FTAK REE DIGITAL E ME H OME ISSUE
South West
Christmas fairs • Illuminated trails • Boost your immune system Issue 301 November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.
Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight
Decorate a Plant Pot
Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix
Bake Flowerpot Bread
Knit an Apple
Make a DIY Pencil Holder
Put Together a Tea Wreath
Create a Cactus Pet Rock
Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers
6 November/December
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Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate
Conversation Cards
Sword & Shield Sets
Micro Scooter
Knitted Diplodocuses
Driving Experience
Space Magnetic Pack
Mermaid Tails
Robo Wunderkind
Animal Wall Prints
Germ German Attack Games
See Gift Guide for details
2 November/December
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The_Junction_Families_Fullpage_ad.indd 1
11/11/2020 11:58
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Wooden Shield/ Sword Set
Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.
PomPom Climbing Triangle
Munchy Play Plate
Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.
Space Magnetic Pack
An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.
First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.
Young Driver Drive-tastic
Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.
Christmas Cracker Puzzles
Best Years Dino Love
Together Equal Conversation Cards
Gruffalo Micro Scooter
Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. 10 November/December
Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.
Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.
Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Horrible Science Germ Attack
Planet Mermaid Tails
Smart Counting Football
Junko Zoomer Kits
Follow Me Ball
Penguins On Ice
Robo Wunderkind
Engenius Contraptions Marble Run
Animal Wall Prints
Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.
Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.
Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.
Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. familiesonline.co.uk
Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.
Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. November/ December 11
CHRISTMAS
The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3
Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 3
Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter
Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science
Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 2
WIN! 1 of 5
Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys
Conversation Cards from Together Equal
WIN! 1 of 2
Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates
Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years
Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play
WIN!
WIN!
WIN!
1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)
Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!
Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind
Good Luck!
ENTER HERE
T&Cs apply
12 November/December
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Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
BATTERSEA 07956 288928 battersea@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/battersea
NEW MALDEN 0208 540 7791 newmalden@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/newmalden
FULHAM 07498 213142 fulham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/fulham
PUTNEY 020 8099 9861 putney@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/putney WIMBLEDON 020 8946 3400 wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
2 Families South West • November/December 2020
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Granard Primary School “Growing together; Achieving together”
A child’s first school is an important stepping stone into education. Granard is friendly, caring and inclusive. We nurture each child’s academic, sporting and music opportunities to enable them to succeed academically and socially. We provide a caring and nurturing environment for children from Nursery to Year 6 (age 3 — 11).
Come and find out about our excellent teaching, the support we offer and see our wonderful facilities, including our swimming pool. Please contact the school office on 0208 788 3606 to arrange a visit.
8 Families South West • November/December 2020
Our Open Mornings are at 9.15 a.m. on: Wednesday 25th November Monday 14th December, Friday 8th January
Breakfast and After School Clubs available
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EARLY YEARS
Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.
Days of the Week Song
Counting to Ten in Four Languages There’s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.
Great for co-ordination and includes signing.
Shapes Song
Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.
Alphabet Song
Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.
Months of the Year
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
12 Days of Christmas
So Many Colours to See
Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.
Teaches co-ordination and body parts.
16 November/December
Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.
The Wheels on the Bus
Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.
Learn about colours with The Wiggles.
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FAMILY LIFE
WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!
T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout.
Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE 20 November/December
Letter from Santa
What could be more special than a letter in the post from Santa? Children can receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail if they post their letter to him by 11 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. Letters must include your child’s full name and address. Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation. Order online by 9 December. familiesonline.co.uk
Fabulous illuminated trails !
Go outdoors this winter and forget it all. Immerse yourselves in these amazing experiences. You will be treated to the most remarkable sights.
Glow 2020 at RHS Garden Wisley www.rhs.org.uk/wisleyglow From 21 November 2020 to 4 January 2021 Tickets non members adults £15 children £10. Tickets for Glow 2020 must be booked online in advance. Routes are fully accessible. The festive event at RHS Garden Wisley has been reimagined for 2020 with a new route, captivating lightshows and musical accompaniment designed by an in-house team
Leonardslee illuminated spectacular www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk From 4-6, 11-13, 17-22 December Adults £16, children £8, free entry for 2 years old and under. Leonardslee is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, with last entry 3:30pm. Café, shops and restaurant Visitors to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens this Christmas will experience an ‘illuminated spectacular’, an after-dark winter light trail over three consecutive weekends in December. The gardens will be lit up with light displays and projections onto the historic mansion buildings and the lakes in the Grade I Listed Gardens, with live music and theatrical performances for all the family. Don’t miss the magical Christmas Moon floating above the lake, music theatre performances of bed-time lullabies collected from local mothers & across the world; large scale 3D video animation projections onto the gardens’ trees and buildings and the fierce winter wolves and mythical Leonardslee forest fire dragon.
12 Families South West • November/December 2020
to highlight some of the garden’s best-loved sights. Twinkling lights draw visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, with spectacular moments en route and vibrant displays to be found both inside and outside the Glasshouse. There will also be warming drinks and tasty treats to enjoy from Taste of Wisley and the Wisley Shop will open for visitors to browse gift ideas for all the family.
Magical outdoor illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP Early booking is strongly advised. Tickets adult £19-£21.50, child £13-£15, and family £60-£68 (2 adults and 2 children). blenheimpalace.com 20 November 2020–3 January 2021 Following last year’s sell-out success, Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns to this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site with a host of stunning new installations along the one-mile trail. Don’t miss the Heart of Stars, a stunning, magical lighting effect scatters thousands of tiny refracted beams across the path leading to the Rose Garden immersing visitors within fantastical, swirling and changing patterns. Enjoy the popular Tunnel of Light, this majestic tunnel, adorned with over 100,000 pea-lights and almost 50 metres long, is stunning to look at from a distance or to immerse yourself in. See also page 23 for Kew Gardens illuminated trails. It is practically fully booked as we go to press.
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Are You Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.
Buy a Living Christmas Tree
Keep it outside and bring in every year.
Free Christmas Gift Cheques
Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.
Buy Reusable Crackers
Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. familiesonline.co.uk
Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.
Dedicate a Tree
Give a gift that keeps on growing.
Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.
Introduce Some Vegan Food
Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.
Charity Christmas E-cards
Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. November/ December 13
Promotion
How to inspire your child to write— and improve literacy I’m Clare, the teacher and private tutor behind CreativeHare. I started online tutoring because I know that inspiring children to write effortlessly improves literacy—leading to positive consequences across the board in school attainment. Ten years in the classroom has taught me that nurturing children in small, friendly groups not only brings out the best in each individual, but provides the most effective and impactful learning environment. CreativeHare offers term-time and holiday writing clubs, debating courses and poetry classes all designed to empower children to succeed.
confidence and learning with enjoyable educational after-school activities. Each course is taught by a qualified Primary School teacher and Private Tutor with each child given regular one-on-one attention whilst working within a small group.
Parents receive detailed feedback on their child’s progress. It is such a privilege to be a part of a child’s academic breakthrough so we work with young people of all abilities, from those with special educational needs, to those looking to be challenged at a higher level.
Invest in your child’s future, build confidence and watch them fly with CreativeHare. To book, visit www.creativehare.co.uk “Clare has an innate warmth, calm and kindness - perfect for setting any child at ease. She is clearly passionate about her subject and her wellplanned online writing classes inspired the same enthusiasm in my daughter. I was astonished to see my 7 year old emerge from a full hour of focused work, with pages of writing, full of excitement, enjoyment and pride in her work.” Parent, 2020.
Our courses: • Increase confidence and self esteem • Foster creativity • Develop analytical minds • Improve spelling, punctuation and grammar skills • Provide excellent experience for school entrance exams • Make learning fun Our imaginative and creative lessons are designed to ignite your child’s curiosity and increase their
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FamiliesSWLon
November/December 2020 • Families South West 13
Need a space for a
class, course or a meeting room
WE ARE OPEN FOR COVID COMPLIANT EVENTS
14 Families South West • November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
Holiday activities over the Christmas period Perform Clapham South, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Kensington and more www.perform.org.uk 21-23 December Fantastic holiday course with the theme of Beauty and the Beast for 4-10yrs. 10am- 3pm. Book via the website.
Upbeat pop and rock holiday camps 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk Multi-activity music camps, offering something for everyone for 4-12 yr olds. Try out new instruments, sing and dance, play in a band, write and record a song. Small courses that cater for each individual whether beginner or advanced. 18 years experience, bringing creative holiday fun to children. Join the BAND!
Naomi Martin Touch Typing Fulham www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk naomi@nmtouchtyping.co.uk Holiday touch typing courses weeks of 14-18th December and 21st-24th December. See website for more details - times and availability. £250 for the 5 day course, £200 for the 4 day course, sibling discounts available. Ages 7-18.
Et Patati Patata caroline@etpatatipatata.com 07966 893674 www.etpatatipatata.com 21 December-1 January French Christmas holiday. A daily routine, full of fascinating French content: 2.30 hours of French online, every day for 5 consecutive days.
Yellowbird Education
Santa at your door
Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Rd, Fulham SW6 4LJ Yellowbirdeducation.com 020 7731 0695 21-23 December Hugely popular educational workshops in Creative Writing, Interview Skills & Reasoning.
Call the Santa hotline 07969 121094 0208 959 1045 or email info@adamantsparties.co.uk www.adamantsparties.co.uk Why not arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or any other time? Santa will deliver presents. He will sing a few festive songs and nibble a mince pie or two. This is a Covid friendly experience.
Kids En Cuisine Award-winning, original, multi-sensory musical classes. Bubbles, costumes, massage, sensory textures and lights, puppets and more. Also deliver fabulous parties. Classes designed for each stage of your baby’s development. Baby bells: Newborn- sitting Beeps: Sitting- Standing Happy house: Toddler & siblings * Classes in Clapham, Battersea, Balham, Putney, Kew, Wandsworth, Fulham, Chelsea, Barnes, Sheen, Earlsfield, Southfields and Victoria. Kimmy@hartbeeps.com * Classes in Streatham, Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Tooting Niamh@hartbeeps.com www.hartbeeps.com
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info@kidsencuisine.com From 14 to 18 December £15 per day or £65 for the week Christmas menus (Starters, main dishes and desserts)
Lady Rothschild holiday houses estateoffice@ashton.ohllimited.com 01832 272264 www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk
Can’t go away? Discover the magic in the UK of Ashton Wold nr. Oundle—home to a series of luxury self-catering holiday houses. Each house is unique in style and character, decorated with both comfort and modernity in mind. Surrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and ecologically important woodlands it is not uncommon to spot an assortment of animals including deer, badgers, squirrels, foxes, rabbits and red kites. FamiliesSWLondon
Home from Home with Chilly Powder
Chilly Powder
For information about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. Lady Rothschild holiday cottages Paint Pots
Paint Pots Festive Fun Paint Pots, St Mary The Boltons, The Boltons, London, SW10 9TB Book online at www.paintpotshouse.com 14-18 December Arts, crafts and music all with a seasonal twist. Children will craft their own festive gifts, have fun and make friends. 12-18mths: 9.45-11.45am, £45 18-26mths: 9.45-11.45am, £45 and 3-4pm, £20 (All 12-18mths & 18-26mths sessions are accompanied) 3-6yrs: 2-4pm, £45 (All 3-6 yrs sessions are unaccompanied)
Upbeat Music
Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk November/December 2020 • Families South West 15
Promotion Bonjour, I am Florence the founder of Kids En Cuisine, the only cookery school for children focused on natural, organic ingredients, aromatic herbs and spices since 2014 and in partnership with Planet Organic and Whole Food Market.
Y
ear after year, I built my reputation on the quality of my menus and my unique way of teaching your children about healthy food. My team of professional chefs and I teach private classes in the comfort of your homes, in schools, in stores and give you many cooking tips. Interestingly, it wasn’t just children taking online cooking classes during the lockdown. Often I had entire families joining their children week after week to improve their cooking skills.
Kids En Cuisine is now back in the school clubs and continues to run private cooking classes. We also offer online birthday parties by delivering the cooking kits to your guests and you can also buy special Kids En Cuisine cooking utensils and my recipe book ‘Cook with Flo’ through our online boutique. Use the code FAMILIES to get 15% OFF my great recipe book 'Cook with Flo’. A great stocking filler!
Au revoir. Chef Flo.
I quickly adapted my business by offering online classes and delivering the ingredients to my little chef’s doorsteps. Behind the scenes, Planet Organic played an important role by supporting me and offering the organic ingredients to my clients who booked me. They helped me to maintain the high standards of Kids En Cuisine and my reputation as a chef. A big thank you to them!
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FamiliesSWLon
November/December 2020 • Families South West 9
Promotion
Brand new family club in Putney now open for bookings! After the action, mum and dad can hit the cafe lounge for a light bite, healthy smoothie or a much deserved glass of wine, while children can explore and play in their stunning interactive play areas.
Opening January 2021
GetSetGo! have also created a dedicated co-working space that will allow parents to pursue their career without compromising parenthood - or facing the overwhelming guilt of trying to do it all! Put simply, GetSetGo! will provide the ultimate space for the whole family to enjoy! putney@get-set-go.com www.get-set-go.com/club-putney
A
GetSetGo! is the vision of two mums, Claire and Alina, who have a shared goal to create the highest quality, most comprehensive leisure service for families in SW London.
Opening in January 2021, the GetSetGo! Club will offer a beautiful, clean (and covid-ready) space that has been carefully designed to be safe, enriching and multifunctional. And all without the membership fee usually associated with a club of this calibre.
GetSetGo! will offer a full programme of activities, from baby groups to teen fit, ‘mummy and me’ classes, dance, martial arts, swimming lessons and so much more for children; not forgetting the adult group sessions that will be offered before and after work.
brand new club for families is preparing to open its doors in Putney in the new year, with online bookings now open for swim, dance and a huge array of fitness classes.
16 Families South West • November/December 2020
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Parenting
How many toys does a child need? By Andrew Campbell Toys have a way of taking over. Of course, it starts innocently enough. As a parent you love your child and you want to make them happy. But before you know it, you find yourself kneedeep in discarded Legos and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored; the house is a mess; no one is happy! Toys are easy to come by these days. Equally, parents who cannot spend as much time with their children as they would like may try to occupy them with new toys or assuage their guilt with gifts. We may also feel a compulsion to buy our children things to show we love them, or equally powerfully, feel a desire for our children to have more than we did. The reality though is that most families have too many toys. And sadly, more toys actually equals less play. So why is this? Children are easily overwhelmed with choice, and a child who is unsure of what to play with often ends up playing with nothing at all. But the problem is even more fundamental. Our obsession with flashy plastic junk has taught our children to be passive participants in play. Instead of playing with toys, they expect to be amused by them. And they are… for about five seconds. Then it is back to the toy box. According to a study published in the journal Infant Behaviour and Development, an environment with fewer toys is better for children. The study observed thirty six toddlers. Some
were given four toys, and some sixteen. It was found that an abundance of toys actually reduced the quality of toddlers’ play. Fewer toys helped toddlers focus better and play more creatively. And it’s not just about the quantity of toys. The quality is also factor. Another study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that the best toys for constructive play are non-electronic ones: the ones that are simpler and support parents and children playing, pretending, and interacting together. More and more families are taking a ‘minimalist’ approach to toys - cutting back on the clutter and focusing on quality over quantity. With Christmas approaching, now may be a good time to consider this approach. There are lots of gifts that will give your child more long-lasting enjoyment than toys, and, in many cases, create memories that will be special to them in years to come. Take a look at our ideas below!
Instead of toys… One-on-one outings: your child chooses an activity to do with you like skating, dining out or bowling. Experiences: lots of possibilities including junior zoo experience, steam train journey, go-karting or a theme park.
Reclaiming your space 20 toy rule: ask your child to select 20 toys to keep. Store or give away others. Start slow: children often resist giving up toys. If the 20 toy rule doesn’t work, start with one thing first. Talk about giving/ donating and generosity. Prioritise binning the plastic junk, like Happy Meal-type toys! Start Rotating: A well-organised toy rotation reduces clutter and encourages children to play with more toys. The available toys change regularly, so there’s always something new. Display toys: Toys that can’t be seen go unused. Instead of themed areas where they are largely on display;
Magazine subscriptions: there are loads of great magazines for children from comics to specialist magazines covering everything from football to history. They will love regularly receiving one in the post! Memberships: if there’s a zoo, aquarium or museum in your area, gift your child a membership so they can attend regularly. Some sporting clubs have special junior membership categories. Binoculars or a telescope: throw in a guide to birds, wildlife or astronomy. Subscription boxes: whether it’s cooking, gardening or craft, the monthly delivery of creative goodies will keep on giving.
Request alternative: Ask friends and family to take your child on an outing, instead of buying toys. Request that grandparents keep toys they buy at their home for when your child visits;
Classes: whether it’s dance, drama, art or athletics, your child can enhance their skills doing something they love or want to learn.
4 gift rule: Try the 4 gift rule at Christmas or birthdays. There are four categories: something they want, need, go to/ experience, and read.
A small fruit tree to grow and nurture: a lovely long-term gift.
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FamiliesSWLon
November/December 2020 • Families South West 17
Online French, Spanish, Italian & German Classes Primary & Secondary
• • • • •
6-week programmes 1 hour per class, once a week Classes from beginner to advanced levels Reading & writing classes for bilingual children Preparation for examinations - DELF Prim, DELF Junior, GCSE, A-level & SAT
50% off 31st Dec until em 2020 - £ ber 5p class for er 12 months
To organise a FREE assessment, please send us an email to: info@averyhilleducation.com | Alternatively, you can call us on: 0203 5980 719 | www.averyhilleducation.com
20 Families South West • November/December 2020
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What’s On November/December 2020 It’s more important than ever to be local and SHOP local, so make a point of spending as much as you can where your heart is. These shows and Christmas fairs need your support.
SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES
CHRISTMAS MARKETS @giftsightfair 2-15 Nov Online. Luxury Hampers, Festive foods, Gourmet gifts & Stocking fillers. Award-winning oak smoked salmon, fish, meats & cheese, glazed hams, artisan treats and drinks cellar.
The Country Living Christmas Fair Live At the Business Design Centre in Islington, from 11-15 November.
@LoveWimbledon Christmas Market Live. 12 days of seasonal gifts and fabulous food, every weekend on The Piazza from 21 November until 20 December.
@sparklecraftfair Online. 22 Nov 6-8.30pm and 23 & 24 Nov from 10am-5pm. Your sparkling, arty crafty festive season starts here! @Virtual Christmas market On Facebook. Take a look and support our small businesses. Until the 15th December.
santasgrotto.live Personalised call for each child who can chat live to Father Christmas in his virtual grotto. Parents, grandparents and up to 6 children can all share the magical experience together from anywhere in the world
@macmillanmerton with @brilliantlittlebrands Online. Fabulous one stop shop. Support the 100+ businesses listed. A wonderful alternative to the online giants. 10% of every sale for Macmillan Cancer.
@solocraftfair Online. 12 nights
My Christmas orchestral adventure Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com December 13 Travel the world on an orchestral adventure to help Father Christmas find his map. Ice skate on frozen lakes, go on a sleigh ride and enjoy a white Christmas, all from the comfort of your seats. Share the joy of classical music with your little ones this holiday season.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Until 12 December 2020 www.flutetheatre.co.uk Flute Theatre pushes the boundaries of Shakespeare performance for audiences with autism and their families across the world, they return with a new series of online interactive performances.
Backyard cinema Capital Studios SW18 1ET www.backyardcinema.co.uk Get into the holiday spirit with some great outdoor cinema. Choose from Home Alone, The Grinch, Elf and more. Tickets go fast. Food and beverages for sale and social distancing rules apply.
Cookies that Count cookiesthatcount@gmail.com www.swfruitandveg.com Teach your little ones the value of giving. Every order of Cookies that Count comes with a personalized letter from Santa and your chosen charity, organization or school will receive 50% of the profits. The chocolate and cinnamon cookies are available beginning the second week of December. Enjoy!
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@landmarkartfairs Live. The Festive Emporium will be opened every weekend commencing Friday 13 November to Sunday 6 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry £4. Booking is essential.
Chelsea Physics Garden Live! 28 November. 100 curated stands, showcasing the finest independent suppliers within the beautiful surroundings of the Garden as well as delicious food and drink. Booking essential, no walk-ups.
@duchyfairs Online. 21&22 November. Filled with super talented independent artists and makers and always lots of fun.
The Digital Craft Festival Online. 27-29 November. 150 exhibitors, a wealth of product launches, inspirational exhibits, workshops and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy for free at digitalcraftfestival.co.uk
Jingle bell blast Thames Rockets SE1 7AE www.thamesrockets.com Carol sing your way through a festively decorated London as you travel by super speedy speedboat. Get set to “fly” through Canary Wharf, sweep across the docklands before you zip on home.
of Christmas: each Monday night they are doing virtual shopping 7.309pm.
Food banks The number of children in poverty is set to reach five million this year. Make sure you donate to Foodbanks this year. You can either drop non-perishables at checkout points at your nearest Foobank, in bins in selected supermarkets or donate online www.bankuet.co.uk
Chessington garden centre will have a Christmas grotto. No details at time of going to press. Check website. www.chessingtongardencentre.co.u k/santachristmaswonderland2020
Support refugee women www.wearebreadandroses.com Bread and Roses is an awardwinning social enterprise on a mission to help women from refugee backgrounds flourish and build their lives in the UK through floristry training programmes. Pre-order your beautiful wreath from 1st November, deliveries to London postcodes between the 4th and 6th December. The wreaths will be made available in two sizes: medium £40 and large £65.
Wishing all our dear readers a very happy Christmas season! FamiliesSWLon
November/December 2020 • Families South West 21
22 Families South West • November/December 2020
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What’s On November/December 2020
Christmas Holiday Events
BOOK NOW TICKETS WILL GO FAST!
Matilda the Musical Cambridge Theatre WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk Begins November 2020 Sit back and enjoy Roald Dahl’s beloved book come to life in musical form! The award-winning musical tells the story of an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her destiny! Children under 3 years of age not admitted. Age 6 and up. £20
Stick Man Rose Theatre, KT1 1HL www.rosetheatre.org 10 December – 3 January Stick Man is back to delight fans of all ages for the holidays! What starts out as a morning jog becomes a series of misadventures for Stick Man! Stick around and see if he makes it home to his family for Christmas!
The Magic of Christmas ZSL London Zoo NW1 4RY www.zsl.org 5-24 December The zoo will be full of holiday cheer with Santa in his magical grotto, a fun, festive family trail to explore and the brand new Sensory Sweet Shop! Take a trip through the fantasy sweet shop then grab a treat to go.
Christmas kids tour The Original Tour SW1Y 5BL www.theoriginaltour.com Experience the magic of Christmas in London, all from the warm comfort of a tour bus! The 45 minute tour will take your and your little one past the best sights of London, with Christmas carols, stories and a lot of fun. A must to kick off everyone’s holiday time!
Christmas at Kew Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE www.kew.org 18 November to 3 January Kew Gardens’ famous illuminated trail is back this holiday season! Wander through a canopy of stars, neon-wrapped trees and an amazing light show at the Treetop Walkway. Enjoy street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate! Social distancing measures will be in place. 4pm to 10pm.
The Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills SW19 4 Dec - 3 Jan 2021 Saturdays 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Sundays 1pm & 3pm. Weekdays 12pm & 2pm £12 (£10 conc) Cinderella. A brand new socially distanced musical pantomime. Tickets must be pre-booked online. £1.50 online booking fee
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The Gruffalo and the Snowman Cadogan Hall SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 21 December only Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book The Gruffalo comes alive with a narrator and orchestra. Each character is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. The Snowman boasts a live symphony orchestra with 11-year-old soloist Alice Mackenzie singing Walking in the Air!
Tulleys drive -in Christmas Show Tulleys Farm, RH10 4PE www.tulleysfarm.com November 28 to December 24 During your drive through Tulleys fields enjoy the Father Christmas Story, gingerbread, teddy bears and letters to Santa! The Christmas Diner can also deliver food to your car 30 minutes prior. Tickets must be booked in advance. From £8.95
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November/December 2020 • Families South West 23
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS CHARLES DE GAULLE DE LONDRES Excellence in International Education since 1915
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