Families London South West June 2011

June 2011

Issue No. 207 ISSN 1354-9553 Est. 1990

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SouthWest FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

GIANT Parties feature

The French Nursery school Bilingual education in SW7 and SW1 • 2-5 years French • Spanish See our advert on page 8 For more information please call on 0207 259 2151 or email: marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

Picture credit: Party Company – Notorious Kids – www.notoriousproductions.co.uk Photographer – Chris Brown

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Families SW London

Families SW – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London

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June 2011

Contents

Make

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk your home page

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Local news & information

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Wifi? not near our children!

Simply enter your postcode!

Click on Register.

We promise we NEVER give your details to ANY third party.

Once you are logged in, any article you read online will display your LOCAL companies at the bottom (so if you are reading an article on ballet your local dance classes will automatically be listed under the article)...

JUNE 2011

FAMILIES CAMPAIGN Streatham Kart Raceway

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Peeping at postcodes Maggie researches the best things and

Clever or what?

places in SW16 Streatham

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Why can’t we love our bodies?

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Cycletta to inspire more women into cycling

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Competitions and give aways

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Education: encourage creativity

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Neil’s foodie page

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SouthWest Families® South West All content ©Families 2011

www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Personal ads: personalads@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, whats on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Next issue: July/August 2011 Deadline: early June • “Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

• There are over 30 UK local editions with a print run of more than 600,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a big website… familiesonline.co.uk • MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas.

Read initial franchise information on the website or call.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Tadley, Hants 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.

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Families SW London

June 2011

Holiday activities Little Gym

A great restaurant for Father’s day

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Book reviews By new bookshop Under The Greenwood Tree in Clapham

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HOLIDAY Activities Listings (Many more on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk)

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OUR GIANT PARTIES FEATURE

Magic Theo

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Active parties, drama, music,

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

Picture credit: Notorious Kids. See pg 30

Neil’s foodie page

entertainers, venues, leisure centres and party suppliers.

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What’s On Theatres, exhibitions, events, galleries, diary dates and much more

Leeds Castle

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local news

compiled by Joanna Parry

It’s cool to care

Autism Eye

Professional childcare recruitment agency Cool2Care has opened a new office in Richmond to support local families with disabled children. Cool2Care recruits, screens and trains careworkers and places them with families with disabled children or young adults needing support and care. Whilst the parents gain assistance or a short break, the disabled child benefits from friendship and fun through the provision of skilled oneto-one care which can take place either at home or out in the community. “We’re really excited to be working on behalf of families in SW London,” says Lorraine Clements, Regional Head. “We know that there is a limited offering of specialist childcare in the area and so hopefully our flexible, cost effective care will give families the support they need. We will also be providing new work opportunities in the area for anyone keen to work with disabled children or young adults.” For further information please contact Lorraine Clements on 07540 000 250 or lorraine.clements@cool2care.co.uk

Two parents in South-West London have launched a magazine to help the growing number of parents whose children have autism. Gillian Loughran and Mark Hayes, who are not only national awardwinning journalists but who also have a son with autism, have just launched the first issue of Autism Eye magazine. The publication combines news with features on the latest research, educational therapies and health issues. It also contains legal advice from a top barrister. Among the highlights of the first issue is the editor’s damning report on how the NHS has failed children with autism and how that may be about to change. They also look at cutting-edge research into body cells that may one day reveal the cause of the condition, and give practical information on diets and food additives. Yearly subscriptions cost from £20 – find out more at www.autismeye.com

Mums and kids – get fit!

What do you do when your child is too old for the crèche but still requires entertaining while you exercise? Lomax Victoria have created a Hip-Hopping solution… While mums take part in the health and fitness club’s signature Lomax Blast classes, kids aged 5-13 can enjoy street dance classes with choreographer Nathalie Rosenberg. Learning moves to rival troupes Flawless and Diversity, your kids will have fun while getting fit and you can have an uninterrupted workout. Nestled in London’s Victoria, Lomax offers an exciting way to spend a Saturday morning - and with no membership or joining fee they’re well placed to unleash your inner yummy mummy.

Hip Hop Dance classes are £20 per child and Mum’s Blast Class is £15. Call 08715 120 770 or visit www.lomaxpt.com

Way to play!

Local company Kiddikicks is excited to announce new classes for under 12's called Ligasoccer. Ligasoccer is for both boys and girls aged from 5 to 12 years and introduces players to formal football training and minisided match play alongside fun and exciting drills. These drills increase skill levels and, more importantly, are lots of fun. This twopronged approach will keep young players participating in football for longer while they learn how to play the beautiful game. For more information or for your nearest local Ligasoccer class call 020 7937 7965, email coach@ligasoccer.co.uk or go to www.ligasoccer.co.uk

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Nathalie Rosenburg

Have a cuddle Fulham-based mother of 3 Lara Soetekouw has recently founded online store www.bigbluecuddle.com bringing parents a feel-good shopping opportunity. Lara sources original and colourful brands of baby and children's clothes and donates between 15% and 50% of the total price of each purchase to a children's charity. At the check out, customers even get to select the charity which will receive the donation on their behalf. Find unique gifts and one-of-a-kind clothes and have the satisfaction of raising funds for a good cause. In June Big Blue Cuddle have also teamed up with Cupcake club in Parson’s Green (www.cupcakemum.com) to organise a sale of Big Blue Cuddle clothes on Friday June 10th at 12 - 3pm.

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for more ...

A business opportunity for you?

If you are thinking about returning to work or just want to change to a job that fits round your family, take a look at me&I ’s website as they are currently looking for people to join them as self-employed me&i representatives. The Swedish kid’s clothes company has a fantastic new spring/summer collection out. As always, there are funky colours - a lot of green and reds this season – and cool retro prints. Take a look at their website www.meandi.eu to see all the clothes and for information on how you can get your hands on them.’

You can call 07725 030 821 for further information.

June 2011

send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

local news

Kings and queens for a day

Have fun with Blueberry Popular music classes Blueberry Playsongs are opening a new centre in Balham this spring. Now you can join Blueberry on Wednesday mornings at Babyroom nursery, near 205 Balham High Road,

SW17. At Blueberry Playsongs your child can have fun with live music at weekly groups for 6-month olds to 3-year olds across South West London, including Barnes, Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Clapham. Blueberry Playsongs also offer fun-filled, interactive parties for the under-5s. Call 020 8677 6871 or online www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

A French twist on babysitting Do you like the idea of your children learning French whilst being babysat?

If so, next time you head off for a welldeserved night out, check out www.littlefrenchbears.co.uk. Little French Bears is a French babysitting service that specialises in teaching children French. It is not only great fun for your kids, as they learn French through drawing and playing games, but it’s also no more expensive than a standard sitter. Even young children can benefit from this service, while for the older ones the babysitter can help with preparation for school exams.

Well worth a try!

Get sewing South West London’s very first sewing café has just opened in Clapham. This new concept café, Sew Over It, has been founded by sewing goddess Lisa Comfort who, unable to keep up with the rising demand for private sewing lessons, decided to fulfil her vision of launching a home-from-home sewing café. With fun and funky activities for both children and adults and unlimited free cups of Yorkshire tea and cake, Sew Over It offers over 25 sewing and customising classes, from making vintage scarf necklaces to designing baby dungarees, catering for everyone from the young professional looking for a fun new hobby to Mums that need help making a pair of curtains. You can also buy customising kits and beautiful fabrics in store. www.sewoverit.co.uk

June 2011

Sell clothes as your child grows Your children are growing up fast and so are the piles of quality outgrown clothes. Create space in your home and more money in your pocket with exciting new venture Dollies & Dinosaurs. Set up by local mums Nicola Cornwell and Katherine Coltart, Dollies & Dinosaurs enables you to buy good quality clothes at affordable prices whilst also selling outgrown items, often only worn a handful of times, and putting a bit of money back in your pocket! You will receive 45% of any sale proceeds, plus another 10% will be donated to the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity. For details of where to drop off clothes, to arrange for your clothes to be collected or to find out about their pop-up shops go to www.dolliesanddinosaurs.co.uk, email info@dolliesanddinosaurs.co.uk or call Nicola on 07799 844765 or Katherine on 07799 060363.

Travel with your nanny Transform your holiday into a real break with My Travelling Nanny. Choosing a holiday that will be relaxing as well as enjoyable can be a headache for families with young children but with www.mytravellingnanny.co.uk you can find qualified childcarers to help you while on holiday, whether it be evening babysitting, help around the swimming pool or keeping the kids entertained on the journey, avoiding the reliance on hotel childcare, crèches and kids clubs. My Travelling Nanny offers three different Nanny 'types', from student nannies for as little as £270 per week, to highly qualified teacher nannies (including tennis or swim coaches), making it a service affordable on a wide range of family budgets and a suitable alternative to hotel childcare. Get yourself an extra pair of hands and get some breathing space, which is what holidays are all about!

News.... continues p.6

Hornsby House held a royal history day in honour of the royal wedding. The co-educational independent school for 4-11 year-olds in Balham held a wonderful celebration for the royal wedding with a glittering array of crowns, jewels and robes as the children left their school uniform at home and came to school dressed as kings, queens, princes and princesses, while lessons took on a historical theme and a sumptuous Royal Roast lunch was served. The children also designed crowns, painted royal portraits and created family trees and timelines. In ICT, they carried out royal research on the internet and in Music sang the National Anthem and traditional songs with a royal theme. Jon Gray, Headmaster, said, "Our history day was a splendid royal celebration. The children looked fabulous in their royal outfits, the teachers were creative with lessons and our catering team put on a terrific street party at lunchtime. It put us all in the mood for the royal wedding!" www.hornsby-house.co.uk

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local news Origami for the tsunami Pupils at Newton Prep School in South West London are using origami techniques to create a huge flock of paper cranes in order to raise thousands of pounds for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal organised by Save the Children. They originally set a target of 1,000 cranes, symbols of peace and hope for the future, but this was exceeded in record time by one class alone! The school are asking parents and friends to sponsor pupils to make the birds, and over £36,000 has already been donated through their JustGiving site http://www.justgiving.com/NewtonPrepJapanAppeal.

Free pregnancy drop-in sessions A new service for couples expecting a baby has been set up in South West London by three NCT-trained antenatal teachers. Alison Goodbrand, Marjorie Dill and Lotti Kierkegaard are joining forces to offer a new service called BirthLondon, providing women and their partners with information right from the moment they discover they are pregnant. “Most antenatal support is offered after about twelve weeks,” says Alison.

“Women are excited but often a little nervous and want to do all the right things to stay healthy and provide the best start for their baby. They have lots of questions in the early weeks but sometimes find it hard to get the information they need.” BirthLondon will change all that by offering free pregnancy drop-in sessions in Richmond, East Sheen and Barnes. Pregnant women and their partners can find out about looking after themselves, including eating and drinking healthily, choices for birth, local antenatal courses, routine tests and coping with pregnancy discomforts. They will also meet other expectant couples in a friendly, supportive environment. To find out more go to www.birthlondon.co.uk or email Alison Goodbrand at aligoodbrand1@gmail.com

Do you want to reclaim your playroom or study?

Imagine how satisfying it would be to have one of your rooms back? or your wardrobe and storage streamlined? Or you might need help in readying your house to sell? Two South West based mums, Lisa Greaves and Francesca O'Keeffe, have created Personally Sorted, to help you do that. Between them they have lots of local knowledge and contacts and, I am told, love a challenge.

“We are happy to take on any job, we can roll up our sleeves and reorganise a dusty/cluttered cellar. We can transform any room that has been taken over by ‘stuff’ that you don’t quite know what to do with. We will tackle out of control filing. We will take your unwanted items to a charity shop, the tip or even sell it on your behalf on ebay.”

Lisa & Francesca will provide the energy and fresh ideas to transform your home.

Call Francesca O’Keeffe, 07880 500176, or Lisa Greaves on 07803 204661.

A new path Are you looking for high quality childcare in bright and spacious premises? This spring sees the opening of a brand new nursery school on Greyhound Lane near Streatham Common. Pathfield Nursery is a school for children aged one to five and combines the Early Years Syllabus with a Montessori approach, encouraging children to become independent and to learn in a stimulating environment. Located within walking distance of the Common and both Streatham train stations, it is open from 8am till 6pm five days a week, 51 weeks a year. For more information or to arrange a visit call 0208 677 5747 or go to www.pathfieldnursery.co.uk

Want to go from Mummy Tummy to Yummy Mummy?

Yes please, we shout! Celebrity trainer Chris Bates has sorted out the capital’s star’s bums and tums and now he’s coming to a living room near you! If you are desperate to get back into shape post-baby, are fed up with an unused gym membership and are ready to kick start a new healthy body and mind then Chris and his company Bodyvation might be just what you’re looking for. Chris specialises in overall fitness using the latest in hormonal profiling and cardiovascular testing, with a holistic approach to losing weight and keeping it off. And if you can’t leave the kids and go into his studio, Chris can come and train you at a time and place that is convenient for you. “Chris is a breath of fresh air,” says Michele, mum of 3. “He’s a trainer with a difference that inspires you to achieve your goals and maintain them. Since working with him I have found I have lots more energy with the kids.” Check out Chris’ website www.bodyvation.com or call his team on 07795 100086 to work out a tailor-made package to suit your requirements and budget.

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visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for more ...

South London men – we need you!

Local community choir The South London Choir is putting out an urgent request for more men to join up. This non-auditioning, nonreligious choir based in Balham is open to anyone who wants to show up and sing, and they could do with a bit of male support! So, any man who wants to meet new people or fancies a regular stress-busting vocal workout should turn up at rehearsal, where it is promised that just enough fuss will be made of him to make him feel special but not stand out! Led by dynamic musical director MJ Paranzino, the funky South London Choir sings a variety of musical types including classical, gospel, show-tunes and rock. It meets every Tuesday evening 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Ravenstone Primary School, Ravenstone Street, Balham, SW12. Check out www.southlondonchoir.co.uk for further details or contact Di Clater on diana.clater@mac.com or 07837 374 705.

June 2011

local news

Luxury for kids

Go eco in Putney

A new boutique selling luxury brands for children has opened in Wandsworth.

Sienna Loves Kai brings a fresh approach to children’s fashion, offering original and edgy brands such as Mini Rodini, Monkee Genes and Munster Kid, selling clothing and accessories from 0 months to 8 years. The clothes are aimed at parents who are looking for style, innovation and brands different to those currently available on the high street, as well as fashion-forward kids who like to dress with a little more style and edge than most! At Sienna Loves Kai they also understand the importance of quality and comfort, with the majority of brands using the highest quality organic fabrics that are both child friendly and highly durable. All Families readers are offered 20% off in June on all purchases in store and 10% online. Code is SLK1. Sienna Loves Kai, 440 Garratt Street, Wandsworth, SW18 4HN. www.siennaloveskai.com

Global brand Melvita continues its expansion by opening a second UK store in Putney, following on from the successful launch of Melvita in Covent Garden last year. Boasting over 300 products in its top-to-toe beauty range, every Melvita product is dermatologically tested and offers an organic solution to every beauty need. Melvita Putney will also have a communal area in store with books and an events table to enable customers to relax in an ecological haven and fully embrace the Melvita experience. The Melvita range is also available from Wholefood stores and selected John Lewis stores. Melvita, Exchange Shopping Centre, Putney, SW15 1TW. www.melvita.co.uk

“BAN mobile phones and wireless networks in schools,” say the Council of Europe Did you hear the news? A Council of Europe committee examined evidence that electromagnetic radiations have "potentially harmful" effects on humans, and concluded that “immediate action was required to protect children.”

They also said that “mobile phones and computers with wireless internet connections pose a risk to human health and should be banned from schools.”

The committee said it was crucial to avoid repeating the mistakes made when public health officials were slow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, tobacco smoking and lead in petrol.

The report highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephones and baby monitors, which uses similar technology—as reported in our April issue (see online if you’ve missed it). Fears have been raised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices can cause cancers and affect the developing brain. Children (and definitely babies) have much thinner skulls than adults, so are not affected in the same way.

Obviously no one can do any research on real babies, so there is no official levels for babies.

Levels officially quoted as ‘safe’ are those of a male adult! Where is the safety in this for babies?

At Families Head Office we have switched off our WIFI and removed all our cordless phones.

We simply bought wired phones and wired all

June 2011

computers, it took a Saturday afternoon and the price of a few phones: I can report it is business as usual here.

Although, thankfully, most children are not allowed to have their mobiles on at school, the WIFi is full on at school. Luckily, at home, parents can do something to protect their children. We’ve thrown away our home cordless phone and bought a wired one, we do not have babies any more but I would never use a cordless baby monitor. (See recommended baby monitors on our site.)

Powerwatch.org.uk is about to publish a list of 150 pieces of research showing the detrimental effect of WIFI on humans. 150? How many more are required before action is taken?

We’ve gathered in one convenient place (www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation), lots of useful and jargon free articles, clear, easy to read books, good websites and recent media coverage.

SEE www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/Radiation

• Inform yourselves, do a bit of reading. Has your child’s school or nursery got WIFI? If not, it may still come powerfully from next door! Check whether your house or school is situated next to a mast (you can’t always tell as they are often disguised as trees or bill boards, but you can find out where they are on www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk.

• Protect your children at home, don’t wait for things to change quickly. See how to protect your children, now, on our dedicated mini site. Can you switch off your WIFI at night to begin with?

• Take action. It is time to push for a moratorium until all scientists agree: Download a ready written letter to your MP from our website and write to him/her, talk to parents around you, write to your school.

Find other parents to join up with you and see what you can do together. Let’s not be complacent.

Use our Facebook or Twitter to comment and exchange views.

Useful sites: www.wiredchild.org, www.wifiinschools.org.uk www.mobilewise.org *At time of going to press there was coverage of the issue in the Telegraph, Mail, Metro, Radio 4 You and Yours.

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Bilingual education since 1996 The French Nursery School For children from 2 years old to 5 years old.

(Toddler group from 1yr) Morning or afternoon sessions available Full time sessions 9h - 15h

SW7 Queen's Gate SW1 Knightsbridge Group of international nursery schools

The Belgravia Nursery School Bilingual Nursery school French/ English.

For children 2-5 years. (Toddler group from 1yr) Part time session 9h - 12h Full time session 9h - 15h • 15h35-17h

All schools have native language teachers, excellent facilities and lovely outside The Spanish Nursery School playground / garden.

SW7 and SW1 The Spanish out of school club for children For a brochure please call from 2 to 5 years old.

Marie-Laurence Edmonstone Toddler Group from 1 year old 020 7259 21 51 marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM There are now two established Montessori Nursery schools in Fulham bearing the Dawmouse name. The original Dawmouse Brunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EU and Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’s Terrace, SW6 7JS. Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment and have outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating and active environment in which children can have fun and achieve.

The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early Learning Goals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons.

Project work will give the children scope for creative development as well as an increased understanding of their world.

We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact : www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

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June 2011

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Maggie’s treasure trove: SW16 Streatham

Maggie O’Brien continues her search for the best things and places in SW London... this month SW16 Streatham Streatham (meaning - Hamlet on the street) is changing....

Previously only really known to me as a Go-karting or iceskating party venue, it has been an eye opener to find out the exciting plans in store for its future. By talking to people ‘on the ground’ I have discovered there is a real community feel and a sense of optimism that is simply not obvious from its modest and frankly, somewhat run-down, appearance.

In the 1950’s, Streatham had the longest shopping street in South London and it was the site of the UK's first supermarket. In 2002 it was voted the worst high street in the whole of the UK, derided for its choking traffic, including "a junction which defies belief, run-down shop fronts, broken lighting and an ever-growing number of Met yellow signs advertising violent crime"!!

So why do Streatham residents, including Families South West’s editor, like living there? Here is why …

Streatham is all about its residents Streatham has a real mix of residents: a huge range of religious and ethnic backgrounds are living happily next to each other, from afro-caribbean to Eastern European, families who have lived here for generations (and still come back) to the beginning of gentrification with Clapham-ites moving to Streatham to enjoy much larger houses with a proper garden. What an eclectic mix, but what a potent mix!

Streatham Festival Probably one of the most interesting things about looking at Streatham for me was this huge event which this year starts on the 2nd July. There will be lots of creative ideas and activities to celebrate the planet as this year’s theme is The Earth.

Streatham Common SW16

Ice Arena Some prolific skaters including British Ice Figure and Dance Championship medal winners, train at this rink and indeed many shows have been televised here over the years. However, this rink is available to all and for ice hockey too. Children love ice skating and this is always a popular choice. The parties are well organised and they can even provide the cake!

The rink is due to be demolished and rebuilt, check before setting off!

Odeon cinema Until recently there were two cinemas in Streatham. The Odeon, built by Paramount in 1930, has survived two World Wars, numerous floods, vandalism and has a wonderful past collection of both celebrity and live theatre history and it is still going strong. Manager, Sussannah Mortimer, said that the school holidays are particularly popular with teenagers and families; whereas in term time, it’s more students and adults. It is within easy walking distance of the train station and usefully, in the ‘main hub’.

The Streatham Festival has grown in size and importance and this year's event marks its 10th anniversary. The newly appointed Chair of Streatham Festival Chix Chandaria, said, “The festival is an important local event, which showcases the depth and breadth of Streatham’s artistic talents.” Last year saw over 40 events as part of the 9-day programme, from comedy and film to art exhibitions and music and dance. (See: www.streathamfestival.com for further details and how to get involved) Transition Streatham is a network of residents, businesses and community groups who share the same vision for a low energy/carbon future, believing that localism is the key to combating many of our sustainability problems.

Recent events include a pedal powered cinema at the Hideaway (a great new music/comedy venue).

Some facilities not seen elsewhere!

Go Karting at Streatham Kart Raceway. If your children are as keen as mine to have a go at the wheel, this is just the place for them! This indoor Go Karting track has been established for many years. The Bambino Kids parties are an excellent idea for children aged 6-16yrs. The 200 metre circuit is just right and there are ‘Birthday Girl or Boy’ Badges awarded at the end.

With all equipment provided including crash helmets and gloves, this is very handy also being only 5 minutes walk from the station. There are also excellent opportunities for older children, kids karting parties (8-16) as well as fun activities for adults.

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Streatham Kart Raceway

The White Lion pub and hostel is a completely unique live music venue run

by Music4children, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children worldwide. The building was offered to them to use to create funding

Log on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/Peeping to read about the postcodes we have peeped at in previous issues:SW1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 19

June 2011

Peeping at postcodes opportunities and helping local community projects. There are regular table top sales and community meetings in there, a great venue for music lovers with live bands, poetical cabaret, workshops for children, (drama, singing, film, drumming) plus yoga for adults and more.

Further Details: • Streatham Library - 63 Streatham High road, London. SW16 1PL Tel: 020 7926 6768 streathamlibrary@lambeth.gov.uk • The White Lion, 232 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1BB Tel: 020 8677 3341 www.whitelion.moonfruit.com • The Streatham Festival - www.streathamfestival.com • The Odeon Cinema – 47-49 Streatham High Road, London. SW16 1PW Tel: 0871 224 4007 www.odeon.co.uk • Go Karting - Streatham Kart Raceway, 390 Streatham High Road, London.

SW16 6HX Tel: 020 8677 8677 e-mail: karting@playscape.co.uk www.gokarting.co.uk • Streatham Ice Arena – 386 Streatham High Road, London. SW16 6HT Tel: 020 8769 7771 www.streathamicearena.co.uk • Streatham Vale Park – Abercairn Road, London. SW16 5AL • All Information on ‘The Hub’ Plans – see: www.lambeth.gov.uk (Future Streatham)

Streatham Library Streatham Library The library, which opened in 1890, was funded by Henry Tate (from the Tate & Lyle family) benefactor who had worked and lived locally. The clock was added in 1912 as a memorial to King Edward V11, the money raised by the public. It still looks grand today. The staff were very friendly when I visited, and many of the people I spoke to talked about the various events for all, as well as regular groups including: Literary reading, Crime reading; Graphic Novel reading; a Conversation Club and an Over 50’s only meeting time. There is a good Children’s section and a Parent & Toddler group running on Wednesdays 10.30 -12; Storytime on Thursdays 10.30-11.15am; Chatterbooks (reading group for 8-12yrs) on the first Monday of each month from 4-6pm and Teenage Reading group on the second Monday of each month at 5.30pm.

Streatham Hideaway SW16

Parks & Green Spaces Streatham Common Designated as a place for public enjoyment as far back as 1833, the active ‘Friends of Streatham Common’, still try and make this a priority for people today. From organising events from Dog Shows to Shakespearean plays to fun days for children, this Common is no ordinary one, it’s buzzing! The recent ‘Kite Day’ in April attracted over 7000 visitors from Streatham and other areas of London. There is even a six mile run organised on the Common. It is managed by Lambeth Parks and Green spaces, with patrolling rangers and there are dog-free areas. There is a paddling pool, children’s playground and a tennis court.

Streatham best kept secret, The Rookery, is the site of the Streatham Spa where people would drink from the springs for medicinal purposes. It has an ornamental pond, landscaped gardens and a much appreciated café. A real gem. Check out the open air plays in the summer.

Streatham Vale Park, yet another green space with tennis courts, adventure playground and a bowling green as well as another children’s play area. Tooting Common is nearby too.

Exciting Future – ‘The Hub’ Lambeth Council in conjunction with Tesco has big plans for south Streatham, with an agreed regeneration multi-million pound programme.

A new state of-the-art ice rink, swimming pool and leisure centre are all part of the plan to revitalise the south of Streatham, as well as a Market Square. Enhancing what is there already and adding much more. (See Lambeth Council Website for all up to date details on the development plans). The new Megabowl development plan at Streatham Hill will also provide a Theatre and shopping centre and a huge plus; the removal of the central barrier in the main Streatham High Road will enable people to wonder freely and help to slow down the traffic.

June 2011

Additional Ideas and Recommendations: • St Leonard’s Church – Tooting Bec Gardens, London. SW16 1RB Tel: 020 8769 1216 www.stleonard-streatham.org.uk (Services include special ‘Toddler’ Church and older children Groups). 1,000 years old, rebuilt after a fire in 1970s.

• Hideaway – 2 Empire Mews, London. SW16 2BR Tel: 020 8835 7070 (Streatham’s new and already renowned Comedy & Jazz Club).

• Cherry ‘n’ Berry - 85 Streatham Hill, London. SW2 4UB (Ice Cream Parlour and freshly baked cakes, also offers parties for children).

• Fishtale - 9 Leigham Court Road, London. SW16 2ND Tel: 020 8769 2108 www.fishtale.co.uk (Wide variety of fresh fish and seafood).

• Thompson’s Deli - 25 Streatham High Road, London. SW16 1DB (Freshly baked pastries and a wide range of cheeses and cured meats).

• Streatham Artists - www.streathamartists.com (The studio has regular open days to view the work and meet the artists).

• Streatham Village Osteopaths - www.streathamvillageosteopaths.com (Nicola Sturzaker, Osteopath, and mother to Sammy, Olivia and Jake, loves living in Streatham, “It’s a very diverse area, full of wonderful down to earth people”).

• Bodylogic, Chartered Physiotherapist, 68 Streatham Hill, London, SW2 4RD. Tel: 020 8674 3799 www.body-logic.co.uk (acupuncture, reiki, kinesiology, pregnancy, Sports massage and more) Their other branch is in Battersea.

• Yoga classes with Anja Brierley Lange (who writes a great yoga blog on www.familiesouthwest.co.uk) Classes for pregnancy, mums and babies, Vinyasa Flow Yoga open for all levels. www.yogaembodied.com Classes take place at DDL Capoeira School, 136 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BW (where there are pilates classes as well as Capoeira and music classes for children too) Streatham has good 3 train stations (but no tube) and an excellent online informative magazine Streatham Pulse.com

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Why can’t we love our bodies?

By Abi Foss

Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror naked? What do you say to yourself about what you see? Do you judge your body as too fat, too wobbly, too thin, too stretch-marked, too old, too out of proportion?

Do you despair about your dimpled thighs, loathe your jelly belly?

Now, how would you feel if someone looked you up and down, shook their head, tut-tutted and pointed out every supposed bodily ‘flaw’ that they could see? You’d probably tell them (or at least want to tell them) to shove their opinions up a certain part of their anatomy. That kind of talk, quite frankly, is insulting. How sad then, that we cannot delight in our bodies, whatever shape they are, these bodies that have produced our gorgeous (well, most of the time) kids. Why are we women so self-critical?

Mirror anxiety

The one time I truly loved my belly was when I was pregnant; I felt almost regal, gliding around like a stately galleon. However, I have the kind of dry, sensitive skin that stretch-marks no matter how many expensive oils I lavish upon it. “Oh my God, Abi” a close friend of mine remarked when I showed her my new set of bright red marks, “that is reeeally bad.” (More than once, I have threatened to buy her gift vouchers for ‘The School of Tact’ for Christmas.)

These days, I have a post-pregnancy mummy tummy, which I could, I suppose, flatten down with vicious dieting and a punishing exercise regime.

But, you know what? I really cannot be bothered. I mean, who would I be doing it for? To make me more presentable to others, so that they would like me more? To stop myself being self-critical?

That would continue anyway – there will always be something about me, physical or otherwise, that is imperfect.

Perfectly imperfect Because, here’s the thing: perfection does not exist. Never has. Never will. Celebrities who have whole entourages on hand to groom them within an inch of their glamourous lives, still feel as insecure as the rest of us. Our whole Western culture, sadly, lives on a fast-food diet of digitally enhanced images of impossibly thin young women with flawless skin. We worship at the fountain of youth and poke fun at frail ‘old codgers’, studiously ignoring the fact that every single one of us will, at some point, age, wither and die. This strange state of denial is what drives the whole, multi-billion pound cosmetic industry.

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© robert lerich - Fotolia.com

According to an early 2011 study commissioned by the online fashion retailer isme.com, 90 per cent of women over forty are so unhappy with what they see in the mirror, they suffer from what researchers have dubbed ‘mid-life mirror angst syndrome’. I would bet this affects a large proportion of the under forties too. As a fortysomething myself, it pains me to remember how little appreciation I had for my youthful, slender body with my then (perfectly normal), slightly rounded belly.

Holy mother!

Many, many moons ago, aging mothers’ bodies were not just appreciated for their great contribution to the human race, they were considered to be sacred. Think of that! Droopy breasts, sagging bellies and saddle-bag thighs bringing people to their knees in reverence. I’m referring to the pre-Christian pagan traditions of ancestor and mother goddess worship.

Archaeologists have found a whole rash of ‘venus figurines’ across Europe, Russia and Siberia, statuettes of women’s bodies that today are considered old and ugly, dating back from 11,000 to 35,000 BCE, making them some of the oldest items of prehistoric art known to humanity. What our school history (and RE) curriculums do not teach us is that God has, in fact, been a woman for far longer than he/she (or it) has been a man (see: ‘When God Was a Woman’ by Merlin Stone, or the ‘Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets’ by Barbara G Walker).

Women’s bodies, with all their lumps and bumps, were considered divine for the simple fact that they created life. I believe we are still suffering the after effects of several thousand years of patriarchal religious denunciation of the body, specifically women’s bodies, as sinful and dirty. And now we have images of models who barely eat and ruthless commercialism to contend with. We don’t love our bodies because our prevailing culture doesn’t value them, exactly as they are.

Reality check And there lies the key: value and self-acceptance.

“How do I know this body is the perfect one for me?” the spiritual teacher Byron Katie once asked. “Because this is the one I have got. Why argue with reality?”

When I look in the mirror these days, I consciously practice not arguing with reality. I am aging. Fact.

And I have realised that aged faces with deep, wrinkled ‘laugh lines’ are far more endearing than airbrushed, soulless mannequin types. It is the kindness that emanates from people that makes them beautiful; like the grandmother who is always there with a warm cuddle and a bowl of soup just when you need it. Somehow, I do not think that on my deathbed I will wish I had got myself a tummy tuck or Botoxed my forehead. If anything, I will wish I had loved my body more, and respected it as the incredibly intelligent, sophisticated, miraculous temporary space suit that it is.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist and writer on all things holistic and spiritual. See: www.abifoss.co.uk

June 2011

We have two FREE places to give away Email us to apply

Cycletta to inspire more women into cycling

Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio Fulham /Hammersmith border Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

Olympic Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton will be taking part in Cycletta sponsored by Sky Ride, a unique series of women-only, mass participation events, created for women to cycle for fitness and fun in the perfect environment and to inspire more women to take up cycling. Two events are scheduled in 2011: Cycletta South on the 11th September at Whipsnade Zoo, Beds near London and Cycletta North on 2nd October near Manchester. Thousands of women are expected to take part, inspired by the opportunity to cycle alongside Victoria and take on a new sporting challenge.

Cycletta events will take place on 40km course, a distance specifically designed to provide a fitness challenge, while remaining fun, achievable and accessible. Cyclists of all abilities will be tackling the challenge, from committed enthusiasts looking for a blast on traffic free roads, to women who are eager to regain their confidence back in the saddle. The Cycletta experience will begin from registration, with regular training tips, equipment and nutrition advice, including personal anecdotes of support from the current Olympic gold medallist.

Victoria Pendleton said: “Cycling has been my passion since I was a child. Through the Cycletta series I want to inspire women to join me and cycle; as a hobby, a sport, a way to get fit and healthy.

Whatever the reasoning, cycling can improve your life. I hope Cycletta will bring women together as they take on their own cycling challenge. “ Victoria is joined by a dynamic group of Cycletta ambassadors including celebrity Mothers Gabby Logan, and Gail Emms as well as Miranda Hart and Clare Balding who will do their part to encourage and motivate women to take up cycling. Join Victoria and others by visiting www.cycletta.co.uk

Tuesday Tutors • We coach children for state and independent school and entry tests: VR, NVR, English, Maths and interview preparation.

Visit 345 Nursery where “The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding” (Ofsted 2008).

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

June 2011

• We are also happy to offer Maths and English support for children in school, and Home Education.

• NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London Tuesday Tutors has placed many children in top state and private schools. It is advisable to contact us early, as high demand may mean that your child will be placed on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome Tel: 020 7735 8268

07906 312541

tuesdaytutors@hotmail.co.uk tuesdaytutors.com

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Competitions, give-aways and reader offers For your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes, log on to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions

WIN £100 worth of The Vintner wine!

The Vintner is all about making great wine accessible. Nothing on the Vintner list is over £25 including VAT so there’s plenty to suit all tastes and budgets. Soon you’ll be able to catch Hugo the Vintner tasting van. Hugo will be featuring at many food fairs throughout southwest London this summer. www.thevintner.com To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 4th July 2011.

WIN The Land of Me DVD-ROM and activity books A magical interactive learning adventure!

Imagine a picture book full of living, breathing characters, altering the words and seeing the illustrations change before your eyes. Imagine being able to make a sad ending happy or build a castle out of jelly! The Land of Me is a multi awardwinning collection of games and activities designed to nurture children’s creativity and learning. www.thelandofme.com To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 4th July 2011.

WIN A Summer Holiday Fun with BrainBox Games from The Green Board Game Company!

Dinosaurs last roamed Earth 65 million years ago. Now they’re back! Dinosaurs Unleashed is the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur adventure appealing to family audiences, especially those budding young palaeontologists aged 2 – 12 – a truly interactive fun-packed experience.

BrainBox Games has developed a whole range of ways to make the holidays both fun and educational, whatever the weather! There are pocket-sized game and travel games for planes, trains and car journeys as well as fullsized games to enjoy including 25 different Snap and Pairs games from Times Tables to the ever lovable Elmer.

www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk

www.greenboardgames.com

To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 4th July 2011.

To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 4th July 2011.

Win a family ticket to Dinosaurs Unleashed at the O2!

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June 2011

THE WILLOW NURSERY Clapham Baptist Church, (corner of Queenstown Road) 823 Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JL Tel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981 E-mail: alice@thewillownursery.co.uk Head: Alice Irvine BEd + Creative Arts.

Opening hours: 9am to midday Sessions: Mornings only Weeks open a year: Termtime Ages: Two and half to 5 years Max no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1 Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods.

Activities: Art, craft, cooking, singing, dance, drama, gym, French, gardening, home corner, sand & water, etc.

Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room.

Contact: Please contact Alice for Prospectus and to arrange a visit.

Previously inspected by OSTED with an excellent report. Our aim is to create a stimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming to school. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn. Children learn at their own pace and we provide lots of individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk

June 2011

Creativity Classes for Children (5 to 9 years old) in South Kensington On Wednesdays 4.15 - 5.45pm Thursdays 4.15 – 5.45pm The Dovehouse studio is a safe and nurturing space for children to develop their creativity and skills. We provide scope for artistic continuity and growth on a short, mid and long term basis.

One to one sessions available for all ages

For booking or info please call Cornelia or Sandrine on 07775 682094 or 07976 751559

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Education

Why creativity is the best thing you can encourage in a child ‘Give me the child until seven, and you give me the man’ the Jesuits say.

That’s a weighty dictum for a first-time parent choosing a nursery. It’s the first really grown-up decision we, as parents, had to make. A local mother sent us this report for Families....

“We’d tried a couple of nurseries before being recommended to The Willow. We’d heard the art tradition was strong, and liked the boisterous ‘headmistressiness’ of Alice Clark. We liked the art works we saw on the walls. Alice succeeded her sister as headmistress, so it’s been in the family for fifteen years. Both being the daughters of the artist Josephine Trotter, you might expect some of that painterly exuberance to inform and permeate the art tradition. But don’t all children just love painting pictures? How is a morning doing Arts and Crafts going to get them into a decent school?

Alice says staff meetings at The Willow don’t finish until every detail of a project is finalised. She describes them as brainstorming sessions, where materials gathered from the world outside, from a farmyard to a beach to London leaves, all the minutiae of the real world, inspire the ideas among the teaching team. So the Hickory Dickory Dock project (music and song) involves not only the making of the clock (numbers, Time) and the

The Willow Totem Pole mouse (inventive use of materials), but someone’s idea to import a clockmaker to talk to the children about making clocks.

This ‘brainstorming’ idea is mirrored in the way the children work. Groups of between five and eight children are given a craft project. Last term: Houses. Why does one live in a house? the children were asked. This led to lots of interesting discussions. Then, given the raw materials – cardboard, rolls of corrugated paper, wallpaper, paint, glue etc the children had to decide in their groups what sort of a house to build, whether to have a chimney or not, how to decorate it. Then individually the children made other peoples’ houses, learning how different peoples use different materials. And why. The children used different materials too: a paper plate and cardboard painted dusty brown pink, wisps of straw and crooked sticks for a South African kraal.

An igloo built not of blocks of ice, but weighty cubes of sugar.

So much learning in being creative So the child is realising something. Realising an idea.

It’s learning to listen to instruction and to carry out the task. All of these arts and crafts ideas are embroidered at source to the six areas of learning required by the Early Years Foundation Stage, with emphasis on numbers and letters. Children are photographed at their work so parents see not just what has been done, but what is being done. In such a focussed environment, specialist staff are brought in. A musician (a composer) for music, a ballet mistress for dance, and a personal trainer for group sports and exercise.

So does it work? The Willow sends children to all the good schools in the area. And in our case, a good school beyond.”

• For the full version of this article please go to www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

•The Willow Nursery, Clapham Baptist Church, 823-825 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3JL www.thewillownursery.co.uk

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June 2011

Neil’s foodie page Hello, I’m Neil Hennessy-Vass, This is a page for all to enjoy and hopefully take something from. I believe in a healthy eating philosophy which is simply you can eat what ever you want but in moderation (that’s the hard bit I know). Looking forward to hearing from you with ideas and suggestions for this page.

Neil Hennessy-Vass

Storytelling around healthy food

Food that is presented on a banana leaf will always bring a smile to my face as it smacks of authenticity with a bit theatre thrown in for good measure.

Now there’s a thought – healthy food for kids. We all strive to feed our children with healthy food. But sometimes this is easier said than done. Over the years I’ve realized that getting the good stuff past little mouths requires a little bit of ‘story telling’.

Let me explain, if you would like your child to eat more greens then you have to invent a story with props that will make it more appealing. For example bake a potato until cooked through then cut in half lengthways and scoop out the soft filling and mash separately. Blanched can fill the cavity of the potato and place a small knob of butter on top (this will soften the taste). You could add some raisins to be the ‘Sailors’ Take the plate and use your potato (now mashed) and spread across the plate in a wave pattern. Now put your ‘Boat’ to sea and find a small flag (left over from a party Food boat maybe? Or make your own out of a cocktail stick and some and good old fashioned sticky tape) and you can now weave all sorts of pirate tales of ‘Green Ship The Good’ as it travels around the oceans and hope it doesn’t flounder on the ‘rocks’ of carrots you will have placed across the sea. Along with other distractions such ‘Broccoli Islands’ and chopped chive or basil forestation!

Another tricky food to smuggle past the little ones is fish Having tried serving salmon/tuna/crab to my boys with vegetables has always resulted in “what’s this … I don’t like it” type replies. But if they are given a tuna and cream cheese sandwich it somehow becomes a treat. It’s vey simple to mix 40/60 Ratio of Tuna and Cream Cheese in a bowl.

Fish fingers with sliced cherry tomatoes placed on top can very easily become submarines patrolling an ‘Ice Sea’ of rice and peas with maybe just a bit of tomato sauce underneath the fish fingers (well the blood has to come from somewhere!) I guess it’s just the way you sell it to them.

June 2011

Sitaaray— a treat for Father’s day!

RESTAURANT REVIEW 167 Drury Lane, New London Theatre Building London WC2 5PG 020 7269 6244 Sitaaray is an Indian restaurant with a pedigree that hails from Bollywood and is decorated in a flamboyant style. With friendly and endearing service the feeling is very relaxed. The children LOVED it.

The concept is quite simple, you are allowed unlimited Kebabs and Curries for £22.95 per person £15.00 per child, desserts are charged separately.

The food is good although a few alterations might make it easier for the digestive system. Pepper Shikamupi, a Lamb Kebab made of ground meat and stuffed with mint and peppers, was very good as were Pudina Fish char grilled fish tikkas in a paste of mint and green chillies. This was the favourite dish with the children, I think it worked for them because it looked good, had a mild kick to it and wasn’t overly fishy at all. These dishes in my view could have been improved by having a sauce of some sort, as it was just meat and fish and not much else. Vegetarians are catered for with a separate menu. Food that is presented on a banana leaf will always bring a smile to my face as it smacks of authenticity with a bit theatre thrown in for good measure. Desserts were really good and the right way to finish a meal of such intense flavours. The Pistacho Kulfi was not (now this might sound a bit odd) too nutty. Honey and Ginger Ice Cream was a winner as was the Mango Sorbet. There was also a Carrot Halwa a kind of sponge cake served hot that was an unforeseen joy it was sweet and warming, with just a touch of spicing.

I think Sitaaray is a really fun place to go that has just enough distractions to make it an interesting destination in its own right. Enjoy a Mocktail or Cocktail and let the hypnotic trance of Bollywood be your constant companion and surrender to its charm. It is welcoming and lively with just enough surprises to make it safe but with an edge.

All sorts of stories can be created from these starting points.

If you make meal times an event with stories sometimes they don’t realize what they are eating at all! Good luck and how about getting your thinking caps on and letting me know what your favourite tips are and maybe we can print the best?

Neil Hennessy-Vass

Sitaary Indian Restaurant

Fruit Face

Neil Hennessy-Vass

April 2011 ®

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Book reviews

By Sophie Greenwood, Owner of bookshop Under the Greenwood Tree

From age 11 children should be expected to read 50 books a year - this is what Michael Gove has recently declared and of course I whole heartedly back this - or at least the idea of aiming to read more than two or three whole books as part of GCSEs. Hopefully here are a few ideas to help with that goal.

I had a read-athon last week and read three very different books in three days, very unusual for me but I was going to meet the authors so I thought it would be polite to have read their books!

Entangled by Cat Clarke was a great read I was hooked from the beginning. A young girl is imprisoned in a not-unpleasant white room, apparently kidnapped and being asked to write down her story on the sheets of paper provided by her kidnapper. Why is she there? Who is her kidnapper? This book has ‘content’ (euphemism for a bit of mild sex) and therefore aimed at a 13+ audience.

On that note, it is worth looking at StoryWorld, which is described as a toolkit for the imagination.

It is basically a set of large format cards that suggest different characters, places and objects to provide inspiration for story telling. There is also a book to help you use the cards to best effect.

Bracelet of Bones

by Kevin Crossley-Holland is aimed at a slightly younger age range with at its heart the story of a young Viking heroine called Solveig.

She’s actually rather an appealing heroine, young and spirited, who is off on a long and dangerous journey across Norway, Russia & the Ukraine in search of her father. CrossleyHolland is an excellent historical fiction author with lots of very authentic detail, all adding to the book’s rich atmosphere.

For the very little ones, our very bestseller in our first 4 months of being open has been The Noisy Book. It is a small format board book with a picture on one page and the noise to make on the other. Sounds a bit like a thousand other books?

Well yes, it does have Pig and Dog etc, but it also has Snail (does nothing but move its elegant feelers), the Power Socket (goes NO!) and the Mummy (goes kiss kiss) - all illustrated with fabulous, very bright graphics.

And finally in my readathon Boys for Beginners by Lil Chase - not so much my cup of tea, about a young tomboyish girl, loves football and hanging out with the lads, who suddenly fancies the new boy at the school and decides she’d better stop with the tomboy lark and start being more like the other girls. But it did bring back a few painful memories of trying to get a (any) boy to fancy me at school - never with much success!

One book we’re all debating here is The Mysteries of Harris Burdick - how the book has come about is an intriguing back story: an artist called Mr Burdick said he’d written 14 stories and drawn pictures for each one. He brought them in to a publisher with just one drawing to see if he liked them, saying he would return the next day, but he never did and what happened to him remains a mystery. We’re left with 14 drawings along with a title and a caption for each one. Is this fact or is it fiction? We can’t decide, but whether true or not, it is a fantastic tool for getting kids to write stories - which has got to be a good thing.

We’ve just had in a beautiful book called I-SPY With My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs. It is a gorgeous picture book with a cut-out going through the book with a clue as to what might be on the next page, all ending up with a spy hole through the back cover - what can you spy with your little eye?? Moves through different animals and colours. Lovely.

•Under the Greenwood Tree is the new bookshop at 11 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG. 020 7627 4557 www.underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk THE SOUTHFIELDS SCHOOL OF BALLET We offer imaginative Ballet and Jazz classes for children (boys & girls) from 21/2 years. The emphasis of the school is on fun, musicality and fitness, with the option to take Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations.

020 8683 0222 classes held in Southfields and Wimbledon

Sibling Discount Join anytime Principal: Mrs. Eliane Gerhard, BA (Hons), LRAD

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June 2011

Families Holiday activities listings Compiled by Karin Snelson

moves to learn so that you can dance along to the music of films like Street Dance Movie, Mamma Mia, Step up 2 the Streets, Toy Story 2 and Grease.

Ages 5-12. Midday to 3pm. Contact Alice for further details. www.funkymovesdance.com alice@funkymovesdance.com 07810 431101

It is now time to book your child’s summer camps and classes. You are lucky we really are spoilt for choice in SW London: whether you require residential or day camps, workshops or Central London simply hourly classes like tennis or Club football there is a HUGE range of things Golf Burntwood Lane, SW17 to choose from. Here is a small 11 July to 19 August: Birdie Course – for the younger and less selection of SW based companies that experienced children. They will receive tuition and we know well. gain valuable knowledge of all aspects of the game.

For the complete listing simply go to www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/ holidayactivities There are many online

Ages 6-8. £150 per week, £35 per day.

Act Drama Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 27-31 July and August (tbc): Holiday drama – creative, fun, inspiring workshops to build confidence. Free your imagination and express your creativity. Summer shows include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and Wind in the Willows. Will suit ages 5-15 years.

For details about dates, times and price contact Jane Cameron. www.actdrama.co.uk actdrama@googlemail.com 07976 873161

Central London Golf Club Albatross Course – aimed at older children (9-16). After warm-up, groups are split according to ability. Bring packed lunch, clubs, balls and tees.

A limited number of clubs are available for hire.

Book ahead.

020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk

Eddie Catz Putney and Wimbledon.

Such a lot to choose from!

Here are a few ideas.

27-29 July (Putney) and 1-3 August (Wimbledon): Princess Camp with Mini Diva – for three days little princesses will learn a dance, make crafts, paint their nails. A little girl’s dream! Ages 4-7, £35 per day or £90 for three days. info@minidiva.co.uk 0845 201 1268 1-5 August: Theatrebugs drama workshop at Eddie Catz, Putney enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk www.eddiecatz.com

Perform • For 8 – 12 year olds in Kensington A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It will be an exhilarating week of acting, dancing and singing as we inspire the children’s creativity and stretch their imaginations in our modern version of this classic Shakespearean tale. 15 - 19 August at the Baden Powell House.

• For 4 – 8 year olds in Fulham, Kensington, Richmond, Putney, Battersea, Kew, Wimbledon and Barnes. Take a trip to Neverland with Peter Pan. Using funky dance and quick-witted improvisation, they’ll take the children on a dazzling trip guaranteed to fire their imaginations.

There will be COLLECTION BUCKETS on the day of performances for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. For more information and bookings please contact: 0845 400 4000 www.perform.org,uk

South West Swimming School Emanuel School, SW11 and Ernest Bevin College, SW17 18 July to 19 August: Gain confidence in your swimming to set you up for the rest of the year!

5-day courses of 30-minute sessions between 9am and midday.

Booking essential. bookings@swswimschool.co.uk 020 8767 2723

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Battersea 40 Parkgate Road, SW11 25-29 July: Summer Holiday – street dance, drama, singing and musical theatre. No experience required! 9.30am-12.30pm, 4-6 years.

Performance on the Friday at 12.30pm. 10am4pm, 7-16 years, performance Friday 6pm. £125/£155. £95/£105 for siblings. www.stagecoach.co.uk Battersea@stagecoach.co.uk 020 8946 2986 Petit Pierrot and mother Act Drama

BackFlip Performers Richmond 25 July to 26 August: Gymnastics, cheerleading, fun fitness and breakdancing. All abilities welcome. 9.30-11.30am, for ages 4-6 years, £12; 1-4pm for ages 7-11, £15. www.backflipperformers.com 020 8940 7998

Funky Moves Dance

June 2011

St Mark’s Church Hall, Abercorn Place NW8 Flourish through French! Games, crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, role-play…

Tuesdays and Thursdays 19, 21, 26 and 28 July: L’Ete des Petits – French for toddlers up to 3 years. £16 per session.

18-22 and 25-29 July: Les Vacances des Grands – French for 3-5s and 6-8s. £36 per session.

Also term-time sessions at venues in SW London. www.clubpetitpierrot.uk.com admincpp@btconnect.com 020 7385 5565

Cont. pg 20

The Exhibit, Balham Station Road, SW12 25-29 July: Come and dance and see films. Each day has a different theme with exciting dance

Club Petit Pierrot

Battersea Theatre Arts Stage coach ®

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from page 19

Holiday activities

Stagecoach Wimbledon

Funky Moves

The Little Gym

Theatrebugs

Stagecoach Wimbledon

Wandsworth & Fulham, Riverside West, SW18 and Hampton & Teddington, 94-102 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 25 July to 1 September: Themed Adventure Camps (ages 3-6) - develop new skills and confidence, and Gymnastic Camps (ages 5-12) – develop existing skills and perhaps even learn your first cartwheel! Throughout the day between 9am and 5.30pm. Camps are 2 or 3 hours. Prices from £20-£38 per camp session. Call for information.

Wandsworth & Fulham 020 8874 6567 Hampton & Teddington 020 8977 0099 www.thelittlegym.co.uk

St Luke’s, Balham; Village Nursery, Barnes; Contact Centre, Clapham; Christchurch, Fulham, and Eddie Catz, Putney 25 July to 26 August: The Lion Loses his Roar!

Croc the Crocodile has moved into Jipidee Jungle....he likes to snap, snap… Acting, singing, dancing and dressing up. Performance on final day.

9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-4.30pm. Places limited, early booking recommended. £115 per week.

10% sibling discount.www.theatrebugs.co.uk enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk 7350 2995

Wimbledon High School, Mansel Road SW19 Put on a musical show! Children will be caught up in the excitement of fun, hard work and creativity while rehearsing for a show in the Rutherford Theatre at the end of the week.

25-29 July and 1-5 August: The Jungle Book – for children 4-6 years. 9.30am-12.30pm with a performance at midday on the Friday.

We Will Rock You, for ages 7-16 years. 10am4pm and till 7pm on the Friday (performance starting at 6pm). £125/£175. Siblings discounted to £100/£140. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk 020 8946 3400

Upbeat Music Chelsea and Fulham 25 July to 5 August: Sing, dance, drums, electric guitars – even CD recording! 10am4pm. For children aged 5-12 years. upbeatmusic@btinternet.com www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 07816 901396

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Tin Pan Annie St Barnabas Church, Clapham and St Luke’s Church, Ramsden Road, SW12 26 July to end August: Join Annie and her band of brilliant musicians who love to entertain babies, children (and their grown-ups) with music to bop to! For babies from around 4 months to children aged 5. £8 per child, £12 for siblings. www.tinpanannie.co.uk 020 8670 0644

We hope you found these useful, but we’ve got plentymore online.

June 2011

Holiday activities We have the details of many more summer activities.

There is no room to print them all in the magazine, so we have uploaded them on to our website

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Upbeat music

Perform Drama

Banging a drum at Tin Pan Annie Music

The Little Gym

Go online to see the details of these activities, ready and waiting to be found by you!

Did you know? You would do us a favour if you went to our site to look at these, every little click helps!

Day and Residential Camps and Holiday Ideas

Do It 4 Real (YHA) Wild Camping Super Camps Summer Play School in Barnes Single with Kids Kick Asthma UK Active Camps Barracudas Camp Beaumont City Farms Fit4 Sport Schools Holiday clubs Council Summer schemes ATE superweeks Crosskeys multi activity camps Kids Clubs Kings Camps Marlborough College Summer School Home from Home summer activities (hi ropes, raft building etc) PGL Wickedly Wonderful ...and more (we keep adding to it ..)

Football

Chelsea FC Soccer School Little Kickers ...and more

June 2011

Watersports

Barn Elms Boat House Wimbledon Park Sailing Club ...and more

Multisports

Aspire Centre Kiddikicks Playball Dulwich College ...and more

Horse Riding

Ridgway Stables Wimbledon Village Riding Stables ...and more

Tennis

Allstar Tennis Wigmore LTC ...and more

Animal Encounters

Deen City Farm Battersea Park Children’s Zoo ...and more

Arts, Craft and Film

Fun with Fimo Pottery classes Puppet Workshops Glitterbug Sewing classes Drawing classes for kids Paper-making Workshop Arts classes in Art schools Film making courses Keyboard workshop Touch typing workshop ...and more

Languages

Club Petit Pierrot Le Club Tricolore ...and more

Drama

Allsorts Drama Drama classes taking place in local schools ...and more

Organisers: If you want YOUR details to be added to our holiday listings online, simply email us the details to listings@familiessouthwest.co.uk (the essential details only please, ready to copy and paste.)

Dance and Music

First Steps Academy Funky Kids dance classes Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Music Makers Summer music classes in local schools Council run music classes Specialist music school summer classes Studio Film courses ...and more

Gardens, days out and events (inc Festivals)

Chelsea Physic Garden The Ickle Pickles Party and Parade Leeds Castle Morden Hall Park (National Trust) Painshill Park Dulwich Picture Gallery (card making) Dover Castle Charles Darwin’s House, Downe, Kent BR6 Bodiam Castle events WWT Wetland centre Music on the Hill, 3 day event, near West Malling, Kent Lollibop Festival in Regent's Park ...Plus plenty more

Readers: Would you like to take over from writer Karin? If you’d like to compile our listings, contact the editor on editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk

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June 2011

PARTY feature

Bright ideas for birthdays

by Robina Cowan

DID SOMEONE SAY “PARTY?” Yes, I’m afraid so. One thing’s as sure as eggs is eggs - your child WILL have another birthday in the next year.

It’s Families to the rescue - we’ve put on our party hats to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year...

It’s worth bearing in mind the differing needs, interests and numbers of particular age groups.

Don’t feel the party has to last all afternoon around two hours is enough, before everyone gets tired and emotional (not least the host parents).

As a guide: One and two year-olds aren’t yet ready for a big affair. Most parents opt for a family gettogether or a not too big buffet with a handful of friends with similar aged children. Enjoy it while you can - it’s a doddle to organise and sociable for the adults (it has been known for babies to sleep right through while the grown ups catch up over nibbles) Three year-olds need planned activities.

Name badge them on arrival then capture their imagination with simple ‘circle time’ singing and clapping games, or ‘dancing’ (ie jumping up and down to music). Balloons burst and it can all end in tears - hang them high as decorations rather than introducing them as playthings. The ideal guestlist for this age is around 8-12 children in a venue where they feel familiar - usually your home (sorry about that!)

Four to six year-olds enjoy joining in with traditional party games, such as Simon Says, Musical Bumps, Pass the Parcel, What’s the Time Mr Wolf, and Musical Lions (a favourite with parents, as the children have to be quiet, and still!). Allow space and time too for simply zipping around for a burst of unstructured play (which is where you’ll be thankful you blew up all those balloons).

Plenty of engaging games and giggles keep things rolling, and if you’re hiring help, puppeteers, music-makers or storytellers are a good bet. A maximum of 20 guests at this age is about right.

Seven to nine year-olds are ready for more concentration and involvement in the party entertainment. Most are now old enough and skilled enough for arts and crafts (making their own goodie bag filler at the same time, which is jolly handy). Alternatively, dancing, circus skills, drama or a team treasure hunt are good ways of harnessing energy - if you fail to plan they’re likely to fall back on that old favourite - “who can scream the loudest?”

June 2011

Ages 10+ and this worldly-wise lot is unlikely to want Mummy and Daddy embarrassing them by donning a paper hat and insisting on joining in (save it for when they’re reaching their teens - it’ll be SO much more fun for you). They’ll be wanting to do something special, such as bowling, karting, a mini disco in the living room, or a Glee style drama and singing workshop. Alternatively, a good bet is a jaw-dropping magic show, particularly when they can ‘help’. Hopefully too, by this age they won’t harangue the magician with “I know how you did that”, as I overheard recently.

hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment.

TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into.

Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.

Take them out: venues

Top tips It’s all in the timing: For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work.

Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle.

Keep the food simple and don’t over cater. Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children are maybe vegetarian or have a food intolerance.

Sleepovers: come midnight, you’ll be regretting it...

Planning ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www.familiesonline.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.

It might feel less imaginative than an organised bunfight at yours, but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not.

Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards. Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema.

TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time - you don’t want to be scratching around at the last minute and end up having to book ‘second best’.

Themed parties Planning your party Crowd control: entertainers Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two

A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways. How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery or cookies, or print t-shirts to match the theme.

TIP: Take the theme throughout the party - print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.

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Picture credit: Monsoon

Before you start

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PARTY feature

Special parties feature Check out our local entertainers, magicians, and party providers. Look no further there is more than you can ever handle in your child’s lifetime in here. From sports, to makeovers, from leisure centres to magic.

Have fun!

Little Gym Fantastic Birthdays Parties at The Little Gym. They run fabulous, gymnastic based, parties for children of all ages. They have a fantastic time playing games and activities, led by two qualified and friendly team members in one of our custom designed, bright and colourful settings. They take care of all elements of the party (except food), so mums & dads can relax. Please check out their website to find your nearest centre www.thelittlegym.co.uk.

The Little Gym Hampton & Teddington The Little Gym Wandsworth & Fulham Call 07799 765 311 www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Compiled by Amanda Butterworth

ACTIVE PARTIES

Roller Disco

The Action Station With more than 10 years experience in Children’s Entertainment, the Action Station offers unique entertainment solutions, tailored to the age of the children, your preferred theme and budget.

Specialising in Imaginative Interactive Storytelling and Drama Workshops, a team of professional actors and actresses shares their passion with their audience, taking them along their unique adventures with mermaids, witches, fairies or princesses, knights, pirates, cowboys, spies, cheerleader or drama parties and many more!

Create & Plan Memorable Fun Filled parties with the Action Station – 0870 770 2705 www.theactionstation.co.uk

Amanda’s Action Kids An Amanda's Action Club Party makes any child's birthday an unforgettable and magical event. With over 20 years experience entertaining little ones (including for celebrities such as the Beckham's and Katie Price) they are London's premiere kids partyproviders. For more information visit www.amandasactionclub.co.uk or call their team on 01895 623 999.

Backflip Performers Backflip Performers offer Children’s Birthday Parties with a Gymnastic Twist for ages 2–12.

Little Flippers parties come complete with colourful mats, soft equipment and great party tunes. They cater for children aged 2-4 years.

Flippers and BackFlippers Parties are for 4–12 years old.

Babble

parade

Katie Cannon’s BackFlip Performers brings dancing, funky games and fantastic upside-down gymnastic skills to your child’s birthday party. info@backflipperformers.com or 020 8940 7998.

Eddie Catz Putney: Awesome parties at reasonable prices private party rooms, fun play sessions, food, drinks and party bags all included. Add on as much as budget permits – balloons, themes, face painting, mini discos, Mad Science, Little Kickers, birthday cake. Adult food platters are served with wine, beer & champagne.

Wimbledon: All the great parties you get at the Putney branch PLUS: •evening Laser Tag parties for 6-12 year old with exclusive use of the venue, disco lights, music and food •Mini Diva parties in the new Eddie Catz Salon Princess Parties, Mini Makeover Parties, Mini Divas Spa & Mini Manicure www.eddicatz.com - Tel. 0845 2011268

Miss Catherine Middleton (as she was then) famously skated here for a charity fundraiser in 2008 - Roller Disco in Vauxhall is the cool place to be seen. Families sent a bunch of sixth formers to report back on an evening’s fun. Here’s what Sascha said: “A great selection of ‘80s pop music and R’n’B with friendly instructors dotted around for those wobbly moments! We loved the option for beginners to stay on one rink while the experts whizzaround on the more advanced rink (which was amazing to watch). The evening was very memorable, and we’re already planning a return trip after the exams. We’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for an exciting new activity to get stuck into.”

Great for parties.

On Saturdays families with children aged 5+ can skate together to a live DJ’s pick of the latest tunes. Family Jam is open from 11am-5pm, £7.50 includes skates and protective gear hire. Book online at www.rollerdisco.com or call 7720 9140.

Ruggerbeez

YOUR CHILD deserves the best, while YOU take a rest

PARTIES TO REMEMBER Traditional fun, planned with you & your child, food & pinatas optional Age 3 to 12yrs

020 7249 3242 24

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June 2011

PARTY feature Ruggerbeez

Smarty Paints

Burn off the icing sugar and chocolate buttons with a Ruggerbeez birthday. They cater for 2 – 7yrs and bring the game to you, beginning with bespoke ruggerbeez party invites. They then combine 2 hours of energetic coaching with structured rugby games and give each child the opportunity to play on by giving them a professional midi size rugby ball to leave with.

Costs are £12.50 per child (minimum 14 children). ‘Archie and his mates loved every minute of it, they want to join up for the term!’ Archie’s mum, 4yrs.

0844 544 6784 www.ruggerbeez.com

Pottery Painting in Wandsworth. Creative fun pottery painting parties for age 5 and up. Parties last 2 hours (less for 5-6 yrs). Full explanation given, then creativity flows. Smarty Paints clear up and pottery ready to collect 1 week later. Prices start from £14 per painter & max 30 painters!

Discounts for 10+ painters. Each birthday party booking gets a complimentary Birthday Plate. www.smartypaints.co.uk or 020 8 772 8702

DRAMA Act Drama

• The Amazing Adventure Party!

Run by professional Actors and jam packed with drama games, personalised adventure stories, treasure hunts and riddles! They will play high energy, fun and inspiring drama games, follow clues and riddles, discover the hidden treasure and save the day!

•The Improv Party!

Act Improvisation Dramabuds Birthday girl magic Parties are in the style of the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

Fun and inspiring, children are encouraged to free their imaginations and express their creativity through fun, high energy drama games.

Act parties last two hours including time for food and cake during last half an hour.

Cost is £195. 07976 873 161. www.actdrama.co.uk

ARTS, CRAFTS AND COOKING PARTIES Cookie Crumbles

June 2011

They will transport your child's party to the land of make believe and captivate imaginations. With over 14 themes to choose from including Jungle Adventure, Pirates, Fairytale Land, Superheroes and Magical Toys, you are sure to find a Dramabuds party your child will love! Perfect for 2 - 7 year olds. Each party includes lively songs, drama, dancing, games, parachute fun and bubbles!

They'll ensure your child's party is a truly magical experience that you'll cherish forever.

020 8669 2355 www.dramabuds.co.uk

Cont. pg 26

Children aged 4 -15 have enormous fun cooking their own party food in Cookie Crumbles cooking parties, helped by inspirational and enthusiastic chefs - who even clean up afterwards too. Menus are adapted to the age of the children. Additionally they offer unique dinner and cocktail parties for teenagers, as well as hugely popular chocolate parties. Tableware, invitations, chefs hats, aprons and exclusive party bags on request. www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk, 020 88769912

Dramabuds Adventure Parties

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PARTY feature of different themes, plus heaps of party extras.

Parties typically include magic, puppetry, games, music, dancing, balloon modelling and prizes for all the kids. You can even tailor the party to your needs. Around 50% of their parties are repeat bookings so you can be sure your kids will have a blast! Call 08450 504 509. www.froggleparties.com

JoJo’s Travelling Minstrels www.artofsumptuouscakes.com info@artofsumptuouscakes.com

BALLOONS! BALLOONS! For all your party balloon requirements: Contact Jane – the balloon lady!

from page 25

Tel: 020 8672 6421 Mobile: 07885 401277 www.jagballoons.com

eman Spark the spac wn clo e th Charlie

Theatrebugs They offer a full range of exciting and imaginative party packages for 2-8 year olds. A Theatrebugs party is an interactive fun filled journey crammed with tasks to be completed, characters to become and different worlds to explore. It is jam packed with storytelling, drama games, dressing up and good old fashioned fun! Once the mission is accomplished all party adventurers receive a Theatrebugs Certificate of Achievement! Prices start from £116. Party bags also available! www.theatrebugs.co.uk 020 7350 2995

ENTERTAINERS Adam Ants Adam Ants and his great team of entertainers offer terrific magic, balloon modelling, puppet fun and games. Can also offer Build a Bear parties, sports parties, discos. A party for any age. They also offer face painters or if you want something different why not checkout: www.adamantsparties.co.uk or call 020 8959 1045 anytime.

Bertie & Boo Bertie & Boo are Balham's most beloved Children's Entertainers with over 10 years experience in putting on shows & parties for kids. Now they can bring their unique brand of wonder to venues all over London, entertaining children of all ages with their stories, music, puppets and magic! www.bertieandboo.com or 020 8772 1562

Boo Boo the Children’s Entertainer Recommended by the Evening Standard. Lots of laughter, fun and games, mini disco, balloon modelling, silly juggling, magic tricks and puppet show! www.mr-booboo.co.uk. Call 07961 355 269.

Charlie the Clown Charlie entertains children of all ages, offering a variety of entertainment - clown and magic shows, singing, dancing, games, balloon modelling, storytelling and puppets. Charlie also performs as a Pirate, Wizard, Explorer and Space Astronaut.

Children are kept busy, happy and entertained throughout the party! www.charlietheclown.co.uk or call: 07808 732 390

Froggle Parties Offer exciting entertainment and non-stop fun for kids of all ages: Entertainers, clowns, discos, tons

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With their exciting BBC TV appearance as Leading Children’s Entertainers and having entertained over 50,000 children to date, JoJo’s Travelling Minstrels pride themselves on their ability to bring a ‘WHOLE LOTTA FUN’ to any party or event.

With an expansive range of ‘funtabulous’ party skills including Songs, games, balloon modelling, face painting, puppets, puppets, magic, tattoos… they will engage all children from 0 – 100+ years!

JoJo’s also provide excellent quality party bags and bouncy castles for any occasion. Call: 0774 319 6691 jojo@jojofun.co.uk www.jojofun.co.uk

JoJo

Lydie Lydie is a bilingual French and English entertainer who will transform your house or choice of venue into a mini-theatre with her extraordinary props, creating a magical space where the children play an active role in the unfolding dramas. Choose from Aladdin, Batman, Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Lion King, Peter Pan and many more. Recommended by Time Out, Tatler and Vogue. 020 7662 2540. www.lydieparties.com

Parties to Remember Rowena’s business grew organically from organising her own daughter’s parties. After ten years of experimenting with her daughter, Rowena went professional and has enjoyed playing hunting, challenging and competitive games with children in London and beyond. “Hearing children’s laughter and seeing their excitement is a most rewarding experience and I am lucky to be able to enjoy such rewards weekly,” says Rowena.

Rowena is offering a 10% discount on all parties booked quoting this article from now to December 2011. 020 7249 3242; www.partiestoremember.co.uk

Potter’s Parties From Harry Potter to Combat Girl, Fairy to in demand, Jessie the cow girl from Toy Story, Eliza has all the energy and fun to bring a sparkle to your kids party. Specialising in magic, dancing, balloon modelling and interactive story telling this is the party full of imagination and comedy for all children. From ages just 1 to 8 years, a model balloon, e.g fairy wings, sword, hats, flowers, butterflies etc for every child included in the price Contact Eliza 07779 271 655. www.pottersparties.co.uk

June 2011

PARTY feature Silly Millie Silly Millie the clown is a funky clown that kids love to hang out with. She sings, does magic and is very silly. If you would like her to come to your child’s party call 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397.

Mr Squash Has been entertaining for 15 years in London. Fun Puppetry with magic, bubbles and balloons. Very popular with younger age groups 2-7’s. His new shows include Pirates and Mermaids, Princess and the Unicorn. Also runs story-time sessions with books, rhymes, bubbles, puppets and craft activities. www.mr-squash.co.uk or 07939 252 241.

Theo the Magician Theo performs his now Infamous two hour fun-filled Interactive Magic Show. It starts with the magic show where the birthday child becomes a magician and makes prizes appear. Everyone then makes their party food disappear, then there are magic musical games and plate spinning.

Every child receives a flying magic bunny and magic bookmark.

Book at The Exhibit for a private cinema party!

The Exhibit in Balham is a great location for all your party needs. It has a boutique cinema for up to 24 (yes, you can bring your own film). This place is brilliant: my girls have been for several parties and I have only heard positive comments about it: the staff are friendly, considerate and it is very well run. There is a room available to have lovely home-cooked food by their own chef. It is a perfect venue for all ages including adults!

Parties start at £75 per hour for up to 30 kids, they also run special weekday discounts.

Did you know the Exhibit has a mother and baby cinema session on Friday afternoons? Watch a film and bring your baby along too. Tickets £5 under 2s go free.

Do try their delicious restaurant, which is also great for family Sunday brunches too, or lazy afternoon with a film. See online for film listings.

Conveniently located in Balham, by Sainsbury's car park.

Contact exhibit@exhibitbars.com 020 8772 6556 www.theexhibit.co.uk

Theo also holds magic workshops for 8 year olds and above: Harry Potter shows, balloon modelling, Diabolo, juggling, private magic tuition, games, shop openings, weddings, Christenings. Member of the Magic Circle & Equity – 07711 724 129. www.magictheo.com.

Facebook Page “Theo The Magician”

Tony Macaroni

June 2011

Mini Makeovers Established in 2000, celebrating 10 years in the party business! They offer the best makeover parties in town for 5-15yrs. Choose your style: Glittery Princess, High School Musical, Pop stars/Celebs, then let their talented teams of stylists transform you. Teen parties include mini manicures and fabulous hair styles. Music, magazines and lovely accessories included. Pink limousine also available. Call: 020 8398 0107 www.minimakeovers.com.

Wendy Stone writer, artist, storyteller and face painter, for parties at home or at different venues. Imaginative, arresting and fun - catch some of her recent work at The London Wetlands Centre and elsewhere on:www.wendystonestoryteller.co.uk or ring 0208 870 8243. wendystone@madasafish.com

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Cont. pg 30

Theo the Magician

London’s favourite children’s entertainer. Varied shows of fun and laughter. Junior discos with flashing lights. Magic and puppet shows. Story-telling and themed parties. Tony Macaroni engages children from 3-11 years of age and adds a sparkle of magic to all parties. Call 020 8442 0122.

PAMPERING AND FACEPAINTING

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PARTY feature

Paint your own Pottery Everyone Can Do It! Paint it for Dad! Fathers' Day 19th June Capture your Baby’s Footprints forever Parties for Birthday, Hen, Office & any get together Personalise Gifts, Commissions, Gift Vouchers Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm 85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk

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June 2011

PARTY feature

Childcare Answered provides a unique and bespoke solution to your Themed Party needs.

Your clients or guests can accept their invitation knowing that their childcare requirements have been considered and professionally catered for.

We will provide a tailor-made service for your event or special occasion.

Our childcare services provide for many different types of parties and events.

In fact we can provide the childcare for any function that you require a childcare service for.

Contact us to learn how easy the process is.

Tel: 020 7738 1958 www.childcareanswered.co.uk

June 2011

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MUSIC AND DANCE Blueberry Playsongs Parties Wonderfully fun, interactive musical parties for 1 to 5 year-olds. Their talented entertainer will play guitar and sing songs with actions, joining in, jumping, circle games and dancing. A puppet, shaky eggs and parachute games add to the fun.

Cost: £95 central London/ £105 outer London.

Cost includes 20 balloons, sticker labels and a gift for the birthday child. Perfect for your party!

020 8677 6871 www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

Caterpillar Music Why not invite them along on your little one's special day and they will bring magic, music and songs to entertain everyone from the tiniest baby, to big brothers and sisters, mums, dads and grandparents too! Each party is full of fun activities, and surprises. Contact 020 8286 3754 or visit www.caterpillar music.com to find out more.

PARTY PLANNERS Boo! If you want a great party without the hassle - then try an ALL INCLUSIVE package from Boo! Fabulous themes, great décor, wonderful entertainment, colourful balloons and even a little party bag to take home - PLUS tables, chairs and a bouncy castle Discover the easy way to host a party – call Boo! on 020 8542 1480

Babble Parade Babble Parade is known for imaginative party packages. Choose from a wide range of themes – Fairies pirates, princesses, superheroes, circus etc – or create your own bespoke party.

Spellbinding shows, magic, puppets, games, balloon modelling, face painting, parachute fun, music, dancing and more!

"Unforgettable experience! All the kids loved it!" Katharina www.babbleparade.com Tel. 07794 084 671

Make a Wish Parties

Their goal is to make your child’s special day as memorable as music Caterpillar possible. They endeavour to provide the highest Offers the latest in dance activity standard in entertainment. Themed parties, magic for children. Modern moves for modern kids, show, face painting, balloon modelling, big TV street dance, break dance, funky dance. Fantastic characters, bouncy castle, musical games and much parties, classes, workshops and holiday courses. more! So “Make a Wish” and they’ll make it come Great team of experienced dancers and teachers, true! Call Francesca on 07702 213 135. including a Michael Jackson impersonator, Bboy www.makeawishparties.com break dancer, and girls featured in Pineapple Dance Studios (TV programme). Contact Alice on 07810 431 101. www.funkymovesdance.com.

Funky Moves

Tin Pan Annie Music Parties Tin Pan Annie and her band of brilliant entertainers provide fabulous musical entertainment for parties, perfect for ages 1 to 4. They’ll keep your little ones stimulated and absorbed on a magical, musical journey with their favourite songs, stories, props, puppets, instruments, bubbles and so much more, the perfect pre-school party!

020 8670 0644 www.tinpanannie.co.uk

VENUES AND SUPPLIERS Art of Sumptuous Cakes Amazing cakes with your favourite characters in eye-popping 3D! Your kids love Iggle Piggle from In the Night Garden, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story or the

www.charlietheclown.co.uk www.charlietheclown.co.uk

www.magictheo.com

07808 732 390

Free Magic Wand & Magic Certificate for Birthday Child

clown pirate story-teller wizard

CRB CHECKED, Magic for Children & Adults 020 8642 6519 (Magic Circle & Equity)

awesome submarine from Octonaughts? Why not get cake with these characters for a birthday or celebration they will never forget. www.artofsumptuouscakes.com Facebook/artofsumptuouscakes

Do you like our cover picture?

The image has been taken at an ‘X Factor’ themed party

by Notorious Productions. They have their unique ‘Photo Studio’ concept where they set up a professional studio with lights, back drop and costume box. Each child has his/her very own photo shoot, glossy pictures are then printed given as gifts at the end of the party. Notorious Kids specialises in interactive and performance related children's entertainment, creating unique and bespoke experiences for kids aged 3 upwards. No party is too big or too small and no one party is ever the same - for the little groovers and movers choose from glamorous X Factor themed events, girl band dance parties, Fashionista parties, photo shoots or studio recording experiences. All parties are made fantastical by a professional and talented team of actors, directors, dancers, choreographers, make up artists, photographers, stylists and child development specialists, so you can rest assured you will be in safe hands. Karen on 07964 305196 www.notoriousproductions.co.uk

Baden-Powell House Baden-Powell House is your perfect party venue.

Next to the Natural History Museum, five minutes’ walk from South Kensington tube, they cater for events from just a few people to a few hundred. They work with caterers who can provide anything from simple children’s buffet food to formal dinners, and their flexible rooms and large rooftop garden (great for summer barbecues) make them the ideal choice for your children’s party!

Call: 020 7590 6909 bph.conferences@scout.org.uk. www.towntocountry.co.uk/bpHouse

WENDY’S Storytelling & Art or Face Painting 0208 870 8243

wendystone@madasafish.com wendystonestoryteller.co.uk

Ly d i e

The Unique Birthday Experience

C h i l d r e n’ s Pa r t i e s 0207 622 2540

The theatre of Peter Peter Pan, Pan, Superheroes, Fairies,Arabian Fairies,Arabian Nights and more...

In your home! Unforgettable Bilingual English/French English/French www.lydieparties.com

babbleparade.com Hugely popular

BESPOKE PARTIES: Fairies, Pirates, Spies, Circus, You name it!

Jam packed with fun activities!

07794 084671

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June 2011

PARTY feature It’s a Kids Thing!

You can’t go wrong with this great soft play centre.

One of London’s Award Winning Party Venues, it caters for 1-8 years old. An outstanding venue, professional party hosts, fantastic catering. Fairy & Pirates, Superheroes, Funky Feet, DJ/Disco Laser parties. They specialise in EXCLUSIVE PARTY HIRE. All your needs are catered for both children and your adult guests. Tel 020 8739 0909. www.itsakidsthing.co.uk

Jag Balloons

Weir Link Community Centre Bright, airy community centre in Clapham offers state of the art party and meeting spaces which are available for hire all day, evenings and at weekends. For more information about hiring The Weir Link and details of their affordable rates ring 020 8675 2481 or email: roombookings@theweirlink.org

Childcare Answered A unique, bespoke childcare service for many different types of parties and events. 020 7738 childcareanswered.co.uk

LEISURE CENTRES

Mad About Parties They are a new dynamic party equipment hire company based in the heart of South West London. They hire: bouncy castles; 5 soft play toys; mini marquees - ideal for any special event: birthday parties; family gatherings; weddings; school fairs; fund raisers. Inside or outside, it makes no difference, they can help.

Call: 07585 776 484

Parties in either teaching pool or main pool for £80 (£10 less if member). Both include 1 hour swimming and 45 minutes in party room.

Saturdays and Sundays. 020 8640 6727

Tooting Playzone (soft play for under 4s). Big Splash (for swimmers over 9) in main pool. Wet’n’Wild in teaching pool for non-swimmers (9 and under).

Adventureland bouncy castle and party games.

Trampoline with coach. Supersports (mixed games). Streetjazz. You can bring your own food or tea + party bags provided (see with the centre for price). All parties Saturday or Sunday. Call: 020 8333 75555.

Wandle Playzone with outdoor area party for young children. Sports hall party (bouncy castle, soft play, ball games). Mixed games in whole hall (5 a side, basketball, badminton, netball). Bouncy castle and mixed games party. Picnic area available with table and benches. Weekends only except Adventure Zone. Call 020 8871 1149

Balham Fun for under 5s. A wide range of parties: Tumble time, bouncy castle and traditional party games.

Pool Party includes invitations, music, party organisers and party coach. All you need is to bring the food and the children!

Call 020 8772 9577. (Max. 20 children)

Party Plus

Cannon

Have a retail shop in Chiswick, West London and also a mail order company www.partyplus.co.uk.

They are proud that they have one of the largest selections of themed partyware available from stock – Peppa Pig, Clone Wars, Doctor Who, High School Musical, Pirate, Princesses and many more.

Holy Communion barriers and foil balloons are currently available from stock. Call 020 8994 1674.

Mitcham. Under 5’s Toddlers World Party with bouncy castle, slides and ball park. Under 8’s can enjoy Wet’n’Wild swimming parties in the teaching pool or Kool Krew parties with bouncy castle and party games. Football parties provided for any age.

Max 20 children. Weekends only.

Call 020 8640 8543.

The Little Things

Parties all week. Bouncy castle and traditional party game. Football, Street dance, Big splash, Trampoline, Disco Bounce, Tumble Time, Wet and Wild, Playzone, Super bounce party, Multisports.

Call: 020 7207 8004.

This is one of the best-kept secrets for children’s parties, selling unique party bags, over 100 quality party bag fillers and gorgeous party decorations.

Choose between retro-print fabric bags, stylish

Morden Park Pool

Cont. pg 32

Known locally as the “Balloon Lady” Jane runs a party balloon business from her home in Tooting.

She supplies balloons for a variety of events such as children’ and adults’ birthday parties, corporate dinners, product launches, christenings and weddings. Spiralled pirate balloon arches, foil butterflies and flowers, balloon drops, balloon releases, balloon cascades, neon balloons to brighten up a dull church hall, “I love you” balloons for mummy, balloons for your granddad’s 70th or balloons for that special 1st birthday. The options are endless! www.jagballoons.com. Call 07885 401 277 or 020 8672 6421.

white paper bags with designer tissue or even their sweet enamel buckets. They also sell cotton bunting and paper lanterns, vintage birthday cards and paper chains. And if your child prefers a themed birthday then they do that too with everything you need for little princesses and swashbuckling pirates. You can find them at www.lovethelittlethings.co.uk

Latchmere, Battersea

Silly Millie the Clown Parties for 3-9 year olds Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Children's parties Olive-Anne Events & Party Planners, Party bags, Events/Party helpers, Fundraising, conferences, Exhibitions Tel: 07956 111680

Rooms For Hire – SW12 020 8675 2481 theweirlink.org

June 2011

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PARTY feature

Tips from Families’ editorial team…

Parties can cost a small fortune so we’ve put together a list of top tips on how to cut cost that involve a little extra effort on your part but without being a party pooper.

1. Share your party You’ll halve the cost at least and the more the merrier – however, beware of parties with flocks of children as they can be impersonal and a little unruly.

2. Avoid expensive party bags Try these ideas: – Use brown paper bags or even sandwich bags. – The cake is the sweet treat in your party bag. – Packs of books from www.thebook people.co.uk can cost less than £1 each. – Car boot sale toys are always cheap. Give them a clean, wrap them up, put them in a lucky dip and your guests will be chuffed to bits.

3. Simplify your party menu Pizza delivered to your party is a great idea and the kids love it and for drinks do squash rather than individual juices. Jelly is cheaper and more amusing than lots of biscuits or fairy cakes.

4. Get creative with your party entertainment It’s much more fun (and hard work) to do it yourself than hiring an entertainer but children love traditional games and parents will be impressed. Try some of these: – Pass the parcel

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visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

with forfeits, musical statues, musical bumps and disco dancing competition. – Make a junk robot – save all your recycled bits and pieces and the children can have fun sticking and painting or do a massive collage together.

– The newspaper game is brilliant fun – a pile of broadsheets, two teams, screw up the paper into balls, shout “GO” and the winning team is the one with least on their side. – Paint a plant pot.

This doubles as an activity and a going home gift and you could add seeds like sunflowers or cress seeds too.

5. Party in the park or garden If you’re lucky enough to have a spring or summer birthday then the park or garden is a must.

6. Do your venue research or use your house For kids born at cooler times of year it’s hard to avoid the expense of hiring a venue so do your research. Check church halls and council run venues like leisure centres, playgroups or nurseries. If you are brave enough to have a party in your home then put down big sheets so the mess can be cleared easily and create boundaries for the guests – you don’t want to find jelly in your bed!

June 2011

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

Compiled by Sophie M-C. Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

DIARY DATES EVENTS FOR CHILDREN CRAFTY PINT WORKSHOPS Tooting Tram & Social, Mitcham Road, near Tooting Broadway, London SW17.

First Sat of the month.

07792 776218.

Bkg: www.craftypint.co.uk or Gillian@craftypint.co.uk Sat 2 Jul. MOSAIC FRAMES AND COASTERS. Suitable for 10yrs+ with an adult. £15 all materials and tutorials included.

SMILEY TIME NURSERY RHYMES & STORY TIME The Bowler, 20 Bellevue Road Wandsworth Common, London SW17 07540 990133 www.smileytime.co.uk Mondays & Thursdays 10am. £5 per child (sibling discount £2), drop-in sessions. Babies to under 5s.

What’s on

Fri 24 Jun. WIX PRIMARY’S SUMMER FAIR Wix Primary, Wix’s Lane, SW4 (off Clapham Common North Side) www.wix.wandsworth.sch.uk From 3.15pm Carnival Time. Fun & games, music, food & much more. All welcome!

CELEBRATING FULHAM! 25th June-3rd July Supported by Hammersmith and

Fulham Council Wandsworth Bridge Road is coming alive on the 25th June finishing at South Park on the 3rd July with a Charity Football Match organised by Il Pagliaccio restaurant. There will be entertainment, home grown market stalls, events for children and much more. Support independent shops, most will be offering discounts. Why not join the Sands End History walk? Contact Circus Circus 0207 731 4128 or Harringtons 0207 736 5554.

HONEYWELL SCHOOL SUMMER FETE Honeywell School, Honeywell Road, London SW11 www.honeywelljuniorschool.com Sat 25 Jun. 12noon-4pm There will be a teacup ride, a donkey, bouncy castle, coconut shy, BBQ, licensed bar, candy floss, strawberries and cream and many more stalls and fun activities. 50p adults, kids free.

STUDIO 106 ART GALLERY 106 Dawes Road, Fulham, London SW6 7EG 020 7385 5618 www.Studio106ArtGallery.org NEW CREATIVE COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. “ANIMATION” with Mai Yoshida Every Friday from 10 Jun-8 Jul. 4.30pm-6.30pm £100.

Students will develop 2D and 3D artworks which complement a story of their own imagining and from this, create animation.

CAPOEIRA FAMILY CLASSES The Old Bakery, Lower Richmond Road, London SW14 7HJ (behind the Morlake Training Centre) www.capoeirasurrey.co.uk bicudo@acercapoeira.com 07851764628 Every Saturday 11am-1pm.

Brazilian martial art, acrobatics, dance, music, self defence.

EVENTS FOR ADULTS CLAPHAM NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Broomwood Methodist Church, 155a Broomwood Road SW11 nearlynewsales@claphamnct.com Sat 18 Jun. 9.30am-12noon. Children’s clothes, toys and large equiptment, coffee and cake!

WILDLIFE WATCH CLUB -WIMBLEDON COMMON. Meet on the first Sunday of each month at the information Centre, Wimbledon Common, near the Windmill. 10am12pm. 8-14yrs. £1 registration fee and £2 per session. 020 8540 6154 3 Jul. “BEES AND THEIR PRODUCTS”

THE FRENCH COCKTAIL PARTY Couleur Café 32 Webbs Road, London SW11 Teresa 020 7924 4649/ 07889 967 003 www.leclubtricolore.co.uk Mondays 6.30pm-7.30pm and Wednesdays 9.15 am to 10.15am. French speakers are at hand if anyone gets stuck!

Mistakes are corrected discreetly and each participant receives an e-mail the following day with words and phrases used during the session.

THINGS TO DO EN FAMILLE ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL FETE The Field, Viewfield Road, Southfields SW18 Sat 11 Jun. 12noon-4pm. This year the theme is: SUPERHERO, with giant slides, face painting, bouncy castle, fancy dress competition, fairground rides, but also traditional stalls.

Food, drink, and barbecues!

OPEN GARDEN SQUARES WEEKEND 11-12 Jun. Choose from over 200 gardens with one weekend ticket and discover the delights of London’s secret gems. www.opensquares.org £7.50 in advance or £10. Under 12s free.

EATON SQUARE SCHOOL OPEN DAY 79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP 16 Jun. OPEN DAY for Reception entry (age 4/5).

To book a place call 020 7931 9469 ST MARY MERTON SUMMER FAIR St Mary’s Glebe Field, Church Path, Merton Park SW19 3HJ Sat 18 Jun. 11am-3pm. Taking place in a beautiful semirural setting, stalls include books, plants, cakes, toys, china and much more. There is a licensed bar and sit down lunches are on offer with a BBQ. Entertainment includes bands, dancers, Punch and Judy show and a working model railway. Great day out for the whole family!

June 2011

BELLEVILLE SUMMER FAIR Entrance Wakehurst Road, Battersea SW11 6PR 020 7228 6727 pta@belleville-sch.org.uk www.belleville-school.org.uk Sat 2 Jul. 12noon-3pm. This year the theme is ROYAL 50p adults, kids free.

Top prizes and raffle. Tombola, face painting, tattoos, children’s games, competitions, food stalls & nail bar!

The proceeds will go toward the costs of a school minibus to share between the existing school and the new site at Forthbridge Road.

Sat 2 Jul. ST BONIFACE SCHOOL SUMMER FAYRE St Boniface School, Undine Street, Tooting, SW17 8PP 12noon-4pm. £1 per adults, kids go free. The biggest and best ever Summer Fayre! Giant inflatables, arts and crafts, tombolas, BBQ, bar and lots more!

Fri 1-Sun 3 Jul. THE BIG FEASTIVAL Clapham Common, London SW4. www.thebigfeastival.co.uk Tickets: 0844 888 9991 or www.ticketline.co.uk A Festival with a heart, food and music extravaganza in aid of the Princes Trust and the Janmie Oliver Foundation, both charities which support disadvantaged youths.With involvement from Stagecoach, London Wildlife Trust, Urban Allotments, local schools, restaurants including The Providores, Wahaca, Fifteen, and bands for the live music with Guillemots, the Bees or Roots Manouva..expect many more events and participants! Check the website for more details.

For our online offering go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/whatson

R.E.D.I Training 1 U2 Cooper House, 2 Michael Road, London SW6 2AD 020 7348 7117 www.redi-training.co.uk Tues eve in Fulham: Emergency Care: 7 Jun & 5 Jul. Accident and Illnesses: 15 Jun & 13 Jul Wed mornings in Fulham: Emergency Care: 8 Jun & 6 Jul Accident & Illnesses 15 Jun & 13 Jul THE PARENT PRACTICE WORKSHOPS 68 Thurleigh Road, London SW12 8UD and 5 Gwendolen Ave, London SW15 6EU 020 8673 3444 www.theparentpractice.com Thu 16 Jun. WORK-LIFE BALANCE. NIRVANA OR REALITY? 10am-12.30pm (Clapham) Wed 22 Jun. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KIDS PUSH YOUR BUTTONS? 7.30pm-10pm (Putney) All £45 pp, £75 per couple or £80 for two friends booking together.

FIRST AID COURSES With Emma Hammett, Qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and local Mum. HSE and Qualsafe approved. Over 20 years of healthcare and teaching experience 020 8675 4036 emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk or www.firstaidforlife.org.uk EARLY YEARS FIRST AID COURSES Fri 10 Jun, Sat 18 Jun & Fri 24 Jun. Ideal for Nannies and au pair too!

SHORT EMERGENCY FIRST AID COURSE Sat 11 Jun, Thu 16 Jun & Thu 7 Jul. Covering CPR, recovery position and injuries in adults, babies and children.

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Cont. pg 34

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CLAPHAM COMMON CHURCH FAYRE 07981 909251 Sat 18 Jun. 11am till late afternoon. Attractions include a dog show, tombola, side stalls, donkeys, bouncy castle and games, BBQs and Caribbean food, raffle, fair trade stalls and great music! This year’s proceeds will be shared with the charity The Nehemiah Project and Holy Trinity Church.

Crafty Pint workshop

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What’s on DRAMA

WORKSHOPS. Join a professional puppeteer to make your own animal puppet (£8, book via Box-Office) Sat 25 Jun. 9.30am & 12.30pm. PRE SHOW ARTS 7 CRAFTS – THE JUNGLE BOOK. Free.

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com MAIN THEATRE To 6 Aug. ALL JOIN IN..AND OTHER STORIES by Quentin Blake. Rhyme, rhythm and colourful characters all combine in this musical extravaganza inspired by some of Blake’s well-loved stories including All Join-In, Mr Magnolia, Mrs Armitage on Wheels and Patrick. It’s a toe-tapping, sing-along show, with plenty of chances to take part in the fun! £8 to £12. 4-7yrs.

Sat 11 Jun. 2.30pm. After-Show talk.

6 Jul-20 Aug. ARCHAEOLOGY A WORM’S STORY A unique and playful performance specially created to ignite the imaginations of the very young with an invitation to explore the archaeological site afterward the show! 1-3yrs.

VISITING ADVENTURES Tickets £7/£9.

Sat 11 Jun. THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES A classic tale, told with a washing machine and a clothes line, bubbles, illusion and puppetry. 4-7yrs Sat 18 Jun. VIDEK’S SHIRT Interactive storytelling of this much-loved traditional Slovenian children’s story, involving puppetry, songs, live music and lots of joining in.

2-5yrs.

Sat 25 Jun. RUBY RED TELLS TALES A delightful, musical tale of feasting and fibbing based on young children’s retellings of favourite fairy stories.

WORLD OF STORIES AND MUSIC Polka hosts London’s most dynamic spoken world artist in this free event.

Sat 2 Jul. Join Sam Adams for the magic, wonder and fantasy of a truly Grimm fairy tale.

Plus: TOY EXCHANGE! Bring in any old toys in good condition and swap them for others ones at the end of the event.

TARA STUDIO 356 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London SW9 9RD 020 8333 4457 www.tara-arts.com 18 Jun. DAVID, GOLIATH AND FRIENDS – EPIC STORIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT 10.30am.

Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and discover how the tiny David defeats the giant Goliath and much much more. There are lots of adventures and new things to ear, so come wide awake and lend your ear!

4-8yrs and families. £7.50/£8.50

Alra Theatre, Royal Victoria Patriotic Building (On the northern edge of Wandsworth Common), John Archer Way, London SW18 3SX. 020 8870 6475, www.alra.co.uk JUNK, by Melvin Burgess. A drama school production.

At ALRA Theatre: Wed 8-Fri 10 Jun, 7.30pm, Sat 11 Jun 3pm. Free ticketed: info: info@alra.co.uk or 020 8870 6475 At TARA Studios: Thu 16 Jun, 7.30pm £7.50/£11 www.tara-arts.com or 020 8333 4457 Tar is running away from another beating from his Dad. Gemma is just running away. Slowly, heroin creeps into the heart of their lives. Everything falls away in the face of junk.

Nothing is safe; everything is up for barter, even love.

Suitable for 14 yrs.

SANDHOLM A drama school production and a coproduction with “Company of Angels” www.companyofangels.co.uk ALRA Theatre: Wed 22 Jun-Fri 24 Jun, 7.30pm, Sat 25 Jun 3pm.

The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon Sun 12 Jun. ROARY – THE RACING CAR LIVE! 1pm.

It’s the day of the “Champion of Champions” race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle..A brand new live stage show guaranteed to thrill the whole family. £12/£15. family £46.

Sat 18 Jun. THAT’LL BE THE DAY 7.30pm The nation’s favourite rock’n’roll show returns by popular demand with their 25th Anniversary Show. You’ll be on your feet before the end of the show! £20/£25.

Thu 23- Sat 25 Jun. SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Thu-Sat eves 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. The skill and military precision of the world champion dancers of the Irish International Dance company will send shivers down your spine! £15.50 to £28.50.

Sandholm: a huge and bleak asylum centre on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Hundreds of people – dozens of nationalities –live cheek by jowl, trying to rebuild their lives in identical shoebox bedrooms. Suitable for 14yrs.

THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE

The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ. 0844 871 7651, www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond Tue 21-Sat 25 Jun. THE JUNGLE BOOK Rudyard Kipling’s Classic Tale is a wild adventure for the whole family. £11/£16, family £46 (Tue-Fri).

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP AND EVENTS: Sat 18 Jun, 10am-12pm. PLAY TIME! Fun, free family arts and crafts and storytelling. 4yrs and families.

Sat 25 Jun, 10.30am-12pm. JUNGLE PUPPETS

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Lyric theatre: Peter and the Wolf Sat 11 Jun. PETER AND THE WOLF Meet the world famous characters of young Peter, his Grandfather, a cat, a duck and a quick-witted redbird. But, watch out for the big hungry wolf! 3-7yrs.

Sat 18 Jun. PRINCESS AND THE PEA A playful and comic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s bedtime tale of a prince in search of a real princess, a tower of mattresses and, of course, a tiny pea. 2-5yrs.

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jun. EGG & SPOON 10.30am, 12pm & 1.30pm. Messy-Play 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm. A multisensory journey through the seasons. Help make snow, blow leaves and give a tree its blossom in this interactive adventure. 6 months-3yrs.

26 Jun. FAMILY SUNDAY 10.30am, 12pm & 1.30pm Catch a show and Messy play workshop and then enjoy the free all-day craft table. Grown-ups can join in and enjoy a coffee and cake whilst relaxing in Café Brera or on the roof garden.

UNICORN THEATRE Alra Production: Junk.

RICHMOND THEATRE

Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk Saturdays shows 11am/1pm £6/£8, then “MESSY PLAY” arts and crafts activities £5, 12pm & 2pm. £9 for Show and Messy Play Workshop. Add Messy Play to your family ticket for just £3 extra per child. Family ticket £25.

ALRA PRODUCTIONS

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Richmond Theatre: The Jungle Book

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE

Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Sat & Sun 2pm and 4pm. £7/£9. Parties £6.

To 27 Jun THE PUPPET SHOW SEASON Every Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm. New exciting puppet shows for all the family. Beautifully crafted puppets, fun and exciting stories..not to be missed!

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Little Venice, Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com £8.50/£10.

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EAT HER 11/12 Jun, 18/19, 25/26 at 3pm, 2/3 Jul, 9/10 at 3pm. Presented with marionettes and shadow puppets, original music, lighting and effects, this is an enchanting show for both adult and child. From 4yrs.

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com To 12 Jun. THE NIGHT PIRATES Featuring puppets, song and ballet dancing pirates in a delightful adaptation of the much loved picture book. 3yrs+. £9/£11, family £32.

15-25 Jun. TIN SOLDIER Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Peppered with magical songs, it tells the bittersweet tale of the plucky hero’s action packed journey towards an appointment with destiny. For all romantics over 7 years old, featuring love, laughter and lots of live music. £9/£11, family £32.

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE Bank side, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespeares-globe.com The 2011 season at the Globe theatre celebrates the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and the enduring power of dramatic language.

To 21 Aug. ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL by William Shakespeare. Grinds the romantic against the realistic at every turn and brilliantly reverses all the usual expectations of Shakespearean comedy.

Box Office for the whole season: 020 7401 9919/0871 297 0749 or online. Please check the website for full detail of the performances.

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for What's On

June 2011

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

BFI SOUTHBANK THE DISNEY 50 AT THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE 020 7928 3232 www.bfi.org.uk/southbank £6.75/£9.50, family £20.

Every weekend throughout 2011, the Disney heritage will be gloriously showcased, spanning seventy years of films that combine beautiful artistry, masterful storytelling and ground breaking technology.

Two new tickets offers for Disney fans: “Disney 50 Pass” and “Family Ticket” check the website for more info.

Tue 7 Jun. 6pm. THE JUNGLE BOOK Sat 11 Jun 2pm & Thu 16 Jun 6.30pm. THE ARISTOCATS Sat 18 Jun 1.30pm & Wed 22 Jun 6.30pm. ROBIN HOOD Sat 25 Jun 2pm & Mon 27 Jun 6.30pm. THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH Sat 2 Jul 2pm. THE RESCUERS

EVENTS BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO. Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 020 7924 5826 www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Daily from 10am. Usual child entrance fee £6 with activities.

Mon 13 Jun. ANNUAL BARBECUE 6pm-9pm Adults £1, children (6-16yrs) £6, under 5s free.

Ticket includes: Exclusive access to the Zoo after closing, Barbecue, salads and puddings from 6.15pm-8.15pm, and also children’s activities, silent auction, raffle, bar, live music.

Bookings: www.batterseapark.org/events

CELEBRATING SANCTUARY AT COIN STREET FESTIVAL BERNIE SPAIN GARDENS Sun 19 Jun. 2pm-7pm. Free. All ages.

Part of the “REFUGEE WEEK 2011” in London. The festival provides a platform for new performances and artwork, many of which are the culmination of outreach projects involving refugee artists working with children and young people in their communities. Plus live music, performances, workshops, food and drinks. A great day out for the whole family!

WWT WETLAND CENTRE

June 2011

THE WILD SIDE Wetland Centre is the perfect place for a wildlife-spotting walk: you can see an astonishing variety of creatures and plants without travelling far from the centre of the City. Check the website nearer the time for times and details of the themed walks.

WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (daily during weekends and school holidays) Discover the centre’s amazing wildlife and learn weird and wonderful facts with the Education Team’s regular pond dips, wildlife walks and trails.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, London WC2 1LA 020 78454600, www.somerset.org.uk SATURDAYS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS: 2pm3.30pm. Free Family Workshops. Collect tickets from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the day. Children 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult.

Sat 11 Jun. THE PASTEL REVOLUTION In the Courtauld Gallery take a look at the artists known as “Fauves” (or Wild Beast) and learn how to blend colours together to create vibrant masterpiece.

Sat 18 Jun. FRAME BY FRAME Discover how to tell a dramatic tale in pictures and create your own cartoon strip after exploring work by the artist Ai Weiwei at Somerset house.

Sat 25 Jun. MIND THE GAP! Take a tour of the hidden depths of Somerset House, and then experiment with techniques such as erasing, and rubbing as tools to create space and perspective in your drawings.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING 10.30am-11am & 11.30am-12noon every Sunday. Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each Sunday.

For families with children aged 5 to 11 DRAWING SUNDAYS: 11am-12.20pm, repeated 2pm3.20pm, alternate Sundays. Young artists explore how National Gallery paintings can be used as inspiration.

STUDIO SUNDAYS: 11am-1pm, repeated 2pm-4pm, alternate Sundays. Hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery followed by a studio session: Sun 12 Jun. POCKET SIZE CITIES Paper construction and drawing workshop.

Sun 19 Jun. SAVING KNIGHTS AND GRACES Investigate size, shape and space in this sculpture and drawing workshop.

Sun 26 Jun. WHAT’S YOUR PERSPECTIVE? Collage and drawing workshop.

Sun 3 Jul. THE PEACOCK’S COMPASS Mixed-media and drawing workshop.

For all ages FAMILY WALK AND TALK First Sundays: 5 Jun, 3 Jul. 12.30pm-1.30pm. Join us on a journey through the collection where we will walk, talk and bring painting alive!

MORE GALLERY FUN TRAILS AND AUDIO TOURS Families can print it out from www.national gallery.org.uk/families or pick one up at Information Desks.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk/events Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thu, Fri 10am-9pm.

FAMILY EVENTS: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Sat 18 Jun. STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm.

Bring the Gallery’s portraits to life in this exciting storytelling sessions followed by a fun art activity. 3yrs.

Sat 18 Jun. FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am & 2.30pm. Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity in this enjoyable family session. Free ticket required and available one hour before the event. 5yrs+.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894/2885 www.nationalgallery.or.uk and for family events www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what FAMILY SUNDAYS Fun activities designed especially for families to enjoy and learn together. Free hands-on art workshops at 11am & 2pm every Sunday. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer (Orange St entrance). Workshops last 2hrs.

For children aged 2 to 5:

See also www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/whatson

Planetarium Shows

HMS BELFAST Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk Open Daily 10am-5pm. £10.80/£13.50, children under 16s free.

INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM HMS Belfast could once be controlled from the Operations Room, the

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Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT. 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk Daily 9.30am - 5pm £4.95/ £8.95, under 4s free, family £25.

A spectacular 105 acre wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds offers a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians.

Sat 18-Sun 19 Jun, Sat 25-Sun 26 Jun. A WALK ON

What’s on

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What’s on nerve centre and brain of the entire ship. Visitors can now imagine exactly what this would have been like as the Operations Room is updated with exciting interactives.

Entry included in adm price.

11 & 12 Jun. MATERIAL CULTURES: HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS Drop-in 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. A discussion led, interpretative activity which invites members of the public to examine a particular object or space relating to the ship. Entry incl in general adm.

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk EXHIBITION To 29 Aug. IMPACT: COLLISIONS AND CATASTROPHES From meteor showers to giant asteroid this brand new exhibition takes a look at these fiery visitors and their impacts on our planet. Plus there’s the chance to see and touch real space rocks in the ROG’s astronomy galleries.

FAMILY EVENTS: Lots of them! Please check website for more details.

25 Jun. SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORER 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm,4pm. These family workshop focus on meteorites, with the chance to handle real space rocks and find out what we can learn from them.

PLANETARIUM SHOWS Throughout June. IMPACT: FROM HALLEY TO HAYABUSA This show explores our understanding of comets and asteroids, from the discoveries of Edmund Halley in 1705 to the daring Japanese Hayabusa probe mission to the asteroid Itokawa in 2005 and beyond.

Throughout June. SKY TONIGHT LIVE Take a tour of what can be seen in tonight’s sky with a Royal Observatory Astronomer.

For more shows and details of performance please visit the website.

Weekends & Bank Hol: A SOLDIER’S EXPERIENCE Sergeant Gowing of the Royal Fusiliers describes his experiences in the Crimean War. 4-8 Jul. THEATRE ON SOUTH LAWN: ANNE BOLEYN History re-created at the Tower where Anne was tried and executed, in exciting Promenade performances and through Shakespeare’s language.

Daily: FIT FOR A KING Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE Hampton Court, East Molesey. Surrey, KT8 9AU. 10am-4.30pm 0870 758 8080. www.hrp.org.uk £7/£11.50/£14 family £38.

8-18 Jun. HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL with world-class artists, spectacular fireworks and exquisite culinary experience.

Booking: www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com 2-3 Jul. TUDOR COOKERY Experience real smells and sounds as historic chefs prepare a Royal Feast.

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SOUTHBANK CENTRE www.southbankcentre.co.uk To 4 Sept.

FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN WITH MASTERCARD Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Festival of Britain with a four months festival of British culture and creativity. Experience performances, new outdoor environments, talks, events, concerts and gigs by some of Britain’s leading artists and thinkers.

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS

LEEDS CASTLE

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, London EC3 Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk £10.45/£17.05/£19.80, family £55, under 5 free. Events included in adm.

EXHIBITIONS NEW! To 24 Jul. RAREE SHOW (with Royal Beasts!)

The Menagerie 1250-1850. Be introduced to the wonders of nature, the bizarre, the incredible and the frankly unbelievable, as the “raries” and the “Curiosities” of the tower throughout the ages are revealed.

POWER HOUSE Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of Royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day, in a new permanent exhibition opening on the white Tower’s top floor.

ROYAL BEASTS For the first time visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the animals that were once kept there as part of the royal menagerie.

CONCERT John Rigby conducts the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in a programme of classical favourites, plus, display from two classic World War II aircraft, a Hurricane and an American P-51D Mustang “Big Beautiful Doll”. Access to concert site from 3pm. Live music from 5pm, main concert 7.30pm. Picnic £35; seated £45.

Leeds Castle Seven miles east of Maidstone and clearly signposted from junction 8 of the M20. £11/£16/£18.50, under 4s free. 01622 765400 or www.leeds-castle.com The beautiful moated castle is set in 500 acres of tranquil parkland and has a rich 1,000 year history, making it an ideal day out throughout the year.

16 Jun-19 Jun. JANE AUSTEN’S “SENSE AND SENSIBILITY” 7pm. An evening of Regency delight with Chapterhouse Theatre Company. This brand new adaptation of Jane’s Austen’s lively tale will be performed open air on the Pavilion Lawn. Adult £15, child (under 16yrs) £12, family £45.

16 Jul. THE LEEDS CASTLE OPEN AIR CLASSICAL

Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7938 9123. Open: Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun: 11am-5.50pm.

Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011.

Free. www.nhm.ac.uk EXHIBITIONS: To 4 Sept. AGE OF THE DINOSAUR Dinosaurs make a dramatic return in this summer blockbuster exhibition.

Combining stunning imagery with amazing specimens and interactives, “Age of the Dinosaur” will take visitors on a journey through millions of years to life on Earth with the gargantuan reptiles.

To 25 Sept. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Experience the sensory world of butterflies, explore the five different sensory zones of sight, smell, taste hearing and touch in this new exhibition, come face to face with live butterflies in the beautiful butterfly house and learn more about the surprising life they lead.

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES HANDS-ON NATURE: DINOSAURS 2pm-5pm.Sats, Suns and School Hol. Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions” and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators. Free.

DAILY FAMILY ACTIVITIES 11am-5pm. Mon-Fri in term time. Free Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum.

Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s.

Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker!

INVESTIGATE CENTRE 11am-5pm. Mon-Fri in term time. Encourages children to look closely at real objects using the many tools provided to find out more and become a scientist for the day.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES: check the full listing on

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for What's On

June 2011

What’s on

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Here some highlights: 11Jun. ANIMAL VISION – CAN YOU REALLY SEE EVERYTHING? 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm.

Free. Interactive show with live animals to discover eye adaptation in animals such as snakes, iguanas, chameleons, bee, butterflies or scorpions.

7yrs+.

DINO SNORES: Starts 17 Jun at 7pm, finishes 18 Jun at 9.50am. Investigate the Museum’s nocturnal nature and learn more about extinct creatures and deadly bugs.

Visitors will take a torch-lit tour into the darkest depths of the galleries to discover clues and solve a nature puzzle. At midnight, snuggle down for the night in the iconic Central Hall and shadow of “Diplodocus”. In the morning, breakfast will be served before more activities. 8-11yrs.

Each booking must include a minimum of 5 children in the group to be accompanied by a maximum of 3 adults.

Visitors must have a proper meal before attending and bring a snack for later in the evening. Children £45, adults free. 020 7942 5000.

demonstrating light, sound, electricity and magnetism and more amazing physics phenomena. Free. 8-14yrs.

NEW EXHIBITION: PROTOMODEL British Artist Conrad Shawcross has created a series of five small –scale artworks dispersed throughout the “Mathematics” gallery.

This exhibition opens up a playful, questioning dialogue exploring how model-making, natural processes, cultural practices and historical circumstances all play their part in mathematical thinking.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. 10am-6pm. 020 7416 5320/5321. www.iwm.org.uk NEW EXHIBITIONS To 30 Oct. ONCE UPON A WARTIME: CLASSIC WAR STORIES FOR CHILDREN The exhibition delves into the pages of well-loved books,

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7.

020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk 10am-5.45pm until 10pm on Fridays. Free EXHIBITION To 17 Jul. THE CULT OF BEAUTY – THE AESTHETIC MOVEMENT 1860-1900 Prizing the importance of art and the pleasure of beautiful things above all else, it was the first artistic movement to inspire an entire lifestyle, with paintings from Rossetti, Whistler, Lord Leighton, furniture, textiles and wallpaper from Godwin and William Morris. £12.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES BACK-PACKS ADVENTURE TOURS OF THE V&A. Get creative at drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Back-Pack Packs are filled with jigsaws, stories and games to explore the collection.

ACTIVITY CART Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create a Samurai helmet, a silver goblet or an elephant mask to take home, free, drop-in, 4 to 11 yrs.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open 10am-6pm. Info & bkg 0870 870 4868. Adm is free

Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free.

EXHIBITION To 4 Sept. A RETROSPECTIVE OF WORK BY JUDITH KERR See original artwork and sketches (such as “The Tiger Who Came To Tea”) and her childhood drawing which will be on display for the first time. There will also be a replica kitchen where children can play at having tea with a life-size tiger.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Sat 11 Jun. A GLIMPSE OF ASIA 11.30am-4.30pm.

A day in celebration of Asia. Enjoy live Music and dance, join in folk art workshop and henna hand painting and sample tasty Asian snacks and more. Drop-in, all ages.

Tue 14 Jun. BARNADO’S BIG TODDLE 10.30am12.30pm. This year is animal-themed, so dress up and join us on a sponsored walk around Museum’s gardens with Charlie the Clown. Bring a packed lunch. Drop-in, under 5s.

Tue 14 Jun. TODDLERS TAKE OVER 12noon-4pm.

Free activities for under 5s. Fun fitness sessions (1.30pm2.30pm), face painting (12noon-4pm), storytelling (2pm2.30pm) and arts & crafts (2pm-4pm) Drop-in.

Copyright Judith Kerr exhibition

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Museum of Childhood: The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

but charges apply to some special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides ATMOSPHERE: EXPLORING CLIMATE CHANGE “The” destination to explore the science of climate change.

Free FLY ZONE With simulator area where you take control in 360 degree flight simulators or fly with the Red Arrows in a sensational 3D motion effects theatre. Charges apply.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS Launch a rocket, turn your head into a sound box, control a magnetic cloud and play with 50 more brand new interactive exhibits

bringing five stories of war dramatically to life. Behind the scenes of the stories, see what inspired the authors to write their books, and find out about the historical context of each story through objects, photographs and films. £3.95 to £5.95, family £12.50.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES 11 & 19 Jun. INTERVIEW WITH A VETERAN 11am & 2pm. A free intergenerational event. Young people from local schools and members of the public will interview veterans from the Second World War or more recent conflicts.

June 2011

Visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/whatson

HORNIMAN MUSEUM 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Daily 10.30am-5.30pm, free.

LOTS OF CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Some highlights BUSY BEES Every Wed to 29 Jun 10.30am, 11.15am & 12noon. Creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, Museum objects and simple activities changing every week. Under 5yrs. Education Centre. Free.

HANDS ON FAMILY WORKSHOPS Every Sat to 25

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Climate Change Gallery, Science Museum

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from page 37

What’s on Jun. 11.45am-12.30pm & 1pm-1.45pm. Explore animals, toys, puppets, music, costume and much more in themed workshops using our amazing handling collection. Free.

Hands On Base. 3yrs+.

18 Jun. FAMILY ART FUN: BALINESE NECK PIECES (Dance Costumes) 1.30pm-2.15pm & 2.45pm3.30pm. Celebrate world cultures, the natural world, festivals and the changing seasons through fabulous art and crafts.

CHILDREN’S COURSES BALINESE SHADOW THEATRE Every Friday from 10 Jun. 4pm-5.15pm Visit the exhibition “Bali-Dancing for the Gods” then design and make your own set of shadow puppets with a shadow theatre for them to perform in.

Education Centre. £30 for 6 sessions. 8yrs +, no need to be accompanied by an adult during the session. Visit www.horniman.ac.uk and download a booking form or pick up a form from the information desk.

2pm-4pm and Sun 26 Jun 11.30am-1.30pm, 2pm-4pm.

Join one of the Museum’s Hosts and explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. For Families. Free.

A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM Sun 19 Jun 1pm-1.30pm, 2pm-2.30pm & 3pm-3.30pm. Mary Prince’s fight for freedom brought her to London where her story was used to help end slavery in the 1800s. Meet Mary and hear her story of determination, compassion and survival. 5yrs.

Free.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm.

UNDER 5s STORY TIME Wed 8 Jun 3pm-3.30pm, Thu 16 Jun 3pm-3.30pm, Thu 23 Jun 3pm-3.30pm &

DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames, City of London SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 www.designmuseum.org Workshops are suitable for children 5-11yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £4 for children, £8.50 for accompanying adults, price includes entry to exhibitions.

Sun 26 Jun. FAMILY DAY 11am-4pm. An exciting mix of design themed activities and fun workshops, exhibition trails, games and competitions.

The MUSEUM OF LONDON and MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS are having family fun Victorian style this May. Please visit the websites for full details of children activities. www.museumoflondon.org.uk and www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm MUSEUM EXPLORED Sun 12 Jun 11.30am-1.30pm,

Museum Of London Docklands fun Thu 30 Jun 3pm-3.30pm. Stories, music and fun every Thursday during term time, then come and play in Mudlarks. 0-5yrs. Free.

WHALING TALES Sat 18 Jun 12.30pm-1.30pm 7 Sat 18 Jun 2.30pm-3.30pm. Hear tales of men swallowed by whales, sing sea shanties and make a keepsake silhouette for a journey at sea. 5yrs. Free.

Information for What’s On send to whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

FREE PERSONAL ADS: See also lots online If you have unwanted baby goods, prams, or clothes sell them to other families locally.

Please log on to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/personalads If you are looking for childcare or offering your services as an au pair, nanny or housekeeper go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/childcareads It is FREE!

To appear here email to: personalads@familiesmagazine.co.uk

HOUSEKEEPING CHILDCARE OFFERED • Experienced & reliable Nanny/ Mother's Help is looking for part-time work. Live in/out.

Excellent references available. Also available to work weekends.

Please leave a message on 07543 647 321 • Flexible, responsible, energetic, fun and practical person seeking a job as a nanny. Five years of experience in working with babies, pre-school and primary school children. Registered as a self-employed nanny for over 4 years.

CONTACT ME ON 07891 197 693 • Cleaner with 5 years experience looking for work in South London. I am 32 years old and live in SW17. I have references and permission to work and live in UK. Please contact Amanda on amanda290878@hotmail.com or 07916 759 537 • Friendly, fun and trustworthy nanny with 3 years experience from newborns to 6 yrs is looking for a part time position from June. I have a 5 months

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old son, he will be 7+ months by then and I would consider nanny share as well so I can take him with me.

References upon request. If interested please contact me on adel.mathe@yahoo.co.uk.

Or 07531 178 323 My name is Ana Paula, I am looking for part-time work as a cleaner, housekeeper, nanny or mother's help. I am living in Tooting Broadway and my phone number is 07515 117 778 Domestic Helper available for Child Care and Cleaning Duties, based in SW3.

Currently living in, with permission from current employers to do extra work.

Glowing references provided. £8 per hour with flexible time table. Please call Shazi on 07912 037 769 Merton Park/Wimbledon, Childminder offers after-school places with school pick-up. Ofsted registered, degree educated, mum of two with a background in Psychology. Warm and loving family environment. Spacious garden with dedicated activities room.

Homework support and healthy meals.

Please call 07582 119 675 Ofsted registered, qualified and experienced nanny NVQ level 2

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WANTED • LIVE OUT NANNY REQUIRED SW7. Spanish, Italian or Mandarin speaker. Experienced. For 2 school age children and a 2 years old boy. 8am to

7pm, Monday to Friday. Please send CV to nanny@bizzi.co.uk or call 7370 5060

FOR SALE • Inflatable baby swim ring for age 312 months, £10. Svan highchair - solid wood, £50. Maternity clothes - whole load of gorgeous items, summer and winter, will fit someone usually size 1012. Whole box for sale or items priced individually. Call 07702 266 483 • Wooden single loft bed with mattress and detachable ladder, very solid (originally John Lewis) £60 ono; IKEA desk, yellow laminate with bureau style shelves, computer shelf etc, great for child’s room £40 ono; white-painted wooden rocking chair £40 ono. Please call 020 8769 6400 • Double sleeper couch, Ikea, excellent condition. White and blue pinstripes with red custom made slip cover, £60.

Pink mini trampoline with protective sides. Excellent condition, £15. Please contact: renalda@hotmail.co.uk or 07733 468 850 • Boys 13y+ bike - teenager-bashed. £40 ono. 020 8677 4049.

June 2011

classified ads HEALTH Counsellor/Psychotherapist

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SERVICES

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VACANCIES

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Consultancy and tuition also available.

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BUILDING AND HANDYMAN SERVICE Painting, decorating, carpentry, plastering.

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020 8741 4242 Prompt reliable seven day service for deep down cleaning, removing dust, mites, dirt & stains

June 2011

• We need someone for our newsletters/ezines.

Databases, creation, design, generating an income etc.

Experience a must.

TUITION Come all the family and learn Spanish with Pedro.

Group and individual lessons.

Call Pedro on 07956 699963

MUSIC

SPEECH SPECIALISTS

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Individual Tuition Public Speaking, Confidence Building, Interview Technique, Speech & Drama

Friendly, experienced and qualified teacher of children 6+ and adults.

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

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Different styles covered.

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020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

• Could you compile our Holidays listings? Writer Karin is moving on…

www.familiesmagazine.co.uk

• We are looking for an additional sales helper. Ad sales experience required.

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Learn simple techniques in your own home or your friend's.

Hands-on parent and child workshop by qualified massage therapist and aromatherapist.

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Handyman Reliable, skilled and tidy General home maintenance, including: • Carpentry and painting • Garden clearance and fencing • Flatpack assembly and fitted kitchens Please call Nigel Fletcher for further details or free quotation. 07988 983273

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• Familiessouthwest.co.uk is growing. We need a web editor/revenue generator. (commission only) For these call the editor Pascale on 020 8696 9680.

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June 2011