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IN THIS ISSUE Exclusive interview with Jacqueline Wilson The best local Christmas events Unlock your child’s potential
with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.
CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 020 8773 4242
EPSOM 01737 669504
COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805
SUTTON 01372 272561
CROYDON 0845 265 7083
SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116
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.
Issue 83 November/December 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
Creative Courage For Life
familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders
Prep school located in Purley and South Croydon for Girls and Boys aged 2-13 Now accepting applications for September 2019. Limited spaces available for September 2018. Contact admissions@cumnorhouse.com 020 8 645 2614 | cumnorhouse.com
Build your child’s confidence and learning skills. Ages 5-16 years.
Call 0779 000 4416 or visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/centre/south-croydon to enquire or book an assessment.
OUTSTANDING 11+ RESULTS 2018 REGULAR
R Y U DA YO TO K O IAL BO TR EE
FR
OPEN MORNINGS For dates and to register please contact admissions@chinthurstschool.co.uk Part of the Reigate Grammar School family
Co-educational school for children aged 3-11 years Chinthurst School, Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5QZ chinthurstschool.co.uk I 01737 812011 admissions@chinthurstschool.co.uk
2 Families London Surrey Borders
@Chintschool facebook.com/ChinthurstSchool
Fun play based social skill activities; speaking and listening, managing feelings and much more. Classes are for 4-11 year olds. Monthly parent support groups provided.
GROUPS ARE SMALL SPACES ARE LIMITED CLASSES IN CROYDON For more details call 07591 205646 or email enquiries@artofgrowthcentre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
News & views London Surrey Borders Editor Tamar Pearson editor@families-LSB.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr Printer Print Mates 21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue Next issue January/February 2019 Booking deadline 3 December 2018 Cover Image Spillers Pantomines, Epsom & Ewell Burough Council and Epsom Playhouse Theatre present Jack and the Beanstalk
Editor’s note Wishing you a festive season filled with much merriments and contentment.
Tamar xx In this issue
Wild Gifts from Surrey Wildlife Trust! Give the gift of nature this Christmas by adopting a hedgehog with Surrey Wildlife Trust! Hedgehogs are in serious decline in the UK and are disappearing as fast as the tiger is globally. SWT are working hard to restore habitats for hedgehogs and other wildlife species on their reserves. Their animal adoptions make the perfect present for nature lovers and you will be contributing to their vital work to protect some of the county’s rarest wildlife and habitats. Adoption gift packs are just £25 and include an adorable soft toy, a personalised adoption certificate, a species factsheet, a photo and a sticker. The recipient will also receive two newsletters a year showing how your support is helping their work. (Otter and goat adoptions are also available from £25). Or how about giving your loved ones a family membership? From only £5 a month, children will receive their own regular magazine, handbook, stickers and posters. Family members can also take advantage of discounts on hundreds of events and activities, including their new holiday club, whilst enjoying access to beautiful SWT reserves all over the county. Make your Christmas gifts a little bit wilder this year and give nature on your doorstep a helping hand. For more information please visit: www.surreywildlifetrust.org.
Santa to your door Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline 020 8959 1045 or 07969 121094, email info@adamantsparties.co.uk or visit www. adamantsparties.co.uk
3. Christmas news 5. Education news 6. Childcare options for Christmas 8. Exclusive interview with Jaqueline Wilson 9. Christmas days out in London 10. Christmas with the National Trust 11. What’s on at Christmas 15. What’s on in November & December Families London Surrey Borders is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London Surrey Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London Surrey Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families London Surrey Borders; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Croydon Dad Creates TV Show to Sew Seed for generations to come Local first-time dad-to-be, Dom Williams was so dismayed hearing friends’ complaints about the children’s programmes they were forced to endure he wrote and made his own TV series, Sunny Bank Allotments. Sunny Bank Allotments is an animated pre-school series about a little boy and girl, Pippa and Barney and takes its name from the road in Croydon where Dom and his family live, although he has subsequently found out there are actually at least three places called Sunny Bank Allotments in the UK. The series consists of 12 x 11-minute episodes and 12 accompanying books. Details available at: www.Sunnybank.TV where the episodes can also be watched or the popular Kids Youtube Channel Wizz: www.youtube.com/c/wizz
A unique mobile miniature pig party with a difference
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We provide a unique, unforgettable experience where children and adults alike have an opportunity to interact with the pigs up close and personal, stroke, brush and feed them and even take them for a walk on a lead in a secure environment! Why not book your next Child’s Birthday Party, Christmas or any other Event with us?
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Birthday parties
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Weddings and Receptions
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Schools and Nurseries
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TV and Media
www.thepigfather.co.uk
Call 0208 914 8241 Families London Surrey Borders 3
Stagecoach Epsom student shines bright in Netflix’s Extinction Nominated ‘Best Young Actress’ at the 2017 Birmingham Film Festival for her performance in the short film ‘Belle and Bamber’, Amelia is no stranger to the big screen having starred in Limehouse Golem alongside Bill Nighy, Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Huntsman: Winter’s War to name a few. The filming schedule took 14-year-old Amelia to Serbia for 12 weeks, “I missed my family and friends, but I really had the best time filming Extinction. I love the acting lessons at Stagecoach and I learned so much from the other actors on set which I’ve already been applying to my performances since I’ve come home.” On Amelia’s success, Stagecoach Epsom School Principal, Rachel Crouch comments, “we are so proud of Amelia’s achievements – she works hard across all three disciplines at Stagecoach and is a great example to show other children what’s possible. We love seeing our talented students take to the stage and big screen…it means we’ve made a difference.” For more information about Stagecoach Epsom visit: www.stagecoach.co.uk/ epsom
Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12-16 November and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying. The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: the definition of respect, that bullying is a behavioural choice, that we can respectfully disagree with each other i.e. we don’t have to be best friends or always agree with each other, but we do have to show each other respect and that we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to face and online Students are being encouraged to wear odd socks to school on Monday 12 November to show their support and raise money for a good cause. To get involved, visit www.antibullyingalliance.org.uk
Two local Miniature Pig, Mikey and Sunny are the first in the UK to get there Mini Pig Therapy Pet Certification Programme The Pigfather, a local mobile Miniature Pig education, petting and therapy service are so excited to become the First in the UK to Train their Mini Pigs on the Mini Pig Therapy Pet Certification Programme accredited by the AMPA. Earlier this year, Mikey and Sunny, their two Miniature Piglets, entered the programme and passed with flying colours! The piglets learned to obey important commands such as “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Spin”, “Back” and be gentle when taking treats, which are essential for Therapy Work. They also mastered climbing small stairs and ramps as well as walk on a harness and lead. Becoming creative is another side of their Therapy Training – with their snouts and trotters the boys produced painting masterpieces, which are available to purchase online, as Unique Bespoke Gifts! Most importantly, Mikey and Sunny are comfortable around children, friendly, sociable and cuddly and have visited many Piggy-Themed parties, Events and Shows and have even been filmed for commercial campaigns! For more information on all the services that The Pigfather offer visit www.thepigfather.co.uk
Talking to young children about war this Remembrance Day Remembrance Day this year will be on Sunday 11 November and will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting during the First World War in 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Accordingly, you can expect that there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this significant commemoration and your child may be prompted to ask you questions. Discussing war with children can be quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience. The 2-minute film follows a bunny who starts off playing in a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 battlefield. The film can be viewed at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies
South East in Bloom judges hail Hever Castle as one of the “finest gardens in the UK” The 125 acres of glories grounds at Hever Castle and Gardens have been awarded a prestigious Gold medal by The South & South East in Bloom gardens. There was praise for the gardens and for the team itself, especially head gardener Neil Miller: “An excellent relationship among the team is evident, agreeing on seasonal displays, maintenance programmes and passionate work ethic under the leadership of Head Gardener Neil Miller. Excellent gardens for all the family and enthusiasts to enjoy.” A visit to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I, will leave you and your family enchanted in the 700 years of history of the double moated 13th century Castle and surrounding gardens. For more information, ticket prices and event details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk
New Nursery Coming To Croydon! We care for children aged 6 months to 5 years Contact Vinnette on 07538949908 to register for a place Humble Bees Day Nursery, Oasis House, 5-9 Peall Road, Croydon, CR0 3EX
Banstead, Ewell, Claygate and Esher E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223309 Dorking, Fetcham, Walton on the Hill, Ashtead and South Epsom E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8432 0811
4 Families London Surrey Borders
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Education news
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Some open events require advance booking. Please call the school to check.
