Families London SW Issue 245 April 2015

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April 2015

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

ABI CAMPBELL

photography

For more information see advert on page 13

•Easter Egg hunts •Local Easter Activities •Baby Feature

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

Find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Ofsted Registered

We accept Childcare Vouchers

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Bespoke housekeeping and nanny recruitment services

We discuss your needs and expectations to establish a relationship of continuity and trust.

All candidates are subject to a thorough screening process. References and suitability of all candidates are fundamental.

Our philosophy: We aim to fulfil your needs.

We match candidates to their strengths Safety and discretion is paramount!

For more information please visit: www.surteespartnership.co.uk 0844 800 5240 April 2015

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Specialist Pet Relocation for Europe and the UK. 0207 354 5131, info@ept-uk.co.uk, www.ept-uk.co.uk

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

April 2015

Contents 06-07

News & info • Local news

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• Clubs and activities news

SouthWest

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Education • Local school news • Getting boys reading

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06-07

Our Roving Reporter’s Column Candida Jones investigates

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Nature’s larder

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Front cover photo, with thanks to:

ABI CAMPBELL

photography

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BABY Feature • Maternity clothing, photography, etc

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• Preparing for a second child All content ©Families 2015 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

• Alternative Health (osteopathy, hypnobirthing, baby physio, baby yoga etc) • Real Nappy Week • Protecting your baby against Electro Magnetic Radiation

Next issue: May 2015. Deadline: Early April 2015

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•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

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

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

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.

• Designed by Shirley Trimmer

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

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

Easter Holiday Listings part 2 Arts, craft, languages, sports,

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dance, music, workshops, days out, etc

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Fun in Nature Make a clay flower fairy or gnome

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: Contact us on 020 8696 9680

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• Theatre • Museums & Galleries

Find us on Facebook & Twitter FamiliesSW

April 2015

What’s On • Days out • Easter egg hunts &

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events • Diary dates & events ®

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News

Like us Compiled by Joanna Parry ®

New Woodland Garden in Chelsea

FamiliesSW

Family favourite Chelsea Physic Garden opens their World Woodland Garden this April, celebrating forest environments from around the world and the amazing and medicinal plants that they produce. Explore the new garden in three geographic regions, Americas, Europe and East Asia, with each region demonstrating the traditional and modern uses of various forest species including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs. With 150 new plants, the World Woodland Garden is bound to amaze! Admissions fees apply. Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS, 020 7352 5646 www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

copyright Charlie Hopkinson

Love Your Street campaign If you live in Merton, Sign up to the Love Your Street campaign this spring and help tackle litter in your borough. In fact, if you pledge now you could win a £100 voucher!

How about joining a community clean up, or plan a clean up yourself? Join the Street Champions and find out how you can get involved in keeping your neighbourhood cleaner and safer. www.merton.gov.uk/environment

At what age should my child start learning the piano?

Although the age of seven is usually considered the best moment to start learning an instrument, if you wait until that time you might miss the opportunity to develop musical abilities that are better supported from an early age. Obviously, a young 3-4 year old should not be exposed to a music training better suited for older children. That is why Stringnote has developed an exclusive Talent Development Programme to support the musical talent of children 2-6yrs. Their site in Fulham and training website www.TalentPlayground.com offers a carefully designed set of activities that will both entertain and educate the little musicians.

Contact them on 07946 808976 or on stringnote@btinternet.com and quote the reference ‘FMApril’ for a promotion discount in an online programme. Visit www.stringnote.com to book a Free Taster.

Going away?

Pet coming too?

If you are relocating with your family and have pets, you can save hassle for you and the stress for your pets. Executive Pet Travel is a friendly, high quality service providing specialist pet relocation around Europe and the UK. All the journeys are carried out by road so that your loved ones don’t have to travel by air which can be very distressing for them. They understand that every pet is different so they offer a bespoke personal service to provide a stress free travel solution for you and your pets. Please get in touch to have a chat with their friendly staff on the details below. 020 7354 5131 info@ept-uk.co.uk www.ept-uk.co.uk

Craft club with a creche The Old School Club is a fantastic find - a creative, family friendly hub in SW London with a crèche to look after your children whilst you attend one of their classes or use the club for some Studio Time. Choose from sewing, knitting or dressmaking to interior design, painting furniture and upcycling. Whether you're a beginner or a dab hand, their projects are varied and interesting and cater for all. The morning crèche runs Mondays-Thursdays and tea, coffee and cake are served – can a morning get better than this? They also run a fab range of classes and holiday workshops for kids, including Sewing School Juniors for ages 6-12 and Teens Craft Workshops for 12-16 year olds. And if you’re planning a kid’s party or an event for grown ups, The Old School Club is the perfect place to start. The Old School Club, Unit 141, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill SW11 5QL www.theoldschoolclub.co.uk

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Get Doodling Looking for somewhere to enjoy a good scribble or a game of ping pong? Somewhere with a range of literary events for kids, including Storytime Sunday with children's illustrators and authors, and lots of creative fun? Then check out the Doodle Bar in Battersea, a great place to take a class or sign up for a workshop, or just hang out and doodle. It’s the perfect venue to hold your next children’s party, and they also run fantastic holiday workshops, including their Easter Club where your little one can get stuck into printing, mask-making, clay modeling and doodling. 1-10 April, age 3-7 and 8-11, 9.3011.30am, £10-20. Email kids@thedoodlebar.com to book your place, and make sure you dress appropriately! The Doodle Bar, 33 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP, 0207 223 7115 / 07710 390991, reservations@thedoodlebar.com, www.thedoodlebar.com

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

News

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Young Archaeologists’ Club This spring, Fulham Palace launches West London’s first Young Archaeologists’ Club.

Teaming up with the Council for British Archaeology, the Club will provide an opportunity for children to have fun finding out about their local history, while meeting real archaeologists and craftspeople.

Each month there will be a different theme covering everything from Roman crafts and dendrochronology, otherwise known as tree-ring dating, to historic poo and digging up skeletons.

There are also opportunities for older children interested in archaeology as a career to join the group as peer mentors, helping the younger children and supporting the workshop leader.

The cost is £15 per session, £60 per term, meeting monthly on a Saturday 10.30am to 12.15pm. Booking is essential at www.fulhampalace.org/visiting-whats-on/events

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy’s award-winning programme develops children’s confidence, creativity and communication skills. This unique programme taps into children’s natural love of drama and channels that energy into a way for them to express their creative talents and build their self-esteem. It isn’t the academy’s intention to produce “stars”, but rather to help all children realize their creative potential, make friends and have lots of fun! Their weekly, affordable classes are suitable for 4 – 16 year olds and are held in Tooting, Clapham, Balham and Stockwell. To book a FREE TRIAL call 07847 617411 or 020 8265 7320 swlondon@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk

WOW! Eddie Catz marks its 10th year anniversary!

Families asked owner and mother Maria Johnson to share her journey “I can’t honestly believe it’s been 10 years since we opened our doors to our first Eddie Catz soft play in Putney. Today Eddie Catz has 3 soft play centres, two in SW London and one in Berkshire. We’ve grown steadily year on year. We now employ 60-80 team members depending on the season and we are blessed to have a great team.

It’s not been an easy ride, and not at all like what we had imagined. We’ve navigated through a double dip recession. Our customers have become super cost conscious and it is very hard to grow a business during a recession when you can’t put your prices up but your staff costs, utilities and cost of food supplies spiral. However getting a letter from a happy customer or seeing the delight of a young Eddie fan makes it worthwhile – both for us and for our team. We’ve served over 1.5 million children over the years and probably hosted near 50,000 children’s birthday parties. That’s a lot of people.

So what does the future hold?

We are hoping to have a fourth venue in SW London pretty soon and we’re also hoping to open a nursery in our Wimbledon branch. Watch this space!”

• Putney 68-70 Putney High Street, London SW15 1SF • Wimbledon 42 Station Road, Merton SW19 2LP 020 347 55268 www.eddiecatz.com

Drama for teenies Looking for a new drama class for your kids? Check out Top and Tiny Turns, run by Waterloo East Theatre director Sarah Redmond, which caters for all future stars from 3 years upwards. Top and Tiny Turns is all about having fun whilst gaining confidence through theatre and play, with an emphasis on teamwork and creation. Parents are invited at the end of each term to watch a class or a performance, and their devised pieces have seen them perform at Waterloo East Theatre and the Streatham Festival. Classes take place for 3-6 years on Mondays at Capoira Studios, 136 Streatham High Road, and at 10-11.30am on Saturdays at 'Vinters', Sunnyhill Road SW16 for the 'Theatre Gang' age 7+. Email topandtinyturns@gmail.com, www.topandtinyturns.co.uk

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New after school club Orleans House Gallery is pleased to announce an exciting new after school activity, Star Club.

Combining movement, story telling, music and art, Star Club is a new series of performance based workshops for 4-7 year olds. Taking inspiration from the exhibition and surrounding natural environment of Orleans House Gallery, your little ones will learn about creative performance making, communication and group work, building up towards a small showcase. An exciting addition to Orleans House Gallery, classes run on Mondays 3.45-5pm, £45 for 5 classes. Find out more by calling 020 8831 6000 or online at www.richmond.gov.uk/arts Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ

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

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Education New Headteacher for Wandsworth Prep School With eighteen years’ teaching experience in middle and senior leadership roles in the independent and maintained sectors, Bridget Saul joined Wandsworth Prep as Deputy Headteacher when the school opened its doors in September 2012. She has now been appointed as the new Head teacher. Warm congratulations to her.

Bridget, who taught at Thomas’ Preparatory School in Battersea for thirteen years, said: “I am thrilled to have been offered the role of Headteacher at Wandsworth Prep School. The school has reached a very exciting phase in its development and I am particularly looking forward to working with our dedicated team of teachers, the children and parent body as we embark further on the journey towards the school reaching full capacity in September 2017.”

