Families SE November 2012 issue 144

ISSUE NO. 144

EE

ESTABLISHED 1996

FR

NOVEMBER 2012

®

www.familiesse.co.uk

south east london

In this issue: Xmas Gift Guide (part one)

Where’s Father Christmas? (we’ve found him)

WIN: Theatre Tickets and a £200 Shopping Spree

online edition g

with workin website links

The Pointer School (Blackheath)

A Prep, Pre-Prep & Nursery School for boys & girls between the ages of 3 and 11 • First Class examination results (100% success in recent 2012 examinations)

• Numerous extra-curricular clubs (36 in total, from fencing to horse riding)

• Organic food

• Large variety of outdoor and PE activities

• Breakfast club and after school care (8am-6pm)

• Three languages taught

• Christian Evangelical in ethos

• Holiday club (Christmas, Easter and Summer)

OFSTED: “OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS“ Telephone: 020 8293 1331

See OFSTED reports on our website

Email: secretary@pointers-school.co.uk

www.pointers-school.co.uk

Founded by Muriel & Della Pointer in 1951

Don’t you just love our front cover picture? Here’s a little dot with an innocent, pre-Christmas sparkle. If you like to shop early for a certain event which the small people are already discussing in whispers, we have a two page gift guide, and pantos a-plenty, booking now. Next stop is creaking open the loft hatch to find the decorations - but that can wait until December, when we’ll be all festive and ready!

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views A magic show, toy library party, theatre tickets to be won, new music classes, a new bilingual primary school, and a first aid challenge

4-5 Education News Young people’s view of education, and elocution is so much more than ‘talking posh’

6-7 Christmas is Coming...

Our gift guide for discerning shoppers

8 Family Health Warding off winter colds, ICE wristbands, and healthy meals for children

9 Family Life When couples divorce - who gets the house?

10 In the Spotlight Behind the scenes with Zoe Dawson at South London Dance Studios

11 The Book Page The best book blog on the block, from the Bookseller Crow

12 What’s New Scooting to Kenya, shampoo helps young people, statement biscuits and the power of drumming

13-18 What’s On Families’ whopping six page guide to family events and pantos, finding Santa, exhibitions and family workshops

19 Alternative Christmas “Let’s play Happy Families” isn’t for everyone.

Here are other ways to experience the season

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier Front cover: Boy wears bracken cardigan with rustic hat and scarf, all from Sweetpea, www.shopatsweetpea.com, 0845 519 9154

Next issue out 7 December, copy deadline 19 November Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk editor@familiesse.co.uk

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families south east - november 2012

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Amigo’s Magic show Professional magician Simon Rosselli of Amigo’s Magic and The World’s Famous Magic Circle is putting on a Family Magic & Comedy Show on Friday 30 November.

Simon promises to cut one lucky teacher in half, pluck live animals from thin air, float a child in the air and demonstrate his head expanding and shrinking illusion. Children will have the chance to win a magic set, meet Fluffy the rabbit during the interval, and take home a free bunny copter.

The show starts at 5.30pm on 30 November at Virgo Fidelis School, 147 Central Hill, London SE19 1RS. Tickets £4 children, £6 adults. To book, call 020 8480 8176 or visit www.amigosmagic.co.uk.

WIN: Room on the Broom tickets Room on the Broom is a spellbinding adventure from the creators of ‘The Gruffalo’. Adapted from the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, it is the story of a witch and her cat, a daft dog, a beautiful bird, a friendly frog - and a hungry dragon! The production will be onstage at the Lyric Theatre from 21 November see our What’s On pages for more information.

COMPETITION: We have a family ticket for grabs, for up to four people.

To enter the competition, go to our website familiesse.co.uk and click WIN in the toolbar. The closing date is 15 November - good luck!

Lee Green Open Studios SE12’s Lee Green bursts into life for two weekends this month as over 50 local artists, printmakers, photographers, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists and jewellers throw open their homes and studios or exhibit in local cafes.

The popular annual event gives visitors the chance to meet the artists, see how they work, and buy an original piece or art or two.

Open Studios runs over the weekends of 10+11 and 17+18 November, from noon-7pm on Saturdays and noon to 6pm on Sundays. For a full list of venues and participants, go to www.leegreenopenstudios.com, or pick up a leaflet from With Jam and Bread, Rhubarb and Custard, or You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.

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Charlton Toy Library birthday party Charlton Toy Library is celebrating its 30th Birthday on 10 November 3pm-6pm at Charlton Assembly Rooms with a spectacular party. Everyone with children is invited to enjoy a music session with Boppin Bunnies, theatre workshop with Theatre bugs, balloons, bubbles, birthday tea, party games, face painting and much, much more.

The library is based at Charlton House and runs a borrowing service of toys, books, DVDs, CDs, baby safety equipment, dressing up clothes, games puzzles and lots more. It also runs stay and play sessions three times a week from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The service in Charlton House is run solely by a tireless team of dedicated volunteers with an Outreach service delivered by a part time qualified worker and, until recently, a big friendly red van, which is a cost that the library can no longer afford to run.

To join the celebration event and support Charlton Toy Library, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/charltontoylibrary. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the Toy Library you can still do so by clicking on ‘you can help’ online at www.charltontoylibrary.co.uk.

The library is also recruiting volunteers to help run weekly sessions, help with fundraising and any other services you could offer. Call 020 8315 0055 or e-mail charltontoylibrary@gmail.com.

Music for children

New bilingual school

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are developing an exciting new scheme for 31⁄2 to 5 year-olds to help bridge the gap between general music percussion/ singing sessions and instrumental lessons.

The new half hour, after school classes will be jam-packed with music awareness based activities supported by a workbook, whilst introducing children to notation and basic keyboard skills.

An absolute must for music confidence, co-ordination and brain development at this exciting stage of life. The classes will be rolling out to all centres from January 2013. To enrol or find out more, visit www.funkymonkey.info or call 0800 107 7949.

Judith Kerr Primary School is a planned new bilingual Free School which will teach the Primary National Curriculum in both English and German.

Set to open in September 2013, the organisers have had a lot of Interest, so far predominantly from families where German is one of the home languages. School promoter Juliane Parthier told us: “Like the International Academy of Greenwich, we are currently looking at a number of premises options. Although we are not able to specify the location at the moment (other than it being in one of the three inner-London SE boroughs), we believe that our school would appeal to a wide range of local families who would like their children to grow up with, and in, two+ languages and cultures. We strive to be fully inclusive and are currently looking to increase interest and support from non-German speaking families.”

Families is happy to put the word out! For more information, go to www.jkps.org.uk/.

Bucket volunteers wanted

First Aid Challenge

Hundreds of CLIC Sargent collections will be held this December by volunteers across the UK, all lending a hand to help raise £200,000 for families affected by childhood cancer.

CLIC Sargent is holding Big Bucket Collections at locations including Sainsbury’s in Crystal Palace and Beckenham, and are seeking volunteers to give a little time to help.

If you can give just an hour or so to help, please contact the Big Bucket Collection team on 0845 121 2495 or for more information visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/bigbucketcollection.

Nutty’s Children’s Parties Remember September’s competition for the chance to win signed copies of the Nutty’s Children’s Parties Official Album? Here are our smiley winners, all set to sing along to the catchy, original songs written and performed by Danny Nutt, owner of Nutty’s Children’s Parties.

For some Nutty’s fun of your own, Nutty’s Children’s Parties - The Official Album is availabe to buy online for £8.99, from www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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The British Red Cross has launched a first aid challenge aimed at parents, after a survey showed that most don’t feel confident about what to do if their child was injured.

A new website features free videos, emergency advice and information on first aid and courses around the UK. The campaign also encourages parents to download a letter to send to head teachers asking for first aid to be taught in the classroom.

The campaign runs until the end of the year. Signing up is completely free and each participant receives information on how to deal with day-to-day mishaps confidently and updates about free first aid demonstrations across the UK. Alternatively, if parents prefer to keep a how-to hard-copy in the house, a brand new First Aid manual focusing on treatment for babies and children is available now, priced £10.99; read more at www.redcross.org.uk/firstaidchallenge

Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

0845 400 1277 november 2012 - families south east

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Education News For children aged 2 – 11 years old

Amazing premises in converted church buildings.

Hands-on, self paced, collaborative, challenging & joyful learning in an environment based on beauty, respect and peace.

Award winning, Ofsted outstanding, Montessori MEAB accredited

Open days Early Years

Primary Years

20. October 2012 & 2. March 2013

24.November 2012 & 2. March 2013

10am-2pm St George’s Church Vancouver Road Forest Hill SE23 2AG

10am-2pm The Chapel on the Hill South Road Forest Hill SE23 2UJ

www.rose-house-montessori.com spectrummontessori@live.co.uk

Phone 07810 015698

LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN Rally round for a smashing time.

A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds.

Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court.

Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.

A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.

Weekend and weekday sessions now available.

For further details ring Gordon on 07877391005 or e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

www.tennis-4-kids.com

Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

+ Schools, nurseries and parties too! info@theatretots.com - 07801072776

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families south east - november 2012

58% of children ‘could do better’ Encouraging opinions have emerged from a survey of 12-18 year-olds carried out by community writing website www.movellas.com.

With GCSEs set to be replaced by the more traditional, exam-based English Baccalaureate, the survey’s findings are a sharp rebuke to the new exam and schools that focus obsessively on grades.

• More than two-thirds (69%) of UK school children polled said they believe that the pressure to pass exams is stifling their creativity • 63% dismissed suggestions education has been ‘dumbed down’ and the same proportion expressed anger at the opinion that exams are now too easy and that education was better ‘in the good old days’ • In contrast to the widely held perception that teens are lazy and obsessed by computer games, 63% dismissed the idea that traditional school subjects are too old-fashioned. So no Mickey Mouse subjects please - in fact 58% of school children felt they could be pushed harder at school • For educators across the country who are grappling with the proposed changes there is some good news: despite grumbling on a Monday morning when the alarm goes off, 83% of kids these days enjoy going to school • 67% of youngsters polled also credited their teachers for being in touch with children of today,

schoolwear from M&S

Rose House Montessori School

so while the broader education system itself may be too rigid, students are clearly prepared to back their teachers.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Per Larsen CEO, Movellas, said: “Exams and education standards have been in the news a lot lately but the obsessive focus on exam results risks straitjacketing kids’ creativity.

“My hope is that decision-makers will sit up and take note as the message ringing out loud and clear is that the return to exam-only assessment is out of tune with today’s school children ... who are far from the lazy ‘nightmare teens’ we read about in the media. What our survey shows is that this generation of school children is switched-on about the education debate and not afraid of hard work.”

All the rage - children’s elocution lessons

By Janette Sedgebeer

There’s a growing concern amongst parents and school teachers that young children are not speaking properly.

The importance for children to learn elocution doesn’t only relate to articulating well with clarity and intelligibility. The relationship between your child hearing the sound blocks which make English words and reproducing those sound blocks into spoken English cannot be emphasised enough. If your child cannot hear, identify and distinguish the phonetics of a word or its sounds, then it’s understandable that there will be difficulties in reading, writing and spelling.

