Families Surrey East Mar/April 2019

FREE take me home

!

Surrey East

RECRUITING NOW

IN THIS ISSUE

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

The A-Z of Easter Awesomeness

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

Baby traditions around the world

please call Katie Bridge 07909 681884

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

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

OXTED 01883 708 158 stagecoach.co.uk/oxted

DORKING 0800 007 5482 stagecoach.co.uk/dorking

REDHILL 020 8686 0141 stagecoach.co.uk/redhill

LEATHERHEAD 020 8394 2244 stagecoach.co.uk/leatherhead

REIGATE 0800 007 5482 stagecoach.co.uk/reigate

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 69 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

Creative Courage For Life

familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East

Shopping

whatever weather the

The Belfry Shopping Centre in the heart of Redhill with a great mix of stores all under one roof.

Love keeping up to date with the Belfry? Follow us on social media!

WHSmith Waterstones Clarks Toy Barnhaus Boots Superdrug Claire’s H.Samuel New Look Card Factory Dorothy Perkins Game JD Vision Express The Works PLUS MANY MORE

‘like’ us on Facebook /redhillbelfry follow us on Twitter @BelfryShopping

redhillbelfry.co.uk

DATES

April 8-15th LOCATION

St John’s School, Leatherhead (KT22)

COURSES

— Junior Inventor (NEW) — Creative Digital Design — Teen Coding with Python — Video Game Design & MORE!

BUILD+ _CODE CREATE_ UK’S #1 TECH CAMP FOR 9-17 YEAR OLDS

£25 OFF* Promo Code FAMILIES25

Childcare vouchers accepted.

Scholarships available.

Book now at fire-tech.com *T&Cs apply

2 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to Issue 69

Surrey East Editor Tamar Pearson editor@familiessurreyeast.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr Printer Print Mates 22,500 copies printed 45,000 readers per issue Next issue May/June Booking deadline 8 April Cover Image Depositphotos

Spring is a time for big, bold colours, bouncing lambs and outdoor adventures. This Easter we have hundreds of things for families to do together, so go get lost in the splender of spring bulbs and caught in a shower of rain. I have also found some charming baby traditions from around the world in celebration of Motherhood, and the love families share.

Hug a tree, laugh out loud and most importantly enjoy each other.

Tamar xx

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

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

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

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

In this issue 3. News & views 5. Clubs & classes news 6. Education news 7. School open day directory 8. What’s on in March & April 12. Baby traditions around the world 15. A-Z of Easter awesomeness Families Surrey East 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 Surrey East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Surrey East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Surrey East; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

More info: www.tandfonline.com

Families Surrey East 3

News & Views

A travel company focused on helping parents get the best family breaks during school holidays In the UK, an average child has 12 weeks of holiday per year, which means that family holidays are almost entirely governed by this time. Booking holidays for these periods can be overwhelming, time-consuming and frustrating.

Wicango is a Surrey-based travel agent formed specifically to help parents get the best family breaks during school holidays.

Lack of Sleep Damaging For Children

At Wicango, we do all the hard work for you. We ask a few questions about your family preferences and then get to work on designing your perfect family break.

More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to research by the University of Leeds. The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The NHS recommendation is that children of that age should get 10 hours sleep per night but the study discovered that out of 1,100 children ages 6 to 11, 36% were getting only eight hours sleep or less on a weekday night.

Just under a third of children reported that worrying about school work was keeping them awake, whilst around one in six children reported that they found it difficult to sleep because of concerns about bullying or friendship.

The researchers identified that children who had access to technology in their bedroom were more likely to experience a shorter night’s sleep and recommended that parents consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms.

More info: www.leeds.ac.uk

Our promise is to present you with exciting, tailored holiday options within 48 hours of receiving an enquiry. Our researchers are all parents and well-travelled experts who go to great lengths to recommend destinations inspired by the uniqueness of each family.

Get in touch and let’s get your next family adventure started. Enquire at www.wicango.com or call our friendly team on 020 3960 7606.

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

For more information please visit www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/membership.

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

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

More info: www.hobbledown.com

Children Targeted by Adults on Social Media R ALL!!!

