF Guest-curated by historian David Starkey, the exhibition explores the relationship between monarch, city and people as played out on the Thames

BIG BRITISH BANG 4 May – 31 Aug

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Out & About Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB Pop up shops, in-store events and fashion exhibitions combine to create retail theatre

THE QUEEN: ART AND IMAGE 17 May - 21 Oct National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE Bringing together images of Queen Elizabeth II from throughout her reign, this exhibition shows the way she has been portrayed down the decades, with a range of official paintings

AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN 25 May – 28 Oct Museum of London, EC2M 5UU An exhibition celebrating the capital’s enthusiasm and affection for the Queen, featuring Londoners photographed in their own homes with their cherished souvenirs

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC JUBILEE GALA 31 May www.royalalberthall.com Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP The acclaimed orchestra will be joined by some of the UK’s finest female artists in a spectacular gala concert that is not to be missed

A GALA FOR THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE 2 June www.royalalberthall.com Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP Russell Watson leads a rousing programme with a little help from the Royal Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with a programme of classic British favourites

BUCKINGHAM PALACE SUMMER OPENING 30 June – 8 July & 31 July – 7 Oct Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA Visit the lavishly decorated State Rooms furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection

EVENTS COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE & PUPPET FESTIVAL 2012 St Paul Church, Covent Garden (The Actors’ Church) Bedford St (entrance between King St and Henrietta St) WC2E 9ED Sat 12 & Sun 13 May Mr Punch (of Punch and Judy) celebrates his 350th year! This festival brings together Punch and Judy professors from around the country and including a procession, puppet shows and workshops, with folk music maypole dancing and clowns

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HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk 20 miles NW of London, less than 3 miles from M1 & M25, with plenty of (free) parking. Regular shuttle service from Watford Junction Tickets: £28 Adults (16+), £21 Children (5-15), Under 4’s free, Family ticket £83 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) Editor’s Note : Within easy reach of East & North London make this self-guided tour (takes about 2 hrs) make this a definite date for the family at the studios where Harry Potter was made. You will discover the wonderful special effects and amazing creatures that have made Harry Potter so special. For the first time, you’ll have the chance to go behindthe-scenes to see the breathtakingly detailed sets, stunning costumes, props and animatronics. It provides a unique showcase of the extraordinary British artistry, technology and talent that went into making the most successful film series of all time. You don’t have to be a Harry Potter fan to be absolutely wow-ed by this truly magical experience!

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

www.culture24.org.uk/museumatnight Fri 18 – Sun 20 May An exciting line up of nocturnal activities in museums and galleries throughout the city. Keep an eye out for evenings featuring art, live music and performances as some of London’s most famous institutions. This event coincides with special activities across the UK, and is tied to the European wide campaign “La Nuit des Musées”

REDBRIDGE GREEN FAIR 2012

Valentines Park, Ilford, IG1 4SD www.rgf.org.uk Adults £1 Children & concessions free Mon 4 June 11.30am-7pm No parking, shuttle bus available from Gants Hill Tube & Ilford Station See editorial on page 9 A unique local community all day festival with music, Eco Fashion, Under 5’s Messy Play, Give OR Take Stall, green arts, Dr Bike, vegetarian & vegan food, live theatre and a wide selection of stalls

THE LONDON GREEN FAIR

Regent’s Park 020 7324 4693 www.londongreenfair.org Sat 9 & Sun 10 Jun Opens 12noon - admission free

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Out & About The London Green Fair reflects the green aspirations and achievements of London as a whole, celebrating, educating and empowering all who take part. Two full festival stages; a permaculture area; dedicated exhibitions areas; campaigning stalls; boutique market stalls; organic bars and global cuisine, and serious environmental education and entertainment. Families are catered for through children’s dance classes and theatrical performances, walkabout performers, baby changing and a picnic area with daily performances from an 80-piece symphonic orchestra

GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm Family Events: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Family Audio Visual Guide £6 for up to 5 players/£4 for two Follow four specially-recorded tours (for 7-11 yrs) to lead you through the Gallery with amazing facts and stories about the people in the collection Storytelling with Art for Families Every third Sat 10.30am & 1.30pm free 3yrs+ No ticket required. Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall. These sessions will last about 30 minutes Family Art Workshop Every third Sat 11.30am 2.30pm free ticketed 90 minutes 5yrs+ Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity. Places are limited and are allocated on a firstcome, first served basis

SOMERSET HOUSE

Strand, WC2 1LA 020 78454600 www.somerset.org.uk Free Family Workshops Every Sat 11am & 2pm accompanied 6-12yrs Collect tickets from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the day Spray Away!

