Families London SW Issue 235 April 2014

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April 2014

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SouthWest

Easter Special!

Building confidence through performing arts Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing.

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Easter eggs hunts Workshops and activities Days out and lambing plus large BABY feature

Picture credit: Next.co.uk

For more information see advert on page 8

“Families® SW” – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London.

Find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

CALLING ALL PARENTS! Our business is expanding and we need help!

I am a busy Mum supporting and coaching other busy parents to find the ideal work/life balance.

looking We are nts who for pare a decent earn want to ilst working h salary w ere me. Th from ho positions ous ri va e ar to suit available and e your tim ents m commit

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Would an extra ÂŁ500 to ÂŁ700 per month make a difference to the family budget?

Do you need an extra income in order to give your kids more activities and treats?

Is your hard earned money going on childcare fees rather than your children and lifestyle?

Please call Adele on 07447 485 105 For further information.

www.motherbynature.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Contents ®

SouthWest

04-07

Happy Easter

•Local news •Clubs and Classes news •School news

April 2014

10-11

Picture credit: Next.co.uk

News & info

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Easter egg hunts, days out and lambing

04-07

Sports listings R-S Rugby, Rowing, Sailing, Roller skating, Squash and Swimming clubs

All content ©Families 2014 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: May 2014. Deadline: 1st April •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. There are around 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk • MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call us.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Basingstoke, Hants.

• Designed by Shirley Trimmer • We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soyabased, which can be re-cycled.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter FamiliesSW

April 2014

13-15

10-11

•Art and craft •Languages •Music & drama •Sports •All day camps

18-23

BABY FEATURE •What to buy for your baby, the only products you really need •Local baby shops •Precautions around WIFI with babies •Why playtime is vital for babies •What choices do you have in childbirth?

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28-34

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Easter holiday Listings

Wandsworth mediation service

13-15

18-23

What’s on

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News

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Top of the Poppins Poppins Millinery turns heads with their classic millinery elegance, with an added modern twist.

Run by two SW London mum designers, this bespoke millinery combines beautiful design with years of experience to make Poppins unique. Be a designer and create your own style – be as wacky or as modest as you want, and have the professionals build it for you. Choose from fabrics such as silk, feathers, even straw to make your headpiece both striking and stunning. From bridesmaid to mother of the bride, Ascot to lying on a tropical beach, any time…any place…anywhere…Poppins Millinery can solve your hat headache. Prices start from £100. www.poppins-millinery.com

The Claudia hat

Childcare solutions Style for kids Emi&Nell is your new destination for kids clothing and accessories! Founded in SW London by two new mums with a passion for fashion, it aims to bring you an individual style of clothes and accessories, featuring the finest organic fabrics and many handmade products from exclusive designers. We love their gorgeous flower headband, £6.50, and adorable Fairytale Forest cushion, £33. Perfectly chic yet practical delightful! www.emiandnell.co.uk

New Putney market A new monthly market opens this May on Putney Embankment. With a wide range of art and crafts for sale, the market aims to offer original work from the best emerging artistic and established talent. Priority will be given to Wandsworth artists but those from outside the borough can also apply.

If you are interested in applying for a pitch, contact Nicola Grant at ngrant@wandsworth.gov.uk

Imperial Festival Don't miss the chance to explore Imperial's ground breaking research at the third Imperial Festival this May. It’s free and open to all so drop in to chat with over 200 scientists, take part in hands-on science demonstrations, peek behind the scenes of Imperial’s most exciting research facilities, and enjoy music, dance and comedy.

Join the celebration on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May 2014 and discover something different. For all Ages. There will be adult events on the Friday and family focused activities on the Saturday.

Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ www.imperial.ac.uk/festival festival@imperial.ac.uk 020 7594 3375

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In the heart of Southfields lies the new Club Creche, set up by a local mum of three. A whole new concept in childcare, Club Creche offers bespoke sessions to suit your needs, while providing the highest standard of childcare, leaving parents and children alike feeling relaxed and happy. Ideal for freelancers, part time workers and any parent that just needs a few hours of child-free time! Book in advance or just drop in (although spaces are limited), and you only pay for what you need, with no termly fees. Annual registration fee £35, £12.50 per hour, ages newborn to 5 years. melonie@clubcreche.co.uk, 07861 392419.

1c Eisenham Street, Southfields SW18 5NU www.clubcreche.co.uk

Labels4Kids Labels4Kids have expanded the range offered on their new website with the introduction of the snappy school pack. This multi-pack of labels contains snap on tags and vinyl labels giving you the advantage of vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags and snap on snappy tags etched with a name (and a phone number if you wish). Snappy tags have the added benefit of being removable and reusable. Other new lines include personalised luggage straps with security locks and sew-on labels with pre-sealed edges to stop fraying. Sign up online at www.labels4kids.com to get regular updates and offers right to your inbox. You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids facebook page for competitions and more offers. Go to www.labels4kids.com/fam and use “pass” for 10% off.

Lucky Lido Plans have been unveiled for a new £710,000 pavilion at the Tooting Bec Lido. The pavilion, which could open as soon as August 2015, will provide space for workout and exercise classes plus new toilets and a first aid room, helping to ensure the pool’s long-term future. The Lido has recently been named by Time Out magazine as the best place in the capital for 'uninterrupted swimming' and as the 'Best Outdoor Swim in London' in The London Pools Campaign's Golden Goggles Award. Find out more at www.tootingbeclido.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

What if you could follow your dreams?

News Pop up parties For your child’s next birthday party why not try The Pop Up Music Café? New for 2014, The Pop Up Music Café introduces a kids’ party package – they will bring a full karaoke system with professional sound and microphones, decorating and staging, to give your kids a party to remember. Your little birthday star and their guests will be kept entertained and happy, while you relax and video the show! Includes dress-up clothes for your wannabe stars and starlets and music based party games. 07739 079368 www.thepopupmusiccafe.co.uk

Fast forward ten years, are you in the place you really want to be? Or, are you looking back wishing that ten years ago you’d made different decisions?

Professional life coach and local mum of two Suzanne Newman of Red Balloon Mums is passionate about empowering mums to consider an alternative path now, one that may be challenging but comes with rich rewards.

Do you ever say to yourself, ‘I’d love to follow my dreams BUT…’ then push the thought aside as

CLUBS & CLASSES NEWS Water Babies

you get on with the day-to-day? While our children are in their early years, it can be a great time to take stock and consider the ‘what ifs’. Ask yourself what would happen if you took a brave step towards living the life of your dreams?

Suzanne will support and guide you as you tackle the issues in your life head-on and make choices that lead to lasting change and fulfilment. Her coaching programmes are aimed specifically at mums who feel motivated to change direction after having children but don’t know where to start.

For further details about Suzanne’s coaching programmes visit www.redballoonmums.co.uk or suzannenewman@redballooncoaching.co.uk

This spring, SwimWay are extending their operation at their new Wimbledon/Southfields pool, with a second instructor working on Tuesdays and Thursdays and completely new lessons starting on Fridays. In the comfort of a private house, SwimWay will be providing half hour semi-private lessons and private lessons from 2pm until 6pm for children aged 3–8. These small classes ensure a more personal lesson, with more individual attention for each student in the class.

Great idea! Give them a call on 0208 871 3972 or email wimbledon@swimway.co.uk. Victoria Drive, Wimbledon SW19 www.swimway.co.uk

Get them playing Get your little one on the rugby pitch with Rugby Tots, one of the fastest growing and most innovative Rugby play programmes around. These rugby classes for 2-7 year olds help develop your child’s physical, psychological and social attributes as well as gently encouraging rugby skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching and scoring a try. Classes take place across South Kensington, Fulham, Battersea, South Wimbledon, Southfields, Barnes, Putney and Twickenham. 0845 481 6444 www.rugbytots.co.uk

It’s a 10 year Thing!

Congratulations to It’s a Kid’s Thing activity centre who are proud to be celebrating their 10th birthday! They love a party and are throwing three parties in their birthday week (28th April-4th May) as a thank you to their customers. Everyday in their birthday week they will be treating every child who visits with a balloon and a party bag. Ten years of fun, dancing and friends!

They say: “We would love to see visitors whose children are all grown up, pop in to say hello!”

279 Magdalen Road, Earlsfield, SW18 3NZ www.itsakidsthing.co.uk

April 2014

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Time to shine Is your little one a future gymnastics star? After the Olympics the popularity of rhythmic gymnastics, which brings together gymnastics and dance, has soared, with classes popping up all over the place.

Why not take a look at Shine Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, which runs a 10-week course on Wednesdays at the Aspire Centre, Southfields. Classes for 6-8 year olds are at 4.30-5.30pm, for 9 years and up it’s 5.30-6.30pm. They include rhythmic ballet, stretching, conditioning, general body work, apparatus work and choreography. Aspire Centre, Southfields Community College, 337 Merton Road Wandsworth SW18 5JU, 020 8875 2603 www.rhythmicgymnastics.org.uk

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News Waves of Blue Give your child the gift of swimming with Blue Wave Swim School.

Their aim is to build confident and happy swimmers, one stroke at a time, and offer private or group lessons with a maximum of 6 children in a class with a team of experienced and qualified teachers. Now they also offer classes on Fridays at Burntwood School’s swimming pool in Wandsworth.

Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane SW17 0AQ and Wimbledon College, Edge Hill SW19 4NS, 07764 615047 www.bluewaveswim.co.uk

Free maths and English activities Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life, the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On the 15th April Explore will be hosting a Community Open Day. There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5 – 14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place. Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Is your child a tennis star?

Check out All Star Tennis’ new courses this spring. With 6 brand new courts on Wandsworth Common and 28 courts across Wandsworth now is the perfect time to get involved. They have plenty to offer all year round including holiday camps, term time clubs and adult courses, and their award-winning team creates fun and active learning environments where everyone from 3 years upwards can develop their tennis skills and learn to play and compete. Booking is now open for Easter and Summer Holiday Camps at info@allstartennis.co.uk, 020 8871 4706. www.allstartennis.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

News

SCHOOL NEWS The circus comes to town Big Top skills help tots prepare for school, as nursery children at Streatham & Clapham High School enjoyed all the fun of the circus.

3- and 4-year old nursery pupils at SCHS Junior

School took part in a Circus Skills workshop helping to develop physical skills such as coordination, control, manipulation and movement, so vital in supporting personal, social and emotional development in children’s early years.

They learned how to juggle, spin plates and walk the tightrope with circus skills experts Pressplay, and the circus theme continued with dressing up, face painting and setting up a circus shop where they could sell tickets and candy floss. “Nurturing physical skills is so important at this age, as children engage primarily with the world around them through movement and physical sensations,” said Elizabeth Astley, Head of SCHS Junior School. “It was also a great way to get the whole school involved – the older girls from both the Junior and Senior School helped with face painting and our gymnasts performed acrobatics for the nursery children.” www.schs.gdst.net

April 2014

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Mosaic finds a site The new Mosaic Jewish Primary School has received the keys from Wandsworth Council for its new permanent home in Roehampton Lane, SW15.

Subject to planning permission MJPS, which opened in temporary accommodation in September 2013, plans to move to the new purpose built two-form entry school by September 2015. The school, which currently caters for 30 pupils a year in its temporary accommodation, will expand to provide places for up to 420 children from the local area, providing families with a greater choice and helping meet increased demand for school places.

