FamiliesSELondonMayJune2018

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FR EE

TAKE M E

South East

ONLINE EDITION

with working website links

WIN Tickets to to see see •• Tickets ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ in the the West West End End in An annual annual family family membership membership to to •• An Dreamland Margate Margate Dreamland

IT’S PARTY TIME SE London London entertainers entertainers SE

What’s on Where to to go, go, what what to to see, see, Where what to to do do this this spring spring what

Issue 191 May June 2018

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THE SPORTS CLUB

get fit, have fun, meet people

What are you looking for in a Sports Club?

What a gorgeous time of year, with south London looking so green and leafy and fresh - we love it. Don’t you just want to be out of the house?

Whether up at the Southbank giggling at Underbelly, running through our fine parks or playing in the grounds of stately piles, Spring is all there for us to enjoy.

Closer to home, my birthday is coming up in June - hurrah! I must confess to a wistful dream of an all-squeals party complete with unicorn dressing up, jelly, pass-the-parcel and balloons for the boys to stamp on.

One thing that will happen is that our own little ones will be celebrating too in the coming year, so we have lined up brilliant local entertainers who really know how to party.

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 3-5

Local News and Views Free tennis sessions, the chance to win a family ticket to see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in the West End, local clubs and classes’ news, and subscription-free membership to Dulwich College Sports Club

JOIN NOW and pay no subscriptions until July 2018 Please see our website where you can also take a virtual tour, book a club visit or arrange for a taster swim with our compliments.

6-7

Summer workshops and daycamps for out of school fun

8-9

It’s Party Time Experienced, fun party entertainers in southeast London to make your child’s birthday very special

10

The Book Page Justine’s pick of book ideas for small people and their grownups

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

dcsportsclub.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

11-15

What’s On Reasons to get out into the great outdoors, summer festivals, museum treats and theatre productions to put smiles on the faces of the whole family

16

Visit the Museum of London Docklands for fun and games at their Pirate Takeover Festival weekend

Shiver me timbers!

Ahoy there mateys! Join our crew at the Museum of London Docklands for an adventure on the high seas as we embrace all things pirate-related, organised in conjunction with School 21.

Taking place from Sat 16 to Sun 17 June, our latest free family festival is not to be missed if you’ve ever dreamed of donning an eyepatch, sailing on the Black Pearl, and riding the seas in search of galleons, gold and glory.

Keep your eyes peeled for loot in the Captain’s Locker for your pirate costume.

Hunt for treasure, jewels and plunder, or sit back, relax and listen to tales of the sea.

Who knows, you may even bump into a few crew members along the way.

West India Quay, London E14 4AL

www.museumoflondon.org.uk/dockands

2 Families South East

A Family Ticket to Dreamland Margate Tell us what you think of Families magazine for your chance to win an annual, visit-as-often-as-you-like family ticket to Dreamland Margate

Front cover: boys wear Banana Shirt £7, Denim Shorts £6, Pink Shirt £6, Grey Shorts £6, all from F&F at Tesco, www.tesco.com Summer issue out 28 June, deadline 8 June

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, editor@familiesse.co.uk

www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack

Families South East London

@FamiliesSELon

Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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

C LU B S A N D CLAS SES Happy 15th Birthday to diddi dance From 4-10 June, diddi dance classes across the UK will swap their regular 45-minute classes for a special birthday party theme that will be the talk of the tots - and everyone is welcome!

The week-long celebration is an opportunity for diddi dance to give back to the people who have helped them grow into the award-winning, national preschool activity that has seen over 175,000 children attending classes since launching in Islington 15 years ago.

Founded by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin in 2003, diddi dance welcomes under fives, features a variety of dance styles, and Anne-Marie’s own original music and choreography. diddi dance has been featured on Strictly Come Dancing, held partnerships with Little Dish & PJ Masks, worked with charities such as MacMillan Cancer Support and Youth Sport Trust, won many top industry awards and been the go-to class for celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Sara Cox, Katie Price and many more.

Dress your little one in their best party attire and join the dancing fun! There will be party goodies for all to take home and three competitions across social media platforms with the chance to win a free diddi dance Birthday Party, a free half term of diddi dance classes or a diddi dance goodie bag choc full of fantastic merchandise, so your diddi one can take the dancing fun home with them as well. For a FREE trial and local class details, simply tap your way to the website. www.diddidance.com

Royal Youth Dance Academy The Royal Youth Dance Academy is for children from the age of 12 months to 16 years old, no matter what their ability. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment whilst learning skills, such as coordination, musicality, confidence building and imagination, that will be beneficial in everyday life.

Royal Youth Dance Academy teaches a wide variety of dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz and street dance. Please note that all teachers are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked for your peace of mind and your child’s safety. The team looks forward to your princess and prince joining the Royal Youth Family. 0795 829 8536. www.royalyouthservices.co.uk

The Strings Club adds another string to their bow In March influential businessmen and women saw The Strings Club win the coveted “Scale Up Business of the Year” at a glitzy event held at Birmingham’s NEC. The annual awards showcase the best small businesses across the UK. In particular for The Strings Club it has recognised the business achievements, hard work and innovation of one of the country’s most popular music education providers.

Director and mum Amy Cunningham said: “We are so pleased that our hard work has been recognised in this way - to win such a coveted national award is a huge thing for us. The last 12 months have been an incredible year for us, from winning at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards to launching in several new areas successfully. It is onwards and upwards from hereon in too!”

The Strings Club runs multi award-winning music education programmes across the UK providing opportunities to inspire children through music including holiday camps and term time classes in Brockley and Greenwich, parties and a school music support service.

Having won “Scale Up Business of 2018”, The Strings Club are looking for people to join them on their expansion via various platforms from Area Ambassador to potential franchisee. For more information, email amy@thestringsclub.org. www.thestringsclub.org.

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Greenwich Music School Greenwich has a new charity for learning all aspects of music. Started in 2016 by Charltonbased husband and wife team Ed and Bethan Scolding, Greenwich Music School was officially registered as a charity in January.

The organisation now teaches over 200 students every week, providing instrument and voice lessons, group courses for children and young people, and programmes for babies and toddlers, and adults.

As a charity, the school aims to provide a bursary programme, discounted courses, an instrument amnesty and donation programme, and subsidised teacher training. www.greenwichmusicschool.org.uk

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FREE tennis with the Great British Tennis Weekend From May to August over a thousand parks, clubs and venues across the nation are opening their doors to host free tennis sessions for the whole family, making it a great time to kickstart summer outdoors with your family and friends.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, dusting off your racket or practically a pro, there’s something to serve up a smile for all ages and abilities, from Mini Tennis sessions to Cardio Tennis classes. No kit? No problem; rackets and balls are on hand at each event.

Make the most of the great outdoors by finding a Great British Tennis Weekend event near you. www.lta.org.uk/gbtw

N E W S F O R PARENTS Summer in the Alps The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit?

Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Familyfriendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups - or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit the resort’s website. www.chillypowder.com

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France with the Family Justine’s family family friendly friendly house house in in Justine’s rural Normandy Normandy is is available available to to rent. rent. rural Sleeps 6+, 6+, fully fully equipped, equipped, Sleeps beautiful location location beautiful Contact Justine@Justinecrow.co.uk Justine@Justinecrow.co.uk Contact thenormandienest.wordpress.com thenormandienest.wordpress.com

4 Families South East

Childcare pranksters’ nappy ending When childcare.co.uk announced a ‘Nappy 999’ service on April Fool’s day, they were having a laugh. However such was the interest from nearly half a million parents and providers - the platform decided to launch the service for real!

If you are either too busy or don’t want to change your baby’s nappy, and are willing to pay a professional upwards of £5 a time to do it, you now can. Nappy 999 aims to have responders on-site within 10 minutes, anywhere in the UK; fresh nappy included.

With over 70 registered Nappy 999 Responders already signed up in London, the site is now recruiting more childcare providers with an enhanced DBS check who are ready to roll up their sleeves and earn some extra money. www.childcare.co.uk/nappy999

Playtime at the Bridge The Bridge community centre has been successful in its application for funding from the first Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund.

The grant will go towards a new log cabin, fitted with a rubber mulch safety surface beneath, offering climbing, den-making and imaginative play opportunities to children between 3 -12 years.

The Bridge is a centre for the community located in the south-west corner of East Greenwich Pleasaunce. Its core business is the provision of stay-and-play baby and toddler sessions and regular hire by children’s activity providers, including pre-school activities and an after-school club; adult yoga sessions and gardening groups, plus private hire for parties and other events.

The centre provides training support for local people who have taken a career break and are looking to re-enter the workspace, and is always appreciative of offers of help from individual volunteers and local businesses. www.thebridgegreenwich.co.uk

Natural healthcare for pregnancy, babies & children Osteopathy is an effective and gentle treatment for babies and children of all ages and to help alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy

The Vale Practice 64 Grove Vale, London SE22 8DT

T. 020 8299 9798

E. info@thevalepractice.co.uk

www.thevalepractice.co.uk

COMPLETE NATURAL HEALTHCARE

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous service www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

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WIN West End tickets

Spring into action Dulwich College Sports Club offers a fantastic and diverse range of indoor and outdoor sports, classes, courses and activities for all the family.

Better still, there are no subscription fees until 1 July, making spring the perfect time to join the club.

To have fun and meet new people while getting fit, check online for all the resident clubs and activities available to the whole family. www.dcsportsclub.co.uk

Calling all adventurers! The smash-hit production We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is returning to the West End this summer, and to celebrate, we’re giving away one family ticket (admits 4).

Join the intrepid family of adventurers for this fun-filled adaptation of Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue from 4 July.

Live music, original songs and lots of audience interaction makes this the perfect summer treat! For booking details, see our What’s On pages.

COMPETITION: There are a number of bear paw prints hidden throughout this magazine (here’s the first one to get you started). For your chance to win, find them all and email your answer together with your name (subject heading BEAR HUNT FAMILIES SE LONDON COMPETITION) to info@kennywax.com before midnight on 30 June 2018.

T&Cs - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 4 July - 2 September 2018. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, hold no cash value, and are non-transferable. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of midnight 30 June 2018 and all decisions will be final.

EDU CAT IO N NEWS Out of school activities improve educational attainment

“Could do better”

A study by researchers from NatCen Social Research at Newcastle University has found that children who take part in organised sports and after school clubs can improve primary school academic performance and social skills.

The study of 6,400 children in England found that those who took part in organised sports and physical activities at the ages of 5, 7 and 11 were almost one and a half times more likely to reach a higher than expected level in their Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths test at the age of 11.

According to the Natcen’s Lead Investigator, Emily Tanner: “Results showed that sports clubs were positively associated with attainment outcomes at age 11, even when accounting for prior attainment at age 7.”

The research also found that disadvantaged children who attended after-school clubs developed better social, emotional and behavioural skills than those, also from similar social circumstances, who did not. www.ucl.ac.uk

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Parents are stumbling over 11+ style questions that thousands of children across the country face in entrance exams. Grammar was a particular sticking point for many of the 10,000 parents who tackled the exam questions on the Explore Learning website over the last year.

The average overall score of the parents’ mock test was just 61%, equating to just a 1% pass rate. Parents who took the quiz were asked a range of questions covering grammar, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematical reasoning to give them a taster of what primary school children undertake.

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, says: “The curriculum has changed so much since parents were at school and some of the terms and questions that they were up against will be entirely new concepts. Even if the concepts are not new, if parents haven’t actively used these skills since school, they can be hard to remember. This is why we have open sessions with parents to give guidance on how to support children with the exams and show them what they can do at home.”

Explore Learning run workshops and courses for parents and children to help upskill both in their comprehension and problem-solving skills. For more information and local centre contacts, visit the Explore Learning website. www.explorelearning.co.uk

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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Little Aces

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Junior Champs age 5-7

Grand Slammers age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets classes held across SE London for more information and to book call Anne-Marie: 07973 982790 email: info@diddidance.com

FREE introductory session phone 07877 391005

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

6 Families South East

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CLUBS & CLASSES

summer workshops

FLY TO NEVERLAND WITH PERFORM

HOLIDAY DROP OFF

FREEDOM ACADEMY SUMMER WORKSHOPS 20-24 August, KINGSDALE FOUNDATION SCHOOL, West Dulwich SE21, 07530 061 658, www.freedomacademy.co.uk Now in their 10th year, Freedom Academy are back with two brand new summer workshops, run by professional actors, vocal coaches and choreographers.

TROLLS. A week long exciting adventure with all your favourite characters from the hit movie Trolls, with fun-packed mornings of song, dance and crafts. Ages 3- 6, 9am-12noon.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. Be part of the Greatest Show! Freedom Academy’s junior and senior performance workshop will be based on the smash hit movie “The Greatest Showman”. Join their fantastic vocal coach and learn all the hit songs from the epic musical and a professional street dance choreographer who will be putting the budding performers through their paces for a magical one off performance at the end of the week. Not only that... a top casting director from the world of TV and film will attend this amazing week to lead an unmissable TV workshop and Q&A. Ages 7-16, 9am to 3.30pm.

29 May - 1 June and 9 July - 24 August, DULWICH COLLEGE SPORTS CLUB, Pond Cottages, West Dulwich SE21 7LE, 020 3488 1410, www.holidaydropoff.com Your children will have a blast at HDO’s fantastic multi-sports camps!

Children take part in a whole range of incredible indoor and outdoor sports to keep them happy and active through the school holidays, including swimming pool inflatable sessions and HDO’s amazing inflatable obstacle course.

Ages 5-14, 9am-4pm with extended hours available, sibling and full week discounts available.