Wandsworth Preparatory School, The Old Library, 2 Allfarthing Lane, SW18 2PQ 020 8870 4133 www.wandsworthprep.com

Swimming success A Thames Christian College pupil has won this year’s ISA National Swimming Gala! Harry Stacey, aged 14 has won the Year 9/10 50m fly in a new personal best time at the Independent Schools Association National Swimming Gala, held at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Harry was also one of four swimmers in the winning London West Year 9/10 200m medley relay team and 200m freestyle relay team, both of which knocked 2 seconds off the existing ISA record. Swimming since he was just four years old, Harry was coached at a club in France before moving back to the UK and joining Thames Christian College. He trains extremely hard - a total of 16 hours a week! ‘This is a fantastic achievement and shows that with hard work and dedication anything is possible,’ says Dr. Stephen Holsgrove, Executive Head, Thames Christian College. Thames Christian College, Wye Street SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Primary school with French/English bilingual stream Shaftesbury Park primary school is holding a special open day after the state primary school places are allocated in April to showcase their new French/English bilingual stream. It’s a real chance for parents with a place at the school or considering applying to the school to see it and ask any questions they have, so don’t miss out! Anyone interested can book a place by calling 020 7228 3652 or emailing info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Open Day Thursday 23rd April at 9.30am at Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea SW11 5UW, 020 7228 3652, www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

New Deputy Head Northcote Lodge is delighted to announce that Bruce Karsten, currently deputy head of Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory & Choir School, will join them this term as their new deputy headmaster. A keen sportsman, Karsten was born and raised in South Africa and taught in Cape Town before coming to England in 2006 to further his career in education. Since September 2011, he has been serving as Deputy Head at Reigate St. Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School, one of only 40 specialist choir schools in the country. Mr Karsten teaches science and mathematics but was particularly attracted to Northcote Lodge because they do sports every day! Northcote Lodge School, 29b Sudbrooke Road SW12 8TQ, 020 8682 8830, www.northcotelodge.co.uk

Happy anniversaries to Eveline Day and Nursery schools!

The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd were established by Mrs Maria Keaveney-Jessiman in 1964. The six nurseries are currently celebrating 50 years of excellence in childcare and the school is celebrating 25 years. EDNS is a family run business that delivers a unique service for working parents and is open from 7.30am-6.30pm all year round.

Their ethos is to provide a loving, caring, family environment. They provide an extension of the home, promoting a close relationship between parents, children and staff. A child’s learning journey with them can begin at the age of three months right up to the age of eleven years old.

The Eveline Day Nurseries & School provide a stimulating, inspiring and engaging education enabling each child to become a lifelong learner. The youngest children are cared for by experienced, mature staff, who are dedicated to their role as carers and educators. For the Early Years children, they offer a range of creative and sporty activities: Dance, Drama, Music, French and Sporty Minis. Good manners and mutual respect are encouraged from an early age. They say: ‘We believe that each child will grow and develop at his/her own rate, the better the environment and the more the child’s brain is stimulated, the nearer each child will be to attaining his full potential.’

The school offers small class sizes of 12-15 students, with a high child/teacher ratio of well-qualified enthusiastic teachers. They believe that learning is a joyful and rewarding experience and they encourage their students to aspire to high academic standards and achievement in all areas of learning. The students have a wealth of learning opportunities through a broad and balanced curriculum including residential trips from the age of seven, which help the children to develop independence and make decisions. The school is well known for its creativity in music and drama and believe that these skills build on self-esteem and confidence. Sport and high quality nutrition are an integral part of their school day. The school has an extended day and the children benefit from many extra-curricular activities.

The safety, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the children is paramount to their ethos and the children use their initiative, take responsibility for their actions and make decisions about their own futures.

The school is inclusive and diverse, “There is a tangible sense of racial harmony.” Ofsted.

Daily viewing by appointment. All enquiries 020 8673 3188 www.evelinedayschool.com

A few open days for your diaries • • • • •

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Shaftesbury Park Primary School, shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk 23rd April 9.30am Lion House School, www.lionhouseschool.co.uk 25 Apr 10-12pm St Nicholas Prep School SW7 stnicholasprep.co.uk 29th April 9.30-11.30am Streatham & Clapham High Juniors 5 May 9.00-10.45am The White House Prep School, SW4 and SW12 whitehouseschool.com 9th May 9.30-11.30am

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Education

Getting boys reading

By Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest

Research by Save the Children in the ‘Read on Get on’ report shows that there are currently more boys unable to read well at the age of 11 than girls. Even though girls generally read better than boys internationally, the gap between boys and girls reading abilities in the UK is one of the widest in the developed world. In 2013, only 72% of boys were reading well by the age of 11 compared to 78% of girls.

Following the Save the Children report, the ‘Read on Get on’ Campaign was launched in September 2014 with the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will leave primary school being able to read well by 2025. (Reading well is a ‘level 4’ at school, or in real life terms – it is being able to enjoy stories such as Treasure Island or Harry Potter, as well as confidently being able to enjoy reading in a wide range of subjects.)* We need to do more to get boys reading and more importantly - get them reading for pleasure. There is a virtuous circle between enjoying reading and being a good reader. Developing a love of stories and books is crucial.

Being able to read well at the age of 11 is the keystone to a good start in life. Children need to ‘learn to read’ and then they ‘read to learn’. There is something we can all do to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ and help reach the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds (especially boys) will read well by 2025.

I launched Reading Chest in 2010 when my own son started to learn to read. He found reading difficult and so it wasn’t long before he didn’t enjoy it. At the point when his school ran out of books because he hadn’t made enough progress to move up to the next colour band, I searched for appropriately levelled reading books that might inspire him and the idea of Reading Chest began. Reading Chest is a through the post children’s book rental service for children, offering a huge range of reading schemes including many non-fiction titles. For more information and reading advice visit www.readingchest.co.uk *Read on Get on report, published by Save the Children, September, 2014.

All the ideas and stra tegies below to get boys reading m ore can obviously apply to gi rls as well

Read for at least 10 minutes a day with or to your children.

Frequent short bursts are better than prolong ed reading sessions. If it beco mes as much a routine as putting on socks, then reluctant readers are less likel y to complain.

Read anything. Boys are more likely to enjoy reading if they can choose their own reading material and read for a purpose. Try gadget mag azines, skateboard magazines, golf magazines, farm ing magazines, football program mes or sports biographies.

Get dads reading in the hom e! ‘Read on Get on’ research shows that the impact of parents and in particular dad s, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading.

Children fall into reading hab its based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their dad or older brother reading, they are muc h less likely to pick up a book themselves.

Get dads into schools! Man y schools and organisations such as Beanstalk encourage volunteer readers to help with children’s reading.

(There are details of how you can volunteer at ww w.readongeton.org.uk.) It’s not easy for working people to take time out to help with reading in school, but emp loyers are being encouraged to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ by forming partnerships with local schools and being more flexible with employees to allow them to volunteer to help with reading. Imagine the impact when boys in a scho ol see a real builder with his hard hat on reading with a child, because his emp loyer allowed him to extend his lunch by half an hou r.

Boys are more likely to be embarrassed to read or be seen to enjoy reading than girls, as it is seen as un-cool.

Boys need ‘cool’ role models, to be seen reading, to talk about books and to get invo lved in reading projects in scho ols. Get your son to write to sports personalities , celebrities or authors to see if they will visit their school. They might be quite receptive with an active cam paign going on.

Integrate reading into ever yday life as much as possible.

Ask your son to help you read instructions, or get him to read out the recipe as you are cooking.

When out shopping recently, I was heartened to see a dad and son who kept stopping, as the dad got his son to read out various signs and captions in the department store.

Time pressured parents nee d to rethink how they enjoy their time with boys. If you only end up with half an hour of one to one time with your son, then reading a book together should be give n as much priority and time as kicking a ball in the back garden.

If nothing else works – use incentives!

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Our Roving Reporter’s column This month Candida investigates Nature’s larder

Nature’s larder: how to eat for free from London’s parks and commons

By Candida Jones

If you’ve never foraged for wild food in the open spaces of London, then April is the perfect time to start. While some of your local fruit trees may already be marked on London’s fruit map (http://fruitcity.co.uk/the-fruit-map/), it’s good to bear in mind that where there is blossom now, there will be flowers or fruits in autumn, so take note.

But Spring is not just about planning; it brings its own delights, the most majestic of which is wild garlic. This is among the easiest wild crops to identify; it grows in drifts in woodland and the smell is unmistakable. Wild garlic has long, broad, tapered leaves and delicate white flowers. It is perfect for children to pick as it pulls up easily and has no thorns or stings.

and lemon to make champagne or steeped in citric acid, sugar and lemon to make cordial. Boil the cordial down and you have a flowery syrup with which to make sorbet. Add gelatin and you have elderflower jelly. Add pectin and you have elderflower preserve!

Making wild garlic soup

fruit is strained, you can achieve the forager’s dream and create your own two-for-one deal; the sloes can make a second delight; slow gin jelly, and the fruit from the vodka makes wonderful icecream.

After a busy year’s foraging, Winter is the time to drink the rumtopf liqueur, sloe gin, damson vodka and nettle tea, eat the jams, savour cheese with membrillo, fight off colds with rosehip syrup, use up the garlic pesto on Sunday lunches, stew venison with gin-flavoured sloes and finish off the icecreams, scattered with crystalised violets, before it all starts again in April. But be warned, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find free food can be addictive.

Wild garlic (leaves and flowers) can be eaten raw in salads, wilted like spinach or made into wild garlic soup. Personally, I like to make a wild garlic pesto which keeps for months and can be added as a marinade to fish or lamb, or served with pasta.

Sorrel is another Spring-time gem and equally easy for children to grasp in every sense of the word. There are 2 types; wood sorrel and common sorrel. The flavour - either appley or lemony, depending on who you ask – provides a tangy addition to salads, but as it is high in oxalic acid should not be eaten more than once a week.

Wild rocket, the young leaves of the dandelion,

The elderflowers

Sloe Gins Late summer is the forager’s busiest time. The trees that were in blossom in April will now start to produce cherries, damsons, quinces, apples, crab apples, sloes, plums and rosehips, so it is time to get jamming, making fruit leathers and boiling down quinces for membrillo (perfect with cheese). With Christmas in mind, start your Rumtopf (or “rum pot”) now!

Simply add fruit as it ripens to a large pot, along with rum and sugar until the fruit is saturated and preserved, then strain the liqueur. Similarly, sloes can be preserved in gin and damsons, blackberries and elberberries in vodka. Once the

To find out more, including recipes, I recommend the following books: Alys Fowler – The Thrifty Forager John Lewis-Stempel - Foraging, the Essential guide to Free Wild Food Andy Hamilton – Booze for Free

Wood Sorrel

goosegrass and chickweed are other early Spring crops. May brings nettles and violets. Crystalise the latter to decorate cakes and use the former as an addition to pasta dough or risotto or to make tea or ale.

As Spring becomes Summer, the elderflowers – my personal favourite - open. Only pick the flowers on dry, sunny days when they are full of natural yeast and once their pale whiteness has mellowed to a soft buttery colour. These highlyscented flowers can be dipped in pancake batter and served hot as fritters, fermented with vinegar

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Wild Garlic Pesto 1 very large bunch of wild garlic, washed 60gms pine nuts, toasted 60gms parmesan cheese 150mls olive oil squeeze of lemon juice salt and pepper Place all the ingredients into a food processor apart from the olive oil and blitz for a minute or two then slowly pour in the olive oil until blended.

Store in sterile jars.

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Familiessouthwest.co.uk see more information online!

Directory, What’s On, Articles

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

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

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea Fulham Merton Park & Tooting New Malden Putney Wimbledon www.stagecoach.co.uk

April 2015

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BABY

Feature

Natural pictures to cherish for years to come

Stylish, confident and pregnant!