An exciting new approach to childcare is coming to Croydon! Humble Bees Nursery aim to provide a high quality, stimulating, safe and exciting nursery experiences, where children are the centre of everything that takes place in the nursery. Humble Bees Nursery prides itself on demonstrating that they are more than a babysitting facility, and are if fact an extension of the family, giving parents confidence that their child is their utmost priority. Nursery leader, Vinnette Reitte is an expert in her field and has worked in childcare since the early 1980s as a childminder, progressing through to Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) and for the past 18 years as a nursery manager. Humble Bees Nursery care for children aged 6 months to 5 years Humble Bees Day Nursery, Oasis House,5-9 Peall Road, Croydon CR0 3EX. For more information or to register your interest contact Nursery Manager, Vinnette on 07538949908.
Year 5 pupils at Chinthurst can benefit from an early offer entrance arrangement to RGS
Banstead Prep 16 Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 363601 I www.Bansteadprep.com Open Morning - Mon 19 Nov Chinthurst School Tadworth, KT20 5AP 01737 812 011 I www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Co-educational day school. 3–11 years Open Morning – Thu 15 Nov, 10.30am Cumnor House & Tree Tops Nursery Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery 168 Pampisford Rd, South Croydon, CR2 6DA 020 8660 3445 I www.cumnorhouse.com Independent day school for boys. 2–13 years Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery 1 Woodcote Ln, Purley, CR8 3HB 020 8668 0050 I www.cumnorhouse.com Independent day school for girls. 2–13 years Daily tours of each nursery take place from 9.30 – 10.15am. To arrange a tour at either Purley or South Croydon, contact the admissions team.
Chinthurst is a vibrant co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11 providing strong academics and excellent sport, music and drama. Chinthurst is part of the Reigate Grammar School (RGS) family and children in Year 5 can benefit from an early offer entrance arrangement to RGS.
Downsend School (Pre/Preps) Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom 01372 372311 I www.downsend.co.uk Whole School Open Morning, Fri 16 Nov
For our youngest children, a spacious, newly renovated nursery provides a warm and nurturing environment, laying the essential foundations for a happy school life. Outdoor learning and a regular Forest School encourage them to explore their environment and to enjoy being out in the fresh air. As children progress through the school their individual progress is monitored and encouraged to ensure they reach their potential.
Elmhurst School for Boys, and Little Elms Nursery 44-48 S Park Hill Rd, South Croydon, CR2 7DW 020 8688 0661 I www.elmhurstschool.net Nursery and Reception Taster Morning, Sat 10 Nov, 10am – 11am
For more information about Chinthurst please visit: www.chinthurstschool.co.uk
Compulsory Relationship and Sex Education Relationship and health education will become compulsory for school children from September 2020, the Government has announced. Under the proposals, all pupils will study compulsory health education and new reformed relationship education in primary school, as well as and relationship and sex education in secondary school. Teachers will talk to primary school pupils in an age appropriate way about the features of healthy friendships, family relationships and other relationships they are likely to encounter. At secondary school, teachers will build on the foundation of relationships education in primary school and, at the appropriate time, extend teaching to include intimate relationships as well. At both primary and secondary, pupils will learn about staying safe online and how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Classes will also cover physical health, such as the importance of exercise and healthy eating, as well as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how it contributes towards the prevention of health problems.
Essendene Lodge Caterham, CR3 5PB 018 8334 8349 I www.essendenelodge.co.uk Open Morning - Thu 22 Nov, 9.30am-11.30am Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 www.ewellcastle.co.uk Open Morning – Thurs 8 Nov, 9–10.30am Homefield Preparatory Sutton, SM1 2TE 020 8642 0965 I www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Open Morning – Thu 22 Nov, 9.20am To reserve your place, call us on 020 8642 2332. St Christopher’s School Epsom, KT18 5HE 01372 721807 I www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Open Mornings are held termly. Please contact the school for more information.
More information can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications
After School Nannies – Franchise Opportunities At After School Nannies, not surprisingly, we’re passionate about after school care. Managed well there’s no limit to what we adults can help our children achieve in those hours out of school! We all want the best for our children – particularly when we can’t be there to give it to them ourselves. It’s no secret that after school nannies don’t grow on trees but we’ve spent over fifteen years sourcing excellent candidates for thousands of families across South West London. We know where to look and what qualities make the best candidates. Our world may have changed considerably since 2003 when we were founded, but the needs of children at the end of the school day remain the same as they have been for longer than we’ve been in business. Our challenge now is to expand our provision. To enable more families to try our particular brand of after school care – because it works. Time and again, tried and tested. This is why we’re launching our long-awaited Franchise programme, initially reaching out to the rest of London and the Home Counties and then, well, “watch this space”… Or better still, join us! familiesonline.co.uk
The Lotus Practice Now offering baby massage and yoga!
ü Cranio-sacral therapy ü Baby Massage Courses ü Baby Yoga Courses Baby massage is relaxing and enjoyable for both mum and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby with quality time that’s fun.
) 07956442223 : thelotus@hotmail.co.uk 8 www.thelotuspractice.com Families London Surrey Borders 5
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
Families LSB Magazine is looking for distributors in Carshalton, Sutton and Cheam areas to start in November. If you have a car, a few hours to spare every two months, are reliable and want to earn some extra money contact:
Childcare Strategies for the Christmas Holidays
Tamar on
Mrs Manjit Shah Director of Buttons Nanny Agency
editor@families-lsb.co.uk
With Christmas coming up, work parties, dinners and get togethers increase and we end up committing ourselves to all such events. If you are a parent, the real dilemma is planning childcare to allow you to attend such events.