And, the problem doesn’t stop there. If areas of weakness aren’t strengthened, this may lead in later years to your child encountering difficulties in one of the most important examinations - GCSE English, which may also test your child’s ability in speaking and listening.

So, elocution is not just about speaking ‘posh’.

Elocution is the hub upon which other important areas of learning and development are built which may feature strongly throughout the educational years and career path of your child. If your child is struggling to be understood, then now is the time to act!

Many children find difficulty in forming the sounds of the common English consonants - ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’, especially when these sounds are at the beginning, middle and end of English sound blocks.

A common cause for children struggling to produce these sounds may relate to the child’s inability to take the tip of the tongue behind the ridge on the roof of the mouth, which lies just behind the upper front teeth.

Another important point to remember is to get your child to smile when producing the sounds of ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’. By asking your child to smile, your child’s jaw is pulled upwards and the lips are pulled back which helps the tip of the tongue to come behind the ridge which, in turn, increases the clarity and strength of the sounds produced. Also, by simply smiling, the oral cavity of your child’s mouth is reduced making it less

tiring to produce tip of tongue sounds. It is important to remember that the tongue and lips are muscles.

If your child’s tongue tip and lips have grown accustomed to poor placement, then they may become tired during speaking. This may increase the likelihood of unintelligibility when your child tries to produce the sounds which go to make words.

To help your child’s tongue tip to become more flexible, introduce some simple fun articulation exercises. Tongue twisters are ideal, and will help your child to become familiar with the correct positioning of the tip of the tongue and lips in producing the sounds of ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’. Here are a couple of tongue twisters that you can practise together - don’t forget to tell your child to smile as you will hear the difference in the sounds made: 1. Tan tried to toot a tot 2. Ed read ‘Red Ride’ 3. One-one won one win.

Have fun!

About the author Janette Sedgebeer trained at King’s College London, and specialises in language interference and speech pathology.

She has corrected speech impairments in first language and second language acquisition as well as reducing accent in her speakers, which range from children to overseas high level executives.

She is the founder of Executive Language Tutors and Little Voices Acting and Performance Academy. For more help or information, call 020 7884 0441 or email janette.sedgebeer@executivelanguagetutors.com.

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Develop your child’s independence

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning.

Outperforming expectations on a daily basis Senior School Open Day Wednesday 7 November

9.30 am - 12 noon

Junior School Open Days Saturday 10 November Tuesday 4 December

10 am - 12 noon 2 pm - 3.30 pm

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment:

Blackheath Rizwana Arain 020 8239 0093

South Bermondsey Snezhana Stoyanova 020 7703 2466

Forest Hill Ann Rolfe 020 8699 0264

Thamesmead Kemi Olomo 020 8316 7516 kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

TOTS ON TUESDAY AT STREATHAM & CLAPHAM JUNIOR SCHOOL

A great place to meet other parents and carers A fun time for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years) ? An opportunity to socialise and share ideas and support ? A stimulating and safe environment ? Stay and play while enjoying a coffee (or tea!) ?

Nursery and Junior School (3-11)

Senior School (11-18)

Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR

42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW

020 8674 6912 enquiry@shj.gdst.net

020 8677 8400 enquiry@shc.gdst.net

www.schs.gdst.net

Your child’s future starts here

?

Tots on Tuesday takes place at 10 am until 12 noon every Tuesday morning during term-time.

Streatham & Clapham Junior School Wavertree Rd, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

St Dunstan’s College Co-educational Independent day school for 3 -18 year olds

Impressive academic record “an excellent standard of pastoral care� ISI 2011

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$FWLRQ VRQJV DQG UK\PHV 0XVLF DQG PRYHPHQW )XQ ZLWK SHUFXVVLRQ 0XVLFDO JDPHV Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

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New for 2013 - enhanced sporting provision at new Jubilee Grounds Choice of IB Diploma & A Levels in the Sixth Form “St Dunstan’s is like a family to me� Year 11 pupil Senior School Open Days 2012 Saturday, 13 October, 9.30-11.30 Saturday, 17 November, 9.30-11.30 Sixth Form Open Afternoon 2012 Thursday, 8 November, 2.30-4pm

Charity number: 312747 Stanstead Road, Rd, London, 4TY Stanstead London,SE6 SE6 4TY

t: 020 8516 7200

www.stdunstans.org.uk www.stdunstans.org.uk

november 2012 - families south east

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Christmas is coming...

How’s your Christmas shopping coming along? As November rolls on, the big shopping malls become more packed and fraught. Far more pleasant to hop on a bus to the local high streets to find the charming independent shops, where the owners are waiting with a smile and some tempting treats for all.

“Dear Santa...”

GORGEOUS GIFTS Alhambra Home & Garden, 148 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26, 020 3417 6385 Bunka, 4 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8291 4499 Cissy Wears, 212a Hither Green Lane SE13 6RT Craft Bee, 247 High Street Beckenham, 020 8650 7099 Dulwich Trader, 9 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21, 020 8761 3457 Juliette’s Handmade World, 3 Belvedere Road, Crystal Palace SE19 Jumping Bean, 45 Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8314 4747 Jumping Bean, 47 High Street Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5889 Home and Kids, 37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13, 020 8244 0172 Moe’s Potting Shed, 109 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich SE21, 020 8761 2600 Smash Bang Wallop, 40 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 5517 South of the River, 56 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8653 1669

Home & Kids is a family lifestyle shop in Hither Green selling toys, gifts, décor and accessories.

It’s a place where you can find a collection of beautiful and inspired products for you, your home and your kids.

Everything is handpicked for its appeal, functionality and sometimes just because it’s cool, so you can be sure that you will find something special. So pay them a visit, they’d love to see you. The shop is at 37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13 5ND, 020 8244 0172, and online at www.homeandkids.co.uk.

READER OFFER: For a 10% discount, take this magazine in with you or online, quote Families (not in conjunction with any other offer or discount cards. Offer ends 24.12.12).

TOYS and GAMES

Alhambra Home & Garden

2nd Impressions, 10 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3, 020 8852 6192 Art Stationers and Toyshop, 31 Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 5938 Beckenham Toyshop, 226 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5355 Education Interactive, 10 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13, 020 8318 6380 Green Baby, 52 Greenwich Church Street SE10, 020 8858 6690 Just Williams, 105 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8299 3444 Just Williams, 18 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24, 020 7733 9995 Ottie and the Bea, 12 Old Dover Road, Blackheath Royal Standard SE3, 020 8465 5318 Soup Dragon, 106 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8693 5575

BOOKSHOPS Beckenham Bookshop, 42 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 9744 Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 8831 Dulwich Books, 3 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE19, 020 8670 1920 Kirkdale Bookshop, 272 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26, 020 8778 4701 Review, 131 Bellenden Road, Peckham SE15, 020 7639 7400 Tales on Moon Lane, 25 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24, 020 7274 5759 Village Books, 1d Calton Avenue, Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 2808

ACTING * SINGING

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STREET DANCE

Here are a few ideas that have caught our eye, to bring some festive cheer, come December 25th...

Home and Kids

Pop into this little ‘Spanish twist’ treasure trove atop Sydenham and we defy you not to find a quirky something to take home.

Owner Rebecca tells us: “We’ve stocked the shelves with a new range of Lush teatowels including Fox & Cubs and Moonlit Owl; some fabulous Andalucian Glassware, some great Andalucian kitchen ceramics, new cushion designs including new ‘Curled Up Cat’ cushions, a new range of mugs and cushions from Becky Baur, which are proving very popular with both children and adults. There are also some stocking fillerish owl and bird hooks which are good for kids. Also owl and jungle buntings, owl purses, some cat purses and a new knitted Blue Stegosaurus sits beside the Dragon, Otter and Tiger. I am stocking Lush Lampshades as the homewear collection grows - the owl and monkey Lush Lampshades are ideal for kids’ rooms.

And our handmade, washable cotton Jarapa rugs are brilliant for kids’ rooms, as we know...”

Alhambra is at 148 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26 4BB, and online at www.alhambrahome.co.uk.

* GLEE CLUB

*

PERFORMING ARTS

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY!

Week long courses jammed full of acting, song and dance!

TEL: 0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk 6

families south east - november 2012

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Little Genius

Prints In Silver

Little Genius Crafts is a new Forest Hill company specialising no-mess craft kits for young children (age 3+).

Each kit focuses on a specific theme such as sea, beach and jungle life, and Christmas of course! The kits are stylish, compact and everything you need to make your collage can be found inside - all sorts of bright and colourful shapes, already cut out and waiting to be easily peeled off to put on the collage. To add a little genius twist, inside you’ll also find a bag of fun facts about the theme.

Little Genius Craft kits are £8.99 each from www.littlegeniuscrafts.com.

Fingerprint, Hand & Footprint Jewellery Unique, personal gifts that your family will treasure for a lifetime

07533 972 024

www.printsinsilver.com

Pretty personal Prints in Silver is a local business run by a mother of three who wanted to offer something special to others.

Sarah makes beautiful jewellery in silver, featuring children’s drawings, fingerprints or pet pawprints, carefully crafted into bracelets,keyrings, cufflinks and pendants.

The tailor-made pieces are pleasingly affordable too, starting at under £20 and delivered within 2-3 weeks. To beat the Christmas rush, have a look at the online gallery www.printsinsilver.com or call Sarah on 07533 972 024.

Peter’s Railway Anyone who likes steam trains (that’s most little boys and more than a sprinkling of girls too), will be charmed by the Peter’s Railway story books.

The books are written by Christopher Vine, an engineer who loves railways and anything mechanical or electrical. They are his way of passing on his passion for engineering to today’s youngsters.

Peter’s Railway hardbacks combine stories and adventures with technical (how-itworks) pages, simply explained. The paperbacks are short stories, either based on the farm railway or one of Grandpa’s amazing-but-true tales from the old railways.

Due to popular demand, Christopher Vine has published four new paperback stories - priced from just £2.99 each, they are perfect stocking fillers.

Go to www.petersrailway.com for more details and orders.

READER OFFER: We’ve been offered a festive ‘buy one, get one free’ offer for Families readers on all Peter’s Railway books. To claim yours, go to www.petersrailway.com, click the book you would like to buy and in the personalised dedication box type “FAMDEC” along with any personalised and signed dedication you would like. You will be sent your chosen book and a FREE book from the series. The offer is open until the end of December 2012.

WIN a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, a cosy jumper or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day; enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

There’s also free gift wrapping in Polarn O. Pyret stores, which you can find at Westfield and House of Fraser in Oxford Street, or online at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/ COMPETITION: For your chance to win a £200 Shopping Spree, enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10 December.

Terms and conditions apply. The winner will be notified via email on 11 December.

A message of hope Newly established charity Brain Tumour Reseach needs to raise at least £7 million per annum to make a life-changing difference to a woefully underresearched area.

A simple way to do so is to buy your Christmas cards from them this year. The cards start at just £3 for a pack of ten, with proceeds of around £2 per pack going directly to finding much needed brain tumour research and help find a cure for this most devastating of diseases, which kills more children and people under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

The charity’s website has plenty of support and information from affected sufferers and their families, including ‘headstart’ information cards showing symptoms to look out for. For this and card orders, see our back page and go to www.braintumourresearch.org.

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Alhambra Home & Garden

148 Kirkdale, London SE26 4BB Unique Christmas gifts for adults and kids, plus Spanish rugs, tiles, food and cookware.

Special Offer Shopping Night Friday 7 December 6pm-9pm

020 3417 6385 www.alhambrahome.co.uk

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!

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

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

07973 749 846 november 2012 - families south east

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No added salt

Keeping colds at bay Nobody escapes the common cold - according to the NHS, the average adult in the UK catches between two and four colds every year, while children catch as many as seven to ten. Despite great advances in medicine, common virus infections such as the common cold or influenza continue to cause a considerable economic burden, due to loss in productivity and high medical costs.

The cold facts: • The common cold causes more days off work or school than any other ailment • An estimated 22 million school days are missed every year due to colds • More than two hundred different viruses can result in a cold • Most colds take around 3-5 days to recover from, though some won’t go for at least a week • One sneeze can travel as far as 5 metres!

There are no known cures for cold and flu, so cold and flu prevention should be your goal. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make your whole life healthier. Here are some tips you can use to help prevent colds and the flu naturally: Wash your hands. Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Washing hands reduces the risk of transmission of viruses and bacteria.

Teach children to do the same.

Avoid touching your face, especially the nose, mouth, and eye areas, if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.

Take a probiotic. Probiotics are known to activate certain defence cells in the immune system, particularly the T cells. These immune cells

constantly monitor the body for foreign substances such as viruses, and are known to send messages to destroy these foreign bodies wherever they are present, hence preventing the infection from spreading. Try ProVen Adult Probiotic 25 Billion (£12.95 for 30 capsules from pharmacies, leading health food stores and online at www.provenprobiotics.co.uk).

Practice healthy habits. Eat a balanced diet; get enough sleep; do your best to keep stress in check; exercise. It can help the immune system better fight off the germs that cause illness.

Don’t cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands. Because germs and viruses cling to bare skin, muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands often results in passing along your germs to others. When you feel a sneeze or cough coming, use a tissue, then throw it away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

Avoid people already ill with colds or flu.

No Added Salt has developed the UK’s first range of frozen ready meals for children, specifically designed to provide a wholesome, delicious and convenient alternative for children’s dinnertime.

Formulated in accordance with the Caroline Walker Trust guidelines, the meals have been designed to ensure they provide the optimum amount of energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, fibre, sodium and protein that children require.

The range has been developed by a team of mothers in collaboration with leading children’s dietician, Sarah Almond. The meals are frozen to lock in the nutrition from the ingredients, and all are cooked from scratch using raw ingredients with no additives, flavourings or preservatives. Vegetables are added to the meals and are cleverly hidden in the sauces or mashed in the potato to ensure the children receive the full nutritional value of the ingredients.

No Added Salt’s Sausage and Mash, and Spaghetti and Meatballs come in handy portions of 300g to 350g, priced £2.49 from Tesco stores.

In case of emergency A new collection of durable wristbands and bracelets, engraved with essential medical information, has been designed to help save a child’s life in an emergency.

Launched by ICE Gems (In Case of Emergency), the wristbands are engraved with vital medical information alongside the highly recognisable Start of Life; which alerts emergency services and first aiders to conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and life threatening allergies to foods like

nuts and medicines such as penicillin.

Engraved with key contact details and medical information, the jewellery provides a lifesaving sign post to those administering first aid and helps to explain what course of action to take.

The range is designed to appeal to younger children, teenagers and adults alike, with leather, cord, gold, silver and stainless steel bracelets and pendants priced from £15 at www.icegems.co.uk.

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Offering professional and creative solutions for all legal issues including:

families south east - november 2012

All solicitors are experienced and accredited specialists The Counting House 53 Tooley Street London Bridge City London, SE1 2QN

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Woman with flu image: Jeroen van Oostrom at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Family health

Ask the Expert

Home Sweet Home?

By Mandeep Clair

“We are divorcing. Can I stay in the house which we own?”

This depends on many different factors. There is the short term position to consider, say over the next few months and it is necessary also to address what should happen in the long term.

‘Eviction is a draconian step...’

You cannot be forced to move out on the sole ground that you are divorcing even if the property is registered in the other spouse’s name alone. You only have to move out if the court orders you to do so (or if you agree). Where the matrimonial home is registered in the other spouse’s sole name, it is important to register immediately a Notice of Home Rights so as to try to avoid any sale or transfer of the property to a third party without your knowledge and/ or consent.

Generally speaking, in the absence of you causing significant harm to your spouse/ a child of the family, you cannot be ordered by the court to vacate the property immediately. Evicting someone from his/ her own home is a draconian step and the court never orders this lightly.

Going to court If you are unable to agree on what should happen to the matrimonial home whether by discussing

between yourselves, with the help of a mediator or through solicitors, either spouse can involve the court to decide. The court would not provide an instant decision and if it were impossible to achieve an out of court settlement during the course of the proceedings, it could take around nine months from when the financial proceedings are commenced for there to be a final hearing following which the court would make a final order setting out what the comprehensive terms of the matrimonial financial settlement are. In such proceedings, the court would decide not only on what should happen to the matrimonial home, but also on how all of the other assets (and liabilities) should be divided between you both.

There is no legal provision which states that either spouse is automatically allowed to continue residing in the matrimonial home. Whether the house should be sold immediately, transferred into one spouse’s name or be retained in joint names but with one spouse continuing to live there for a particular period of time are all permissible in principle in law.

Equal shares There is no mathematical formula which is used to calculate what each spouse’s financial entitlement is upon the breakdown of a marriage. The starting point is division in equal shares.

Where an equal division is appropriate, this could

still mean that one spouse is entitled to keep the house if the total net value of all of the other assets means that the other spouse still receives overall around 50% of the matrimonial pot.

Even in cases where the matrimonial home is the major asset, it could nevertheless be appropriate for it to be retained and for one spouse to continue living there where that spouse is the main carer of minor children of the family. It could be sold upon, for example, the youngest child of the family finishing secondary education, the resident spouse’s remarriage, co-habitation or death, whichever is the sooner and the sale proceeds divided between the (ex) spouses at that time.

Obviously, in cases where the matrimonial home is to be retained even for a short time, it is important to establish that this is affordable. There is no point in keeping it if it is impossible to pay on time the monthly mortgage instalments and/ or its other outgoings.

About the author Mandeep Clair is a mediator, collaborative lawyer and experienced family solicitor at South East London solicitors Grant Saw. The practice offers friendly, professional family mediation and legal services including a free one hour consultation.

Please call 020 8858 6971 or email mclair@grantsaw.co.uk.

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november 2012 - families south east

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In the spotlight:

South London Dance Studios South London Dance Studios (SLDS) was established in Dulwich in 2001 and originally started life as ‘Grafton Dance Academy’. In 2009, the school moved to the former Royal Mail Sorting Office in Herne Hill and became ‘South London Dance Studios’.

SLDS has three professional standard dance studios and over 750 students who attend weekly classes. The school offers a wide range of dance classes for children from 18 months to adult, including specialist boys’ training, full scale performances and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance examinations.

We asked the founder and Principal Zoe Dawson to tell us more: FSE: What did you do before setting up South London Dance Studios?

ZD: From aged eighteen I was a professional musical theatre performer, working at the Royal National Theatre, in the West End and on tour. I then went on to train in classical acting at LAMDA and into theatre, TV and film acting. My training and experience mean I am in a good position to give career advice to aspiring young performers as well as help them apply for auditions at top London vocational performing arts colleges. So far my ex-students have gone on to Arts Educational Tring, Millennium College, The Urdang Academy and Ballet Rambert.

FSE: What was the inspiration for running your own dance school?

ZD: I taught dance from the age of fourteen at my local dance school in the West Midlands where I first learned to dance. I then taught in London whilst performing professionally. I always loved the challenges and rewards of teaching as well as working with people of all ages, so I completed my dance teaching examinations around my performing commitments. Teaching in several dance schools before setting up my own gave me a great insight into what works (and what doesn’t!). A great dance school needs fantastic teachers and superb organisation.

FSE: Dance is a great way to get fit. What are the main benefits, in your opinion?

ZD: Aside from the widely recognised physical benefits, dance allows people of all ages to learn and improve a wide range of transferrable and life skills including problem-solving skills, responding effectively to new challenges, the ability to think quickly under pressure and memory recall.

Attending regular dance classes also develops self-discipline, resilience and persistence which I believe are extremely important attributes for young people. At the same time, dancers learn that they are equal to everyone else in the class; patiently taking turns and showing respect to the teacher, pianist and the other students. They also learn to cooperate as they dance in partners or small groups.

For children in particular, the confidence and learning skills developed through dance help establish a positive approach towards future learning in other areas of life. In addition, most children and young people thrive on the creative and artistic aspects of dance, learning empathy through being a character and an appreciation of a wide range of music.

It goes without saying that I would write pages and pages on this subject (!) but to conclude, let’s remember that the one of the main benefits of dance classes for everyone is having the time in a dance class to forget the pressures of everyday life and have fun!

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FSE: Tell us more about the classes you run ZD: My aim for the dance school was to offer a wide range of classes and schedules within the timetable so that the child dancing purely for a hobby could enjoy dance and improve at their own pace.

Likewise, the child attending classes with a view to becoming a professional performer would leave us at age 16 or 18 as a well-trained and versatile dancer. So from age six some children attend classes just once a week and they can choose from ballet, tap and modern dance. Other children choose to attend two or three ballet classes, national, tap, modern, street/ commercial, contemporary and body conditioning classes every week.

• Our middle and upper school students have just gained the best examination results we have ever had with almost all of our students gaining distinction and one of our Grade 3 girls gaining 97%! We also have a competition team which successfully competes in dance festivals all over the South East and some of our team have recently performed with National Youth Ballet and London Children’s Ballet.

• We offer a range of dance classes for boys of all ages including street dance. They learn current commercial dance styles, improve their ability to learn new routines quickly and also develop their technique, strength and flexibility whilst having fun!

• Our lower school classes encourage younger children to enjoy music and movement, to listen and respond to the teacher and the music, and to learn class etiquette. We have ‘Melody Movement’ classes for children from 18 months and Nursery dance classes from age three.

• SLDS also caters to adult students who can choose between ‘ballet tone’, ballet, tap and modern/ street dance from beginner to intermediate levels. Through exercises and routines, students learn and develop their technique and dance movements.

FSE:How can readers find out more?

ZD: New students are always welcome. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the team and me at carla@southlondondancestudios.co.uk or on 020 7978 8624. Or have a look at our website www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk.

And finally...

ZD: We have a full scale dance show on 30 May, 31 May and 1 June at the Michael Croft Theatre at Alleyn’s School. Do contact us for tickets nearer the time and come along to see our students in action.

FSE: There’s more, isn’t there...

ZD: Yes! SLDS also offers a range of social activities from school Christmas parties to birthday parties and charity events. A presentation of class work for the students’ parents last year raised over £4,000 for the Charlotte Leatherbarrow Foundation.

FSE: How easy (or difficult) was it to set up?