“We are extremely fortunate to have secured such a lovely site for a new London school,” says head teacher Kate Baum. “We have enjoyed a wonderful start in our first year at MJPS and our current and prospective families are eager to see the school grow and develop into its new purpose-built home.” The new site at 170 Roehampton Lane stands within well-landscaped grounds ideal for the development of an innovative and creative outdoor play and learning space, and will incorporate this impressive building as well as developing excellent new facilities. Sounds impressive! www.mjps.org.uk

Food for fuel Food fuels young minds and bodies at Cavendish Lodge Nursery School this spring, as good food and healthy eating is a top priority. They have just finished a complete transformation of their menus and ingredients, introducing only farm-assured meats, sustainable fish, organic milk and fruit and vegetables straight from Covent Garden. As they are situated so close to Streatham Common, Cavendish Lodge’s children will also be making regular visits to grow their own crops as part of the innovative ‘dig-it’ programme at the Rookery Community garden. They’ll be given one of five new learner plots to look after where they will learn about planting and looking after simple vegetables during the year, so they can start good gardening habits young! Cavendish Lodge Nursery School, 52 & 55 Lewin Road, Streatham Common, SW16 6JT. www.cavendishlodgenursery.co.uk

Ground breaks at Bosco Work has officially started on Wandsworth’s new Catholic secondary school and sixth form college at Surrey Lane, Battersea. The building will be the permanent home for St John Bosco College, formed in 2011 through the merger of two existing Catholic schools - John Paul II and Salesian College – and currently located on the former John Paul II site at Princes Way, Southfields. It will move to its new Battersea home once the new building is ready, which is expected to be in 2015. It will include a specialist unit supporting up to 25 pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, plus drama studios and a fully-equipped sports hall.

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Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea 020 8946 Fulham 0845 202 New Malden 020 8540 Putney 0845 265 Tooting 020 8942 Wimbledon 020 8946 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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2986 5727 7791 7050 3502 3400

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

April 2014

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Days out

Easter eggs hunts, great days out and lambing Hopefully the sun will shine and the holidays will be full of fun – here are some ideas to beat the boredom blues. We’ve included places further afield, take the opportunity to visit new places with the lure of an Easter trail!

Easter eggs hunts

Days out, farm visits and lambing Watch the baby lambs

Spring is of course lambing time and farms are throwing open their doors to the public. Visitors can enjoy meeting baby lambs, and maybe even see one being born.

Please note though, pregnant women are advised not to attend.

Odds Farm

The Children’s Trust Tadworth Court, Tadworth KT20 5RU 01737 364303 www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/easterfair Sat 19 Apr 12.00 – 4.00pm Easter Fair Peppa Pig is coming to spend the day at The Children’s Trust. She will be helping the Easter bunny and squirrel on the Easter egg hunt. There is plenty for everyone to do throughout the afternoon including an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, children’s go-karting, a funfair, and a shopping marquee.

On 26-27 April and 3-5 May Amners Farm, near Burghfield will be holding its annual Lambing Days. These offer a real family day out with a host of activities including pet’s corner, falconry, pony rides, archery, straw play barn, miniature railway rides, tractor and trailer rides, craft stalls and lots more. www.amnersfarm.co.uk

Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Fri 18 – Mon 21 Apr 11.00 – 4.00pm Join in an Easter egg-stravaganza, sponsored by Cadbury.

Follow the trail through the park to discover clues before claiming your Cadbury’s chocolate egghead. Activities and games included for all the family. £4.00 per trail

Check also bockettsfarm.co.uk fishersfarmpark.co.uk godstonefarm.co.uk tulleysfarm.com hobbledown.com

Visit Bucklebury Farm Park

Sutton Ecology Centre The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk Mon 14 Apr 10.00 –2.00pm Follow the clues to find the eggs and for lots of Easter fun in this Carshalton nature oasis. £3.00 per child. Drop in any time no need to book (adults must accompany all children).

Whitehall, Cheam 1, Malden Road, Cheam SM3 8QD 020 8643 1236 whitehallmuseum@sutton.gov.uk www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Sat 5 – Sun 12 Apr Search Whitehall from top to bottom as part of a special house trail to claim a prize. Free drop-in activity.

Sat 19 Apr 12.00 – 1.00pm & 3.00 – 4.00pm Follow the trail around Whitehall’s walled garden to find clues and the hidden edible eggs. Just drop-in at the times listed.

There are more Easter egg hunts in our Whatson pages or google our neighbouring Families® magazines or Familiesonline.co.uk

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(weather permitting) and fun in the giant indoor playbarn which has a massive adventure play area and a special toddler area for under 5’s. Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is also a huge outdoor play area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Crazy Golf and plenty of farm animals to meet.

Odds Farm Park High Wycombe, Bucks, www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Amners Farm 29th March to 21st April. See the newborn lambs at Manydown Family Fun, lamb feeding demonstrations, sheep racing, Easter egg woodland trail, chicks and bunnies, animal handling, human rabbit warren, go-karts and so much more.

Basingstoke 01256 220398 www.familydownfamilyfun.co.uk 5-22 Apr Easter Family Fun at Odds Farm.

Follow the Easter Bunny Trail around the farm and get a yummy Treat. Plenty of cute lambs to bottle feed, tractor and trailer rides

Situated in the beautiful West Berkshire countryside, Bucklebury Farm Park offers activities for all the family. Developed from a real working farm, there are animals galore here and over the Easter holidays little visitors can help to bottle feed the lambs, ‘pat a pet’ or visit the cute baby boarlets and piglets. There will also be an Easter Egg hunt running in the woods.

Older members of the family can appreciate the area’s peace and tranquillity on a Wild Walk nature trail and maybe spot one of the wild muntjac deer that roam freely; then take a tractor and trailer ride to see the farm’s own herd of red deer. Children can let off steam enjoying the adventure playgrounds, have a go at den building or test their skills on the go-kart track; and if the weather takes a seasonal turn for the worse, you can always warm up in Woody’s cosy café or visit the indoor playground with its challenging Astro slides and Bertie the double-decker playbus, full of soft play for the under 9s. Reading www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Days out around the four main Chocolate Factory rooms featured in the book.

In the Chocolate Room you can create your own chocolate bar with a chef from the Roald Dahl Chiltern Museum café (small Open Air charge). You can also See also in our come up with your Museum What’s On pages own recipes and There is lots going for more Easter eggs designs for sweets and on at the Chiltern hunts and days out chocolates in the Open Air Museum Inventing Room and go this spring for all the nutty drawing and colouring family to enjoy. Meet in the Nut Room. Finish the day by the lambs (12–13 April) listening to revolting rhymes, and find out all about Victorian storytelling and poems by Dahl in the lambing traditions, before having Television Room. Plus there’ll be a a truly scrumptious day out traditional Easter Egg Hunt on over Easter (18–21 April) with Sunday 20 April. www.kew.org a celebration of all things sweet and sticky – make some traditional Easter Catch a butterfly treats, join in with historic cooking Sensational Butterflies, an interactive and enjoy lots of family friendly exhibition that allows you to wander crafts. There’s lots more to do, too, among hundreds of the beautiful including playing with historic free-flying creatures, returns to the children’s games; dressing up as a Natural History Museum this Victorian; meeting the animals, April. Housed in a specially including the heavy horses Joshua constructed tropical enclosure on and Samuel; and exploring the the Museum’s east lawn, it takes you woodland walk and visiting the bird on a journey through the life cycle of hide. Find out more at the butterfly – spot caterpillar eggs www.coam.org.uk waiting to hatch, get up close to silk£12.50 for adults, £6.50 for children and £33 for a family of 4. Entrance to house is extra. www.blenheimpalace.com

The spectacular gardens at Blenheim discover babies, bugs and buds that are springing to life. The London Wetland Centre SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk

Have some beastly fun at Beale Park There are plenty of new arrivals at Beale Park this year but some of them are very tiny! Check out their ‘Bertie’s Bugs and Beasts’, complete with a tropical waterfall and new species including giant stick insects, hissing cockroaches, red-footed tortoises, a tarantula and lots more little beasties. Other attractions include the Park’s most popular adventure playground, ‘Pirate Island’, dig for treasure and explore challenging walkways, slides, rope nets and a mini climbing wall.

Enjoy the grandeur of Blenheim Palace If you fancy a bit of stately pomp and glamour mixed in with your Easter fun how about heading up the M40 to Blenheim Palace. Birthplace of Winston Churchill, this spectacular palace is a world heritage site and sits among grand formal gardens and more than 2,000 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, home to historical monuments such as The Column of Victory and the Grand Cascade.

The Pleasure Gardens are the place to head for family fun. Here you’ll find a miniature train, lavender garden and tropical butterfly house and children can run off some steam in the giant maze and adventure playground. An Easter Egg Hunt will be running on 18 and 19 April with clues to be solved and prizes to be won; then on 20 and 21 April, Peppa Pig and her family, plus Fireman Sam, will be making appearances throughout the day.

Other family activities will include a bouncy castle, crafts and traditional fairground rides (extra charge).

Entrance to park and gardens cost

An ‘Eggstra Special Easter Trail & Dig’ will be running from 5-22 April (extra 50p) plus lots more holidays activities. 0844 826 1761. Reading www.bealepark.co.uk

Eggciting Easter Activities at the London Wetland Centre.

From 5-21 April meet a family of farmyard ducks, join in duckling games to learn more about these cute characters and come on a walk to see wild ducklings waddling around the reserve. Also, art sessions where you can create ducklingthemed crafts and a New Life Trail to

April 2014

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Have a Wonka inspired day at Kew Gardens One of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be brought to life at Kew Gardens this Easter (5- 21 April) in partnership with the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Get your golden ticket to celebrate 50 years of this famous tale. There’ll be arts and crafts workshops based

like chrysalises and enjoy hundreds of adult butterflies and moths from around the globe taking flight around you. To find out more, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/sensationalbutte rflies It is well worth checking out our neighbouring Families magazines for more Easter eggs hunts, days out and farms: www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on www.familiestvw.co.uk/easterdaysout www.familieschiltern.co.uk/spring

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Sports feature A-Z, Part 5

Sports listings R-S

Please mention you found them in “Families” when you call!

See the first parts (A - R) on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

compiled by Joanna Parry

We've undertaken a huge challenge: we are aiming to list every single sporting activity suitable for children in the SW postcodes! We've started with the letter A for Archery and will move on all the way through to Z. This month we are covering Rugby, Rowing, Sailing, Skating, Squash and Swimming.

A thriving junior squash scene with Friday, Saturday and Sunday clubs. All junior coaching sessions are drop in and cost £4, register and pay at reception on arrival.

020 8947 5806, info@wimbledonclub.co.uk / phillip@wimbledonclub.co.uk www.wimbledonclub.co.uk Grafton Tennis and

Wimbledon Minis and Youth Rugby Football Club

from last month RUGBY continued…

Rugby Tots South Kensington, Fulham, Battersea, South Wimbledon, Southfields, Barnes, Putney, Twickenham Rugby classes for 2-7 year olds.

Develops your child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching and scoring a try.

0845 481 6444, lorna@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk Wimbledon Minis and Youth Rugby Football Club Beverley Meads, Barham Road, Copse Hill, Wimbledon SW20 0ET Minis and Youth teams, Under 6s to Under 18s 020 8946 3156, minis@wmrfc.co.uk, youth@wmrfc.co.uk http://wmrfc.co.uk

ROLLER SKATING Skatefresh Hyde Park London’s longest running skate school, teaching children of all ages and of any ability. They also run specialty skate classes such as Street skating and Dance skating. skatefresh.com

ROWING Barn Elms Boathouse Barn Elms Boathouse, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes SW13 0DG Junior rowing courses from Year 7 upwards. Beginner and recreational rowers welcome. They also run a junior racing team who compete for

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Barn Elms.