Sat 5 May Design a spectacular sculpture for a courtyard complete with water features taking inspiration from the grand surroundings of Somerset House

TATE BRITAIN

Millbank, SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm the first Friday of the month Art Trolley Weekend Sessions 10am–3pm free all ages Unleash your creativity where kids are encouraged to imagine and explore with paper-based activities to use in the galleries Family Multimedia Guide £3.50 6yrs+ (available anytime during gallery hours) What makes a portrait? Join this tour of seven artworks in the gallery and decide for yourself

Family Reading Area Every weekend free for all ages Lots of books for families in the Rotunda reading area

TATE MODERN

Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Under 5s Zone Level 5 Concourse free This is a new play space invites under 5’s and their families on a creative, physical and sensory exploration of themes inspired by Cubist artworks Children Multimedia Guide Daily from the Information Desks on Levels 3 £4.50 5yrs+ Keep youngsters captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy Weekend Sessions Every weekend 11am-4pm Level 3 Concourse free, 5yrs+ With the help of a friendly Start Team, stimulate your weekend with games, map-making or clue-matching Tate Modern Family Resources Available daily from the Info Desks on Levels 1 and 2 free for all ages Pick up a free families resource and set off to explore the Galleries with paperbased activities that will help you look, enjoy and learn about art

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.national gallery.org.uk Open daily 10am - 6pm Fri until 9pm free Take One Picture: Primary School Children Inspired By Veronese Room E Wed 9 May – Sun 16 Sep free How can a single painting ignite the imagination and curiosity of young people?

Family Sundays Free hands-on art workshops (11am & 2pm), under 5s can jump aboard the Magic Carpet for storytelling (10.30am & 11.30am) Drawing Sundays 11am & 2pm Young artists explore how National Gallery paintings can be used as inspiration. Families can feel free to drop in and out (80mins) Studio Sundays - Jump for Victory Sun 6 & 20 May 11am & 2pm Discover mythological characters, creatures and competitions and make a trophy to present at your very own games Family Walk & Talk Sun 6 May Greek Myths 12.30pm Join a themed journey through the collection where you walk, talk and bring paintings alive!

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY

77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX 020 7522 7888 www.whitechapelgallery.org

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Family Trails Devised in collaboration with artists to coincide with each major exhibition.

Aimed at children age 4–12 yrs focussing on particular artworks, encouraging children to talk about exhibitions and suggesting ways to respond creatively. Materials included.

Available at the Info Desk (suggested donation £1) or downloadable on line Family Day: The Factory of Confessions Sat 12 May 12pm Free Book online (or turn up on the day) Dress up and sneak into the special photobooth as part of a fun-filled family day Children’s Art Course Wed 6 & Thu 7 Jun 11am–3pm 5-8 yrs £45 for a 2-day course Exciting gallery and studio-based practical courses led by artists

MUSEUMS BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Entrance in Bartholomew St, off Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, free Royal Connection – A Celebration of the Diamond Jubilee Until Fri 8 Jun The display will highlight the many connections between the Monarch and the Bank, notably drawing on the wealth of the Bank’s collections to trace the development of the royal portrait on banknotes Museums at Night Fri 18 May 5.30pm-9pm A rare opportunity for an evening visit, including special presentations on banknotes

CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles St, SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961 www.iwm.org.uk/churchill Open: 9.30am-6pm. £12.80/£15.95, under 16s free Undercover – Life in Churchill’s Bunker Extended until 2013 due to popular demand 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

DESIGN MUSEUM

Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7940 8787, www.designmuseum.org Design of the Year 2012 Until Sun 15 Jul The most innovative and progressive designs from around the world, spanning 7 categories: Architecture, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Digital, Transport and Product Family Trails With the help of The Thinkerer Get Creative! Workshops: Hat Tricks Sun 13 May Sun 10 Jun 2pm-4.30pm Budding designers age 5-11 are invited to join the team of designers. With a rich variety of monthly themes there is something to satisfy everyone