ZD: I was careful to choose this area because it is very family oriented and has a strong community feel. Advertising in Families South East quickly put the word out, and word of mouth recommendations meant the school started to grow quickly.

Originally, I taught all the classes and managed the administration while performing. I am now 100% focussed on the school and am extremely lucky to have a fantastic team to help with all that work!

FSE: You have a packed schedule. What do you like to do when you have time off?

ZD: I have two lovely rescue dogs (Jess and Mack) who are very demanding (!) so my partner and I spend most our free time with them in Dulwich or Brockwell Park. Jess and Mack also come to work with me and like to hang out in the waiting room for game playing and fuss from the children waiting for their dance classes. What a life!

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The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Now the clocks have gone back, it is easier to accept that winter is on its way. Wearing my other hat, my swimming teacher one, I get the train back from the pool and the passing of the seasons is measured by the increasing layers I have to wear so I don’t freeze to death on the platform after a long stint in the water.

Unfortunately last week it was also pouring so I was wet twice. Worse, though my train is usually very full and the stink of chlorine wafting from my bag and clothes is enough to ensure I have enough space to turn the pages of a discarded free paper, this time the carriage was really packerooed. The doors opened, nobody got off and two jammed themselves on. I legged it to the next door but there was no room there either.

Fuming, a naughty word escaped VERY LOUDLY from my exasperated lips. And with everyone watching as they digested it, the doors closed and the train moved off without me.

Steven Appleby’s GUIDE TO LIFE - Guardian Books rrp £14.99. If I hadn’t been so wet, smoke would’ve come out of my ears. I was certainly wondering why the heck I do it - talk about running and getting nowhere fast. Meanwhile, this collection of brilliant Loomus cartoons shows us on life’s conveyor belt. It is, of course, an extremely accurate manual depicting the things in every day family existence that normally make us weep, but he has us laughing instead. Take the eponymous small boy - all we see are his responses to a phonecall from his mum: “Okay.” “Nuggets and chips.” “Ice Age 2..” “The Park..” “Gameboy..” “After Doctor Who..” “Toast and chocolate spread..” “Bye.” And you know exactly what is happening. Exactly. Or, the one that attempts to show dads that bonding with their kids is easy: start with watching tv together, perhaps play pc games and go skateboarding, get them a pet, actually hug them! But the final conclusion is if all else fails, shell out cash. Works every time.

BABYCALM, A Guide for Calmer Babies & Happier Parents by Sarah Ockwell-Smith - Piatkus rrp £13.99. The blurb on the back says the contents include ‘deciphering your baby’s clues’, ‘a toolbox of calming techniques,’ ‘the benefits of babyswearing’.. Eh? Blimey, I thought. I mean, the occasional slip up in the pouring rain when EVERYONE is getting off at East Dulwich anyway while I have to go all the way down the line is one thing but using expletives as a refreshing alternative to prescriptive parenting? This is MY kind of book.

Then I realised it said ‘babywearing’, not swearing.

101 TIPS Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods - White Ladder Press rrp £5.99. Actually, BabyCalm looks like a very useful book and especially for the words of wisdom such as those who say they sleep like a baby, usually don’t have one.

But blokes prefer lists. Once, in the days when I got invited to dinner parties, I recounted to the assorted diners that I’d heard of one husband who insisted on the shopping list his wife gave him being in order of the supermarket aisles. And the guy at the end spluttered into his Medoc. With nose-tapping advice like ‘the most important thing for your partner to do at this stage is sleep and rest but, the hardest thing for your partner to do at this stage is sleep and rest’ and, don’t drink too much because you might just have to drive at short notice, it’s worth parking these bullet points under their glass - the book is about the size of a beer mat anyway.

LET’S MAKE SOME GREAT FINGERPRINT ART by Marian Deuchars - Laurence King rrp £9.95. When you are up the duff with the second or, winces, even third snapper it’s bad enough worrying about the stuff you already know about - the pain, the piles, the post-natal heap of washing - but there’s also the unknown, namely when it is all going to happen? And how is he going to keep firstborn occupied, while you are.. er.. otherwise engaged, when his idea of quality time with daddy is letting the child fall asleep on his lap during Match of the Day? This brilliant unconventional activity book requires nothing but a couple of spare fingers and a single pot of poster paint. It’ll keep him busy for hours, and the kid might even have a go too.

BLACK CATS & EVIL EYES by Chloe Rhodes - O’Mara rrp

£9.99. While not strictly a parenting guide, nor children’s story, nor family health item, I am nonetheless strangely drawn to this, can’t think why (she says, tripping over her fourteen year-old’s broomstick). Personally I believe all superstitious claptrap is useful - never let milk boil over, never kill a spider, if a bat gets in your hair you are possessed by the devil - and keeping a straight face while telling a small child that to avoid contracting the plague they must wear a toad around their neck is very, very gratifying.

GHOST KNIGHT by Cornelia Funke - Orion rrp £9.99. This is an excellent illustrated ghost story for the reader crossing over from first chapter books to full scale Harry Potter doorstops.

THE OXFORD TREASURY OF FAIRY TALES by Geraldine McCaughrean & Sophy Williams - OUP rrp £16.99.

A pleasurable combination of Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson & other folk yarns, you gets a lot of story here for your gold ducats and they are just about four-poster bedtime length, give or take the odd clock striking midnight.

AGAIN! by Emily Gravatt - Macmillan rrp £6.99. How can a dragon be so cute? In this author’s hands, that’s how. Even when the irritating little so-and-so keeps demanding the same bedtime story over and over again - we’ve never been there before, have we. Eventually, mummy dragon (or is it daddy? my dragon-sexing skills are somewhat lacking) falls asleep (it’s daddy) and the cuddly wee firebrand burns a hole in the book. No really!

BOB AND THE MOONTREE MYSTERY by Simon Bartram, Templar, rrp £6.99. Here’s another splendid Bob tale from the master of the kind of stuff that (I’m shamelessly stereotyping, from experience) boys (and when I say that, I count men in there too) really, really enjoy including rockets, dogs, comics, football, bikes, breakfast, monkey calls (all in an average day in my house), plus an alien to spot on every page.

PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort, Simon & Schuster rrp £10.99. As it says in the blurb: Ahoy there me hearties - there’s pants ahead!

RED CAT, BLUE CAT by Jenni Desmond - Blue Apple rrp £11.99. Stunning illustrative style here telling the tale (in fact two thoroughly fluffed up ones) of a pair of moggies in Crystal Palace colours (Eeaaggles!) who cannot possibly get along but eventually iron out their differences by, among other things, sitting on the computer keyboard together (again, this really happens in my house). Then, blow me, a yellow cat shows up.

THE JOURNEY HOME by Frann Preston-Gannon - Pavilion rrp £5.99. Written whilst staying with the great Maurice Sendak, his robust influence is obvious and the sober message during an oceanic odyssey is one of ecological imperative. Let’s put it this way, the final scene has a dodo gazing at the sunset wondering what tomorrow will bring. One for all those climate-change deniers out there to read to their grandchildren, surely. Go on guys and no skipping any pages.

One week after the crowded train fiasco and here I am again, about to teach followed by my own journey home. First, I will get a good soaking in the pool and no doubt catch yet another cold judging by the amount of waterborne snot I encounter (those children are so generous with their germs).

Then I’ll go all pruney. Then the changing room door will be opened by a two year-old holding his dad’s hand just as I step naked out of my cozzie. Finally, I will trudge to the station devoid of dignity but weighted down by my now leaden swimming gear and wait shivering on the windy platform in fifteen layers of clothing to finally be confronted by those very same commuters I swore at so fulsomely last week. I can’t wait!

With a bit of luck, they might even move down the carriage and let me on. As the women on the sofa agree in Appleby’s strip, Loomus has such an active imagination but growing up and having to earn a living will knock it out of him, thank goodness...

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk w w w. f a m ww ww w .. ff a am m ii ll ii e es ss se e .. c co o .. u uk k w

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What’sNew Double Trubble helps young people Double Trubble is a new range of children’s hair and body washes and a detangling mist, all utilising organic botanical extracts.

The products have been launched by celebrity hair colourist Daniel Galvin Jnr, who is also a Prince’s Trust Ambassador. Sales of the products will raise £25,000 for The Prince’s Trust, which helps disadvantaged young people across the UK. Daniel Galvin Jnr comments: “I was always interested in what went into baby shampoos, so in 2000, after my son was born, I began my research into ingredients in bathroom beauty products.

The chemicals in haircare products today can ‘charge-up’ kids the same way sugar and junk foods can and 60% of synthetic ingredients are easily absorbed into the skin, so you can only imagine the harm it causes to children in the long run. Their delicate skins can be stripped of oil and children can often develop asthma or eczema.”

Dubble Trubble is aimed at 3-12 year-olds, and uses five different essences - Watermelon, Bananaberry, Strawberry, Cherrybomb and Cool Cucumber, the Dubble Trubble 2 in 1 Shampoo & Body Washes each contain soothing certified organic Aloe Vera and moisturising glycerine. All are available from Morrisons stores nationwide and online, priced £2.99 each.

Scooter Aid With nearly a million Micro Scooters having been sold in the UK in the last five years, the little three-wheelers have become an icon of modern childhood. But what happens to a scooter once a child has outgrown it?

Not a lot - until now, that is, with the launch of Scooter Aid. The company is encouraging people to send any Micro Scooters no longer in use back to their UK HQ. Each scooter will then be safety checked and refurbished before being sent to the Tumaini Children’s Home in Kenya; an orphanage for children whose parents have died of aids. Many of the youngsters also suffer from the disease themselves and have few, if any toys.

The company is planning to ship 60 scooters at the end of the year, ensuring each child at the orphanage has their very own to play with. Anyone who has a Micro Scooter they wish to donate to the scheme can visit www.micro-scooters.co.uk/community to download a postal return slip to send their scooter completely free of charge. For more information on the charity, see www.tumainichildrenshome.com.

Say it with biscuits Cute home-made biscuits for Christmas - now there’s an idea.

Folly’s cookie cutters help you bake cookies that really make a statement. The set contains all 26 letters plus an ampersand and an exclamation mark, is made from strong, durable food-safe plastic and is delivered in an attractive full colour gift box, priced £12.95 from www.follyhome.co.uk, 01455 631984.

Beat the odds There’s nothing much better for releasing anger than banging on a drum. For children with special needs, percussion can be a powerful tool to help them.

Research shows that drumming activities lead to social and emotional improvement - and it’s great fun. Additionally, participating in drumming experiences can help children work on skills such as turn-taking and sharing, as well as help them feel they are part of a group. Different playing techniques can be used to help work on different fine and gross motor skills.

This can even be true for developing lower extremity strength.

The Natal Cajon Bongo provides a rhythmical element to almost any genre of music. Children can play with either hands, sticks or brushes to recreate all different kinds of textured drum sound. For more information or orders, go to www.nevadamusic.co.uk.

Tel: 0208858 88586971 Tel: 020 6971

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SANTA'S SPECIAL STEAM TRAIN

BLUEWATER WINTER WONDERLAND

What’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

Diary Dates for Grownups INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW

BUSINESSMUMS NETWORKING GROUP

10+11 November, BATTERSEA EVOLUTION, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ, www.schoolsshow.com Everything you need to know about independent schooling, from pre-prep to sixth forms, single sex, co-ed, day and boarding schools. An Education Theatre will host talks from education experts and school heads, while hundreds of school exhibitors will answer parents’ questions and showcase the education they offer.

Children are welcome to attend and be entertained by the ‘What On Earth?’ 8m wallbook, scheduled talks, Mister Tuck Shop, a free play area for 3-6 year-olds and activities for children of all ages. Open 10am-5pm Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday. Admission free: register first for tickets by calling 020 7731 7479 or online.

15 November, CHAPTERS RESTAURANT, Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3. www.selondonmumpreneurs.blogspot.com The SE London Mumpreneurs runs monthly networking meetings, providing a great chance to meet like minded businessmums, brainstorm any business issues you may have and make new connections. £15 to trial the group includes coffee and croissants, book by emailing Clare at motherslife@hotmail.co.uk.

EMOTIONAL BALANCING WORKSHOP 11 November, THE VALE PRACTICE, 64 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22 8DT, 020 8299 9798, www.thevalepractice.co.uk With emotional strength comes a calm mind. Discover the powerful ancient Chinese method of balancing any emotion to provide complete emotional independence.

George Monkhouse, acupuncturist, qigong instructor and Daoist scholar, is holding a workshop to introduce the secrets of emotional mastery. 11am-12.30pm, £30 a person.

IDEAL HOME SHOW AT CHRISTMAS 14-18 November, EARLS COURT Warwick Road SW5 9TA, 0844 209 7330, www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk.

This year’s show will be hosted by fabulous celebrity ambassadors including chef and food expert Gino D’Acampo, interiors guru Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, gadget expert Suzi Perry, drinks expert Olly Smith, and some new and exciting faces for 2012, all offering expert advice and live demonstrations across the five day event.

Other exciting features include a skating rink, Christmas craft theatre and an M&S Celebrity Chef Theatre. Tickets free for under 15s, adults from £16.50 on the door, discounted for advance bookings.

DICKENS CRAFT FAIR 17 November, St BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH, Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6QR, www.stbartssydenham.org.uk Handmade Christmas decorations, cards, wooden toys, jewellery, children’s clothes, felt, knitting, art, chocolates, Christmas goodies; hot and cold food, cakes and Christmas cheer for all. 11am-3pm.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE 17 November, St JOHN’S CHURCH, 251 Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham BR3 3JN, www.nct.org.uk/branches/beckenham Nearly new toys and equipment for sale at bargain prices. Organised and run by Beckenham and Borders NCT. 11.30am-1pm.

HOMESTART SOUTHWARK OPEN DAY AND AGM 23 November, ALBRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTRE, 37 Albrighton Road SE22 8AH, 020 7737 7720, www.homestartsouthwark.org.uk/ HomeStart Southwark is holding an open day and annual general meeting - all welcome. 10am-2pm (AGM business from noon). RSVP by phone.

POP-UP EMPORIUM 29 November, CHARTER SCHOOL, Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24 9JH, 07870 362 276, email thepopupemporium2@gmail.com An evening of Christmas shopping and festivities with over 40 stalls of not on the high street goodies.

5-9.30pm, admission free.

Where’s Father Christmas?

GREENWICH LIGHTS ON AND LANTERN PARADE 28 November, GREENWICH The Christmas festivities begin in Greenwich with a local school children’s lantern parade and switching on of the sparkly lights. The procession will start at 4pm in front of the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre at the Old Royal Naval College and wind its way to the Market. The big countdown at 4.30pm will be led by Sarah Jane Honeywell from CBeeBees and characters from this year’s Greenwich Playhouse panto Robin Hood. All can join in singing Christmas Carols, meet Father Christmas in his Greenwich Grotto and shop late through to 7pm.

SANTA’S VINTAGE CHRISTMAS GROTTO 1+2, 8+9, 15-23 December, COLLEGE LODGE, Dulwich Village SE21 7BQ, www.santasgrottodulwich.com For the first time, Dulwich Village has its own Christmas Grotto this year. Whippersnappers have formed a collaboration with Bleu Furniture to create Santa’s Vintage Christmas Grotto.

Located within Dulwich Park, the authentic Victorian Lodge will provide the setting for a unique event.

Children will be able to experience the joy of interacting

with two real live reindeer and have their pictures taken.

Parents will be able to indulge in mulled wine and mince pies whilst their children ‘show off’ their creative skills decorating gingerbread snowmen to eat or take home to hang on Christmas trees.

The children will then be shown upstairs into the ‘retro styled’ waiting room for face painting, balloon modelling and games.

The penultimate and most important part of their experience will be meeting Father Christmas in his ‘retro styled’ room, with the opportunity to have a professional colour, black and white or sepia photograph taken.

A unique reminder of their visit will be a beautifully wrapped present given to them by Father Christmas.

The final part of the experience will be the opportunity to purchase retro gifts in the gift shop. 11am-3pm daily, book first online.

CHRISTMAS AT CANARY WHARF From 1 December, JUBILEE PLACE MALL, Canary Wharf E15 5NY, www.canarywharf.com Wind your way around Canary Wharf on the Magical Treasure Trail or enjoy a splash of Festive Face Painting in Cabot Place, Canada Place and Jubilee Place. Taking place throughout the shopping malls, Canary Wharf

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november 2012 - families south east

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SANTA’S VINTAGE CHRISTMAS GROTTO - DULWICH VILLAGE

LAPLAND UK

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ALBANY - LITTLE SUNSHINE

ADRENALINE

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

also allows you to get in touch with your creative side with some Cooking and Cupcake Decorating with Sweet Couture, or perhaps the little ones could beautify a Treasure Chest or Love Heart Box before making their own unique Stained Glass Creations. Throughout December, children can also spend the weekends enjoying Canary Wharf’s Enchanted Mirror installation. The mirror installation provides endless fun for young ones, whilst adding to the magic and sparkle of Christmas.

SANTA’S GROTTO, 1+2, 8+9, 15-24 December. Excited children can meet Santa in his Grotto and whisper their wish list for the big day. Meanwhile, Santa and his ‘Little Helpers’ will take to the stage in the East Wintergarden, keeping visitors entertained with a series of shows on 1 and 2 December. All donations for Santa’s Grotto and Santa’s Showtime will be provided Variety, the Children’s Charity and Richard House Children’s Hospice, respectively. 11am-5pm, £2 donations welcome.

SANTA’S SPECIAL STEAM TRAIN 8+9, 15+16, 22+24 December, TENTERDEN TOWN STATION, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE, 01580 76515, www.kesr.org.uk Climb aboard one of Kent and East Sussex Railway’s Santa Specials, and meet Santa during a return journey to Northiam Station. Look out too for the pixies whose sacks are full of lovely presents. Every child up to the age of 16 will receive a gift to take home and put under the tree. At the end of the journey, everyone can meet the beautiful Snow Queen.

Tickets from £14.50 include the one hour ten minute train ride, a present for each child, a ride on a miniature railway and a colour portrait with the Snow Queen to take home.

KEW’S WINTER WONDERLAND 8 December - 6 January 2013, KEW GARDENS, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655, www.kew.org Admission free for children under 17, adults £14.50. Take your little ones to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, located in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, (open for free from Sat 8 to Sun 23 Dec, 12 midday to 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm). After Christmas day the grotto will reopen to host magical story telling sessions, where families can enjoy traditional folktales featuring shadow puppetry! (26 Dec to 6 Jan 2013, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm, sessions last 20-30 minutes).

After the children have visited Father Christmas, take them for a ride on a stunning vintage carousel on Kew Palace lawn (from Sat 8 Dec to Sun 6 Jan, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 10.30am to 4pm daily). Adult or child £2, adult accompanying child under five is £1. For very young children, there’s a spin in a mini vintage car ride (runs from

10.30am to 4pm daily, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Child £2).

For curious kids, big and small, Kew’s volunteer guides will be offering free sessions in the Orangery, where families can learn about the “Twelve trees of Christmas”- plants and trees symbolic of the festive season, taking inspiration from the traditional Christmas song, the ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ (8 Dec to 6 Jan, sessions run on Wed, Fri and Sun, 12 midday to 2pm).

WINTER WONDERLAND AT BLUEWATER 16 November - 13 January 2013, BLUEWATER Shopping Centre, www.bluewaterwinterwonderland.co.uk UK’s biggest indoor winter wonderland offers a host of festive activities that promise a winter’s day out like no other. Enjoy the magic of snowfall as you take to the skating rink (ages 4+), take on the challenge of the 40 metre long extreme snow slide, visit the new Santa’s Grotto Experience and receive a quality gift and enjoy stacks of vintage Christmas rides, games and amusements for all the family.

LAPLAND UK 1-24 December, BEWL WATER ESTATE, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JH, 0871 620 7063, www.laplanduk.co.uk Now in its sixth year, LaplandUK will once again enchant thousands of children, parents and grandparents on a magical Christmas day out.

With a Lapland UK passport, visitors travel along the Elves’ magical forest pathways to a snowy wonderland where first they visit the Toy Factory to help the Elves before moving on to Mother Christmas’ Kitchen to decorate gingerbread and gather for storytelling. It’s then skates on at the ‘ice’ rink in Elf Village before meeting LaplandUK’s resident huskies and reindeer. In his snowy woodland home, Father Christmas greets guests with a newly designed collectable soft toy husky dog to take home. The event is popular - 92% of previous visitors confirmed they would be likely to return. Tickets from £44.50.

SANTA’S VICTORIAN GROTTO 8-23 December, MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Meet Santa in his very own grotto, tell him your Christmas wishes, receive a special present and have your picture taken with him. £5, book first on 020 7001 9844.

Theatre, Shows, Pantos and Music ANIMAL MAGIC CONCERT

ADRENALINE

10 November, Concert Hall, FAIRFIELD HALLS, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk An Arthur Davison family concert featuring a narrated production of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and pieces by Elgar, Rimsky-Korsakov and Strauss. 11am start, tickets £7.50.

16-18 November, ExCEL, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock E16 1XL, 020 3514 0908, www.equicirque.com Taking horse riding and equestrian art to the extreme, this new show will provide audiences with a unique and exhilarating entertainment experience - whether they consider themselves ‘horsey’ or not.

Adrenaline is a truly unique action-packed show that features some of the world’s leading equestrian artists in an amazing mixture of acrobatics, stunt riding, dancing horses and special effects.

FAMILY SATURDAYS WITH THE ALBANY CANADA WATER CULTURE SPACE, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR, 020 8692 4446, www.canadawaterculturespace.org.uk LITTLE SUNSHINE, LITTLE RAINFALL, 10 November. Meet Little Sunshine and Little Rainfall in their magical garden, and see how all the creatures must save their homes and families from naughty Storm Fox. The production blends Japanese folklore with traditional music and dance, inspired by Haiku and origami. 2pm, ages 3+, tickets £7 or £24 per family.

WHEN EGGY MET PEGGY, 17 November. What happens when a lonely egg, sat on a wall, meets the sparkling pea from under that huge pile of mattresses? Join Eggy and Peggy the pea, a rock’n’rolling raspberry, cha cha-ing carrots, royalty and a blue horse in this deliciously funny and original twist on The Princess and the Pea. 2pm, ages 3+, tickets £7 or £24 per family.

THREE BILLY PIGS, 24 November. Once upon a time there were three little pigs... When the time comes to leave home, they set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. But these homes are put to the test by a misunderstood wolf with a bit of a problem. And who is the grumpy person who lives under the bridge? 2pm, ages 3+, tickets £7 or £24 per family.

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families south east - november 2012

ALBANY - RUMPLESTILTSKIN

quality music performed by professional concert artists - with their babes in tow. Tickets free for accompanied children, adults £10 on the door.

UNICORN THEATRE UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com A WINTER’S TALE, until 16 November. A group of actors is performing The Winter’s Tale at the Unicorn. But it’s not going well. In this hilarious new play within a play, four performers present Shakespeare’s story of kings and queens and bears in the forest - a world of petty jealousies and playground rites, in which it’s always the servants who draw the short straw. Ages 7-10.

DR KORCZAK’S EXAMPLE, until 13 November. In the final days of an orphanage in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw, food is scarce, tempers rise, and everyone wants to survive. Award-winning playwright David Greig tells the powerful tale of Korczak’s refusal to abandon the orphanage and his insistence that everyone should live by the key values of tolerance and respect, even in the face of injustice.

Ages 11-13.

I, MALVOLIO, Until 11 November. Tim Crouch re-imagines Twelfth Night in a brilliant one-man show that invites the audience to explore self-knowledge, bullying and shame through the eyes of Shakespeare’s most pent-up steward. Ages 13+.

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKERS, 6-8 November. Live music, puppetry, physical storytelling and a sprinkling of Elf magic combine to tell this classic tale. Ages 3-7.

BURNING BIRD, 14-17 November. Set against the backdrop of the London riots, Burning Bird explores what it means to be young in the city. Ages 14+.

THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, 25 November 13 January 2013. Set in a Tudor London so vibrant you can smell the potato-peelings, poor Tom Canty has a chance meeting with the young heir to the throne, Prince Edward - and by pure coincidence they find they look almost identical. Mark Twain’s classic tale of confused identities tells the story of what happens when the one is mistaken for the other: Tom Canty is forced into the world of the court and power, while Edward is cast down into a world of poverty and thieves, from which he must fight his way back to the Court. Part traditional and part fantastical, a riotous show for all the family this Christmas. Ages 6+.

ROOM ON THE BROOM

THE SNOW SPIDER Until 17 November, OVALHOUSE, 52-54 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW, 020 7582 7680, www.ovalhouse.com Everything changes on Gwyn Griffiths’ ninth birthday, when five strange gifts unlock the door to a series of exciting discoveries. Gwyn is drawn into an adventure in which he must confront powerful forces from the past if he is to come to terms with his own future - but he has the help of a silver spider from another world. Io Theatre Company’s adaptation of Jenny Nimmo’s award-winning book combines breathtaking physical theatre with live music in a story about friendship, discovery and magic that will appeal to adults and children alike. Ages 7+, tickets £8 concessions, £14 full price, family discounts available.

21 November - 13 January 2013, LYRIC THEATRE, Shafstbury Avenue W1D 8ES, 0844 412 4661, www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a gust of wind blows her hat, bow and wand away into the night.

With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, the lost belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch; and will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

The production is based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and is from the creators of The Gruffalo. Ages 3+.

CLASSICS WITH MY BABY

ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk DISCO KIDS, 28 November. Dance the afternoon away at a special disco party for under 5s and their grown ups, with a dance choreographer and live DJ. 2-5pm, tickets £5.50 each of £20 per family.

RUMPLESTILTSKIN, 8-28 December. Hiccup Theatre’s production follows the original plot of the story, with four actor musicians, a real onstage campfire, and a fanatastical, sneaky, cheeky Rumpelstiltskin puppet. Tickets £8 children, £9.50 adults.

23 November, St ALFEGE CHURCH, Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ, 020 8853 0687, www.bachtobaby.com A classical concert presented by award-winning concert pianist Miaomiao Yu, and featuring harpist Camilla Pay. The concert is a Bach to Baby event; designed for children of all ages and their carers. It’s about allowing the babies to dance, sing, or cry, but at the same time giving them an opportunity to listen to great music. The concerts are also for parents and carers to take a moment for themselves - enjoying top

ALBANY THEATRE EVENTS

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT! FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GRUFFALO

Live

On Stage THE OVALHOUSE - SNOW SPIDER

A high energy treat

★★★★ The Sunday Times

LYRIC

THEATRE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

Based on the best-selling book by

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

WED 21 NOV – SUN 13 JAN

BOX OFFICE: 0844 412 4661 PICCADILLY CIRCUS

watch a sneak preview online at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

UNICORN - THE PRINCE & THE PAUPER

PETER PAN 30 November - 6 January 2013, CHURCHILL THEATRE, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley Take a trip to Neverland as Peter Pan, Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tinkerbell take to the stage. With spectacular sets and costumes, pirate ships, crocodiles, and Captain Hook and Smee to boo and hiss at, Peter Pan is fantastic seasonal fun for everyone aged 3 to 103!

Starring Jennifer Wllison, Ace Bhatti, Andrew Agnew and Gemma Hunt. Tickets from £14.

AMIGO’S MAGIC SHOW 30 November, VIRGO FIDELIS SCHOOL, 147 Central Hill SE19 1RS, 020 8480 8176, www.amigosmagic.co.uk An amazing evening of magic and comedy, with professional magician and party entertainer Simon Rosselli of Amigo’s Magic. Simon promises to cut one lucky teacher in half, pluck live animals from thin air, float a child in the air and demonstrate his head expanding and shrinking illusion. Win a magic set, meet Fluffy the rabbit during the interval, and take home a free bunny copter. 5.30pm start, tickets £4 children, £6 adults, book first.

NEWSPAPER BOY AND ORIGAMI GIRL 4-22 December, THEATRE PECKHAM, Havil Street SE5 7SD, 020 7708 5401, www.theatrepeckham.co.uk When a group of bullies steal a poor newspaper boy’s money, his bag suddenly flies into the air and the newspapers transform into a super-heroine Origami Girl!

Joey is then whisked away on a hair-raising chase with his new vigilante friend in order to confront the bullies.

This enchanting tale of courage unfolds with a cast of young people chosen from Theatre Peckham’s workshops, alongside professional actors. With original music, songs and choreography, this is a super-magical show to delight children and grown up people alike.

FAMILY CONCERT 8 December, Concert Hall, FAIRFIELD HALLS, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk An Arthur Davison family concert featuring Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and pieces by Mozart and Prokofiev.

11am start, tickets £7.50.

TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN 12 December - 19 January 2013, BLOOMSBURY THEATRE, 020 7388 8822, www.thebloomsbury.com Tom has always been told it’s impossible to travel back in time, but when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past. Here he meets Hatty and together these two new friends enjoy fantastic adventures in a magical wonderland. But with each new journey through time, strange things begin to happen - and Tom must solve the mystery of the midnight garden. Tom’s Midnight Garden features incredible illusions, spellbinding music and an extraordinary cast that will take you on a thrilling journey and enthral children (ages 4+) and adults alike.

AMBASSADOR’S - LITTLE CHARLEY BEAR

FESTIVE FUN AT THE FAIRFIELD FAIRFIELD HALLS, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 28+29 November.

Join Ballet Theatre UK on a magical journey to the dark and twisting streets of old Dickensian London. With a cavalcade of colourful characters this ballet is filled with joy, laughter and heartbreaking moments. Tickets from £16.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, 2-24 December. A magical festive tale for families and children aged 2-8. Includes a meet and greet with Santa and a free gift. Tickets from £10.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, 7 December - 6 January 2013. Comedy, audience participation, breath-taking special effects and the tallest man in Europe take to the stage in a spectacular family pantomime. Stars Lalla Morse, Sid Sloane and Neil Fingleton. Tickets from £16.50.

THE SNOWMAN, 15 December. A live performance of Howard Blake’s score with a screening of the much-loved film of Raymond Brigg’s classic story.

Before that, conductor Christopher Bell will lead the audience in a foot-tapping, key rattling, audience participation concert of Christmas classics. 3pm start, tickets from £12.

LITTLE CHARLEY BEAR’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE 5-24 December, AMBASSADOR’S THEATRE, West Street WC2H 9ND, 0844 8112 334, www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Little Charley Bear is live onstage in a fun and engaging family show which includes a visit from Santa.

PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT 6 December - 6 January 2013, CRITERION THEATRE, 218-223 Piccadilly Circus W1V 9LB, 0844 847 1778, www.criteriontheatre.com Puppets and sing alongs in a brand new Peppa story.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Hansel and Gretel

written by Lucy Kirkwood devised by Katie Mitchell and Lucy Kirkwood based on the story recorded by the Brothers Grimm

6-29 December, SHAW THEATRE, 100-110 Euston Road NW1 2AH, www.shawtheatre.com TV Presenter Alison Hammond from “ITV’s This Morning” will be spreading some fairy dust and Eggheads C J de Mooi will be providing the boos as the resident baddie and will be joined by Oliver Mellor.

Pantomime Dame Rodney Ward and Harry Potter’s Rusty Goffe will join a supporting cast and dancers in this festive extravaganza.

HANSEL AND GRETEL 7 December - 26 January, Cottesloe Theatre, NATIONAL THEATRE, Southbank SE1 9PX, 020 7452 3000, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk A trail of breadcrumbs; and a bewitching house made of sweets. Following ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Katie Mitchell returns to the National Theatre to stage the classic fairytale as an intimate and magical new production. Hansel and Gretel promises to be an enchanting and eerie Christmas treat, . Ages 7-10, tickets from £12.

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A classic fairytale re-imagined for 7–10 year-olds 7 December – 26 January | Tickets £12 for under-18yrs

020 7452 3000 | nationaltheatre.org.uk november 2012 - families south east

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CHURCHILL - PETER PAN

AMIGOS MAGIC SHOW

TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN

CRITERION - PEPPA PIG

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CINDERELLA

SOOTY IN SPACE

15 December - 6 January 2013, BROADWAY THEATRE, Rushey Green, Catford SE6 4RU, 020 8690 0002, www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk The most popular pantomime of all comes to the Broadway, with a cast of west end stars, fabulous costumes and a show packed with laughter and fun. Starring Floella Benjamin, John Lyons and Andrew Hayden-Smith. Tickets from £10.

21 December - 5 January, DUCHESS THEATRE, 3-5 Catherine Street WC2B 5LA, 0844 482 9672, www.nimaxtheatres.com/duchess-theatre

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL Until 5 January 2013, LONDON PALLADIUM, Argyll Street W1F 7TF, 020 7492 9930, www.reallyuseful.com Bridging the gap between ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, Bill Kenwright’s family musical returns to the West End.

THE SNOWMAN 28 November - 6 January, PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street WC2A, 0870 737 0337, www.sadlerswells.com The stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas tale of a young boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Compete with characters literally flying through the air in crisp, snow-strewn skies.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - BARMY BRITAIN Until 6 January 2013, GARRICK THEATRE, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2 0HH, 08444 12 4662, www.barmybritainlive.com British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other.

With blood, battles, murder and mayhem, the show explores stories from Roman, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and the wars, featuring famous figures such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Florence Nightingale and General Earl Haig. Ages 6+, tickets from £10.

TOO MANY PENGUINS? Until 16 February 2013, POLKA THEATRE, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com How many penguins are too many penguins? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, thank you very much! 1-4yrs, £8-£10.

We have blast off! Join Sooty, Sweep, Sue and Richard in a festive adventure with magic and lots of audience participation.

GREENWICH THEATRE FOR FAMILIES GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk ROBIN HOOD, 22 November - 6 January 2013. While the whole of Nottingham cowers under the rule of the evil sheriff, one man offers a ray of hope. Hiding out in Sherwood Forest with his merry men, Robin Hood continues to get the better of the sheriff, stealing from him and his cronies and giving the money to the poor. However, when the Sheriff decides to hold an archery contest to bring Robin out into the open, our hero may be about to face his most exciting challenge yet. With the hand of Maid Marian at stake, and a chance to defeat the sheriff once and for all, can Robin really refuse the chance of a lifetime? The production is an all-singing, all-dancing pantomime treat. Tickets from £19, children half price.

DEAR FATHER CHRISTMAS, 13-24 December. There’s trouble at the North Pole, Father Christmas needs help... Everything is going wrong at Father Christmas’ house. The presents are all muddled up, a whole sack of letters has gone astray, the elves are in a panic and Father Christmas’ best friend, the North Pole Polar Bear, has gone missing.

There will be stories, songs and decoration making and you can even meet the jolly man himself and his motley crew of helpers, in this interactive adventure for young children and their families. Ages 3-6, tickets £8.50 children, £11.50 adults.

Events & Exhibitions LEE GREEN OPEN STUDIOS 10+11 and 17+18 November, LEE GREEN SE12 venues, www.leegreenopenstudios.com Lee Green bursts into life for two weekends as local artists, printmakers, photographers, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists and jewellers throw open their homes and studios or exhibit in local cafes.

Be inspired when you meet the artists, see how they work, and treat yourself to a piece of original art. See the event website for full details.

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space.

NATURE EXPLORERS, 17 November in the Gardens Pavilion. Handle taxidery animals from the amazing collection and learn how they prepare for the cold winter months. Plant up a bulb to take home and look forward to it bursting through the ground next spring!

11.30am, £2 a ticket on the day.

GAMELAN GROUP CONCERT, 1 December.

The Horniman’s Gamelan Group perform traditional Balinese music.

2.30-2.50pm, free.

DECK THE HALLS, 2 December in the Gardens Pavilion. Make some Christmas decorations inspired by shapes and patterns in the natural world. 11.30am and 2pm start, £2 a ticket on the day.

RAISE THE ROOF, 9 December. Join Raise the Roof choir for a festive concert including Christmas carols. 2.30-3.30pm, free.

BODY ADORNED; DRESSING LONDON, until 6 January 2013. Over time, saris, tattoo parlours, nail bars, distended ears and scarification have become a visible, everyday part of the London cityscape. But how did cultural adornments become integrated into urban London life? The exhibition considers how the movement of people, objects and ideas influenced London dress in the past and explores body adornment in today’s world city of London.

BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

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families south east - november 2012

COMPETITION, until 24 February 2013. Stunning images from the 2011 British Wildlife Photography Competition. From a jelly fish photographed in the icy waters off Scotland, to a brown hare’s early morning adventure in Norfolk, to a grey seal swimming off the coast of Devon, this exhibition demonstrates the rich diversity of wildlife living in Britain today. Young winners include Oliver Wilks (aged 16) from Sussex.

THE STAR THAT LOST ITS TWINKLE 25 November, OTTIE AND THE BEA toyshop, Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE23, 07801072776, www.theatretots.com Following the success of their first book ‘The Not so Scary Cactus’, Theatre tots are celebrating the publication of their second story, ‘The Star that Lost its Twinkle’, a story of rockets, rabbits and a poorly star.

The story was originally written for Theatre tots’ regular weekly parent/ carer sessions and school classes and is now a show, soundtrack and a book! Maybe the film is next! At the launch event you will be able to hear the story, meet Ruby Rabbit, have some fun with Bev the illustrator and buy a signed copy at an introductory price. £2 per child; book at the shop or through Theatre tots’ website. The event will be BSL signed so accessible to children with hearing impairments or with additional needs.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children.

The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR PUNCH, until 9 December. A group of displays throughout the museum celebrate Mr Punch’s 350th birthday, including Punch Professors in England, a new series of photographs by Tom Hunter featuring Punch practitioners, and puppets, posters and prints.

MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD, until 14 April 2013. Charting 64 tumultuous years in history, this exhibition explores issues surrounding education, health, family, entertainment, fashion and play. Exhibits include NHS prescription glasses, clothing, toys, books and childcare items, TV and film footage and photography.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AND SEASONAL STORIES, December weekends, and 27 December - 6 January. Find out how families celebrated Christmas a hundred years ago. Enjoy a creative retelling of The Nutcracker, make seasonal crackers, baubles, retro cards and decorations. 10.30am-4pm, free.

MAGIC LANTERN SHOW, 29+30 December. Mirror Mirror’s friendly magic lantern show has atmospheric storytelling. 10.30am and 1.30pm, £3.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM FUN BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank.

Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors.

Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

GOLD AND THE BANK OF ENGLAND, until 10 November. An exhibition examining the part that gold has played during the Bank’s long history.

TITANIC DOCUMENTS, until 10 November. See claims for the replacement of Bank of England notes from the relatives of victims of the disaster, on display to the public for the first time.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 1 December, GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk The Geffrye will have a distinctively Chrismassy feel for the day, with stories and songs for under 5s, Advent wreath making for 5-11 year-olds and two afternoon Carol singalongs for everyone to enjoy.

Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

SOUTHBANK WINTER FESTVAL 16 November - 7 January 2013, SOUTHBANK SE1, www.southbankcentre.co.uk/winter Southbank Centre will be transformed into a festival landscape with a twist for this year’s winter festival. Visitors will be able to explore a number of art installations across the site, including vibrant blue lights, a festive take on a giant African baobab tree and a seasonally dressed bandstand on Southbank Centre Square. There will be shows for all ages, from a beat-boxing clown and darkly comic cabaret, to candlelit classical concerts and baby opera. These will run alongside a programme of free events, including choirs singing by the river and gigs in the Royal Festival Hall foyer. There will be a number of opportunities to join in, from dancing on The Clore Ballroom to making Christmas cards and presents. Many bustling Christmas markets will offer everything from unique presents made by up-and-coming UK designers to all manner of traditional festive food.

Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200,

LYRIC - ROOM ON THE BROOM

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free.

WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.

WEB LAB, until July 2013. Five experiment installations bring the extraordinary workings of the internet to life. Both a physical exhibition at the museum and an interactive website www.chromeweblab.com, visitors will be able to make music with people across the world, launch in-

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SOOTY IN SPACE

NATIONAL THEATRE - HANSEL AND GRETEL

formation into cyberspace, see where images on the web live, or watch their portrait being drawn in sand by a robot.

COCKROACH TOURS, weekends. Dressed in realistic cockroach costumes, visitors journey through the museum, exploring the impact on the climate of scientific and technological developments, from the perspective of one of the oldest, most resilient life forms on the planet.

Book first on 0870 870 4868.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND 23 November - 6 January 2013, HYDE PARK, London, 0844 858 6755, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com The capital’s most popular and dazzling winter event returns for its sixth year. Set across 20 acres of historic parkland., attractions include the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel, funfair and thrill rides, Zippos Circus and Cirque Beserk, a Bavarian Village, traditional Christmas market and festive food and drink. Open 10am-10pm daily, admission free.

Skating and show tickets can be bought in advance.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

TREASURES, from 30 November. For the first time ever, the Museum unveils its greatest treasures as it showcases 22 of the most valuable and significant items in its collections. This cabinet of curiosities includes unique, famous and surprising specimens from the worlds of botany, mineralogy, zoology and palaeontology. Highlights include the famous fossil of Archaeopteryx lithographica, which showed that modern birds are the descendants of small meat-eating dinosaurs. Also on show are the dinosaur teeth discovered by Mary Ann Mantell, which inspired the theory that giant reptiles once walked the Earth, and a rare first edition of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Free.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, until 3 March 2013. Revealing nature photography in its purest form, this collection of images uniquely combines the work of talented young photographers and gifted amateurs with leading lights of the profession from around the globe. The images celebrate the beauty and magnificence of the world in which we live, while providing a stark reminder of the fragility of nature.

Admission £5 children, £10 adults.

TOWER OF LONDON TOWER OF LONDON, EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Tower open 9am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am Sundays and Mondays. Admission free for under 5s, children £10.45, adults £19.80; book for less online.

FIT FOR A KING. Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes in this stunning exhibition on the first floor of the White Tower. Learn about the personalities, power and physical size of our nation’s kings, from the Tudors, and the notorious Henry VIII, to today’s royal family through the historic collection.

POWER HOUSE. Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day. The exhibition showcases the roles of the major organisations that provided the bedrock of England’s power throughout the centuries.

ROYAL BEASTS. Find out about the Tower’s imperial Royal Menagerie.

Founded during the reign of King John in the early 1200s, it became a regular feature of the Tower for over 600 years. Visitors can encounter a diverse cast of former Tower residents through arresting modern animal sculpture by artist Kendra Haste and new interactive sensory displays. The recently restored north wall walk and the never before opened Brick Tower will host some of the displays, including sights, sounds and smells of some of the animals.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of

PEACOCK THEATRE - THE SNOWMAN

men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.

DRAW YOUR WEAPONS. A colourful and dynamic exhibition exploring the history of the war comic, in partnership with leading publisher DC Thomson.

VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE. Learn about life as a Victorian soldier and the part they played in the shaping of the British Empire, through quizzes, games and hands-on activities.

WAR HORSE: FACT AND FICTION, until March 2013. Explore the true history behind the popular War Horse novel, with interactive displays, costumes and props from the Spielberg film, plus material from War Horse author Michael Morpurgo and the National Theatre.

CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS CUMING MUSEUM, 151 Walworth Road SE17 1RY, 020 7525 2096, www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum Thursdays, FAMILY CLUB. Explore and play with the Cuming explorers.

10am-11.15am for under 5s and their parents/ carers.

FACT INTO FICTION, until 24 November. An exhibition celebrating the life of Charles Dickens, exploring his experience of Borough when his father was imprisoned for debt in the Marchalsea Prison. On 1 November a costumed actor will recreate Dickens with tales for younger visitors, 2.30-4pm.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier) Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £13.50 adults.

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. The guns are trained and elevated onto a target some 12.5 miles (20 kilometres) away in north-west London - the London Gateway Motorway Services Area on the M1 - a reminder of the awesome power of naval gunnery in the Second World War. Entry included in general admission price.

SLANG AT SEA, 24+25 November. A fun look at navy slang and the origin of popular phrases that link to life at sea and the importance of the navy in British history and culture. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, free drop-in.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South Bank. The museum presents a vivid retelling of her story and how modern nursing began. The museum’s unparalleled collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour.

Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.

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CAPOEIRA 4KIDS Martial Arts, Games, Acrobatics Ages 6 to 10 @FMH SE3 9LL Blackheath Every Wed 4.30pm

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IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM EVENTS IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk Museum open daily 10am-6pm. Admission £3.95 children, £5.95 adults, families from £12.50.

THE CHILDREN’S WAR. Look at the home front in Britain and the impact of WW2 through the eyes of the children who lived through it. Incorporating hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, it also features the popular 1940s house and part of a post-war prefab.

CECIL BEATON - THEATRE OF WAR, until 1 January 2013. An exhibition exploring the impact of WW2 on the life of Cecil Beaton: photographer, designer, writer, cartoonist, diarist and socialite. Tickets free for under 15s, £8 adults.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000,

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LEE GREE OPEN STUDIOS

THE STAR THAT LOST ITS TWINKLE

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

THE LEGEND OF MOLL CUTPURSE, 10 November. Listen to the legend of Moll Cutpurse, queen of the London Jacobean underworld pickpocket, thief, forger and highwaywoman. 12.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm starts, ages 5+, free.

ANIMATED ANIMALS, 18 November. Join the museum’s digital team and bring some of the animals in the gallery to life. Make them move or talk - you decide. 12.30, 2 and 3.30pm starts, free tickets on application.

XMAS DECORATIONS 1 + 15 December. Fashion some festive decorations to take home. Ages 5+, 12.30 and 2.30pm starts, free.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EVENTS MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

ROMAN LONDONER, 2 December. What would London have been like two thousand years ago? Meet a Roman Londoner and hear stories about stuffed dormice and exotic goods arriving from all over the Empire. Ages 5+, 1, 2 and 3pm starts, free.

MEET CHARLES DICKENS, 16 December. Charles Dickens will speak about plots from some of his most famous novels and explain the characters in them, some of whom were based on his own tough Victorian childhood. Ages 5+, 1, 2 and 3pm starts.

SANTA’S VICTORIAN GROTTO, 8-23 December. Meet Santa in his

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

very own grotto, tell him your Christmas wishes, receive a special present and have your picture taken with him. £5, book first on 020 7001 9844.

SCROOGE’S GROTTO, 27-31 December. Meet old Ebeneezer and share your Christmas grievances, or try to cheer him up in order to win a late Christmas gift. £5, book first on 020 7001 9844.

CHRISTMAS STORY TIME, 28 December. Enjoy a festive story told using puppets, museum objects and music. 10.30, 11.30 and 2pm starts, free.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection.

It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.

DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free.

PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama.

10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk.

THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show, narrated by Patrick Stewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at what impact this has on the universe around us. Ages 5+, tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

SPACE SAFARI, weekends and holiday weekdays. Join teddy bear Ted for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in a show designed especially for younger children and presented by a Royal Observatory Greenwich

astronomer. Tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations.

Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays.

Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free with admission ticket.

FAMILY WEEKEND, 1+2 December. Get in the festive spirit by making stars, bells and gingerbread decorations for your tree. 11am and 2pm start, suitable for all ages, free with admission.

DISCOVER GREENWICH OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development.

Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session.

Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, www.jewishmuseum.org.uk The museum houses internationally acclaimed collections where visitors can explore Jewish culture, heritage and identity within the wider context of British history. Open 10am-5pm daily, Fridays to 2pm. Admission £3.50 children, £7.50 adults, £18 families.

FESTIVAL FUN: HANUKAH, 2 December. An afternoon of festival fun.

Make your own recycled Hanukah lamp, sing songs and try some tasty doughnuts. 2-4pm, free with museum entry, book first.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical,

18

families south east - november 2012

mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

IN TANDEM, until 24 November. In Tandem takes the creative talent of students and alumni from the Royal College of Art’s Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery (GSM&J) MA course, and translates their artistic responses to Soane’s eccentric house and collections into jewellery for sale. The the designer-makers have developed a range of jewellery, giving visitors the opportunity to see and buy, the best work from tomorrow’s designers, inspired by one of London’s oldest and most loved museums.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE. 16 November - 6 January. Celebrate

the festive season in style at London’s most glamorous ice rink. Children can enjoy their first glide on the ice with Penguin Club or join the skate school. Book first on 0844 847 1520.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

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and finally...

By Joanna Parry

There are many reasons why some of us find Christmas difficult, whether it be the loss of a family member, loneliness or the memories associated with the season.

With the shops shut and attractions closed, you can feel like a prisoner in your own home with only endless episodes of EastEnders for company. mother died, I But whether you want to escape the tmas after my as at “The first Chris family Christm g bi a festivities or are looking for a different e idea of sband hu y m o couldn’t bear th “s , na her,” says Robi way to spend Christmas this year, there the home without booked us into nd generously) (a lly the are plenty of alternatives out there. tfu though e distraction of

it all Get away from d Christmas p. Why not spen

Get active and busy “A friend of mine who was single one year volunteered to help at one of the Crisis at Christmas lunch centres,” says Alex. “While we all admired her altruism, she said it was the best thing she’d ever done - rather than moping at home alone, she was helping other people, and came away appreciating what she did have, rather than what she didn’t.”

While some charities shut up shop for the Christmas period, others, particularly those supporting the homeless, elderly or sick, are extremely busy, and are looking for people with a range of skills and backgrounds to do a whole host of different things this Christmas.

•

•

•

Help out at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Many shelters are set up especially for Christmas so they need extra volunteers to help give out clothing, look after luggage and perform cleaning and kitchen duties. Many also provide services such as hairdressing, dentistry and medical services so they need volunteers with these skills too. They even need musicians, magicians and entertainers! Crisis is one of the biggest homeless charities and over Christmas will need up to 8,000 volunteers nationwide Manning a helpline. Helplines such as Samaritans and ChildLine can be a real lifeline at Christmas but they require volunteers to keep them running. Most involve a training programme before you start so get in contact as early as possible Selling Christmas merchandise. Cards and gifts are great sources of income for charities but they usually need extra help selling them.

Volunteer at your local charity shop or offer to sell to friends and family. Alternatively, contact Card Aid, a charity that produces Christmas cards for about 300 different charities.

Throughout the UK there are around 30 Card Aid shops needing help over the festive period

•

Collecting for Christmas. Contact your favourite charity and offer to help with Christmas collections. You only need spare a few hours and there are no necessary skills to take part - just enthusiasm!

•

Help a lonely neighbour. There are many charities across the country working towards a community where neighbours look out for each other. They need your help this Christmas invite a lonely neighbour for lunch, help with transporting them to local services or do a

Take a day tri glish Heritage nal Trust or En d Day at a Natio the day itself an y are open on property? Man as tm ris Ch ectacular will be given sp nies also ral tour compa ve Se ! rs ve makeo indsor, W as places such Brighton. Th run day trips to ing r ve be d Grand Hotel in Do an d th an tions, the sea air ed what could Stonehenge, Ba hotel’s celebra d in Scotland emories turn m t r ou From Holy Islan th be . wi at em re m tre re re ill a st ok somewhe we n Bo Healing sio • in to an occa tion Meditation have been sad the Self Realiza to can avoid u ” yo s. t, on se er reas friend). ar Yeovil, Som a for all the right ne th re wi nt ristmas ay Ce st r ttage (o ily, d peace over Ch • Book a co stivities and fin own or with fam fe ur e th yo on e re u’ Whether yo If you’re after tru ay period sun or snow. ay for the holid e aw th lf e ek se th ur Se in yo g • iin ck sk tu rs to ving in Egypt, From Alton Towe the escapism try di a theme park. cow, soaking in e country th os M ss in • Go wild in ro ac ing s rty rk pa pa , e ies em e ck th th , Ro in rk a ping Thorpe Pa es. Or for Iceland or shop ristmas packag . hot springs in offer exciting Ch logne or Vienna new activities y Co an of m ts th ke wi ar e m ur lar at -n cu ta -to ec ck sp ba more Mount tive and climb parcs Be truly alterna to try, try Center in Arizona or d ing an rid l ese rs tin ho et a hotel. Forg ls Kilimanjaro, go es, many hote • Hole up in in Goa d Christmas tre te ra co practise yoga le st de yCa dl ba to Thornbury rfect solution on nd Lo in tz Ri h abroad. The pe uc r to ee a nt th from the lu wi Vo ks hers.

• r festive brea while helping ot near Bristol offe champagne away from it all m t fro o.uk, ge l.c ing ve yth ra er at ev ch as www.st of glamour, with Companies su hunts e ur as d tre an to uk ters.co. receptions , www.travelmat w nights in York fer holidays olidays.com of . Spending a fe ty ph ci su a nd e e ha tim Se w. in ww • ck ba p ether it’s tri wh a t, ke bi ta do your king a where you can where you can city walls, or ta Rio de Janeiro an in m la Ro ve fa its a ing in wander inburgh painting houses eo. high wheel in Ed a village in Born ride on the 33m history and th wi d or cleaning up rio pe ay lid ho e th fill can excitement •

Donations image: Africa Studio at Fotolia.com

Alternative Christmas 2012

Useful websites few jobs around their house to make their lives easier •

Donate food. Gifts of food, time or funds help stop local people going hungry. Norwood FoodBank would love to hear from you: 07538 888415, www.norwood.foodbank.org.uk

•

Be a DJ. Radio Lollipop provides entertainment and comfort for children in hospitals, which is especially important over Christmas. If you’re enthusiastic, positive and outgoing why not try this

•

Animal lover? Crisis at Christmas not only provides support to homeless people but their dogs too. Dogs suffer equally from a life on the streets so if you’re an animal lover this could be for you

•

Keep it local. There are lots of organisations that need help within southeast London.

Charities such as Age Concern or the Alzheimer’s Society often require befrienders in their local centres, you can coordinate carol singing for Christian aid, and the Salvation Army is very active at this time of year. For local opportunities, visit www.do-it.org

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For more ideas to inspire you, see www.volunteering.org.uk and www.timebank.org.uk/christmas-volunteering

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Volunteering crisis.org.uk samaritans.org/volunteer-us childline.org.uk charityshops.org.uk cardaid.co.uk fareshare.org.uk radiolollipop.org salvationarmy.org.uk christianaid.org.uk volunteering.org.uk timebank.org.uk/christmas-volunteering do-it.org.uk

Get away from it all english-country-cottages.co.uk centerparcs.co.uk nationaltrust.org.uk english-heritage.org.uk goldentours.com evanevanstours.co.uk holyisland.org selfrealizationcentres.org imaginative-traveller.com adventurecompany.co.uk

november 2012 - families south east

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Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games Karaoke, Mini Disco

Tel: 020 8480 8176

www.aandmcarpetcare.co.uk

www.amigosmagic.co.uk

Send a Letter from Santa WIN

a trip to

LAPLAND

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers

Make Christmas magical with a personalised Letter from Santa and help the NSPCC support children all year round.

Supported by

20

families south east - november 2012

nspcc.org.uk/santa 0845 839 9304

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

call Georgina Allen 07851 228771

www.georginaallen.com