Families London Surrey Borders Nov/Dec 2019

FREE take me home

!

Enjoy Peter Pan from Sat 14 Dec Sun 5 Jan at

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 89 November/December 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders

SUTTON HIGH STREET

s s i r t m a h C n s s w t O h i t h c g i L

CHRISTMAS PARADE 11AM-12PM LIGHTS SWITCH ON 6PM

3 2

Er b m E Nov -6Pm 11Am

• PuPPet Pantomime • Live music and dance Performances • sweets and treats • GoLden ticket traiL • ceLebrity sPeciaL Guest

@Enjoysutton for further details

2 Families London Surrey Borders

www.enjoysutton.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to issue 89 Here at Families LSB, we all wish you and your family a very happy festive season, filled with love and laughter. Enjoy this years November/December issue, and may it bring you a feast of ideas to bring buckets of contentment and joy into your homes.

London Surrey Borders

Tamar xx

Editor Tamar Pearson editor@families-LSB.co.uk

Competition

Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Oi Frog & Friends!

Live on Stage

Printer Print Mates

Based on the bestselling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field

21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue

WIN a Family Ticket for 4 to see Oi Frog & Friends!

Live on Stage in the West End at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 29 November.

Next issue January/February Booking deadline 2 December

FROG is hidden on several pages in this magazine.

To win, find them all and email your answer of the total number with your name and the subject heading OI FROG & FRIENDS! FAMILIES LSB COMPETITION to info@kennywax.com before midnight on Monday 18th November 2019.

Applies to selected performances only*.

Cover Image © Epsom Theatre

In this issue 4. News

T&C’s - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, minimum 1 adult) to see Oi Frog & Friends! live on stage at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for selected performances from *29 November – 18 December 2019 only. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of the entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, hold no cash value and are not transferable. No answers will be accepted after the closing date of midnight on Monday 18th November 2019 and all decisions are final.

8. Learning a musical instrument 9. Advertorial feature 10.Christmas at the National Trust

All Oi Frog illustrations by Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group

11. What’s on in Nov & Dec 12. Christmas highlights 14. Independent School Open Days 15. Acts of kindsness advent calendar

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.

C E L E B R AT E T O G E T H E R THIS DECEMBER

MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE

FATHER CHRISTMAS

THE NUTCRACKER

SING-ALONG CAROLS

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT

Call: 020 7589 8212

Supported by

royalalberthall.com/christmas familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 3

News

No room at the Inn From the inside to the outside. No matter how big or small, terraced or detached. Every detail bespoke to your home. Get the space you crave in your own home by converting your loft with the experts.

The IMB Group Ltd are a family run business with over 25-years’ experience. Your consultation is free and can open up possibilities in your home. From considering the location of the stairs, to adding a second or third floor, all options can be discussed. All proposals are costed and itemised, so the price you agree is the price you pay.

Paralympian, Rio Silver Medallist and triple World Champion, Para Triathlete, opens the new Sports Pavilion at Banstead Prep Children, staff and parents at Banstead Prep School were thrilled to welcome Paralympian, Rio Silver Medallist and triple World Champion, Para Triathlete, Lauren Steadman on Monday 14 October to officially open the new Sports Pavilion.

To add a real value for money Christmas offer, they’re giving 10% off any quote and subsequent deposit payment made between 18 October and 20 December. Book your consultation today 0208 4069907.

Headteacher Vicky Ellis commented: “Sport is a huge part of Banstead Prep school life. We are delighted to be able to further enhance our already excellent sports facilities by investing in the Sports Pavilion and it is exciting to finally see it in use by our children and visiting teams.” Banstead Prep already boasts a fullsized hockey astroturf pitch as well as grass pitches, a full-sized sports hall and indoor swimming pool. Head of Sport Gavin Jones added: “The new sports pavilion will be fantastic for Banstead Prep, cementing the brilliant sporting opportunities we already offer.”

Browse www.lmbgroupltd.co.uk for case studies and testimonials or see work in progress on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @LMBGroup.

To learn more about Sport at Banstead Prep, book a place on the next Open Morning on Tuesday 12 November at www.bansteadprep. com/visit or contact Admissions to arrange a visit on 01737 363600.

Rock school for kids launches in Purley and Caterham – Girls and Boys Welcome The Rock Project Croydon will teach 7-18-year-olds how to play guitar, bass, drums and sing in a band. Classes will be held in Purely and Caterham and instruments are supplied to pupils.

Croydon-based Clara explained she was inspired to set up the school after finding it difficult to find group music sessions for her son in her area.

“I prefer group sessions because I feel they put less pressure on the individual student and are more fun, but couldn’t find anything in the area I live. When I found out about The Rock Project it seemed like a perfect fit. Learning music brings so many advantages,” she added. “Its shown to help maths skills, and sessions like this help to build self-confidence, friendships as well as giving the students a skill for life.”

For more information contact Clara and Graeme on 07988744900 or email Croydon@TheRockProject.com or visit www.therockproject.com.

Winter Play Guaranteed at Godstone Farm with a NEW Winter Pass!

The outdoors is never off limits. Engineer your own fun this winter with the NEW Winter Pass, at Godstone Farm. It is perfect for keeping your family entertained come rain or shine… and even snow!

Enjoy the weather-proofed fun over and over with unlimited access to the indoor Playbarn, the perfect soft play for children of all ages. Head to Wiglet’s Play Village and enjoy the indoor adventure area where children can role play as a vet, work on a construction site, cook up a storm in the kitchen, and not forgetting the thrilling ball play zone and indoor animal barns.

Wrap up warm and watch them let off steam as they conquer new heights in the Adventure Playground, explore the Dino Trail and get up close and personal with over 500 farm animals.

More info: www.godstonefarm.co.uk

Pick a Pine and Join Surrey Wildlife Trust for a Festive Family Event with a Difference Get outdoors, escape the high street and start a new family tradition of choosing and chopping your own Christmas tree.

There is vital conservation work required on our rare heathland habitat and removing non-native Scots Pine is one element of this. We’re inviting families to come along and select a tree they can decorate at home whilst helping Surrey Wildlife trust in its conservation efforts.

There will be a fantastic festive atmosphere, with wild crafts for the children and grown-ups. Why not collect foliage to take home to make a wreath or table decorations for a sustainable way to decorate your home this Christmas.

More info: www.surreywildlifetrust.org/events/2019-12-01-pick-pine

4 Families London Surrey Borders

familiesonline.co.uk

News

Advertising in Families works!

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my advert on the cover of last month’s edition.

I love helping Mums to have a fulfilling career whilst still being there at the school gates, at the school plays, the sports days and if their child is poorly, to take the day off with no permission needed.

Our business is simple, you’ll be given all the training you need, you’ll have a mentor who supports and helps you and the support and friendship of other mums who are on the same journey as you.

If you’d like to start making this it a reality for yourself, give me a call. We’ll have a 5 minute chat, then a 30 minute online meeting and then I’ll send you further information to help you make the right decision.

For more information please contact Katie Bridge on 07909 681884 www.katiebridgelifestyle.co.uk

Meet Debbie, a local Mum helping children join the DOTS I am Debbie, and over the past year I have been building DOT Occupational Therapy, based in the London Borough of Sutton. Occupational therapy treatment focuses on helping children with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities to be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives.

If your child has difficulty with handwriting, using cutlery, playing sports, dressing skills, paying attention in class or other daily skills, they may benefit from OT intervention.

I specialise is working with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dyspraxia/DCD and Sensory processing difficulties. My job involves finding out what motivates a child and helping them to learn or find new ways of completing tasks that they want to be able to do. This is based on assessments, observations, play and working closely with parents and teachers.

If you have something you would like to discuss with Debbie, please contact her on 07572 186109, or visit www.dotot.co.uk

Buttons Nanny Agency

Building Parent Confidence Being a parent is one of life’s greatest and most important challenges. It can be joyful and fulfilling, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful, and sometimes we need a bit of help along the way.

Sue Fraser, local Sutton Mum and Parent Coach can work with you to identify what you want to achieve, and then support you to reach your parenting goals.

Helping you overcome any obstacles along the way. ‘’As a coach, I believe that you, the client, have the answers you need, and the skill of the coach is to enable you to find the best solutions for you and your family.’’

If you are struggling with confidence as a parent or struggling to understand and manage your child’s behaviour and you feel coaching may help you, please do not hesitate to contact Sue for more information on suefrasercoaching@gmail. com, or 07739 038610.

With agencies based in London, Surrey and Hertfordshire, Buttons Nanny Agency have a huge database of high calibre nannies built up over 26 years of operation.

Full, part-time and temporary nannies available. All Buttons nannies are qualified, hold childcare experience, have references checked, have a valid paediatric First Aid certificate and have a DBS or are Ofsted registered. By registering with Buttons Nanny Agency, you will be assured of a truly professional caring service. We operate to very high standards within the childcare industry.

If you are looking to find a nanny or would like more information, please call 0203 637 4040. www.buttonsnannyagency.com

Sue Fraser

Parent Coach/RMN

Building Parent Confidence Understanding and managing child behaviour Learning together “There is no job more important than parenting” Benjamin Carson

suefrasercoaching@gmail.com 07739 038610 familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 5

News

Step Step Cha Cha Cha With the onset of autumn, the new series of the BBC’s popular Saturday evening Ballroom Dancing Show is well under way. After watching the celebrities perform on TV the Traymark Junior Dance Club pupils (some as young as 3 years) arrive for their lessons bursting with comments about the performances that they watched the previous Saturday.

World famous illustrator Axel Scheffler debuts The Smeds and the Smoos in live events in Twickenham in support of Environment Trust Axel Scheffler, world-famous illustrator is hosting three exclusive live events for children and their parents.

He will be reading his latest creation with author Julia Donaldson ‘The Smeds and the Smoos,’ as well as everyone’s favourite ‘The Gruffalo’ at these exciting live shows, which will take place on Saturday 16th November at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham at 10am, 11.40am and 1.20pm.

Axel will also be drawing his most famous characters, the Gruffalo, Stickman, Snail and the Whale…and teaching the children how to draw them too!

The children will tell me all about the ‘Flicks’ in the Jive, the ‘Chasses’ in the Cha cha cha, the ‘Botofogos’ in the Samba and the ’Heel Turns’ in the Foxtrot. With so many concerns about mental health issues and obesity amongst children and young adults it is refreshing to see our pupils enjoying the benefits of Ballroom and Latin American Dancing.

Apart from keeping fit from the exercise Traymark is a place to form new friendships, build self-esteem and confidence. Why not come along and join us for a FREE TRIAL SESSION. More info: www.traymark.weebly.com

First Class Learning Provide Structured, Flexible Learning Programmes in Maths, English and 11+ First Class Learning (FCL) programmes are designed for children from Reception through to A-Level. The programme develops key skills in maths and English, building long-lasting confidence and helping learners to become secure in their subjects. The maths and English programmes are written by qualified and experienced subject specialists and are designed around the learning outcomes of the current National Curriculum.

FCL programme is personalised, taking into account the learning needs and style of the individual learners. Maths and English are both skill-based subjects that can only be mastered through practice. This practise must be part of a structured, yet flexible programme so that your child can recognise his or her own achievement.

Sutton: sutton@firstclasslearning.co.uk / 07712 323582 Carshalton: Carshalton Beeches: carshalton@firstclasslearning.co.uk / 07957 966316 Banstead: banstead@firstclasslearning.co.uk / 07789982055 South Croydon: croydon.south@firstclasslearning.co.uk / 07790004416 More info: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Alex will be signing books purchased on the day (unlimited) and books brought from home (one book per household), making it a great opportunity to buy some unique Christmas gifts for children.

For more information and to book tickets: www.environmenttrust.org/Event/axel-tales

Don’t forget to say you saw these advertised in

Introducing a Fun, Quick and Easy Way to Learn Multiplication Using Song, Action and Dance

55x70_alison.qxp_Layout 9 25/08/2016 10:52 Every Pa family needs a Mr NK in their life. Don’t

suffer in silence. Join Pride of Britain’s winner Mr NK who will change your child’s life forever with the TUNES TIMES TABLES programme.

The programme is a fun, quick and easy way to learn multiplication using song, action and dance.

For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy

Birthday Parties Too!

Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation

Now Recruiting Contact: Mrs Tracy Felton (020 8643 5919) Member of the IDTA, AQA/NSAP Professional Award, CRB checked, School Curriculum approved. Fully insured.

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

Hillcross Primary School, Ashridge Way, Morden, SM4 4EE

www.traymark.weebly.com TraymarkJuniorDanceClub 6 Families London Surrey Borders

madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!

Parents your children will be tested by the Department of Education. All children aged 8+ will be assessed on their times tables in all primary schools – this will become mandatory in 2020. Children are expected to answer 25 questions within 5 minutes. Tunes Times Tables children answer 95 questions within 5 minutes.

Get your children ready with TUNES TIMES TABLES. This unique effective program will arrive in Brixton and Croydon this November. Children of all abilities are welcome and full learning albums are also available to download.

More Info: www.tunestimestables.com familiesonline.co.uk

Activity Mornings for children starting Reception September 2020

Build your child’s confidence and learning skills. Ages 5 – 16 years.

Sutton 07712 323582 sutton@firstclasslearning.co.uk

Wednesday 25 September Thursday 28 November Thursday 28 November

Carshalton 07957 966316 carshalton@firstclasslearning.co.uk

Book online at www.bansteadprep.com/visit

Banstead 07789982055 banstead@firstclasslearning.co.uk South Croydon 07790 004 416 croydon.south@firstclasslearning.co.uk

SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737 363600

Visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk to enquire or book an assessment.

Croydon Branch 52 Tamworth Road Croydon CR0 1XW

www.tuitioncentres.org

Learn times tables quickly using Tunes Times Tables A creative and effective method of teaching multiplication

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OPEN DAYS Every Saturday 11am-12pm

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For More Info

familiesonline.co.uk

020 7607 9330

admin@tuitioncentres.org

Registered

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10 x 3 is 30

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3 x 9 is 27

Email: asha@tunestimestables.com

Tel: 0330 333 8703

www.tunestimestables.com

Workshop locations: Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Brixton & Croydon Families London Surrey Borders 7

Clubs & classes

Choosing a Musical Instrument for your Child

By Amy Fowler Learning a musical instrument can inspire a lifelong love for music as well as helping children through a range of artistic and academic challenges. Many parents want to ensure that their children enjoy music and engage in learning but selecting the right instrument can seem like an impossible choice.

Your first step in deciding which instrument to select for your child should be asking your child what instrument they would like to play.

With so much choice, how your child feels about an instrument will depend on their personality and tastes. It sounds obvious but a child is more likely to be dedicated to progressing with a musical instrument they selected and enjoy playing, rather than one they were told to play.

Child engagement is key to future musical success and for this to be an informed decision your child will need to interact with all the possibilities. Providing exposure to a whole range of instruments and musical styles will help instrument selection. As well as live performances, a great way to expose children to different orchestral instruments is to play them children’s pieces such as: Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf; Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens; or Benjamin Britten’s A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. By asking your child about their instrument group preference: brass, percussion, strings, you can understand the kind of sounds they prefer. This will, in turn, help inform the type of instrument you select for your child.

Trying different instruments is a great idea and music shops often employ musicians who can supervise your child to do this. This will give your child the chance to understand how an instrument feels and sounds. A number of music hubs in the UK also provide a hire service so you can try different instruments out before you buy. This is a great way for children to figure out which instrument works best for them.

As well as understanding your child’s preferences, another thing to consider is your child’s age. Younger children may struggle with the

Paediatric Occupational Therapy

physicality required of woodwind or brass instruments and may be too small for instruments such as the double bass. If your child has to struggle physically to play an instrument, even if they enjoy the sound, they will be less likely to enjoy playing that instrument. Violins are extremely popular first instruments because their physicality works well for smaller children but with so much choice, the ideal is to try a range of instruments before make a decision and a purchase.

There is a variety of instruments available and if you want to encourage your child to learn something a little different, there are a number of ‘endangered’ instruments, for which musicians are becoming quite rare. They include the Viola and Double Bass in the string family; the French Horn and Tuba in the brass family; and the Bassoon and Oboe in the woodwind family.

There are some practicalities to think about when playing an instrument. Be aware that you will need an instrument that your child can use for regular practice. There are ways to reduce the cost and high quality plastic versions of many brass and woodwind instruments are available with considerably smaller price tags. As well as the financial implications of buying an instrument, there is also a range of environmental factors to consider. An acoustic piano (or even full size digital keyboard), for example, needs quite a bit of space. Pianos must also be kept away from radiators and ideally placed on a ground floor room with an even temperature. Violins grow with your child so more than one will be required if your child progresses, and harps need a large car to transport them around!

Selecting the right instrument for your child can be a daunting task but by spending a bit of time matching your child with their instrument you can help encourage a lifelong love for, and progression in, music.

Amy Fowler works for the ABRSM, the world’s leading provider of music exams and an organisation which has spent 130 years inspiring the musical achievement of young people. For more information, visit www.gb.abrsm.org

The Lotus Practice Now offering ü Cranio-sacral therapy ü Baby Massage Courses

• Handwriting • Fine motor skills • Gross motor skills • Sensory Processing • Developmental Coordination Delay • Autistic Spectrum Disorder • Dyspraxia Services we offer include: detailed assessments and reports, school programme, home programme and 1:1 therapy session For more information contact Debbie Burridge E: debbie@dotot.co.uk T: 07572 186109

www.dotot.co.uk 8 Families London Surrey Borders

ü Baby Yoga Courses ü Osteopathy CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system and better overall health.

) 07956442223 : thelotus@hotmail.co.uk 8 www.thelotuspractice.com familiesonline.co.uk

Advertorial

You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family They say Christmas is the time of being together and spending time with your family. But if, like some of us, all it brings is stress and a houseful of volatile relatives, you might be craving a bit of peace or space.

A loft conversion can be the perfect way to strengthen families and ironically bring them closer together.

It’s about creating space, saving space and making more of your new space.

Talk about your feelings

The Mental Health Foundation’s top tips for looking after your mental health at Christmas suggest talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with tough times.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the impending arrival of house guests speak to your family.

Think about ideas

How would you like your family to use your home? It can be great to voice some of your ideas. With over 25 years of experience LMB Group surveyors can help bring your ideas to life and guide you to see what’s possible.

The sky is the limit

But I’ll lose my present hiding spot

Rest assured, eaves storage and making the most of some of the nooks and crannies can actually create more usable storage space, not less, in your new loft space. And if you think your home is too small, think again.

I’m stuck for inspiration

If you’re too busy ticking presents off the shopping list to be creative, how about a play room with drop down cinema screen? A master bedroom with en-suite? Two bedrooms and an extra bathroom? A teenage study space? The all-important guest bedroom?

Our ideas are endless. Talk to the LMB team today. A plan of action will help you feel more positive. They’re offering 10% off any quote and subsequent deposit payment made between 18 October and 20 December.

They don’t just do loft conversions. How about adding a second For more tips on coping with the festive period see Mind’s or third floor to your home? Some households don’t want to lose 10 ways to reduce Christmas stress or get excited about the garden space for an extension. Where the family is concerned, potential of your home by browsing LMB Group’s portfolio maintaining valuable areas like the garden ensure that you really are LMB No room at the inn 180 x 130_Layout 1 15/10/2019 15:15 Page 1 www.lmb-lofts.com adding to family life and not simply trading one for the other.

Book your consultation today.

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No room at the inn?

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Get the space you crave in your own home.

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10% Discount from 18th October 2019 - 20th December 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 9

What’s on

Christmas

with the National Trust

Some events require booking, please visit the website for more information.

Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ morden-hall-park Sat 30 Nov, 7, 14, 21 Dec & Sun 1, 8, 15, 22 Dec Meet Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas Book a timed slot to meet Father Christmas and receive your present in person in his cosy living room. On 14 & 15 December, Mrs Christmas will be back by popular demand, so book in for a unique experience.

Thu 5, 12 & Fri 6, 13 Dec, 9.30am-10.15am Storytime with Mother Christmas Festive storytelling for under 5s.

Weekday Visit Father Christmas slots also available to book. £5 Child. £3 Adult.

NAA + Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20.

Sun 15 Dec, 11am-3pm Big Art reindeer Come along and help decorate our reindeer sculpture, made from reclaimed and recycled materials.

NAA. Polesden Lacey, Nr Dorking, RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey

Fri 29 Nov – Mon 23 Dec Visit Father Christmas Children will be enchanted by the bejewelled grotto where they will meet Father Christmas and his busy elves and receive their Christmas gift.

Every Thu & Sun from 14 Nov to 8 Dec, 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm Make a gift: Christmas workshops Craft linocut cards, festive wreaths, stained glass ornaments and learn to decorate biscuits.

From £15.

Fri 15 Nov – Sun 1 Dec Christmas Market Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with our handselected exhibitors all housed in charming wooden chalets.

Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park, Guildford, GU4 7RQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park Sat 30 Nov, 7, 1, 21 Dec & Sun 1, 8, 22 & Mon 23 Dec, Festive family crafts Drop in and get creative at our Christmas craft workshops. Why not make some decorations to take home. NAA. Sat 30 – Sun 6 Jan, Christmas trail Pick up a trail sheet from reception and follow a musical Christmas story through our parkland and woodland.

NAA. Sat 7, 21 & Sun 8, 22 Dec Seasonal Cellar tours Discover the stories of life in the hidden spaces beneath the house at Hatchlands Park. NAA. Sun 15 Dec, 12pm & 2pm Family Carols Enjoy a festive sing-along with informal carols and readings in the Music Room at Hatchlands.

10 Families London Surrey Borders

Sat 7 –Mon 23 Dec, 10am-3pm Shivering Snowman trail Explore the wintry woodland on this snowman themed trail.

Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ box-hill Tue 10 Dec, 10am-3pm Christmas Wreath Making Make a beautiful Christmas door wreath using foliage gathered from Box Hill. All materials included, as well as soup lunch, tea, coffee & mince pies.

Throughout Nov and Dec Christmas craft workshops and Christmas wreath-making Try your hand at something new and craft something that is beautiful and unique in one of our workshops.

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, 11am & 1.30pm Pantomime: Jack and the Bean Stalk Laugh along to this traditional seasonal favourite. £18 Adult. £15 Child.

Sat & Sun 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 Dec, 10am-4pm Festive carriage rides Horse-drawn carriage rides through the park. Advanced booking recommended. £16 Adult. £12 Child. Family tickets available.

Fri 13 Dec, 11am-12pm Festive centerpiece workshop Create a bespoke festive candle holder for your home using natural materials.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden Tue 3 Dec Late night Christmas shopping Pop into Claremont on your way home to pick up some Christmas gifts.

Sat 7 – Mon 23 Dec Ruby Robin and friends’ winter trail Come on a magical journey as you help Ruby the Robin find her friends around the garden on this heartwarming trail.

Sat 14 Dec Mother Christmas Storytelling Join Mother Christmas for some classic festive storytelling. Adult £3.55, child £6.70, NAA. Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum Sat 30 Nov, 3.30pm-5pm Christmas carols Give the festive season a warm welcome with a magical afternoon of Christmas carols and songs.

Mon 2, Tue 3, Sat 14 Dec, 10.30am–1pm Wreath making workshop Learn how to create a magical Christmas wreath suing materials gathered locally.

New Christmas traditions made in Surrey Visit Father, or Mother Christmas; go for a bracing winter walk or simply enjoy hot chocolate and a festive treat in one of our cafés.

This Christmas, why not visit Claremont Landscape Garden, Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Winkworth Arboretum, Box Hill and Morden Hall Park.

These are the places that make us. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey © National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images/Tom Soper

familiesonline.co.uk

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families London-Surrey Borders!

Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve with a and find out about the fascinating history of the long gone but not forgotten Horton Light Railway.

friends, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season!

Wed 20 Nov – Sun 5 Jan, 5pm–10pm Christmas at Kew Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE www.kew.org As twilight falls, the magic begins...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the sparkling after dark trail returns to light up Kew Gardens.

Sat 30 Nov – 5 Jan, 10am-4pm Kids Trail & Crafts Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote Everyday there’s a self-led trail for families in the gardens, and kids can have a go at crafts inside the Squire’s Room during house opening times.

Sat 23 Nov, Daily Sat 14 – Tue 24 Dec Santa’s Cellar Grotto Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents Enjoy a warm welcome from Santa`s elves! Outdoor train ride followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his Cellar Grotto and tell him your Christmas wishes.

Block 1: 24 Oct, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Nov & 5 Dec, 10am-12pm Block 2: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jan 6 & 13 Feb 10am-12pm Wild Tots at Nower Wood Nower Wood Education Centre, Leatherhead www.Surreywildlifetrust.org/families Wild tots provide a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to experience and learn from nature.

Suitable for 2-5 year olds accompanies by an adult. Babes in arms FREE. BE. Sat 9 Nov, 1pm-3pm The Romans are coming!

Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on The Romans are coming, building that new fangled thing called a road through the area, and changing a way of life forever. Discover what life was like in Roman Ewell. £5.

Sat 9 Nov, 3pm-4.30pm NCT Nearly New Sale - Cheam 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 as space in sales hall limited. £1 per adult.

Sat 16 Nov, 11am–5pm Glyn School Christmas Fayre The Kingsway, Ewell, KT17 1NB www.glynschool.org Variety of Christmas, Gift & Craft stalls.

Sat 16 Nov Croydon Mum2mum Market All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, CR2 9AB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Mega baby and children’s nearly new sale packed with 100’s and 100’s of pre loved bargains Sun 17 Nov A Vintage Christmas at the Rural Life Centre Rural Life Centre, Farnham, GU10 2DL www.rural-life.org.uk Returning to the museum for a second year, a Vintage Christmas provides something a little unusual for shoppers during the festive season. This vintage and retro market offers something special for lovers of mid-century style, with antiques, vintage and retro items on sale.

Sun 17 Nov, 1pm–4pm Days of Steam at Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve, KT19 8PL www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Take a Sunday afternoon stroll around

A Magical

Snow Globe

Mon 25 Nov, 10.30am Christmas Family Concerts in Croydon St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, CR0 7EB www.bachtobaby.com Grab your friends, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Children free.

Thu 28 Nov, 4.30pm–8pm Epsom Christmas lights switch-on Epsom Market Place, Epsom, KT19 8EB www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Christmas starts with fun and frolics in a family event with free entertainment plus a host of festive surprises.

Fri 29 Nov, 10am Christmas Family Concerts in Epsom St Martin of Tours, Epsom, KT17 4PX www.bachtobaby.com Magical music, mince pies, mouthwatering coffee, oh my! Grab your

Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, 10am-4pm Christmas Mini-Market and Opening Weekend Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote Mini Christmas Market with local producer stalls, and Father Christmas will be handing out gifts to children.

Christmas kids trail, craft activities as well as other festivities.

Sat 30 Nov, 10am-12pm Family Christmas DecorationMaking Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Create a Christmas wreath and Christmas decorations from the natural materials found at Gatton Park. 5+yrs.

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 22 Dec, 10.30am-3.30pm Christmas Crafts RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Join us for Christmas crafts at the weekends leading up to Christmas.

Sun 1 & Sun 8 Dec, 1pm-3.30pm Santa’s Grotto Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Enjoy a buggy ride to meet Santa in his grotto. Explore the grounds and follow a trail of clues before returning to Gatton Hall to make a Christmas decoration. £7.

Christmas Trail

Christmas

Giant

Sat 23 Nov – Tue 24 Dec Christmas at Hever Castle Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent TN8 7NG www. hevercastle.co.uk Beautifully decorated Castle rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees celebrating the traditions of Christmas. As dusk falls, the gardens are magically illuminated with up-lighting and colour washes.

Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec, 10am–4.30pm Christmas Wonderland Birdworld, Farnham, GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk Come to Birdworld to meet Santa’s reindeer and some of our friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings.

at Bocketts Farm Park

LIVE

TAGE ON S

22ND NOVEMBER - 24TH DECEMBER

Meet

Father Christmas FM/XMAS2019

Newborn Book tickets online now! Lambs

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Based on the books by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group

What’s on

What’s on

LYRIC THEATRE 29 NOV - 5 JAN

Shaftesbury Avenue nimaxtheatres.com Families London Surrey Borders 11

What’s on

Christmas at Hobbledown

Christmas

Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com

In London and Surrey Borders Step into the magical world of Christmas at the London Wetland Centre!

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk/London Experience festive fun with a visit to Santa in his cosy grotto, help the Elves in their special workshop to make Christmas crafts, take a sleigh ride pulled by adorable huskies and get your face painted as a Christmas creature. Round off the fun with a treat in the café and visit to the shop, packed with great gifts.

Santa’s grotto needs to be pre-booked – tickets available from 17th October. Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

No need to book other activities which are included in centre admission.

We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams Sutton High Street, SM1 www.enjoysutton.co.uk

Join in for a day of fun on the High Street in Sutton. There will be an opening parade, walkabout acts and performers, fun fair rides, FREE in-store activities as part of our golden ticket trail where you could win Christmas in a Box, giveaways, a stage with live music, singing and dance performances from local groups, a light show and all finished off with a visit from some special celebrity special guests who will join the Mayor of Sutton to switch on the lights at 6pm.

Save the date, come along and join in the fun! Sat 23 Nov, 11am-6pm.

It’s one of our favourite times of the year, and this Christmas will be full of magic and fun here at Hobbledown adventure park and zoo in Epsom.

Our enchanted Grotto will be open from Saturday 30th November throughout selected dates until Tuesday 24th December 2019.

Back by popular demand will be our Christmas Toddler Brunches and Lunches, and Tea with Santa for slightly older children too.

This year’s Grotto price is £12.95 per child and includes your visit to see Santa, a wrapped gift and a sweet treat. Grotto prices are in addition to general admission rates.

Wiglet’s Father Christmas Visit and Adventure

Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone, RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk This year Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure returns with all the usual farmyard fun and a truly festive visit to see Father Christmas.

Celebrate this wonderful time of the year with us, let little ones wander through the magical tunnel with our friendly elves and be guided to meet the man himself!

Watch small eyes light up as each child receives a marvellous present from our toyshop and then the adventures continue around the rest of the farm. There’s interactive fun in Wiglet’s Workshop plus Christmas crafts and cookie decorating.

Your local Santa Dash in Nonsuch Park on 8 December 23 Ewell Rd, Sutton SM3 8AB www.straphaels.org.uk/santadash19

Have great family fun and support St Raphael’s Hospice. Adults, children and fourlegged friends of all ages and abilities are welcome. We have 2 distances; the usual 5km and 1.2km for kids. Santas can run, jog, skip or walk either of the routes. Radio Jackie will provide festive entertainment and there will be delicious refreshments available too.

Register by Friday 8th Nov yand receive 10% off your booking. Just use the discount code EARLYSANTA.

. . .

Christmas in the woods

Wiglet's Father Christmas Visit & Adventure 23rd November 24th December 2019

Join us in our winter woodland wonderland in search of Father Christmas!

Book now

surreywildlifetrust.org 12 Families London Surrey Borders

Book now! www.godstonefarm.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Father Christmas at the Hall

Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.www.royalalberthall.com

What’s on

Your local

Father Christmas once again returns to his secret London headquarters at the Royal Albert Hall from Thu 5 – Sun 22 Dec.

in aid of St Raphael’s Hospice

In this theatrical walk-around event, children will encounter a range of magical North Pole characters in various spaces of the Hall on their way to meet Father Christmas himself.

In this fun and festive experience, they’ll discover the stories and characters of Christmas’ past through engaging puppetry and live music and will even gain some secret elf knowledge with the chance to make and bring home their very own stuffed toy!

Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm

Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead, KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk This year, even more magic has been added to the experience.

You’ll start the journey with one of the very important head elves as children hop aboard the Santa express and travel in style to the magical workshop, meet Father Christmas himself and receiving a golden coin to spend in his very own toy shop!

There’s more festive fun on the farm too with a fun Christmas trail to complete, reindeer food to make, baby lambs to meet, a giant snow globe to explore, heated soft play barn and a full programme of activities. 22 Nov - 24 Dec.

Festive treats & photo booth

Hosted by Radio Jackie

Sunday December 8th Nonsuch Park, Cheam

5k & 1.2k routes.

Dogs welcome

Walk, skip or run and have great family fun!

Find out more and register at

www.straphaels.org.uk/santadash19 020 8254 2450 Use code EARLYSANTA before November 8th for a 10% discount

JOIN US FOR

AT TENtION HOBBLeRs festive events at hobbledown

S A M T S I R CH ND CENTRE

N WETLA at WWT LONDO

PRE-BOOK SANTA TICKETS

Visit Santa’s Grotto Have Brunch or Lunch with Santa Special Christmas shopping events Plus many more festive activities...

For more information and to book visit:

www.hobbledown.com Horton Lane, Epsom, KT19 8PT

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SAT & SUN – 30 NOV, 1, 14 & 15 DEC Step into the magical world of Christmas with santa’s grotto, husky sleigh rides, elves workshops and much more.

BRING ALL THE FAMILY wwt.org.uk/London Families London Surrey Borders 13

What’s on Sun 1 & Sun 22 December Santa’s Snow Train and Crystal Grotto Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk/event/santassnow-train-and-crystal-grottos/ Take a train trip to see Santa in a magical Crystal Grotto.

Thu 5 - Fri 6 Dec, 1.45pm–4pm A Winter Wonderland Leith Hill Place, Dorking, RH5 6LY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hillplace Join local performers for this festive inspired musical evening, featuring seasonal readings and poems. 12 +.

Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan, 10.45am–3.30pm Enchanted Botanical Christmas RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Enter the Glasshouse to view a display of festive plants and magical animals with a hint of steam punk. Watch the enchanted poinsettia production line grow these colourful Christmas presents.

Sat & Sun 7, 8 and 14, 15 Dec, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm Christmas Storytelling: The Elves and the Shoemaker Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Cosy up for a magical retelling of the classic fairy tale with Sandal Sticks Theatre, using storytelling, song and puppetry.

Sat 7- Sun 8 Dec & Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, 11am-4pm.

Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Visit to Leith Hill Place Leith Hill Place, Dorking, RH5 6LY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hillplace Join in some carols and Christmas shopping at the childhood home of Ralph Vaughan Williams. See the house decked with winter greenery, Christmas trees and crackling log fires.

Sat 7 Dec Carshalton Frost Fair The Lodge, Carshalton, SM5 3NX www.carshaltonfrostfair.org.uk Run by EcoLocal with Friends of Honeywood Museum. A range of tasty treats, local craft, food with bar & more.

Sat 7- Sun 8 & Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, The Rural Life Centre Santa Specials Rural Life Centre, Farnham, GU10 2DL www.rural-life.org.uk The Rural Life Centre is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with something to enchant young and old alike.

Sat 7 Dec, 1pm-4pm Winter Wonderland Trail (part of Carshalton Frost Fair) Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, SM5 3NY www.sncv.org.uk Someone’s stolen Santa’s sack … how are we going to get it back? Explore the delights of Sutton Ecology Centre, whilst searching for the missing toys! £4 per child, includes small gift. No booking required, just pop along.

Sat 7 Dec – Sun 5 Jan, 4pm–8pm Christmas Glow RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season with the Jigantics light installation around the garden which blooms with magical giant illuminated flowers. Closed 24, 25 and 26 December.

14 Families London Surrey Borders

Sat 7 Dec, 11.30am–3.30pm Christmas at the Castle Guildford Castle, GU1 3SX www.guildford.gov.uk/article/17186/ Guildford-CastleThis very special event will see the Castle taken back to a period when it was occupied by royalty over the festive period.

Sun 8 Dec Denbies 5K Santa Run Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events The 5km Santa Run follows the traditional formula: hundreds of redsuited, bearded Santa’s run, jog or walk around a beautiful, traffic-free course against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment.

Sun 8,15,22, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec, 11am, 12pm & 2pm Santa Cruises High Street, Loxwood, Billingshurst, RH14 0RD www.weyarun.org.uk/ Get into the Christmas spirit with a cruise along the Wey & Arun Canal.

Children under 12 years can meet Santa and his helpers and receive an early Christmas present.

Wed 11 Dec, 10am-12pm Christmas Tots Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.Surreywildlifetrust.org/families Our special Christmas event for tots!

Help Mrs Claus prepare for Christmas – we’ll make crafts, explore the woods and there will even be a small gift to take home.

Fri 13 Dec 6.30pm-8.30pm Tea with Santa Hobbledown, Epsom, KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com Includes fun time in our play barn, disco, visit from Santa, present and lunch box. £14.50 per child. £5 for adults and includes large hot drink of choice and mince pie.

Sat 14 Dec, 1pm-2.30pm A World War 2 Christmas Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ whats-on Learn about a war time Christmas. £5 per child.

Sat 14 Dec, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm Sun 15 Dec, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm Christmas in the Woods Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.Surreywildlifetrust.org/families Enjoy Christmas crafts and discover how woodland creatures prepare for winter. Take part in fund activities and visit Santa for a gift! Suitable for ages 4-10.

21 Dec, 11am-1pm Family Fun Saturday: Victorian Xmas decorations Victorian Schoolroom, 39 ½ Castle Street, GU1 3UQ www.guildford.gov.uk/ familyfunsessions Add final touches to your Christmas decorating by creating Victorianinspired paper hanging baubles! Join us and get ready for jazzing up any space around you with these, made out of upcycled wrapping paper or cards, beauties!

Fri 20 Dec, 10am-11.30am or 1.30pm-3pm Trails and Tales: Stick Man Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Enjoy the story of ‘Stick Man’ and go for a walk in the park to bring the story to life. Return to create artwork linked to the story. £8. 2-4yrs.

Mon 23 Dec, 10am -11am or 1.30pm -2.30pm Christmas Crafts Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Christmas craft making session for younger children. £6 3-7yrs.

FAMILIES FAVOURITE PANTO’S AND CHRISTMAS SHOWS Epsom Playhouse Ashley Avenue, Epsom, KT18 5AL www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk See website for the full festive line-up

Sat 14 Dec - Sun 5 Jan Peter Pan - Panto Fly away this festive season and take a swashbuckling adventure to the magical panto world of Peter Pan. Meet the Darlings, Hook and his crew of pirates, Tiger Lily and her Tribe, The Lost boys and of course the mischevious Tinkerbell in Neverland - second star to the right, and straight on till morning. Prices from: £14.50 £23.00. A perfect family show for all ages 2yrs - 102yrs!

Fairfeild Halls Park Lane, Croydon www.fairfield.co.uk Tue 10 Dec - Sun 5 Jan Cinderella Phoenix Concert Hall This will be a panto like no other featuring stunning special effects, side-splitting comedy, big song and dance numbers and bags of audience participation that will thrill audiences young and old. Featuring Strictly winner Ore Oduba making his pantomime debut as Dandini.

Lyric Theatre 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/oifrog-friends Fri 29 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Oi Frog & Friends Oi Frog & Friends!

Packed with music, songs, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at! This is the highly anticipated stage show which brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and awardwinning picture books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat! published by the Hachette Children’s Group, into one actionpacked musical production. 3+ from £15.50, family ticket £66.

GET YOUR SKATES ON FAMILIES FAVOURITE FAMILY FRIENDLY ICE RINKS Hampton Court Palace Fri 22 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9AU www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk Put on your earmuffs, gloves and skates, grab a steadying hand (if needed!) and have some festive fun on the ice in glorious Tudor surroundings.

Somerset House Wed 13 Nov -Sun 13 Jan The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/

skate-somerset-house London’s most beautiful ice rink returns, transforming the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court into a winter oasis, and ushering in the festive season with a 40ft Christmas tree.

The Natural History Museum Sat 19 Oct – Sun 12 Jan Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/icerink.html Get your skates on at London’s most spectacular ice rink. The 950-squaremetre ice rink is on the Museum’s east lawn, a setting made even more magical by a fairground carousel and 76,000 twinkling fairy lights.

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Sat 2 Nov – Sun 19 Jan Royal Pavilion, Brighton, BN1 1FN www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk/ Celebrate a greener Christmas this year with the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink.

Stunning, twinkly, romantic, childfriendly, rinkside restaurant views to die for…and ice powered entirely by wind and solar energy, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Reigate on Ice Thu 28 Nov – Sat 4 Jan Bell St, Reigate, RH2 7RL www.reigateonice.co.uk/ Being held undercover in a Big Top Marquee, skaters can experience the wonder of skating on real ice in whatever weather along with festive music and Christmas food and drink we will create a winter wonderland full of fun and happy memories.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check.

Banstead Prep Sutton Lane, Banstead, SM7 3RA 01737 363601 www.bansteadprep.com Open Day - Tuesday 12 November Toddler Time- Friday 15 November, 9.30am-11am Croydon High School Old Farleigh Rd, CR2 8YB www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Year 7 Application deadline Monday 11 November Closing date for Bursary and Scholarship Applications Monday 11 November Year 7 Taster Afternoon Saturday 30 November Sixth Form Entrance Test Saturday 30 November Downsend School (Pre/Preps), Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom www.downsend.co.uk Open Morning – Friday 15 November Open Morning – Friday 22 November Manor House School & Nursery Little Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 4EN www.manorhouseschool.org Reception Discovery Afternoon Thursday 14 November, 1.30pm Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory - 2, Melville Ave, South Croydon, CR2 7YN Senior - Old Palace Rd, Croydon, CR0 1AX www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Prep Working Open Morning – Thursday 14 November, 9.30am-11am

Seaton House School 67 Banstead Road South, Sutton, SM2 5LH www.seatonhouse.sutton. sch.uk Drop-In Morning Wednesday 6 November, 9am-11.30am familiesonline.co.uk

An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent!

– choose from below or make up your own 1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event

Zoe took biscuits to school

familiesonline.co.uk

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12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will find it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!

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Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas!

Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .

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ADVENT CALENDAR

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ENROLLING NOW

Where children become everything they can be 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

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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.