CLAS S ESIAFO L CL AS S

Research released by the NSPCC has revealed that one in four young people have been contacted via social media by an adult they didn’t know, and a third of these were children under 13.

FREE TR

Principals:

Miss C Walford CDE - AISTD (Dip)

Miss C Taylor (Dip Dance Performers Course) Accredited by Council for Dance Education & Training in UK

Ballet, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre, Mini Movers, Drama, Jazz Hip Hop/Commercial Jazz, Tread the Boards & Adult Classes. www.facebook.com/candcdanceschool

2,059 children and 2,049 parents were surveyed for Net Aware, the essential guide to 40 of the most popular social media sites, apps and games that young people use.

Children and parents were asked if they’d seen violent, bullying or adult content on the social networking sites and games they use – with Facebook and YouTube receiving high risk ratings across the board.

Other sites found to be risky included Twitter and Reddit, with both rating high for inappropriate content, as well as lesser known names such as Sarahah, Episode: Choose Your Story, Omegle, ROBLOX and Yubo (formerly called Yellow).

The NSPCC encourages parents to use Net Aware to learn about the various platforms their child may be using, together with the risk rating of each.

More info at www.net-aware.org.uk

t: 01737

763391

e: misswalford@aol.com w:

4 Families Surrey East

candcdanceschool.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & classes news

Join All Stars Cricket Today!

Football Boosts Girls Confidence

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

New research suggests that playing football can have a greater positive impact on the self-confidence of teenage girls than other popular sports. The study by the University of Birmingham for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), is the largest of its kind, and features data collected from 4128 girls and young women aged 13 and over in Denmark, England, Germany, Spain, Poland and Turkey.

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

80% of teenage girls surveyed said they felt more confident as a result of being part of their football team, compared to 74% who played other sports. 58% of the female footballers questioned said they had overcome a lack of self-confidence as a result of playing football, compared with 51% of girls who play other sports. UEFA have launched the Together #WePlayStrong campaign, which aims to make football the number one participation sport for girls and women in Europe by 2022.

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

More info: www.birmingham.ac.uk/news

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

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

Use Believable Praise - It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements.

Saying “Well done for keeping on running” (even when he lost the race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.

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

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

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

A more diverse tech world for the future Fire Tech is the UK’s #1 Tech Camp for 9-17 year olds. They invite young people to tackle bold, challenging tech projects and master the skills that shape tomorrow. Across the 10,000 courses delivered by Fire Tech, almost a third (28%) of the students have been girls – that’s twice the national average. But as an educator, Fire Tech believes more can be done to improve the gender balance for the future tech industry.

In response to the challenge, Fire Tech have launched a series of #AllGirls coding and robotics classes - which will be rolled out alongside the seasonal school holiday camps. The purpose of the #AllGirls workshops is to allow young, passionate individuals to flourish and learn in an environment with like-minded peers, where they won’t have to worry about being ‘the only girl’ in the class.

GOODBYE STRESS, HELLO FAMILY HOLIDAY! Thinking of your next family holiday but don’t know where to start?

We’re a Surrey-based travel agent specialising in family breaks during school holidays.

LET US INSPIRE YOU Visit us at https://wicango.com or call our friendly team on 020 3960 7606

YMCA MERSTHAM HUB

PRE-SCHOOL Opening 1 April 2019

YMCA Merstham Hub Pre-School offers high quality and affordable childcare for children aged 2-5 years, including free Early Years entitlement places. The pre-school benefits from purpose-built indoor and outdoor play areas and accepts children eligible for FEET funded 2 year old spaces and 30 hours funding.

Come and meet us at one of our open days 6, 8, 18, 19, 22, 25 March 2019 | 09:00-12:00

Opening times

(term-time only) Mon – Thur | 08:45–14:45 Fri | 08:45–11:45

T 07732 602999 | E teri.morris@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk Merstham Community Hub, 2a 2b Portland Drive, Merstham, Surrey RH1 3HY Registered charity no. 1075028

Past Fire Tech Python student, Vivian, aged 14: “When I’m older I want to be a fashion designer and I want my own business. I’ll use my Python knowledge to build the back-end processes to maximise efficiency.”

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

Families Surrey East 5

Education news

Designing her Future at Croydon High Junior School Croydon High girls had a taste of code breaking courtesy of Barclays and Microsoft during #DesigningHerFuture week at the school. Barclays demonstrated how banks use encryption to keep bank details secure, while moving money digitally all around the world. Microsoft then gave the girls a chance to try encryption themselves, learning terminology such as cipher, key, decrypt and encrypt before being set a challenge to decrypt messages from a spy behind enemy lines!

Microsoft worked with every girl from Year 1 – 6 on different coding activities. The girls impressed in every session with their prior knowledge of Computer Science and new and challenging tasks and their confidence to share theories.

As one visitor remarked “‘I wish I went to this school – the girls have so many exciting opportunities and they seem so happy”.

Happy girls are best placed to learn – that is the Croydon High philosophy and it seems to be working. More info: www. croydonhigh.gdst.net.

YMCA Merstham Hub Pre-School YMCA East Surrey is opening a new pre-school at the Merstham Community Hub on Monday 1 April 2019. The pre-school will offer high quality and affordable childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years, including free Early Years entitlement places, FEET funded 2 year old spaces and 30 hours funding.

YMCA East Surrey is a leading provider of under 5’s activities and out of school childcare locally, with a focus on inclusivity. The pre-school will be open term-time (38 weeks per year) during the following times: Monday–Thursday from 8:45am–2.45pm and Friday from 8:45– 11:45am.

Come along to one of the open mornings on 6, 8, 18, 19, 22 or 25 March between 9am and 12pm at Merstham Community Hub, 2a-2b Portland Drive, Merstham RH1 3HY. To find out more, please contact Teri Morris, Pre-school Manager, by calling 07732 602999 or emailing teri.morris@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.

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

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

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

Nursery Children Could Be Coached for Exams In September 2017 the Government announced that a new assessment would be introduced in Reception as a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school.

Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new test. The focus of the assessment will be on communication, language and literacy, numeracy and ‘selfregulation.’ A recent report from an expert panel who examined the proposals, concluded that the new test will not provide an accurate comparison between schools and that it is “flawed, unjustified and wholly unfit for purpose.”

Additionally, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the charity the Preschool Learning Alliance, has warned that the new test risks putting pressure on the youngest group of school children and would encourage the coaching of pre-schoolers to ensure they were ‘test-ready.’

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

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

The research found that pupils born between April and August performed on average 7.5% behind others in reception maths tests. By year 6, summer-born pupils are on average 3.6% behind. Children usually start school in the September after they turn 4 years, but parents of children born between 1 April 1 and 31 August can now ask to delay entry to Reception for a year.

Thursday 25th April 9.30-11.30am

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

More info: www.schooldash.com 6 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk

Education news

Spring Term Independent School Open Day Directory

Should You Help with Homework?

Open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check.

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

Aberdour School Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ Boys and girls, 2-13 yrs. Call for details on 01737 354119 www.aberdourschool.co.uk Open Day - Friday 15 March Open Day - Friday 10 May Banstead Prep Banstead, SM7 3RA www.bansteadprep.com Open Day - Friday 26 April, 9am, 10am, 11am Belmont Prep School Holmbury St Mary RH5 6LH www.Belmont-school.org Open Day - Friday 8 March, 10.30am Open Day - Friday 26 April, 10.30am Chinthurst School Tadworth KT20 5AP www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Open Day - Thursday 21 March, 10.30am

Croydon High School Old Farleigh Rd, Croydon CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 admissions@cry.gdst.net juniors@cry.gdst.net Independent girls’ day school Pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Open Evening - Wednesday 15 May Downsend School (Pre/Preps), Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom www.downsend.co.uk Open Day - Friday 8 March, 9.15am – 12pm Dunottar School Reigate RH2 7EL www.dunottarschool.com Open Day - Tuesday 30 April, 10.15am

The Hawthorns School Bletchingley, RH1 4QJ www.hawthorns.com Open Day - Thursday 14 March, 9am Friday 3 May, 9am Lingfield College Lingfield RH7 6PH www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk Open Day - Saturday 16 March, 10am-1pm Manor House School and Nursery Bookham, KT23 4EN www.manorhouseschool.org Nursery Drop-In Afternoon Monday 4 March, 1.30-3pm Big School’ Reception Taster Afternoon - Thursday 21 March, 1.30-3pm Moor House Hurst Green, Oxted, RH8 9AQ www.moorhouseschool.co.uk Open Day - Wednesday 20 March, 9.45am-12.45pm Open Day - Wednesday 24 April 9.45am-12.45pm

familiesonline.co.uk

The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently, that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later. However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less taskpersistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help.

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

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

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

Micklefield School Reigate RH2 9DU www.micklefieldschool.co.uk Open Day - Saturday 9 March, 10am-12noon

It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said

Reigate St Mary’s Chart Lane, Reigate RH2 7RN www.reigatestmarys.org Open Day - Wednesday 13 March, 10.30am-12pm

More info at www.sciencedaily.com

Royal Alexandra and Albert School Reigate RH2 0TD www.raa-school.co.uk Open Day - Saturday 16 March, 9am-10.30am St John’s Leatherhead, KT22 8SP www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk Open Day - Friday 26 April, 5-7pm Open Day - Saturday 27 April, 9-10.45am Warlingham Park School Warlingham CR6 9PB. www.warlinghamparkschool.com Open Day - Friday 10 May, 9.30am

Don’t forget to say you saw these open days listed in Essendene Lodge School Caterham CR3 5PB Girls and boys, 2.5-11 yrs 01883 348349 www.essendenelodge.co.uk Open Day - Thursday 25 April, 9.30am-11.30am

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

Surrey East

How to help your child transfer to secondary school During the months before your little one makes the big move to secondary school, it’s recommended that you begin the following…

Ramp up responsibilities Senior school children have to be considerably more responsible for their own belongings and themselves. Whereas primary school teachers send letters to parents, at ‘big’ school, communication on day-to-day issues might well be to your child only.

Begin building independence out and about Most secondary school pupils travel to school minus mum and dad, so get yours used to being out without you. It’ll be less daunting for them if this starts on the journey to primary school, rather than being thrown into travelling alone on a lesser-known route.

Listen out for concerns Common concerns include getting lost around a much larger school, dealing with the journey, making new friends and managing the homework load.

Attend settling-in days This is an important opportunity to get to know the buildings, potential classmates and teachers and it should make the first day less intimidating.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind once your child has started secondary school…

• • • •

Expect them to be tired and emotional…

Get super-organised with homework Get used to knowing much less about what goes on Be there for them Families Surrey East 7

What’s on

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

Easter Cruises on the Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood Special themed Easter Cruises will be running on The Wey & Arun Canal on Friday 19th April, Easter Sunday 21st April & Easter Monday 22nd April. Plenty of Easter characters will be on the canal to entertain you – come along and join in the fun! The trips take 40 minutes and depart at 11.00am, 12.00 and 2.00pm. Children will receive a chocolate gift from the Easter Bunny while adults can enjoy the chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Tickets: £10.00 per person, refreshments for everyone included. Booking in advance is advisable.

Bookings for all special events can be made via the Trust website. For enquiries about private charters call the WACT Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. www.weyandarun.co.uk EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS Stagecoach Easter Holiday Camps Children and Teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at the fabulous Stagecoach Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops.

Mon 8 Apr – Fri 12 Apr Stagecoach Coulson Hillcroft Primary School Chaldon Road, Caterham CR3 5PG www.stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon Tandridge Leisure Centre, Oxted RH8 9HT www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/ tandridge Fri 5 Apr, 7pm – 9pm Easter Splash Dance Easter themed splash disco. 8+ Tue 9, 12.30pm – 2.30pm Mary Poppins A fun dram workshop for 5 – 11 year olds.

Tue 9 Apr, 10.30am – 11.30am Funny Bunnies 1-hour fun, interactive movement and storytelling workshop for 2-5-year olds.

Tue 15 Apr, 12.30pm – 2.30pm Matilda A fun dram workshop for 5 – 11 year olds.

Fri 19 Apr, 2pm – 3.30pm Easter Arts and Crafts Easter themed craft session for 5 – 10-year olds.

Mon 8 – Thu 18 Apr Swim school crash courses Beginners, improvers and competent classes throughout the holidays. de Stafford Sports Centre,Caterham CR3 5YX, UK www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/ destafford-sports-centre

Every Mon, 1-3pm & Fri 10.30am12.30pm FREE Food Growing Drop-in Sessions Carshalton Community Allotment, Carshalton SM5 2PW www.ecolocal.org.uk Enjoy the outdoors, meet other people, learn new skills, get a bit of exercise and take free fresh veg home.

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

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

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

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

Mon 8 – Thu 18 Apr Swim school crash courses Beginners and improvers classes throughout the holidays.

Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr Dash for 5-12 years Fun packed activities which can include swimming, football, badminton, team games, bouncy castle and arts and crafts. Full and half days available.

organic skincare aromatherapy skincare from Just Be Natural.

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

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

Wed 13 – Sub 17 Mar The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice Wembley Area www.disneyonice.co.uk Enter a dazzling world of adventure at The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on an inspiring walk down memory lane in celebration of magic and family fun Fri 15 - Sun 17 Mar Branch Line Weekend The Bluebell Railway, East Sussex, TN22 3QL www.bluebell-railway.com Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing Bluebell Railway’s small locomotives and some very special visitors!

Tue 19 Mar Spring Community Free Day RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Tue 15 Apr Trampolining Experienced coach will instruct the children through a series of moves, building stamina and confidence creating high flyers!

MARCH Every weekend until Sun 28 Apr and daily from Sat 6 - Mon 22 Apr Science Museum London SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Marvellous Mistakes Find out how chemistry mistakes brought us some of the most colourful, loud and lifesaving inventions in our family storytelling.

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

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

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

8 Families Surrey East

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

08/02/2019 17:46

What’s on Look out for spring gardening inspiration and enjoy a visit to RHS Garden Wisley free of charge.

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

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

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

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

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Mar, 10.30am – 5pm Elizabeth 1 & The Armada Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com Join us for the immersive Armada experience and discover the life and times of the people during the Armada, and how Elizabeth I successfully outwitted Philip II. Wed 27 Mar, 12pm Meet a Polesden Gardener Polesden Lacey, Nr Dorking RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey This is your opportunity to meet our amazing gardeners and ask any

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

Mon 1 – Tue 30 Apr Lord Ashcombe’s Minerals – the gentlemen collectors and the advance of science Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre, Dorking RH4 1BS www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk The Museum’s current exhibition showcases the history of and examples from Lord Ashcombe’s stunning mineral collection.

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

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

Sat 6 Apr, 10am – 5pm Godalming Spring Festival www.godalming-tc.gov.uk/springfestival Celebrate the new season with a great day out in one of Surrey’s prettiest towns.

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

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

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

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

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

Sat 6 –Thu 18 Apr, 10am–4pm Family trail: Tyrannical Tudors Runnymede, Windsor TW20 0YU www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymedeand-ankerwycke Find out about ruthless royals and rebels in sixteenth century England. £1 per trail Sat 6 – Sun 21 Apr Children’s Easter Egg Trail British Wildlife Centre Easter www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk Children will enjoy hunting down those eggs that are hidden amongst the animals. If children spot them all they’ll win a small chocolate treat.

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

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

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

Wiglet's Easter Eggstravaganza

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

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

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

Sat 6 Apr London Bus Museum Spring Gathering Brooklands Museum, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com The South East’s biggest and longestrunning bus show is back and will be a fabulous day out for families and transport enthusiasts alike.

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

Mon 8 – Thu 18 Apr Easter Holiday Family Activities Brooklands Museum, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com Take a trip in a vintage-style car up Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old Race Track, courtesy of the Brooklands Volunteer Car Rides Team. Easter trails for children, Kids Tours on Concorde are back and family workshops throughout the holiday.

6TH - 23RD APRIL

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

MEBEATBY

FUN FARM ACTIVITIES

THE

6th - 22nd April '19

OVER

AMBS

L

350

INDOOR PLAY

DUE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

familiesonline.co.uk

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

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

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Families Surrey East 9

What’s on Easter Fun at the Belfry Centre This Easter The Belfry Centre, Redhill will have huge amounts of fun for all.

Don’t miss the date!

Sat 2nd and Tues 5th March, Pancake Challenge for Charity.

The most flips in 30 seconds wins a £50 Belfry pancake hamper. Raising funds for Rotary International.

Saturday 6th April, Icons for Autism Day. Raising awareness for Autism month, the Belfry will be full of a range of fun characters for photo opportunities. (Photo attached) Saturday 20th April, Meet Peter Rabbit and receive a chocolate treat. Have a photo with this loveable character throughout the day on the Lower Level. (Photo attached) A reminder that the shops in the Belfry will be shut on Easter Sunday (21st April). www.redhillbelfry.co.uk Tue 9 & 16 April Easter Crafts Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents Get creative this Easter with arts and crafts activities.

Join in for a day packed with aviation antics, we’ll be serenaded by the brilliant The British Airways Brass Band, the Joystick Club will be here with their flight simulator, the Museum’s aircraft and cockpits will be open for visitors to explore.

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

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

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

Tue 16 Apr, 11am -12.30pm and 2pm - 3.30pm Flint knapping; making Stone Age tools Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Enjoy the opportunity to make your own authentic Stone Age tool to take home.10 years +. Booking essential. £15, payable in advance.

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

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

Fri 12 April Sing A long Cinema Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents A great interactive cinema experience with singing and dancing Sat 13 Apr, 11am - 12pm and 1.30pm - 2.30pm An Audience with Henry V111 Bourne Hall, Ewell KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Learn about daily life in Tudor times.

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

Sat 13 Apr, 10am – 5pm Spring Aviation Day - Concorde 50th Anniversary Brooklands Museum, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com 10 Families Surrey East

www.ssme.co.uk The Surrey Society of Model Engineers invite the public to come and enjoy rides on our steam & electric trains.

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

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

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

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

Sat 20 - Mon 22 Apr, 10am 4.30pm A Call to Arms Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org A 12th century encampment is the wonderful setting for demonstrations of armour, combat, archery and falconry. Crafts include making mail armour, leather working, scribing and cooking.

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

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

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

Sat 27 Apr, tours at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm Dorking South Street Caves Tours South Street Caves, Opposite Waitrose, next to War Memorial, South Street RH4 2HQ www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk Take a trip under the streets of Dorking to explore the famous 17th century caves. Discover how they were created and how they evolved over the centuries. Check out the ‘mystery chamber’ and guess what it was used for.

Sun 28 Apr, 10am – 5pm British Marques Day Brooklands Museum, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com Celebrate the best of British manufacturing. Alongside Austin and Morris there will be a whole host of British-built cars, motorcycles, vans and commercial vehicles.There will be action on Test Hill, club displays around the site and traditional British fare in the Café and BBQ. Sun 28 Apr, 2pm – 5pm Bluebells Galore at Horton Country Park Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve, Epsom KT19 8PL www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

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

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

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

l

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

Open at weekends and daily during school hols

Fri 19 Apr, 11am - 4pm Surrey S.M.E Open Day SAT NAV enter Mill Lane, Leatherhead

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

l l l l

Easter holiday: Sat 6 April - Mon 22 April

Children’ s Easter Tr ail SUNDAY 21 APRIL

1 child FREE with this advert - save £8.50

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

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

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

What’s on Come and see the show of Bluebells and other springtime flowers in the ancient woods of Horton Country Park. Meet at the Information Centre in Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve.

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE The Hawth, Crawley RH10 6YZ www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Tue 19 & Wed 20 Mar Room on the Broom Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of Room on the Broom.

Sat 30 Mar WOW! It’s Night Time The curious little owl is back, and this time she’s ready to discover the wonders of night-time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. But where are all the other owls? When the wind blows the leaves from her tree, you’ll soon see…

Mon 1 Apr Animalcolm Animalcolm combines physical theatre, puppetry and the company’s outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully comic story to the stage.

Sat 6 Apr The Walrus & The Carpenter Expect hilarity, eye-watering recitation, song and slapstick from Theatrerotto puppets and players in a salty combination of theatre and haute cuisine.

Wed 10 Apr Milkshake! Live - Milkshake Monkey’s Musical Starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and Floogals, alongside two Milkshake presenters, this brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed!

Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Mon 15 Apr The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio Based on the fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off

the page and onto the stage in this high energy re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures.

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

Harlequin Theatre, Redhill RH1 1NN www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Thu 18 Apr Alice in Wonderland Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, RH1 1NN Join Alice down the rabbit hole in her magical adventures through Wonderland in this brand-new staging of Lewis Carroll’s family favourite ‘Alice In Wonderland.’

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

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

Sun 28 Apr 10.30am -12.30pm Caterham Cheeki Monkeys Nearly New Sale The Arc, Caterham CR3 5XY www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk/calendar Buy or sell quality, gently used babies’ and children’s toys, clothes and equipment.

NEARLY NEW SALES

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

Sat 9 Mar, 9.45am – 11.30am (9.30am members entry) Redhill Reigate & Horley Nearly New Sale St Joseph’s Church Hall, Redhill Come along and support your local NCT Branch and grab some real bargains and quality goods!

Sat 16 Mar, 11am – 1pm Caterham & Oxted Nearly New Sale Oxted School, Oxted, RH8 0AB www.nct.org.uk/events/caterhamoxted-nearly-new-sale The NCT Nearly New Sale is a brilliant place to pick up good quality second hand clothes, equipment and toys for babies, children and pregnancy.

Sat 6 Apr, 10am-12pm BANSTEAD Mum2mum Market Banstead Community Hall SM7 3AJ Sat 27 Apr, 3pm - 5pm ASHSTEAD Mum2mum Market Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall KT21 2BE Sun 28 Apr, 2pm - 4pm EPSOM Mum2mum Market Ruxley Church Hall KT19 0JG

Fri 5 Apr Easter Panto - Peter Pan Join the boy who never grows up… Peter Pan and take part in his adventures with Wendy as they fly off to Neverland and meet some fantastical characters along the way; Tinker Bell, the Lost Children, Tiger Lily, Nana the dog, Pirates, Smee and of course Captain Hook.

Tue 9 Apr So, You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?

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

Leatherhead Theatre, KT22 8DN www.theleatherheadtheatre.com Sat 6 & Sun 7 Apr Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure Join Charlie Bucket on a magical tour of Mr Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, the most magnificent in the world.

National Trust and Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts in Surrey

Dates between 6 - 22 April

Nower Wood Family Open Day SundAy 28th ApriL 2019 Join us for pond dipping, minibeast hunting, marshmallow toasting & more!

Booking essential

surreywildlifetrust.org Find us off the A24 nr Leatherhead

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

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey East 11

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

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

Mums go free too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mothering Sunday Relaxer The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms pub in Loxwood RH14 0RD Treat the one you love to a Coffee and Danish Pastry Cruise departing at 11am or perhaps one of our Cream Tea Cruises leaving at 2.15pm and 4.30pm. 90 minute trips. £14 adults, £10 children Mum Goes Free for Mother’s Day WWT London Wetlands Centre ww.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ London Treat your mum to a relaxing day out with a walk to watch the wildlife flitting among the gardens and meadows. Your mum gets free admission to the Centre when accompanied by a paying child or adult. Just quote ‘Mother’s Day’ at admissions.

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

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

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

Sun 24, Sat 30 & Sun 31 Mar, 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Mum’s the word Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, London, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Delight mum with a flower pot decorated and planted specially for her. £4 per child.

DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 40,000+ PARENTS? Families Surrey East Magazine can help promote your business to over 40,000 parents in the local area.

To be included contact:

Tamar on

07947 535986 or email:

editor@familiessurreyeast.co.uk

12 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk

Easter fun

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

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

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

Cadbury

Easter Egg Hunt with the National Trust

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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

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

Take two more straws and insert them to form handles.

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

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

Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens

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

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

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

Daffodil’s

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

Go see the Beasts

of London at the Museum of London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk This is the Museum of London’s next major experience, created especially for families.

The Beasts of London brings to life the history of animals in the city told from the unique perspective of the animals themselves. You will be guided by various animal characters through time, from the Roman era through medieval London and right up to present day. Discover how animals—from lions and elephants, to horses, rats and pigeons—have shaped the city and its beastly history. This is definitely one not to be missed! 7+. From 5 April.

Families Surrey East 13

Easter fun

Happiness in a Hammock

Lose your-

self in a book

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

My Shadow and Me www.puppetbarge.com

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

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

Kick a Ball Jet Pack your way

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

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

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

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

Learn to Play Day www.musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday Venues across London Saturday 23 March -Sunday 24 March A free event to encourage everyone to start making music, with music shops, teachers, venues and schools throughout London partnering with leading musical instrument brands to offer thousands of FREE music lessons. Includes Croydon Music Hub, Unity Centre of South London in Balham, Early Music Shop on Denmark Street, and Yamaha Music London on Wardour Street.

Nower Wood

Family Open Day www.surreywildlifetrust.org There will be lots of free family activities on offer - minibeast hunting, pond dipping, marshmallow toasting, face painting, woodland play and more.

As well as a guided bluebell walk around the more remote parts of the woodland to see the best of the bluebells. There is a morning session that runs from 10am12.30pm and an afternoon session that runs from 1.30pm -4.pm. Leatherhead KT22 8QA.

A unique mobile minature pig party with a difference We provide a unique, unforgettable experience where children and adults alike have an opportunity to interact with the pigs up close and personal, stroke, brush and feed them and even take them for a walk on a lead in a secure environment! Why not book your next Child’s Birthday Party, Christmas or any other Event with us? « « « « «

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

www.thepigfather.co.uk 14 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk

Easter fun

Otter Spotting at the

British Wildlife Centre

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

V&A Museum of

Childhood

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

Science

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

Quacky

Races

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

Remember

Week

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

Rainbow Tower Density Project

Wiglet’s Easter

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

Eggstavaganza

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

www.godstonefarm.co.uk

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

to Rest

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

Young Astronomers Workshop

Teddy Bear’s Train

Ride & Storytelling

www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ Get hands-on in these short drop-in family workshops themed around space science and exploration, from the most recent discoveries about the Solar System to our latest understanding of the wider universe. 12.454.15pm, free, age 7+. Weekends in March

Umbrella

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

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

familiesonline.co.uk

If you go down in the woods today You’re sure of a big surprise If you go down in the woods today You’d better go in disguise!

For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain Because today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic Bring your favourite Teddy for a vineyard train ride and storytelling.

buZZZZZZ wwwfriendsoftheearth.uk

Get your Bee Saver Kit and help save the bees

Families Surrey East 15

Are you StruggliNg WitH cHildcAre?

Today I wrote my first line of code‌ Here at Baby Steps Nannies we aim to make the search for a nanny as seamless and pain free as possible!

We pride ourselves on providing a bespoke and personal service depending on your individual requirements, whether you need a full time live in nanny or after school help we aim to find the perfect childcare solution for you. if you want to know more, we are always on the end of the phone so give us a call on 0208 652 9949. Whether you are just curious as to what we do or if you want a hand with your search, we will be happy to help.

Baby Steps Nannies ltd babystepsnanniesltd

16 Families Surrey East

At Croydon High Juniors Computer Science is on the curriculum from Nursery up.

Skills are taught in an age appropriate way and Computing Club is full to capacity. The girls realise that what they learn here helps them in so many other ways, through collaboration, creativity and problem solving, developing the skills to excel wherever they find themselves.

Why not find out more about how we are inspiring every girl, every day?

Call 020 8260 7508 or visit www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

@babystepsnanny www.babystepsnannies.co.uk

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

familiesonline.co.uk