I wish Happy Mum existed when I was pregnant: I used to hide my bump under a ‘tent’, how awful that was! Pregnant women nowadays can look stylish, beautiful and sexy!

All of their products are made from natural fabrics which are hypoallergenic, comfortable and convenient. They can be worn throughout your entire pregnancy, from the early days right up to and following the birth of your baby. Many of their products are designed to be worn after the baby is born too—they have a special elastic insert—you will find that this stretches and provides convenience. Many products have comfortable hidden zips that will allow you to breastfeed in any place and at any time without either the mother or child experiencing any discomfort. These items can also be easily undone with one hand, whilst you are holding the baby, the products allow freedom of movement without putting pressure on your stomach. Special clothing for nursing is also available from their online store.

There is no reason that exceptions should be made during pregnancy, and you will find that their online store offers many suitable options for your changing figure without the tiring trips to the high street. In essence, after shopping with them, there’s no reason not to be a happy mum! www.happymum.london

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From the moment your baby is born to the wonderfully exciting first birthday, your baby’s first year is an amazing time filled with opportunities to capture those moments that go by in the blink of an eye.

Nodene Taylor’s approach to photography is natural and relaxed, using natural light and natural settings. She produces images that capture honest, unforced smiles, giggles and loving looks between your new family as well as all the magical, tiny features of your baby; from the teeniest toes, the chubbiest legs, to the softest cheeks of a delicate new baby.

In a comfortable environment such as your home she is able to capture the beautiful, tender relationship between mum, dad, baby and siblings, that reflect your personalities in an artistic and timeless way so that you have images to look back fondly on for years to come. A fun, relaxed photo session that produces beautiful images is a great gift to give with endless possibilities. The images can be used to create beautiful albums, framed prints or canvas art. Please contact her to discuss your options.

20% off to Families readers, subject to booking before 30th April 2015.

Nodene Taylor, natural lifestyle, family portrait and event photographer. 07929 034 766 info@nodenetaylor.com www.nodenetaylor.com

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

BABY

Feature

Preparing for your second child

By Heidi Skudder

With a second royal baby due very soon, Kate and William may be wondering what changes the new baby will bring to their family. For many clients, going from one baby to two has been reported as being more challenging than having the first baby for many reasons. We explore some of the key reasons and also how to tackle them to in order to ease the transition for you as parents but also for your precious first child too.

Prepare your first child Before your baby arrives, it can be really beneficial to prepare your toddler so that when the time comes, she knows what to expect. By talking through what is going to happen when baby arrives, this will be less of a shock when you bring baby home. There are also many children’s story books written to help with this transition. Buying your child a baby doll can also help your child learn through role play and often becomes useful when baby arrives.

Learning to share our love One of the biggest emotions involved in having a second baby is guilt and how much of that you feel, particularly towards your first child for not being able to give them the attention they always used to have. The important thing to realise is that this is very normal, most parents go through exactly the same emotions and these feelings will not last forever. Talk to family and friends about how you are feeling and set aside quality time each day to spend with your first born, whilst baby is sleeping or if you can, use family or friends to help hold the baby whilst you focus on your toddler. Do not worry about the amount of time you are not spending with them and rather think about the quality of that time; do fun activities, read stories or just have lots of cuddles. Young children cope with change well and as long as you are giving them some quality time, they will still feel loved and secure with the new arrival around too.

settle in before everything changes at home for them too. If your child is already with a nursery or nanny, try and keep this going when baby arrives so that your toddler has a sense of structure and security. Keeping your child’s bedtime the same, even if baby is not settled will also help to keep your child calm and prevent overtiredness which is hard to deal with when you are trying to juggle a baby and a toddler at the same time, all whilst recovering from the birth.

Watching the relationship grow between your new baby and his sibling will be one of the most special and rewarding parenting journeys you will experience. At times it may be tough; you may feel out of control and wonder how you will manage with two, but with experience your children will learn to share their parent’s attention and you will soon fall into functioning as a family of four as if it has been that way forever.

The Parent and Baby Coach offers workshops on Sleep, Weaning and Parenting Preparation for baby one or baby two; they also do home visits. Heidi Skudder is a trained Post Natal Depression counsellor and provides help with this too (Heidi often has mums with a second baby and PND).

•To see the dates of the next workshops go to www.theparentandbabycoach.com or call 0330 6600 204.

Getting the basics right Keeping a routine going whilst your baby arrives will also help your little one deal with your new arrival. If you are planning to put your first child into nursery to give you some time to concentrate on the baby when he arrives, try and do this a few weeks or months before. This allows your child to

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BABY

Feature

Ever thought about the levels of radiation your baby is exposed to?

Did you ever realise that your cordless baby monitor emits radiation? That your cordless (DECT) phone is effectively a mast in your own home acting as a transmitter? You can’t see it but electromagnetic radiation is all around your baby. Have you ever thought whether it might be harmful to your baby? It is never too soon to find ways to protect your baby from ElectroMagnetic Radiation (EMR) produced by wireless devices and mobile phones. In the same way that you can choose how to use this technology safely, you can also choose to create a safe zone for your baby at home.

Better safe than sorry Research has found that children who are exposed to mobile phone radiation in the womb, and who have used one themselves are 50% more likely to develop behavioural problems (J. Epidemiol Community Health, 2010). If you are pregnant or want to be, ensure that your sleeping environment is EMR free. After all laptops are recognised by doctors as causing dermatitis on the thighs and lower abdomen so avoid balancing your laptop or tablet on your baby bump.

Penetration of cell phone radiation into human skull

Adult male

10 year old

Commission your own work of art!

5 year old

835 MHz Pin = 600 mW Tests conducted by researchers Gandhi, Lazzi and Furse, 1996.

As a precaution it is best to: • switch off wireless routers, especially at night when not required • pregnant women should not carry their phones next to their bodies, (as recommended in mobile phone instruction booklets!)

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

• Choose low-radiation or analogue baby monitors. If you really must use one, place it as far to baby as possible Read the full article on www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

•Patty Hemingway (RMANM) is a family homeopath with a special interest in electromagnetic radiation sickness. www.pattyhemingway.com or phone 020 8333 0413

Monkey music Across SW London www.monkeymusic.co.uk Monkey Music is an Award-winning music and movement classes for babies from 3 months, using absorbing activities in a musical and sensory environment. The content of their classes has been developed and tested over time. All Monkey Music teachers are trained according to their own training programme, teachers are chosen for their natural empathy with young children and their evident musical talent. First class is free!

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If you have ever thought that a sculpture of your child or loved one was beyond your reach, then take a look at what Jane can achieve for you. In a few weeks, she can create a beautiful and lifelike work of art, created from both photographs and sittings. Initially trained as a photographer, her desire to create something more than photographic portraits gave her the idea of combining her photographic skills with sculpture, thereby creating a three dimensional portrait that would say much more about the individual. She has a natural ability to easily engage with people and, those who have sat, or worked with her, will tell you that Jane is a very approachable person, down-to-earth with a genuine and likeable personality. This is the perfect time to consider a gift for Father’s day, a sculpture of your child would be a wonderful heirloom. Take a look at Jane’s work on her website: www. janechilvers-sculpture.com

Tumble Tots opened a new Gymbabes class Good news for babies in Wandsworth who can join the new Gymbabes programme. The class is from 6 months to walking confidently. It includes developmental exercises to strengthen muscles as well as action songs to help develop listening skills. Babies can explore specially designed equipment to experience various gradients and textures, crawling through tunnels, balancing on beams, rocking and rolling on barrels, climbing over ladders and generally experiencing different kinds of activities for the very first time.

All activities take place under the supervision of trained staff. It is great opportunity to play with other babies of a similar age, develop their social skills and also a great way to meet new local parents and carers. Why not enjoy 45 minutes of quality time together with no distractions!?

Contact Julia at julia.forrest@tumbletots.com for more information or call 020 8464 4433.

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Fancy a Fairy Godmother midwife?

Tina Perridge of Neighbourhood Midwives thinks you might!

“One of our clients recently described her midwife as a Fairy Godmother – by which she meant that no matter how hard the night had been or the problems that day, when her midwife came it all seemed to feel better and more manageable.

Having a midwife you know and trust, who travels the journey with you is invaluable. She visits you at home for all your antenatal appointments (no waiting in a clinic) and there is always time to discuss all your fears, worries or simple concerns. As the birth draws near she will help you prepare for the day and be available to you 24/7 when you go into labour. Remaining by your side throughout she will then help you adapt to parenthood, visiting every day initially then at intervals until 6 weeks after the baby is born.

It is during those often challenging early postnatal days that the Fairy Godmother element of midwifery is perhaps most likely to emerge because caring for and understanding your new baby whilst recovering from what may have been a long and tiring labour and birth, can often seem like a daunting and uncharted journey. It’s when a little bit of magic ingredient can help you through!

Your Neighbourhood Midwife has a wealth of experience in this area and has lots of tips and ideas to share that really do help. Most importantly she is there for you. So even if you are happy with your NHS care remember that a little extra support might lead to a Happy Ever After ending!

Call 020 8874 6624 or email info@neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk for a chat and/or a free consultation.

The Osteopathic Centre for Children Do you know about the OCC It’s right on our doorstep! The centre is open for all children, whatever their problems and however young they happen to be. They explain: ‘We are welcomed by hospital neo-natal units to treat premature babies in incubators or on ventilators, so delicate is the touch of our osteopaths. We also look after mothers before they give birth, as well as afterwards together with their new-borns, which helps things go more smoothly and makes a lot of difference to family life when everyone is trying to adjust.

Our paediatric osteopaths are committed professionals, treating hundreds of children, from babies and toddlers to angst-ridden adolescents and Alevel students, every week of the year. All of which we have to fund ourselves: as although we save the NHS quite a lot of money, we get no Government backing whatsoever.

Added to this, at our clinics in Wandsworth and Shoreditch, we have always stuck to our original promise of never turning anyone away through inability to pay.

So we’ve got our work cut out for us, needing to raise £1 million every year simply to survive. But we think it’s worth it, because what we do is both unique and, in our view, essential to our patients’ quality of life. As one grateful father said of his daughter: “Osteopathy was the only thing that brought relief during a terrible period in her life.”

Find out more from their website: www.occ.uk.com, on Facebook, or contact them on 020 8875 5290 or at enquiries@occ.uk.com.

Registered Charity No: 1003934

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Beat the baby bulge, feel fitter and meet other mums Buggybells, run by award-winning Fit Pro Jamie Lloyd, is a fitness club for mums who want to exercise with their little ones outdoors without the added cost of childcare. What is different about Buggybells is that it works! It’s not about breathlessly pushing the buggy round the park after some super-fit ninja trainer. Using a combination of kettlebells and bodyweight conditioning, it increases fitness, strength and energy levels and tones the whole body – including all the stubborn post-natal areas. As this is small group personal training, you dictate the pace. They also give tailored nutritional guidance, which is easy to fit into your hectic family life. Have fun in the fresh air on Wandsworth Common with other mums. buggybells@gmail.com

Learn to save a life R.E.D.I Training is a London-based teaching company run by nurses providing emergency training to the community.

They offer a three hour first aid training course, covering all aspects of paediatric first aid for small groups of up to 6.

They teach the essentials of Basic Life Support and First Aid through demonstration and instruction: Resuscitation (CPR Training) with first aid as well as treatment of common illnesses and accidents with easy-to-use assessment methods, including meningitis, convulsions, fever, bleeding, drowning, head injury, poisoning, asthma, allergies and burns.

They can come to your home at a time that causes least disruption to you and your family. Get a group of friends together during the day, evening or at weekends. The trainer will bring manikins, so everyone will have a chance to practice on each manikin to demonstrate competence in BLS. They provide handouts and certificates of attendance for each participant.

They also offer courses for schools and surgeries and clinics.

Do look at their website for great advice on burns, coughs and colds, travel tips, diarrhoea, sunburn and much more.

Set up in 2005 by Alexandra Redpath, who has a wealth of experience in Accident & Emergency, Paediatrics and Educational nursing. She is an instructor on the ALS, APLS, EPLS, ILS, PLS and GIC Courses.

Call 020 7348 7117 or visit www.redi-training.co.uk office@redi-training.co.uk

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Benefits of swimming lessons for baby and toddler Some parents would love to join ‘Parent & Child’ swimming classes to have fun with their young children in water, but you might be surprised to hear the benefit of these classes for babies and toddlers is far more than fun.

Swimming lessons for very young children are not normally designed to teach them competitive strokes like breaststroke, since children that young don’t have enough muscular strength to swim competitive strokes anyway. However, these classes are excellent for: • Enhancing parent-child bonding. Skin to skin interaction in water enhances bonding between young children and their parents/carers.

• Improving water and overall confidence in young children.

• Forming fond memories. The most important things a child can inherit are fond memories. In their ‘Adult & child’ classes, babies and toddlers are normally in the water with their parents. In the structured classes parents and children do different fun water-based activities, as a group and as pairs.

• Enhancing children’s developments. A study of 7,000 children by Griffins university in AUS has recently shown children who had regular swimming lessons since they were babies or toddlers, were ahead socially, physically, cognitively and emotionally of their peers, who didn’t have swimming lessons.

Summer term ‘Parent & Child’ classes in Wandsworth and Wimbledon, 020 80901415 or go to www.bluewaveswim.co.uk

Real Nappy Week 2015 Real Nappy Week takes place 20-26 April this year - the real nappy community's opportunity to celebrate everything fabulous about using cloth nappies. Up and down the country retailers, manufacturers, cloth nappy libraries, local councils (and of course real nappy fans) will hold giveaways and events aiming to spread the word about why we love real nappies. They are a great way to save money, avoid waste to landfill and reduce your impact on global warming, plus you can save upwards of £500 by using real nappies on one baby, and even more when siblings come along. They come in a wide choice of fabrics, styles and colours, or you can even buy bespoke and personalise them! Justine says: “I honestly find it easier to put a wash on than to take another bin bag down all the stairs or carry a pack of nappies back from the shop. I find there are often misconceptions about real nappies being hard work. I honestly haven't found that to be the case even after going back to work four days a week.”

Make sure you discover the exciting things the real nappy community have planned, from nationwide events to local competitions, opportunities to meet people and get advice and a whole lot more at www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

Rainbow Playgroup in Chelsea Pop along for a trial session to the Rainbow Playgroup: it offers a relaxed and friendly environment where children are free to explore and investigate their surroundings, develop social skills in play. Singing and rhyme session accompanied by Margo from Blueberry Playsongs. The Mother and Toddler Group welcomes mums, dads, grandparents and nannies on a Thursday afternoon from 2.30 - 4pm term time at St. Luke's Church Hall, SW3. 020 7352 8784 lucy@ringrosechelsea.co.uk www.ringrosechelsea.co.uk

Yoga and massage with baby Bright Eyes Yoga brings together the best of post-natal yoga and early years development teachings in a uniquely Mama/baby conscious way.

This is a course for you and your baby to enjoy TOGETHER. Yoga and massage are practical ways of communicating affection and love to babies, and research suggests that touch and movement are needed for the healthy development of their brains.

Regular practice supports the continuation of baby’s amazing posture, and sets a foundation for development of agility, flexibility and balance.

Importantly in the early days, practice can also help reduce baby’s colic via holds and massage, and can result in deeper sleep (for you both!).

Their courses of 6 classes are small and relaxed, strengthening you from the inside out, with particular focus on the pelvic floor and your core.

Baby loves to stretch, play and move with you.

Birth experiences are varied, so whether your baby’s birth was natural, assisted or caesarean, the classes are adapted to suit everyone. Stay for a cup of tea and/or to feed and meet or catch up with other local Mums and babies.

Thursday at 10.15am at HAIL Hub, 178 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ED Contact Bev on 07712531129 www.BrighteyesYoga.co.uk

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

BABY

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babyballet celebrates its 10th anniversary!

We asked Hannah Tollman to take us through her journey: “When I started babyballet I had no idea that I would be celebrating the businesses’ 10th birthday this year having taught over 100,000 babies and young children to learn to dance. Learning through play is so important for your child’s development which babyballet’s unique syllabus embodies.

Classes are for children from six months to six years and teach confidence, social skills, manners and respect all wrapped up in 35 minutes of fantastic fun! Our qualified, lively and friendly teachers teach a range of exercises to stimulate senses and encourage development with the special help of our adorable babyballet bears, Twinkle and Teddy.

As children grow, they progress through the four different syllabi, Tots, Tinies, Movers, Groovers and Tappers and they also get the opportunity to perform on stage in our specially produced babyballet shows!

My three youngest children have all attended babyballet classes. They adored every class and I could see the benefits first hand. babyballet greatly improved their coordination, musicality, balance, posture, technique and rhythm as well as encouraging a positive attitude towards their bodies.

All franchises are owned by women and with 70 franchises nationally a class is never far away! Uniform and merchandise are also available.” www.babyballet.co.uk

Gifts with a difference Looking for a baby gift and bored of the same old stuff? Check out The Essential Bag Company, a new online gift company specialising in gifts to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. Set up by a SW London mum, The Essential Bag Company will deliver a gorgeous changing bag (no wasteful gift boxes or packaging here!) filled with luxury gifts from well-known brands such as Petit Bateau, Rachel Riley, Jellycat and Aspinal of London. You can choose from Mother to Be Bags, Hospital Bags and even New Father Bags, and can fill it with as much or as little as you like. We love their Big Brother and Big Sister Bags – adorable backpacks filled with gifts such as Playmobil toys and Ladybird books perfect so that big brothers and sisters don’t feel left out! Prices start at £50. www.essentialbagcompany.co.uk

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BABY

Feature Natal hypnotherapy

Ever considered Natal Hypnotherapy?

Are you worried about giving birth? Fearful of how you will cope with pain in labour?

Do you want a positive birth experience? Then why not consider natal hypnotherapy.

• • • • • • • • •

Interested in hypnobirthing? Want to learn techniques to keep you calm and help you achieve a straightforward birth? Sandra Bush has been a birth educator locally for over 20 years, she runs Natal Hypnotherapy workshops in Wimbledon.

She teaches self-hypnosis to overcome fears and doubts, preparing you for however or wherever you choose to give birth. See www.birthconfidence.com for more details or give her a call on 07718 629445.

Natal hypnotherapy teaches you how to: Learn easy breathing and relaxation skills Overcome fears of pregnancy or birth Learn effective pain management techniques Keep positive, confident and relaxed Develop belief in your body’s ability to do what it needs to do Prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for birth and beyond Decrease your chances of needing medical intervention Become a calm confident mum with a happy baby

Lucy Pilkington teaches Natal Hypnotherapy courses in Balham.

She has over 10 years’ experience working with pregnant women as a reflexologist and massage therapist. She is also a birth doula attending births and supporting couples before, during and after the birth.

•To book a Natal Hypnotherapy course or a treatment contact Lucy on: 07973 784506, lucy@lucypilkington.co.uk www.wellmums.co.uk www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk

Do you worry about your child’s health?

Do you know if your child is just bothered or is actually unwell? Do you know whether there might be underlying problems following a difficult birth for example. It can be overwhelming to find support and answers.

Babyphysio know that your child’s health and wellbeing comes first so they offer home visits as well as in room treatments.

Babyphysio is a private physiotherapy practice specializing in paediatrics.

They say: “ Our physiotherapists are trained in France to the highest level and have an in depth experience with new-borns, babies and children.

We treat feet deformations, flat head and torticollis, walking delays and neurological disorders. Parents can also have their child fully assessed by one of our specialists who will advise and recommend a course of treatment if necessary. Our course of treatment is drug free and specially designed to be gentle for children.”

Paediatric physiotherapy aims to prevent and better the range of movements and wellbeing of babies and children. Their team will develop a warm and caring relationship with parents and child, one where parents can always turn to their specialists with trust and for any questions they might have.

•Babyphysio is at the Light Centre Belgravia, 7-9 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9LX they also offer home visits. 020 7125 0262 www.babyphysio.com

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Postnatal exercise classes and support Sue Lewis, a women’s health physiotherapist, offers safe exercise classes designed to suit everyone from 2 weeks onwards, with Gill Martin, a personal trainer, who specialises in ante and post natal exercises.

They offer: • Posture re-education • General toning, with specific focus on the core • Pelvic floor and abdominal strengthening with Pilates style exercises to lose your mummy tummy.

Sue Lewis, who is an Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapist gives help and support to ladies with post child birth issues. She says: “I see a lot of ladies who are worried about their tummy and who are not doing the right exercises; they need tension in the muscle or they’ll never get rid of their tummy.

Someone needs to check the gap in the abdominal muscles of these mums and tell them what safe exercise they can do and what NOT to do. I also offer 1 to 1 Physio appointments for other AN/PN /Pelvic pain/sexual or menopausal issues.”

They offer a complimentary baby crèche and there is free parking. They also run postnatal support groups with Vicki Scott from The New Baby Company, which includes baby confidence, breast feeding and weaning sessions. Classes run from 14th April to Tuesday 16th June. 10 classes at £200 (or £25/class), 5 classes at £112.50 (or £25/class). Great new location at Wimbledon Scout Hall, 106 Cottenham Park Road, London SW20 0SZ. suelewisantenatal@hotmail.co.uk

Osteopathy for babies?

If you are thinking of taking your baby to an osteopath you should make sure that the practitioner you choose has specialist paediatric training. Babies and small children throw lots of interesting problems to solve and you may want to find someone who can help you understand "why" as well as "what" they have. Osteopathy is a kind of anatomical detective work, which gently promotes innate health and healing. What better start in life can you give your child? Contact Julia Finlay on 020 7993 8116 or at www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School “To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will able him to develop freely” Maria Montessori

Celebrating 20 years of excellence in Montessori teaching Come and visit one of our two Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools in Fulham and discover why we have enjoyed such a long period of success teaching children from 2yrs to 5yrs in their early years education.

To learn more about us just visit our new web site at www.dawmouse.co.uk or email miss.emma@dawmouse.com

www.dawmouse.co.uk

Tel: 020 83989294

Passionate about teaching and learning

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Easter Holiday activities, part 2

Fulham Palace

See FamiliesSouthwest.co.uk to read the first part of this listing.

It’s twice the size of this one! It includes languages, fun days out, filmmaking, tennis, special needs and camps.

Fulham Palace

• 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157 • 332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000 • 153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 3388 www.pottery-cafe.com, info@pottery-cafe.com Throughout April. Baby Wednesdays Come by any Wednesday and get a free tea or coffee when your print your baby’s footprints on pottery.

It’s the perfect way to capture those tiny feet forever and they make perfect presents for grandparents. It’s fun for big kids to join in too!

Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 www.fulhampalace.org 5-18 April. Easter Activities Choose from activities including an Easter Trail, Family Drop-Ins and their new Young Archaeologists’ Club. Dates and times vary, from £2

MUSIC AND DRAMA

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

Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

ARTS & CRAFT

Fun with Fimo West London 020 8992 3767 www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk 9, 14 and 20 April. Easter Craft Activity Sessions Fun and creative sessions, fully supervised and non-messy! Age 6+, bring a packed lunch. 10.15am4.15pm. £50, book by emailing fimofun@tiscali.co.uk

Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN 0208 977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org 25 April. Kids’ Art Club A different project for each session including drawing, painting, relief making, printing and collage. Fully supervised, fun workshop. Limited places so early booking essential. £12 per child, 10am-12pm, 5-11 years, call to book on 0208 977 7558 or email info@landmarkartscentre.org

See part 1 of this listing on Familiessouthwest.co.uk 22

Pottery Café

Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB 020 7351 9298 www.chickenshed.org.uk 7-10 April. Young Theatre Makers A 4-day Easter Holiday project to develop skills in performing arts, directing and delivering inclusive theatre workshops. Young Theatre Makers is a professional development programme that offers young people aged 14–18 vocational training and practical work experience in an inclusive theatre setting. 10am-4pm, £100

Funky Moves 07810 431101 www.funkymovesdance.com 18 April - St Lukes Hall, St Lukes Street, Chelsea SW3 3RP 9 May - Holy Innocents Church and Centre, Paddenswick Road, Hammersmith W6 0UB 6 June - St Peter's Hill Church, Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 3DB

Funky Moves

Eddie Catz Putney First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com 7 April. ‘Frozen’ with A Little Bit Productions Join Elsa, Anna and Olaf in the magical land of Arendelle as you bring this magical Disney tale to life. Sing along to your favourite songs including 'Let it Go', learn some cool dances and go on an adventure to save Arendelle from the spell of eternal winter. At the end put on a show! 10am-1pm, 5-11 years, £22, includes free play at Eddie Catz, lunch and refreshments 9 April. Little Italy Workshop with Cookie Crumbles Learn how to make authentic pizza followed by home made ice cream and sundaes. £25, bring a packed lunch, includes free play at Eddie Catz. 10am1pm, 4-8 years, book on 020 8876 9912, info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk, www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk 9 April. Little Pizza Making Toddler Workshop with Cookie Crumbles Create some tasty pizzas and a little treat. £13 per child, includes free play at Eddie Catz. 2-3pm, 2-4 years, book on 020 8876 9912, info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk, www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk 10 April. Playball Playdate at Eddie Catz Bring your little ones for a morning filled with a range of Playball's favourite sports, games and skills that will leave them buzzing with confidence!

10am-1pm, 3.5-7 years, £25 per child/£20 siblings, includes free play at Eddie Catz, bring a packed lunch. Book on 07534 134669, playball.murray@gmail.com To celebrate 10 years of Funky Moves, join a workshop this spring and get funky! With two and a half hours of jam-packed fun, games and super cool dancing, your little ones are bound to come away with a spring in their step and smiles on their faces. Learn a dance routine, experience a breaking workshop from a top industry breaker, be treated to an amazing performance from the dancers, games for the younger ones and choreography for the older kids, plus a performance for the parents. £20, 2.30-5pm, 5-7 years and 8-11 years, book now at www.funkymovesdance.com/london -workshops, call 07810 431101 or email info@funkymovesdance.com

The Music House for Children 306-310 Uxbridge Road W12 7LJ 020 8932 2652 www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 13 April. Musical Theatre Workshop All-time favourite musical Matilda comes to Shepherds Bush with singing, dancing, instruments, new

Superhero Film Shoots Film Shoots Broomwood Hall School, Balham, SW12 8NR balham@studiofilmschool.co.uk www.studiofilmschool.co.uk Contact Studio Film School on 020 7101 9329 30th March - 2nd April, 9am - 4pm. Children will create magical green screen effects, dazzling stunts and action set pieces to make a spectacular superhero movie over 4 days.

New term starts 25th April 2015, 11am - 1pm with weekly filmmaking classes for 7+ Learn new creative skills, develop confidence and make new friends as they work on their own film productions.

This term children will be making films for their red carpet cinema premiere.

Free trial session.

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Easter Holiday activities, part 2

Eddie Catz

Junior Golf

songs, art and design. High energy, creative and crazy fun! 10am-3pm, with an extravaganza showcase presented at 3pm. 5-11yrs, £40 per child, includes lunch

Chelsea Quavers Contact Claire Meyer, Principal 07899 678 655 claire@chelseaquavers.com www.chelseaquavers.com Fun, engaging Easter Music Workshops in Chelsea 30th March - 2nd April.

Choose one to four days to suit.

Half days for 4 year olds (9am to 1pm) and full days for 5-12 year olds (9am-4pm). Real live 'Tudor' musicians who will demonstrate a variety of instruments and the children can have a go too! The children will also engage in a creative group composition project based on a melody discovered in a song book from the Court of Henry VIII! Lots of singing (pop, jazz, classical, traditional), musical games and activities, puzzles, musical maths. Private tuition in piano is available during the workshops.

Song Academy Contact@songacademy.co.uk 07710 023743 www.songacademy.co.uk Easter Holidays singing and song writing workshops

April 2015

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8th and 9th April, 2-5pm.

13th and 14th April, 2-5pm Write, record and perform a smash hit! Develop creative lyric writing skills, improvise melodies and harmonies, develop instrumental parts and solos. Loads of fun and builds skills for life. £75 per workshop over two afternoons

Theatrebugs Barnes, Battersea, Chiswick, Fulham, Notting Hill and Richmond 0800 975 5290, enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk 30 March - 14 April.

Spring Workshops Fun-filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up before you hit the stage. Dates and times vary depending on venue, from £86 for 3 days, £110 for 4 days, sibling discounts available

Upbeat Music Courses Venues in Chelsea and Parsons Green 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 7-10 April. Easter Holiday Course Sing, dance, guitars, drums, record a CD and perform! 10am-4pm

SPORT Youngstars MultiSports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Putney, Parsons Green, Wimbledon and Dulwich 07920 426499, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 30 March – 2 April and 7-10 April. Easter Holiday Camps Fun, games and excitement whilst being introduced to all aspects of sports, in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-7 years, 9am-1pm £29, 9am-3pm £42

Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village SW19 4SU 020 8946 7400 www.ridgwaystables.co.uk Throughout Easter holidays.

Pony Riding Camps A range of pony riding activities for children, including riding on Wimbledon Common and Caring for Ponies.

Email Julia on ridgwaystables@freeuk.co.uk

All Star Tennis Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth Park, King Georges Park, Tooting Bec Common, Putney, Furzedown Rec, Roehampton. 020 8871 4706

Studio Film School

info@allstartennis.co.uk www.allstartennis.co.uk Holiday camps. For ages 5 to 7 years mini-tennis activities include co-ordination, balance, movement and group games. For ages 8 to 14 years, courses increase awareness of the game, teach appropriate techniques and provide experience of tennis drills, tactics, biomechanical principles, team games and tournaments.

Chelsea FC Museum To book go to www.chelseafc.com/stadiumtours Stamford & Bridget's Easter egg hunts on Thursdays 2nd and 9th April at 2.30pm. Behind the scenes tours, including dressing rooms and the tunnel and access to the Chelsea FC museum. £17 each.

Unique photo opportunities!

Legend!

Telford Park Tennis Club 35A Killieser Avenue SW2 4NX 020 8674 5979 www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk Throughout Easter holidays.

Tennis Camps A series of fun, 5 day coaching sessions for all levels and abilities from 5 to 15 years.

Mondays to Fridays, 11.30am-4pm, £30 per day or £140 for the week

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Easter Holiday activities, part 2 Urban Ascent Please book ahead on www.urbanascent.co.uk 020 7 751 0913.

Junior rock climbing clubs every weekday at 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30 between Monday 30th of March and Friday 17th of April. Each session costs £12 per head and lasts for 1 hour. Strictly for ages 5 and up.

Junior Golf Easter Camps plus Easter Egg Hunt!

Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane, London SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 golf@clgc.co.uk www.clgc.co.uk What better way to spend the holidays than improving your Golf at a fun Easter golf camp with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks. The golf camps are for children of all levels. Whether your child is a beginner to the game of golf or a progressive golfer, camps are designed to improve their enjoyment and ability under professional supervision. Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill challenges and prizes. Monday 30 March-Friday 17 April (excluding Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday) £30 per day 9am - 12noon £40* per day 9am - 3pm.

FREE ACTIVITIES The Music House for Children 306-310 Uxbridge Road W12 7LJ 020 8932 2652 www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 17 April. Instrumental Extravaganza Try a range of instruments, and experience instruments that you have never even seen before! Time slots 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm. Free, but you need to book a place by emailing notes@musichouseforchildren.co.uk

Isis Education Centre

A chocolate egg for every child!

10am–4.30pm

Easter at Jumeirah London Hotels

Hyde Park W2 2UH 020 7036 8056 www.supporttheroyalparks.org/sh op/experiences/filter/for+children 15-16 April. Discovery Day Spring Babies Find out about the eggs and babies that are all around us at this time of year. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm to take part in a host of exciting activities

Geffrye Museum

Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, 21 Lowndes Square SW1X 9ES / Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Place SW1X 9PY www.jumeirah.com Enjoy an Easter Eggs-perience for all the family, from Truffle Rolling Workshops with Rococo Chocolates to Easter Egg decorating classes where you can let your imagination run wild on your very own Easter egg. To 20 April.

To book email JLHreservations@jumeirah.com

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk 1-12 April and 23-21 May. Family Activity Art Workshop - Design a 1940s Scarf Find out about fashion of the 1940s and get inspired to design your own bold and colourful scarf to take home. This activity is inspired by items in their Fashion on the Ration exhibition. Uniforms and patriotic fashions of the Second World War were an essential part of the war effort and had to be durable but could also be stylish, with scarf designs featuring anything from propaganda slogans and cartoons to bright colours and patterns. Suitable for ages 11 and above Every Sunday in April. Free Family activities - Object Conversations Explore objects from their collections and how they connect with iconic objects on display in the atrium and Terraced Galleries. Feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War. Suitable for all ages, 11am–12.30pm, 2–4pm

Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH 020 7601 4878 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 30 March – 2 April and 7–10 April. EGGstraordinary Fun! Follow the trail to find the chicks and eggs hidden in the museum, then decorate your own Easter animal finger puppet to take home.

136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 8-11 April. Easter Holiday Activities: Gardens Galore!

Celebrate the reopening of the gardens for spring and the launch of the Geffrye Museum’s new garden resources. Age 5-16, 10.30am12.30pm and 2-4pm

EASTER TUITION Fleet Tutors clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk www.fleet-tutors.co.uk 0845 644 5452 Easter holidays is often a time to give a boost to study and revision to prepare for 11+ or school entrance exams. Fleet Tutors are currently offering a 10% discount on a package of ten or more hours of tuition during the Easter holidays.

Courses run 30th March - 02 April 2015 from 9am-4pm.

EASTER EGG HUNTS & OTHER ACTIVITIES Gambado Chelsea 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/clubs/chelsea Check out their free and special pre-book events this Easter, including the annual Easter Egg Hunts and Disco. To 17 April

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses Dulwich Road SE24 0PA www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 4 April. Nature Explorers A regular monthly nature club for ages 7-12 to learn about seasonally relevant aspects of the natural world. New members welcome.

Requested donation £2, 10am-12pm 5 April. Easter Egg Hunt Collect your basket of egg tokens and swap them for a flowerpot of delicious chocolate goodies. A range of Easter themed craft activities also available. £3 per child until the chocolate runs out! 10am-12pm 6 April. Make a Willow Basket Join Clare Skilbeck to make an Easter basket, ages 7+, £5, booking essential, 10.30am-12.30pm 6 April. Egg-straordinary Eggs Conduct scientific experiments to test strength of eggs, take part in the egg lob challenge and create a leaf print decorated egg. £5, booking essential, 2-4pm 8 April. Easter Wreaths Make a wreath to decorate your door. £5, booking essential, 10.30am-12.30pm 8 April. Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud Make a cute (or scary!) mud monster and create clay faces to adorn a tree trail through the Park. £5, booking essential, 2-4pm

EASTER HOLIDAY SINGING & SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS WEDNESDAY 8TH AND THURSDAY 9TH APRIL 2.00pm-5.00pm MONDAY 13TH AND TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2.00pm-5.00pm Come and write, record & perform a smash hit! Develop creative lyric writing skills, improvise melodies and harmonies, develop instrumental parts and solos. Loads of fun and builds skills for life.

Fee: £75 per workshop over two afternoons Contact@songacademy.co.uk 07710 023743

www.songacademy.co.uk 24

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Easter Holiday activities, part 2

Illustration by Susan Kelly, from the highly recommended book Learning with Nature

Is your child nature deficient?

The need for encouraging young people to get outdoors has captured the interest of educators, families, researchers and policymakers worldwide for a few years now. The nature connection movement has gained momentum through such books as Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods, which speaks of an emerging ‘nature deficit disorder’, referring to the negative consequences of a childhood without sufficient time spent playing and connecting with the natural world. There are now several forest schools in south west London and even a full time outdoor nursery in Wimbledon (Little Forest Folk). There is abundant research telling us that nature is fundamentally beneficial and leads to well-being, health and happiness.

Parents should be planning more days out rather than bribing kids with technology, says a psychology lecturer. “Parents need to incorporate technology into the play options available to children rather than into an item placed on a pedestal”, said Dr Katerina Kantartzis, Lecturer in Psychology at Birmingham City University.

Childwise’s 2015 Monitor Report on children’s media use has revealed a surge in the number of tablet computers being used by youngsters and suggests that parents use time on technology devices as a way of rewarding or punishing their children.

Using a tablet as a reward or threat will make it more desirable to children, which is loosely based on the principle of scarcity, proposed by Cialdini in 1984. The more scarce something is, the more we want it.

Bribing or threatening with technology could actually make children want to use it even more. Parents need to ensure that they have enough activities available for their children and that they are planning regular days out to stop their young ones from wanting to use technology constantly.

30% discount with We absolutely love the book free delivery in the Learning with Nature, UK for Fam ilies published by Green Books readers with code: £17.99, FAMILIES201 5. www.greenbooks.co.uk Valid until 30 th every household should have June 2015. one! It will inspire you and your children to do outdoor games and activities.

April 2015

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Easter Holiday activities, part 2

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Let the children go out in nature, have fun and learn from her Sometimes we come across books that simply stand out from all others. Learning with Nature is one of those. This book offers a chance to the youth of today and the nature of tomorrow. It has a wealth of ideas of activities to do in nature: games, crafts, recipes, skills, woodcraft, tracking, etc, with hidden learning clearly stated.

Switch that computer off and allow children to breathe fresh air and engage personally with a real world where their minds and bodies can develop and bloom, burst into life and inspire them to love life.

Learning with Nature, ÂŁ17.99 published by Green Books.

Families readers receive a 30% discount with free delivery in the UK with voucher code: FAMILIES2015.

Valid from 1st March to 30th June 2015. www.greenbooks.co.uk/learning-with-nature The voucher code is valid for both the paperback and hardback versions of the book.

Make a flower fairy or clay gnome Write the names of nearby plants on pieces of paper, fold them and then put them in a hat. Ask the children to pick one each. The children must find their plant, with help if needed. Give them a piece of clay and instructions to create a fairy using the parts of their plant.

Make a fairy shelter Name the fairy or creature you've created and have a think about what kind of place it might like to live. Find an area to create a home, it can be in your garden, a park or a wood. Use natural objects and clay to make mini furniture, cups and plates, bowls of food etc.

Make a teasel hedgehog Cut the teasel heads, leaving 1cm of stalk. Smear clay along one side of the flower head to form the hedgehog belly. Then form a cone-shaped head from the clay and push it onto the stalk. Make eyes and nose.

Activity will develop emotional literacy skills and storytelling skills through characterisation.

April 2015

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What’s On

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

The Barbican Theatre Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk English National Opera - Between Worlds A spiritual poetic drama based on the events of 9/11, this new opera addresses one of the most significant events of the 21st century 11-25 April

The Bloomsbury Theatre 15 Gordon Street WC1H 0AH www.thebloomsbury.com Stand Up For SIDS The Line-Up for this fantastic fundraiser includes Tim Key (Edinburgh Comedy Awards), Aisling Bea (winner of British Comedy Award for Best Female TV Comic 2014) and Mike Wozniak (star of Channel 4’s Man Down). Age 14+, 7.30pm, £20 17 April

The Cambridge Theatre Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny Throughout April

2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW 020 7620 0374 www.florencenightingale.co.uk An undiscovered gem in the heart of the South Bank, the wonderful Florence Nightingale Museum is nestled within St Thomas’ Hospital, and is a real find.

Why not start off by following the Florence Nightingale Family Trail, the perfect way to learn about the museum’s collection and the life of the world’s most famous nurse? The trail explores each area of the museum with different creative activities that enable families to learn about objects, history and facts.

The museum also runs a wonderful and varied selection of family activities during the school holidays and half terms. Drop in and discover the heart of the story of Florence Nightingale and her fellow heroes. Meet Mary Seacole and discover how she helped soldiers during the Crimean War, or be prepared for any emergency and create your own first aid kit.

The museum’s permanent collections span the life of Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War and Florence's nursing legacy up to the present day, including everything from the slate Florence used as a child, to her pet owl Athena and the Turkish lantern she used in the Crimean War. Don’t miss their fascinating lecture series, too. Every Wednesday they run Miss Nightingale Said…, an illustrated talk examining her incredible life and achievements, and this spring and summer they are also hosting a season of Victorians lectures, including Secrets from the Victorian House.

Admission prices start from only £5.30 and children under five are free. Why not visit this Easter and explore this gem for yourself?

Chicken Shed

The Little Angel Theatre

Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk Tales Big Day Out An enjoyable and entertaining outing for all the family, whether you’re familiar with the Tales world or you’re coming along for the first time. Take part in an interactive workshop and watch a fun performance of Tales from the Shed, then come together for a huge Tales extravaganza outside in the amphitheatre. Age 0-6, 10am-12.30pm, £8 18 April

14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com Handa's Surprise Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo. Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a surprise – but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas…

To 10 April The Paper Dolls When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement 18 April - 28 June

Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Jungle Book Join Mowgli on his amazing adventure as he meets friendly, dangerous and unusual characters. 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 Every Saturday and Sunday to 12 April Alice in Wonderland Alice disappears down that famous rabbit hole again for some truly mad adventures in the strange and magical world of Wonderland. A new musical adaptation of this famous tale… Ages 3+, 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 Every Saturday and Sunday 25 April - 28 June

The Lilian Bayliss Studio Roseberry Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com Sadler’s Wells Family Weekend — Varmints A rich piece of original dance theatre for young people and their families, telling the poignant tale of one small creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever. Every day the city grows larger and the noise grows louder, until there is so much noise that no-one can hear themselves think. Age 7+, £7-£12 3-4 April

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Florence Nightingale Museum

LOVES!

Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Bugsy Malone Join Bugsy, Blousey and Tallulah for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Age 6+, £8 From 11 April

New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledontheatre The Sound of Music One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. From £23.40 30 March - 11 April

Matthew Bourne's The Car Man Matthew Bourne’s internationally acclaimed dance thriller is loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera and has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertory. From £16.90 21-25 April Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action! Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with our underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso. From £18.40 2-3 May

Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/peacock-theatre English National Ballet and English National Ballet School — My First Ballet: Swan Lake The evil magician Rothbart has turned the beautiful princess Odette into a swan. Will Prince Siegfried be able to save her, or will he fall for Rothbart’s sorcery? Featuring a narrator to help the young audience follow the story and a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music. Age 3+ 2-12 April London Children's Ballet — Snow White Snow White is forced to flee from the palace to escape the beautiful but evil Queen. Seven mischievous dwarves become Snow White’s loyal protectors, but can they save her from the Queen’s cunning plans? With a cast of young dancers aged 9 - 16 23-26 April

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Reproduced courtesy of The Florence Nightingale Museum

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

®

What’s On Putney Arts Theatre

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com Whatever the Weather What happens when the winds of change blow? What will Mr Rain and Mrs Sunshine learn about each other in their new and unfamiliar conditions? Come rain or shine, gusts or gales, the show must go on whatever the weather! Age 3-6, £11.50/£9 8-19 April My Friend Mole Mole is my best friend, he is brave and funny. Mole goes everywhere I go. No one can see him apart from me. A gentle tale about imagination and a very special friendship, using live music and storytelling.

Age 3-6, £11.50/£9 24-26 April Operation Magic Carpet An action-packed adventure from London to Baghdad. Characters from the Arabian Nights come to life as Nomi

Ravenna Road SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk Private Lives With this classic setup and his trademark cut-glass dialogue, Noël Coward has created a masterpiece of confusion and comic bliss. 7.45pm and 3pm 28 April - 2 May

The Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Follies in Concert A spectacular and rare return to the UK with a wealth of well-known songs, including Losing My Mind, Broadway Baby and I'm Still Here. 3pm and 7.30pm 28 April Titanic Live James Horner's epic score to the 1997 blockbuster is brought to life like never before. 7pm 27 April

Royal Court Theatre Sloane Square SW1W 8AS www.royalcourttheatre.com The Twits Mr and Mrs Twit are not very nice. In fact they're extremely nasty. They're nasty to each other, and they're VILE to everyone else.

Mischievously adapted from one of the world's most loved books by Roald Dahl 7 April - 31 May

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com National Youth Dance Company/Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui National Youth Dance Company returns to Sadler's Wells to premiere a new work created by Guest Artistic Director Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. 7.30pm, £12/£6 10 April BBC Young Dancer 2015 The Grand Final of BBC Young Dancer comes to Sadler’s Wells, with the UK’s best young dancers performing for this prestigious award. 6.30pm, £12-£25 9 May

Southbank Centre

meets Sinbad, swims the Tigris and sees a water buffalo. But when her three wishes run out, how will Nomi get back home? Ages 6- 11, £14.50/£10 3 April - 24 May

April 2015

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Belvedere Road SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Innocence Scottish Dance Theatre brings a beautiful and engaging dance experience for young ones to the Southbank. £12/£6 8-10 April

OAE Tots The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's always popular events for the under sixes and their families. 10am and 11.30am, £9/£1 12 April The Amazing Bubble Man The international hit show with bubble art, magic, science and lots of fun. £10 15-19 April Morgan & West's Spectacular Magic Show The time-travelling Victorian magic duo unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility for kids and childish grown-ups. £10 2-23 May London Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert FUNharmonics sets out on a musical adventure to the home of jazz, blues, bright lights, big cities, Hollywood and the Wild West. 12pm. £10/£3 3 May

The St James Theatre SW1E 5JA www.stjamestheatre.co.uk The Three Lions A footballer, a prince and a prime minister walk into a hotel room…A hilarious new comedy offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of diplomacy in action, revealing what really went on between David Cameron, David Beckham and Prince William in a Swiss hotel the night before England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup! To 2 May

The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Up Club Join the Unicorn play club every Saturday. Take part in free activities from rocket building to portrait painting, giant Jenga tournaments, cake decorating and lots more.

12noon-1.30pm Every Sat in April The Velveteen Rabbit There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be, and for at least two hours the Boy loved him To 26 April Fight Night An immersive exploration of the intricacies and traps of voting systems and democracy in the media. Ages 14+, from £10 16 April - 3 May

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The Polka Theatre

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What’s On

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

The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org Defining Beauty A major exhibition on the human body in ancient Greek art. This exhibition will explore the Greek experience and its preoccupation with the human form. £16.50 adults, under 16s free To 5 July

The Design Museum 28 Shad Thames SE1 2YD designmuseum.org Designs of the Year Celebrating design that promotes or delivers change, enables access, extends design practice or captures the spirit of the year To 16 August

The Florence Nightingale Museum 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Miss Nightingale Said An illustrated talk given by one of the museum’s curatorial team examining the incredible life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. 3.30pm, £5.80/£4.80 Every Wed from 1 April

Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Family Workshop: Instrument Parade To accompany the Band Day celebrations, join artist and instrument maker Giles Leaman and make musical instruments for Band Day, inspired by the Foundlings at War: Military Bands display. Free, drop in 11am-4pm 25 April

Grant Museum of Zoology UCL, University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk Strange Creatures: The Art of Unknown Animals When new regions are explored and the animals in them discovered, how does the wider world get to experience them? 1-5pm Throughout April FREE

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

The Horniman Museum 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Family Workshops Touch real museum objects in these popular themed sessions for families, or join in with an art workshop with a different theme each week. £3 Every Saturday in April At Home With Music From parlours to palaces, musical keyboards have been part of family homes for hundreds of years. This exhibition brings together highlights of keyboard instruments including organs, harpsichords, pianos and clavichords Throughout April

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk Fashion on the Ration - 1940s Street Style Explore how fashion survived under the strict rules of rationing during the Second World War in new and unexpected ways. £10/£5 To 31 August Fashion on the Ration - Design a Scarf Find out about fashion of the 1940s and be inspired to design your own bold and colourful scarf to take home. 11.30am-12.30pm and 1-4pm To 12 April FREE

The Museum Of London London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sherlock Holmes – The Man Who Never Lived and Will Never Die An exciting new exhibition delving into the mind of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes To 12 April The London 2012 Cauldron A new home for the London 2012 Cauldron tells the story of this iconic symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition celebrates Thomas Heatherwick’s cutting edge design and the unforgettable moment it was revealed to the world during the Olympic opening ceremony Throughout April FREE Museum Explored Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm Every Sunday in April FREE

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm, age 5-11 Every Sunday in April FREE

National Maritime Museum Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Against Captain's Orders An exhibit for 6-12 year olds and their families, taking audience members on the adventure of a lifetime through the National Maritime Museum’s extraordinary collection of maritime artefacts. Exciting, enlightening, and, who knows, perhaps just a tiny bit dangerous, the event promises a theatrical journey through the museum, the like of which has never been seen before. £19.75 To 31 August

National Portrait Gallery WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Drop-in Family Workshop: Pop-up Portrait Puppets Make a mixed-media shadow puppet of your favourite portrait and then create a performance of its magical journey. For ages 3+ plus an accompanying adult. 1-2.30pm and 34.30pm.

19 April

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Wildlife Photographer of the Year Combining the extraordinary work of talented professionals and gifted amateur photographers from around the globe to showcase the beauty, magnificence and diversity of life on our planet. From £5 Throughout April Sensational Butterflies Wander through a tropical enclosure full of these beautiful creatures. Discover the science behind them and their amazing life cycles as they evolve from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. £4.95/family £16.95 From 2 April Spring wildlife Find out about the butterflies, moths, bees and birds that call the garden home.

Make an insect hotel and bird feeder, and identify seeds and fruits using microscopes 11 April Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea Plunge into spectacular seascapes and explore the richness of life beneath the waves at the Museum’s exciting new exhibition on coral reefs. £12.60/£6.30 Throughout April

345 is proud to be entering its 32nd year as an independent nursery school where 'children become independent, inquisitive and motivated in a rich and vibrant environment' (Ofsted).

An exceptionally warm welcome and a very large outdoor space awaits every child. We also have Music, Sport and Spanish plus Playball, Relax Kids and Ballet in afternoon clubs.

Please do visit us to capture some of the children's excitement in learning.

Contact: Annabel Dixon 345nurseryschoolwandsworth@gmail.com www.345 nurseryschool.co.uk 020 8870 8441 Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3NH

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD sciencemuseum.org.uk Engineer Your Future Think like an engineer and have your preconceptions challenged in this free interactive exhibition. Engineer Your Future will put visitors’ problem solving skills to the test, exploring engineering through interactive games and digital experiences that bring to life the skills engineers use every day. Ages 11+ Throughout April FREE Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age For the first time in the UK, the remarkable story of Russian scientific and technological ingenuity that kick-started the space age will be explored in a landmark new exhibition at the Science Museum.

Age 8+, charges apply Throughout April Churchill’s Scientists Explore the triumphs in science during Winston Churchill's period in power, both in war and in the post-war era.

Suitable for 13+ Throughout April Unlocking Lovelock: Scientist, Inventor, Maverick A new exhibition celebrating the life and career of British scientist and inventor James Lovelock, including images of the scientist’s laboratory alongside notebooks, photographs, manuscripts and audio-visual material To 9 April

It’s My Party...

Taking a look at children's birthday parties from the perspective of both children and parents. The centrepiece is a life-sized installation telling the story of a party thrown for Wilfred, a shy resident of the Museum Throughout March FREE Paper Houses and more Easter Workshops Play with paper and unfold a world of paper houses, cardboard dens and disposable costumes.

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Also includes Make Small Stories of Your Own and Paper Lighthouse workshops. Drop-in, all ages.

Small fee applies to some workshops. Book on 020 8983 5205 10.30am-4pm To 10 April St George's Day Discover the delights of English folk music and dance traditions, and take part in arts and crafts.

Enjoy performances by the Becontree Brass Band, Cecil Sharp House Choir and others.

Drop-in, all ages, 11.30am-4.30pm 25 April

Wandsworth Museum 38 West Hill SW18 1RX www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Mapping Wandsworth Stories Exhibition Celebrating stories and memories hidden from history through the creation of a Wandsworth story map. 4–17 May at St Mary’s Church, Putney SW15 1SN 4-17 May

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment SW11 4NJ www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Egg-stravaganza Days See their Egg Display and guess how many eggs they have put in one basket. Plus Hedgehog Day and Rabbit Quiz Challenge. Admission fees apply 7-16 April

Brixton Windmill Windmill Gardens, end of Blenheim Gardens SW2 5EU www.brixtonwindmill.org Windmill Tours Visit the 'two mills in one' and hear the intriguing story of the Ashby family. You will see the original wind-powered machinery and find out how it was once used to make stone ground flour. Booking required Every weekend in April

Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Family Activity Days Choose from Chocolate Tuesday, Creepy Crawling and many more! Prebooking essential, ages vary, children £6.60 half day/£8.60 full day, adults £9.90 half day/£11.90 full day 7-16 April

Firepower Royal Artillery Museum

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls' House Revealing the fascinating stories behind some of the UK's best-loved dolls' houses, taking you on a journey through the history of the home, everyday lives and changing family relationships Throughout March FREE

Days Out

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6ST www.firepower.org.uk Holiday Boot Camp Choose from activities including Military-style physical training, the Challenger Troop assault course, or test your knowledge of their museum collection. Plus, the Camo Zone will open for target practice and bungee run. 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm Tuesday to Friday each week, activity package £4.50 plus normal admission of £2.50 per child To 10 April In Their Own Words A new exhibition about the Great War bringing to life artillerymen of different nations, through extracts from their diaries, letters home and photographs Throughout April

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Dino Snores for Grown-ups Ever wondered what happens when the doors close at one of the world’s most famous natural history venues?

Now you can find out. £175, £160 for members 17 April Lates with MasterCard Visit the Museum after hours and experience London’s most unique Friday night out. 6-10.30pm 24 April FREE Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Ages 7–11 years old. 7pm, ends 9.50am the following day. £60/£54 members 25 April and 9 May

What’s On

Our skilled staff prepare children aged 2­5 years for their next school and start them on a journey of life­long learning.

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, drama and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action. www.oaktreenurseryschool.com Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

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

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

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What’s On

HMS Belfast The Queen's Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast Crossing the Line ‘Cross the line’ this Easter holidays and find out what it was like for sailors crossing the equator for the first time as they took part in initiation rituals, dressed up as different characters from the court of the sea god Neptune and were made to do forfeits! £16/£8 To 12 April

Isis Education Centre Hyde Park W2 2UH www.supporttheroyalparks.org Discovery Day – Spring Babies Find out all about the eggs and babies that are all around us at this time of year. Drop in 11am-3pm to take part in a host of exciting activities 8-9 and 15-16 April FREE

Dewdrops Play Scheme & Nursery A vibrant new environment for children 3m-5 years.

We offer both full and part-time packages, plus Saturday flexible care 9am-4pm.

Situated conveniently just behind Nandos on Streatham High Road, SW16, we give little ones the opportunity for play and fun, plus learning and developing new skills.

Ofsted registered for 20 children.

To visit call 020 8769 8967 or 0785 279 7990

OUT OF TOWN See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt Dens, Campfire and Food Learn essential camp skills including den building, fire lighting and tasty cooking. Age 8+, 2-5pm, £12 8 April Hidden Wildlife and Secrets from the Trailcam Let’s get tracking, looking for signs, listening and even smelling the evidence of creatures living in the forest. What surprises will the hidden trail camera reveal? Ages 6-10, 10am12noon, £8, pre-booking necessary 9 April Ancient Hunting Skills Discover how our ancestors would have tracked and hunted animals, use camouflage and stalking games to get close to the wildlife in the forest. Age 10+. Prebook by calling Mollie on 07979 321369 or email info@fieldfarmproject.com. www.fieldfarmproject.com 10am-3.30pm, £30 11 April

Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk Pirate Week Themed shows, games and trails with lots of treasures to be won 7-10 April Easter Egg Hunt Crack the clues to claim your egg plus the opportunity to win some great prizes. Join in with seasonal arty fun 15 April

Bocketts Park Farm

The London Wetlands Centre

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

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

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Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Giant Easter Duck Hunt Some of the ducklings have gone missing - can you help find them?

Follow the Giant Easter duck trail around the beautiful nature reserve to discover where they are hiding and if you discover them all you'll win a prize. £1 each including small gift, admission fees apply To 12 April Weekend Family Activities Spot the first signs of new life as buds appear, flowers burst into bloom and bugs come out from their winter hibernation. Enjoy a pond dipping session to see what mini-beasts are about and join them for a nature walk Every Saturday and Sunday 18 April - 17 May Introduction to Birdsong Learn how to identify birds through song, guided by one of their experts through useful tips, notes and fieldwork. By the end of the course you should be able to identify ten key species. £10 per person plus admission, booking essential on 0208 409 4400. 10am-11.30am 17 April

Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Easter Fun There’s Eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Park Farm this Easter. The lambing season will be in full swing,with over 300 newborn lambs due in their Big Animal Barn and lambing marquee. £9.30/£9.95 To 12 April

Bodiam Castle Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle Easter archery Archery training for would be outlaws. Can you hit the target or wound the deer or wild boar?

To 12 April

Godstone Farm Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Easter Fun Baby animals, chick hunt, free crafts, face painting To 12 April

Hever Castle & Gardens Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk Easter Family Fun Family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays including an Easter trail and craft workshops To 19 April

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

What’s On

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

Sevenoaks TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole Family Monday Colour A range of themed activities including arts and crafts. Ages 5-12, 11am-3pm 13 April FREE Children's House Trail Explore inside the house by following a fun trail. 12pm-4pm To 21 April

Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com Look for clues around the estate to earn a chocolate prize. £1 per child 2-19 April

Diary dates & events

of Harry Potter, giving a glimpse into how some of the films’ most iconic scenes were created. Climb aboard the train’s carriage and pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall. Entrance included in standard ticket price From 19 March

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

2.10pm and 3.10pm, no booking necessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or £3 per child

Syon Park Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF www.syonpark.co.uk Children Go Free, throughout the Easter holidays!

Putney Embankment Art and Craft Market The Embankment, Putney (Between the Thai Square Restaurant and Thames Place) www.facebook.com/artonputneyemba nkment 5 April and 3 May An exciting market showcasing a range of arts and crafts such as paintings, sculpture and photography, wood carvings and furniture from established and emerging artists. 10am–4pm

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

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworth

Warner Bros Studio Tour Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

www.nct.org.uk/branches/Wimbledon Coffee, Me and Baby. Every other Wednesday in April, 2pm onwards at The Old Frizzle, Wimbledon. Come along and meet new and expectant mums in the area over a relaxing cup of coffee Breastfeeding Drop-in.

Every Thursday in April, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio), Wimbledon SW19 1LT

Dulwich Picture Gallery

This Easter the original Hogwarts Express stream engine and a recreation of Platform 9 ¾ will open at The Making

SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday in April.

Family Sundays Enjoy being creative together in these drop-in Artplay sessions, making everything from bunting to block prints.

booking necessary, 1.30pm-3.30pm 8 April. Rabbit Warren Family Dropin Meet on the main lawn and create your own paper rabbit and help them recreate the bishop's rabbit warren.

Suitable for 2+. £2 per child, no booking necessary, 2pm-3.30pm 15 April. The Thames Family Drop-in Build a boat, design a riverside building or create some animals and birds to populate their model Thames river scene. Suitable for 2+. £2 per child, no booking necessary, 2pm-3.30pm 18 April. Young Archaeologists’ Club Take a trip to the Thames and explore the local foreshore. Suitable for 8-16 years, £15, booking essential, 10.30am12.15pm

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com 8 and 22 April. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a well-deserved cup of coffee 8 and 22 April. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

The Art of the Brick

Fulham Palace The Palace Explorers

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org Every Monday in April.

The Palace Explorers For children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack.

Booking essential, 10.30am-12pm 5 and 6 April. Fulham Palace Easter Trail Start in the Tudor Courtyard and find all of the clues to win a chocolate prize! Suitable for 2+. £2 per child, no

Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane E1 6QL www.trumanbrewery.com To 12 April Gawp at artworks made entirely of Lego.

Includes large-scale recreations of famous artworks such as Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo as well as many original pieces including a six-metre long T-Rex skeleton constructed from over 80,000 bricks. Then head to the Interactive Zone to build your own mini masterpiece. £8-£16.50

RHS Great London Plant Fair RHS Lindley Hall, SW1P 2QW / RHS Lawrence Hall SW1P 2QD www.rhs.org.uk 14-16 April A vibrant celebration of spring with

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Knole House

Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Mother’s Helps

All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked

Permanent and Temporary Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666 info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk www.wimbledonnannies.com 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP Fax: 020 8947 0405 Facebook: Wimbledon Nannies Twitter: @wimbledonannies

April 2015

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What’s On

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

nurseries and trade stands bursting with colour, plants and flowers for sale. Stock up on plants and take home tips and advice from a full programme of talks on spring flowers given by the growers themselves

Recommended for children from babies to 5 years, 10.30am-11.15am, tickets £5, call 020 8542 5511 or book online

Move Battersea, Furzedown and Wandsworth www.wandsworthartsfestival.com/20 15/event/move-art Discover a showcase of work of aspiring and professional artists, with free workshops for all. Move is a celebration of art by ages 4 to 83, in collaboration with Wandsworth charities, schools, local business and residents. Book now online or email mel_barry@outlook.com 9-16 May

NCT Kensington & Chelsea Nearly New Sale Westbourne Grove Church, Notting Hill W11 2RW www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington -chelsea Find top-quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices.

10am-12pm, £2, email NNS.KensingtonAndChelsea@nct.org.uk 18 April

Mum2Mum Market Nearly New Sale Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 18 April Buy or sell quality baby and kids goods at this pop-up indoor market. 43 stalls under one roof with thousands of kids bargains at a fraction of the high street price. Admission £2, kids free, 2-4pm

First Aid for Life Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 18, 22 April and 9, 14 and 30 May. The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions.

9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65

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First Aid for Life

Barnes Children's Literature Festival Various venues around Barnes Pond www.barneskidslitfest.org Big names line up for the first Barnes Children's Literature Festival, including the co-creator of The Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler, Martin Brown from Horrible Histories and the winner of the 2014 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, Piers Torday. With special events for young book fans and their families, interviews, readings, book signings, workshops and performances 25 April

Little Folk with Albo Concerts Colour House Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.littlefolkwithalbo.com / www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 2 May

Don't miss your chance to see Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy in Richmond this summer!

This summer, the world's only In the Night Garden Live Showdome is back in Richmond - for two weeks only from 20 June to 4 July.

See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections.

In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome.

With just 13 rows of seats, you'll be close to the action and everyone gets a great view! Tickets for In the Night Garden Live 2015 are on sale now. Book now for best the prices and to avoid disappointment, many tickets already sold out. Every ticket includes a Souvenir Activity Brochure worth £7. www.nightgardenlive.com

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Silly Millie the Clown

PARTIES Face Painting & Balloon Modelling

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

HEALTH

TUITION

Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

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

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

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

VACANCY Earn Extra Money?

Capital Focus Groups are looking for people to take part in Market Research and give their opinion on a variety of subjects.

If you would like to earn extra cash please call Liz on 07761 128059 or e-mail e.dahlgren@btinternet.com

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

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

ELOCUTION Creative Writing Audition Work Interview Technique

MUSIC

Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM (020) 7735 3156 clareprice@tiscali.co.uk

PIANO TUITION

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

Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

Reliable Handyman

Clown Pirate Jester Wizard

• Garden maintenance and building work (fences, patios, sheds, etc..)

• Jobs around the house (carpentry, painting, fitting furniture, etc…)

• Upcycling furniture and Shabby Chic items available £20/hour.

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

CHILDCARE

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What’s On

Astronaut, Magician, Explorer

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07808 732 390

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www.charlietheclown.co.uk

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The best family-friendly events We have more events and things to do for children than anyone else!

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THEO THE MAGICIAN “Voted one of the UK’s Favourite The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB

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• Children's shows by date • Museums and galleries by age • FREE events by category • across the UK per area

Fun Magic for Children & Adults

07711 724129 www.magictheo.com www.Familiesonline.co.uk

Events info for here and across the UK

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680