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

Olympic champions Sat 12 May 11.30am

136 Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm free Holiday and weekend activities are for children aged 3–16 yrs and are free. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each activity. All children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Quizzes are available during half terms, holidays and every Sat & Sun afternoon Thirsty Work Sat 5 May 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm4pm Taste drinking chocolate and paint a mug with 17th-century-style patterns Wonderful Wooden Toys Sun 2 Jun 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm4pm Make and decorate a variety of wooden toys inspired by those from the 19th century

Museum Reporter Sun 27 May 11am & 2pm

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, free The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Medals Until Sun 9 Sept Free The story of the production of Olympic medals, from start to finish. Examples of medals are shown publicly for the first time For a full list of free family activities please see website – here are some highlights:

Horses, Hawks & Hounds Mon 4 Jun – Fri 8 Jun 11am-4pm Ancient Sports Day Sat 16 Jun 11am-4pm Create a Comic Sat 23 Jun 11.30am-3.30pm Other free family activities Hamlyn family trails: Dancing with Shiva - a counting trail for young children; activity backpacks with puzzles and games (deposit required), both available from the Paul Hamlyn Library

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Open: daily 10.30am-5.30pm, free Busy Bees Every Wed & Fri 10.30am 11.15am 12 noon Creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, museum objects and simple craft activities, changing every week Hands on Family Workshops Saturdays 11.45am 1pm 3 yrs+ Use all your senses to explore the animal kingdom, musical instruments, costume, toys and puppets from all over the world in themed workshops

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Out & About Artmakers Every Sat 1.30pm 2.45pm Have fun with art skills and exciting techniques to create something fabulous to take home Family Art Fun: Half Term From 4 Jun - 8 Jun except 5 Jun 11am3.30pm 3yrs+ Holiday time means free and fabulous craft sessions. Make a bee head dress or a jellyfish mobile to take home

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free A Family in Wartime Find out about the Allpress family.

Discover how they coped with the difficulties of living on the home front during the Second World War Build the Truce (until 23 Sep) Visitors will be able to explore the concept of the “Olympic Truce” from challenging notions about the inevitability of war, through to truce as a method of conflict resolution and what it can mean on a practical level Family Events: Build the Truce Sat 26 – Sun 27 May Sat 16 & Sun 17 Jun 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm free drop in all ages Take part in a series of discussion, art and writing activities looking at why wars happen and how they are brought to an end People’s War: Second World War Portraits Early June free, Sat 2- Thu 10 June 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm free drop in all ages Discover how women contributed to the war effort and how they coped with rationing and the dangers of the London Blitz

MUSEUM OF LONDON

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London for “Mini Moles” (6 months – walking) and Little Moles (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities and a full list of family activities include Dickens and London Until Sun 10 Jun Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens in the first major UK exhibition for over 40 years Sporty Galleries Sat 2 Jun, Mon 4 Jun, Fri 8 Jun, Sat 9 Jun & Sun 10 Jun, 12-12.35pm & 3-3.35pm 7yrs+ Join a sporty talk in galleries and learn about London’s connection to the Olympics Homes of the Olympics Sat 2 Jun & Sun 3 Jun 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm 5yrs+ Take a closer look at the venues of the London Olympics, both past and present, in this creative art workshop Going the distance Sun 3 Jun & Mon 4 Jun 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3.30-4pm 5yrs+ Listen to a marathon story that will

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explore how the 1948 London Olympics changed the sport forever Diamond Jubilee gift Tue 5 Jun 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm, 5yrs+ Make a special commemorative gift for the Jubilee Tue 5 Jun 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm, 5yrs+ Hear a story of one woman’s memories of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II exactly 60 years ago Animal Olympics Wed 6 Jun, 10.30am-11am, 11.30am– 12noon & 2-2.30pm 1yr+ Everyone knows who would win a race between a hare and a tortoise, but what about a hare and a hedgehog?

An Olympic game Wed 6 Jun & Thu 7 Jun, 12.30-2pm & 2.30pm-4pm 5yrs+ Create a board game based on fun facts from both the 1948 and 2012 London Games From Radio to YouTube Thu 7 Jun & Fri 8 Jun, 12.30-1.30pm, 2-3pm & 3.30-4.30pm 5yrs+ Starting with the portable radio developed for the 1948 London Olympics, explore how to keep up to date in 2012 in this digital workshop A Poster for the Olympics Sat 9 Jun & Sun 10 Jun, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm 5yrs+ Make a poster to show off the London 2012 Games

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844 www.museumindocklands.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, £5 annual adult pass, kids free See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London Docklands for “Mini Mudlarks” (6 months – walking) and Little Mudlarks (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities Bring Your Grandparents Day Take the whole family to enjoy the free events and to say thank you East End Gran Sat 5 May 12.30-1pm free 5yrs+ Join Grandmother Ruthie for stories about growing up in the East End Traditional Crafts Sat 5 May 11am-5pm free 5yrs+ Do you know how to make jewellery or traditional Nakshi Katha, samplers or felt? Or how to knit, weave baskets or crochet? Watch demonstrations and have a go yourself May Day on the Docks Mon 7 May 11am – 4pm 3yrs+ free Do you know how to celebrate May Day in traditional style? Choose from a range of craft, storytelling and object handling activities Sat 2 Jun 12.30-1pm, 2.30-3pm & 3.30-4pm 4yrs+ Share the legends and tales drifted in on sea breezes Under 5s Olympics Mon 4 Jun 10.15am-11am, 11.15am– 12noon & 2-2.45pm 2yrs+ This is an active, play based session in partnership with Sport Tower Hamlets

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Out & About Comic Strips Tue 5 Jun 12.30-1.30pm & 2.303.30pm 7yrs+ Create your own comic strip adventure story about a journey from the past Story Dice Wed 6 Jun 12.30-1.30pm & 2.303.30pm 5yrs+ Create your own story dice with pictures and designs. Roll the dice to see what stories you can create Pop-up Story Books Fri 8 Jun 12.30-1.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm 5yrs+ Get inspired by the Museum’s objects and create a magnificent pop-up story book to take home London Forever Sat 9 Jun 12.30-1.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm 5yrs+ Help create an animated film that reflects London as a melting pot of cultures and traditions Under 5’s Storytime Stories, music and fun in this interactive storytelling session for children under 5 and their carers – then play in Mudlark’s children’s gallery if you have energy to spare

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM and THE QUEEN’S HOUSE

Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Titanic Remembered Until Sun 30 Sep 10am-5pm A small exhibition to mark the centenary of the sinking of the passenger liner in 1912 Play Tuesdays May & Jun 10.30am 11.30am 1pm 2pm under 5 yrs free Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through making, music, dance and stories Explore Saturdays May & Jun 12noon 1pm 2pm 3pm 6yrs+ free Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life Discover Sundays May & Jun 11.30am 2pm all ages free Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea Family Flotilla Mon 4 – Fri 8 Jun 11.30am 2pm free Create a barge (or boat) for you and your family, and contribute to a giant Jubilee flotilla display River Party Sat 5 & Mon 7 Jun 11.30am 2pm free Become a King or Queen for the day and design your very own Jubilee celebration on the River Thames

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun 11am-5.50pm free Events for Families - check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on

Special Event: Big Nature Day Sun 27 May 11am-5pm Family activities, such as exploring pond life, bug hunting and tree trails Animal Inside Out: Gunther von Hagens BODY WORLD Until 16 Sep £9/£6 Family £27 Get under the skin, strip away the flesh and travel on an anatomical safari of the natural world. A unique chance to explore the intricate biology and physiology of some of the world’s most spectacular creatures. With almost 100 plastinates and capillary specimens on display this is a UK premiere.

Wild Planet (until 30 Sep) The wildest landscapes and most endangered species are showcased in a free outdoor exhibition running throughout the summer of the Olympics. Each image is captioned with the story of how it was taken and information on the species portrayed, ready to inspire and educate a new generation of wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts Daily Family Activities Weekends and school holidays 11am-5pm free Explorer Back Pack Mon- Fri 11am- 5pm Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s. Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, free (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides) The Garden 3-6 yrs Inquisitive children are free to explore floating and sinking, shadows and reflections, music, giant building blocks and much more while developing the skills of observing, predicting, testing and drawing conclusions Pattern Pod 5-8 yrs Like scientists, children explore the world by trying to make predictions about events happening around them.

Using truly amazing multi-sensory exhibits this contemporary gallery looks at the many types of patterns in the world around us and encourages children to recognise and copy patterns – or create entirely new ones of their own Launchpad Science Shows Daily free 8 yrs+ With over 50 interactive exhibits, plus electrifying shows and lively demonstrations, while there’s plenty to keep the adults occupied too

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM

13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, free

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All sessions listed below must be booked in advance £20 whole day £12 half day Heroes, Gods, Monsters …and Books Wed 6 Jun (whole day) Make your own beautiful book out of special paper with your own individually designed cover, and fill it with pictures from your favourite stories City in a Box Thu 7 Jun (2 x half days) Learn how to cut, fold, collage and create with paper! Take inspiration from Sir John Soane’s drawings, models and his house to design your own dream city, and build it in a box with just paper, scissors and glue Hidden Helpers of the Museum Fri 8 Jun (whole day) Create some special friends to look after your favourite things – either 2D or 3D using papier-mâché and wire Junior Audio Tour Introduced by Stephen Fry and read by Eleanor Bron this atmospheric tour, lasts 59 minutes, guiding the listener through Soane’s Museum, accompanied by sound effects and music

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, free Beautiful Games Until Sun 9 Sep Visitors young and old can get their own blood pumping with a white knuckle ride in a virtual skeleton bobsleigh, measure their reaction time with a ‘beat the clock’ test, and throw some moves on an electronic dance floor Mascots of The Olympic Games Sat 19 May – Sun 28 Oct Showcasing over 50 mascots from the last 44 years of summer and winter Olympic Games including the London 2012 mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville Montessori for Families Sat 19 May 11am-4pm drop in all ages Montessori educators lead a practical workshop teaching fun, creative and useful techniques to use at home to help your child’s learning Montessori Rucksacks A selection of rucksacks for under 5’s are available for families to borrow from the Info Desk. Designed by Montessori, there are four to choose from: Baby Explorers (6-18 months); People Like Me (18 months-3 years); Animal World; and On the Move (both age 3-5) Playing In or Out? Until 4 Nov 2012 Are kids today deprived of the outdoor adventures of previous generations?

This new display is an exploration of how notions of children playing indoors and playing outdoors have changed dramatically over the past 50 years Wondertots: Ready Steady and Off We Go! Fri 4, 11, 18 May 10.30am-12noon and 1pm-2.30pm under 5yrs free Get energetic with sporty workshops in celebration of the beautiful Games exhibition

More Daily Activities: A variety of free activities every day, including storytelling, arts and crafts, tours and treasure hunts. Activities are tailored to children aged 3-12 yrs unless otherwise stated. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or carer

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org Open 10am-5pm, free Family Activities: Children must be accompanied by an adult Drop In Art Workshop: The Little Draw Sun 6 May & 3 Jun 1.30pm – 4.30pm free all ages Learn about looking, drawing and interpretation using the rich wealth of objects and architecture on display Drop In Art Workshop: Fabulous Furniture Wed 6 Jun 10.30am 2pm free 5yrs+ Come and draw swags, swirls, flowers and the dancing monkeys that grace the wonderful decorative gold brass and turtle shell furniture, then make your own collage pattern in gold and bright jewel colours Family Activity: Rubbing Shoulders with a Knight in Shining Armour Thu 7 Jun 10.30am 2pm £7 7yrs+ Explore the armouries, try on original and replica armour and make a brass rubbing Daily: Family Multimedia Tour with interactive games (small fee) Free Armour Handling Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bullet-proof breastplate really was

PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF (from Sun 24 Jun)

Canary Wharf is to host London’s very first Canstruction® event from 24 June.

World-leading architects and designers create giant sculptures from 40,000 cans of food throughout the famous business and shopping district, wowing the public and helping to feed people in need

CUTTY SARK CLIPPER SHIP

King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT 10am-5pm £12/£6.50 Family £29 bookings@rmg.co.uk FROM 26 APRIL 2012 Opening a new chapter in the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most famous ships. The last surviving tea clipper and the fastest and greatest of her time, she is a living testimony to the bygone, glorious days of sail and, most importantly, a monument to those that lost their lives in the merchant service

DISCOVER

383-387 High St, Stratford, E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk Open: daily Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, £4.50, Family £16

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Out & About Nat Fantastic by Giles Andreae and Katherine McEwen 2yrs+ Sat 5 & Sun 6 May 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm , Wed 6 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm A supercharged sneeze at bedtime turns Nat into a mini superhero, whizzing through the air in his amazing silver pyjamas!

Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero

by Anne Cottringer & Alex T. Smith 3yrs+, Bank Hol Mon 7 May, Sat 12 & Sun 13 May 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Thu 7 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm A giant meteor is approaching Earth!

Who will save the day? Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero of course. Enjoy this funny and delightful story with our Story Builders Me, the Queen & Christopher with Giles Andreae & Tony Ross Sat 19 May 2.30pm 3yrs+ Find out what happens when a sevenyear-old girl gets an invitation to have tea at Buckingham Palace with the Queen Super Daisy by Kes Gray and Giles Andreae 2yrs+, Sat 19 May & Sun 20 May 12noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Fri 8 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm Oh no! If Planet Pea collides with Planet Earth, there’ll be peas with EVERYTHING! Peas with pizza, peas with ice cream and even peas with lemonade!!! Find out how Super Daisy saves the day Traction Man is Here by Mini Grey 4 yrs+, Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 12noon, 1.30pm & 3pm, Sat 9 & Sun 10 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm With an action outfit for every occasion Traction Man patrols the house saving toys, guarding toast, searching for lost wrecks and rescuing damsels in distress Charlie’s Superhero Underpants by Paul Bright & Lee Wildish Sat 2 & Sun 3 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm On a wild and windy day all the washing blows away... but who has got Charlie’s Superhero Underpants? Come and listen to this story to find out!

The Queen’s Knickers by Nicholas Allan Mon 4 & Tue 5 June 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm It’s a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. A little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear?

The Ministry of Letters with Operation Alphabet Thu 7 June 2.30pm A Top Secret reading of the thrilling Operation Alphabet. A book involving heroism, a motorbike ride and singing letters

EPPING FOREST

Visitor Centre, High Beech, IG10 4AE 0208 508 0028 cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping forest A full list of events are on the website – here are some highlights: Suntrap Family Pond Dipping Sat 12 May 11am-1pm-4pm £3 drop in

www.familieseast.co.uk

Pond Dip Sun 10 Jun 11.30am-1pm free drop in Half term events: Kings and Queens – Crowns & Coronets Mon 4 Jun 1pm-4pm free drop in Kings and Queens - Bees Wed 6 Jun 1pm-4pm free drop in Safaris - Wed 6 & Thu 7 Jun 10am 2pm £6 (booking required)

HMS BELFAST

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley St, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk Open: 10am-6pm, £12.95, under 16s free ICONIC SHIP RE-OPENS! HMS Belfast will be ready to welcome visitors back onto her historic decks from 18 May 2012. A weekend extravaganza of (FREE) family activities and events on Sat 26 & Sun 27 May

KENSINGTON PALACE

Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Victoria Revealed Inspired by extracts from Queen Victoria’s own journals and correspondence, featuring displays of personal objects and artworks in the very rooms where she once lived, the exhibition presents a truly intimate account of Victoria’s extraordinary life Really Royal Fashion Illustration Workshop Sat 19 May 10.30am-1pm £15 7-13yrs booking essential Led by a fashion illustrator and artist, the session will look at royal fashion on display in the palace from 18th-20th century and encourage participants to create their own designs fit for a princess

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk See website for full list of activities, here are some highlights: Lee Valley 10k & Family Fun Run Sun 20 May (starts 10am) An event for all ages and abilities through the scenic pathways of the River Lee Country Park Lee Valley White Water Centre The ONLY brand new London 2012 venue the public can use and enjoy ahead of the Games. The Centre will host five days of thrilling canoe slalom competition in July 2012 in front of 60,000 spectators Open Farm Father’s Day Sun 17 June Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF Entry is £1 for one day this annual event gives everyone the chance to discover real life down on the farms. Arts and crafts, the dancing sheep show, pig and lamb racing, cow milking, toboggan run soft play area Bundle Barn, Jumping Pillow to bounce on and incredible Spider Tower to climb A Hole in One for Father’s Day Lee Valley Golf Course, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 0AR This course (open to all standards of

players) offers a challenge to players of all handicaps, with several holes running around the large lake. An interesting and cleverly designed course with water in play on 10 holes using the natural features of a large lake and the River Lee Fishing for compliments Lee Valley Park Fisheries, Holyfield Hall Farm, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EG There are 29 lakes and 17 stretches of river offering carp and coarse fishing, with more than 600 acres of water in some of the regions most beautiful countryside, the opportunities with Carp over 46lb, Chub over 8lb, Barbel over 15lb, Bream to over 17lb and Tench into double figures Gunpowder Parkrun Gunpowder Park, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3GP Every Sat 9am, numbers for the timed 5k run across the Lee Valley region.

Get registered at www.parkrun.org.uk/ gunpowder/ for more information Cycle beautiful parklands Bike hire is available at Tottenham Marshes and at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows and think of all the yummy goodies you can enjoy if you take a picnic to relax with History on your doorstep Have a historic day out visiting our listed buildings and marvel at their fine architecture. The spectacular Mill House and Tidal Mill at Three Mills in Bow and elegant Rye House Gatehouse in Hoddesdon are open to the public at selected times

LONDON ZOO

Regents Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org Special Children’s Day Sat 19 May Children with special needs and their families and friends are welcome

RICH MIX

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Offers a broad range of arts-based activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/carers. Many of our events are free or low-priced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see our website for details Wiggly Jigglers Creative Movement for Babies and Toddlers Mon 14 & 28 May & 11 & 25 Jun 1pm -3pm £5 per child 0–2 yrs At these creative movement sessions children get the space, freedom and time to move in ways that support their development and that stimulate their imaginations Idea Store Storytelling Sat 19 May Sat 23 June 2pm-3pm free 0-5yrs Listen to classic tales and exciting new stories, and explore the world of sound and rhyme through interactive story time sessions

StoryCraft Workshops with Apples and Snakes Mon 21 May 1.30pm – 2.30pm £2 per child 2–5 yrs Led by a different storyteller or poet every month the sessions encourage families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way. Using puppets and percussion instruments, stories are animated and involve actions, singing and discussion. All sessions feature a hands-on craft activity. Group bookings from nurseries and children’s centres welcome Snapshots Family Workshops Sat 19 May 12pm - 3pm Free As part of the year-long Snapshots festival, running up to the Olympic Games, Rich Mix are hosting monthly themed creative workshops and activities for all the family. All workshops are free of charge and led by local artists The Golden Cowpat Sun 20 May 11am & 2pm £6 3-9yrs Plop! Wow! Another Golden Cowpat!

Join naughty cow Betty and her farmer Hector as they embark on their quest to find their fortune. Told through a thrilling concoction of eccentric, high-energy storytelling and catchy folk music. It will leave a huge smile on the face of young and old alike Musical Rumpus: A Fairy Queen in the Forest Wed 13 June 12pm Free 0-3yrs (Booking required call Spitalfields Music on 020 7377 1362) Explore the world of fantastical animals and fairies in a magical forest, created especially for a toddling audience. This very special concert is an invitation to sing, play and roll about in an imaginary world

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES

01708 899840 Open: daily Sun 1 Nov-Wed 31 Mar open 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct open 9.30am-5pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, café, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access Entrance charges: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £2.50 adult, £1 child, £7 family (2 adults and up to 4 children) Kids’ Birdwatching Club Sat 19 May & Sat 9 Jun 10am £5 Are you a budding birdwatcher? Then why not join in on these special days held once a month? Explore the reserve through the seasons, watching and learning about the birds that visit and live here. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book Military Walk Sun 6 May 10am start RSPB Member £6, Wildlife Explorer £2.50, Adult non-member £7, Child non-member £3 This does not include reserve entry fees pre-payment & booking essential A guided walk to look at the military history of the reserve

May/June 2012 Families East | 15

Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm Space Safari £6.50/£4.50 Family £17.50 This is a special planetarium show for under-7s (see website for times as these vary). Join Ted the Teddy Bear as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Big Bear in the sky. With interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is a must for pre-school children Explore Saturdays May 12 At noon,1pm, 2pm, 3pm free 6 yrs+ Hear about the world-changing discoveries in time and navigation made at this historic site Museums at Night Event Sat 19 May 5pm-8.30pm Make a Planet Finder 12.30 pm 5 yrs+ drop in Make a planet finder and be shown how to use it, allowing you to find planets in the night sky for years.

Ask an Astronomer 5pm-8pm 5 yrs+ drop in Meet some of the astronomers and find out about their research and ask them questions about astronomy Space is Big… 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm 11ys+ This short talk explores how scientists measure distances in space: from the nearest stars and the most distant galaxies

TOWER OF LONDON

Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk Buy in advance on 0870 756 7070 Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm 0844 482 7799 £10.45/£17.05/£19.80, family £55, under 5 free Crown Jewels Re-Display The Jewel House will be opening after a refurbishment and will explore the importance of the Crown Jewels to the British Monarchy, the role of the Tower in protecting these treasures and the long and fascinating tradition of coronations in England Archaeology Weekend Sat 26 & Sun 27 May (all ages) A free, fun weekend of activities on Tower Beach and Tower Wharf. Hunt for treasure on the foreshore of the Thames, discover the secrets of archaeology and conservation at

stalls on the wharf and take part in art activities

VALENTINES MANSION

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Family Sunday - Fairtrade Sun 6 May 11.30am - 3.30pm free drop in Find out more info about Fairtrade and have the chance to win some Fairtrade goodies.

Info on recycling at home and the real nappy scheme available May Fair Sat 19 May 11am-4pm £2 per person payable at the entrance, free for under 12’s Craft stalls, activities, performances and much more Pop Up Mansion Tue 5 Jun 11.30am-12.30 & 1pm-3.30pm 3 yrs + free drop in Explore the mansion inside and out, then use clever paper cutting and folding techniques to create your own pop-up mansion which you can decorate with lots of colour and sparkle Olympic Drawing Wed 6 Jun 10.30am-12.30 & 1.30pm–3.30pm 5 yrs + £3 per person (pre-booking essential) Learn how to draw Olympic sportsmen and women from gymnasts to 100 metre runners learning about the proportions of the human figure and how to capture speed and movement Family Sunday – Green Fingers Sun 3 Jun 11.30am–12.30pm 1pm-3pm free drop in Explore the gardens with our treasure trail, decorate a pot, get messy with compost and plant some seeds. Take them home and watch them grow!

Under 5’s Explore, Make & Do Tue 19 Jun 11am-2pm 1-5 yrs free drop in Celebrate summer time with Gants Hill Library. There will be summer time stories and rhymes and face painting. Plus all sorts of toys and dressing up

VICTORIA PARK

www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ lgsl/451-500/461_parks/ victoria_park.aspx Bird Barmy Army Sat 5 May 10am–12.30pm Discover what feathered friends live in the park

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Get Walking Day Sat 26 May 11am–1pm ‘Get Walking’ by joining the Community Rangers on a discovery trail around the park Junior Wildlife Club Sat 2 June 10am–12.30pm Join the Community Rangers and explore the wonders of Victoria Park’s nature “Waste Not Want Not” Recycle Day Fri 8 June 11am–3pm Fun for all the family at this annual recycle event. Lots of fun to promote recycling awareness including cardboard village, recycle fashion show and lots more fun activities www.sambrannangraphicdesigner.com

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Open Garden Squares Weekend 2012 activities for all The National Trust, London Parks and Gardens Trust have collaborated to organise this years’ extremely popular Open Garden Squares Weekend, which is held throughout London every June. This year is will take place immediately after the extended Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 & 10.

A total of 212 communal gardens, many that are not usually open to the public, will be taking part - ranging from the historic to the traditional with roof gardens through to allotments.

Many of the much loved and popular gardens such as Bonnington Square, Cable Street Community Gardens, The Regent’s Park Allotment Garden and The Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden.

Thirty of the gardens will be offering activities for children: Spitalfields City Farm (E1) – new for 2012 – is offering children the chance to interact with their farm animals - sheep, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese and visit the guinea-pig village! Culpeper Community Garden (N1) will be hosting children’s trails and activities. For those interested in nature: The Wildlife Garden at the Natural History Museum (SW7) is hosting the annual Bat Festival and will be offering craft workshops including bat-box making. Visit www.opensquares.org to check out local hosts, some of which are Eastbury Manor House in Barking and Geffrye Museum Gardens in Shoreditch.

One ticket allows entry to all venues over the entire weekend. Tickets cost £9 in advance from www.opensquares.org and £12 during the weekend. Entrance is free for under 12s (accompanied by an adult).