THE STRINGS CLUB HOLIDAY CAMPS 29 May - 1 June and 23 July - 31 August in BROCKLEY & GREENWICH, 0121 296 9204, www.thestringsclub.org The Strings Club’s multi awardwinning Ofsted-registered Holiday Camps are perfect for both those who have never played an instrument before and those budding strings players! Each day is different and includes “Learn Together, Play Together” sessions in the morning where your child can learn to play the guitar, violin or ukulele. Each afternoon offers creative workshops, ranging from musical theatre to body percussion to beat boxing. Ages 4-11, bookable by half day, full day or full week, with wrap-around care available from 8am-5.45pm. Childcare vouchers accepted plus 10% discount for siblings.

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13-17 August, John Ball Primary School, BLACKHEATH SE3, 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/summerfun “Let’s have fun” said Peter Pan and that’s exactly what is planned this summer, when your child could be flying away to Neverland on one of Perform’s five day holiday courses. Set sail for an unforgettable drama, dance and singing adventure. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, Perform’s team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will work their magic to ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a showstopping performance to delight family and friends. Ages 4-7, 10am-3pm each day, 25% discount for siblings.

SPARK4KIDS SUMMER CODING WORKSHOPS Summer Holiday coding workshops, 020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com Spark4Kids run holiday workshops to introduce children to children Computer Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics, Games Design, Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, and 8+. Visit the website for more details.

And there’s more...

These are just a taster of the fun coming up this summer. For extensive workshop listings, see our summer issue, published at the end of June. Contact us to advertise yours!

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It’s Party Time How many more sleeps until your child’s birthday?

Oh - the excitement!

Some parents enjoy planning and hosting children’s parties, while others are deeply relieved it’s only once a year.

Our hats are off to party entertainers. Pick the right one and they’ll have your guests entranced or in stitches while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance and have a whole conversation with other adults.

Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into. Pick their brains for local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. And plan early - the best entertainers are booked well in advance.

The Entertainers STAGECOACH DULWICH run themed parties for 4-10 year-olds, where young noble knights and princesses, wizards and witches, pop stars or jungle animals come together for games, storytelling, singing and dancing. For older children, 11-16 year-olds are encouraged to get into character and join in a Murder Mystery ‘whodunnit’ filled with fun, excitement and suspense. 020 8949 4116, www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich

PERFORM PARTIES. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create fun-filled, action-packed parties. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk.

THE BEDLAM BUNCH is a team of professional theatre actors with special training in immersive performance, children’s parties and clowning.

Meet Pirate Pete, Fairy Fidget, Rocket Ron, Sally Spin and many more colourful characters, each of whom lives on Bedlam Island, where they play games, climb trees, get stuck in trees and tell jokes all day long. Each has a story to tell and, when they hear of children’s birthday parties, they’re sent out to make them as magical as can be. Using the children’s imaginations, they travel into mystical lands, solving clues, learning magic and accomplishing challenges to move them further along in their mission, ending with a Bedlam Balloon Bonanza for the birthday boy or girl and all their guests.

Woven into these interactive adventure stories, you can expect games, balloon-modelling, puppets, magic, races, riddles and more. Suitable for 3-8 year-olds, 07846 068 583, www.thebedlambunch.co.uk, email bookings@thebedlambunch.co.uk.

DIDDI DANCE SE London offers dance parties for children up to 7 years old. At your choice of location, your little ones can enjoy some great diddi dance activities including dancing games, action songs, hoops, ribbons, bubbles, balloons and lots of fun. The parties offer fantastic, fun and affordable entertainment that will ensure your party is the talk of the tots.

Sessions can last up to one hour depending on age and preference, and are totally interactive.

There is no sitting and watching a show, diddi dance is all about getting all the children dancing, grooving and boogying to original, funky tunes. 07973 982790, www.diddidance.com, email annemarie.martin@diddidance.com.

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Adult & Children’s Entertainer

Reach up to 40,000 local parents across south east London

Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games, Karaoke, Mini Disco

Tel: 020 8480 8176 www.amigosmagic.co.uk 8 Families South East

Summer issue deadline 8 June Email info@familiesse.co.uk or download our ratecard online

www.familiesse.co.uk South East

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AMIGO’S MAGIC brings a magical show for all ages from 3 - 99+. With over 20 years’ experience across the world (and a member of the Magic Circle), award-winning Simon encourages the children to come up and help (as it all ‘goes wrong’ for him). The more they get involved, the more things begin to happen making for a fast, exciting and interactive entertainment. At the end of a one hour show all the children receive balloon models. The two hour show includes plate spinning, interactive and non elimination games all to music with a bubble machine at the end.

Mini Disco and Karaoke are also available, while for adult parties there’s close up magic (table hopping/ mix and mingle) and a cabaret. To find out more, email simonrosselli@themagiccircle.co.uk, 020 8480 8176, www.amigosmagic.co.uk.

NUTTY’S CHILDREN’S PARTIES, run by West Norwood based actor, voice-over, DJ and father, Danny Nutt, offer a variety of fun-packed, exciting and original Adventure Parties for children aged 3-9, Drama Workshop Parties (ages 7-11), Discos (ages 5-11) and more, covering all areas of London and the south east of England. Especially aimed at those with active imaginations and bags of physical energy, party guests will be transported to... Pirate Dan’s Treasure Hunt, Super Dan’s Adventure, Danijel The Space Warrior’s Mission (for Star Wars fans), The Princess Adventure and Wizard Dee’s Adventure (for fans of Harry Potter), plus many more themes!

All parties are run by experienced, professional actors and most themes can be catered for. Visit www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk or call Danny direct on 07884 050 954.

www.wowartgroups.co.uk / 07766484810 info@wowartgroups.co.uk

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DULWICH COLLEGE SPORTS CLUB Active children love action parties and Dulwich College Sports Club have plenty to choose from - sports & games, sports & inflatable, football, karting, zorb ball and Big Splash! pool parties; or hire their fantastic party facilities for your own entertainer. www.dcsportsclub.co.uk WOW ART GROUPS. Everyone loves badge-making, and a badge-making party is the ideal way to spend a birthday or special occasion. You can go freestyle, colour-in, use pics from magazines, or have your photo immortalised in badge form for all to see. We even provide the dress-up! It’s fun, affordable and unforgettable. Call 0776 648 4810, e-mail info@wowartgroups.co.uk or visit www.wowartgroups.co.uk.

Bead-work Jewellery too!

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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 head to their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Given the gradual media hysteria, regular readers (of which I have several) will notice an elephant sized hole in this book page, one wearing shinpads and a number on its shirt. It isn’t because I’m not a fan of you-know-what. Having spent a significant portion of my life inadvertently dedicated to the sport, from touchline chilblains to kit management, the boot of my car forever resounding with a spherical thwack every time I turn left or right, I’ve long since passed the point of protest. Instead, I’ve decided to reward us with a fixture-free zone (not to mention one devoid of collectable stickers), because frankly I need respite from the whistles and indignation. And that’s just over the remote control. Besides, I’m already bored with being the referee.