07947 535986 or email:
•
Plan Ahead
When events come up, we tend to pop them in the diary and think we will sort out provisions at a later date. WRONG. Christmas is the busiest time as good babysitters are in demand and get booked fast. As soon as you have your event confirmed its time to think of the options you have available and secure them in your diary.
Specialising in Baby Swimming, Pre-school Swimmers and Toddlers • Warm pools • Small classes Call 0208 947 2149 or email info@waterlifeswimschool.com @Waterlifeswim Waterlife Swimschool_Flyer2018-A5.indd 1
14/05/2018 12:39
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Childcare Options
Family Family are a great option as your children will be familiar with them, which gives you added peace of mind. It’s a low/no cost option which makes it appeal, however you need to book in advance to ensure they can take care of your children at the specific date and time you require. Another issue is that for some, you may be time conscious and not want to stay out too late.
Babysitters Babysitters are hugely in demand at this time of the year. If you find yourself in a situation with no childcare, then hire a babysitter. If your usual babysitter is booked then, try calling friends who are also parents as they too will have a few trustworthy babysitters’ numbers handy. If this fails, then try contacting a babysitting or nanny agency as they can assist you in finding a qualified childcare professional. All nannies have valid police check (DBS) undertaken against themselves and have a valid Paediatric First Certificate in place. References can also be contacted and make sure you see such documentation for your personal assurance.
•
Playdates/Sleepover
If you have very good friends, then sharing the childcare between two families is a great way of helping each other out. The children would know each other and feel comfortable at the prospect of staying at their friend’s house and you know the other family well to know the kids would be taken care off. It’s a low-cost option and means you aren’t time pressed to return home at a set time. It does mean you have to return the favour and may end up having double the amount of children to care for at some point – but it’s all good fun and the kids would enjoy it. www.buttonsnannyagency.com 55x70_alison.qxp_Layout 9 25/08/2016 10:52 Pa
For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy
Birthday Parties Too!
Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation Walkers to 2 years music, movement and motor development 2 to 4 years dance, musicality and beat competency
Classes in Croydon & surrounding areas Call Alison on 020 8407 1726 or email: alison.storey@madacademy.com
madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!
6 Families London Surrey Borders
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SUTTON HIGH STREET
Elf TakEOvER
& Christmas Lights switCh On
DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 40,000+ PARENTS? Families LSB Magazine can help promote your business to over 40,000 parents in the local area. We are running a clubs & classes and an Early Years feature in our January/February issue. The booking deadline is 3 December.
saturday 24th nOvember 2018 11am – 7pm
• Christmas Lights switCh On at 6.30Pm • santa’s arrivaL • ELf hunt • PuPPEt PantOmimE • igLOO wOndErLand • POP uP and main stagE PErfOrmanCEs • CELEbrity sPECiaL guEst
To be included contact:
Tamar on
07947 535986 or email:
editor@families-lsb.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
@Enjoysutton for further details SS_XMAS 18_A4 TIME & LEISURE AD_PRINT.indd 1
www.successfulsutton.co.uk 11/10/18 12:50:49
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Dame Jacqueline Wilson is arguably Britain’s favourite contemporary children’s author. She has over one hundred published books to her name, most of which deal with the often troubling and unvarnished realities of being a real-life child or parent. First published in 1991, Tracy Beaker quickly became Jacqueline’s most wellknown character. Now, over a decade after her last literary appearance, the fiery, former foster-kid is back in new book, My Mum Tracy Beaker, and while she’s now mature and mother to Jess, she’s still the same Tracy readers know and love. Families Magazine is lucky enough to have secured an exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson in which our readers and their children ask her some of their most burning questions about her new book and her life as a writer. Why do you think Tracy is one of your most popular characters? Harbinder, age 7, Croydon I think because she’s naughty! She has reason for her bad behaviour, of course, and she’s naughty but she’s not spiteful, she’s funny. I think she’s a character that children would like as a friend - I’m not sure about adults, I think a little of her as a child goes a long way! How have you made the grown-up Tracy as appealing to children as Tracy, the child? Lily’s mum, Leeds I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, but mischievous. She’s quite surprising - she might suddenly do something a bit mad, or a bit silly. I think being a mum has slightly changed her because she’s a very loving, caring mum, Is Tracy’s daughter the same or different to Tracy? Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury They certainly look alike, but Jess is a quieter girl, partly because she has had a much easier, more loving, caring upbringing than Tracy herself had. Jess is probably more studious, and more of a bookworm, but when push comes to shove Jess can certainly stand up for herself too.
8 Families London Surrey Borders
exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson Did you and illustrator, Nick Sharratt, disagree at all about how Tracy and her daughter should be drawn? Rosie, age 9, Twickenham I mostly leave it to him, and certainly I think he has done Jess wonderfully. He suggested that Jess might wear glasses, which I thought was a very clever touch because it gives them that little bit of difference, and also Jess is a total bookworm and it just looks right for her to be wearing her little glasses. I was very pleased with that addition. What’s been the highlight for you of being the Children’s Laureate? Emma’s mum, Portsmouth It gave me a chance to speak to lots of children and teachers and librarians, and the particular thing I wanted to promote was reading aloud to children. Because right from when they are one year old, any child likes to sit on a lap and hear the simplest of stories, and I also suggested that even when your child has learned to read, sometimes it’s fun to read aloud a book that they might not necessarily tackle themselves because it’s a bit difficult to get into, or the vocabulary is quite hard, but they would love to listen to the story. If they are doing colouring, or building something, or just petting the dog or whatever, or at bedtime, children do still like to be read to aloud. Your books depict real children’s real lives and challenges in a way that few others do – how do you get inside the heads of your characters? Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow Bizarrely, I can remember very vividly what it is like to be a child. I mean, ask me what happened or how I felt about something a couple of years ago and my mind is a complete blank, but ask me what I was worried about when I was nine, say, and I remember entirely. It’s just a happy trick of nature that I can take myself back. What advice would you give to aspiring writers, young or old? Amaya’s mum, Harrow I always suggest aspiring writers read lots to enrich their imagination and increase their vocabulary and try and get into a regular writing habit. Maybe keep a diary - just so you learn to write even when you don’t feel like it!
When did you first become a writer? Emily, age 10, Sevenoaks Well, by the time I was fifteen I had written what was - at least in length - a full book. It wasn’t very good though! It was about two sisters, Margot was about fifteen, the narrator, and the sister was about eighteen. They had a car and went on a drive through France and Spain and got boyfriends! It wasn’t the most inspiring work! How do you select names for your characters? Readers at the Chatterbook Group, Ringwood Library, Dorset I like to try and have slightly unusual names, and if they are pertinent to the story that pleases me - for my identical twins in my book Double Act, I had them called Ruby and Garnet because they are both red jewel stones. For The Illustrated Mum, the mother Marigold has a great passion for tattoos and has called her girls the rather outlandish names of Star and Dolphin, simply because they are very popular tattoo icons. With Tracy I wanted a quirky, bouncy modern name - and with Hetty Feather, Hetty is an old-fashioned name and Feather because she’s light as a feather! My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday
WIN - Families LSB has a copy of My Mum Tracy Beaker for one lucky Jacqueline Wilson fan Email the answer to the following question to editor@families-lsb.co.uk by 1 December. 2018. Winner will be contacted via email in early December. What year was Tracey Beaker first published? familiesonline.co.uk
Thur 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm Rumpelstiltskin Rumpelstiltskin is full of twists and turns and is a whole new spin on a heart of gold that will delight the whole family. 8+
Our top 10 things to do in London this Christmas
Wed 19 Dec - Sat 5 Jan Circus 1903 Brought to you by the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse. Circus 1903 is a stunningly created show with larger-than-life puppet elephants and jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe.
1 Christmas at the Zoo
7 See a puppet show
Thu 22 Nov – Tues 1 Jan ZSL London Zoo Nearest Tube, Camden. NW1 4RY www.zsl.org Get ready for stunning seasonal sparkle as Christmas comes to ZSL London Zoo like never before. Discover their historic site and iconic buildings as a one-mile illuminated pathway winds its way through the Zoo in a magical after-dark experience where fairy-tale meets fantasy and larger-than-life, illuminated wild animal sculptures rise high into the night sky.
Puppet Theatre Barge Nearest Tube, Warwick Ave. Blomfield Road (opposite 35) W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com The Puppet Theatre Barge is a unique, fifty-seat marionette theatre on a converted barge in London, presenting delightful puppet shows for children and adult alike. To 18 Nov The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. Sat 1 Dec -Sun 31 Dec Mr Rabbit meets Brer Santa.
2 Get your skates on To Sun 6 Jan Natural History Museum Ice Rink Nearest Tube, South Kensington. SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk The Museum’s east lawn will be transformed once again into a magical setting complete with thousands of fairy lights adorning the nearby trees, a fairground carousel and café bar. Fri 23 Nov – Sun 6 Jan Tower of London Ice Rink Nearest Tube, Tower Hill. EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Skate in the shadow of the Tower and the Thames.
3 Outdoor ice rinks in London Lumino City Ice Rink Canary Wharf www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Canary Wharf Ice Rink - London’s 5-star Ice Rink www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
8 Go to the Opera
5 Hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride
Sat 8- Sun 9 & Sat 15-Sun 16 Dec WWT London Wetlands Centre Nearest stop, Barnes Rail Station. SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk/london Get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland Centre’s wonderful winter weekends. Children will be thrilled to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride or donkey ride and visit Santa in his magical grotto. Head over to their northern pine forest; Father Christmas will be ready to welcome families in his cosy grotto among the trees (tickets to see Santa must be pre-booked). Plus, the elves are a little behind schedule this year, so Father Christmas needs some extra helpers to make enough presents in time for Christmas. Create festive decorations and small gifts to take home.
4 Go to the museum
Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec Museum of London Docklands Nearest Tube, Mile End. E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands Experience their Sailor town gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. Find Santa in his grotto and receive a festive gift.
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Wed 26 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Disney on Ice The O2 Arena Nearest Tube, North Greenwich. SE10 0DX www.disneyonice.com High-flying jumps, breath-taking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget.
9 Go to the Theatre Fri 23 Nov – Sun 13 Jan Lyric Theatre Nearest Tube, Piccadilly Circus, WC2H 8DP www.tallstories.org.uk/room-on-the-broom Room on the Broom Live. Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up in the Olivier Award nominated show.
Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink
Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec Museum of London Nearest Tube, Barbican. EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Take a stroll through a twinkling Victorian Walk, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of carols in the distance, and discover Santa in his secret grotto.
Mon 3 Dec – Tues 15 Jan Royal Opera House Nearest Tube, Covent Garden. WC2E 9DD ww.roh.org.uk The Nutcracker. A Christmas treat for the whole family and a classic with a special place in the hearts of ballet fans around the world.
6 Visit the Southbank Centre
10 See the lights
Fri 9 Nov - Sun 6 Jan Southbank Centre Nearest Tubes, Waterloo and Embankment, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on Winter at Southbank Centre returns this year with an abundance of festive fun and entertainment for the whole family. Hare a just a few of our favourites. Sun 2 Dec, 11am Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Creators of children’s classics including The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler present a festive sing-along show for families – with songs, stories and live drawing.
At Christmas London sparkles with magnificent Christmas lights. Here are our top 8 Christmas lights displays which happen every year. • • • • • • • •
Carnaby Christmas lights Oxford Street Christmas lights Regent Street Christmas lights Covent Garden Christmas lights Piccadilly Christmas lights Bond Street Christmas lights Shard Lights: Christmas lights show South Bank Christmas lights Families London Surrey Borders 9
What’s On
at The National Trust this Christmas Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Fri 30 Nov, 7pm-9pm Traditions of Christmas Dinner Sit down for a sumptuous, threecourse Victorian Christmas meal and dinner talk. £40. Every Sat & Sun from 24 Nov-16 Dec, 10am-5pm Visit Father Christmas Visit Father Christmas and his elves in an enchanted grotto and receive a present. £10 per child. Thu 29 Nov & Thu 6 Dec, 11am1pm & 2pm-4pm Wreath making with natural materials Craft your own wreath under the expert eye of local florist, Catherine Hall. £55. Thu & Fri- 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 Dec. 10am-3.30pm Festive carriage rides For the first time, see the park from a cosy vintage tram pulled by heavy horses. Wrap up with a mulled wine/hot choc and mince pie/shortbread. £18 adult/£13 child/ £40 family. Polsden Lacey Dorking RH5 6BB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey Fri 30 Nov – Sun 23 Dec & Thu 27 Dec–Thu 3 Jan 1930s Christmas party Get into the festive spirit by enjoying the sights, sounds and aromas of a sparkling 1930s Christmas party. Plus: Father Christmas has had to nip back to the North Pole but look for signs of him and his helpers throughout the grounds. Every weekend in Dec until Christmas Festive sleigh rides Wrap up warm and hop on a horse drawn sleigh ride £3 per adult, £2 per child Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden Tue 4 Dec, 10.30am-12.45pm & 1.45pm-4pm Wreath making workshop Using local natural materials. Create a gorgeous wreath to decorate your home. NAA + £30 per person. BE. 10 Families London Surrey Borders
Sat 8 – Sun 23 Dec, 10am-3pm Rescue Rudolph trail Rudolph is lost in our garden; can you find him and help him get home in time for Christmas? NAA + £1 per trail. Tue 18 Dec, 11am-12.30pm Coniferous Christmas walk Join our friendly guide Hilary and get into the Christmas spirit. Free walk. NAA
+ £5 per child Every weekend in Dec plus, 26, 27, 28 Dec, 11am-3pm Victorian Carousel The carousel with its galloping horses has entertained crowds at fairgrounds since the reign of Queen Victoria. This Christmas you too can step back in time and enjoy a ride in Hatchlands’ very own Victorian courtyard. Sun 16 Dec, 12pm & 2pm Family Christmas Carols Enjoy informal family carols and
readings in the Music Room. Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20. Sat 1 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, 10am-4pm. Lost in a Book: A Georgian Christmas Trail Pick up a trail sheet from reception and discover the story of Gulliver’s Travels. On your journey, discover tiny Lilliputian houses and ships, learn some Georgian Christmas traditions, and you might even find out the correct way to eat a boiled egg. NAA
Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec, 11am12.45pm & 1pm-2pm Santa Paws Dogs deserve Christmas treats too. Bring your furry friend to meet Santa Paws and they’ll receive a festive biscuit. NAA + £2 per dog (min donation). Winkworth Arboretum Godalming GU8 4AD 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum Sun 11, 18 & 25 Nov Sun 2 & Fri 7 Dec, 11am-1pm Wreath making Make a beautiful traditional Christmas wreath with materials collected from the Arboretum. NAA + £30 per wreath. BE. Sun 2 Dec, 2pm-3.30pm Festive table decoration making Bring the whole family to make a traditional table decoration with materials collected from the Arboretum. NAA + £10 per table decoration.
Experience a magical Christmas
Sat 8 – Sun 23 Dec, 10am-3pm Mince pie hunt Winkworth is a winter wonderland, waiting to be explored. Discover the hidden clues and win a voucher for a free mince pie when you buy a hot drink from our tearoom. NAA + £3 per trail.
Enjoy festive fun at Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden, Winkworth Arboretum and Polesden Lacey. Follow the winter trails, enjoy wreath making and visit Father Christmas.
Hatchlands Park East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT 01483 44433 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park Every weekend in Dec Meet Father Christmas Book your slot to meet Father Christmas in his cosy vintage living room and receive a small gift. NAA + £5 per child Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec Meet Mrs Christmas Back by popular demand, Mrs Christmas makes a return visit to Hatchlands. Book your slot to meet her in her cosy vintage living room and receive a small gift. NAA
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© National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\National Trust Images/Tom Soper. familiesonline.co.uk
Christmas events Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families London-Surrey Borders!
Sat 24 – Sun 25 Nov & Sat 1 – Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Centrale Shopping Centre Ground Floor Mall, Centrale Shopping Centre Visit Santa at his Toy Workshop Grotto just outside House of Fraser. Sat 24 Nov, 12pm - 4pm The Children’s Trust Christmas Fair The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, KT20 5RU www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ christmas-fair Get into the Christmas spirit early this year by coming along to the Children’s Trust Christmas Fair. Wed – Sun from 24 Nov – 9 Dec & daily, 10 Dec - 24 Dec Revel in traditional Christmas at Hever Castle and Gardens Kent, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk Hever Castle will be playing homage to traditional Christmas tales this Christmas. Ride the carousel and enjoy vintage fairground stalls, roast chestnuts and the chance to meet characters along the trail.
Tues 13 Nov, 10.30am Christmas Willow Decorations Leithe Hill Place, Leith Hill Lane, RH5 6 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hillplace Learn how to make beautiful Christmas decorations from natural willow, including stars and trees. All materials are included. BE. Thu 15 Nov, 16.30pm – 18.45pm Croydon’s Christmas Launch Night North End, Croydon www.checkoutcroydon.com/ christmas-unwrapped-croydon The festive season starts with a double bill of entertainment with the switch on of Croydon’s Christmas lights simultaneously across the town centre with our special guests, PJ Masks, who are loved the world over. Thu 15 Nov & Fri 7 Dec, 6pm - 8pm Morden Hall Park Garden Centre ‘Lates’ Morden Hall Park, Morden, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Be inspired and do all your Christmas shopping in this one-stop-shop. Sat 17 Nov & Sun 18 Nov Garsons of Esher Christmas Food Festival Garsons, Esher, KT10 8LS www.Garsons.co.uk A two-day Christmas Food Market that will bring a flavour-packed start to the festive season showcasing the best local produce Surrey has to offer. 50p Children free. Sat 17 Nov, 10am – 3pm Glyn School Christmas Fayre Glyn School, Ewell, KT17 1NB A Variety of Christmas, Gift & Craft stalls, raffle, tombola’s and more. Sat 17 Nov – Thu 1 Jan Animated Christmas Displays and Stamp Worksheet Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, Wallington, SM5 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com Follow the trail of magical animated displays and help Santa find some lost presents. Free Sat 17 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Lapland UK Nr Ascot, Berkshire www.laplanduk.co.uk An original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of familiesonline.co.uk
unprecedented scale and quality. Sat 17 Nov 6pm-8.30pm Fire Walk at the Festival of Fire The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, KT20 5RU www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk Support some very brave children and sign up for the sponsored Fire Walk at the Festival of Fire, or come along to watch and enjoy a great festive day out. Sat 17 Nov- Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries 4a Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, SM5 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com See Santa’s reindeer taking a rest at Woodcote Green before they fly out on Christmas Eve before meeting Santa in his cosy cabin. Reindeers are free to view. Grotto charged do apply. Tues 20 Nov – Sat 1 Dec Nonsuch Craft Group Annual Fair Bourne Hall, Ewell, KT171UF A great event to finish all your Christmas gift shopping. All items on sale are hand crafted locally. Thu 22 Nov – Sun 9 Dec, 10am – 6pm Croydon’s Christmas Market North End, Croydon www.checkoutcroydon.com/ christmas-unwrapped-croydon Croydon’s Christmas market will offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for great Christmas gift ideas, searching for a great shopping trip or just want to relax and get away from the Christmas hustle and bustle. Thu 22 Nov – Tues 5 Jan Christmas at Kew Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB www.kew.org/christmas This Christmas, Kew Gardens will once again transform into a magical after dark explosion of festive colour, as visitors embark on an illuminated trail inspired by the Gardens themselves.
Sat 24 Nov & Sun 25 Nov Priory Farm Christmas Food Festival Sandy Ln, Redhill, RH1 4EJ www.prioryfarm.co.uk Priory Farm Christmas Food Festival has become a firm fixture on the foodie calendar and this year’s event is set to sparkle brighter than ever. Free.
Every Sat & Sun in Dec before Christmas Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure Godstone Farm, Godstone RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Celebrate this wonderful time of the year with us, let little ones explore our scenic walkthrough with our friendly elves and take part in Christmas crafts before meeting the man himself! Watch small eyes light up as each child receives a marvellous present from our toyshop and then the adventures continue with decorating delicious gingerbread and listening to our merry story time. Our quiz, Wiglet’s Present Pandemonium runs every day through December and so does our Christmas Tractor Ride! Visits to see Father Christmas are limited and must advance, so book early to avoid disappointment.
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Sat 24 Nov – Sun 15 Dec, 10am – 5pm Igloo Wonderland Times Square Shopping Centre, SM1 1LF www.enjoysutton.co.uk The fantastic igloo wonderland offers a unique and fully immersive
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Sat 24 Nov – Sun 24 Dec The Tulleys Family Christmas Experience Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH10 4PE www.tulleysfarm.com Bring your family to enjoy a magical and unique Christmas experience for all ages!
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WWT reg. charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410
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Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec, 10am-12noon & 1pm-3pm Christmas in the Woods At Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/families Join Surrey Wildlife Trust in their search for Father Christmas on a wintery walk through the woodland. Get hands on and enjoy some Christmassy crafts and treats. Booking essential: Members adult £2, child £10; non-members adults £3, children £15. Thu 22 Nov - Mon 24 Dec Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Children will love to hop on board the Santa Express to his magical and traditional hay barn workshop. Once inside, each child will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift! Children can also meet the baby lambs, complete the fun Christmas trail and get creative in the festive craft corner. Plus, experience a ‘white Christmas’ in the giant snow globe and enjoy endless amounts of indoor play. Great fun for all the family! Visit bockettsfarm.co.uk for times and availability and to buy your tickets in advance.
Sat 1 Dec Carshalton Frost Fair Honeywood Walk, SM5 3NX www.ecolocal.org.uk/highlight/ carshalton-frost-fair Fun, family event with a varied range of tasty treats, local craft stalls, hog roast & seasonal food with bar & warming drinks.
experience for all ages. Watch one of the several films available, experience virtual reality, have your picture taken in the snow globe and grab a refreshment or a unique Christmas gift.
25 Nov, 1 Dec – 16 Dec & 21 – 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Priory Farm Nursery South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 4EJ www.prioryfarmnursery.co.uk Come along and visit Priory Farm Nursery where you will be enchanted by the magical Grotto and taken through the snowy wonderland to meet Santa in his cosy log cabin.
Fri 30 Nov – Sun 2 Dec Horniman Christmas Market Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Join in for some festive Christmas shopping as the Museum is filled with stalls and products by independent sellers, local designers and makers. Free.
Sat 24 Nov, 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Free Elf Pantomime The Elf Marquee, Sutton Town Centre Stage, SM1 www.enjoysutton.co.uk Join Elvis the Elf on his adventure through Pantoland to retrieve the missing spells and save Christmas! With crazy characters and plenty of panto laughs this puppet show is lots of family festive fun!
Mon 26 Nov – Fri 21 Dec (Mon – Fri) Storytelling at the Castle Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle Father Christmas and Mrs Claus will be hosting storytelling sessions in the Old Castle.Children can take part in the Noah’s Ark trail as they venture down through the garden to see them.
Sat 1-Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 Dec-Wed 2 Jan Emmetts Christmas present trail Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6AY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden Children can run off some energy exploring the garden looking for the Christmas presents hidden under decorated trees.
Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Chessington Garden Centre Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NG www.events. chessingtongardencentre.co.uk Your complete Christmas Wonderland experience at Chessington Garden Centre will involve a craft workshop, two photo opportunities, plus your meet and greet with Father Christmas.
Mon 26 Nov & Sun 10 Dec, 5 – 8pm Late Night Shopping and Christmas Craft Fair Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Original gifts, music, carolling, free mulled wine and mince pies!
Sat 1 Dec -Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 DecTue 1 Jan Christmas at Ightham Mote Mote Rd, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote Annual Christmas mini-market, where a range of local producers will be selling their wares and the man in a red coat is rumoured to be making a visit.
Sat 24 Nov – Sun 23 Dec, 5-8pm timed slots Festive Illuminations Painshill, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk See Painshill landscape garden transformed with twinkling colourful lights and laser beams. The winter festivities continue under the stars with a live band, food stalls and a marshmallow camp fire. Sun 25 Nov, and every weekend before Christmas in Dec Christmas at Birdworld Birdworld, Farnham, GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk/christmas Visit Birdworld to meet Santa’s reindeer and some of their friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. Sun 25 Nov & weekends before Christmas in Dec, 10am – 4pm Denbies Santa’s Cellar Grotto Denbies Wine Estate Ltd. Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk You will receive a warm welcome from Elves, go on a train ride followed by a visit to see Santa! 12 Families London Surrey Borders
Wed 28 Nov – Sun 23 Dec Meet Santa RHS Garden Wisley Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/ whats-on/Santa-at-Wisley For a magical day out, come and meet Santa at RHS Garden Wisley this festive season. On selected dates you can also decorate delicious gingerbread to take home. up to the day before Thu, 29 Nov, 5pm – 8pm Banstead Christmas Community Event High Street, Banstead, SM7 2 www.facebook.com/ BansteadChristmasCommunityEvent Father Christmas, Street entertainment, kids treasure hunt and more fun for the whole family. Fri 30 Nov & Sat 1 Dec, 10am – 1pm Wreath Making Workshop Leithe Hill Place, Leith Hill Lane, RH5 6 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hillplace Join Leith Hill Place for a wreath making workshop and make a beautiful festive wreath to take home. Booking essential.
Sat 1-Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 DecWed 2 Jan Knole House Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole The magnificent Great Hall will be decorated for Christmas for the first time this year showing it in all its glory with a fire. Sat 1 Dec – Wed 2 Jan Christmas Glow RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season with the Jigantics light installation around the garden which blooms with magical giant illuminated flowers. Also, don’t miss the stunning Glasshouse display. Sat 1 Dec, 1pm-4pm Winter Wonderland Trail Sutton Ecology Centre, Carshalton, SM5 3NY www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ events Someone’s stolen Santa’s sack … how are we going to get it back? Follow the animal clues and explore the delights of Sutton Ecology Centre to find Santa’s missing sack of toys. £4.50. Drop in. Sat 1 Dec – Mon 24 Dec See Santa at the Llama Park Wych Cross, East Sussex, RH18 5JN www.llamapark.co.uk Free Entry to The Llama Park to see the animals is included when you buy a ticket for Santa’s Grotto.
22rd November - 24th December 2018
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy a fantastic festive family day out with a visit to meet Father Christmas in his magical haybarn workshop!
Just £9.50 per child in addition to farm entry cost
ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk. Book early to avoid disappointment!
PLUS: Heated indoor play barn, newborn lambs, giant snow globe, Christmas trail and festive craft corner! D AR AW WI NN ING !
www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.
OFF PEAK WINTER WEEKDAY RATES: ONLY £7.50 per person age 2 years+
Valid Monday - Friday 5th Nov - 7th Dec 2018 & 7th Jan - 15th Feb 2019. FM
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Families top five…
Here is our pick of the best five pantomimes for the whole family this Christmas…
Sat 1 Dec – Mon 24 Dec Christmas at Fishers Farm Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green RH14 0EG www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk Father Christmas will be at Fishers meeting all the good boys and girls in his magical Grotto. Sat & Sun 1,2, 8,9 Dec and Fri 14Mon 24 Dec Battersea Park Zoo Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk. Santa at the Zoo! Regular entrance fee required plus Santa visit includes a small gift and a sticker, plus a drink and Christmas treat.
Fri 14 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Jack and the Beanstalk Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk is a thrilling tale of adventure, magic beans,a mysterious land way up in the clouds... a hidden treasure... and the terrifying Giant - which today provides the exciting, fun-packed storyline for family-friendly pantomimes.
Fri 9 Nov – Sun 17 Feb The Wind in the Willows Polka Theatre, SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com When Mole abandons spring cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. With Toad’s obsession for all things fast causing chaos, it falls upon his friends Ratty, Mole and wise old Badger to save him. Every Sat & Sun to 11 Nov The Wizard of Oz Colour House Theatre, SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Join Dorothy over the rainbow in Oz, as you travel with her along the Yellow Brick Road all the way to the Emerald City. With the Wicked Witch of the West hot on her trail, Dorothy will need all the help she can get from her new-found friends. Sat 8 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Aladdin New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com Paul Merton leads the cast in this year’s high-flying pantomime as Widow Twankey, joined by Magician Pete Firman who will be on hand to spread a little magic over SW19 and help Aladdin overcome the evil Abanazar. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Aladdin features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Thu 22 Nov – Sun 6 Jan The Snowman Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com This enchanting stage show of Raymond Briggs’ classic book tells the story of a boy and his magical snowman’s wintery wonderland adventure. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a journey to the North Pole where they meet dancing penguins, Ice Princess, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost.
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Sun 2 Dec, 11am-5pm Family Christmas Open Day Little Holland House, Carshalton, SM5 3LW www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Enjoy seeing the house decorated for Christmas, follow the Trail, and make “Arts and Crafts” Christmas tree decorations to take home. Free Sun 2 Dec & Sun 9 Dec Santa’s Grotto Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD www.gattonpark.com Enjoy a buggy ride to meet Santa in his grotto. Explore the grounds and follow a trail of clues before returning to Gatton Hall to make a Christmas decoration Sun 2 Dec - Sat 22 Dec,11am - 5pm Honeywood Advent Calendar Honeywood Museum, Carshalton, SM5 3NX www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Come along and open our advent calendar to collect and decorate your very own Christmas tree decoration. Free. Sun 2 Dec, 10am – 4pm Vintage and Collectables Fair Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk If you are interested in vintage collectables, then Sunday 2nd December is the for you with collectables c.1920-1980.
and a host of treats guaranteed to set mouths watering. Included in palace admission. Sat 8 Dec, 10am-12noon & 1pm-3pm Winter Wreath Making Sutton Ecology Centre, Carshalton, SM5 3NY www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ events Come and enjoy a relaxing time collecting materials to make your own all-natural winter wreath to take home. Your door will be the talk of the town! £18 per adult. BE. Sat 8 Dec & Sun 9 Dec Miniature Train Rides to see Santa Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9DQ www.ssme.co.uk Children can delight in a train ride to and from Santa’s Workshop to meet Santa in his Workshop and receive a present. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sat 8 Dec & Sun 9 Dec Festive Family Fun Weekend Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead KT21 1HU www.ashteadpark.com Santa and the nativity animals will be back, along with our elf door hunt, Christmas crafts, face painting and more. Sun 9 Dec, Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec, 10am-5pm Christmas Weekend Activities Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, SM3 8QD whitehallmuseum.wordpress.com Christmas crafts each day throughout opening hours.Mince pies and Christmas cake will be available in the tea room. Up to 12 years. Free. Sun 9 Dec, 3pm start Living Farm Nativity Kent Life, Lock Lane, Maidstone,
Sat 24 Nov, join is from 11am to be part of the Elvish shenanigans! Sutton Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch on and ELF TAKEOVER Sutton Town centre will be alive with Christmas festivities, so come on down and have a fantastic day out. Win some great prizes, see the puppet Pantomime, get your face painted and see all the Christmas goodies and gifts for sale. The Choir starts at 2pm and there will be special celebrity special guest arriving at 6pm to switch on the lights at 6.30. Santa arrives at Mid-day to set up shop in the St Nicholas Shopping Centre Grotto and can enjoy a fully immersive screening of some great short films and some classics, experience virtual reality in the Igloo Wonderland located in Times Square shopping. For Igloo Wonderland tickets, event updates visit www.enjoysutton.co.uk ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk Take a journey through the grounds of Kent Life to discover the nativity story scenes and join in the traditional Christmas Carolling with Maidstone Family Church. Children are encouraged to dress up.
Mon 3 Dec, 3.30-7pm Christmas shopping evening Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden Join us for a special late-night Christmas shopping evening. There’ll be a great choice of gifts to buy and festive cheer in abundance. Thu 6 Dec,10.30am -11.30am The Whitehall House Mice Christmas Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, SM3 8QD whitehallmuseum@sutton.gov.uk Find out where the mice have been on their adventure and become a Whitehall House Mouse. 18 months to 3 years. BE. £2.50. Email to book. Fri 7 Dec, from 5pm and lights switch on at 7pm Cheam Christmas Fair. Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, SM3 8QD www.whitehallmuseum.wordpress. com Father Christmas will be visiting 3.30pm-6.30pm, and our Christmas Craft Fair opens.BE. Fri 7 Dec – 9 Sun Dec Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace The palace’s historic courtyards are set to be filled with over 50 stalls featuring mince pies, mulled wine Families London Surrey Borders 13
Sun 9 Dec, 10am Denbies 5K Santa Fun Run Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Hundreds of red-suited, Santas run, jog or walk around a beautiful course against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment.
Sun 9 Dec, 10am Denbies 5K Santa Fun Run Denbies Wine Estate Ltd. Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Run, jog or walk around against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment. The run is untimed and at the finish there’ll be refreshments, a mince pie and a fabulous medal waiting for you. Lots of festive entertainment on site for any nonrunning members. Entry fee is £25 and £15 for children under 15, who can have a soft drink rather than the mulled wine at the finish. Free Santa Suit included Entries close: Dec 8th.
Mon 10 Dec, 10.30am start Bach to Baby Festive Family Concert St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, CR0 7EB www.bachtobaby.com/croydon-xmasspecial Grab your friends, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Mon 10 Dec,11.30am – 1pm Celebrate Christmas with silver The Old Moat Garden Centre, Epsom, KT19 8PQ www.theoldmoatgardencentre.org.uk Let the mellow festive sounds of the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band entertain you while you shop for your Christmas tree, decorations and presents or sup a warming hot drink in our cafe
Mon 10 Dec, 7.30pm The Children’s Trust Christmas Concert Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ christmas-concert The evening will feature glorious classical Christmas music, readings and carols Thu 13 Dec, 3.30-7pm Christmas shopping evening Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkwortharboretum Join us for a special late-night Christmas shopping evening. Meet Santa Paws and visit Father Christmas’ grotto in our Boathouse, specially decorated for the occasion. Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec The Snow Queen Storytelling Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk In this seasonal fairy tale meet Gerda, Kal and the Snow Queen on a wintry journey to Lapland. With song and
puppetry by Sandal Sticks Theatre. Wed 19 Dec – Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Sitting Room The Leatherhead Institute, Leatherhead KT22 8AH www. thelittleboxoffice.com/ santasittingroom Santa’s Sitting Room is a unique grotto/theatrical experience for children aged 12 months - 8 years. Thu 20 Dec, 6pm-8pm Experience Whitehall Dressed for Christmas by Night Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, SM3 8QD whitehallmuseum@sutton.gov.uk Enjoy the decorations, Pomander Making workshop, Christmas crackers, bad jokes, Christmas cake or mince pie, tea or coffee, soft drink.BE. £4. children free. 20 Dec, 1.30pm Christmas Crafts Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD www.gattonpark.com Christmas craft making session for younger children.
What’s On November & December Outdoors Every Monday 1-3pm and Friday 10.30am-12.30pm FREE Food Growing Drop-in Sessions Carshalton Community Allotment, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PW No booking needed, Enjoy the outdoors, meet other people, learn new skills, get a bit of exercise and take free fresh veg home Until Sun 18 Nov Giant LEGO Brick Animal Trail WWT London, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk WWT London are super-excited to welcome their new brick animals which have been a long time in the making. Come along to meet the new animals and book a place on one of our LEGO workshops - you’ll get to build your own miniature version of Sam the short-eared owl to take home! Sat 10 Nov, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farmers Market Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, SM6 0NB www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk Quality local produce direct from the producer 10 Nov, 10am – 12noon Build a Bat Box Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD www.gattonpark.com Family workshop to build a bat box and find out more about the creatures that might come to live in it. 6+. £10 BE. Sun 11, Sun, 18 & Sun 25 Nov, drop in between 11am & 12.30pm Hands on Base Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Discover the collections that make the Horniman special in our Hands on Base. Each week these fun family sessions will explore a different theme 14 Families London Surrey Borders
using objects from our Handling Collection, from African masks to sharks’ jaws. Free.3+. Sat 1 Dec, 2pm & 3pm Woodland Storytelling Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NY www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ events Come and listen to some terrific tales, in our special storytelling tent. Ticket price includes entrance to the Sutton Ecology Centre Winter Wonderland Trail. £7 per child. BE. 3yrs+ Sat 8 Dec, 10.30am -12.30pm & 1.30pm -3.30pm Wildlings Forest School - Woodland Skills Winter Special wildlingsforestschool@gmail.com This winter, come and join us for two hours of celebration and creation in the woods at Sutton Ecology Centre. We will be making a fire to enjoy some hot chocolate and mulled drinks, as well as learning some new woodland skills to make a festive craft. BE. Sat 8 Dec, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farmers Market Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Wallington SM6 0NB www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk Quality local produce direct from the producer Sat 3–Sun 25 Nov, 10am-3pm Bark Rubbing Trail Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden Get in touch with nature and learn about the different types of trees we have at Claremont. NAA, plus £1 per trail. Sun 4 Nov, 10.30am-12.30pm Fungi foray Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden Join us for a seasonal walk and learn
how to identify the many different types of fungi growing around the garden. BE. £10 adults £5 child. Sun 11, 18, 25 Nov Meet a Woodsman Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum
Have a chat to Leo the Woodsman about coppicing and how you can help conserve the Arboretum. NAA Tue 20 Nov, 11am-12.30pm Autumn colour walk Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clare-
Wiglets Christmas Adventure at Godstone Farm
! OW N K BOO
Fathe r Chris tmas
1st - 24th December 2018 www.godstonefarm.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
mont-landscape-garden Join our friendly guide Hilary and discover all of Claremont’s autumn colours. NAA Sat 8 Dec–Tue 1 Jan, 10am-3pm Woodland Winter Wonders trail Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum Enjoy the brisk outdoors and have fun with our children’s trail exploring the winter woodland. NAA, plus 50p per trail. Sun 9 Dec, 9.30am -11.00am Winter Wildlife Walk WWT London, Barnes, SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk A great time to visit for a walk as our expert warden can point out the seasonal wildlife on the reserve. 1 ½ hrs. BE. Wed 26 Dec–Tue 1 Jan, 10am-3pm Party like its 1819 trail Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden As the countdown begins to 2019, the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth, discover what it would have been like at a New Year’s Eve party 200 years ago. NAA, plus £1 per trail. Wed 26 Dec, 1-2.30pm Boxing Day Walk Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum Bring family and friends fora special stroll around the Arboretum with a memberof the gardens team. NAA, plus £3. Tues 26 Dec – 2 Jan, 10am–3pm Polesdenopoly Polsden Lacey, RH5 6BB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey Get rich quick by being silly in this life-sized version of a classic Christmas board game. £5 per game bag.
Indoors Every Fri in Term Time, 11.15am 11.45am French Rhymetime Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1EA. sutton.gov.uk/librariesheritagearts Songs & rhymes in French. 0-3 years. Free.
Thu 8 Nov,10.30am-11.30am Whitehall House Mice Whitehall Historic House, 1 Malden Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM3 8QD whitehallmuseum@sutton.gov.uk Messy play exploring colour and texture. 18 months - 3-year olds. £2.50. BE.
new baby & children’s stuff
Sat 10 Nov, 11am -12.30pm & 1pm 2.30pm Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club Terrific Tanks Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on/event Learn about the tank and as part of our special WW1 session Try make your own moving tank! £8. BE.
Sat 17 Nov, 2-4pm Epsom Mum2Mums Nearly New Sale Ruxley Church Hall, KT19 0JG Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s stuff.
Sat 24 Nov, 10am – 12noon Banstead Reigate Mum2Mums Nearly New Sale Banstead Community Hall, SM7 3AJ Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s stuff.
Sat 1 Dec, 3.30-5:30 pm Wallingdon Mum2Mums Nearly New Sale The Centre, SM6 9RP Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s stuff
Don’t forget to say you saw these event advertised in
London Surrey Borders
Sat 8 Dec, 1pm – 2.30pm Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club Suffragettes Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on Discover how the determination and bravery of the Suffragettes changed the way our country is today Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec ,10am5.30pm Xingu Village Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Visit an immersive installation about the daily life of the Kuikuro people of the Xingu, an indigenous community of around 400 people from the very heart of the Brazilian Amazon region. Free.
Nearly New Sales Sat 10 Nov, 3pm - 4.30pm NCT Nearly New Sale St Andrew’s Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam, SM2 7HF Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices. Cash only. £1 per adult.
Adopt a hedgehog Enjoy family membership Join Father Christmas in the Woods!
Share a love of nature with children and help protect wildlife on your doorstep
surreywildlifetrust.org
Sat 17 Nov Croydon Mum2mum Market All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead CR2 9AB Award winning baby and children’s new sale returns to Sanderstead Croydon for its final sale of 2018.
Fri 9 Nov – Sun 17 Feb
Sat 8 Dec,10-12pm Sutton Mum2Mums Nearly New Sale Thomas Wall Centre, SM1 4DP www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/sutton Buy quality second hand and nearly
Based on the bestselling book by
LIVE ON STAG E Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2001
Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
roomonthebroomlive.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
A play with songs by Toby Hulse Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame
W EN ES D T
23 NOV – 13 JAN BOOK TODAY
Ages
5+
020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
Families London Surrey Borders 15
Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds. CROYDON 0845 265 7083 stagecoach.co.uk/croydon
CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 020 8773 4242 stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark
EPSOM 01737 669504 stagecoach.co.uk/epsom
COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805 stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon
SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116 stagecoach.co.uk/shirley
SUTTON 01372 272561 stagecoach.co.uk/sutton
Stagecoach Performing Arts is theBorders trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under London Surrey 16 Families franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
familiesonline.co.uk Creative Courage For Life