Families London Surrey Borders Mar/Apr 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE

A-Z of Easter Awesomeness Baby traditions around the world

Find your fearless Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK stagecoach.co.uk/ cheamandworcesterpark COULSDON & CATERHAM stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

SUTTON stagecoach.co.uk/sutton SHIRLEY stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

CROYDON stagecoach.co.uk/croydon EPSOM stagecoach.co.uk/epsom 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 85 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders

GCSE Science GSCE Computer Computer Science Interactive Exam Practice Paper

Independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18 years

with Online Submission for Marking Author Zenita Smythe

Meet our new Principal Mr Silas Edmonds when you visit our Open Events

The interactive paper allows students to fill in their answers on the PDF paper and it can be submitted for automated marking.

• NO PRINTING PAPER NEEDED. • Lifetime licence • Can be used with all your children.

• NO TRACE OF THE OLDER CHILD’S ANSWERS. • Produced and marked by exam question writer.

• Based on the new GCSE 9-1 specification.

• Buy It Now £29.99 + vat.

OPEN EVENTS

Thursday 7th March 9am-10.30am Senior School only Tuesday 30th April 9am-10.30am www.ewellcastle.co.uk

01708 720585 • www.educate-first.co.uk/publication

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2 Families London Surrey Borders

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Rated 5 Stars - Jan 2019

they can’t wait to come back!

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Meet the newest residents at Hobbledown

London Surrey Borders Editor Tamar Pearson editor@families-LSB.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk Printer Print Mates 21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue Next issue May/June Booking deadline 8 April Cover Image Depositphotos

Editor’s note Spring is a time for big, bold colours, bouncing lambs and outdoor adventures. We have found hundreds of things for you to do this Easter, so go be bold and enjoy the adventure.

Happy reading

In this issue

Tamar xx

3. News & views 6. Education news 7. What’s on in March & April 10. What’s on at the Theatre 11.. Baby traditions around the world 12. A-Z of Easter Awesomeness 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.

familiesonline.co.uk

Husband and wife conservationists, Eddie and Veronica and their 17 magnificent birds have joined the crew at Hobbledown. Founded in 1977, The Raptor Centre aims to promote understanding and care for these beautiful birds in the wild.

Birds now based at Hobbledown include Eagles, Hawks, Owls and Falcons, including an African Pygmy Falcon, which weighing in at 2oz (56g), is the smallest Bird of Prey in the world Visitors can now enjoy flying demonstrations, informative meet and greets, and experience days with the birds.

More info: www.hobbledown.com

Enjoy British Science Week Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019, which will take place from 8 to 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants.

You can also download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment.

To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive

Music Can Improve Parent-Child Bond New research suggests sharing music can improve parent-child relationships, especially during adolescence.

Researchers found that young men and women who shared musical experiences with their parents during childhood - and especially during adolescence - report having better relationships with their mums and dads as they enter young adulthood.

While shared musical experiences at all age levels were associated with better perceptions of parent-child relationship quality in young adulthood, the effect was most pronounced for shared musical experiences that took place during adolescence.

The authors said shared musical experiences with their children don’t have to be complicated, and can include simple activities like listening to music in the car together.

The research, published in the Journal of Family Communication, surveyed young adults about the frequency with which they engaged with their parents as children from the age of 8, and how they perceived their relationship with their parents now.

More info: www.tandfonline.com

Families London Surrey Borders 3

News & Views Lots of fun to be had for local families as Merlin Entertainments introduces a new Monthly Membership Merlin Entertainments has launched a new Merlin Pass Monthly Membership product, allowing customers to spread the cost of their Merlin Pass throughout the year. Monthly Membership is available on both Standard and Premium passes, with monthly payments starting from just £8.99 per person. The Merlin Annual Passes can be used at 32 of the UK’s top attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, SEA LIFE Aquariums and Sanctuaries around the UK and loads more. For more information please visit www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/membership.

Join All Stars Cricket Today!

All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old, to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment, where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star’s achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as session begin May 2019.

Perform’s Four Ways to Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem A child’s self-esteem is influenced by feeling loved, valued and believing good things about themselves. Perform have teamed up with positive parenting expert, Anita Cleare, to bring Families top tips for boosting self-esteem.

Don’t forget to say you saw these advertised in

Encourage Independence - When children do things for themselves and are praised for this, they feel proud. Teach your child to dress themselves and wash their own hair.

Use Believable Praise - It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements. Saying “Well done for keeping on running” (even when he lost the race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.

Listen to their Ideas - Expressing ideas and being listened to help children feel valued. Involve them in practical family problem-solving by asking for their input. This helps them feel they are making a positive contribution.

Encourage Laughter and Show you Care - Play, chat, share jokes and funny stories. Laughter helps children relax and feel good about themselves. Be affectionate. Snuggle and cuddle! Show your child they are utterly lovable exactly as they are.

More tips from Anita can be found at www.anitacleare.co.uk To book a FREE confidence-building Perform drama class in Purley, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

8 weeks 8 FREE weeks of sessions of FREE for the sessions New Year 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 CALL or whats app 07591 205646 for more information.

Spaces are limited. BOOK NOW. 4 Families London Surrey Borders

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Acorns Nursery with wraparound care opening in April You can relax, safe in the knowledge that your child will be happy and well looked after at Acorns. We offer fully funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds as well as a self-paying option. The nursery is overseen by the school’s Early Year’s Leader and has high quality, experienced staff, dedicated to preparing your child for Reception and beyond. Offering 15 or 30 hour sessions for children aged 2 or above, you can choose from 2.5 days or 5 days a week plus breakfast and after-school club if required. Acorns has a dedicated building with its own garden set in 5.5 acres of wonderful grounds. We welcome children from Woodmansterne, Banstead, Carshalton, Sutton, Coulsdon, Wallington and neighbouring towns.

Please email nursery@wps.org.uk or call 01737 353120 to arrange a visit and find out more. www.woodmansterne.surrey.sch.uk/Our-School/ Acorns-Nursery

Summer Babies Never Catch Up Summer-borns still struggle in year 3 and 6, according to new research. Analysis of the test results of more than 1.5 million primary school pupils across England by School Dash, an education data analytics company, confirmed the disadvantage faced by summerborn children.

The research found that pupils born between April and August performed on average 7.5% behind others in reception maths tests.

By year 6, summer-born pupils are on average 3.6% behind. Children usually start school in the September after they turn 4 years, but parents of children born between 1 April 1 and 31 August can now ask to delay entry to Reception for a year.

The government has published guidance about delayed school admissions for summer born pupils which can be found at www.gov. uk/publications. More info: www.schooldash.com

Nursery Children Could Be Coached for Exams

progress during primary school.

In September 2017 the Government announced that a new assessment would be introduced in Reception as a baseline measure to track pupils’

Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new test. The focus of the assessment will be on communication, language and literacy, numeracy and ‘selfregulation.’

A recent report from an expert panel who examined the proposals, concluded that the new test will not provide an accurate comparison between schools and that it is “flawed, unjustified and wholly unfit for purpose.” Additionally, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance, has warned that the new test risks putting pressure on the youngest group of school children and would encourage the coaching of pre-schoolers to ensure they were ‘test-ready.’

More info: www.bera.ac.uk and www.pre-school.org.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 www.humblebeesnursery.co.uk

Nurturing Maths Confidence For Year 6 SATs SATs are knocking on the door for Year 6 Children. There’s never been a time when it’s more crucial to support their confidence and prepare for the next big leap – secondary school.

A recent survey of parents showed that 41% of year 6 children are not getting weekly Maths homework; putting the pressure on to parents to find ways to practise key skills. Confidence in Maths can be nurtured at home if children are offered targeted, appropriate and engaging tasks.

Finding such tasks can be a real problem for most parents.

Maths Club by Post is offering an answer, with 4 fantastic puzzle packs written by a specialist Maths teacher and covering all the arithmetic skills needed for year 6 SATs. If you would like to build your child’s confidence and help them to experience SATs success, visit MathsClubByPost.co.uk/SATS and order your SATs Skills Success Kit today.

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

11+Mock Mock Tests 11+ Tests

Stage WALLINGTON 1 - Mock

SUTTONSchools 2 Sutton Orpington/Kent CEM style 11+Test Stage Selective Eligibility Selective Eligibility Test Tests& Stage Selective Eligibility Grammar Schools (SET) & Stage 2 Test Mock Bexley Tests (SET) 2 Dates: 30/3/15Fri – Mon. pm Dates: 20/2/15 Half Term

31/3/15Wed – Tue. Sch. hols Dates: 18/2/15 Dates: Half Term Dates: Tue 9th Apr (Easter) 26/5/15 - Tue. Half term 01/4/15 Wed Easter Hols Tue 28th May (Half Term) 04/7/15 – Sat . am 27/5/15 Wed Half Term

Where: Hurst Community

Where: Crofton Halls, Sutton Orpington SM3 or Where: Road, Crofton SM6 Where: Sutton Life Centre, 24 BR6 8PRWallington Alcorn Close, Sutton SM3 9PX See the website for full Time: 9.30am - 1pm address.

Dates: Sat 23rd Mar 11/4/15 – (Weekend) Sat. am 28/3/15 Saturday Sat 20th Apr 29/5/15 Fri Half am Term 30/5/15 –(Weekend) Sat.

Where: Wallington Centre, Hurst Place,SM6 Hurst Rd, Where: The Centre, Milton Rd, Bexley DA5 3LH Wallington SM6 for 9RP See the website full address.

Time: 1.30pm – 3.45pm

Fee: £22.50 per paper including detailed Fee: From £25 paper including detailed feedback & Fee: From £45 forper 2 papers and feedback and online software FREE online tests.*to practise. access to all questions.

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Families London Surrey Borders 5

Education news Should You Help with Homework?

Spring Term Independent School Open Day Directory

When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hand’s off?

Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence.

The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments.

However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less task-persistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help.

“One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child’s skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities,” Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained.

Similarly, concrete homework assistance may send out a message that a parent doesn’t believe in their child’s ability to do their homework.

When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently.

Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said. More info at www.sciencedaily.com

Banstead Prep Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 363601 Co educational day school.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years www.bansteadprep.com Spring Activity Morning for children who would join Reception in 2019 Wed 27 March, 9am.

Open Morning for Reception 2019 entry Fri 26 April, tours at 9, 10 and 11am Chinthurst School Tadworth, KT20 5AP 01737 812 011 www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Thurs 21 March, 10.30am

Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd) South Croydon, CR2 6DA 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Reception Open Day 19 March & 30 April, 9.30-11am Open Day 20 March, 9.30-11am.

Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery Purley, CR8 3HB 020 8668 0050 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Day 19 March, 9.30-11am Open Day 30 April, 9.30-11am

Elmhurst School for Boys, and Little Elms Nursery South Croydon, CR2 7DW 020 8688 0661 www.elmhurstschool.net Open Day Fri 8 March, 9.30-11.30am Open Day Sat 9 March, 10am-12pm.

Epsom College Epsom, KT17 4JQ 01372 821007 www.epsomcollege.org.uk Open Day Sat 23 March.

Limited places still available for Reception 2019 Open Morning Friday 26 April WWW.BANSTEADPREP.COM/VISIT | 01737 363600 6 Families London Surrey Borders

Homefield Preparatory Sutton, SM1 2TE 020 8642 0965 www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Open Day Tues 12 March, 9.20am

Manor House School & Nursery Leatherhead, KT23 4EN 013 7245 7077 www.manorhouseschool.org Big School Reception Taster Collingwood School Afternoon Thurs 21 March, 1.30-3pm.

Wallington, SM6 0BD 020 8647 4607 Oakwood School and Nursery www.collingwoodschool.org.uk 59 Godstone Road, Purley, CR8 2AN Early Years Discovery Morning, 020 8668 2895 9.30–11am. Friday 22 March – Bear www.oakwoodschool.org.uk Hunt Adventure. Tuesday 30 April – Open Day Tues 12 March, 9am.

Gruffalo Adventure

Downsend School (Pre/Preps) Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk Open Day Fri 8 March, 9.30-11.30am

Co-educational prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2 -11

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Ewell, KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 Co educational day school.

Pupils 3 – 18 years www.ewellcastle.co.uk Senior School Open Day Thurs 7 March, 9–10.30am.

Open Day Tues 30 April. 9–10.30am

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory South Croydon, CR2 7YN 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Preparatory Working Open Morning Thurs 14 March, 9.30-11am Royal Alexandra & Albert School Reigate, RH2 0TD 01737 649000 www.raa-school.co.uk Open Day 16 March, 9am-10.30am St Christopher’s School Epsom, KT18 5HE 01372 721807 www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Open Day Fri 22 March, 9.1510.30am. Sat 23 March, 10.30am12noon Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors Sutton, SM1 2AL 020 8225 3075 Sutton High Seniors Sutton SM1 2AX 020 8642 0594 Independent day school for girls Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Open Day - Wed 20 March, 9am.

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.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

What’s on

Your essential guide to family events this March & April. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

Calling all…

Save sailors!

10%

Mon 11 Mar, 10.30am Bach to Baby Family Concert St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road CR0 7EB www.bachtobaby.com Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep.

Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an action-packed day out on the fastest ship of its time.

Meet characters from the ship’s past, such as Captain Woodget and the ship’s cook and listen to their epic stories about life on board.

Fri 8 & 15 Mar, 10am -11.30am & 1.30-3pm Trails and Tales Gatton Park, Reigate RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.com Enjoy your favourite children’s stories and go for a walk around Gatton Park to bring it to life. Return to create artwork linked to the story. 2-4 years.

Try and outwit the crew in our Sailors’ Challenge game, find your sea legs by taking the helm at the ship’s wheel, follow a family trail or take part in fun workshops.

Book now to save 10% visit rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend until Sun 28 Apr and daily from Sat 6 - Mon 22 Apr Science Museum London SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Marvellous Mistakes Find out how chemistry mistakes brought us some of the most colourful, loud and lifesaving inventions in our family storytelling.

Cracking Chemistry Discover the wonderful world of chemistry in this explosive show, featuring experiments including everything from party balloons to cake. It’s a Chem-mystery!

Complete chemical experiments to solve a mystery and win a prize.

Daily Brick Wonders Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Discover amazing wonders from around the world made using ½million LEGO® bricks, plus interactive play areas, mini-cinema and more.

Every Mon, 1-3pm & Fri 10.30am -12.30pm Food Growing Drop-in Sessions Carshalton Community Allotment, Carshalton SM5 2PW www.ecolocal.org.uk Enjoy the outdoors, meet other people, learn new skills, get a bit of exercise and take free fresh veg home.

No booking needed. Free.

Wed 6 Mar – Dec 150 years of the Periodic Table of Elements Science Museum London SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk A new display will celebrate the Periodic Table of Elements, opening 150 years after Dmitri Mendeleev’s periodic table was announced.

Thu 9 – Sun 17 March Science Week RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley New for 2019, Wisley presents a science extravaganza, showcasing the research of the RHS with hands on activities, workshops and talks.

Sun 10 Mar, 11am – 3pm Celebrating World Book Day Painshill Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Join in with lots of book themed activities including a special trail around the magical landscape garden to discover lots of wonderful book characters.

Sat 9 Mar, 2pm - 5pm Family Woodland Walk’ with Meike Weiser Meeting in Selsdon Wood car park, Old Farleigh Road Activities for families with children aged 5+. Wellies & waterproofs recommended. Bring a drink & a snack.

Until 10 March Orchids Festival Kew Gardens, Richmond www.kew.org Colombia is the world’s most biodiverse for orchids, with over 4270 species! Also, enjoy Carnival music, street food and crafts for kids – there promises to be loads to do to keep even the littlest entertained.

Wed 13 – Sun 17 Mar The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice Wembley Area www.disneyonice.co.uk Enter a dazzling world of adventure at The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on an inspiring walk down memory lane in celebration of magic and family fun Fri 15 - Sun 17 Mar Branch Line Weekend The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex TN22 3QL

www.bluebell-railway.com Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing Bluebell Railway’s small locomotives and some very special visitors!

Tue 19 Mar Spring Community Free Day RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Look out for spring gardening inspiration and enjoy a visit to RHS Garden Wisley as it opens to all free of charge.

Wed 20 Mar, 5.30am–8am Sunrise spring equinox celebration Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/ place/claremont-landscape-garden Join Jonnie, our wildlife expert on a walk exploring the first signs of spring and celebrating the start of longer days. BE £10.

Thu 21 Mar, 10am – 3pm Box Hill Ancient Woodland Walk and Talk Box Hill, Tadworth KT20 7LF www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill Learn to spot ancient boundary trees, pollarded veteran trees and valuable coppice. Booking essential.

Sat 23 Mar, 1pm – 2.30pm Ruthless Romans Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on Learn what it was like to be a Roman soldier and about the weapons and tactics that made the Legions so effective and so feared.

Mon 11 & 18 Mar, 10am -12pm & 1-3pm Little Seeds Forest School Gatton Park, Reigate RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.com Explore Cedar Wood, make woodland crafts and enjoy a snack around the fire. 2-4 years.

Sat 9 Mar, 9.30am – 5pm Herald of Spring ‘Superheroes’ Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk A day full of family fun, with flower shows, markets and even a puppet show. Take part in the Superhero fancy dress competition with prizes on the day. FREE! Sat 9 Mar, 1.30–3pm Guide Jumble and Nearly New Sale Epsom Methodist Church, Epsom KT185AQ www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk A fundraising event with all funds raised going towards subsidised trips and activities for the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

Sat 9 & 23 Mar, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farms Market Old Town Hall and Library Gardens in Woodcote Road SM6 0NB www.ecolocal.org.uk Artisan chocolate from Ildiko’s, a choice of gorgeous, premium special artisan organic Brazilian coffee from Cafezinho’s and multi award winning organic skincare aromatherapy skincare from Just Be Natural.

Families London Surrey Borders 7

familiesonline.co.uk 2103-hever-easter-family-fun-87x130mm-Families.indd 1

08/02/2019 17:46

What’s on wedding and few enhancements you may not have thought about!

Wed 27 Mar, 12pm Meet a Polesden Gardener Polesden Lacey, Nr Dorking RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey This is your opportunity to meet our amazing gardeners and ask any gardening questions. Meet at the wishing well in the rose garden. NAA.

Stagecoach Easter Holiday Camps Children and Teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at the fabulous Stagecoach Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops.

Mon 15 Apr – Thu 18 Apr Stagecoach Sutton Carshalton High School for Girls West Street, Carshalton SM5 2QX www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton Mon 8 Apr – Fri 12 Apr Stagecoach Coulson Hillcroft Primary School Chaldon Road, Caterham CR3 5PG www.stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon Tue 9 Apr – Fri 12 Apr Stagecoach Epsom Bourne Hall Spring Street, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1UF www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom Sat 23 Mar, 2–4pm Epsom Garden Society Spring Show St. Martin’s Junior School, Epsom KT18 7AD www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk A profusion of spring bulbs and flowers will be on display. Homemade refreshments will be available.

Sat 23 Mar, 2-4.30pm Mitcham Horticultural Society Spring Show St Marks Church Hall, Mitcham CR4 2LF www.mitchamhorticulturalsociety. org.uk The first show of the year will be a mass of colour, with amazing scents and a wonderful spectacle. Admission is free.

Sat 23 Mar Chemistry Festival Family Day Science Museum London SW7 2DD www.discoversouthken.com/itinerary/ chemistry-festival A free chemistry-themed family day featuring workshops from chemistry professionals and activities: Marvellous Mistakes, Cracking Chemistry and It’s a Chem-mystery!

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Mar, 10.30am – 5pm Elizabeth 1 & The Armada Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Join us for the immersive Armada experience and discover the life and times of the people during the Armada, and how Elizabeth I successfully outwitted Philip II! Sun 24 Mar Wedding Fair Morden Park House, Morden SM4 5QU www.merton.gov.uk Everything you need to plan your 8 Families London Surrey Borders

Wed 28 Mar – Mon 2 Apr Bunny Hunt Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks TN15 0RR www.riverhillgardens.co.uk A family favourite at Riverhill, come and hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the blooming rhododendrons and earn yourself a chocolate egg reward.

Sat 30 Mar, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Ewell Horticultural Association’s Spring Show Blenheim High School, Epsom KT19 9BH www.ewellhortassn.co.uk Displays of spring flowers, cookery, photography, craft & design and floral art plus plants, bulbs and garden sundries for sale.

Wed 4 Apr – Sun 8 Apr Wizard’s Wand Workshop Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks TN15 0RR www.riverhillgardens.co.uk Get creative and design your very own enchanting wizard wand. The more creative and colourful the wand, the more magical it shall be!

Fri 5 Apr, 10.30am Bach to Baby Family Concert St Martin of Tours, Epsom KT17 4PX www.bachtobaby.com Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep.

Sat 6 Apr, 2pm Spring Walk’ with the Friends Meeting in Selsdon Wood car park, Old Farleigh Road All our walks are slow and easy – a meander rather than a hike!

Sat 6 Apr, 11am – 5pm Canon fire and sea monster spotting Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Join Hands on History for a day of mini-crossbows hitting as many sea monster targets as you can!

Throughout the day, you’ll also be able to see a real-life cannon be fired.

Sat 6 - Sun 7 Apr, 10am - 3.30pm Combat at the Castle Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org See and hear how Robert de Belleme, Earl of Arundel, trained his soldiers in preparation for what was to be the first siege of the castle in 1102.

Sat 6 – Thu 18 Apr, 10.30am-4pm Spring I-spy trail Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/ place/claremont-landscape-garden Complete the I-spy trail by spotting the first signs of spring. NAA plus £1 per trail.

Sat 6 Apr- Thu 18 Apr Sensory Nature Trail Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Use your senses to discover nature in a whole new way. Pick yours up from the garden centre.

Sat 6 –Thu 18 Apr, 10am–4pm Family trail: Tyrannical Tudors Runnymede, Windsor TW20 0YU www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymedeand-ankerwycke Find out about ruthless royals and rebels in sixteenth century England. £1 per trail.

Sat 6 – Sat 20 Apr Which Came First - the Dinosaur or the Egg? Whitehall Historic House, Cheam SM3 8QD www.sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents Activities, crafts, stories, games and trail. Free drop in Sat 6 – Sun 21 Apr Children’s Easter Egg Trail British Wildlife Centre, Lingfield RH7 6LF www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk Children will enjoy hunting down those eggs that are hidden amongst the animals. If children spot them all they’ll win a small chocolate treat.

And, all entries will go into a prize draw to win Family Membership worth up to £150, allowing a year’s unlimited visits during normal opening times.

Sat 6 -Mon 22 Apr, 10.30am–4pm Family trail: Dragon’s Nest Quest Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkwortharboretum Embark on a daring adventure and follow the clues to discover the dragon’s nest that hides among the trees. NAA plus £1 per trail.

Sat 6 - Mon 23 April Easter Family Programme Kew Gardens, Richmond www.kew.org Lots of family activities during the Easter holidays, including exploring the colour spectrum and finding out what colour means to plants.

Sat 6 – Mon 29 Apr Easter Holidays drop-in fun family activities RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Bour family along for a full day of Easter fun at RHS Garden Wisley and join in with art and craft sessions and garden trails.

Sun 7 Apr, 11am-5pm Everybunny Welcome!

Little Holland House, Carshalton SM5 3LW www.sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents Discover the carved bunnies and their furry and feathered friends, make bunny ears to wear, enjoy reading “Everybunny Dance!” and do the Mr McGregor’s Lettuces Trail. Free.

Sat 6 - Mon 22 Apr Fairy Tales and Puppet Theatres Honeywood Museum, Carshalton SM5 3NX www.sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents Tell classic tales in our puppet theatres or make up your own plays.

Crafts, trail and fairy stories. Free, drop in.

Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr, 11am–1pm Colourful spring crafts Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/ place/claremont-landscape-garden Join us for easy to make creative crafts that will bring some colourful Easter fun to your home.NAA plus £1.50 per craft.

Sat 6 – Mon 22 Apr, 10.30am–6pm What lurks beneath the inky sea?

Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Across the centuries tales of beastly sea creatures and fascinating fish have dominated sailing stories, and this Easter you are invited to walk the garden rooms and discover the mythical creatures for yourselves!

Mon 8 Apr, 10.30am Bach to Baby Family Concert St. Mildred’s, CR0 7EB www.bachtobaby.com Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the family to enjoy together.

Tue 9 & 16 April Easter Crafts Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Get creative this Easter with arts and crafts activities.

British Wildlife Centre Over 40 different native wild animal species l l l l l l l

Red squirrels Deer park Badger sett Otter ponds Owl display Fox families Wildcats & more

Open at weekends and daily during school hols

Easter holiday: Sat 6 April - Mon 22 April

Children’ s Easter Tr ail SUNDAY 21 APRIL

1 child FREE with this advert - save £8.50

Valid to Sun 28 April 2019 with one full paying adult - No cash alternative One voucher per party - No photocopies - Not to be used with other offers (FSE 03-19)

We’re on the A22, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF

01342 834658 www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Tue 9, Wed 10 Apr & Wed 29 May, 11am-4pm Woodland Adventure Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road SM4 5JD ww.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark Experience life as a woodland creature with our Ranger Team. £5.

Tue 9 Apr, 10.30am-12noon & 1.30pm-3pm Wild Story Time: Maisy’s Nature Trail Sutton Ecology Centre SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk Join Maisy and her friends, discovering nature through stories and games. Finish with a craft to take home. 3-7yrs. Booking essential.

Mon 10 & Tue 11 Apr, 11am-2pm Peter Rabbit & Friends Egg Hunt Sutton Ecology Centre SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk Join Peter Rabbit on an Egg Hunt, Easter craft and stroke a bunny!

3yrs+. Suitable for families with children 3yrs+. Drop in, no booking required.

Mon 10 – Wed 12 Apr Wildlings Forest School 3-Day Camp Sutton Ecology Centre SM5 3NY wildlingsforestschool@gmail.com Join Wildlings Forest School for three whole days of Forest School adventures in our woods at Sutton Ecology Centre. Suitable for 8 – 12 year olds. Booking essential.

home. 10 years +. Booking essential. £15, payable in advance.

Tue 16 – Wed 17 Apr The Daffodil Show RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley See over 120 classes of daffodils showcasing the full range of these spring favourites. Discover how to grow and prepare daffodils for competition and what the judges are looking for in a show daffodil.

Thu 18 Apr – Sun 29 Apr The Bluebell Festival Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks TN15 0RR www.riverhillgardens.co.uk Bluebell Walks, Music in the woods, Art Exhibition and Bluebell-inspired Crafts.

Thu 11 & 18 April Henfold Birds of Prey Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents See birds of prey fly and preform amazing overhead tricks. Free.

Fri 19 – Mon 22 Apr Railway Easter Special Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells 5QY www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Spa Valley Railway will be operating a two train timetable over Easter, with two steam engines and one heritage diesel in action.

Sat 13 & Sat 27 Apr, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farms Market Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, SM6 0NB www.ecolocal.org.uk Artisan chocolate from Ildiko’s, a choice of gorgeous, premium special artisan organic Brazilian coffee from Cafezinho’s and multi award winning organic skincare aromatherapy skincare from Just Be Natural.

Tue 16 Apr, 11am -12.30pm and 2pm - 3.30pm Flint knapping; making Stone Age tools Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Enjoy the opportunity to make your own authentic Stone Age tool to take familiesonline.co.uk

6th - 22nd April '19

Book online & save at www.godstonefarm.co.uk

Fri 19 Apr, 11am - 4pm Surrey S.M.E Open Day SAT NAV enter Mill Lane, Leatherhead www.ssme.co.uk The Surrey Society of Model Engineers invite the public to come and enjoy rides on their steam & electric trains.

Fri 19 – Mon 22 Apr, 11am – 4.30pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Leith Hill Place, Dorking RH5 6LY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hillplace Pick up a garden themed trail from the house and hunt for clues around the grounds.

Sat 13 Apr, 11am - 12pm and 1.30pm - 2.30pm An Audience with Henry V111 Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Learn about daily life in Tudor times.

Discover what they wore and what they ate and decide if you would like to be invited to attend a banquet.

Two weeks of jam packed Easter fun that is not to be missed!

Wed 17 April Fancy Dress Disco Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Dress up and shake some moves on the dancefloor!

Wed 10 & 19 Apr Tropical Creepy Crawly Roadshow Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts, Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter.

Fri 12 April Sing A long Cinema Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events A great interactive cinema experience with singing and dancing.

Wiglet's Easter Eggstravaganza

Fri 19 – Mon 22 Apr, 11am – 5pm Morden Easter Egg Hunt Morden Leisure Centre, Morden Park SM4 www.mordenfunday/ mordeneasteregghunt Morden Park’s first ever Easter Egg Hunt on behalf of the Mayor of Mertons Charity Trust. £4 per entry.

Sat 20 Apr, 11am – 3pm Children’s Trust Easter Fair Childrens Trust, Tadworth KT20 5RU www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk A great day out for all the family with lots of ‘eggciting’ activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Sat 20 & Sun 21 April Easter Fair Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Go on our Easter trail, create something crafty, and enjoy storytelling, face-painting and family activities across the Gardens. Free.

Sat 20 - Mon 22 Apr, 10am4.30pm A Call to Arms Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org A 12th century encampment is the wonderful setting for demonstrations

National Trust and Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts in Surrey

Dates between 6 - 22 April

Easter fun at Box Hill, Claremont Landscape Garden, Dapdune Wharf, Hatchlands Park, Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Morden Hall Park, Polesden Lacey, Shalford Mill and Winkworth Arboretum.

Call 0344 800 1895 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey © National Trust. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, no 205846. Photography © National Trust images/Chris Lacey

Families London Surrey Borders 9

What’s on of armour, combat, archery and falconry. Crafts include making mail armour, leather working, scribing and cooking.

Sat 20 – Mon 22 Apr Vineyard Chocolate Trail Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Enjoy a trip round the vineyard in the train with an Easter egg hunt at the viewpoint of the Estate.

Sun 21 April 12pm – 3.30pm Captain Blackbeard’s Close Encounter Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Join the captain and some of his crew as they tell their tale of their encounter with a beastly creature and the surprising turn their trip took!

Wed 24 Apr & Wed 1 May, 10.30m – 12.30am Ranger Roams Ightham Mote Sevenoaks TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote Join the rangers for their series of themed guided walks on the Ightham Mote estate.

Thu 25 Apr, 11am – 12pm & 2-3pm Cave Painting Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Discover how and why these paintings were created and by flickering light, try to create your own cave painting. £5.

Sun 28 Apr, 2–5pm Bluebells Galore at Horton Country Park Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve, Epsom KT19 8PL www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Come and see the show of Bluebells and other springtime flowers in the ancient woods of Horton Country Park. Meet at the Information Centre.

Sat 4 May, 2pm Bluebells and Birds with the Friends Meeting in Selsdon Wood car park, Old Farleigh Road 2 hour walk to look at the bluebells, & spot other signs of spring.

Sat 6 Apr, 10am-12pm BANSTEAD Banstead Community Hall SM7 3AJ Sat 27 Apr, 3pm - 5pm ASHSTEAD Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall KT21 2BE Sun 28 Apr, 2pm - 4pm EPSOM Ruxley Church Hall KT19 0JG

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE

Sat 27 Apr, 3pm - 4.30pm NCT Nearly New Sale St Andrew’s Church, Cheam SM2 7HF www.nct.org.uk Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices. Cash only. Buggy park available. £1 per adult.

Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Mum2Mum Market www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s stuff with over 20 stalls, packed with bargains!

Sat 23 Mar, 2pm - 4pm WALLINGTON The Centre SM6 9RP Sat 30 Mar, 10am-12pm SUTTON Thomas Wall Centre SM1 4DP

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?

Birthday parties Weddings and Receptions Schools and Nurseries TV and Media Care and Nursing homes

www.thepigfather.co.uk

Neverland and meet some fantastical characters along the way; Tinker Bell, the Lost Children, Tiger Lily, Nana the dog, Pirates, Smee and of course Captain Hook.

Tue 9 Apr So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?

Pitting the knowledge of unwitting parents against their all-knowing kids. Dr Ben presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show using film footage from the BBC’s ‘Planet Dinosaur’.

Leatherhead Theatre, KT22 8DN www.theleatherheadtheatre.com

NEARLY NEW SALES

A unique mobile minature pig party with a difference

« « « « «

Sat 6 Apr, 10am - 12pm CROYDON All Saints Church Onslow Gardens CR2 9AB

Tue 2 & 3 Apr Epsom and Ewell School’s Music Festival This Music Festival is a fantastic opportunity to see children from the Epsom and Ewell schools showcase their singing talents.

Mon 15 Apr The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio Based on the fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off the page and onto the stage in this high energy re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures.

Wed 17 Apr The Bubbleman From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Dorking Halls, RH5 1SG www.dorkinghalls.co.uk Mon 25 & Tue 26 Mar Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family!

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Apr Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure Join Charlie Bucket on a magical tour of Mr Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, the most magnificent in the world.

Fri 12 Apr Treasure Island This child-friendly adaptation is a very funny, high energy, big, bold and bright show with crazy characters, all your favourite songs and a swashbuckling sensational story on the seven seas!

Colour House Theatre SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Until Sun 14 Apr Beauty and the Beast Join Belle in this brilliantly told adaptation of the classic, Beauty and the Beast.

Sat 6 Apr Little Folk with Aldo Little Folk with Aldo is home cooked music with no artificial ingredients!

Audience participation will be actively encouraged, and song sheets will be provided. This is a great introduction to non-processed music, just Aldo and his guitar.

Tue 9 – Sun 14 Apr Rumpelstiltskin and The Sleeping Beauty King Horace’s eldest son Howard has fallen in love with a beautiful girl called Cinderella. But she has disappeared, having been kidnapped

by Rumpelstiltskin – an “unutterably evil” goblin.

Fri 5 Apr Easter Panto - Peter Pan Take part in Peter Pan’s adventures with Wendy, as they fly off to

6TH - 23RD APRIL

MEBEATBY

FUN FARM ACTIVITIES

THE OVER

AMBS

L

350

Nower Wood Family Open Day

INDOOR PLAY

DUE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

SundAy 28th ApriL 2019 Join us for pond dipping, minibeast hunting, marshmallow toasting & more!

Booking essential

Find us off the A24 nr Leatherhead

10 Families London Surrey Borders

OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5:30PM FM/EASTER2019

surreywildlifetrust.org

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Mother’s day Here are a few of our favourite things for you and your family to do this Mothering Sunday Mums go free at Hatchlands Park Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Surrey GU4 7RT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park Enjoy a day at Hatchlands Park.

Stroll through the parkland, meet the donkeys and treat mum to a home-made cake in the café.

Mums go free too.

Baby Traditions Around the World Remember that first moment you made eye contact with your new born? The depth of love is immeasurable, yet it grows stronger as we develop personal relationships with our children as we watch them and guide them through their journey of childhood. That love is universal, so I thought to do a little bit of research into unique Baby Traditions Around the World……

Here are my 10 favourite Nordic and Scandinavian Countries: Babies often nap outside in the cold air to build their immune system.

Finland: A 75 year old tradition is that a baby’s first bed is a cardboard box, received as a gift full of essential baby gifts.

Japan: After the birth of a baby, Mother and baby go to her parent’s house and the Mum stays in bed for 21 days.

Pakistan: A baby’s head is shaved on the 7th day after birth. The hair is weighed, and an equal amount of silver or gold is given to a charity.

Nigeria: The grandmother, or close family friend or relative, gives the baby it’s first bath This gesture shows the new Mum she is not alone in caring for the baby.

Lithuania: It is popular for babies to compete in a “fastest crawler” competition on June 1st.

Ecuador: When a woman goes into labor, tradition says the father should give his wife a shirt that is still damp with his sweat from a long day’s work, to give her strength in childbirth.

Bali: It is believed that a baby must not touch the ground for the first three months of life.

Guatemala: It is thought that an ice bath will keep a child fit, help them sleep better and cure rashes.

China: Babies don’t wear diapers, they wear “split pants”. Pants with a slit/opening that exposes the baby bottom. Kids are free to “go” anywhere, anytime just by squatting.

Mothering Sunday at Winkworth Godalming GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum Mums get in free when accompanied by their children.

Mothering Sunday at Honeywood Museum Honeywood Museum, Carshalton SM5 3NX sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents On this day we particularly welcome mothers and their families. Make a family fortune teller, look back at your childhood days and leave a memory on our board. Free, drop in.

Mothering Sunday Relaxer The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms pub in Loxwood RH14 0RD Treat the one you love to a Coffee and Danish Pastry Cruise departing at 11am or perhaps one of our Cream Tea Cruises leaving at 2.15pm and 4.30pm. 90 minute trips. £14 adults, £10 children

Painshill Park Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Painshill Park, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Bring Mum for a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea in the enchanting 18th century walled garden, with seasonal flowers and plantings. Choose from finger sandwiches, homemade mini scones with jam and clotted cream and cakes, served with specialty tea or coffee and a glass of Prosecco. Adults £18.50, children £8, members get extra discount.

Sat 30 and Sun 31 March Mother’s Day Celebration Whitehall Historic House www.sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents Bring a favourite photograph of you and your Mum together and make and decorate a papercraft photo frame to take home. For children of all ages. Free, drop in 30 -31 March, 11am – 4pm.

A weekend for Mum Penshurst Place & Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Visit on Saturday to create a loving card for Mum ready for the next day! On the Sunday you can enjoy a variety of Cream Teas in the Porcupine Pantry or head to the Garden Restaurant for a delicious two-course carvery - the perfect accompaniment to a stroll through the Spring Gardens.

Sun 24, Sat 30 & Sun 31 Mar, Mum Goes Free for Mother’s 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Day Mum’s the word WWT London Wetlands Centre Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall ww.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ Road, Morden, London, London SM4 5JD Treat your mum to a relaxing www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenday out with a walk to watch the hall-park wildlife flitting among the gardens Delight mum with a flower pot and meadows. Your mum gets decorated and planted specially free admission to the Centre when for her. £4 per child. accompanied by a paying child or adult. Just quote ‘Mother’s Day’ at admissions.

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!

familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 11

Easter fun

The A – Z of Easter Awesomeness April fools’ pranks for kids Mashed Potato Sundae Give your kids a real April fools surprise at dinner by layering mashed potato and gravy in a sundae glass and place a cherry on top.

Freeze your kid’s morning cereal Serve a bowl of your kid’s favorite cereal and watch their unsuspecting faces as they clank a spoon against the frozen milk.

Put a twist on a sunny-side-up egg A halved peach in yogurt not only looks like an egg, but also makes a delicious breakfast.

Cadbury

Easter Egg Hunt with the National Trust

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Best Bubbles Ever How to make Giant Bubbles The solution: Dissolve the ½ cup of cornstarch into 6 cups of water. Gently stir in ½ cup of dish soap ,1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1 tablespoon of glycerin, trying not to let foam form. Let the mix set for at least an hour, gently stirring occasionally when the cornstarch settles.

The wand: Thread two straws through a long string (30”). Tie the ends of the string to form a large loop. Move the knot so it’s inside a straw.

Take two more straws and insert them to form handles.

Visit your closest National Trust property this Easter and take a fun filled nature challenge to solve the clues and win a tasty Cadbury chocolate prize. NAA applies, plus a small charge to participate in the trial.

Polesden Lacey, RH5 6BD - Sat 6 April Shalford Mill GU4 8BS Sat 20 – Mon 22 Apr Box Hill, KT20 7LB Sat 6 April – Mon 22 Apr Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD Fri 19 - Mon 22 Apr Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT Sat 6 – Tue 23 April Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Sat 6 – Mon 22 Apr Claremont Landscape Gardens, KT10 9JG Sat 6– Mon 22 April Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, GU26 6AG Fri 19 – Mon 22 Apr

Use a shallow container and submerge the string and straws. Lift slowly and gently pull apart the handles until the strings are taut and then let the wind or your movement help a big bubble take shape.

This activity is so cheap and easy to do, but the results were awesome, and the kids will LOVE it.

Castle & Gardens

www.hevercastle.co.uk The Easter holidays at Hever Castle & Gardens promises to put a spring in your step. Hunt for the colourful carrots around the grounds in the fun Easter trail or spot the bunnies in the Castle. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips. Explores 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, and under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell with its 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame. Or challenge yourself in the Yew Maze and see how long it takes you to find the way

Go and see the Daffodil’s

Easter Eggstravaganza www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Friday 5 April– Tuesday 23 April Enjoy a great family day out this Spring, as the lambing season gets into full swing! With over 350 gorgeous newborn lambs due and ‘Meet the Shepherd’ sessions daily, there will be plenty of opportunity to learn about the lambs and even watch one being born! Children will also love to get up close to the baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies in the Small Animal Village, in addition to goat milking, tractor rides, pony rides and pig racing. Plus, complete the Easter stamp trail to take home a chocolate treat, and enjoy fun live Easter shows. With plenty of play indoors and out, you can be sure of a great day out whatever the weather!

12 Families London Surrey Borders

Family fun at Hever

Beasts of London at the Museum of London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk This is the Museum of London’s next major experience, created especially for families. The Beasts of London brings to life the history of animals in the city told from the unique perspective of the animals themselves. You will be guided by various animal characters through time, from the Roman era through medieval London and right up to present day. Discover how animals—from lions and elephants, to horses, rats and pigeons—have shaped the city and its beastly history. This is definitely one not to be missed! 7+. From 5 April. familiesonline.co.uk

Easter fun

Happiness in a Hammock

Lose your-

self in a book

Barnes children’s literature Sat 11 & Sun 12 May www.barneskidslitfest. org Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival Bank Holiday weekend 4-7 May www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literaryfestival.

My Shadow and Me www.puppetbarge.com

Kick a Ball Learn

Jet Pack your way

through the holidays

to Play Day

This super-duper jetpack idea promises hours of entertainment. Try a few different combinations, so you little one has some spare for when friends come play.

www.musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday

Materials - Two plastic two-litre bottles, duct tape and paint/tin foil, scissors, tissue paper/ felt, ribbon, elastic and glue and a sheet of card.

A free event to encourage everyone to start making music, with music shops, teachers, venues and schools throughout London partnering with leading musical instrument brands to offer thousands of FREE music lessons. Includes Croydon Music Hub, Unity Centre of South London in Balham, Early Music Shop on Denmark Street, and Yamaha Music London on Wardour Street.

Paint both bottles or cover with tin foil. Leave to dry and stick them together using duct tape.

Use either tissue paper or felt to make the fire, insert and glue in the ends of the bottle. Create straps by sticking ribbon, or elastic under the duct tape, top and bottom. Alternatively, you can glue a square of hard card to the back of the bottles, and thread straps through the card.

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Puppet Theatre Barge, Blomfield Road (opposite 35) W9 2PF Until 14 April One person (and his shadow) meet and go on an incredible, imaginative, shadowy journey where creatures emerge, engage and transform. The show uses minimal language in combination with electronic music, a kazoo, a shaker and non- verbal voice effects.

Little encounters between characters are explored and tiny stories unfold. We love this truly simple, theatrical blend of amazing skill, humour and shadow magic.

Venues across London Saturday 23 March -Sunday 24 March

Nower Wood

Family Open Day www.surreywildlifetrust.org There will be lots of free family activities on offer - minibeast hunting, pond dipping, marshmallow toasting, face painting, woodland play and more. As well as a guided bluebell walk around the more remote parts of the woodland to see the best of the bluebells. There is a morning session that runs from 10am-12.30pm and an afternoon session that runs from 1.30pm -4.pm. Leatherhead KT22 8QA.

Families London Surrey Borders 13

Easter fun

Otter Spotting at the

British Wildlife Centre

www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk Otters are playful, inquisitive mammals, as much at home in the water as they are on land. Designed for an amphibious lifestyle, otters are streamlined and sinuous with long thick tails and webbed feet. With their large lungs otters can stay under water for 4 minutes and swim at speeds of 7 miles per hour. After decades of water pollution and habitat destruction, the otter has fought back from the verge of extinction to inhabit every English county. In the wild they are shy and elusive but at the British Wildlife Centre you can see them up close, in and out of the water - a joy to watch!

Science

Power UP www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/powerup Science Museum Saturday 6 April - Monday 22 April This hands-on gaming event for all ages features the very best video games and consoles from the past four decades.

Quacky

Races

www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD Thursday 11 April & Fri 12 Apr, 11am-3pm Borrow a rubber duck and race it down the river in this Morden Hall Park classic. £2 per duck.

Remember to Rest

Week

Teddy Bear’s Train

Ride & Storytelling

www.denbies.co.uk Denbies Wine Estate. Monday 8 & 15 April.

Bring your favourite Teddy for a vineyard train ride and storytelling.

All kids love exploring and trying out new things, so why not try out some science experiments with ingredients you will find at home.

Rainbow Tower Density Project Materials – 1 clear beaker, 4 cups, sugar, 4 colours of food colouring, pipette /syringe.

Place cups on the counter and add 1 spoon of sugar to the first, 2 into the second, 3 into the third and 4 into the forth, remembering which cup is which. Add 60 ml of warm water to each cup and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add some food colourant to each cup.

Now comes the fun. Starting with the water with the 4 spoons of sugar, which will have the greater density, gently layer the water with either a pepet and syringe into your glass beaker. Each colour will sit on top of the one with the greater density.

Umbrella V&A Museum of

Childhood

www.museumofchildhood.org.uk A Pirate’s Life for Me. Developed in collaboration with children, the exhibition’s immersive and playful set design takes its young visitors into an imaginary swashbuckling world of adventure and exploration where they will travel from a moody coastal inn to a tropical treasure island in search of sparkling riches. Until 22 April.

Wiglet’s Easter

Eggstavaganza www.godstonefarm.co.uk Join Godstone Farm this Easter holiday for a full range of activities and family fun. Get ready for cuteness overload as lambs are born and chicks are hatching! Get close to our furry and feathered friends in scheduled activities throughout the day. Watch the races and cheer on your rubber duck, help braid the miniature Shetland ponies and meet the Farm mascots. Bubbles the bunny and Shelly the sheep can’t wait to see you for a truly egg-citing time. The Mega Egg Dash will also be running over Easter weekend 19th to 22nd April, with a prize every time!

Young

Astronomers Workshop

www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ Get hands-on in these short drop-in family workshops themed around space science and exploration, from the most recent discoveries about the Solar System to our latest understanding of the wider universe.

12.45-4.15pm, free, age 7+. Weekends in March 14 Families London Surrey Borders

buZZZZZZ wwwfriendsoftheearth.uk Get your Bee Saver Kit and help save the bees

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Families London Surrey Borders 15

Find your fearless Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 020 8773 4242 stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark

CROYDON 0845 265 7083 stagecoach.co.uk/croydon

SUTTON 01372 272561 stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805 stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

EPSOM 01737 669504 stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116 stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

16 Families London Surrey Borders

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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.