NOW MAKE THIS “curated by” Thomas Bärnthaler - Phaidon rrp £16.95. Billed as ‘24 DIY projects by designers for kids,’ I was knocked out by the simplicity of the activities on offer here, from a drumkit fashioned out of buckets to a cardboard box playhouse, and after the mental torment a certain tournament is going to subject us to, fans and haters alike, we are all going to need reminding that it’s great fun just switching off and making stuff.

ADA TWIST’S BIG PROJECT BOOK FOR STELLAR SCIENTISTS by Andrea Beaty, illustrations by David Roberts - Abrams rrp £10.99. Continuing with her grand plan to persuade all children that they are capable of going wherever their curiosity leads them, here the mysteries of everyday processes are revealed through fun and experimentation.

THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO GROWING UP GREAT by Sophie Elkan - Green Tree rrp £12.99. One of the upsides of recent publishing schedules being awash with books about the fifty per cent of the population hitherto ignored for 10,000 years is that the new candour has enabled dialogue about the health and well-being of both genders. Suddenly, where once there were only a couple of scary manuals featuring diagrams of sanitary belts, to be replaced with the even scarier unregulated eye-watering expanse of the web in the increasing absence of the printed word, now our children have a wealth of approachable guides on offer regarding human transformation.

This one correctly boasts that all knowledge is power and affirms that puberty isn’t just what’s going on in the body, but also in the mind and in the world beyond.

YOU ARE AWESOME by Matthew Syed -

Hodder rrp £9.99. The author and journalist who enjoys the thoroughly modern distinction of being an ‘influential thinker’ has turned his lucrative insightfulness to our offspring. While obviously less medically specific, he nonetheless espouses empowerment to help build children’s resilience and augment confidence. Personally, I have a slight aversion to the word ‘awesome.’ But I’ll always go with the advice that if you are pleasant and supportive to your kids right now, it will impact on what kind of care home they put you in later.

Hopefully it’ll be awesome.

ALMOST ADULTING by Arden Rose Harpercollins rrp £7.99. We know Syed, they know Arden Rose. The actress YouTuber sticks her considerable oar into the business of being a teenager with her perspective on relationships, sexuality and self-care. If, after all this proscription, we don’t raise the most perfectamundo peace loving and sensible generation for all time, we deserve the current situation where chest-beating meatheads are in charge.

THE WILDEST COWBOY by Garth Jennings, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie - Macmillan rrp £6.99.

Featuring verse from the writer & director of that movie your four year old has watched a drillion times, Sing, I’m hooked on this tale of Bingo B Brown, salesman extraordinaire, who manages to convert the naughtiest baddie in the saloon into, well, a clown. So long as we can have Stetsonsfull of superb drawings like this, I’m praying the next publishing craze is the Wild West. My new favourite picture book of the year. Yeeeehah!

HIDE AND SEEK by Anthony Browne - Corgi rrp £6.99. This author of renown knows something about the power of image and his books barely require text thanks to narrative so acutely conveyed through his atmospheric scenery. When an innocent game turns into something discomfiting, the mood becomes very nearly terrifying. Don’t worry though, the kids won’t be in therapy for long thanks to the heart-busting relief at the end. And if the tension does get too great, at the back there is a list of things to find in the forest to distract anxious minds.

GOAT’S COAT by Tom Percival & Christine Pym - Bloomsbury rrp £6.99. After years of having the children’s hoods chewed and my pockets emptied at city farms, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a goat as altruistic as Alfonzo.

THE WEATHER GIRLS by Aki - Macmillan rrp £6.99. A clever weather primer here starring a team of ladies as perfectly choreographed as any

Busby Berkeley chorus line and if you want, thanks to a roll call at the start, you can pick out Vanessa or Kirsten, Melanie or Cathleen (I do like a Cathleen) as they brave the elements for our benefit.

HELLO ZOO by Nicola Slater - Nosy Crow rrp £6.99. More animal magic here with a lift-theflappy tactile type of board book containing a cast of unconventional creatures, from a penguin sorting underwear with his pal, a porcupine, at the launderette (as you do) to a gazelle posing for a class of lioncubs in painter’s smocks.

PREGNANCY MADE SIMPLE by Claire Plimmer - Summersdale rrp £9.99. What an unlikely title, was my initial response to this pocket-sized manual, and with its listicle style approach to facts and statistics, myths and tips, it struck me that it is actually more useful as a guide for the person holding the hand of the one doing the actual gestating. Afterall, the latter doesn’t need telling that 9 out of 10 expectant mums suffer morning sickness when she’s throwing up in her handbag, that at 28 weeks heartburn and cramps are dizzying show-stoppers and that during labour the maximum cervical dilation is the size of a Krispy Kreme donut (no sprinkles) but that a crowning baby’s head is at least 1 cm bigger than that. However, it doesn’t quantify exactly how colourful the language gets at this point but after digesting the figures, a birthing partner won’t be shocked by its vividness.

FAMILY GUIDE TO LONDON - Dorling Kindersley rrp £12.99. One for tourists and inhabitants alike, this traditional guide not only takes in the usual sights but offers some terrific backstage suggestions for making the most of the Old Smoke, such as a trip behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane darling, or out to the RAF Museum at Hendon; pond-dipping in the wetland centre at Barnes or walking with the giants of football at Wembley Way. Hey! How the heck did that idea slip past the censors? With the lowdown on tube stops and trains, picnicking and caffs, the closest playgrounds for releasing the steam after everyone has been on their bestest behaviour, this guide also divulges the most significant, most sought-after, most important ingredient for the success of all family days out: where the ruddy loos are.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk Twitter @booksellercrow www.booksellercrow.co.uk 10 Families South East

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SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW

HAMPTON COURT

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LEEDS CASTLE

T H E G RE AT O UT D OO RS CATFORD STREET FOOD MARKET Last Sunday of each month, CATFORD BROADWAY SE6, www.catfordfoodmarket.com Launched at the end of March, exciting southeast London food entrepreneurs have created a real buzz by setting up stall to offer locally made international street food, including sourdough pizza, Japanese delicacies, Caribbean fayre, hand-crafted pasta, vegan bakes, cakes and breads, gin and pale ale. Non-food treats include work by local Catford artists and designers, multicultural children’s books, music, arts and crafts workshops and community events. Open 10am-4pm.

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW 7-9 June, SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TL, www.seas.org.uk Three days of agricultural events, displays and attractions including the renowned Atkinson Action Horses (as seen in Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Victoria); rural crafts and skills, food and drink, livestock, micro-sized Shetland ponies, hound parades and tractor challenges. Tickets free for under 16s, adults £21, free parking onsite.