020 8788 9472, bebh@wandsworth.gov.uk www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/644 /sports_facilities/383/barn_elms_b oathouse Thames Rowing Club Putney Embankment, SW15 1LB A large and successful rowing club, Thames Juniors runs two Learn-toRow courses every season for ages 13-18. Qualified coaches and a large fleet of designated singles, doubles and quads. More experienced rowers are welcome too.

020 8788 0798, juniors@thamesrc.co.uk / pryan@londonyouthrowing.com www.thamesrc.co.uk

SAILING Westminster Boating Base 136 Grosvenor Road, SW1V 3JY A children's charity teaching young people to sail. Courses run weekends and weekdays, age 10+.

020 7821 7389, alan@westminsterboatingbase.co.uk www.westminsterboatingbase.co.uk

Spencer Squash and Racketball Club Fieldview, Earlsfield SW18 3HF Full programme of club activities for juniors. Beginners welcome.

020 8874 2717, membership@spencerclub.org www.spencerclub.org/squash

SWIMMING CLUBS Baby Fish Stockwell and Wimbledon Classes centred on water confidence and the eventual aim of independent swimming, teaching at your child’s pace using lots of songs, games and activities.

07977 598598 / 020 8677 6275, michelle@babyfishswimming.co.uk www.babyfishswimming.co.uk The Baby Swimming Company Trinity Hydro Centre, 24 Trinity Road SW17 7RE London’s first purpose built Baby

Wimbledon Park Sailing Club Home Park Road, SW19 7HX Offers a range of water sports activities for the whole community.

All activities are run by qualified professional staff. Sailing boats include Drascombe Lugger, Wayfarer, Laser 2000, Optimist and more 020 8947 4894, wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/sport /facilities/wimbledonparkwatersp orts.htm

SQUASH Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club Cranbrook Road, SW19 4HD

next month.

See www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for other sports A-R…

Part 6

Squash Club 70a Thornton Road SW12 0LF Junior Squash sessions for 13-16 years and 8-12 years but can cater for younger players. Monthly junior leagues and matches with other local clubs. £5 per session.

Contact Graeme Hogarth 07890 875696, g.hogarth@ucl.ac.uk www.graftontennisandsquash.co.uk

Swimming Centre, providing the perfect environment for babies and toddlers to learn to swim. The centre provides a friendly

atmosphere with classes of only 5 children, ages 2 months to 5 years.

07921 39 30 45, info@thebabyswimmingcompany.co.uk www.thebabyswimmingcompany. co.uk Battersea Jacs Swimming Club Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place SW17 0NE A thriving swimming club, teaching children 4 years and older, with training sessions for swimmers aged 10-18. Their team takes part in regular competitions against other local clubs and also enter swimmers in county and regional events.

07963 295976, batterseajacs@gmail.com www.bjsc.org.uk Blue Wave Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane SW17 0AQ Wimbledon College, Edge Hill SW19 4NS A progressive Learn-to-Swim programme designed to help children feel confident in and around the water. Group and private lessons for children from 3 years and Parent and Child classes for babies and toddlers. 07764 615047, info@bluewaveswim.co.uk www.bluewaveswim.co.uk Dolphin Swim School Wimbledon College, Edge Hill SW19 4NS Parent and baby classes providing enjoyment of the water through games and play. From 3 months.

020 8640 4488, dolphins_swim@btconnect.com www.dolphinswimschools.co.uk Leander Swimming Club Ernest Bevin College, Beechcroft Road SW17 7OF Balham Leisure Centre, Elmfield Road SW17 8AN Clapham Leisure Centre, 141 Clapham Manor Street SW4 6DB Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place SW17 0NE A Swim Academy as well as Competitive Squads - training children to compete at national level.

Children are expected to swim at least once a week throughout the year and more as they improve, and take part in various galas.

07518 956695, www.leanderswimmingclub.org.uk

Swimming to be continued next month...

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Easter Holiday listings, part 2

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed.

Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Play With Clay Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW 07930 413649, info@play-withclay.com www.play-with-clay.com April dates TBC. Easter Holiday Workshops Fun and creativity with clay, ages 6+, 9.30am-3.30pm, £24 per half day/£48 full day including all materials and firing

Compiled by Joanna Parry

ARTS & CRAFT Active Art

Easter kid's sewing club Sew Pretty have launched their new Easter sewing club, running from 7th-11th April 14. www.sewpretty.me.uk

It’s a Kid’s Thing 279 Magdalen Road, Earlsfield, SW18 3NZ Celebrating 10yrs!!

A great activity centre to go to let off steam during the holidays! Don’t miss their Easter fun mornings on 15th, 16th & 17th, they will be filled with dancing, face painting, biscuit decorating, egg hunts and balloons between 9.30-11.30.

Booking essential. Make sure to use their unique booking system ensuring no overcrowding and reserved tables! www.itsakidsthing.co.uk

Creative Wiz Kids St Luke's Church, Flood Street SW3 5SY 0207 794 6797 www.creativewizkids.com 31 March – 4 April, 7-11 April.

Kids Holiday Clubs Art activities, face painting, cake decorating, dancing, music and much more. 2.30-5.30pm, £35 per day/£150 per week

London Transport Museum Ages 3 – 12 Saturday 12 April – Monday 21 April 11am – 3pm Get involved at London Transport Museum during the Easter Holidays. There are opportunities for children to create their own fantastical bus to take on an exciting journey around the museum and to be part of a bus construction line during storytime. Children and young people aged 17 and under go free.

More information www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Little Hands Design 67 Belsize Lane, NW3 5AU 07739 535684, info@littlehandsdesign.com www.littlehandsdesign.co.uk 7-11 and 14-17 April.

Easter Spring Couture Fashion Weeks Make your own spring couture (age 8-16 years and separate group for 68 yrs), 9-4pm or 9am-12pm/1-4pm.

Week 1 £225 for full days or £120 for half days, week 2 £180 for full days or £96 for half days, inclusive of all materials + £4 lunch option

Artpeggios Music and Art School Academy

SPEAKING LANGUAGES Club Petit Pierrot Across SW London 020 7385 5565, admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Throughout April. Easter Holiday Fun Take a crash course in French while having fun! Learn French with private tuition and enjoy music, games, songs, stories and puppets

Four fabulous skills over 4 days Sign up to ELOCUTE!’s Easter clubs for ages 8-18, 14th to 17th April. Students are given the opportunity to SPEAK, DEBATE, PRESENT and INTERVIEW on a subject that is young, fresh and relevant. ELOCUTE! clubs are designed to encourage students to be creative and “think outside of the box” as well as learn a whole host of communication tips, tricks and techniques. Students leave our clubs with a new-found confidence in their ability to speak in public and a big smile on their face! For more information about the most exciting kids club in town: www.elocuteworkshops.com info@elocuteworkshops.com 020 7381 6622.

MUSIC AND DRAMA Allsorts Drama More House School, 22-24 Pont Street SW1X 0AA 020 8767 5298,

April 2014

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info@allsortsdrama.com www.allsortsdrama.com April dates TBC. Easter Drama Workshops Make new friends and discover new talents. Write a script, use music, props, costumes and your imagination to create, entertain and surprise family and friends in a sensational end-of-course show. Ages 4-6 and 7–12, 9.30am–3.30pm, £60 per day

Artpeggios Music and Art School Academy 198-200 Earl’s Court Road SW5 9QF 020 7244 4570, info@artpeggios.com www.artpeggios.com 7-11, 14-17, 22-25 April and 28 April – 2 May. Easter Holiday Camps Rock band, singing groups, introduction to DJ, art, Manga, percussion course, magic, shooting movies, acting, mastering Garage Band and more. Age 8 and over, 3-hour sessions every morning

Chelsea Quavers Music workshops Venue St Luke's Hall, St Luke's Street, Chelsea SW3 3RP 14th to 17th April, 9.00am to 5.00pm including home-cooked lunch. Bookings www.chelseaquavers.com Inspired, fun, educational music workshops, brilliant, energetic tutors - a musical experience to capture your child's imagination.

Ages 5-10. Contact Claire Meyer 07899 678 655 claire@chelseaquavers.com (They also do great Saturday Music Clubs!)

Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB 020 8292 9222, bookings@chickenshed.org.uk www.chickenshed.org.uk/kc

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Naturescope, The Nature Study Centre, Wandsworth Common SW18 07775 781332, Artimatelondon@gmail.com / amanda@naturescope.co.uk www.naturescope.co.uk 8-11 and 14-17 April.

Easter Holiday Workshop Explore how nature inspires drawing, pattern making and sculptural forms in the environment, and work with large-scale print making, performance and sequence art. 46yrs 9.30-11pm, 7-12yrs 10.30-3pm, full or half days available.

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From p. 13

Easter Holiday listings, part 2

Theatre Tribe

The Little Gym

Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW 020 3239 3149, contactus@theatretribe.co.uk www.theatretribe.co.uk 7-11 April. Hairspray Heaven Sing the songs and dance the dances from the West End smash Hairspray!

‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, ‘Without Love’ and ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ are just a few of the numbers you’ll be staging, leaving everyone smiling from the moment the music begins.

Age 7-15, days 1-4 10am-3.30pm, day 5 12-7pm

Riverside West, Wandsworth SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk www.thelittlegym.co.uk 2-4 April. Easter Holiday Fun The ever-popular camps including gymnastics, games, crafts, snack time and a whole lot of fun. 3-6yrs, times TBC

Upbeat Music The Little Hands design 14-17 April.

Easter Holiday Project A great opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills in drama, music, dance and singing using Chickenshed’s proven teaching methods and unique performance style. Work together to create an original show for family and friends.

6-14 yrs, 10am-4pm each day, £100, 50% discount for siblings.

14-17 April.

Young Theatre Makers A professional development programme offering 14-18 year olds vocational training and practical work experience in an inclusive theatre setting. 10am-4.30pm each day, £100

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes SW London 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 7-11 April.

Music Making Workshops The 'Keyboard Superstars' workshop is a brilliant all-round scheme and taster workshop for 5-8 year olds.

Learn to read, play and write notes C-A while learning keyboard technique and countless music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. A concert on the last day.

10am-12.30pm daily, £120 per person, sibling discount available

Mozo Island Hurlingham School, Putney SW15 07899-811703, mozoisland@gmail.com www.mozoisland.com 7-11 April. Easter Holiday Camp Sing pop songs, jam in a band and escape to a tropical beach club.

Music and art for young beginners, age 5-10

Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW info@putneyartstheatre.org.uk www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk 7-11 April.

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The Wonderful World of Wonka Easter Holiday Projects at Group 64 - Theatre for Young People.

10am-4pm, age 7-11 14-16 April.

The Misadventures of Dr Seuss Easter Holiday Projects at Group 64 - Theatre for Young People.

10-2pm, age 4-7

Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Battersea Honeywell School, Honeywell Road, Battersea SW11 6EF 020 8946 2986, email battersea@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea 14-17 April.

Easter Holiday Musical Theatre Workshop 4 fun-filled days of dance, drama and singing with a presentation on the last day for family and friends, staging "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" based on the much loved Roald Dahl story. Join Stagecoach for a magical adventure as you follow Charlie and all the other well-known characters on their journey through Willy Wonka’s factory. 8-16 years - £130, siblings £110, 4-7 years - £95, siblings £80

Chelsea and Fulham 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 14-16 April.

