Families London Surrey Borders July/Aug 2019

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Helping children believe they can do anything 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 87 July/August 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders

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Festival on the farm

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31/3/15Wed – Tue. Sch. hols Dates: 18/2/15 Dates: Half Term Dates: Sat 27 JulWed 26/5/15 -(Summer) Tue. Half term 01/4/15 Easter Hols Sat 24 Aug 04/7/15 –(Summer) SatHalf . amTerm 27/5/15 Wed

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01342 834658 www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk 2 Families London Surrey Borders

ExpLorErs HoLiday CLub

Monday to Thursday 8-22 August Orienteering, woodland survival, fire lighting, den building & more!

More info & bookings:

surreywildlifetrust.org/holiday-club Find us at Nower Wood near Leatherhead familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to issue 87 Summertime promises sunshine, happiness and a few scattered rainbows. Embrace your wild side and go enjoy the outdoors. Hug a tree, laugh out loud and enjoy the adventure.

London Surrey Borders

This issue I have shared some fun and engaging ways to encourage families to adopt a more eco friendly lifestyle, with some inspiration from successful local eco projects.

We will also be sharing fun days out throughout the summer on www.facebook.com/ FamiliesLSBMag, so like us for daily ideas on things to do, and places to go.

Tamar xx

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 September/October Booking deadline 4 August Cover Image Depositphotos

In this issue 4. News & views 6. Fun ways to be eco-friendly 7. Local eco-friendly news 10. What’s on at the National Trust 11. Summer holiday camps

Keep up to date on all the fun and exciting events happening this Summer!

Follow us on Facebook

Families is so much more than a magazine. We are a community!

A community of local parents, all doing our best to keep our children happy and engaged with life.

Every issue we do our best to have a What’s On that is packed with amazing events, activities and holiday camps for families and their children. However, on occasions we miss an event, or only find out about it after we have gone to print.

As of the 1st of July I will be sharing these missed events, and our favourite events already included in print on a daily basis on www.facebook.com/ FamiliesLSBMag, making sure that the children of South London/East Surrey will be thoroughly entertained all summer long.

Like www.facebook.com/FamiliesLSBMag for the best summer of your life.

And remember caring is sharing. Tell your friends and share our events.

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.

12. What’s on in July & August 14. Outdoor Theatre this summer

Don’t miss an issue!

Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

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Help YOUR child discover their CONFIDENCE and enjoyment in MATHS Try for FREE at MathsClubByPost.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 3

News & Views Childcare Options for the Summer Holidays The summer holidays are a time of year that all children look forward to, however for parents it can prove to be stressful, as you need to make provisions for alternative childcare. There are a number of options that are available, however do need to be booked in advance as in some cases places are limited.

Nanny - Employing a nanny to cover the days you need childcare is very simple. A nanny can work to your schedule, from the comfort of your own home. They can take the children out for trips and excursion, do activities at home, as well as prepare meals and arrange bedtimes to your children’s rou-tine. A nanny should have the relevant certificates and documentation ahead of employment and going through a nanny agency, ensures that this is taken care of.

Summer camps - Summer camps are a popular solution for parents, especially those for older children. They are usually based around a theme or sport and allow the children to learn a new skill, whilst making new friends.

Times and prices differ for each camp so do some research beforehand.

Parents/Grandparents - If you are looking for a free childcare option, then parents and grandparents are the best option. The family know the schedule and the kids are taken care by people they know well. Parents have to juggle their own holiday allowance with their employer and in most case, leave won’t cover the entire school holidays. It can work in some cases, you just need to coordinate the diaries of all the family members involved.

Nurseries - Many nurseries offer childcare throughout the year for children up to 5 years old, covering all the school holidays. It’s a familiar setting for your child and you know the nursery staff well. Contact your nursery provider in advance to book your child’s place as they can be limited due to reduced staff numbers during these periods.

Childminder - During term times, childminders are a lifesaver for working parents, even if they just making sure your kids get to and from school. Some registered childminders do continue to work during the summer holidays and offer the same level of care. You can obtain the list of all registered childminders in your area from your Local Authority website.

Does your budding artist dream to have their masterpieces displayed across town?

Is your child’s imagination constantly running away with them? Are they always drawing on any scrap of paper they can find? The BIC® KIDS Young Artist Award could be the perfect summer bore-dom buster for you.

Set to run for the third summer in a row the BIC® KIDS Young Artist Award is designed to engage the nation during the Back to School period. Open to 5-11-year-olds, the competition encourages the entrants to exercise their artistic flair, let their imaginations run wild and draw with complete freedom. It rewards artists by giving them the chance to enter their artwork and win nationwide recognition for their work. Winners will have their work displayed on billboards throughout their region. The final winner will be chosen by a public vote and his, or her masterpiece will be on display across the nation.

Deadline for entries will be 4 August and work can be entered at www.bickids.co.uk/youngartist

Celebrate Play on Playday UK! Playday is the national day for play in the UK and will take place this year on Wednesday 7 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of chil-dren’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www. playday.org.uk

A bumper pack of family fun!

Games on the Go from Lonely Planet Kids Banish boredom this summer with Games on the Go, a bumper pack of family fun from Lonely Planet Kids with games including road trip bingo, turning fingerprints into colourful friends, amazon rainforest-themed crossword, designing flags and much more.

This colourful mix of brainteasers, games, drawing challenges, word searches and more will keep children entertained, just about anywhere. The must-pack addition for any family trip comes with 40 wipe-clean cards and a dry-erase pen, all stored in a small, handy box which fits easily into carry-on luggage, or in a car’s Mrs Manjit Shah, Director of Buttons Nanny glove compartment.

Agency www.buttonsnannyagency.com 55x70_alison.qxp_Layout 9 25/08/2016 10:52 Pa Games on the Go sells for £8.99 from www.lonelyplanet.com/kids

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!

4 Families London Surrey Borders

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Merton’s libraries are to get even better with funding by creating children’s sensory areas A first in the UK, each of Merton Council’s seven awardwinning libraries will soon have its own themed sensory area based on popular themes such as mystical forests, space, and water with addi-tional services being provided for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children.

The project is being funded by a £94,826 Arts Council England grant, which the council successfully bid for. “This important project entails the wider community and our library staff and volunteers who will be working with our partners and schools, to break down barriers and dispel misconceptions of special educational needs and disabilities, reduce isolation and open new doors of opportunity for children and their families. This innovative project is the first of its kind in the UK.” Specialist books and an activity programme of events across the borough will be offered for all children and with a particular focus on SEND children and their families. The school’s library membership scheme will also be expanded to include all special schools with regular class visits set up. More info: www.news.merton.gov.uk

Stagecoach Coulsdon is to get a new principal this September when Zoe-Anne McCready moves on after a fantastic nine years The new principal, Amanda-Jane Haynes, who has grown up in the Stagecoach family having been a Stagecoach student herself and then teaching at various Stagecoaches since 2002, is thrilled to be coming back to the school where her Stagecoach career started.

Space Chase - 2019 Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect re-wards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal. The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019 in England and Wales.

“Stagecoach Coulsdon was founded in 2002 by my mum Elaine Short so it feels really special to be coming back as the new principal. I have taught at the school over the last 18 years and have known many of the older students since they were tiny!

They are such fantastic schools, with so many talented children, I’m very excited to get started.”

For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Amanda will start her time as principal when term begins at Hillcroft Primary School on 14th September and Woodcote High School on 20th and 21st September. More info: www. stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

Does your child need help with Maths?

‘Little Free Libraries’ delightful dollhouse sized libraries designed to inspire a love of reading Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has installed ‘Little Free Libraries’ into five community green spaces to help make literature available to residents. Created and painted by local craftspeople, Paul Ritchie, Clare Ritchie, Kirstin Wood, and Daniel Balcombe, their purpose is to encourage residents to borrow and exchange books and share their love of reading whilst staying longer in the park, helping to support positive health and wellbeing.

Each miniature library holds about 20 books each. The locations include Redhill Memorial Park; Lady Neville Park, Banstead; Earlswood Lakes; New Pond Farm Allotment, Reigate; and Priory Park, Reigate. You will find them near cafes located in the parks. All five libraries have a variety of books suitable for all ages, from board books for young chil-dren to adult literature across all genres, including crime thrillers and works by Shakespeare. www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/news

There is a way to super-charge your child’s Maths confidence. Jade Lewis, a working mum of 2, was worried about her daughter: “Lola was finding maths quite tough, both at school and at home. In turn, her confidence was non-existent, meaning she struggled to enjoy maths activities. Since using Maths Club by Post, there has been a genuine shift in Lola’s attitude towards learning Maths and her confidence is flourishing!

She loves receiving her maths packs. She particularly loves the games, and the sense of achievement she gets once she has completed them.”

If, like Jade, you are worried about your child’s Maths, see if a free pack from Maths Club

by Post can help your child flourish too. Visit MathsClubByPost.co.uk

8 weeks of FREE sessions for the New Year 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.

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. familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 5

Fun and Engaging Ways to Raise Eco -Conscious and Earth Friendly Children Teach Your Kids the Consequences of Actions Help children understand the longterm effects of pollution on the planet.

Discuss problems like global warming, the thinning of the ozone and explain that wasting paper results in more trees being cut down, thereby decreasing the oxygen we breathe.

Plant a Tree Trees are great for the environment and planting a tree is a simple act that can have a lasting positive impact.

Make a day of it and visit your local nursery. Your child can choose their own sapling to plant at home and watch it grow into a shade bearing tree.

Get creative in smaller spaces, reuse and recycle to create a beautiful container garden filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. You will be amazed as to what can be used as a flowerpot.

The Woodland Trust is giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities and are currently taking applications for trees to be delivered in November. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Also, help children make good snack decisions and refuse singleuse plastics by understanding the drastic impact they have on the environment and wildlife we share the earth with.

I am sure our children would prefer to share the world with fish, turtles, and dolphins in the sea if they really understood the choice they were making.

Test your knowledge about threats to ocean ecosystems with Earth Days: www.earthday.org/oceans-plastic-pollution-quiz

Change shopping habits, choose reusable options and reduce consumption Focus on making intentional purchasing decisions that best suit your family. Purchase high-quality products that will last longer.

Buy second-hand clothing and furniture when possible. Switch to reusable alternatives wherever possible and stop the endless cycle of creating waste.

We have found the crown jewel for any family set on replacing their single-use plastic wastes with reusable items. ‘Anything but Plastic’ stock it all, the products are right here in the UK so fast delivery!

Happy shopping: www.anythingbutplastic.co.uk/shop

Embrace natural cleaning products Chemical household cleaners are very harmful to the environment. They are going directly into our water supply. This means that our water will need more purification to make it safe to use. Luckily there are many eco–alternatives. For most day-to-day cleaning tasks, natural products like vinegar, citric acid from citrus fruits and bicarbonate of soda can be used in place of caustic chemicals to great effect.

Scented All-Purpose Cleaner • • • •

One part white vinegar One part water Lemon rind Rosemary sprigs

Place rosemary and lemon rind into a spray bottle, add liquids and leave to infuse for a week before using.

This chemical free eco-friendly solution can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Plus, the kids can lend a hand!

Ecover manufacture a range of happy household cleaning products. Along with some great environmental policies, they provide refill stations and are a good company to support if homemade household cleaners are not for you. www.ecover.com 6 Families London Surrey Borders

Pass it on with a Summer Swishing Challenge Children outgrow their clothes so fast, and a swishing, or clothes swapping party, is a fantastic way to encourage pass the sharing of outgrown clothing!

Here is what to do: Step 1: Have a clear out to find wearable items that no longer.

Step 2: Give a token for each item donated. We advise to use a different token for toys and clothing. Step 3: Display items.

Step 4: Allow children look through the clothes, or toys and exchange items for the tokens they have.

Alternatively, have a summer clean out. Encourage your children to donate toys, books, clothes. Lead by example and give the whole house a facelift by donating your own old clothes and unused household goods.

Your local high street will have many charity shops that would welcome your donation, or Stripy Stork, a local charity collects donations of toys, clothes and other essential items for babies and children. After checking they meet current UK safety standards, they then rehome them with local families experiencing hardship.

More info: www.stripeystork.org.uk

Initiate a Recycling Program Recycling can be quite tricky!

How do you know what you can and can’t recycle? Introduce the principle of the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and together, create a poster to help your child understand how to recycle. Display your creation for the whole family to see!

You can also get eco-creative and build amazing things with your household waste.

Get inspired by 82 eco crafts for kids: www.pinterest.pt/ climatestore/eco-crafts-for-kids familiesonline.co.uk

Eco News in your Community The Surrey Family

is on!

This summer, children and families across Surrey are being encouraged to find out how to recycle plastics more easily at home and why ‘litter things matter’ by taking part in the Surrey Family Plastic Challenge 2019.

It is estimated that more than 165 million tons of plastics have accumulated in the world's oceans, while up to 8 million tons are added every year1. This is becoming a risk to our wellbeing, wildlife and the economy.

Preventing waste generation and encouraging reuse and recycling are the best solutions to the problem. However, many find it difficult to know what plastic can be recycled and where, as there are different recycling systems all over the country.

The Surrey Family Plastic Challenge features an exciting adventure movie featuring the popular Wastebuster characters, Captain Busta and Pong, who investigate waste and what happens to it. A fun quiz helps children and families learn more and engage with the subject while the challenge’s recycling pledge-o-meter will inspire residents in Surrey to help tackle the problem themselves.

Children who take the Challenge can aim to get as many pledges as possible to encourage everybody to recycle more to care for the

Less waste and more recycling across Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton Residents of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton region are producing less waste and recycling more than in 2018, largely thanks to a surge in recycling in the London Borough of Sutton, where the recycling rate increased by a staggering 13.5. This second biggest increase anywhere in the country, making Sutton one of just three London boroughs that are recycling 50% or more of its waste.

Waste collection services in Croydon and Merton will soon mirror the recycling and waste collection service that has achieved such excellent results in Sutton. So, it is expected that recycling rates in Croydon and Merton will also rise.

More info: www.slwp.org.uk

The big parenting debate, reusable vs. disposable nappies Did you know that by the time a baby is potty-trained they would have gone through between 4,000 and 6,000 nappy changes? A single disposable nappy takes 500+ years to break down. You do the math’s. Is this really a sustainable option?

A solution is the biodegradable nappy, but the truth is biodegradable material in the nappies only biodegrades if the nappies are composted – in a particular way. The average rubbish truck dumps the nappies in a landfill site, so composting just isn’t going to happen. So, is this really a solution, or just a feel-good excuse and great marketing?

The real solution is reusable nappies. As parents, we are very fortunate as we have a huge range of reusable nappies available to us, and there are even companies that came and take your soiled nappies away, leaving a pile of hygienically clean and soft nappies for you.

environment. Families can also register for a free Wastebuster family account to download Wastebuster eco-activities, to keep children eco-active all summer.

The Challenge is being run by Wastebuster, the not-for-profit environmental education programme funded by Surrey County Council and Surrey’s local councils.

Katy Newnham, Founder Wastebuster said,’ It is really inspiring to see how enthusiastic children are to do something to care for the environment. This Challenge gives them an opportunity to do just that – and see what a positive difference they can make by spreading this message to their friends and family. I think Busta and Pong will also make sure they have lots of fun along the way. The perfect summer fun eco-activity for little Wastebusters!’.

To take part in the Surrey Wastebuster Family Plastic Challenge register on www.Surreyfamily.plasticchallenge.net

Support your local repair café A repair café is a free meeting place and is all about mending things together. They supply tools, materials and advice on any, or most repairs you may need. Simply take along your damaged item and experts will help you repair them.

Dorking Repair Café Dorking Christian Center, Church Street, RH4 1DW Merstham Repair Café Age Concern, The Merstham Center, Weldon Way, RH1 3QB Reigate Repair Café The Yard at Reigate Station, 3a The Façade, Holmesdale Road, RH2 0BB Horsham Repair Café Quaker Meeting House, Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1SL London Repair Café (UK) 49/55 Great Guildford Street, Southwark, SE1 0ES Repair Café International supports local groups around the world in starting their own Repair Café. For a one-off voluntary contribution of around £50, they offer full training and support, along with a logo and digital marketing material to get you going.

More info: repaircafe.org

The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme This recycling scheme is open to everyone: individuals, schools, community groups, charities and companies. There are two ways you can get involved with the Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme.

Crisp packaging is not currently accepted at most recycling centres, and with so many crisp packets being popped into lunch boxes and eaten as an after-school snack, this is a really great way we can all get involved.

To really make a difference to the world we leave our children, this is the first place to start.

You can either find the closest place to recycle your crisp packets or sign up to the scheme and make a difference in your community today.

To find your nearest nappy library visit www.uknappynetwork.org

More info: www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/crisppacket/brigade_ faqs

familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 7

New eco badge for London Cub Scouts Cub Scouts in London are being encouraged to go eco as part of a newly revised badge to teach children the importance of getting involved in environmental conservation in their daily lives.

The Croydon Reuse Organisation

The Environmental Conservation Activity badge is now sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Recycle with Michael initiative - which works with children to divert thousands of tonnes of unwanted clothing and shoes away from landfill.

The Croydon Reuse Organisation (CRO) is an independent creative space where you can take the time to learn a skill or brush up on long-forgotten ones or even hobbies with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly team.

Environmental conservation now plays a vital role in the Cub Scouts movement. Youngsters wishing to obtain their unique badge must learn about and undertake activities across a broad spectrum of climate change subjects such as: actively reducing energy and water usage in their own homes and schools, studying renewable energy alternatives, and practicing responsible food/home waste recycling. They must also complete various projects including planting a tree, tidying wasteland, picking litter, making a natural bird feeder, and more.

Located on Church Road, opposite Reeves Corner it lies in the heart of Croydon Old Town and is easy to reach by tram, bus, foot or car.

London Cub Scout groups who wish to get involved with the Recycle with Michael initiative can visit www.recyclewithmichael.co.uk to find out more.

Valuing the benefits of the reuse principle, CRO looks to give learning opportunities to all sectors of the community and offer workshops to small groups in woodwork, carpentry, upholstery and sewing. They also value and give opportunities to those who can offer their skills and expertise to others through workshops.

More info:www.greencroydon. co.uk/evrplus_registration

Residents’ recycling results in stunning saving for Surrey Surrey residents recycled even more food waste in their caddies last year meaning that £310,000 is now being saved every year and helping to protect essential services.

Residents’ efforts have made savings because it costs less to recycle food waste (turning it into electricity) than it does to dispose of it. And, even though it’s only a small action, it shows that putting a bit more into your caddy can make a big difference.

Even though big savings are already being made, more food waste can go into caddies. In fact, if all food waste in Surrey went into caddies, it would save an extra £3 million a year. And remember, all food can go into your caddy so please put more in and help increase the savings being made.

For more information on how to recycle food waste, visit surreyep. org.uk.

8 Families London Surrey Borders

Eco-conscious Moon Time for Mums Personally, I love the fact that I have a period. Over time I have come to realise that my period serves me a purpose far larger than reproductive cycles. It allows me to shout when normally I would not. Let’s call it a catalyst to bring order into the home.

However you view your period, disposable sanitary products really leave a far larger impact than my mood swings. They take a decade to break down and cause huge problems to the waterworks and sanitisation of the water, which is inevitably purified and reused again, and again.

A simple, and eco-friendly solution to the disposable sanitary product industry is a little silicone cup called the Mooncup. This soft, silicone menstrual cup is reused every time you get your period. They are a far healthier and convenient alternative to tampons and pads and also save money.

More Info: www.mooncup.co.uk

Carshalton Environmental Fair takes place on Monday 26th August One of the biggest events in South London, attracting around 10,000 people each year, the Environmental Fair offers a great opportunity for residents to learn more about local environmental policies and local groups/sustainability initiatives.

A great day out for all the family, children’s activities include a cycle obstacle course; face painting; circus skills; crafts and other games.

The Main Stage showcasing local rock, pop and young bands or can browse among over 150 stalls selling beautiful craft.

Children under 12 get FREE entrance, 12-16-year olds and concessions are £3, adults are £5. Family deal ticket of £15 for families with two adults and up to three teenagers under 17.

A special FREE bus service will bring you to the fair from all parts of the borough, so you can stay all day and take the bus home.

More info: www.envfair.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and events happening your local area www.facebook.com/FamiliesLSBMag

Limit plastic packaging and go local by supporting your local VegBox Scheme There are moments when I must stop and wonder if humanity has gone completely crazy. The places this most happens to me the most is in the vegetable aisle. Planet Earth, in all her wonder, has gifted us the best and first fast food in the form of tasty and nutritious fruit and vegetables.

Why do we warp them up in its own plastic wrapper, especially when in many cases they come perfectly wrapped in their own compostable packaging, in the form of a peel?

The Sutton Community Farm offers a VegBox Scheme for pick up or local delivery.

Visit www.suttoncommunityfarm. org.uk to see if they deliver to our area. Alternatively, they welcome collection.

Are Zero-Waste grocery stores the new way to shop?

More and more retailers are on a mission, not just to reduce the amount of food and product packaging in stores, but to eliminate disposable packaging completely.

By offering people the option to buy bulk items in their own containers, or purchase refillable ones, these new package-free stores could change the way we shop.

Waitrose supermarket is letting customers in one of their Oxfordshire stores, fill their own containers as part of a trial to cut waste, but we are seeing a trend in independent zero-waste stores popping up across the country.

We have found Fetchem from the Cupboard, based in Leatherhead More info: www.fetchemcupboard. co.uk And coming soon to Caterham is Pedricks Zero Waste Shop, who will also be running children’s events and activities.

Watch this space: www. pedrickszerowasteshop.com familiesonline.co.uk

£3m

£2m

Suttonboot.co.uk 0777 444 0774

£1m £310,000

Next Issue September/October 2019 Back to school Independent school open days Education news and focus October half term what’s on Book today!

Call 07947 535986 I editor@families-lsb.co.uk

YOU’RE RECYCLING MORE FOOD WASTE AND WE’RE NOW SAVING

£310,000 A YEAR

KEEP GOING!

Put more in your food caddy and save more for essential services surreyep.org.uk

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Families London Surrey Borders 9

What’s on at the National Trust

Winkworth Arboretum Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU9 4AD 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum Sat 20 Jul– Wed 4 Sep, 10.30am–4pm Six Weeks of Summer Adventures Become an Arboretum Explorer and discover the buzzy bugs, amazing animals and towering trees of Winkworth. NA + 1 per trail.

Every Thu and Fri 25 Jul–30 Aug, 1.30pm−3pm Crafternoons Pay a visit to our ‘crafternoon’ tent for children’s craft activities throughout the summer holidays using the Arboretum as inspiration. NA + £1.50 per craft.

Every Mon in Aug, 1.15pm–2.15pm Teddy bears’ picnic Bring along a teddy and a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of storytelling and songs that will delight young and old.

NA + £3 per child aged 1+.

Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park/whats-on Sat 6 Jul, 11am-3pm National Meadows Day Sweep the meadow with nets in search of bugs. Free Fri 19 Jul, 8.15-9.30pm Fri 9 Aug, 8-9.15pm Sat 17 Aug, 7.45-9pm Family Bat Walk How many bats will you see? BE. Adult £5, Child £3.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul, 10am-5pm Morden Hall Park Summer Fair Enjoy a weekend of fun with the family.

Sat 20 Jul – Thu 1 Aug Polka Theatres’ workshops for kids Learn puppetry, mask making, drama, storytelling and more with Polka Theatre.

Wed 24 July & Wed 21 Aug, 10am-5pm The Great Big Tree Climb Climb the tallest, oldest tree in the park. Dare you do the branch walk? £25 per hour

Wed 7, Sat 10, Wed 14 & Sat 17 Aug, 8.30pm Wed 21, Sat 24 & Wed 28 Aug, 8pm & Sat 31 Aug, Wed 4, Sat 7 Sep, 7.30pm.

Bat Walks Explore the gardens and estate with our rangers and use bat detectors to try and find some of our nocturnal residents.BE. Adult £8, Child £5 Runnymede near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ runnymede-and-ankerwycke Sun 7 Jul, Guided walk - 11.30am/ Family activities - 11am–1pm National Meadows Day Celebrate National Meadows Day and take a guided walk through history or join in with family activities. Free.

Sat 20 Jul–Sun 1 Sep, 10am–4pm Summer holiday family trail: King John and Robin Hood Learn about the legendary Robin Hood and his antics with King John. £1 per trail

Sat 17 Aug, 1.15-2.30pm Honeybees and beekeeping talk How busy is a busy bee? Suitable for families with children aged 7+. Adult £5 Child £2.

Every Tue in Aug, 11.30am–12pm Terrible Tuesdays Join us at the Magna Carta Memorial for a series of talks and activities that bring the history of Magna Carta and Runnymede and a host of medieval characters to life. Free talk; activity sheet £1.

Mon 26 Aug, 11am-3pm Quacky Races A Morden Hall Park classic is back!

Cheer your duck on from the riverbank. £2 to hire a plastic duck

Sat 3–Sun 4 Aug, 3.30pm–10am Big Camp 2019 A unique opportunity to camp overnight in Runnymede’s historic meadows. B Adult £30, child £15.

Polesden Lacey Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BB 01306 881717 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesdenlacey

Sat 24 Aug 11am–3pm Have a go Archery Come along to see who the best shot at our shooting range is and learn some historic facts about archery in the time of King John. £2.50 for 6 arrows.

Sat 6 July, Sat 3 Aug, Sat 7 Sep Meet the Rangers Our rangers are the superheroes of the woodland. Climb on board their tractor or help with some fun, child-friendly jobs. NAA. Until 18 July, 10.30-11.30am Teddy Bears’ Picnics Pre-school toddlers: Bring your favourite teddy to enjoy a story and (pretend) picnic. BE. Sat 20 Jul– Sun 1 Sep, 10am-3pm Summer Crafts and Games Enjoy giant games on the orchard and craft activities throughout the summer holidays. NAA + £2.50 per craft.

10 Families London Surrey Borders

Sat 10–Sun 11 Aug Big Camp A unique opportunity to camp at Winkworth, featuring special activities with our wildlife expert Jonnie. BE. Sat 10 Aug, 8pm–10pm Bat walk Join our expert guide for a walk around the Arboretum after hours, and take a glimpse into the lives of the bats who call Winkworth their home. BE. Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden Sun 7 Jul & Sun 25 Aug, 11am–4pm Island open day Take this rare opportunity to visit Claremont’s island by boat, full of mysterious hideaways and historical importance. NAA. Sat 20 Jul, 7pm (gates open at 6pm) The Jungle Book Join Mowgli’s adventures with Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther against the villainous tiger Shere Khan in a lively new adaptation of Kipling’s children’s classic by The Herald Players.

BE. £12, child £8, family (2+2) £35 Sun 28 Jul, 10.30 am–4pm Real Reptiles Tom’s Talking Reptiles comes to Claremont. Meet a special collection of tame reptiles, frogs and mini beasts.

NAA. Every Wed in Aug, 1pm–2pm Teddy bears’ picnic and storytelling Fun-filled teddy bears’ picnic featuring storytelling and songs with Emma to delight young and old. NA + £3, accompanying adults free.

Sun 11 Aug, 10.30am–4pm Crazy Golf at Claremont Bring the whole family for a round of Crazy Golf at Claremont. NAA + child £2, adult £2.50 Sat 17–Sun 18 Aug Big Camp Camping at Claremont including special activities with our wildlife expert Jonnie. BE. Hatchlands Park East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park Thu 1 & 8 Aug, 8-10pm Bat Walk Take a twilight walk through the parkland and see how many bats you can hear! Bat detectors will be provided. Adult £7, Child £4 booking through Guildford TIC on 01483 444334 Sun 21 & 28 Jul, Fri 2, 16, 23 & Sun 18, 25 Aug, 11.30am-2.30pm Pony Magic Pony rides in the garden (suitable for 2-11-year old’s) NAA + £3 per ride.

Mon 26 & Tue 27 Aug, 6-8pm Open-air theatre: Alice in Wonderland Bring a picnic and a rug and join Immersion theatre on the lawn at Hatchlands Park for this fantastical larger-than-life musical. Adult £12, child £8, family £32. Booking through Guildford TIC on 01483 444334 Sun 21 July & Sun 25 Aug, 11am-3pm Have- a-go Archery Try your hand at archery with experts from H&H Archery. 6yrs +. NAA + £2.50 for 6 arrows.

Dapdune Wharf Guildford, GU1 2PP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey Thu 4, 11, 18, 25 July, 10am - 11am Wharf Weenies Story time, fun craft activities and a chance to explore the outdoors.

Sat 20 Jul– Sun 21 Jul, 4.30pm Big Camp Come and test out the island and see if it’s a good place to spend the night.

You’ll need your own tent, but we’ll provide the breakfast – bacon and sausage butties - at a small cost. Surrey Bat Group will join us for an evening bat walk. Children’s activities and boat trips available.

Sun 28 Jul – Sun 4 Aug, 11am - 5pm Summer festival holiday of sport Kick off your summer holiday with our festival of sport at Dapdune Wharf.

Bring your bike and ride our cycle course, play table tennis, disc golf or have a go at archery, or even get on the water and learn to canoe on the River Wey. Thu 1 Aug – Sat 31 Aug, 11am - 5pm Earth, wind, fire and water This August we will be getting elemental and discovering all things earth, wind fire and water. From our messy mud kitchen to kites, fire lighting and water games along with a range of other fun activities for you to make and take home.

Mon 12 Aug, 8.30pm A night with the stars If the weather’s fine, we’re going to count shooting stars with Guildford Astronomical Society.

Sat 17 Aug, 11am - 5pm Model Railways open day Astolat Model Railway Circle invites you to their open day to celebrate their 50th anniversary. See their layouts, have a go and learn how they are built and operated.

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FAIRIES & DRAGON S DISCO

What’s on Your essential guide to family events this

Families Favourite Summer Holiday Camps

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WATERWARS SPLASH ZONE

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Family days out across Surrey Join us at Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden, Polesden Lacey, Morden Hall Park, River Wey and Winkworth Arboretum this summer and enjoy family fun activities including; trails, outdoor theatre, sports, picnics and walks.

nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey #nationaltrust

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.

© National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images.

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Fri 5 – Thu 22 Aug, Mon-Thu Wild Explorers Holiday Club Nower Wood, near Leatherhead. www.surreywildlifetrust.org Give your child a summer to remember at Surrey Wildlife Trust’s fantastic holiday club. Children can let out their wild side and explore the wonderful woodland habitats within the nature reserve. Each week runs Mon-Thurs with a different theme every day – Exploration, Discovery, Survival and Adventure! The days are packed with outdoor activities like shelter building, fire lighting, orienteering, minibeast hunting and pond dipping. Ages 5-12.

Booking is essential: Trust members £35/day, non-members £40 day.

Mon 2 Jul - Fri 16 Aug, 9am – 3.30pm The 11+ Holiday Learning Club 11plus University Centre, Wallington, SM6 7LB www.holidaylearningclub.com www.11plusmasterclass.co.uk A popular holiday club specialising in 11+ success for Year 5 pupils. Qualified and experienced 11+ teachers will be present daily to assist your child in any areas they find difficult. The club incorporates a mixture of 11+ tuition and tests in Maths and English in order to give your child the best chance of success in the competitive 11+ exams.

29 Jul –2 Aug - 11+ Masterclasses in English and Maths. 4 – 16 Aug– 11+ Tests and Tuition £300 per week. £50 discount for early bookings before 8 July.

Stagecoach Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops Children and teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at Stagecoach’s Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops.

From the second they arrive your child will start making friends, having fun and learning some great new skills!

During their time at Stagecoach we guarantee you’ll see an increase in your child’s confidence, social awareness and fitness. At Stagecoach we have years of experience in delivering high quality, fun performing arts lessons to children and teenagers. Our professional teachers work with each student to improve their confidence in singing, dancing and acting before giving them a suitable role to play in a performance for family and friends.

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues for changes since we went to print.

London’s Finest Child Friendly Festivals Fri 5 Jul – Sun 4 Aug River Stage Festival 2019 National Theatre SE1 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/ river-stage-2019 A free outdoor festival of arts and entertainment. Each weekend, River Stage partners take over the stage outside the National Theatre and offer a full line-up of events for all ages, including family workshops, theatre, activities, live music and performances.

Jul-Sep Southbank www.southbankcentre.co.uk Summer at Southbank Centre sees the 17-acre site play host to an array of free events and an abundance of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Check the website.

24-26 Aug The return of Peppa Pig: My First Concert everyone’s favourite pig family leads a fun, interactive introduction to live orchestra.

14-26 Aug Disco Loco Family friendly queer programme for everyone by Hackney Showrooms.

Sat 3 - Sat 31 Aug Underbelly Festival www.underbellyfestival.com The wonderful world of Twirlywoos – as seen on CBeebies – will be brought to life on stage for the first time in London this Summer, when Toodloo, Great BigHoo, Chickedy, Chick and Peekaboo set sail for the Underbelly Festival Southbank.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul Lambeth Country Show Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ www.lambethcountryshow.co.uk One of the biggest free family festivals in the UK. Expect all the attractions of a traditional country show, sheep and owl displays, home grown vegetable and flower competitions, an abundance of craft and food stalls and their very own on site farm. Music always plays a big part of the show too, featuring a mix of dub, Afro-beat, disco, jazz, folk, ska and soul. A fantastic day out. FREE Throughout the summer Summer by the River londonbridgecity.co.uk With open air cinema and theatre, big screen summer sports, live comedy and music performances, fun family days, fitness classes and a host of events to let your hair down on a Friday, Summer by the River will be the ultimate London experience this summer.

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WHAT’S ON IN JULY Until Sun 1 Sep Wetland Explorers Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Here’s your chance to become a Wetland Explorer!

There are loads of exciting wetland challenges waiting for you including pond dipping, wild painting and raft building. Grab your free Wetland Explorer log book and start your expedition. It’s a wild day out for the whole family!

Every Mon 1-3pm and Fri 10.30am12.30pm FREE Food Growing Drop-in Sessions Carshalton Community Allotment, Colston Avenue, 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.

Every Wed Family Cycling David Weir Leisure Centre, Carshalton, SSM5 1SL www.ecolocalcycling.org.uk Suitable for children aged 7+ accompanied by an adult. No booking needed – just drop in. £4.

Every Sat, 11am - 1pm, 29 Jun - 27 July Every Fri 11am - 1pm, 26 Jul - 30 August Golf in the Park Beddington Park (by the Pavilion Cafe), SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk Free family fun golf sessions for all ages and abilities.

Every Thu, 4 Jul – 8 Aug, 5.30pm -9.30pm South London Music Sessions Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Enjoy live music and DJs plus spectacular views across London at free weekly gigs on the Horniman Bandstand.

Mon 1 Jul – Sat 31 Aug Camp Wilderness Overnight Camps Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.campwilderness.co.uk Led by the experts at Camp Wilderness these overnight camps are a fantastic way for children to get in touch with the natural world around them,and make some new friends as they go.

Sat 6 July Croydon Mum2mum Market All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, CR2 9AB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Award winning baby and children’s nearly new sale where you can save a fortune buying pre loved items.

Sun 7 Jul, 11am - 1pm Butterfly Stroll Stew Pond Car Park, Christ Church Road, Epsom, KT18 7JE www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Join Alison Gilry to find, identify and record other butterflies, moths and invertebrates that inhabit Epsom Common.

Sun 7 Jul, 1.30-4.30pm SS Peter and Paul Primary school Summer Fete Cricket Green, Mitcham, CR4 4LA www.sspp.merton.sch.uk/parentsassociation Great fun for all the family with games, stalls, raffles, bouncy castle, BBQ and much more.

12 Families London Surrey Borders

Sun 7 Jul, 11am - 4pm Open Day Ewell Village Bowling Club Gibraltar Recreation Ground, Ewell, KT17 1XU www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Take a moment out of your busy day and come down to us on our Open Day and give bowls a go! Qualified coaches will be on hand during the day. We welcome all ages and abilities.

Sun 7 Jul, 12pm - 5pm Gatton Country Fair Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.com Set in the beautiful grounds of Gatton Park, the Gatton Country Fair is the perfect day out for all the family.

Sat 13-Sun 14 & Sat 20-Sun 21 July Summer Jousting Tournaments Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge,TN8 7NG www. hevercastle.co.uk Spectators will be treated to a thrilling display of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. Sat 13 Jul, 10.30am -4pm Ewell Village Fair Glyn House, Ewell, KT17 2AP www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk All the fun of the traditional fair will include a coconut shy, Punch and Judy, pony rides, a bouncy castle and Kiddi Karts.

Sat 13 Jul, 11am ‘Butterflies’ with the Friends of Selsdon Wood Meet in Selsdon Wood car park, Old Farleigh Road www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk A gentle walk for about 2 hours.

Sat 13 Jul, 11am-4pm D Day and Operation Epsom Bourne Hall Park,Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on Celebrating the 75th anniversary of D Day and Operation Epsom with a special free family day at Bourne Hall Park.

Sat 13 Jul - Sun 14 Jul Norman Knights Tournament Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org A tournament between knights, squires and archers will be held in the grounds of Arundel Castle. Crafts and activities from the 12th century will be demonstrated in our encampments.

Sat 13 Jul & 10 Aug, 10am-4pm Reigate Caves Open Days Tunnel Road, Reigate RH2 9AY www. reigatecaves.com Ideal family day out. Tours run every 20 minutes or so according to demand and availability of guides.

Sun 14 Jul, 12pm - 8pm Merton Food and Drink Festival Morden Park House, SM4 5QU www.mordenparkhouse.eventbrite. co.uk The free-to-enter celebration is to show case food and drink from local producers ranging from street food vendors and artisan bakers to gin distillers and craft beer makers.

Sun 14 Jul, 10am - 12pm and 1-3pm Bird Collages - Art Workshop Beddington Park (by the Pavilion Cafe), SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk A free, creative, nature filled drop-in art workshop making beautiful bird collages.

Sat 20 Jul – Sun 21 Jul, 10am - 4pm Woodland Fairy Fair Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Guildford, GU3 1DQ www.wattsgallery.org.uk/whats-on/

Once Upon a Castle at Hever Castle Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Children are needed to help with a quest to locate a new shield and find a Princess’ missing cat as part of a new summer event at Hever Castle, Once Upon a Castle.

Meet Flame the Dragon and go on an adventure through the gardens to find a new shield to replace the one he has accidently burnt. In the Castle help look for the princess’ cat and meet fairy tale creatures along the way. 27 & 28 July.

Immerse yourself in natural history with The British Wildlife Centre

Eastbourne Rd, Newchapel, Lingfield RH7 6LF www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk The British Wildlife Centre is real natural history experience. It’s home to the finest collection of native species in the country where you can view rarely seen species such as otters, red squirrels, Scottish wildcats and pine martens, as well as foxes, badgers and beautiful British owls.

Summer is an exciting time as the new season’s cubs, kittens, fallow deer fawns and red deer calves are venturing out, as well as this year’s very cute Little Owl and Tawny Owl chicks, though they are growing fast!

Enjoy a magical summer at Bocketts Farm Park!

Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Children will love the enchanted trail filled with mythical magic. Get creative in craft corner and make your own magical wand before having a boogie in the fairies and dragons bubble disco. Cool off in the brilliant Water Wars Splash Zone, and enjoy launching water filled balloons at your opponent’s – great fun for all ages! Pan for gold in the last chance goldmine before digging and building in the giant sandpit. Other daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling, goat milking and the famous pig racing.

Its holiday fun and festival vibes this summer at Godstone Farm

Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Festival on the Farm returns for its second year with an entertainment schedule bursting at the seams! Wake up with Bubbles the bunny and his friends at morning fitness, but save some energy for junk modelling, messy play, circus skills, and mini disco……phew! Still time for more? Then get creative in the build it zone, wander in the music garden or just relax in the chill out zone. All this on top of two indoor play barns, outdoor adventure play area and over 500 animals to see.

Wildflowers Family Festival Hobbledown, KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com

Looking for the very best family-friendly festivals this summer? Well, add Wildflowers to that list as Epsom’s 3-day festival of sound and colour returns bigger and better than ever!

Wildflowers takes place at Hobbledown adventure park and zoo and is the ultimate feel-good family festival. Featuring live music, interactive theatre, music and dance workshops, walkabouts and circus entertainment, there will be a jam-packed line-up of alfresco fun throughout the 3 days.

There will also be craft stalls, street food stalls, 2 bars, and a big paint throwing finale!

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woodland-fairy-fair-2019 Create collaborative fairy worlds with plasticine, lolly sticks and pom-poms, craft a crown fit for a fairy king or queen, make a magical dreamcatcher using colourful wool, beads and feathers, and much more.

Wed 24 Jul, 11.30am & 2.30pm Tropical Creepy Crawly Roadshow Denbies, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts, Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter.

Sat 20 Jul – Sun 1 Sep, 10am - 6pm Summer Garden Adventures with the Very Hungry Caterpillar RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Very Hungry Caterpillar. We will be exploring lifecycles as well as helping children understand where their food comes from and how it grows.

Thu 25 Jul – Sun 1 Sep, 10am - 5pm Summer holiday family fun Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every day families can enjoy the free fun trail around the gardens. The natural play area at the far end of the gardens is great fun too.

Sat 20 Jul, 12.30pm The Chipstead Village Fair & Flower Show Elmore, CR5 3SB www.chipsteadflowershow.co.uk Bringing local communities together for over a hundred years, the Chipstead Village Fair and Flower Show is a traditional country fair for all the family to enjoy.

Sat 20 - Sun 21 Jul Kew Science Festival Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AE www.kew.org Grab your goggles, slip on a lab coat and get stuck into the 4th annual Kew Science Festival this summer in London’s most beautiful and biodiverse setting.

Sat 20 Jul, 11am – 5.30pm Street Live: Pop-Up Crazy Golf High Street www.checkoutcroydon.com/whatson Nine holes of FREE pop-up urban Crazy Golf in the High Street.

Sat 20 Jul, 9.45am - 9.30pm Steam train to Portsmouth & The Isle of Wight from Woking Woking Railway Station, GU22 7AE www.SteamDreams.co.uk Passengers can spend an afternoon in maritime Portsmouth enjoying its world-class visitor attractions including the iconic Spinnaker Tower, Mary Rose museum or enjoy the hustle and bustle of Gun Wharf Keys and its fabulous shopping opportunities.

Sun 21 Jul – Sun 1 Sep, 10.30am - 6pm Summer Sundays Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Settle into summer with the whole family in our wonderful Summer Sunday events! With garden pantomimes to laugh out loud at, crafts to create, and falconry to be fascinated by, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic day with us!

Tue 23 Jul - Sun 28 Jul Medieval Jousting Week Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org Real live International joust tournament.

Thu 25 Jul, 10am - 12pm & 1-3pm Beddington Park Drawing Workshop Beddington Park, SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk/parks Learn how to bring the park alive on paper. Bring a folding chair/stool or be prepared to sit on the grass. Free.5+ Sun 28 Jul, 2pm -6pm Family Day Rave with Big Fish Little Fish Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Outdoor festival-style raving fun for families, with bubbles and balloons, acid house, techno and drum and bass.

Mon 29 Jul – 2 Aug, 10am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3pm Ritchie Rosson’s Magic Show Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, Woodmansterne lane, SM6 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com Non-stop joy and laughter with Ritchie Rosson’s hilarious family magic show.

Fun filled, silly, crazy and amazing!

Mon 29 Jul, 11am-2pm Beauties & Beasts Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk Come and discover more about the beauties and beasts of the natural world whilst following our trail to find mythical beauties and beasts from stories. See pond creatures and make a craft.: £4.50. 3yrs+. Drop in, no booking required, cash only.

Wed 24 Jul, Wed 14 & 21 Aug, 11am – 3pm Henfold Birds of Prey Denbies, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Learn about and see birds of prey fly. Meet Snakes, Lizards, MiniBeasts, Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter.

WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST Thu 1 Aug, 1.30pm Panto in the Park Birdworld, Farnham, GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk Calling all adventurers! For one performance only, accompany the daring Jimmy on his quest full of pesky pirates, deserted islands and mischievous mermaids.

Sat 3 Aug – Sun 4 Aug, 10am - 6pm The Loxwood Joust The Loxwood Meadow, West Sussex, RH14 0AL www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk The Loxwood Joust is the most spectacular mediaeval festival in the Realm with an unrivalled programme of mediaeval mayhem.

Mon 5 Aug – Fri 9 Aug, 11am - 4pm Bug Bonanza Week Birdworld, Farnham GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk Bug Bonanza Week, a national initiative run by BIAZA to raise awareness of the importance of invertebrates. The activities will include all manner of slithering and crawling critters, bug -themed arts and crafts, a creepy crawly activity trail and lots more.

Mon 5 – Fri 9 Aug, 9:30am, 10.45am, 11.45am & 2pm Puppet Singalong Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, Woodmansterne lane, SM6 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com Back by popular demand for the third year running join Matt & Lou and their Puppets for some toe-tapping, crowd pleasing singalong songs!

Tue 6 Aug, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30pm-3pm Beautiful Beetles Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk/events Learn about beetles through stories, activities and hunting for them in our meadow and woodland. Finish with a craft to take home. £6. 3-7yrs.BE. Wed 7, Thu 8, Wed 14, Thu 15, Wed 21, Thu 22 Aug, 10am – 12pm Summer Tots at Nower Wood Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/ events/2019-08-14-summer-totsnower-wood Summer Tots provides a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to experience and learn from nature.

Sessions include arts and crafts, games, exploration, mud kitchens, mini beasts and much more. 2-5 year olds accompanied by an adult. Babes in arms go free. BE Wed 7 Aug ,10am,11am & 12noon Teddy Bear’s Train Ride & Storytelling!

Denbies, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Bring your favourite Teddy for a vineyard train ride and storytelling.

Family Heritage Trail Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Launching this August the trail explores the hidden corners of BAC through the people, stories and values that have shaped its 125-year history.

Visitors will uncover hidden history and encounter new specially commissioned artworks with a self-guided trail created by theatre-makers and artists. Discover the stories of exceptional people, solve puzzles, see new artworks. Free but booking recommended.

Wisley Amazing Maze Wisley Ln, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Just opened by Wild at Wisley is the amazing straw-bale maze. Built from 600 straw bales, it is Wisley’s summer fun play area, while Wild at Wisley gets a complete rebuild to include some of the exciting features from the Duchess of Cambridge’s gardens at Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows this year. About one metre high, young kids will have super fun hiding and trying to find their way through the intricate maze.

Sat 10 – 11 Sun, & Sat 17 – Sun 18 Aug Summer Jousting Tournaments Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www. hevercastle.co.uk Spectators will be treated to a thrilling display of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box.

Sutton Boot Sale Suttons best and original car boot sale

Every Sat & Wed until Oct, 8am – 1pm. The Wednesday boot offers buyers an eclectic mix of old household goods from clearance sellers based in and around the London area. Saturdays are a typical car boot sale with loads of amazing bargains and lovely genuine family focused sellers. £1 Entry For All Buyers & Children under 16 go Free. Please text to check if we are open before setting off if heavy rain is forecasted – 07774440774.

Every Wed from 24 July - 28 Aug, 11am - 2pm Drop-in Kids’ Club Beddington Park (by the Pavilion Cafe), SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk/parks Free, weekly children’s craft and trail activities. Ideal for 5-11-year olds but all welcome.

Fri 2 Aug, 1pm - 3pm Xplorer Beddington Park (by the Pavilion Cafe), SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk Explore the park and hunt for the themed markers. A great activity for all the family.

Mon 12 Aug, 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.

Wed 24 Jul- 1 Sep, 11am – 4pm (closed Mon & Tues) 6 Weeks of Magic Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR www.riverhillgardens.co.uk A fun range of magic themed craft activities, with a different one running each week!

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Aug Castle Canines Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www. hevercastle.co.uk A weekend dedicated to our canine friends with demonstrations, displays and entertainment. Enter your pooch in a fun dog show with rosettes for the winners in each category.

Mon 12 & Tue 13 Aug, 11am-2pm Wow! It’s an Owl! Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk/events Follow the owl trail to see and interact with real live owls! Discover more about these lovable creatures and make an owl mask to take home. £5.

3+.BE

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WHAT’S NEW NEAR YOU Children’s Garden at Kew Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB www.kew.org The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has embarked on its most ambitious design project in recent years.The size of nearly 40 tennis courts , it has been designed around the elements that plants need to grow: earth, air, sun and water. Children will be able to play and explore as they wind their way through a landscape filled with over 100 mature trees, discovering hidden treasures and adventure, and developing their love of nature, plants and the outdoors along the way.

St Hellier Open Space, Opposite St Hellier Hospital, SM5 1AA www.suttonboot.co.uk

Follow on www.facebook.com/ suttonbootsale to see the latest news and updates.

Families London Surrey Borders 13

Sat 17 Aug - Sun 18 Aug Family History Weekend Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org Family History Days will be an opportunity to meet a variety of historical characters, such as a Knight, Pirate and Medieval Surgeon, and have fun with a range of have-a-go activities, including archery.

Sat 17 Aug, 7pm – Sun 18 Aug 10am Horniman Kids Sleepover Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Camp out in the galleries for an unforgettable night at the Museum full of fun activities and exciting exploration.

Sun 18 Aug, 10am – 1pm Dovecote Open Morning Beddington Park, SM6 7NN www.sutton.gov.uk/parks Now’s your chance to see inside this 18th century architectural gem complete with original pigeon nest boxes and revolving ladder used for raiding them. Trail sheets for children are available inside. Free.

Mon 19 – Fri 23 Aug, 10am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3pm Maxwell the Bubbleologist Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, Woodmansterne lane, SM6 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com A unique interactive bubble show, see our bubble performer perform tricks that you would never have believed possible with just soapy water!

Fri 23 – Sun 25 Aug, 4pm start Enchanted Horsham Park, RH12 1RL www.enchantedhorsham.co.uk As daylight turns to dusk, a wondrous secret illuminated garden reveals itself & magically brings to life unicorns, dragons & mystical tales with projections, light shows, performance, music and pathways of fire Free entry for under 16’s.

Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug Journey through History and Jousting Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk Immerse yourself in different periods in history with encampments, reenactments and stalls as well as more thrills and spills as our brave knights compete in this year’s Jousting Tournament over the Bank Holiday.

Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug 12,000 Years of Combat Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org Tented encampments will demonstrate the costume, weapons and fighting techniques from the stone age to the Victorian era.

Mon 26 Aug Surrey S.M.E Open Day SAT NAV enter Mill Lane, Leatherhead www.ssme.co.uk Come and enjoy rides on the steam & electric trains. Tickets can be purchased from our Ticket Office, (there is no booking in advance). much more.

Mon 26 Aug, 11am and 12.30pm Rampant Rooster - Morris Dancing Performance Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents Performances at 11am and 12.30pm, Free entry.

Mon 26 Aug, 12pm – 3pm Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents Enjoy a leisurely 25minute ride through the vineyard.

Wed 28 Aug, 11.30am & 2.30pm Cat’s Grin Theatre Present ‘The Wind in The Willows by Kenneth Grahame’ Denbies, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk Watch an incredible live showing of The Wind in The Willows. Suitable for the ages of 4-11.

Sat 31 Aug, 7.45pm - 9.15pm Epsom Common Bat Walk Stew Pond Car Park, Epsom KT18 7JE www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Join members of the EEBC Countryside Team and find out more about these fascinating and much misunderstood mammals. Bring a head torch/torch and wrap up warm!

Sun 31 Aug, 8pm Beddington Park Bat Walk Meet outside the old wildlife hospital at the end of Church Rd www.sutton.gov.uk/parks Join the London Borough of Sutton’s Biodiversity Team in this walk around Beddington Park to detect bats and to find out more about these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Free. BE. Call 020 8770 6060 or email sarah.wheeldon@ sutton.gov.uk

OPEN AIR THEATRE AND CINEMA Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark/whats-on

Hatchlands Park East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark Mon 26 & Tue 27 Aug, 6pm -8pm Alice in Wonderland Bring a picnic and a rug and join Immersion theatre on the lawn at Hatchlands Park for this fantastical larger-than-life musical. Booking through Guildford TIC 01483 444334.

Iris Theatre St Paul’s Church,Covent Garden, WC2E 9ED www.iristheatre.com To 27 July Hamlet Enjoy an outdoor promenade performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the beautiful grounds of St Paul’s Church in the heart of Covent Garden.

A thrilling, contemporary production of Shakespeare’s greatest play. 8+.

1 Aug - 1 Sept The Hunchback of Notre Dame This vibrant, outdoor production of Victor Hugo’s epic tale of injustice, survival and love will be a spectacular adventure for all the family.8+.

Painshill Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Sat 3 Aug, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 3pm Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Hold tight for rolling heads, rocketing sneezes, skimming plates and darting jam Tarts. And all the while the Cheshire Cat grinned from ear-to-ear.

Ideally suited to the 4–11 age group.

Sun 4 Aug, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 3pm The Wind in The Willows From an idyllic riverside setting, through the Wild Wood via Toad’s motoring misadventures to the final battle for Toad Hall, this enchanting interactive production about selfless friendship is told with high energy, humour and audience participation.

Sat 20 Jul- Mon 26 Aug (exc Mondays) Alice in Wonderland Royal Botanic Gardens Kew www.theatreonkew.seetickets.com Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other. Enjoy this family-friendly outdoor theatre production of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. With colourful costumes, interactive games and catchy songs this is the perfect way to go on a fantastic adventure.

27 Jul & 11 Aug The Wizard of Oz returns to Groombridge Place Groombridge Place, Groombridge, TN3 9QG www.groombridgeplace.com With two live performances every day in the new outdoor forest theatre, a visit to Groombridge Place this summer will be a magical experience for all the family Sun 28 Jul, 5.30pm Wisley Live! Wind in the Willows Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures in Quantum Theatre’s brand new adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame classic – a treat for all the family!

Various dates throughout the Summer – Book Early Luna Kids Cinema Dulwich park and Hampton Court www.lunakidscinema.com The first and only open-air cinema experience designed specifically for families and children of all ages.

Families can choose from a huge variety of films in the 2019 programme, including this year’s biggest children’s releases, from The Lego Movie 2 to Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remakes Dumbo and Aladdin. There will also be exclusive screenings of The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Zog and the brand new Peppa Pig movie–Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun among many other family favourites.

Various dates throughout the Summer – Book Early Luna Cinema Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill Morden Park Hall, Priory Park, Wimbledon Park www.helunacinema.com/venues Luna Cinema returns to Guildford Cathedral with screenings of three firm favourites - Bohemian Rhapsody, Dirty Dancing and Mary Poppins Returns.

Bring a picnic and a blanket,and enjoy!

Don’t forget to say you saw these advertised in

Fri 2 – Mon 5 Aug, 11am & 2pm daily Family theatre: Star Flower A magical performance of aerial acrobatics, live music and storytelling.

Adult £12 Child £9

LIVE ON STAG E

Fri 16 Aug, 7.30pm -10pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream Enjoy Shakespeare’s most loved comedy with The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Claremont Landscape Garden National Trust Claremont, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden Sat 20 Jul, 7pm (gates open at 6pm) The Jungle Book Join Mowgli’s adventures with Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther against the villainous tiger Shere Khan in a lively new adaptation of Kipling’s children’s classic by The Herald Players.

BE.

BASED ON THE PICTURE BOOK BY

JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books.

Mon 12 – Fri 16 Aug, 10am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3pm Fizzpop Science Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, SM6 0SU www.woodcotegreen.com High energy educational science shows based around chemical reactions and air.

Thu 15 Aug, 8am The Steam Dreams Rail Co – London to Bournemouth & Weymouth by Steam The Steam Dreams Rail Co www.steamdreams.co.uk Enjoy a day trip to the seaside by a vintage steam train to either Bournemouth or Weymouth with pick-ups from Cheam, Leatherhead, Clandon, Guildford or Haslemere.

WED 3 JUL - SUN 8 SEP

BOOK NOW gruffalolive.com 14 Families London Surrey Borders

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Sutton High Street Festival Week 8-11th July Big Bang@Sutton Family Day Saturday 13th July To find out more join us at @enjoysutton

www.enjoysutton.co.uk/the-big-bang familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 15

HO WO LIDA RKS Y HO P

SUMMER WORKSHOPS Make friends and build confidence

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 29 July - 2 August. St Andrews Church, Cheam SM2 7HF stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark

EPSOM 12 - 16 August. Bourne Hall stagecoach.co.uk/epsom 01737 669 504

020 8773 4242

COULSDON & CATERHAM 5 - 9 August. Woodcote High School

SUTTON 5 - 9 August. Carshalton High School

stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

0345 078 0805

01372 272 561

CROYDON 29 July - 2 August. Croydon High School

SHIRLEY 29 July - 2 August. Shirley High School

stagecoach.co.uk/croydon

stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

0845 265 7083

020 8949 1116

16 Families London Surrey Borders

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Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

at our theatre workshops