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COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE & PUPPET FESTIVAL 13 May, Bedford Street, COVENT GARDEN WC2E 9ED, www.alternativearts.co.uk Join Punch and Judy professors and enthusiasts from all over the country at this annual festival, hosted in the garden of St Paul’s Church (The Actors’ Church). Follow the brass band procession around Covent Garden, attend the midday church service with Mr Punch in the pulpit and spend the afternoon watching puppet, music and dance performances. 11am-5.30pm, free.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace THE MAGIC GARDEN. Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

LEEDS CASTLE LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 767866, www.leeds-castle.com Visitors never forget their first breathtaking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent. With nine centuries of history, fun daily attractions and 500 acres of beautiful Kentish parkland, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Visit this summer to see the blossoming formal gardens, find your way through the yew-tree maze, enjoy free flying falconry displays, spectacular events and many more all-year-round attractions.

Summer at the Castle kicks off with the fantastic Leeds Castle Triathlon from 23-24 June, with further events continuing the fun throughout both July and August. Don’t miss the magnificent 40th Anniversary of the Leeds Castle Classical Concert on 14 July; one of the most memorable summer evenings in the Kent events calendar. Bring a picnic and be entertained by field cannons, fireworks and much-loved music! From the Open-Air Theatre and Cinema shows, to the many more wonderful attractions, Leeds Castle has everything you need for a perfect summer’s day out.

Annual tickets £24.90 for adults; £21.90 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); under 4s free, £16.90 for children. Tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round.

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KENT LIFE

UP AT THE O2

MoreWhat’sOn KENT LIFE HERITAGE FARM PARK Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk The homes and lifestyles of Kent’s rural past are brought to life through recreated cottages and farm buildings, set in a 28-acre site that is also home to traditional farm animals, owls, a Big Top arena, indoor and outdoor play areas and a programme of seasonal activities. Open from 10am daily, admission £9.95 adults, £8.25 children, £32.95 family of four.

FARMYARD FAIRY TALES, 26 May - 3 June. A number of entertainers will guide visitors through a series of fairytale-themed activities, where youngsters will be able to plant their own beanstalk and help build the three little pigs’ houses.

FAMILY DOG SHOW, 24 June. Let your dog become the star of the show by inviting your four-legged friend to take part in pooch-friendly activities, including an agility course. There will also be a range of trade stalls for dog lovers.

UP AT THE O2 02 ARENA, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, www.the02.co.uk/events UP AT THE 02. Dressed in full explorer attire, journey up and over The O2 arena for spectacular views of the city from the viewing platform. Tickets from £30, booking recommended.

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

PIRATE PETE

SKY HIGH TOURS, until 5 September. On the first Wednesday of each month, Museum of London Docklands hosts will accompany guests to the top of The O2’s specially designed observation deck. Guests will be given a 15-minute talk about the history of London’s Docklands and the local area with the opportunity to take photos against a backdrop of London’s iconic skyline.

Tickets from £35, book online at www.museumoflondon.org.uk/skyhigh.

OPEN GARDEN SQUARES WEEKEND 9 + 10 June, VARIOUS VENUES, www.opensquares.org For one very special weekend in June, over 200 green spaces many usually closed to the public- open their gates for public enjoyment and discovery. Gardens this year include Number 10 Downing Street, Eaton Square, the Royal College of Physicians’ medicinal garden, the gardens of Charlton Manor Primary School and the SOAS Japanese-inspired roof garden. Advance tickets are £15 for access to all gardens except those with special conditions for entry. See the whole list and book online.

PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS PENSHURST, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, www.penshurstplace.com Nature lovers are in for a treat at Penshurst Place, as the woodland trail has been completely overhauled and sections added. A new interactive route offers a wider, more even surface and more to see and do. There are new clearings, natural play equipment and den building spots, and carved wooden seats along the trail - perfect for a relaxing sit down to soak up the surrounding nature. A giant, 30 foot zip wire now takes pride of place in the playground, alongside a specially-made new obstacle challenge, complete with scramble net, and a revamped maize maze. Open 10.30am to 6pm daily until 28 October, family admission tickets from £26.50.

BEASTS ROADSHOW, 26+27 May. Get ready to see some squirming, scaly and sometimes squealing reptiles, mammals and insects from The Hawking Centre, who will be on hand to offer fascinating insights into their amazing critters. There’s even a chance to hold a few, if you dare! 11am-5pm, free with admission.

SNAPPY SPRING HOLIDAY, 26 May - 3 June. Smartphones at the ready for half-term fun - explore the gardens in a quest to discover the location of the photos taken around the grounds, and match them to those featured on a trail sheet. Capture and share your own favourite images, then when you ve completed the trail, head down to the Old Coach House and try your hand at bug themed family craft activities. Trails 10.30am6pm, bug crafts 11am-4pm, free with admission.

Little Learners Drop Off Playgroup Little Learners is an early years setting which provides a seamless learning experience for children aged 2 to 4 years old.

Brandram Road Community Centre 25-33 Brandram Road SE13 5RT

www.littlelearnersplaygroup.com Tel: 07595 120 744

info@littlelearnersplaygroup.com

17-19 Blackwater Street East Dulwich SE22 8SD

020 7720 1144 12 Families South East

Greenwich Office Norman House 110-114 Norman Road London SE10 9EH

Blackheath Office 9 Hare & Billet Road Blackheath London SE3 0RN

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JOHNNY & INEL'S KIDS’ CLUB

TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES

NOT NOW, BERNARD

THEAT RE S H O W S WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

PIRATE PETE & THE MAGIC LANTERN 13 May, PENGE EAST COMMUNITY CENTRE, 13 Station Road SE20 7BE, bookings www.thebedlambunch.co.uk Pirate Pete is stuck in Aladdin’s Cave and needs Fairy Fidget’s help to escape and bring all the treasures he’s found back to Bedlam Island where he can share it with his friends and any visiting children. Queen Hilda the Horrid has other ideas!

Disasters, diversions and dastardly tricks ensue in this roller-coaster ride of adventure. Can the kids deliver the extra magic needed to rescue The Bedlam Bunch? Part one is a live theatre show, followed by a party filled with games, magic and circus activities. 2-4pm, suitable for ages 4-8, £12 per child, accompanying adults free, book first.

THE ALBANY ALBANY, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 5AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk YOU’VE GOT DRAGONS, 13 May. Lots of people get them; bad dreams, swirly tummy, feeling prickly. And sometimes they make you feel alone. So, what can a young child with a bad case of the dragons do? Based on Kathryn Cave’s book and with live, original music, this highly visual, sensitive production is a humorous and touching exploration of the dragons we all face. Remember... “No dragon is more powerful than YOU!”. Ages 3+, 1 and 3pm, family tickets £24.

SHACKLETON’S CAT, 20 May. The latest in ETO’s award-winning strand of operas for young people, Shackleton’s Cat tells the story of the voyage and destruction of the Endurance 100 years ago, and the subsequent tale of survival against all odds.

Featuring an ingenious set, with maps and images from the expedition, interactive songs and a puppet cat. Ages 8+, 1 and 3pm, family tickets £24.