Exciting Holiday Experience Write your own song and record it onto a CD, then perform it with the band. Sessions cover lyric writing, song structure, harmony and chords, plus give your child the chance to play drums, keyboards, guitars and sing. Unleash your creativity and have fun at the same time! No prior experience needed. Age 5-12, 10am4pm each day

See part 1 of this listing on Familiessouthwest.co.uk

SPORTS Barnes Cricket Club Barnes Sports Club, 261 Lonsdale Road SW13 9QL 020 8748 6220, colts@barnescc.co.uk www.barnescc.co.uk 7-11 April. Easter Cricket Camp Boys and girls of all abilities welcome, 10am-3pm. Skills, games, fun and awards

Theatrebugs Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Clapham and Fulham 0800 975 5290, enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk 7-17 April. Easter Workshop – George and the Friendly Dragon Diggory Dragon has just moved to a new area and wants to make friends with his neighbours, but Princess Rainbow, Buzz the Bee and Rover the Dog are scared of dragons and don’t want to be friends with him. 3 fun filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up. On day 3 you hit the stage! Dates and times vary depending on venue, age 3.5-6 years

Herne Hill Harriers Tooting Bec Athletics Track, Tooting Bec Road SW17 3NP 07721 555688, stevebosley1@aol.com www.hernehillharriers.org 7-17 April.

Startrack Easter Holiday Athletics Age 8-15, 10.30am-2.30pm, £10 per day, £45 per week

Playball Battersea Park Monday 14th of April Oak Lodge School on Nightingale Lane Tuesday 15th of April Wednesday 16th of April Thursday 17th of April gavin@playball-london.com 020 8123 2217 There will be Playball skills and games, water bombs, water slide, a treasure hunt and a whole lot more… Parents may drop children off for the duration of camp, as there will be 7 coaches present…

Spaces are limited. 10am-1pm (Lunch at around 11:30am) for 3-8 year olds

The Spencer Club Fieldview, Earlsfield, SW18 3HF 020 8874 2717, membership@spencerclub.org www.spencerclub.org April dates TBC. Easter Tennis Drop-in tennis camp for ages 5-16, 9.30am-12.30pm, £10 members, £15 non-members, £12 siblings 2-5 and 8-12 April.

Easter Cricket For boys and girls aged 7-11. 5-day course 10am-4pm, £135 members, £165 non-members, 4-day course £110 members, £135 non-members 7-10 and 14-17 April. Easter Hockey Age 8-11 - 9.30am-12.30pm, age 1216 - 1.30-4.30pm 11 April.

Goalkeeping course Age 9-16 10am-3pm, goalkeepers need to provide their own kit

SwimWay

The Little Gym

East Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney, Streatham and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 7-11 and 15-18 April.

Easter Swimming Courses One-week intensive courses to

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Easter Holiday listings, part 2

Make some yummy Easter nests Get the kids cooking, chocolate nests are easy to make and taste delicious. Just melt 200g chocolate (milk, dark or white) over a pan of simmering water. When it’s melted, stir in 100g of All Bran until coated. Then spoon into cupcake cases, leaving a small dent on the top. Add a few mini eggs on top in the dent so it looks like a nest with eggs in it. Leave to set for about an hour – and then enjoy!

SwimWay improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semiprivate basis. 3-9yrs. Call for more information

7-17 April.

Youngstars Holiday Camps Lots of fun, games and the introduction of several sports in a non-competitive environment. 3-7 years, 9am- 12pm (9am – 3pm Clapham), £25 per half day (£40 per full day Clapham)

Telford Park Tennis Club 35a Killieser Avenue, Streatham Hill, SW2 4NX 020 8674 5979 07736 068375, coaching@telfordparktennisclub.co.uk www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk/ holiday-camps 31 March – 4 April, 7-11 April, 14-18 April and 22-23 April.

Hotshots Easter Tennis Camps A series of fun, 5 day coaching sessions for all levels, ages 4-15.

11.30am-4pm Monday-Friday, no membership required. £27 per day/£120 for the week

CAMPS Activ Camps Emanuel School, Battersea Rise SW11 1HS Wimbledon College SW19 4NS Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL 07896 546067, info@activcamps.com www.activcamps.com 7-17 April. Multi-activity Camps Non-stop, fun-filled and actionpacked! Dodgeball, quad biking, inflatables. water slides, indoor rock climbing, swimming, crazy crash mats, foam stick hockey, obstacle courses and more. Age 4-14, from £37 per day, discounts for siblings.

Dates dependant on venue

Youngstars MultiSports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Putney and Parsons Green 07920 426499, info@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk

April 2014

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Decorate your own eggs Painting and decorating eggs can be a fun activity to do together. Either hardboil some eggs or perhaps blow them; this can be a bit messy but it’s quite good fun.

Just get a sharp needle or scalpel and make two holes in either end of the egg, making sure one is bigger than the other; puncture the yoke, then put a straw in the smaller hole, place egg over a bowl and blow until the egg contents have come out; wash and get the shell egg dry. Decorate with paints, glitter or set your children the challenge of finding things outside to use as decoration. You could also hunt for a tree branch to bring inside and hang your decorated eggs on to make an Easter tree.

Plan an Easter show This one can run all holidays long – get the kids to plan a show, complete with egg-related jokes, for a performance at Easter. This is good for getting children to think about words and stories, as well as getting creative – designing a programme or making costumes, you could even take a trip to the charity shop for props.

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

April 2014

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Baby Feature ®

What to buy for your baby

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S E V LO

The only products you really need

By Joanna Parry

Having a baby is a costly business. Websites, baby manuals and personal shoppers list hundreds of products that you just have to have for your baby, from wrap-around slings to air humidifiers.

It’s not unusual for new parents to spend thousands of pounds on baby gear, most of which will be gathering dust in a cupboard or winging its way onto eBay within a matter of months.

But don’t panic - many products you can borrow from friends or buy second-hand. Others you just don’t need. Every mum has their favourite gadget – here are some of the best products that Families mums swear by.

4moms Origami Pushchair

Pushing Top of the list of things you’ll need is a pram.

However, selecting one can be like negotiating a minefield. Does it need to fit in the car, or on the bus? Do you walk a lot? Do you have a toddler, or two? If you live in a top floor flat go with a lightweight fold-up buggy, if you’re tramping across fields every day a three-wheeler might be better.

Prams can cost more than a month’s mortgage, so choose carefully. Bugaboo, iCandy and Stokke are still favourites but depending on what add-ons you choose you could be saying goodbye to over £1000. We love the limited edition Liberty Quest from Maclaren, as well as their Cath Kidston buggy, both of which cost considerably less.

Uppababy Vista ella

The new pram on the block is the Babystyle Oyster, which looks great and is less expensive than its rival travel systems. Another big fave is the Uppababy, recently judged as a ‘Best Buy’

by Which? Magazine and with features including reversible seat, carrycot and compatible car seat.

What has really got us excited is the 4moms Origami Pushchair. It’s not cheap but will fold itself away at the touch of a button. It also has pathway lights and will charge your phone when on the go! The LCD dashboard includes thermometer, speedometer and odometer, so you can keep check of the distances travelled.

Yikes! It may be the future of travel systems, but with this amount of technology, you might decide a reliable Maclaren buggy will be a safer bet.

Bloom fresco white

Feeding Believe it or not, you can spend over £400 on a high chair! Everyone’s favourite is the Stokke Tripp Trapp as it ‘grows’ with your child but it comes with a price tag of over £150. John Lewis’ East Coast highchairs are another top choice, at less than half the price. Or IKEA’s easy-clean Antilop Highchair is a snip at £12. For a futuristic pod try Mamas and Papas’ Loop - it fits neatly under your table, looks like an office chair and costs nearly as much. If you want to buy top end, the bloom fresco chrome boasts designer looks in a myriad of colours, pneumatic height adjustment and the ability to spin 360 degrees.

Another option is to do away with the chair altogether and invest in a Lobster seat from Phil and Teds that screws onto your tabletop. Mountain Buggy do a similar one called Pod Portable.

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Stokke Tripp Trapp

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TIP! TOP

Compare products and read reviews before you buy at www.babyworld.co.uk, www.babycentre.co.uk, www.askbaby.com, www.which.co.uk Buy second hand from www.ebay.co.uk, www.gumtree.co.uk, www.craigslist.co.uk or check out NCT sales.

For new products www.ikea.com, www.mothercare.com, www.kiddicare.com, www.babiesrus.co.uk, www.johnlewis.com, www.mamasandpapas.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Baby Feature

The Lifft sling

K’Tan Sling

Carrying When my firstborn came along the choice of slings was limited to Baby Bjorns and wrap-arounds that nobody could work out how to use. Now, there are ring slings and pouch slings, backpacks and soft-structured carriers. Take advantage of www.slingmeet.co.uk which organises meet-ups across the UK for mums to test-drive different slings.

The Lifft sling consistently comes out on top as it spreads the baby’s weight, reducing back strain.

Baby K’Tan is different from many carriers as it’s a sling-wrap hybrid – too complicated for me but there are plenty of mums who love it! For a ring sling the Joovy Baba is a favourite.

Our must-buy is the Ergobaby. It is comfortable, easy to use and can be worn as a backpack as well as in front. Beware though – baby slings are often voted ‘most useless’ product by parents!

Sleeping Most mums tell us you don’t need to splash out on a moses basket, cot and cot-bed. Your pram is perfect for daytime naps, and at night even a tiny newborn is fine in a cot-bed – block off one end by rolling up blankets. We love the Ryeland Cot-Bed from The Little Green Sheep, and the Stokke Sleepi Convertible Nursery Bed which starts as a crib, becomes a cot, then a junior bed and finally either two chairs or a sofa! Another favourite is the Alex cot-bed from John Lewis, at a tenth of the price.

If you want to share your bed with your baby but are concerned about the risk of smothering, go for the Arms Reach Universal Co-Sleeper Bedside Cot, which always gets 5-star reviews.

Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind from Gro Company

Great local baby shops

April 2014

Pure Baby Ltd 208, Fulham Rd, SW10 9PJ Jo Jo Maman Bebe • 12 Cale St, SW3 3QU • 72 Northcote Road, SW11 6QL • 39 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EY • 30 The Exchange, SW15 1TW Bambino Merino Ltd 213 Putney Bridge Road London SW15 2NY

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Top tips from Families mums that will make life with a newborn a whole lot easier!

• a dimmer switch in the nursery is the single most effective thing I ever invested in. A nightlight will also do the trick • avoid tripping over stairgates and buy a retractable one, such as Lascal Kiddyguard • warm mist humidifier, although it could also go in the Most Useless category. Instead, pour hot water into Tupperware • get a baby seat for the bathtub. They free up your hands, save your back and are cheap as chips • cot mobile • dummy, with a dummy clip so it doesn’t go astray • nursing pillow such as My Breast Friend.

Provides back support and encourages correct position for feeding • we love Pink Lining changing bags. If you want to follow the Sofia Storksak celebs go for the Sofia

by Storksak • Neals Yard Baby Barrier (a pricier version of Sudocrem) lasts forever and is excellent • organic food and toiletries, best for baby, best for the health of the planet • almost everyone we know swears by Lansinoh cream if you are breastfeeding • a baby nasal aspirator so you don’t have to do the sucking out yourself! Try Chicco Physio Nasal Aspiration Kit • Calpol, of course! Use a syringe instead of a spoon. Calgel for sore gums and Infacol to prevent wind. Homeopathy is great for babies - use a qualified practitioner and build a relationship early. Aromatherapy is great for baby massage and burning essential oils aids sleep • Vanish stain remover, and lots of it!

…and those products mums thought were a waste of money!

Invest in some good blackout blinds – our favourite is the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind from Gro Company.

Bump to Baby 61 Balham High Road, SW12 9AW Infant Ltd 343 Upper Richmond Rd West, SW14 8QN Check out your local Fara Kids charity shops, always full of great bargains! www.faracharityshops.org Amaia Kids 14 Cale Street, SW3 3QU

Those little things we can’t do without…

Mayoral 58 Northcote Road, SW11 1PA Peppermint - Designer Kids Ltd 56 Northcote Rd, SW11 1PA Apparu 43 Moreton St, SW1V 2NY Marmalade 250 Battersea Park Road SW11 3BP

• the worst culprit of all has got to be the popup travel cot. Travel cots are bulky and impossible to assemble (most holiday destinations provide them anyway) but popups are so lightweight they become useless the minute your baby can roll over • baby monitors. If you do use one, chose a monitor that doesn’t emit Electro Magnetic Radiation, as most work on WIFI. See recommended ones here: http://bit.ly/1dSZI1P • bottle warmers. They take an age and don’t work very well. I always use a jug of hot water. (Best to avoid microwaving baby’s milk. ) • nappy stackers. Nope, I’d never heard of them either, and disposal bins • bouncy chair, baby swing, playmat, door bouncer and Bumbos. Borrow them!

• baby-weighing scales • newborn-sized feeding bottles. Use normal bottles with a newborn teat • pram sunshades • hooded baby towels • bath thermometer

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Baby Feature

Wi-Fi to be banned for the under 3yrs Did you know that in January 2014 the French Assembly voted in favour of a law to ban WIFI in all institutions for children under the age of 3 years old? The proposed bill aims to limit exposure to electromagnetic waves generated by wireless technologies – mobile phones, tablets, Wi-Fi. The French Assembly has insisted that cell phone manufacturers recommend the use of hand-free kits for every new purchase. Here in the UK the health impact of electromagnetic equipment remains controversial. In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation classified such equipment as “possibly carcinogenic.” So while the jury is still out and while we wait for our Government to catch up, why not take simple precautions at home?

Just in case …

As a precaution it is best to: • switch off your wireless router, invest in an ethernet box or at the very least switch it off when not required like at night

So what can you do to make sure your baby is safe?

• switch off mobile phones or keep them as far from baby as possible

When you are at home you can create a completely safe environment for your baby to grow and develop naturally. By eliminating wireless radiation from your baby’s environment you will be rewarded with a contented baby with better sleep patterns, fewer skin problems such as eczema, and improved cognitive development.

• switch off anything electronic, to avoid winking LED lights which can disrupt the sleep hormone, melatonin;

Physicians working with autistic children have proved that children living in an EMR-free environment 24 hours a day respond faster to treatments than those given the same therapies, but who are not protected from EMR. (Mariea & Carlo, J.Aust Coll Nutr & Env Med Aug 2007)

• A longer version of this article is available on www.familiesonline.co.uk here: http://bit.ly/1hFej6l • See www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation for articles, links to sources of information, for safer alternatives to cordless phones and cordless baby monitors.

• www.powerwatch.org.uk http://wifiinschools.org.uk/resources/Wi-Fi+papers.pdf • Patty Hemingway (RMANM) is a family homeopath with a special interest in electromagnetic radiation sickness. www.pattyhemingway.com or phone 020 8333 0413 • www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2014 and http://mieuxprevenir.blogspot.ch/2014/01/francelaw-on-electromagnetic-waves-in.html?m=1 Families’ offices have no WIFI ...

• Use a wired or safer baby monitor • switch off electric blankets

• pregnant women should not carry their phones next to their bodies, (as recommended in mobile phone instruction booklets!)

• mobile phones should not come to rest anywhere close to the baby’s body, not in the pram, not in your pocket, etc.

• Avoid microwaving baby’ milk • Start a constructive dialogue with your nursery to see how it could become WIFI free if is isn’t. See a few ready written letters on Familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

Real Nappy Week 2014 Save the date for Real Nappy Week! Taking place 28 April - 4 May this year, Real Nappy Week is all about celebrating reusables – for those who are already converted to cloth and those not yet tempted. Get involved in nationwide events, competitions and a whole lot more - there are loads of events where you can meet people who use real nappies, get great advice as well as get your hands on nappies to see how they work. Choosing the right nappy can be an important decision for new parents, and real nappies are now more popular than ever. They can save you upwards of £500 per child (more if you use your nappies on a second child), are better for the environment, save on waste to landfill, are comfortable for your baby and, best of all, are super stylish. Available in a choice of fabrics including cotton, bamboo, microfibre and fleece, and in a choice of styles for different occasions, they also come in a range of patterns, designs and colours. You can even buy bespoke! www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Baby Feature

Playtime is a baby’s foundation for life Tummy time is golden

By Rupert von Eisenhart-Goodwin, Partner, Kiki’s Children’s Clinic

Tummy time encourages your baby to lift their head and push up with their arms. They gain essential head control and upper body strength. Perhaps put a pillow under the chest to start with so the hands are free to grasp and play with toys. Help them to roll over and to use both hands.

Ciara Baxter an occupational therapist at the Kiki’s Children’s Clinic says: “It’s OK to get down on the floor and get messy – enjoy it – there’s lots of natural learning happening in those moments.”

So, lots of new uses now for food, paint and Dad’s shaving foam! Help your baby experience many different textures, tastes, smells, sounds and their own bodies. If they don’t, things that are fun for a baby may/will become disturbing or frightening later. Early experience leads to tolerance and avoids inappropriate responses later.

Goodbye surgically clean kitchen get messy!

Give baby a banana to squeeze to feel the pulp oozing through their fingers.

Let them eat it and wipe it on their face, their hair and you! Help them clean their own face.

Play is vital for babies. Play is how babies explore their world. Babies learn about their own bodies, they learn about social interaction and relationships, cause and effect and “how their world works” through movement and play.

Babies need to develop their senses; sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, movement and body awareness. That’s a huge amount to learn and play is how it’s done.

It is tempting for busy parents to engage the “i-nanny”. The “i-nanny” has advantages; relatively cheap, it doesn’t loose its temper and there are lots of useful apps and games. Beware, however, the “i-nanny” strongly stimulates two senses and does almost nothing for the other five. Babies and children need much more.

Clapping hands can be even more fun with a dollop of shaving foam to be splatted and smeared over a table for your baby to make patterns in.

Later, out of the buggy, swimming and ball games, bare feet on the grass, the carpet, the wooden floor are all important sensory and physical experiences.

Keep it fun. It’s not a test. Enjoy it and your baby will love it. They may not like everything you do but they need those experiences. They’ll learn to sit and focus and laugh. Play is learning, moving and strengthening. That’s development and that’s the goal.

Suspect “something’s not quite right”? Trust your instincts!

Worried your child can’t grasp, sit, roll or use both hands, is floppy or stiff, hates certain sounds, doesn’t smile or is generally behind their peers? Trust your instincts. Act early. Check out your concerns. Get an assessment and get therapy if necessary. Put your mind at rest.

Sarah Barden an occupational therapist at the Kiki’s Children’s Clinic recommends: “Bright noisy toys with strong colour contrast.”

Kiki von Eisenhart-Goodwin says: “Many have been told to “wait and see” but trusted their instincts, got help and were glad they did. Acting early makes a huge difference in the life of a child.”

New-born babies can only focus short distances and see in black and white – so get close, colourful and noisy - not too loud though! With your baby on their back use bright noisy toys and move them so your baby has to move their head and eyes to keep track – fun learning through action.

•The Kiki’s Children’s Clinic based in Clapham has been helping children live their lives fully since 1996. They have a team of highly skilled, experienced paediatric Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and osteopaths. www.kikisclinic.com 124 Thurleigh Road 020 7450 1708.

April 2014

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Baby Feature

What choices do you have in childbirth?

By Joanna Parry

Who decides how you give birth? Midwives? Politicians? You? And how much does it matter where and how it happens?

I have had three children and when I started on my pregnancy journey nine years ago I embraced it wholeheartedly. I read the books, I attended antenatal classes, I wrote a birth plan. I thought I had choices in where and how I gave birth.

Several months later, having never seen the same midwife twice and my birth plan remaining unread at the bottom of my bag, I realised I didn’t really have a choice. A home birth was never offered to me, nor was the option of the natural birthing unit in the hospital. I didn’t have a named midwife overseeing my care so I didn’t build up the trust that is so vital between mother and midwife. I was fortunate – my babies came quickly and my hospital births were fine.

However, many women want something different, and it is not as readily available as it might be.

In a recent survey by Birthrights and Mumsnet only half of women said they had the birth they wanted. These mums weren’t whining about not having candles burning or music playing, they merely wanted the time and space to give birth the way they chose - to bring their baby into the world in a gentle, stress-free environment and have the time to bond properly with their babies.

Whether this is at home or in hospital, they wanted a midwife alongside them they knew and trusted, who has seen them through from the beginning of their pregnancy and has spent time going through their birth plan. They didn’t want to be rushed or pushed into choices they weren’t one hundred percent happy with.

Doula Lucy Pilkington is well aware of this problem. ‘Women need time to birth. As a doula I see women not being given enough time to go into labour naturally or being told they aren’t progressing fast enough. They end up being induced because it is hospital policy,’ she says.

‘Today induction is often “routine” rather than medically necessary.’

For some women there is nothing wrong with a hospital birth but for others having options open to them is vital. Some women want to avoid having a Caesarean section, as evidence mounts that babies delivered this way could have a higher propensity towards obesity, asthma and allergies.

By not passing through the birth canal babies potentially miss out on protective bacteria that could help prevent a host of disorders in childhood and later life, including type 1 diabetes, eczema and celiac disease. The Royal College of Midwives says this research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that natural deliveries are

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healthier for mother and child. And although emergency Caesarean births can be life saving, even planned surgery can be risky for mothers.

We are more likely to develop complications and can spend twice as long in hospital as women having a natural delivery.

Mums keen to give their children the best start in life also sometimes want to avoid epidural pain relief. Although the research in this area is

ambiguous, studies suggest that drugs administered by epidural enter the baby’s bloodstream and although these are not harmful in the long term some babies might become lethargic or struggle to latch on when breastfeeding.

Dr Michel Odent, who introduced the concept of ‘home-like’ birthing rooms in hospitals and birthing pools, and which are now standard in maternity units, is particularly concerned about the use of synthetic oxytocin to induce labour. ‘Too many women give birth now on a synthetic oxytocin drip. It is the most common medical intervention in childbirth,’ he says. But with no long-term studies on its side effects, he adds: ‘We are playing with the oxytocin systems of human beings without knowing what we are doing.’

Choice. What choice?

As the belief grows that how we are born can have a real impact on who we become, and that the way we give birth can have a bearing on our future health and the future health of our babies, isn’t it time women really had the choice about

how they give birth?

As the NHS struggles with a shortage of midwives, many women are turning to home births or independent midwives, doulas or private hospitals to get the birth they want. A home birth can give women the space and time to deliver they way they desire, with a National Childbirth Trust study showing that if you book a home birth you halve your chances of needing to have a Caesarean, ventouse or forceps delivery and are less likely to need an episiotomy. Babies who are born at home are less likely to have infections after birth and are more likely to breastfeed successfully, with some studies saying they are more relaxed and peaceful too. Although some doctors and scientists warn of the dangers of giving birth at home, saying that it offers many risks for little benefit, The Royal College of Midwives counters with evidence that home births are generally as safe for the baby as those in hospital for low-risk women having their second or subsequent baby.

Some women are hiring independent midwives - fully qualified midwives who work outside of the NHS – to oversee their care during pregnancy as well as the birth. Some are choosing a doula, a nonmedical carer who offers emotional and practical support and is experienced in childbirth. But all of these options cost money, and I believe that everyone should be able to have the birth they want (in principle—we all know things can change greatly during labour), not just those who can afford it.

In 2012 the Department of Health issued a mandate saying that it wanted every woman to have a named midwife overseeing their care. I truly hope this will happen for each and every woman in the UK, which will help us towards securing the birth choices we desire. Whether it’s a natural homebirth or a hospital C-section, having a choice of where and how we give birth is better for us and better for the next generation, in the short term and beyond.

Website and links www.birthchoiceuk.com www.m4m.org.uk www.aims.org.uk www.positivebirthmovement.org www.thebirthiwant.org.uk www.birthrights.org.uk www.independentmidwives.org.uk www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk www.facebook.com/chooseyourmidwife

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Baby Feature

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Monday 12 to 1.3 from 0pm with V a trained doula. Dir ictoria Greenly ectly afte mama and r the baby playg roup (10am to 12pm) See www .clubcrec he.co.uk

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What is Natal Hypnotherapy?

Natal Hypnotherapy is a positive, practical approach to birth. It was developed to empower women and enable them to have a better birth experience. It helps women overcome fear and feel calm, confident and more in control. It also teaches men how best support their partners. During the workshops you will learn simple effective techniques you can use to help you cope during labour and birth. Listening to the CDs afterwards reinforces everything you have learnt. Couples who follow this method feel confident, relaxed and prepared for going into labour. Research shows that women who use hypnosis for birth preparation experience less pain, have less intervention and shorter labours. With an increase in demand for these kinds of courses Lucy Pilkington, reflexologist and doula, is now a fully trained Natal Hypnotherapy Practitioner and will be running Natal Hypnotherapy Birth Preparation Workshops in Balham. “I am passionate about helping women have a positive, more manageable birth experience. Natal Hypnotherapy gives them the tools to help them achieve this.”

Contact Lucy at lucy@lucypilkington.co.uk or visit her website www.wellmums.co.uk To find out more about Natal Hypnotherapy and for workshops in your area visit www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk

April 2014

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Est 1976 Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori nurseries (only in SW12) • French, Ballet and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions (term time only) • Summer Clubs Nightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall, 194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ Nightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's Church Hall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NU Contact: info@nightingalemontessori.co.uk Nightingale 1 Montessori 07958 567210 Nightingale 2 Montessori 07930 401769 www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Register early to avoid disappointment.

LIFESTYLE UPGRADE REQUIRED? Need help paying for school fees and holidays? Want to avoid 'rush hour' & childcare costs? Craving more family time and flexible, part-time hours, working from home?

If you have a background in management, marketing, sales or recruitment, and you’re ready to be challenged, we can help you achieve a LIFESTYLE UPGRADE!

Call Sandra’s Team on 0203-126-4924

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da te s Co nt ac tu sf or

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Ofsted Registered We accept Childcare Vouchers

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Wanting to resolve a neighbour dispute?

Hoping to speak to your estranged child again?

Trying to sort out child-care issues with an ex-partner?

…Mediation can make all the difference It is all too common for small frustrations to become big arguments.

Whether you have problems with noisy neighbours or issues with an expartner, mediation could help you find a practical solution to the problems you are facing.

Wandsworth Mediation Service (WMS) is a small charity providing a free community mediation service to neighbours, families and groups in conflict in the borough of Wandsworth. Their team of volunteers help residents to resolve their own disputes by giving them time and space to discuss the issues and find shared solutions. WMS is 10 years old this year and is celebrating a decade of serving the community.

To help explain the difference mediation can make, we outline 3 stories below (names and details have been changed to protect identities):

Ahmed & Ben When we first met Ahmed he was in dispute with his neighbour, Ben, who lived in the flat below with his wife and children. They were locked into conflict, both accusing the other of unnecessary noise nuisance. When trying to resolve things the discussion escalated into a heated argument.

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Through mediation Ahmed and Ben could explain how the noise had affected them and their families. Both left the session having apologised to each other and agreed to chat regularly, and avoid making formal complaints. In contrast to the stress of the past few months both left feeling positive about the future.

Ahmed shared in his feedback form: “It’s a good idea to have the opportunity to be in a supervised environment and be able to air issues you have”.

Nadya & Sharon WMS also offers inter-generational mediation e.g. between parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren.

Nadya hadn’t spoken to her 18 year old daughter, Sharon since she moved out suddenly a couple of months ago. They had been arguing more than normal but when Sharon suddenly moved out it came as a shock. Nadya had tried to contact Sharon a number of times without success.

Both Nadya and Sharon agreed to come together to talk about their differences of opinion. Sharon explained to the mediators her frustrations with her mum not listening and ‘not treating her like an adult’, whilst also acknowledging that she had taken her mum and home for granted. Nadya

expressed her disappointment at what she perceived to be Sharon’s lack of respect towards her and their home but said how much she had missed Sharon and only wanted ‘what’s best for her’.

They managed to agree on practical steps they would take to try to improve their communication; that they would try to stop arguments as they are starting by taking a few minutes to cool off before continuing the conversation and to give each other time to talk and listen. Sharon agreed to answer her mum’s phone calls and they both agreed to meet once a week in a neutral venue, a coffee shop to chat.

Mediation helped Nadya to understand that Sharon was really upset by her style of communication. Sharon was able to reflect on her behaviour and said to Nadya that she appreciated everything she did for her.

•For further information, or to refer a case, please contact on 020 7223 7744 or wms@wandsworthmediation.co.uk If you live outside Wandsworth you can find your local mediation service by going to the London Community Mediation Council’s website: www.lcmc.org.uk Registered Charity 1102464 & Company 4778659 limited by guarantee

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

(ages 8-18)

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Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

Drama See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Adelphi Theatre WC2R 0NS reallyuseful.com/theatres/adelphi-theatre The Bodyguard Another West End adaptation of a big Hollywood blockbuster…

Ambassadors Theatre West Street WC2H 9ND www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Stomp Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than ever before. 3pm and 8pm, £26-£52.50

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street N12 0GA artsdepot.co.uk Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! If you liked Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, you will love this extra special, brand new show. £13, age 3+ 4-9 April Luna Luna is bored up in the sky by herself with nobody to play with. Although she is surrounded by stars, they never quite understand her – it's certainly lonely being the only moon. 11am and 2pm, £7, age 2-5 13 April Pinocchio Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure to find some fun! Now... if only his nose would just stay still. £7, 12pm and 3pm, age 4+ 27 April

The Barbican Theatre Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS barbican.org.uk Lest We Forget Award-winning British choreographers Akram Khan, Rusell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett create works honouring the 100th anniversary of the Great War 2-12 April

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN bac.org.uk Mouth Open, Story Jump Out A story about how a master maker-upper started out as a boy with a talent for telling tales. Polarbear makes things up; stories, jokes, adventures – but where did it all begin?

Age 8-11, from £6 To 26 April

Chicken Shed Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk Tales Big Day Out An enjoyable and entertaining outing for all the family, whether you’re familiar with the Tales world or you’re coming along for the first time. Children take part in an interactive workshop and watch a performance of Tales from the Shed, then everyone comes together for a huge Tales extravaganza in the amphitheatre. Ages 0-7, £8 26 April

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Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Sir John Soane’s Museum

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13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org For holiday activities, children’s workshops and fascinating exhibitions we urge you to take a look at the wonderful Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn. Born in 1753 as the son of a bricklayer, John Soane found fame as a distinguished architect before becoming Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy in 1806. He designed 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields not only as his home but also as a setting for his antiquities and works of art, and before he died he established the house as a museum, ensuring that its interiors were kept exactly as they were at the time of his death.

S! E V O L

In 1833, Sir John Soane’s house and collection were for the benefit of ‘amateurs and students’ in architecture, painting and sculpture, allowing free access for students and the public. Nowadays this includes an extensive education programme as well as exciting holiday activities - enjoy full-day children’s workshops, where you can Dome Room of the museum develop a skill or explore Soane’s treasures with specialist guidance. You can make a scrapbook all about Sir John Soane or even redesign the Phone Box. Fancy constructing your own magical peep-show theatre, complete with characters, furniture and paintings, or be inspired by learning about architecture?

Picture credit: Derry Moore

What’s on

The museum also runs two clubs: Young Architects' Club is for ages 7-10 and New Architects' Club for 1114 years. Both clubs meet on the first Saturday of the month and look at a different architecture-related themes each year. Annual membership fee £100.

A great day out for all!

Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea Theatre, 7 Worlds Ends Place SW10 0DR chickenshed.org.uk Once The World Was Here A dark vision of a totalitarian future, in which love, freedom and thought are oppressed by tyranny and fear. Age 11+, 10am & 11.30am, £8/£5 1-2 April

The Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD colourhousetheatre.co.uk Red Riding Hood Little Red Riding Hood is off to look after her poor old Gran. Lucky for her she has good friends in the wood because Wolf-it-down, the hungriest wolf in the world wants to eat her up. 2pm and 4pm, £8£10 Every Sat, Sun to 13 April Beauty and the Beast Poor Prince David has been turned into a beast by an evil witch. Will Beauty be kind and fall in love with him to break the spell? 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 26 April – 29 June

Shakespeare's Globe 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com Hamlet Globe to Globe

Learning of his father’s death, Prince Hamlet comes home to find his uncle married to his mother and installed on the Danish throne. At night, the ghost of the old king demands that ster Hamlet avenge his ‘foul and most reat Ea e unnatural murder’. Be at the start of G m m progra 2 a theatrical adventure and help them 3 p e e s launch this 2-year worldwide tour which will visit all 205 nations on earth. £5 standing, £15-£38 seats 23 April

Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN Littleangeltheatre.com The Frog and the Princess A poignant re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale. This exquisitely manipulated and humorous puppetry performance explores the meeting of cultures and what happens when a Princess deems a Frog unworthy of being her friend. £10/£8 8-12 April

The London Palladium 8 Argyll Street W1F 7TF reallyuseful.com I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical Irreverent, mischievous and strangely touching, I Can't Sing! is the irrepressible new musical comedy hitting the London Palladium. Go behind the microphones at the biggest show on earth, as I Can't Sing! exposes the (allegedly) true story behind The X Factor. Age 5+

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio

Fulham /Hammersmith border

National Theatre Upper Ground SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk A Taste of Honey Written by Shelagh Delaney when she was only nineteen, A Taste of Honey is one of the great defining and taboo-breaking plays of the 1950s To 5 April A Small Family Business Alan Ayckbourn’s A Small Family Business, a riotous exposure of entrepreneurial greed, returns to the National where it premiered in 1987 Previews from 1 April

Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

The New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre The Sooty Show Izzy Wizzy let's get busy! Direct from CITV, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nations favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV partner Richard Cadell, who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! 11am and 2.30pm, £14.90 7 April

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

The Museum of London Docklands

Richmond Theatre TW9 1QJ atgtickets.com/Richmond Private Peaceful Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting

Firmly crowned as a modern day classic, Matthew Bourne’s powerful, provocative and totally original interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. £16.90 - £46.40 29 April to 3 May

The Peacock Theatre Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com English National Ballet and English National Ballet School - My First Ballet: Coppélia The comic family tale of an eccentric toymaker and his mechanical doll in a beautifully adapted version for young audiences. Dr Coppélius, the toymaker, has created the lifelike Coppélia doll, and wishes for nothing more than to bring her to life. £10-£25 8-19 April London Children’s Ballet - Nanny McPhee A stunning ballet adaptation of Emma Thompson’s blockbuster film. Packed with humour, fiendish trickery and budding romance, the story tells of a father with seven unruly children in desperate need of some discipline. The children’s terrible behaviour has driven away every nanny in the village until one day a curious stranger comes into their lives. £14-£55 24-27 April

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com Minotaur A breathtaking musical fantasy based on the novel by Michael Ende, author of The Neverending Story. In a town not so far away, an orphaned girl has a mysterious enemy to fight. Ages 7+, £9-£13.50 4 April-24 May

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com A Child’s Garden of Verse A visual anthology of poems both old and modern.

Age 3+, 11am and 3pm, £10/£8.50 To 18 May

April 2014

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the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon. £11.90-£26.90 3-5 April

The Rose Theatre 24-26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL rosetheatrekingston.org Hetty Feather Adapted from Jacqueline Wilson novel by Emma Reeves. Directed by Sally Cookson 5–20 April

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Little Angel Theatre: Sleeping Beauty in the Wood A long time ago, one disgruntled fairy cast a spell that sent the whole world into a spin. 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. 11am, 1.30pm, £11.20-£13.24 14-15 April

The Royal Opera House Covent Garden WC2E 9DD roh.org.uk The Sleeping Beauty Journey to an enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magic spells in Petipa’s classic ballet. £5-£95 To 9 April

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com Family Weekend - ballet LORENT - Rapunzel Sadler’s Wells’ annual two-day festival where the fun

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There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk NEW!

from p.29

What’s on continues before and after the performance. With an array of exciting games and activities happening all over the building, this is an event that offers entertainment for all the family. 2.30pm, £15 18-19 April Family Weekend - gobbledegook - Deep In The Woods With an array of exciting games and activities happening all over the building, this is an event that offers entertainment for all the family. 2.30pm, £15 18-19 April National Youth Dance Company The Rashomon Effect / Vertical Road Following their sold out debut performance and national tour, National Youth Dance Company returns with a brand new double bill by Guest Artistic Director Akram Khan. 7.30pm, £10 16 April

The British Museum

Museums & Galleries See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine Street WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes.

The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com The Velveteen Rabbit There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid.

He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be, and for at least two hours the Boy loved him. Age 4+ To 19 April At The End of Everything Else When her best friend goes missing, Icka puts her inventive mind to the test and sets off on a mission over land and sea to save him. But nothing can prepare her for what she finds. Age 8+ To 19 April Not Now Bernard Bernard’s got a problem. He’s found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are just too busy to notice. So Bernard tries to befriend the monster... and that doesn’t go quite to plan. For under 5s To 1 May Sensacional Following a successful run in 2013, Sensacional is back to charm the very youngest audience members.

Bursting with colour and joy, this interactive and immersive digital experience will captivate both children and enchant parents. 18 months–4 years 26-27 April

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Bank of England Museum

Bank of England Museum Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Bank of England Museum Easter Event – EGGonomics Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the Museum. Create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10am-4.30pm 7-17 April FREE

British Library NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/whatson/events All About Alice You are personally invited to a curious celebration of the nonsense world of Alice. Hunt the White Rabbit, create a curious upside-down, inside-out wonderland, play strange, silly or sensible games and so much more. But remember Rule forty-two: "All persons more than a mile high to leave." 11am-1pm 8-9 April FREE

Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org Sutton Hoo and Europe AD 300–1100 A new display of the British Museum’s unparalleled early medieval collections which include the famous Sutton Hoo treasure.

Vikings A major exhibition on the Vikings, developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Denmark and the Berlin State Museum.

To 22 June Easter Activity - Vikings: Raiders, Traders and Sailors Come to the museum for a whole week of activities dedicated to the world of Viking seafarers. Listen to Norse stories, contribute to an artwork, join a family gallery talk or meet some dogs similar to those owned by the Vikings. Free, drop in 7-11 April FREE Website Design Join experts from Moving Brands and discover the basics of HTML and CSS to build and style your own website. 13-18 years 11.00–16.30 27 April Easter Digital Workshops Includes Green screen time machine, Shadow puppet workshop, Create a Viking comic, Museum reporter and more. Free, booking is advised, times vary Saturdays and Sundays 5-26 April FREE

The Design Museum 28 Shad Thames SE1 2YD designmuseum.org London In the Making Capturing over twenty objects mid-manufacture, putting the aesthetic of the unfinished centre stage. £12.40/£9.30, 6-16 yrs £5.60 To 4 May

The Florence Nightingale Museum 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Edith Cavell: Nurse and Patriot Edith Cavell, heroine of the First World War, had been working as a Matron in a private hospital in Belgium when war broke out. She stayed to nurse the wounded when Brussels was occupied by the German army, and became part of a secret organisation which helped British and Belgian soldiers trying to escape. 3.30pm 28 April

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

What’s on

The Foundling Museum

The Museum Of London

The National Portrait Gallery

40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Music Badges Make your own Handel-inspired 3D badge from a range of craft and sheet music as part of the exhibition By George! Drop in, admission to the museum and the workshop is free, 10.30-13.00 and 14.00-16.30 19 April FREE The Foundling Celebrity Friends Make a character hand puppet inspired by the famous people of the Foundling Hospital – Coram, Handel, Hogarth and Hetty Feather. Drop in, free 10.30-13.00 and 14.00-16.30 9 April FREE

London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk The Cheapside Hoard: London's Lost Jewels A major exhibition investigating the secrets of the Cheapside Hoard. This priceless treasure of late 16th and early 17th century jewels and gemstones – displayed in its entirety for the first time in over a century – was discovered in 1912, buried in a cellar on Cheapside in the City of London. £8/£10 Archaeological Detectives: Shakespeare Get behind the scenes with tours of the world's largest archaeological archive. Discover Shakespearian treasures and become an archaeologist with hands-on activities! £3 per child, 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-3.30pm 8 April Easter Holiday Activities Includes The Model Millionaire, Fantastic picture books!, A London guide through the ages, Characters of London and more. 5-11 years 5-21 April FREE

St Martin WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Young People’s Sunday Session - Fashion Illustration: Hollywood Glamour Inspired by the vintage film star glamour of Starring Vivien Leigh: A Centenary Celebration, develop your own portfolio of fashion illustrations with illustrator Alexa Galea and artist Sadie Lee. Free, ages 14–21. 1-4pm 6 April FREE Easter Activities: Family Album A week of activities exploring family portraits including photo shoots, animation workshops and much more.

Ages 3+, 11.30am-4pm 14-18 April FREE Family Art Workshop Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity. Free, ticket required, age 5+. 11.30-1pm, 2.30-4pm 19 April FREE

The Museum of London Docklands

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Nelson, Navy, Nation A major new permanent gallery looks at how the Royal Navy shaped individual lives and the course of British history over the tumultuous 18th century FREE Guiding Lights: 500 Years of Trinity House and Safety at Sea Five hundred years ago, a fraternity of London mariners was given a charter by Henry VIII and became the Corporation of Trinity House, with instructions to improve the safety of navigation on the Thames.

From 1 April FREE Discover Sundays Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. 11.30am and 2pm Every Sunday in April FREE Explore Saturdays Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Every Saturday in April FREE

The Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Easter Holiday Activities Celebrate the reopening of the gardens for spring. Create seasonal masks, make mini gardens and take part in a garden treasure hunt. Explore springtime in homes and gardens through stories, songs and craft activities. 10.30am–12.30pm and 2–4pm 8-11 April FREE

Grant Museum of Zoology UCL, University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on Easter Egg - Laying Animals Workshop for Kids From penguins to platypuses, sharks to snails and bullfrogs to butterflies, these fantastic specimen-based activities will investigate the best shells and spawn. Drop-in, free, no need to book, 1-4.30pm 8-16 April FREE

Horniman Museum 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Extremes Calling all explorers! Come on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness in this new family friendly exhibition Horniman Easter Fair Find goodies in a special arts and crafts market, follow an Easter trail and enjoy some food and drink.

10.30am-4.30pm 19-20 April FREE

West India Quay, Canary Wharf E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk Easter Holiday Activities Includes Storybook challenge, Mrs Beeton’s Book, Pop-up project, Giant stories and more. 5-11 years 7-19 April FREE

The National Army Museum Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk Kid's Zone A children’s play area exploring aspects of army life from camping to clothing, with a dedicated soft play space for babies, art and crafts and dressing-up costumes.

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm, free, age 5-11 Every Sunday in April FREE

National Maritime Museum

The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £9/£4.50

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

‘The unique needs of the children are promoted exceptionally well and staff are committed to meeting children’s learning and welfare needs' (Ofsted Outstanding – December 2011)

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011).

Please come and see us in action and capture the excitement of learning at Oaktree Nursery School

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!

Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk

Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking and drama and all aspects of the Early Curriculum.

Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

Contact: Annabel Dixon Phone: 020 8870 8441 email: dixonannab@aol.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

April 2014

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What’s on Specimen Preparation Area in Action See the scientists in action in Cocoon’s Specimen Preparation Area, where they are busy working on the collections of algae and helping to bring the tiny world of phytoplankton organisms to life. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm 17-21 April FREE Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home.

7–11 years, 7pm, ends 9.50am the following day, £52 4 April Hands-on Nature: Dinosaurs Step back in time and discover more about dinosaurs by handling real fossils and inspecting a variety of prehistoric specimens. Work out which ones were once dinosaurs and find out how scientists classify animals by studying fossils. Free, ages 5–12, 2-5pm 5 April FREE

Sir John Soane's Museum 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields WC2A 3BP www.soane.org Easter Holiday Workshops Includes Plaster Cast your Marks, Animal Architects and more. 10.30am-3pm, £25 8-17 April Family Drop-in Workshop Get to grips with some Piranesi inspired 3D modelling. Free, 11am–3pm 5 April FREE

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Create Your Own Picture Book David Lucas, creator of much-loved picture books, shows you how he draws characters, and develops story ideas. Turn your story into a book of your own. £5, age 5-2, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.30pm, £5 7-18 April Easter Egg-tivities Enjoy bunny-themed stories, games and art. Solve clues to find out where the Easter Bunny has hidden his eggs to claim a mini-egg. Drop in, all ages 10.30am-4pm 19-21 April FREE St George's Day A day of English merriment in celebration of St George’s Day. Enjoy live music and dance, storytelling, traditional games and arts & crafts. Dropin, all ages 11.30am-4pm 26 April FREE Word Explosion Are you a poet, but don't know it? Do you like to sketch, doodle and draw? Enjoy family activities that explore the written and spoken word. Drop in, all ages 10.30am-4pm 5-18 April FREE Daydreams and Diaries Author Jacqueline Wilson and illustrator Nick Sharratt will be here for a special book signing to celebrate the opening of their new exhibition. 11am-12pm 5 April FREE

The Wallace Collection Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN wallacecollection.org The Little Draw Free, drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities. 1.30pm-4.30pm 6 April FREE Dress up and Draw Join them for a day of drawing the clothed human form. Dress up and pose, as well as draw others in costume. 9–12 years, 10.30am–3.30pm, £12 14 April FREE

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The Twelve Labours of Heracles!

Meet their Ancient Greek Storyteller who has taken inspiration from some of the objects and paintings in the Collection to bring you the story of ‘The Twelve Tasks of Heracles’. Free, age 5+, 11.30am–1pm 16 April FREE

Wandsworth Museum 38 West Hill SW18 1RX www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Family Fun: Ice Age Wandsworth Learn about woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos and how ancient man created art to depict them.

Make your own brrrrilliant Ice Age artworks to take home! Age 3+, £4 per child. 2-4pm, £4 8 April Family Fun: Lotions and Potions Discover the fascinating history behind herbal remedies from the Tudor times to today, and make your own to take away. Make Tudor nosegays, Victorian potions and sample delicious minty lime fizz. Age 3+, £3, 2-4pm, £3 9 April

Days Out See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Battersea Park Children Zoo Battersea Park SW11 4NJ www.batterseapark.org Easter Egg Hunt How many lucky zoo animals have got colourful Easter eggs this year? Pick up a quiz sheet upon entry & use the clues to help you find them. Usual entrance fees apply, plus £1 5-21 April Rio 2 - Parrot Day Rio 2 character fun plus lots of Rio 2 goodies to be won. Drop in 11am and 1.30pm.

Usual entrance fees apply 8 April Easter Themed Craft Days With the help of the zoo’s Artist in Residence turn Rabbit drawings into beautiful Easter cards or make a Rabbit print to give as a special Easter gift. Drop in 11am and 1.30pm. Usual entrance fees apply 10-17 April Rabbit Day Rabbit Story time, Meet a rabbit and Rabbit Badgemaking. Drop in 11am and 1.30pm. Usual entrance fees apply 22 April Hedgehog Day The PTES (People’s Trust for Endangered Species) are coming to the zoo with this fun filled event. Join in Hedgehog Story time and meet a real hedgehog!

Drop in 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Usual entrance fees apply 24 April

The Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Mandrakes, Minibeasts, Medicines and Microscopes A combination of their Creepy Crawling and Garden Safari workshops. Age 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm, entrance fees apply 8 April Lotions & Potions - An Introduction To Herbal

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Medicine Find out about history of medicine and the amazing power of plants. Make some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags as well as your own mini medicinal garden. Ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm, entrance fees apply 9 April Chocolate Tuesday Look into the history and science of chocolate with craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away.

Ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm, entrance fees apply 15 April Garden Safari and Microscopic Marvels Discover creatures and poisonous and insect-eating plants. Explore the hidden secrets of the Garden including the jungle room and the creatures living in the pond. 10.30am and 1pm, ages 5+, admission fees apply 16 April Garden Photography Bring your camera along to capture the Garden in striking and unusual ways. 10.30am-2.30pm. ages 8+, admission fees apply 25 April

Churchill War Rooms Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A 2AQ iwm.org.uk Churchill and the ‘Boffins’ of the First World War Writer, historian and television producer, Taylor Downing, considers the role of some of the scientists who worked behind the scenes during the First World War. 7pm–9 pm, £17.50/£14 29 April

Hampton Court Palace East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU hrp.org.uk The Royal Chocolate Kitchen For many years the Royal Chocolate Kitchen had been considered lost, however was recently found (miraculously with many of the original fittings preserved) and restored to its former glory.

Tudor Cookery The Historic cooks are toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty as well as the plainer, yet still lavish, food for the court. 5-6 April Arrival of King George l Join the Georgian Court at Hampton Court Palace as they excitedly await the arrival of German King, George l. Rumours about the new King are flying around the Court, what happened to his wife, will he stop the rioting around the country, and can he really not speak English?

18-21 April

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on HMS Belfast

Morden Hall Park

The Queen's Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast Sailor Tales Join storytellers as they spin a dit about life on board HMS Belfast and its role during the D-Day campaign from the perspective of the ship’s cat, Frankenstein.

Drop-in interactive storytelling. 11am and 2pm, admission fees apply 12-21 April

Morden Hall Road SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Quacky Races Challenge your friends and family to a rubber duck race down the River Wandle! Includes fun craft activities, £1.50 per duck, 11am-3pm 17 April Survival Skills Test your survival skills with their ranger and learn how to build dens, cook on a campfire and track wild animals. £4, 11am-3pm 8 April Welly Weekend A weekend inspired by wellies, from exploring the park for wildlife to planting your own seeds. Free, 11am-3pm 5-6 April FREE Cadbury Easter Trails Follow a trail through the park in search of clues before collecting a Cadbury chocolate Easter egg!

Includes games & activities for all the family. £4, 11am-4pm 18-21 April

Holland Park Ecology Centre Holland Park W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology Woodland Explorers A chance for children aged 5-10 to explore the Wildlife Area. Activities include conservation tasks, environmental art and craft, nature exploration and games. 10.30am-12.30pm. Pre-booking necessary on 020 7938 8186, £4.20 (RBKC residents) or £5.40 (non-residents) 12 April Easter Holiday Workshops for Children Environmentally themed workshops for children aged 5-10. 10am and 2pm, £5.40 per 2hr session or £9.50 per 4hr session (non-residents) 14-25 April

Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Easter Egg Hunt Discover a trail through the gardens that will prepare you to meet the Georgian royal court inside the palace and uncover a secret codeword. A chocolate prize for every codebreaker!

Ages 7 -11, admission fees apply 18-21 April

Kew Gardens Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB www.kew.org Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charlie and the Chocolate factory at Kew Gardens. Get your Golden Ticket and join in celebrating 50 WhippleScrumptious years of Charlie and Willy Wonka. £16/£14, children free From 5 April

April 2014

Out of town See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Bodiam Castle Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle Easter Outlaw Trails Fun activities including archery and outlaw training, plus a Cadbury Easter egg trail with chocolate Egghead prizes. Admission fees apply 5-21 April

The Royal Observatory

Brooklands Museum

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Meet The Neighbours Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, £6.50/£4.50 Mondays and Wednesdays during term time only

Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com Easter Holiday Family Activities Car rides 11am-1pm and 2-4pm (subject to weather). Take a trip in a vintage-style car and look out for Bertie the Brooklands Bear, who will be making guest appearances. Trails for children up to 12 years plus workshops throughout the holiday.

Admission fees apply 7-17 April London Bus Museum 41st Spring Gathering The South East’s biggest, longest-running and bestloved bus show is back and will be a fabulous day out for families and transport enthusiasts alike. 10am5pm, £13/£7 13 April

The Tower Of London Tower Hill EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Life in the Medieval Palace Step into a world of gallant knights and beautiful damsels, brutal lords and sturdy peasants. As King Edward I extends his fortifications and royal lodgings, there are skills to learn and friends to be made Colonel Blood and the Great Crown Jewels Robbery The dastardly Colonel Blood and his gang of ne’er do wells are about to try and pull off the greatest heist of all time – stealing the Crown Jewels from the heart of the greatest fortress in the realm!

18-21 April

The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Easter Activities Meet a family of farmyard ducks, join in

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the duckling games to learn more about these cute characters and come on a walk to see wild ducklings waddling around the reserve. Admission fees apply 5-21 April

Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL leeds-castle.com Knight’s Glamping Escape to the countryside for a glamorous camping holiday with a difference. Eight splendid striped pavilions based on a Medieval design, form a 'village' on the one-acre castle vineyard. The tents sleep a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. 2 night minimum stay at the weekend, individual nights can be booked Sunday to Thursday. From £185 From 29 March Easter Quest Family activities for children of all ages. A family nature trail through the Woodland Walk, with clues to collect in reward for a small prize. Admission fees apply 5-21 April

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What’s on Easter Fun Just Puppets will perform a slapstick children’s production for ages 4-10. Follow Mrs Mouse as she visits the magic cake shop to buy a birthday cake for her hundreds of baby mice. Have a go at hobby horse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training at ‘Knight School’. Admission fees apply 18-21 April

National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk Easter Egg-stravaganza Easter themed activities. Egg-citing fun for all the family!

From 5 April

Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Wild Easter Camp Have a wild adventure with bushwhacking, bivouac building and mud sculptures. Age 8-13, £35 a day or £115 for 4 days, 9am-4.30pm 14-17 April

Diary dates and events See more events in our online What’s On calendar

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworth www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com Monday Munchkins. Every Monday in April, 10am-12pm at Elim Church, High Path, South Wimbledon Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday in April, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio) Bumps and Babes. Every Friday in April, 10.30am–12pm, Wimbledon Park Pavilion Post-natal meet up. Every Friday in April, 1.30–3.30pm at Mood Food Café, 131 Penwith Rd, Earlsfield, SW18 4PZ

Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday of April. Family Sundays Enjoy being creative together in these drop-in Artplay sessions, making everything from bunting to block prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm, no booking necessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or £3 per child

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk NEW!

special family workshop to celebrate May Day! 24pm, £3 per child

Royal Opera House WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Every Sunday in April. Family Sundays A new regular event for families to come and explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, Jette Parker Young Artists and Musicians, plus interactive singing and dance activities. 12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children.

Some tickets available on the day

French Coffee Morning Contact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore or 020 7924 4649 / 07889 967003 Every Wednesday morning in April Get together ‘between the Commons’ for coffee and to speak French for an hour. Lively discussions on a topic (articles are distributed in advance) and a great opportunity to practise your French

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Wimbledon Common Nature Club Wimbledon Common 6 April. Signs of Spring/Spring Watch Meet at the Information Centre, 10 am to 12 noon, 6-14 year olds, £1 registration and £2 per session. Contact Auriel Glanville, Club Leader, for a registration form on 020 8540 6154

London Mothers Club

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com 2 and 16 April. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a welldeserved cup of coffee 2 and 16 April. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

Broadway Bar and Grill, 474-476 Fulham Road SW6 1BY www.londonmothersclub.com 6 April London Mothers Clubs teams up with LatteMama (www.lattamama.co.uk) and DJ Lisa Loud to bring you an afternoon of shopping, street food and entertainment. With mums selling nearly new high-end attire, kids’ clothes and products stalls, street food stalls, a packed schedule of children’s entertainment including graffiti, music, face painting and much more. 12-5pm, family ticket £15 in advance, £20 on the door.

Little Folk with Albo Concerts

First Aid for Life Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 3 and 30 April. The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65

Bach to Baby Concert www.bachtobaby.com The critically acclaimed classical concert series specifically designed for babies and carers to enjoy together. Treat yourself and introduce your wee ones to live classical music during the crucial years.

Be amazed at how your child will appreciate the likes of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms!

4 and 23 April at Holy Trinity Church, 234 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB •22 April at St John’s Fulham, North End Road SW6 1PB •11 April at St Luke’s Church, 194 Ramsden Road SW12 8RQ •10 April at St. Gabriel's Church, Warwick Square, SW1V 2AD

Fulham Palace

5 May. Royal Costumes Special Bank Holiday Drop-in Session. Be inspired by the Gallery’s collection of royal pictures and create royal costumes, dazzling crowns, jewelled staffs and glittery jewels in this

planted seeds to take home and watch grow. 2pm3.30pm, £2 per child, no booking necessary, 5-12 years 20-21 April. Easter Trail Search around the museum and garden for clues that will lead you to a chocolate prize! 1pm-3.30pm, £2 per child, no booking necessary, 5-12 years 23 April. Creepy Crawlies Hunt Join Fulham Palace for a creepy crawly hunt in the garden and see how many minibeasts you can find. 2pm-3.30pm, £2 per child, no booking necessary, 5-12 years

SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 5 April. Bee Skep-Making Workshop Learn how to make a bee skep in this practical workshop with Martin Buckle, basket and skep maker, 9.30am-5pm, £40, booking essential 13, 15 and 27 April. Historical Tour Learn the secrets of Fulham Palace on this Historical Tour through the grounds and public rooms of the Palace. £5, no booking necessary, 2pm 16 April. Seed Planting Create your own plastic bottle greenhouse with

Colour House Theatre SW19 2RD www.littlefolkwithalbo.com 12 April. Concerts for children with folk songs, traditional children’s songs, American camp songs and sing-alongs. 10.30am, £4, 020 8542 5511

Cabbages and Frocks Market St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street W1U 5BA www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk 26 April. Dog Day Afternoon Back by public demand Cabbages and Frocks lifestyle market in Marylebone village is putting on

another Dog Day Afternoon. Masses of stalls to choose accessories for your pet and lots of likeminded two- and four-legged friends to talk to.

11am-5pm, free admission

Mum2Mum Market Sale Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 17 May. Buy top quality baby and children's clothes, toys, books and equipment at this awardwinning pop up market, or sell and keep 100% of the takings. 2-4pm, £2

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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April 2014

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk