Families Upon Thames March/April 22 Digital

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Upon Thames

IN THIS ISSUE

What’s On Easter Travel

March/April 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 1

The Little Gym’s age-appropriate children’s activities are Serious Fun! Using movement, music, learning and laughter to nurture ongoing skill development and boost self-esteem, your child progresses at their own pace, having fun and building confidence.

Explore the range of classes on offer at The Little Gym of Hampton & Teddington.

Visit hamptonteddington.thelittlegym.co.uk

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

2 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

We’re really looking forward to spring here at Families and in preparation, here’s our Easter magazine. Find Easter crafts, cooking, outdoor fun and our yummiest Easter egg selection!

4 12 13 15 17 20 21 24 31 33

Get out and about with the family again. Embrace local entertainment options for the Easter holidays from our What’s On guide and find inspiration for travelling further afield in the UK. With the cost-of-living increasing, saving money on everyone’s mind. Read our top tips in Family life section.

Do you have a child starting school in September?

Then you’ll want to download our free School Starters Planner taster edition.

Finally, we have lots of DoodleJamz toys to give away! So make sure you apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory but mess-free drawing pad for your child. And sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue of this magazine free to your inbox.

Education Mother’s Day gifts Easter part 1 Health Family life Easter part 2 Clubs & classes What’s On Travel Spring outdoors

Get in touch Competition winners from our November/December issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School Now registering for Nursery & Reception places 2022 and 2023 At Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep we offer an excellent academic provision combined with outstanding pastoral care.

If you would like a personal tour of the School, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Jules Akhurst: shppadmissions@shstrust.net | 01372 462781

Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep offers an excellent educational experience to both boys and girls aged between 3 and 7 www.shrewsburyhousepreprep.net 22 Milbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EA

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 3

EDUCATION

All being well at Newland House School At Newland House School, well-being is of fundamental importance to pupils’ enjoyment and success both in and outside of school.

We know that when children have good levels of well-being, they are more able to feel, express and manage positive and negative emotions, helping them to develop better resilience, self-esteem and confidence and leading to good relationships with others.

Newland House School recently appointed an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant as its new Wellbeing Coordinator to help provide pupils with a better understanding of how to invest in their mental health.

Research has shown that emotional literacy promotes creativity, innovation and leadership. The new role further supports children to develop positive emotions and relationships.

Support includes use of individualised support including therapeutic interventions such as Lego Therapy and group work.

This support benefits learning skills, increases concentration and improves memory and problem solving.

Children are also supported to manage their own well-being throughout PSHE lessons and in form time.

More information HERE.

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Nurseery & Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 3 to 13 Years

INNOVATE, NURTURE, INSPIRE, FLY...

WELCOME MORNINGS 25 February

18 March

13 May

Newland House School

Waldegrave Park, Twickenham, TW1 4TQ T. 020 8865 1305 E. admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net

4 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

So you didn’t get the school place you wanted.

What next?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Receive a FREE DoodleJamz toy for your child* Age Endless creations at their fingertips!

Draw, squish, sculpt, shape, erase and repeat with this mess-free drawing pad!

APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

3+

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine March/April 5

EDUCATION

Educational accessories

Great ideas to help your child learn at any age.

Apple Twist

Stimulates spatial insight, problem solving and logic. Ages 5+.

Smart Snacks Counting Cookies Engaging, imaginative & develops early maths skills at home. Ages 18mth-6yrs.

Play Plus Kids Headphones

Wireless, foldable, comfy fit and volume controls.

Ages 3-8.

Peppa Pig Wooden Clock Puzzle

Count, sort, place shapes in the correct order. Ages 3+.

National Smartmax My First Geographic Fossil Sounds and Senses Mix and match, eightDig Kit Excavate real fossils using the included paleontological tools Ages 8+.

6 March/April

piece magnetic toy for early learning. Ages 1-3.

Cargo Ship

Quality resource for literacy, numeracy and general play. Ages 3+.

GILOBABY Smart Robot Toy

Fun, interactive, introduces robotics and advanced technology.

Ages 3-9.

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano

Toddlers can make music or play along with classics. Age 6mths-3yrs.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

An independent day preparatory school for boys aged 3-13 and girls aged 3-4

“THE BOYS SOLD THE SCHOOL FOR US. THEY WERE EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED MY SON TO BE LIKE IN A FEW YEARS: ARTICULATE AND THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE WORLD.” CURRENT PARENT

To arrange a visit or sign up to an upcoming Open Morning, please contact Sally Bass at bass.s@kingshouseschool.org or call 020 8940 1878 kingshouseschool.org 68 King’s Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6ES

OPEN EVENING

Joint school and nursery open evening Thursday 24 March 5.00pm-7.00pm

A happy, nurturing and inspiring environment for boys aged 4 to 11 in Twickenham

OPENING

SEPTEMBER 2022

New day nursery for boys and girls aged from 0-4 Extended day

51 weeks a year

Large outdoor area

“Our son is thriving. The progress he has made both academically and pastorally has been magical.” Current parent 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk

84 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5QS • 020 8898 3528 info@themallnursery.org.uk

Bringing out the best in every child Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 7

Is your child starting school in September?

Plan a successful start with the School Starters Planner 2022/23 What’s in the planner?

Daily planning calendar What’s coming up – month by month School contact details and login pages

The full 12 month planner covers the entire 2022/23 academic year.

Vital information you will need for school from the experts at Every Day’s a School Day

Buy it HERE

Get a 4 month taster planner for FREE

DOWNLOAD HERE

8 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Mindfulness colouring for kids

Download these mindfulness colouring sheets for kids who need some quiet, focused time to be calm or help with anxious or worried feelings.

Lion

Simple mandala

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Hot air balloons

EXPLORE CHEAM

OPEN MORNINGS

Friday 4 March | Friday 20 May

CHEAM

Cheam is a leading independent, day and boarding prep school, nestled in 100 acres of Berkshire countryside, for pupils aged 3 to 13 years. Local and London bus services are available.

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Please join us and see first-hand why Cheam is such a special and inspiring place for children to spend their formative years. Visit our website to register for an Open Morning or to arrange an individual tour. Our pupils and staff promise you a very warm welcome.

DOWNLOAD HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

www.cheamschool.com

registrar@cheamschool.co.uk +44 (0)1635 267822

March/April 9

EDUCATION

Meet the Head

Meet the Head

Special feature

Families chats with David Price, Head of the Mall School in Twickenham.

What do you like best about being Head of The Mall School?

The pupils, of course. They are kind, amusing and smart. Every day they amaze me with their consideration towards others, their take on the world and their sense of fun.

In three words, how would the students describe you?

Kind, funny and busy.

one weeks a year. There will be a huge outdoors area for the children to explore and play in, as well as four large bright, newly refurbished rooms catering for the different age ranges.

The Mall School is a boys’ prep school for ages 4 to 11 but you’ll soon have some younger boys AND It is very exciting and I am looking girls joining you. Tell us about that. forward to welcoming our new families and children.

In September we will be opening a new day nursery for girls and boys In what ways do you strive to make ages 6 months to 4 years old.

The Mall a happy place for children to be?

It will be situated just along from the main school site on Hampton I believe the opportunities our boys Road and will offer exceptional care have in sport, music, performing for up to twelve hours a day, fifty and creative arts, together with our commitment to pupil wellbeing through our pastoral care provision, enables each boy not only to discover what he is good at but, more importantly, what he enjoys.

READ MORE

10 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Join us for our Open Days March Thursday 17th I 5 to 7pm Saturday 19th I 10am to 12 noon May Thursday 19th I 5 to 7pm Saturday 21st I 10am to 12 noon Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 2BT

Every Step of the Way www.stainesprep.co.uk

admissions@stainesprep.co.uk

A GREAT PLACE TO COME TO SCHOOL

Open Morning - Friday 27 May 2022 9:30am: Headmaster’s Welcome at the Prep School, Gloucester Road 9:45 – 11.00am: Tours of the Pre-Prep & Prep

Register here: www.hamptonprep.org.uk T 020 8979 1844 E admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 11

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day gifts for under £20 Dads! This one’s for you and the kids!

Mother’s Day is Sunday 27 March this year.

Patchwork Game

Pink-Champagne Truffles

Plant Mum Vase

The Naked Bee Hand & Cuticle Salve

Beenax Spiky Massage Ball Set

Calm Club Yoga Cards

Turmeric-infused Honey

Cotton Kimono Robe Wrap

A soothing two-player Made with dolomite, she game about constructing has her own removable Beautiful gift box and a patchwork quilt. £15.29 luxurious white chocolate mini-pot! £16.99 truffles. £16

Spiky massagers for arms, legs, shoulders A healing salve for mums anywhere there’s tension. who garden. £9.49 £8.99

Health conscious, handwhipped, British raw honey infused with natural turmeric. £9.95 12 March/April

A soft, elegant robe mum can feel truly spoilt in. £16.50

A card for every week of the year, teaching the basics. £10.95

Sea Salt Scented Tin Candle Hand-poured, sea salt–scented candle to transport mum to the seaside. £13.05

Familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER

Top Easter craft ideas Easter brings with it some fantastic opportunities to get out the paints and craft materials and create lovely eggs, chicks, cards and bunnies!

Easter trees

Potato Easter egg stamps

Egg carton chicks

Easter bunny headband

Easter scene jar

Stitched Easter bunny card

Pompom bunny bonnet

Easter egg pinata

No sew sock bunny

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 13

EASTER

Easter cooking Fill the kitchen with delicious smells and make some yummy Easter treats with the kids.

Chocolate cornflake cakes

Hot cross bun trifle

Easter bunny KitKat house

Easy hot cross bun ice-cream

Easter marshmallow bubble slice

Greek Easter cookies

Chick biscuits

Choc chip hot cross buns

Lemony Easter chicks

14 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

One snack too many?

Even if your child is a healthy weight, it’s not great if they eat little nutritious food and get most of their energy from unhealthy or sugary snacks.

Public Health England advises parents that sticking to two packaged snacks a day and keeping them each at under 100 calories (kcals) or 418 kilojoules (kJs) is really important for children.

The food label usually states how many calories are contained in 100 grams or 100 millilitres of the food or drink you are buying, so do compare the calorie content of

different products. The free NHS Food Scanner app helps you scan product barcodes to find healthier alternatives.

You’ll be surprised at how high the energy intake is for some common snacks.

Calories in popular packaged kids’ snacks Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Bar Packet of Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 32.5g KitKat 2 Finger Bar Soreen malt lunchbox loaf Cheestring McVities Ginger Nut Biscuit Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly Froot Shoot Orange Juice Drink Fruit Shoot hydro water Useful online resources Better Health – tips, tools and apps to help you improve your family’s health.

The Eatwell Guide – how much should you eat from each food group? Plus healthy snacks ideas.

BMI healthy weight calculator - calculates healthy weight.

Familiesonline.co.uk

823kJ 706kJ 436kJ 380kJ 253kJ 196kJ 134kJ 40kJ 8kJ

or 196kcal or 169kcal or 104kcal or 90kcal or 61kcal or 47kcal or 32kcal or 10 kcal or 1.8kcal

English Tutor

7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A level I work with all abilities and levels on comprehension/creative writing/spelling/ 10+ years’ punctuation & grammar/verbal reasoning/ experience/ DBS persuasive writing/literary analysis/essay writing/exam technique/references available checked

£40ph

Joanna joanna2tutor@gmail.com 07941 799096

Location: Hampton Hill March/April 15

HEALTH

Pick your perfect membership at Lampton Leisure The fitness experts at Lampton Leisure know that a one-size-fits all approach to fitness doesn’t always suit everyone. So, with this in mind, they have launched three new smart membership packages, designed to offer your favourite fitness fixes, at affordable prices.

The new Bronze, Silver and Gold membership packages offer a great choice of activities and flexibility.

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create and build the perfect membership to suit the whole family.

Bronze memberships give access to the pool and the gym at your local Lampton Leisure has six leisure centre. and sport centres across Hounslow with facilities offering everything Silver membership adds group from state-of-the-art gyms, ten exercise, access to online Les Mills swimming pools, tennis courts, soft classes and court bookings. play, a running track and even a stunning wellness suite at Isleworth Gold gives you an access all Leisure Centre. areas membership, plus the use of additional services like the Bodytrax Find out more HERE. machine and fitness programme, as well as discounts on tennis Centres membership, coaching and more.

Click on the name to find out more.

Junior Gym and Swim School options can be added to all memberships, meaning you can

16 March/April

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre and Library Isleworth Leisure Centre and Library Heston Pools and Fitness New Chiswick Pool Osterley Sports and Athletic Centre

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Having incredible conversations with your child

By Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen You: How was your day?

Your Child: Fine.

Want something a bit more?

Timing. Try not to pounce on your child with questions straight after school or nursery. Kids often need time to decompress. Wait and read the room. Start conversations when they are rested and well fed.

Setting. Many kids find face-to-face talking a bit intense. Weave your conversations into another activity eg when they are drawing.

and so on - the top of the mountain is the best, the bottom is the worst.

Expectations. Learning to communicate meaningfully together is a skill that takes time to build. Not all conversations will go smoothly Get real. Pre-teen children find but, in time, if your bids are gentle abstract concepts difficult and often and genuine, your relationship will don’t have the vocabulary to reflect thrive. their experiences. If you want to find out how your child is, draw a READ MORE mountain. Ask your child to use the mountain to show how they are feeling today, how they feel usually Truly communicating with your child is a great privilege for a parent. More than that, building a strong relationship with them improves their quality of life by protecting their mental and physical health.

How to Have Incredible Conversations With Your Child by clinical psychologists Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen can help you further with this.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838 991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com March/April 17

FAMILY LIFE

Top green family products If you’re looking to replace existing family products with something new, then why not consider these green options?

Reusable bamboo straws

Eco-friendly backpack

Beeswax food & sandwich wraps

100% USDA certified organic with all-natural plant-based cleaning brush.

Large enough for A4 books and folders. 100% recycled polyester.

Award-winning reusable wraps. 100% organic cotton and British beeswax.

Biodegradable & recycled swim towels

Reusable snack bag

Disposable econappies

Reusable nappy

Reusable cutlery

Beeswax crayons

Quick dry towels. 100% recyclable materials and biodegradable cotton.

Award-winning, adjustable, all in one, washable and reusable.

18 March/April

Perfect alternative to single-use sandwich bags and cling film.

100% organic bamboo.

Suitable for everyday use or picnics.

Sustainable organic bamboo fibre, plant based liners. 100% compostable.

Natural beeswax crayons made with minimum of 25% beeswax.

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Reducing the cost of family living Get a grip of finances

Make savings

Get support

Book Your 2 Week Trial Now!

Take back control of family spending with free apps like Money Dashboard or Emma.

Monitor and set limits on your kids spending with apps like gohenry or Revolut Junior.

Don’t spend more than you earn.

MoneySavingExpert’s free The Budget Planner will help.

Don’t get caught short. Try Piggybanking. Divide money into separate pots for essential bills.

Struggling with missed bills and payments? Try prioritising and consolidating. More info at debt help tips.

Get organised with family meal planning. Save money, time and waste.

If you’re pregnant and for a year after your baby is born, you can get free NHS dental care and prescriptions.

A monthly Child benefit of £21.15 per child under 16 and £14 for each additional child may be claimable, depending on your income.

If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, Healthy Start vouchers can be spent on essential food items.

If you regularly spend money on prescriptions, an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate can save money.

Check your entitlement to Tax-Free Childcare or Free Childcare/Early Education.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Slash £1,000+ off your yearly grocery bill by taking the Downshift Challenge.

Save on big brand disposable nappies by using comparison site BumDeal.

Get free second-hand stuff from giveaway websites Freecycle and Freegle.

Buy second-hand and get great quality for less. Try eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Market Place.

Save £££ each year (and reduce your carbon footprint). Follow simple energy saving tips.

Try the Energy Efficiency Calculator for personalised advice on use and solutions.

STREET DANCE IS HERE! Ever wish you could DANCE like Jason Derulo, BOP like Beyoncé or GROOVE like Bruno Mars?

Well your wish may have just come true!

Age’s 5-18

0800 0236 236 streetdanceacademy.co.uk

Book Your 2 Week Trial Now!

SPORTS ACADEMY Sports Academy UK coach a multi sports program that promotes athleticism, balance, speed and agility. With less opportunity for emotional burn out, the children focus on a variety of sports which enables them to also improve their skill development.

Age’s 4-16 All equipment supplied

0800 0248 842 SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM

18 sports a year!

March/April 19

EASTER

Best Easter eggs for 2022 Find it hard to choose? Here are some of the best options this Easter.

Cadbury Twirl Orange Flavoured Extra thick egg filled with Chocolate Egg You Crack Me Up Easter Egg

Lindt Milk Chocolate Egg

Comes with Lindor Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs.

fun chocolate treats.

Large chocolate orange shell and two full-sized chocolate bars.

Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Egg

Montezuma’s Milk Chocolate Chick with Buttons Cute clucky chick and giant buttons.

White half-eggs sandwiched with caramel-milk chocolate.

KitKat Salted Caramel Giant Egg

Thorntons White Chocolate Bunny Egg

Marigold the Duck

Chocolate egg studded with chunks of hazelnut and Ferrero chocolates.

Caramel flavour egg, with bars of KitKat Chunky Salted Caramel Fudge.

20 March/April

With white chocolate and decorated with milk chocolate.

Caramayo Chocolate Easter Sandwich

Milk chocolate with naturally coloured yellow and white speckles.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Easter Holiday Camps Disney-inspired!

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston RAD BALLET

Free trial class

ISTD TAP, MODERN & JAZZ CONTEMPORARY PRE SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS & ADULTS

www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com

• • • • •

MUSICAL THEATRE DRAMA • PIANO SINGING • PLAYWRITING YOUTH THEATRE LAMDA, TRINITY AND ABRSM EXAMINATIONS

Classes in Hampton Hill & Twickenham Please call 07973 900196 or e: info@steponstageacademy.co.uk

www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

Build your child’s confidence through singing, drama and dance.

Small group so every child can shine and be heard!

AGES 5-11 9am 3.30pm

Filmed performance on final day Encanto: 4th - 7th April (4 days) Luca:

11th - 13th April (3 days)

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

020 8088 0113 SWL@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk

Fun & engaging NEW ballet classes for girls and boys age 4+ held Wednesdays & Saturdays in Weybridge

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FREE TRIAL classes available

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Call: 07455 336032

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

FootballFootba for childre fun 18 months -7

for children Classes a Ages 18mths to 7 yearsmultiple ven Classes available acrossElmbridge/S Elmbridge & Spelthorne Get in Find out more! northsurrey@littlek northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk 07880 07880 633885 Facebook “f ” Logo

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www.LittleKick LKFCNorthSurrey Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

facebook.com/LKFC

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March/April 21

CLUBS & CLASSES

Perform classes will build your child’s confidence Perform puts children’s social development at the heart of its weekly sessions for ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12. Using performing arts-based games and inspiring activities, classes are designed to boost confidence, build concentration, develop communication skills and hone co-ordination – and are brimming with fun and laughter too.

Run by professionally trained actors, dancers and singers, classes are small to ensure individual attention, with regular progress reports provided. Free apps, music downloads and dance videos support each theme, meaning the fun continues at home! But don’t just take Perform’s word for it, see what parents say HERE. ‘The beaming smile you see when Annabelle finishes a class is so wonderful to see. She has grown in confidence and thoroughly enjoys it.’

Katie Pashley Regardless of when children join in the term, they can still take part in the end of term performance.

Classes are for all abilities; just prepare your child for the best fun of the week!

Book a no-obligation FREE trial class in Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kew, Brentford, Isleworth, Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Kingston and Surbiton HERE, email or call 020 7255 9120.

22 March/April

***SPECIAL OFFER*** Perform is offering Families readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 31 March – just quote LUT310322

Just Play Band Club

- where future rockstars come to learn Immerse your child in a world of music at our professional recording studio in Addlestone.

All ages/beginners welcome.

Award winning teachers & small groups Fun engaging syllabus Gain confidence and musical skills for performance and graded exams Small groups Learn: Guitar, Drums, Piano, Vocals.

Individual lessons available To book a FREE TRIAL lesson and to tour our new premises email justplaymusicacademy@gmail.com www.justplaymusicacademy.co.uk

01932 689556 Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Learn to act, dance and sing at Stagecoach Chertsey!

‘All three of our children, 10, 8, and 4 love Stagecoach Chertsey. It is a wonderful environment that has given them the confidence to take on new challenges in all aspects of their lives.’

Stagecoach Chertsey Parent For twenty years, Stagecoach Chertsey has been providing performing arts classes for ages 4-6 (Early Stages) and 6-18 (Main Stages).

No audition is necessary and every child that joins is nurtured and encouraged. With a reputation for boosting confidence, fun and lively classes inspire children to develop creative courage and a broad range of life skills.

Children quickly make friends, enjoy becoming part of a team in class and when performing and become more imaginative, expressive, resilient and sociable.

Classes take place on Saturdays at St Anne’s School, Free Prae Road, Chertsey KT16 8ET. Early Stages (for ages 4-6) 9.30am to 11am or 2pm to 3.30pm

Handwriting Tutor ✓ Achieve clear and confident handwriting ✓ Neat handwriting is important in Exams ✓ Don’t lose marks unnecessarily!

Main Stages (for ages 6-18) 10am to 1pm or 2.30pm to 5.30pm Stagecoach Chertsey’s two week Try Outs are the perfect way to experience classes. To book, call 07725 176102, email or enrol HERE.

Two Smoby KS Slides to give away!

Worth £77.99 each Perfect for summer fun!

APPLY HERE

Mrs Cutler: 07521 554188 e: Info@handwritingsupport.co.uk BA(Hons) Languages . Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology Member of the National Handwriting Association . DAB checked

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Magazine

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March/April 23

WHAT’S ON

What’s on Head to Hever Castle this Easter!

Easter Duck Trail at London Wetland Centre

Make some special family memories this spring at Hever Castle.

Can you ‘quack the case’ this Easter and find the bright yellow ducks hiding around the London Wetland Centre?

Between 2 and 18 April, families can spot the Hever Bunny on the colourful carrot trail. And a chocolate reward (dairy-free alternatives available) awaits at the end of the Easter egg hunt.

Just discover the hidden eggs around the gardens!

From 2 to 18 April, pick up a trail card and join the Easter Duck trail.

There’s also the chance for children to get creative at free scratch art workshop.

Use your special detective skills to crack the clues and find the bright yellow, cheeky ducks hiding around the nature reserve.

Remember to look up as ducks like to perch and don’t forget to check the water!

Also enjoy the play areas, water maze and stunning gardens, in particular, a dazzling display of spring blooms from late daffodils to tulips.

London Wetland Centre is home to a wide variety of duck species, from the brightly coloured Mandarin to adorable whistling ducks.

Seasonal home cooked food and mouth-watering cakes available at the restaurant or bring a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the castle and grounds.

Enjoy loads of other activities at the London Wetland Centre too.

MORE HERE

MORE HERE

24 March/April

Drop into a Spotlight talk and/or otter feed on your visit.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

© National Trust 2022. Registered charity no. 205846. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson

2607-24-Easter-Ad-87x130mm-AW.indd 1

08/02/2022 17:22

Easter egg trails

with the National Trust 2-18 April (Dates vary at each property – please check the website)

at London Wetland

Centre

Enjoy an adventure in nature and collect your chocolate egg at the end.

SAT 2 - MON 18

APRIL

Visit Claremont Landscape Garden, Dapdune Wharf, the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hatchlands Park, Morden Hall Park, Polesden Lacey, Runnymede and Winkworth Arboretum.

Can you ‘quack the case’ this Easter and find the bright yellow ducks hiding around our wetlands!

For more information search WWT London

Familiesonline.co.uk ENG_LO_Easter2022_87x130mm_SW_families_ad_202202.indd 1

01/02/2022 14:44

For further details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey

March/April 25

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Every Sat & Sun Steam Train Rides at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway Train rides and picnic area open some Saturdays.

Booking required.

Tue 1 Mar-Sun 27 Mar Sense-ational Trees Family Trail at Morden Hall Park Children use their senses to interact with the trees in the park through touch, sight, sound and play.

Park Create a special present to take home for Mother’s Day. £5 per child.

Lost & Found at London Transport Museum

Fri 11 & 25 Mar Play:Make:Art at Orleans House Playful, creative environment to have fun exploring arts skills and techniques. Ages 2-5 years.

Chertsey to see how buildings and houses have changed throughout the years.

Sat & Sun 19-20 Mar & 23-24 Apr Steaming Weekend at Sat 12 Mar Storytelling in the Kempton Steam Museum Park at Morden Watch the unique Hall Park Sun 6 Mar & 3 and enormous A storyteller will Apr Let’s Get Creative be reading spring- ancient steam at Orleans House themed books. £5 engines in action. per child.

Join an artist to Sat & Sun 19-20 explore different Mar Sat 19 Mar themes and Spring Steam Bee Hotel techniques in Up at London Building at friendly, relaxed Marble Hill House Museum of Water environment. & Steam Learn about the Ages 4-11.

Discover the life of solitary fascinating world bees and how to Mon 7 Mar & 21 build and maintain of water and Mar steam. bee hotels.

Welly Walk at Marble Hill House Sat & Sun 19-20 Young Learn about the Mar, Fri 25-Sun Archaeology history of the house/park whilst Club at Chertsey 27 Mar Mum’s the Word under 5s splash in Museum at Morden Hall Join a walk around puddles.

26 March/April

Sat & Sun 26-27 Mar Mother’s Day Weekend at Hever Castle Free workshop for little ones to make a craft gift for mum. Pose for a family photo in the Mother’s Day Frame with the castle in the background or enjoy a special afternoon tea.

Sun 27 Mar Signs of Spring at Ham Lands Join a mindful walk to discover the first signs of spring or make some wildflower seed bombs.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Painshill Park Enjoy homemade scones, freshly made sandwiches and indulgent cakes with mum.

Booking required.

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Fri 1 Apr & 6 May Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for under 5s.

EASTER Fri 1 Apr-Tue 19 Apr Giant Egg Hunt at RHS Wisley Discover the enormous painted eggs hidden around the garden and join in planting or craft workshops.

Sat 2 Apr Quacky Races at Morden Hall Park Hire a plastic duck and race it down the river to see whose is fastest. £2 per duck.

card and crack the clues to find the bright yellow, cheeky ducks.

Lost & Found Easter Family Trail at London Transport Museum Follow the stamper trail route to discover the weird and wonderful world of London Transport’s Lost Property. Ages 3-12.

Goaall! at London Museum of Water & Steam Calling all sports fans! Join in themed family crafts, story times and run around with Brentford FC.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Kew Sat 2 Apr-Mon 18 Gardens Apr Experience the Easter Duck caterpillar’s Trail at London metamorphosis Wetland Centre as you journey Can you ‘quack the around the case’ this Easter gardens through and find the bright a series of 3D yellow ducks interactive hiding around installations.

WWT London Wetland Centre?

Pick up a trail Familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER ADVENTURES AT THE NATIONAL TRUST

Discover your local family-friendly trail with fun activities to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg at the end.

2-18 Apr Claremont Landscape Garden

6-18 Apr Morden Hall Park

15-18 Apr Dapdune Wharf

2-18 Apr Polesden Lacey

2-18 Apr Ham House

2-18 Apr Winkworth Arboretum

2-18 Apr Hatchlands Park

March/April 27

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 2 Apr-Mon 18 Apr The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace Find the Lindt gold bunny statues hidden in the gardens and collect a chocolate reward.

Ages 4-12.

a series of encounters with inhabitants past and present.

Tues 5 Apr-Fri 8 Apr Mask Making at Museum of Richmond Be inspired by the masks on display and the stories behind Easter Family Fun them. Create your at Hever Castle own characters Take part in for your own free activities performances including an (online workshop Easter egg hunt also available). with chocolate reward and Sat 9 Apr scratch art craft SEND Explorer workshop.

Event at London Transport Sat 2 Apr-Sun 24 Museum Apr Families can Easter Egg explore the Statue Trail at museum at a Painshill Park quieter time, free Giant, colourful from the general Easter eggs are public with many waiting to be gallery sounds found! Pre-book. switched off.

Sun 3 Apr Families in the Forest at Orleans House Interactive experience for families to explore the house and grounds through 28 March/April

Sun 10 Apr London Bus Museum Spring Gathering at Brooklands Museum Extensive display of 100s of buses, old and new, free

heritage bus trips and children’s activities.

Awesome Origami at Museum of Richmond Create your own model theatre set, inspired by the Orange Tree Theatre’s recent production of Pinocchio (online workshop also available).

Fri 15 Apr Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt at York House Twickenham Join the Mayor of Richmond for a fun Easter Egg Hunt around beautiful York House Gardens.

Egg Rolling at Box Hill Bring your decorated eggs for the annual egg rolling! Prizes awarded for best decorated eggs.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE DORKING HALLS Winter Pantomime – The Wizard of Oz 2 Apr Packed with brilliant dance routines, pop songs and audience participation.

Exciting Science 14 Apr Highly interactive show featuring plenty of amazing Fri 15 Apr-Mon 18 experiments. Ages Apr 4.+ Easter Adventures at G LIVE, Runnymede GUILDFORD Explore the countryside Crabby 9 Apr to discover A performance ten springplus a sensory themed boards, play session, this completing fun little tale explores activities as they anger, frustration progress. £3 per and tantrums. trail.

Ages 0-7.

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s Box of Flit Edie and the

THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE

WHAT’S ON

Lost and Found London Transport Museum

N22

Easter Holidays 2-18 April Discover the curious world of London Transport’s Lost Property Office.

LTM

Meet children’s authors Emily Rand and Kate Wilkinson on selected dates.

KIDS GO FREE

Book at ltmuseum.co.uk

2022.012_M_Easter Lost and Found_Print ad_Families Mag_180x130mm_AW.indd 1

16/02/2022 13:41

R O YA L A L B E R T H A L L P R E S E N T S

Fri 23 – Sun 25 Sep 2022 With the London Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ epic score live to picture.

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©1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY

March/April 29

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Plastic Drastic Fantastic 6 Apr-8 May New interactive Milkshake Live! dance show 23 Apr Plenty of laughter Oldilocks and the exploring Three Bears 19 our complex and fun for all to Mar relationship with enjoy. Ages 3+.

Live show packed plastic. Ages 7+.

THE EXCHANGE, full of puppetry, songs, games and The Emperor’s TWICKENHAM laughter. Ages 3-7. New Clothes 28 Apr-22 May Morgan & West: The Hug 26 Mar Hiccup Theatre Unbelievable A journey full spin music, Science 7 Apr of fun, laughter puppetry, BSL and Expect explosive and love and at storytelling into a thrills and very special yarn. chemical spills in the end, a very special hug from a Ages 3-8. this fun science puppet. Ages 2-8. extravaganza.

Ready, Steady, Ages 7+.

Jabala and the Go until 27 Mar Join Sofia and Teach Rex 10 Apr Jinn 2-9 Apr her mum as they Get up close and A funny and endearing story travel across personal with for the whole mountains and these fantastic, family. Ages 5-12. lakes, in a race realistic beasts. like no other. Ages Ages 3+.

POLKA 2-5.

Plundered 30 Apr THEATRE, WIMBLEDON RIVERHOUSE Set sail on a BARN ARTS swashbuckling How to Hide a CENTRE, environmental Lion 11 Mar-24 WALTON ON quest to battle a THAMES dastardly litterbug Apr Helen Stephens’ pirate. Ages 5-11. book comes to Kidocracy 26 Mar life with playful Interactive LITTLE LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH humour, dazzling show which puppetry and introduces very original songs. simple concepts Pebble on the Ages 3-6. of politics and Beach 12 Mar governing. Ages Lively mix of 6+. dancing, singing and puppetry CHILDREN’S THEATRE

30 March/April

magically transports you to a day at the seaside. Ages 3+.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON A Monster Calls, 24 Mar-9 Apr Olivier Awardwinning production offers dazzling insight into love, life and healing. Ages 10+.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, 12-16 Apr Join Jade on her pop musical journey to meet the original and incredible wonder woman. Ages 6+.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD The Gingerbread Man 30 Mar Enthralling tale to inspire your little one’s creative imagination.

Under 5s.

Wolf! 15- 16 Apr Join a magical adventure and find out what happens when Jack cries WOLF! Under 5s.

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TRAVEL

Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.

Lundy Island, Devon

Tenby, Wales

The journey to this showstopping island is an adventure!

The kids will love taking the ferry over from Ilfracombe. The name Lundy means puffin, the island’s most famous resident. Enjoy a back to nature holiday with just a handful of other inhabitants, staying in one of the historical properties. There’s even a lighthouse you can stay in!

Tenby is the perfect location for a family holiday but so often overlooked in favour of more traditional spots. Stunning sandy beaches are the major draw card but the town has a vibrant atmosphere, colourful cottages and an array of family-friendly eateries. There are also plenty of family attractions nearby.

Dungeness, Kent

Aberdeen, Scotland

Dungeness is a quiet settlement on Britain’s largest shingle beach. The well-known power station makes a great rainy-day activity and opportunity for kids to find out how electricity is generated. Surrounding it lies a beautiful nature reserve. Stay in a seaside property and take the narrow-gauge steam train out to Dymchurch and Hythe.

Perched on the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen has a beautiful sandy beach to one side and the striking mountains, the Cairngorms to the other. Take the trail of seventeen castles you can even stay the night in one! For activities, check out the busy harbour for boat-loving kids and don’t miss the Science Centre.

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March/April 31

TRAVEL

Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Bamburgh, Northumberland

In Northern Ireland’s lake district in the south-west of Northern Ireland, you’ll find beautiful accommodation options from a lodge on a private island to luxury camping. Kids will love the walk through the Marble Arch caves or enjoy taking a trip on the waterbus. A must-see is the medieval Enniskillen Castle.

Situated on a vast stretch of golden sand on the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh is a family holiday dream. The stunning Bamburgh castle sits imposingly above the beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Try surfing or windsurfing, or head to a local cafe for some freshly caught fish.

The Wye Valley

Cheshire

The Wye Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the River Wye running through it. The area offers a great family holiday with opportunities to try wild swimming, fishing or canoeing. Whether you fancy a log cabin with a hot tub or glamping with the kids, you’ll find plenty of choice.

With some great family-friendly attractions, enjoy Cheshire’s beautiful countryside or opt for a city break in Chester. For space lovers, there’s a new visitor centre at the observatory Jodrell Bank, kids will love Chester Zoo and everyone will enjoy the Ice Cream Farm, a theme park dedicated to ice cream!

32 March/April

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SPRING OUTDOORS

Spring make n’dos Enjoy nature and garden-themed activities with the kids - perfect to while away some hours at the weekend or during the school holidays!

Weave a nature loom

Make a spring sensory bin

Make a garden gnome

Spot early signs of spring

Grow potatoes in a tub

Make a butterfly feeder

Make easy pine cone hedgehog

Grow microgreens

Make simple garden wind chimes

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 33

SPRING OUTDOORS

Outdoor adventures Enjoy the great outdoors this spring and get the kids to try some of these great activities.

Try the string walk

Plant a tree

Join a fossil hunt

Take a family walk

Try orienteering

Make a stone cairn

Go pond dipping

Play Poohsticks

Go canoeing

34 March/April

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