JOHNNY & INEL’S KIDS CLUB Saturdays, UP THE CREEK COMEDY CLUB, 302 Creek Road, Greenwich SE10 9SW, 020 8858 4581, www.upthecreek.com The stars of CBBC’s The Johnny & Inel Show, All Over The Place and Dog Ate My Homework have taken over Up The Creek on Saturdays, presenting a jam-packed show featuring kid friendly stand-up comedy from the best names, plus high energy games.

Ages 5-11, 12.30-2.30pm, tickets £10 for one adult and child, £3 per additional adult.

4 July - 2 September, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue WC2H 8DP, 0330 333 4812, www.bearhuntlive.com The smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns vividly and noisily to the West End in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick, oozy, squelchy mud!

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. The production is adapted for the stage from the modern classic written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Ages 3+, tickets from £15.60.

GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, 15 - 26 May. On a Midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves entranced and entrapped in an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and a fairies rule. Shakespeare’s best loved comedy comes to the stage in this all-new ensemble production. Through the use of text, music, movement, puppetry and song this production promises to be a fantastic first introduction to Shakespeare for any age. Ages 8+, tickets from £10.

RUFUS LONGBOTTOM AND THE SPACE RABBIT, 1 June.

When Space Rabbit’s planet is destroyed by a meteorite she and her family escape in the nick of time. But a blast separates her space pod from the others, sending her hurtling towards Earth, where she lands outside the Tandaria Carehome, frightened and alone. Inside is Rufus Longbottom, an old gentleman itching for one last adventure. Guided by her magical paws, the unlikely pair go on a journey in the search for a family and a place to call home.

Filament’s show uses song, music and a bit of magic to delight and enchant audiences young and old alike. Ages 5+, 2 and 6pm, family tickets £30.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com UP CLUB, Saturdays in January and February. Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays and try portrait painting, potato printing, giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm, free drop in.

NOT NOW, BERNARD, 27 May - 1 July. “There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me,” said Bernard. “Not now, Bernard,” said his mother. David McKee’s iconic picture book, loved by children and adults for over thirty years, is vividly brought to life in a brand new version directed by Sarah Argent (Baby Show, Seesaw). An astonishingly clever, sometimes melancholic and outrageously funny play for children over 3, and a must-see for parents. Tickets from £6.

SENSACIONAL, until 1 July. Watch as your toddler puts on a white suit and becomes part of a digital world of ladybirds, shapes, squiggles and squarks that won’t keep still, no matter how hard you try to catch them! Bursting with colour, light, sound and joy, this immensely popular interactive and immersive digital experience has become a regular feature in our programme that families return to again and again. Ages 18 months - 3 years, tickets £10 per child and up to two adults.

BABY SHOW, until 29 July. It’s baby’s first adventure. Join in with a sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that keep little ones rapt. 6-18 months with parent/ carers, £10 per baby and child.

SOUTHBANK SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK, 26-28 May. Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator Lewis Carroll in this brand-new original adaptation inspired by his classic poem.

The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling family musical adventure. Ages 4+, children £8, adults £16.

FUNHARMONICS FAMILY CONCERT, 10 June. The London Philharmonic Orchestra performs a concert especially for children, featuring Stravinsky’s glorious Petrushka and animations. Ages 6+, tickets from £12.

RUG RHYMES, until 13 July. Join the National Poetry Library puppets, Federico and Firebird, on their poem rug to find out what rhymes with rug in a short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories for the very young. For under 5s and their carers.

Free.

DRAGON BABIES - GAMELAN, until 16 July. Experience the sounds of Southbank Centre’s gamelan (Javanese orchestra) through singing, movement and play. Let your Dragon Babies shake, rattle and gong in a music-making session for toddlers.

Ages 3-5 with carers, £5

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Children aged 4 welcome all day thestringsclub.org Tel: 0121 296 9204

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IN THE NIGHT GARDEN

PIRATE TAKEOVER

MoreWhat’sOn .LEICESTER

SQUARE THEATRE

6 Leicester Place EC2H 7BX, 020 7734 2222, www.tiddlerlive.com TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES, 25 - 27 May. Prepare to go under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, as four of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s terrific tales are bought to life on stage with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from the best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed. Ages 3+, tickets from £14.50.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com A HEART AT SEA, 12 + 13 May. Be enthralled by this epic musical folktale told on a miniature scale with intricate puppets.

A Heart at Sea uses haunting live music to tell the story of a young Boy who bottles up his heart and throws it into the sea. Original song-writing is set to breath-taking visuals centred around a beautifully carved wooden chest that holds the secrets to the story.

Ages 7-12, tickets £11 children, £13 adults.

ONE ITEM ONLY, 19+20 May. Follow one child’s journey across continents in search of refuge from her troubled homeland, in this eventful and uplifting story of hope and resilience where the human spirit triumphs. Ages 7-12, tickets £11 children, £13 adults.

KIKA’S BIRTHDAY, until 20 May. Kika, a little French mouse, is going to be 5 years old and her family has planned a birthday surprise, with friends, songs and a grasshopper band. But who is that with his twitchy tail and shining eyes watching them closely?

It’s That Bright Orange Cat. Will he join the party, make some new friends and share some birthday cake, or does he have something else in mind? A delightful interactive story, with puppetry, by award winning storyteller Danyah Miller. Ages 3-8, tickets £11.50 children, £13.50 adults.

STORIES ON A STRING, 31 May - 1 June. City girl Jacina must leave her Facebook-fuelled life to travel on a quest for her grandma, into the Amazon jungle. Her journey is full of surprises, as she encounters mythical creatures and discovers her family’s roots. But there’s no WiFi in the rain forest, so when her phone stops working, Jacina must rely on her eyes, her ears and her heart for a new path and a way back home. Not every answer can be found in the technology in the palm of our hand! Ages 6-12, tickets £11 children, £13 adults.

UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL

TOM THUMB, 28-30 May. Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table this wee wonder of a show is full of Lyngo magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest.

CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch, who has been performing it for more than a decade, brings this classic story to life in a playful and fascinating show. Ages 4-8, tickets £11 children, £13 adults.

SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD, 8 June - 29 July. This adaptation of the story of Briar Rose by the Brothers Grimm conjures a dreamlike fantasy of palaces and forests, ogres and fairies, princes and babes. It tells the story of a King and Queen desperate for a child, and a fairy who grants their wish. But when the fairy is not invited to baby Rose’s christening, she casts a different kind of spell - on her 16th birthday, the young princess will prick her finger and everyone in the kingdom will fall asleep for 100 years. Only the arrival of a prince from the Far East brings hope of an awakening. This bold production spins puppets, projections, automata and live music to weave an irresistible magic. Ages 4-9, tickets £11.50 children, £13.50 adults.

JACK AT THE BEANSTALK CAFE, 13-17 June. Hand to Mouth Theatre present a nourishing bean-feast of stories in the Beanstalk Cafe, including the sweet and sour tale of The Old Woman in a Vinegar Bottle, and a tasty take on Jack and the Beanstalk. Ages 4-8, tickets £11 children, £13.50 adults.

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE 24 May - 9 June, 02 ARENA, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, www.theo2.co.uk Children’s favourite CBeebies’ stars - Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - are all brought to life on stage using full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. Tickets from £12.50, 0330 120 0123, www.nightgardenlive.com.

M USE UMS & EV ENT S DOWN HOUSE - HOME OF CHARLES DARWIN DOWN HOUSE, Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse CHARLES’ CREEPY CRITTERS, 29 May - 2 June. Get close up and hands-on with some of the exotic animals that Darwin himself might have met on his travels and studied at Down House, and discover their fascinating abilities that shaped Darwin’s Theories of Evolution and Natural Selection. Experts will be on hand to answer crawling questions and to host regular bug handling displays.

Activities from 11am to 4.30pm, family tickets £31.20.

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, 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 which has the oldest nature trail in London, an animal corner and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday.

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT, 17 May. Immerse yourself in all things under the sea as the Aquarium takes centre stage for this special evening event inspired by International Year of the Reef. 6.309.30pm, part of Museums at Night.

MAY HALF TERM, 28 May - 1 June. Free craft activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and gardens. Different activities each day include pond dipping, the Great British Bee Count, a mini-beast safari, and hands-on sessions.

COLOUR: THE RAINBOW REVEALED, until 28 October. Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour and discover how animals use colour to attract and hide.

BUTTERFLY HOUSE, until October. Get up close with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical indoor garden. The speciallyplanted habitat is the perfect place to experience free-flying butterflies and discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures. Admission £6, families £15.

14 Families South East

CORAL: FABRIC OF THE REEF, until 9 September. Inspired by the Horniman’s Aquarium and Natural History collection, in this display artist Karen Dodd uses woollen fabric - dyed and sculpted, and intricately bound and stitched - to draw attention to coral and coral reefs, simultaneously celebrating their beauty and raising awareness of their vulnerability in the face of increasing environmental change.

ELTHAM PALACE & GARDENS Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham ART DECO FAIR, 12 + 13 May. Surround yourself with art deco decadence and sample the splendour of the thrilling thirties. With an abundance of vintage stalls to satisfy the most ardent shopper, sit back, relax and enjoy an opulent journey into Eltham Palace’s past. 10am-6pm, adults £15, children and English Heritage members free.

KINGS AND QUEENS, 28 May - 1 June. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls of palace life and impress your regal rulers. Uncover the ultimate curtsey, bow like a pro, and entertain without being a fool.

Find out how to be the King’s right hand man or the Queen’s favourite lady in waiting at this school for novice nobles. Get it wrong and it’ll be off with your head! 11am-5pm,adults £15, children and English Heritage members free.

GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST, 16 + 17 June. Experience a spectacle of speed and skill as four of the most masterful knights in the kingdom are mounted on their magnificent steeds. Choose your champion and see who is victorious in this colourful display of chivalry and courage. Surround yourself in pageantry and marvel at falcons in flight. The living history encampments will take you back in time, where you’ll be kept entertained by the court jester and merry musicians. Budding knights can enjoy their own hero moment as they test their bravery in the hobby-horse jousting.

10.30am - 5pm, adults £18.50, children £11.10, families £48.10.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM 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.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays.

Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

BACH TO BABY, 17 May and 14 June. Discover the awardwinning classical concert series for babies, toddlers and parents.

Themed concerts are performed by pianist Miaomiao Yu along with other internationally-renowned musicians. 10.30am, £12 adults, children free.

OBJECT HANDLING SESSION, 26 May and 30 June. Guided by staff experts, the Handling Collection provides visitors with a unique opportunity to touch and study a selection of objects similar to those in the galleries. 2-4pm, suitable for ages 3+, free with museum admission.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT, 020 7730 0717, www.nam.ac.uk The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. Through its collections the museum preserves and shares stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities; exploring the role of the army and its relevance today. Free children’s trails cover a wide range of topics and suit a variety of age groups. Open 10am 5.30pm, admission free.

SPECIAL FORCES: IN THE SHADOWS, until 18 November.

Explore the hidden world of the Special Forces in a major exhibition which presents ideas of security and secrecy through the lens of the Special Forces. Discover who these soldiers are, the skills they need, and the operations they’ve undertaken at home and abroad. Admission £8, under 12s free, children £4.

BE A JOURNALIST, 26 May - 3 June. Be a journalist for a day and have a go at making your own mini-documentary about some of the museum’s objects. Flex your tech skills and create a mini-documentary, discover the stories behind the objects, write a script and record your film using the museum’s iPads. 10.30am 4.30am, free tickets from the Welcome Desk.

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HORNIMAN MUSEUM

ASK AN EXPERT: OBJECT IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP, 8 June. Have you had some medals passed down to you and want to know how to care for them? Are you struggling to identify a relative’s regiment from a photograph? Do you want to start researching your family history. Book into a 30-minute session and find out more from expert staff. 2pm, booking recommended.

FATHER’S DAY, 17 June. Visit the museum on Father’s Day for a range of family-friendly tours and workshops. From 11am, free drop-in.

ARMED FORCES DAY, 30 June. Celebrate Armed Forces Day with free activities for all the family. Join in with tours, entertainment and family activities including medal-making workshops. From 10.30am, free drop-in.

PLAY BASE, daily. Whether your child wants to take on the soft play assault course, climb aboard a truck or prepare scoff in the cookhouse, Play Base lets every child shine. Ages 0-8, £4.50 per child for an hour-long session.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Find out more about London’s history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

LONDON NIGHTS, 11 May - 11 November. London Nights takes visitors on a dramatic, nocturnal study of the capital. From the unexplored to the imagined, from Soho to Sydenham, see stunning images of a city illuminated by limited natural and artificial light, represented through over 200 works. See how Londoners work, rest and play when the sun goes down in one of the biggest metropolises in the world. Admission free for under 16s, adults from £10.

LONDON AFTER DARK, 26 May to 3 June. A week of halfterm activities based on London at night. On different days, visitors can create artworks including glow-in-the dark signs, Victorian lanterns, firework scenes and more. Ages 5+, 12.30-2pm and 2.30-4pm each day, free drop-ins.

EARLY MAN FAMILY FUN DAY, 28 May. Head back to the Stone Age on bank holiday Monday with free screenings of Aardman’s latest film, Early Man. Alongside the screenings, there will be a range of drop-in, family-friendly activities. Learn the art of flintmaking using soap, touch and hold real prehistoric artefacts and much more. 11am-12.40pn and 2-3.40pm, book for screenings.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Find out more about London’s history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

ROMAN DEAD, 25 May - 28 October. In 2017 an extremely rare sarcophagus was excavated in Southwark, where an ancient Roman cemetery is known to have once stood. Roman Dead will display the sarcophagus and explore rituals, burials and beliefs in Londinium, offering a glimpse into the lives - and deaths - of Londoners.

ROMAN ACTIVITIES, 26 May - 2 June. A week of family activities focused on the museum’s Roman finds, including the recently unearthed rare Roman sarcophagus, perfumes, clothing, coins and sculpture.

PIRATE TAKEOVER FESTIVAL, 16 + 17 June. See separate listing under Summer Festivals.

VOTES FOR WOMEN, until 6 January 2019. Commemorate 100 years of votes for women at the home of the world’s largest Suffragette collection.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families Pick up a family 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 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

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FREDA KAHLO

EDWARD BAWDEN RESTROSPECTIVE

FRIDA KAHLO: MAKING HERSELF UP, 16 June to 4 November.

Experience a fresh perspective on Kahlo’s compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongings. This exhibition will present an extraordinary collection of personal artefacts and clothing belonging to the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Locked away for 50 years after her death, this collection has never before been exhibited outside Mexico. Tickets £15.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games.

10.30am-5pm.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum houses 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. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

CENTURY OF THE CHILD: NORDIC DESIGN FOR CHILDREN 1900 TO TODAY, until 2 September. Explore the cultural exchange of ideas between the Nordic countries and Britain and the worldwide impact of child centred design. The exhibition features iconic designs from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins, alongside several ‘Nordic Icons’ including Arne Jacobsen, IKEA, Alvar Aalto, BabyBjörn and Tetra Pak. In celebration of children’s creative freedom, there is a host of Nordic inspired interactives for families to explore and enjoy.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the latest block-buster exhibition. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charge for some exhibitions.

DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE, weekends. Learn, discover and create in the Museum’s digital centre. Free activities and workshops using the latest Samsung digital equipment, enabling children to bring the world’s history and cultures to life through advanced technology.

FREDA KAHLO

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. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers.

Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

EDWARD BAWDEN RETROSPECTIVE, 23 May - 9 September.

Graphic designer, book illustrator and printmaker Edward Bawden RA SBE (1903-89), is best known today for his monumental linocuts and for the witty designs he made for companies like Shell and Fortnum & Mason. The exhibition features 170 works, exploring themes such as fantasy and animals, the world 'off duty', and gardens and plants. The exhibition will also shine a spotlight on Bawden's lifelong love of storytelling, with works that are both colourful and inventive, such as linocuts from his much-loved series, Aesop's Fables alongside fanciful illustrated books created

by Bawden for his children.Tickets £16.50 adults, under 18s and Gallery Friends free.

PUPPET SHOW, 12 May. Drew Colby will conjure up magical images and stories, making brilliant puppets to delight children of all ages. 10.30am and 1.30pm, £5 per person.

ART PLAY, 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.

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

SUMMER FESTIVALS DULWICH FESTIVAL

UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL

10-20 May, in and around Dulwich SE21 - SE22, www.dulwichfestival.co.uk A celebration of local talent featuring artists’ open houses, street art, poetry, music, a food trail, workshops and family-friendly events.

DULWICH FESTIVAL FAIR, 13 May on Goose Green. Stalls galore featuring the best local craftspeople, designers, independent shops, bars and food producers. Plus live music, a free bouncy castle, donkey rides, face painting and workshops for children. 11am-4pm.

Until 30 September. SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9944, www.underbellyfestival.com Underbelly offers an amazing line-up of entertainment for all ages, all in a fantastically colourful and vibrant setting right next to the river Thames. Now in its tenth year, the family programme has expanded as the festival organisers have had children of their own. Highlights include Circus Abyssinia, SOAP, Arr We There Yet, and Children Are Stinky. Theatre includes Aliens Love Underpants and Metta’s Little Mermaid, plus comedy and variety from Dick & Dom, The Amazing Bubble Man and Morgan & West. There’s even entertainment for babies in the form of Monski Mouse and Screaming With Laughter. See the event website for the full line up.

PIRATE TAKEOVER FESTIVAL 16 + 17 June, MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Join the crew at the Museum of London Docklands for a weekend of pirate-themed fun, organised in conjunction with School 21.

Visitors are invited to hunt for jewels and treasure, galleons and gold while hearing tales of sea-faring derring-do from the crew members. Museum open 10am-6pm, Pirate Takeover events noon-4pm, free.

SYDENHAM ARTS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2018 27 June - 8 July, in and around Sydenham SE26, www.sydenhamarts.co.uk Follow the weekend artist trails to discover the work of talented locals who will be showcasing and selling their creations.

CRYSTAL PALACE FESTIVAL 11-17 June, CRYSTAL PALACE PARK and surrounding venues, www.crystalpalacefestival.org The week-long festival includes mainly free events organised by local traders, pubs, community groups, schools and churches.

Projects include an intergenerational dance piece that will culminate in a promenade performance in the park, and concerts by the London Mozart Players in local care homes, the park children’s farm and Crystal Palace railway station.

CRYSTAL PALACE PARK EVENT, 16 June. Stereo Mcs and Polarbear will headline the music programme, alongside a Spoken Word Tent in association with Bookseller Crow, Think Pawsitive dog show, dance workshops, street food and a farmer’s market, and plenty of fun and games for all ages. From 11am.

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WIN an Annual Family Membership to Dreamland Margate for up to 5 People-worth £190!

✸ vintage, family and thrill rides ✸ pop-up entertainment ✸ live music and art installations ✸ a vintage arcade and street food An Annual Family Membership entitles you to visit as many times as you wish throughout the summer holidays and all year round!

For more information and membership benefits, visit www.dreamland.co.uk/membership TO ENTER

Email your answers to the following questions to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk no later than 23 June 2018: Terms & Conditions: • Please note that height restrictions apply on all rides and we cannot guarantee that all rides will be in operation on the date of your visit.

• Events are subject to availability and operated on first come first served basis.

• Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over

✸ Tell us in 50 words (or more) why you find Families magazine a useful tool for family life?

New for Summer 2018: daily aerial circus act + new, exciting family friendly rides

Runner-Up Best Family Theme Park 2017 Family Traveller Awards

✸ How likely are you to respond to a piece of advertising you see in Families? a Very likely b Possibly c Unlikely

• All Dreamland terms and conditions of entry apply https://www.dreamland.co.uk/terms • Membership terms and conditions apply • In case of query, please contact Dreamland at office@dreamland.co.uk or 01843 295887

RUN RIOT THIS SUMMER

Discover a summer packed with events and the wonderful daily attractions of “the Loveliest Castle in the World”.

EXPERIENCE MORE leeds-castle.com

16 Families South East

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Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan Website: www.familiesse.co.uk MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.ridgewaypress.co.uk

The oldest surviving amusement park in the UK, Dreamland Margate is a world-class visitor attraction that offers all the fun of the festival for everyone to enjoy. Located opposite the golden sands of Margate, Dreamland boasts: