Families London SW Issue 216 May 2012 by Families Magazine

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

May 2012 Iss

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Health feature Half-term activities Local Olympic Torch events Celebrate the Jubilee Family cycling rides

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already here heaven is on ea be in rth o Everyth t ing that is supposed

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SouthWest

May 2012

Contents 04-05 06-07

Local news & information Community Spirit

04-05

Swapping and sharing: the new revolution

10-11

All content ©Families 2012 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: June 2012 Deadline: early May •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. •There are over 36 UK local editions with a print run of more than 600,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a big website… familiesonline.co.uk

Dig out the flags and get celebrating

12-14

16-17

Parenting When your child’s different

18-19 22-23

Playgroups listing Part 3 Olympics

12-14

The torch relay comes to Tooting Common.

24-26

Services feature Your favourite gardeners, builders, window cleaners etc.

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.

10-11

Half term activities Arts and crafts, sports and days out

• MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call. •Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Basingstoke, Hants

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

26-27 28-31

Book reviews Health FEATURE

24-25

Tackling childhood obesity; cycling with kids

33-37

Find us on Facebook and Twitter FamiliesSW

• Drama • Events • Exhibitions & Museums

38-39

May 2012

What’s On

Directory and classified

News

Compiled by Joanna Parry Olympic Torch and Olympian Adrian Turner with children at Hornsby House School

Help with depression

Local children’s appeal Nurseries, schools and parents across Fulham are coming together to support the very worthwhile Octavia Appeal for The Friends of Royal Brompton Hospital. Twice Times Nursery in South Park held a sponsored walk and fun morning, while Zebedee Nursery hosted a Strictly Come Dancing Extravaganza which raised over £3,500. Next to come are a Bounceathon at Little Tug Boat Day Nursery, a silent auction, and The Holy Cross Charity Ball at The Hurlingham Club, all with the aim of raising £75,000 for the paediatric intensive care unit at the hospital, the largest heart and lung centre of its kind in the UK. The money will go towards supplying chairs for parents, as well as decorating four sleep labs and funding a cutting-edge open-heart model child. To get involved contact Lynda Mackie on lyndacmackie@tiscali.co.uk

If you’re struggling with postnatal depression try Bodylogic Health. Alongside conventional treatments, Bodylogic’s alternative therapists can help women through sophrology, reflexology, acupuncture and Reiki. New mothers suffering from postnatal depression may benefit from different forms of massage, which could treat the depression by physically stimulating the nerve receptors, while acupuncture can offer a sense of relaxation which allows the body to restore its balance. Sophrology is a dynamic relaxation technique that can lead to a relaxed body and help with the bonding process after birth, while reflexology helps balance hormones which might be beneficial in post-natal depression. Clinics at 68 Streatham Hill, SW2, tel 020 8674 3799 and Battersea Park Road, SW11, tel 020 7924 6068. www.body-logic.co.uk

Anyone for cricket?

Yoga kids

If you’ve got a budding Andrew Strauss on your hands, check out www.mykidscoach.co.uk for a great new cricket course for children. A new summer course especially designed for young, enthusiastic cricketers in the U7/U8/U9 year groups will run for 10 weeks, with players developing core cricket skills - batting, bowling and fielding - through fun games, innovative drills and match play. The course runs on Saturday mornings until the end of July in Battersea Park and is open to children of all abilities. Call Nicola Dicketts on 07563 900 901 or mykidscoach@me.com

Little Yogis are fun, creative and magical yoga sessions at St Stephen's Church Centre, Weir Road, SW12 0NU every Wednesday at 4pm. £6 per session or £30 for 6 sessions. Contact Karolina on 07786 390311, email karolinagburczyk@yahoo.co.uk or go to www.childrenstherapies.co.uk/karolina-gburczykplay-therapist-and-yoga-practitioner.

Ken & Chelsea NCT sale Spring Nearly New Sale on Saturday 12 May 11.15am to 1pm. nnsnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk

Helping to build in Brazil

Who is Britain’s next bestseller?

Karen Simmonds

Think before you book Following on from Responsible Tourism Week, why not choose an ethical travel agent when booking your holiday? We don’t always think about the impact our holidays have on the places we visit, but at Travel Matters they encourage people to be aware of their holiday choices, organising holidays which minimise negative impact whilst maximising on quality. Hands Up Holidays also change lives - have you heard of Luxury Voluntourism? Experience an inspiring ethical vacation that blends sightseeing with meaningful volunteering and return with treasured memories and incredible stories, knowing you have touched lives. Help build a school in Peru or volunteer in Cape Town’s disadvantages communities. •Travel Matters - 020 8675 7878, info@travelmatters.co.uk, www.maketravelmatter.co.uk. •Hands Up Holidays - 020 7193 1062, info@handsupholidays.com, www.handsupholidays.com

This June children’s author Andrew Cope will select the winner of the 2012 Explore Learning National Young Writers' Award, a creative writing competition for children aged 5 - 14. The 500-word competition encourages children to think creatively and inspires them to write, with the winner receiving a trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 of books for their school. Last year’s winner Samuel Groves from Wimbledon Park Primary School took first prize with his story ‘The Blue Guitar’, which takes the reader on an imaginary journey of the life of his blue guitar. Read his story at www.explorelearning.org.uk/youngwriters. www.explorelearning.co.uk

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New party idea

Gabriella & Octavia

If you’re searching for a new idea for your child’s birthday party, look no further than Gabriella & Octavia, providers of exquisite parties for children. Based in Battersea, this team of young and energetic performers, artists, singers, dancers and comics will take your child on an incredible journey with treasure hunts, puppetry, storytelling and baking. From Fairytale and Treasure Hunt parties to Fashion and Disco parties, you need look no further for your next magical, theatrical and utterly unforgettable bash! All Families SW readers receive a 10% discount - call 07976 952264 or go to www.gabriellaandoctavia.com

Time for tea? For a beautiful, traditional tearoom check out Flavins Tea Room, recently opened by two local mums. This vintage-style café will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time – choose from a wide range of teas, sandwiches and handmade cakes from You Make A Cake. The tearoom is located within the sweet shop The Sweet Life. What a treat! 204 Trinity Road, SW17 7HP.

Pots and paints Amanda’s Action lands in Kensington! A new Amanda’s Action Club class has started in Kensington, offering fun mini-workouts for little ones aged 4 months to 4 years. The class takes place every Thursday in the Kensington Kindergarten and will be hosted by Amanda herself. Expect funky nursery rhymes, unique props and lots of movement and energy. Thursdays at 2.30pm, 3.15pm and 4pm, £10 per child or £18 for two siblings, or book in advance and get a discount. Kensington Kindergarten, 1a Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TN, email info@amandasactionclub.co.uk or call 01895 623999. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

A new pottery painting studio has just opened in Earlsfield. Paint ceramics or make clay impressions of tiny hands and feet at Mini Potters. Also open for children’s parties. Contact Ellie on 07983 537371 or ellie.pring@hotmail.com. Mini Potters, 430 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4HN.

Tennis with Teddy Teddy Tennis is a fantastic new way to encourage children aged 3-5 to play tennis. Combining music, pictures and teddy bear stories, Teddy Tennis creates an interactive learning adventure that children will love. Classes across South West London from Wimbledon and Wandsworth to Hammersmith and Fulham. For essential tennis skills, to enhance co-ordination and improve confidence go to www.teddytennis.com or call 0845 643 1173.

Music award

Animal Magic in SW8

Local company Musical Express, providers of fun pre-school music classes in Southfields and Wimbledon for over 15 years, has been nominated Best Local Activity for the Under 5s in the 6th National What’s on Junior Awards. Check out their classes at Southfields Methodist Church, Gooseberry Bush Café, Eddie Catz, Wimbledon Rugby Club and now in new venue Earlsfield Methodist Church. Email alison@musicalexpress.co.uk or call 07808 587606 to book your trial class. www.musicalexpress.co.uk

This spring the children of Apple Nursery at Newton Prep in Battersea were thrilled by a visit from Animal Magic, a travelling farm. They had a chance to touch and feed a range of animals from rabbits, guinea pigs and hedgehogs to an owl, a tarantula, and even some hissing cockroaches! The children have been learning about 'Growth and New Life' this term, and the Animal Magic team were able to bring some newborn mice that were only one day old. A fantastic, hands-on experience for all. www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

May 2012

Zeph banging a drum

Community spirit

Swaps and shares By Sam Chippindale

A new economy is emerging to fit these cash-drained, eco-conscious times. Swapping computer skills for fresh vegetables, renting out your car or lending an empty office to a youth group are all ways of joining the new ‘what’s mine is yours’ society. No one enjoys being stuck in a recession, but having to rethink our spending and how we consume and often waste goods does seem to encourage innovative and highly effective alternatives to the ‘buy it, use it, bin it’ routine.

A genuine social revolution The internet is home to a flowering of new sites that exist to connect people who have skills or unwanted items to share, exchange, barter or loan out. Far from being merely an alternative, feelgood movement, this is a genuine social revolution that is gaining momentum. Not only do people who swap, lend and loan on a regular basis save – and sometimes make – money, they also connect socially with people they wouldn’t otherwise have met, adding to a sense of community involvement. Finding that your skill as a writer or hairdresser or gardener is genuinely valued and needed by others is also a boost to your sense of self worth, something that can often be lost in our everyday working lives.

Stop wasting, be real!

children. Your ability as, say, an accountant, IT specialist or chef could come in very handy. Equally, you might know someone who hates ironing, but would do dog walking in return. Sites such as www.tradeurtrade.co.uk connect people who have time rather than cash to offer. The international www.u-exchange.com does the same – house painting for proofreading perhaps. Along the same lines as skills sites are those that share assets such as space or money. If you are one of the 100,000 people in the UK on a waiting list to get an allotment, it might save time to hook up with someone who has spare land of their own that you could use. The nationwide Landshare scheme, www.landshare.net, puts individuals or groups in touch with anyone prepared to give them land to grow their own produce on.

Share and Share Alike – borrow it, swap it, loan it Where eBay leads, we follow, with sites dedicated to getting our unwanted goods to people who can use them, either by selling them, swapping or loaning them. For example, www.netcycler.co.uk allows users to swap unwanted items: a recent

visit saw a mobile phone being swapped for a play set. Once you find something you like the look of, you offer your item in return, and if successful, either meet up or post the items. If you need a sledgehammer for a short building job, or a glamorous dress for a wedding, you could be lucky and find it at www.ecomodo.com, which connects those who have with those who need. Registered members can offer items for free or for a modest rental fee. The fashion industry, which encourages us to think of what’s in season, then to ditch it, is to blame for mountains of unworn clothes. Swishing, www.swishing.com, is for the fashion-conscious swapper. Swishing parties allow guests to swap their good quality clothes for ones brought by other guests. Result: a girly good time and reduced fashion waste. (Local swishing dates are advertised on the site. )

What’s mine is yours – temporarily Across London, thousands of regular users of Boris Bikes, the Barclays-sponsored bicycle hire scheme (www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx), are already part of the trend for hiring services rather than owning them.

Common sense perhaps, but registering with one of the host of websites dedicated to this way of living spreads the effectiveness of this new economy and what we can all get out of it. A good place to start is: www.collaborativeconsumption.com

Anything I can do – sharing time, skills and space A key area of the new global marketplace is skills swaps, a particularly appealing phenomenon if you are a parent taking a career break with small

Picture credit © patrimonio designs - Fotolia.com

The starting point for many collaborative consumption sites has been to look at the accumulated stuff around us, from coffee machines to cars, and to ask how much of it we really need and use. Rather than buy a new item, let’s say a camp bed for occasional visitors, wouldn’t it be better to borrow one from a friend or colleague? If your elderly neighbours can’t manage to mow their lawn, but own a mower, why not do their mowing in return for borrowing the machine to do your lawn with?

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Community spirit

And if it works for two wheels, why not four? Instead of paying road tax and insurance, thousands of people now rent cars for the hour, day or week, only when they need them. With www.whipcar.com, members can rent out their cars (with insurance and breakdown cover provided) whenever they don’t need them. Short of space? www.somewhereto.com, is tailored to the needs of young people from 16 to 25. What many need is a suitable space in which to gain experience in their chosen field, to perform in or to set up a group. Somewhereto has regional advisers who help pair up young people with companies, councils or individuals who can give them a site. Testimonials include a budding fashion photographer who was given access to shoot at London Fashion Week and a magician who got the chance to perform in front of a live audience. Somewhereto even managed to get a group into Number 10, although that seems to have been a one-off.

If your elderly neighbours can’t manage to mow their lawn, but own a mower, why not do their mowing in return for borrowing the machine to do your lawn with?

Right up your street Don't know your neighbours? www.streetlife.com has been recommended to us by a reader who says: "I have never been very good at developing contacts with my neighbours. This site allows us to exchange tips, offer unwanted stuff like a glut of apples from someone's garden, or ask recommendations for a local tailor or a local restaurant. It has helped me know my area better and stay local. I feel more part of the community now." ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏

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

May 2012

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729 ®

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May 2012

速

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Get ready for the celebrations across London this summer! 2012 not only marks the Queen’s 60th year as Monarch, but she is also the first to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee since Queen Victoria in 1897. Expect a whole host of exciting events, including many in South West London, so dig out your flags and get celebrating.

The Official Central Weekend Sunday 3rd June - Big Jubilee Lunch Building on the popular Big Lunch initiative, enjoy lunch with neighbours and friends. Organise your own street party or share a picnic - it's all about the community coming together for food, music and good old-fashioned fun. Local Big Lunches are taking place at parks across SW London. www.thebiglunch.com Sunday 3rd June - Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant See the Queen lead a flotilla of 1000 boats from across the UK, Commonwealth and the rest of the world. Steam boats, tall ships, cruisers, kayaks, Dunkirk little ships and Dragon boats – the flotilla will be the largest fleet of ships to assemble on the Thames in 350 years, continuing a royal tradition which dates back to Anne Boleyn’s coronation. The Pageant will begin in Putney and culminate at Tower Bridge. www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org Sunday 3rd June - Diamond Jubilee Festival Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ Watch the Flotilla as it passes by Battersea Park. The Festival will feature music, dance, crafts and a funfair, plus pop-up pub, giant cake stand, village fete, storytelling, outdoor cinema, old-fashioned steam fair, fancy-dress flotilla on the Boating Lake and a mini-museum of royal memorabilia at the Pump House Gallery.

2nd-5th June

Monday 4th June - BBC Concert at the Palace Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA Join in the fun at the Diamond Jubilee Concert with artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Annie Lennox. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a ticket – there’s room for 500,000 people in St James's and Green Parks and the Mall to watch on giant screens. www.bbc.co.uk/ diamondjubilee

Tuesday 5th June - Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD The final day of official celebrations includes a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral before the Queen travels in a procession through the streets of London.

Monday 4th June Diamond Jubilee Beacons Tower of London, EC3N 4AB A network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit throughout the UK and Commonwealth, including beacons on the battlements of The Tower of London, St. James’s Palace and Lambeth Palace.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Jubilee Events surrounding the Central Weekend 27th April to 9th September - Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF Guest-curated by historian David Starkey, it explores the relationship between monarch, city and people as played out on the Thames. 17th May to 21st October - The Queen: Art and Image National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE Bringing together images of Elizabeth II from throughout her reign, this exhibition shows the way she has been portrayed down the decades, ranging from official paintings to works by Lucian Freud, Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz and Gilbert and George.

30th June to 8th July, 31st July to 7th October - Palace Summer Opening Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA Visit the lavishly decorated State Rooms furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection. 31st July to 30th September Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA This spectacular exhibition shows the many ways in which diamonds have been used by British monarchs over the last 200 years. It includes the necklace made for Queen Victoria’s coronation, a crown worn by Victoria for her Diamond Jubilee portrait and a set of diamonds given to her by the Sultan of Turkey.

24th May to 4th November - At Home with the Queen Museum of London, EC2M 5UU Featuring Londoners photographed in their homes, this exhibition explores cherished mementoes of Her Majesty’s reign.

4th May to 31st August - Big British Bang Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB Pop up shops, in-store events and fashion exhibitions combine to create retail theatre.

31st May - Royal Philharmonic Jubilee Gala Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP The acclaimed orchestra will be joined by some of the UK's most talented female musicians for a special concert. www.royalalberthall.com

Organise a street party!

2nd June - A Gala for the Queen’s Jubilee Royal Albert Hall Starring Russell Watson, and celebrating the Jubilee with a sensational programme of stirring favourites. 3rd June - The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Sing-a-long Royal Albert Hall Get ready for a right old knees-up. Showman Jonathan Cohen will lead you through toe-tapping, hand-clapping songs to sing... sing... singalong! 2nd & 3rd June - Jubilee Family Festival Hyde Park, W2 2UH Hosted by Sainsbury's, this two-day festival will culminate in a finale on both days comprising of Disney songs and characters. Plus equestrian events, death-defying motorbike stunts and kids' television characters. With giant screens covering the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, the festival will showcase Britain throughout the decades.

May 2012

Tuesday Tutors • We coach children for state and independent school and entry tests: VR, NVR, English, Maths and interview preparation. • We are also happy to offer Maths and English support for children in school, and Home Education. • NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London Tuesday Tutors has placed many children in top state and private schools. It is advisable to contact us early, as high demand may mean that your child will be placed on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome Tel: 020 7735 8268

07906 312541

tuesdaytutors@hotmail.co.uk tuesdaytutors.com

Whether you’re a raging royalist or a resolute republican, the Queen's Jubilee is a perfect opportunity to gather people together, get to know your neighbours and to celebrate the day in your community. Read our tips on www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

020 8788 3029 Don’t forget the extra Bank Holiday. Monday 4 June and Tuesday 5 June are both holidays this year, so there’s no excuse not to get celebrating!

info@willownannies.co.uk |www.willownannies.co.uk

Find out more at www.royal.gov.uk, www.direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee and www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

June Half term holiday activities Compiled by Joanna Parry

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road, SE21 7AD 5 and 6 June. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – Join the Mad Hatter on a tour around the Gallery grounds and bring the characters to life with puppets. 4-10yrs approx, 2-4pm, £5, weather permitting. 020 8299 8732, l.mckie@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Fun with Fimo Clay West London 8 June. Craft activity session – Fun and creative, fully supervised and non-messy! 6 yrs+, 10am-4pm, £45. Bring a packed lunch and a box to put your creations in. Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767, fimofun@tiscali.co.uk. www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk Pottery Café • 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157 • 332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000 • 153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 3388 4-8 June. Paint a Celebration Mug – Paint a Jubilee mug or create a special gift for Fathers Day. Get 20% off Emma Bridgewater 1-pint mugs (now £13.56 plus a studio fee of £5.99 per person). www.pottery-cafe.com

LANGUAGES

Le Club Tricolore St Saviour's Hall, St George's Square, SW1V 3QW 6 and 7 June. Holiday Fun – Cooking, art, craft, drama and games for children who want to improve their French. Ages 5-12, 10am-4pm. Call Teresa 020 7924 4649 or 07889 967003, info@leclubtricolore.co.uk. www.leclubtricolore.co.uk

MUSIC AND DRAMA

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 6 June. Beat Boxer Workshop – Join Grace Savage as she puts you through the paces of being a professional beat boxer. 8-13yrs, 10am-12.30pm, £20. 7 June. Story Racers – One story, two teams and a race against the clock in this fast-paced drama workshop. 5-7yrs, 10am12.30pm, £20. 8 June. Theatre Sports Olympics – Get into the sporting spirit in this fun-filled improvisation workshop. 711yrs, 10am-12.30pm, £20. 020 8543 4888. www.polkatheatre.com

SPORTS

Chelsea FC Soccer School • Battersea Park, Prince of Wales Drive, SW11 4NU • Barn Elms Sports Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 9SA • Chestnut Grove School, Balham SW12 9JZ 6-8 June. Soccer School – Ages 3-14 depending on venue (Mini Kickers, Soccer School, Goalkeeping). Times vary, from £27 for 3 days. 020 7957 8220, soccerschools@chelseafc.com. www.chelseafc.com/soccerschools Fit For Sport • Barnes Primary School, Cross Street, SW13 0QQ • Bishop Gilpin Primary School, Lake Road, SW19 7EP • Ethos Sports Imperial College, 7 Princes Gardens, SW7 2BB • Sheen Mount Primary West, West Temple Sheen, SW14 7RT • St Joseph RC Primary School, Cadogan Street, SW3 2QT 4-8 June. Activity Camps – Ages 3-12, call for details 0845 456 3233. www.fitforsport.co.uk Telford Park Tennis Club 35a Killieser Avenue, Streatham Hill, SW16 5-8 June. Hotshots Holiday Tennis Camps – Ages 4-15, all levels. 11.30am-4pm, £25 a day or £110 a week. 020 8674 5979, coaching@telfordparktennisclub.co.uk www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk/ holiday-camps Tooting area sports team Furzedown Recreation Centre, Ramsdale Road, SW17 6-8 June. 3-day Tennis Course 10-11am - 4-6yrs, £19.50 per course; 11am-12.30pm - 7-9yrs, £29.25; 12.30-2pm - 10-14yrs, £29.25. 020 8767 6542, tootingarea sportsteam@ wands worth.gov.uk

happen and how they are brought to an end. 11am-1pm, 2-4pm, free, all ages. 2-10 June. Women and the Home Front – Discover how women contributed to the war effort and coped with the dangers of the Blitz. 11am-1pm, 2-4pm, free, all ages. 020 7416 5320. www.iwm.org.uk Eddie Catz • Putney, 68-70 Putney High Street, SW15 and • Wimbledon, 42 Station Road, SW19 Call 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com There is SO MUCH happening at Eddie Catz this half term, from Zumba to Choreography to Circus Skills Workshop. Creative Choreography Dance Workshop with Holly Finch, 6-8 June – 10am-1pm, 6-10 years (drop off) at Putney. Crazy Science Workshop, 7 June – 2-5pm, 5-10 years (drop off) at Putney. British Afternoon Tea with Cookie Crumbles, 8 June – 2-5pm, 4-8 years (drop off) at Putney. Circus Skills Workshop, 8 June – 10am-1pm, 4-10 years (drop off) at Wimbledon. Check the website www.eddiecatz.com for all details.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA 6-8 June. Fantastic Food! – Explore food from around the world. 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm, free. 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ 26 and 27 May. Build the Truce – Art activities looking at why wars

Horniman Museum 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 3 June. Tales from the Horniman – Storytellers bring the collections alive with enchanting stories from around the world. 2.15 and 3.30pm, 3yrs+, free. 4, 6, 7 and 8 June. Family Art Fun – Create bee headdresses and jellyfish mobiles. 11am-3.30pm, 3yrs+, free. 6 June. Discover the Horniman’s Nature Trail Dress for the weather! 2-3.30pm, 3yrs+, free. 7 June. Nature Explorers: Alien Invaders! – Find out about “alien” species and go for a hunt in the Horniman Gardens. 11.30am, 1.45pm, 3.30pm, 6yrs+, £2 per child, adults free. 8 June. Underwater Worlds Workshop – Create your own underwater world. 10.30am-4.30pm, 8yrs+, £35. 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum of London 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 2 and 3 June. Homes of the Olympics – Art workshop looking at the homes of the three London Olympics. 12.30-2pm, 5yrs+, free. 2, 4, 8, 9 and 10 June. Sporty galleries – Learn more about London’s connection to the Olympics. 12pm & 3pm, 7yrs+, free. 3 and 4 June. Going the distance – A marathon story exploring how the 1948 London Olympics changed the sport forever. 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, 5yrs+, free.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Half term holiday activities IDEAS FOR A DAY OUT

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ 4 and 5 June. Jubilee day – Wear a crown or tiara to the zoo! 7 June. Hedgehog Day – Meet a hedgehog, plus hedgehogthemed arts & crafts. Sessions from 11am, book through People's Trust for Endangered Species www.ptes.org/events. Usual entrance fees apply but activities are free. 020 7924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS 5 and 6 June. Golden Jubilee – Create your own family crest. 7 June. Passion for Plants: gardening for beginners – Learn how to grow and care for plants. 5yrs+, 10.30-12pm and 12.30pm. 8 June. The Lost Art of Nature Printing – Learn how to make your own impressions using plants and inks. 11yrs+, 10.30am-2.30pm. 020 7352 5646, education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Baking workshop at the Geffrye Museum 5 June. Diamond Jubilee gift – Make a commemorative gift. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 5yrs+, free. 6 June. Animal Olympics – On your marks, get set and get ready to celebrate the Olympics! 10.30am, 11.30am & 2pm, 5yrs+, free. 9 and 10 June. Make a poster to show off the 2012 London games – 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 5yrs+, free. 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Museum of London Docklands West India Quay, E14 4AL 2 June. World tales – Join the storyteller. 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, 4yrs+, free. 5 June. Comic strips – Create your own comic strip. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 7yrs+, free. 6 June. Story dice – Create your own story dice. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 5yrs+, free. 8 June. Pop-up story-books – Create a pop-up story-book. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 5yrs+, free. 9 June. London forever – Create an animation of London as a melting pot of traditions. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, 5yrs+, free. 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/Do cklands

May 2012 ®

Sir John Soane’s Museum Sir John Soane's Museum 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 6 June. Heroes, Gods, Monsters – Make your own book and fill it with pictures from favourite stories. 10.30am-3.30pm, 7yrs+ 7 June. City in a Box – Cut, fold, collage and create with paper! 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm, 7yrs+ 8 June. Hidden Helpers of the Museum – They need more Museum fairies, elves and magic folk to help them open up the Soane! 10.30am-3.30pm, 7yrs+ £20 whole day, £12 half day, bring your own lunch. Call 020 7440 4263. www.soaneeducation.org.uk/child ren/holidays.cfm

Hampton Court Palace Surrey, KT8 9AU 2 June. Diamond Jubilee Garden Party – Enjoy a tea party in the formal gardens, but don’t forget your bunting! 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX 19 May. Really royal fashion illustration: children's workshop – Taking inspiration from the amazing Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, create your own designs fit for a

Emperor Tamarin at Battersea Zoo princess. 10.30am-1pm, 7-13yrs, £15. Book on 020 3166 6646. www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD 3 June. Picnic in the Park: The Big Lunch – Pack a picnic for lunch in the park and enjoy games and activities. 12-3pm, free. 4 June. Jubilee Celebrations – Watch the Jubilee from a huge screen in the Rose Garden, plus music, entertainment and activities. 2-10pm, £5 per adult, £2.50 11-17yrs, under 10s free. Buy one ticket, get another free until 4 May. 7 June. Dazzling Dragonflies – Learn about the lifecycles and habitats of the dragonflies, damselflies and larvae from the River Wandle. 11am3pm, £4 per family (4 members) or £1.50pp 020 8545 6850, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Osterley Park and House Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB 27 May. Children’s lives at Osterley – Explore the history of Osterley and the lives of children on the estate. Craft, games and much more. 1-4.30pm 5-7 June. Get cooking in the kitchen – See how the Eagle Range in Osterley’s Kitchen is used. 12pm-5pm

page 14

Half term holiday activities WWT London Wetland Centre Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT From 2 June. Otters arrive! – See a family of Asian short-clawed otters playing, foraging, feeding, swimming and grooming. Watch them being fed and learn more about their habitats and behaviour. 0208 409 4412, info.london @wwt.org.uk. wwt.org.uk/london

All-day camps

Pump House Gallery Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ 7 June. Knitting Royalty – Learn casting on, knit stitch and purl stitch, all materials provided. 10.30am-12.30pm, 1.15-3.15pm, all ages, free. 9 June. Pirate Picnic – Aha me hearties! Meet other shipmates and find the hidden treasure. Bring a picnic, 11am- 1pm, fancy dress competition 12.30pm, all ages, free. 020 8871 7572, info@pumphousegallery.org.uk. www.pumphousegallery.org.uk

Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4SU 5-8 June. Holiday courses 4 days courses of riding on Wimbledon Common, plus learning how to care for the ponies, 8yrs+. Call Julia to book 020 8946 7400. www.ridgway stables.co.uk or www.merton.gov.uk/ activeplus

Pump House Gallery knitting Royalty

COMPETITIONS

Photo credit: Alastair Muir

from p.13

Ridgway Stables 7 June. Craft Cart – Jubilee craft activities. 1-4pm. 17 June. Family Dad day – Bring your Dad for a grand day out with free cake! 12-4pm. 24 June. Osterley Day – The biggest event in Osterley’s calendar. Free activities and entertainment for all the family. 12-5pm. House and garden tickets £9.65 adult, £4.85 child 020 8232 5050, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark

Camp Beaumont Venues across SW London and beyond 2-9 June. Adventure Activity Holidays – Activities from dawn ‘til dusk at Camp Beaumont. Ages 7-17, from £419. www.campbeaumont.co.uk

WIN a one hour recording studio party for four children with Rockstars!

WIN a family ticket to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea live on stage in the West End! From Wednesday 4th July till Sunday 2nd September The Tiger Who Came to Tea is coming to the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue!

Rockstars, based in Tooting Bec, specialise in giving you a party to remember. They run one and two hour parties for children and adults as well as recording studio experiences for those who sing or play their own instruments. www.rockstarsparties.co.uk

Following on from the highly successful 2011 tour, the loveable tea-guzzling tiger appears in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! Ages 3+. www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com

To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions

Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 31st May 2012.

Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 21st June 2012.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

May 2012

速

Parenting

Unique and special When your child is different By Sue Atkins

I have recently been coaching some wonderful parents who have a child with ADHD and as a former teacher of many children with unique and different needs, I have been exploring with them how to handle the painful and often overwhelming feelings associated with dealing with the diagnosis that their child is different. Children who are unique need your parenting approach to be individual, flexible and creative as well as consistent and clear because they have different needs from other children and this can be very stressful for you as a parent. These minuses can hit you as a family really hard and may make 'special needs' seem like a tragic designation or a millstone around everyone's neck. But I believe that a label should not limit a child's potential and I see every child as a way to find a new opportunity to explore their potential in a new or different way that hasn't yet been tried.

What is 'unique and special?' 'Special needs' is like an umbrella sheltering and hiding a huge collection of diagnoses underneath. Children with 'special' or 'different' needs may have trouble paying attention, profound mental retardation or be gifted, or they may have a food allergy, be terminally ill or have a stammer. The vastness of the term can be confusing and bewildering. Special needs is often commonly defined by what your child can't do - by milestones unmet, foods banned, activities avoided and experiences denied.

I have worked and trained with Dr Richard Bandler - the co-creator and founder of NLP when I was training to become an NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer. He is an extraordinary man who challenges accepted ways of doing things and stereotyped labels as he is curious and fascinated by different and new ways to explore the way the brain works and how it can be improved and fine-tuned to enable everyone to reach their true potential. After the initial shock of discovering your child is unique and special, gently and slowly change your focus from one of despair to gently and gradually starting to see it as an opportunity to learn how to help you and your child to explore and discover more about themselves.

Remember: Giving a child a label can limit them. Some parents will always focus on the difficulties and grieve their child's lost potential compared to others, but I challenge you to see beyond the diagnosis - to become a family who sees your child's challenges as making their triumphs even sweeter and your child's apparent 'weaknesses' always being balanced by their amazing strengths.

Dealing with the diagnosis that your child is different The diagnosis is useful for getting the support or services your child needs and it is helpful in setting appropriate goals and gaining understanding that your child has a unique talent or unique need, but I think it is worth pointing out that the diagnosis may come as shock or a relief to you and that whatever your reaction it is perfectly normal - some of you will have known from an early stage that your child was different, but for others of you it may be years before you guessed it and it may have taken you many visits to professionals to receive a clear diagnosis and for you to accept the new situation. I remember when I was teaching a Reception class when a little boy arrived on the first morning into the classroom and just ran round and round, then he started eating the sand and rocking on his seat sucking his thumb, looking bewildered and scared. His Mum hadn't wanted to bring him to the two "getting to meet the teacher" afternoons as she was frightened and scared herself about what was happening to her son but we helped the family get some professional help, support and a clear diagnosis of autism; and when I bumped into the little boy's Dad one lunchtime in the local butcher's he looked so relieved, relaxed and optimistic I was pleased we had helped the family come to terms with something that was overwhelming and frightening.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Parenting They were moving forward with their lives, facing the challenges and anxieties and getting the help and support they all needed. Here are some tips that you may find useful in the weeks and months ahead after receiving the news of a diagnosis for the first time. Give yourself time to come to terms and to develop an understanding of what this diagnosis means for you, your child and your family. Avoid making any rash or major decisions in the weeks following the diagnosis. If you need to, do seek another appointment with the professional who gave you the diagnosis so you can ask more questions. Before any consultations, decide what you want from the meeting and jot down any questions you have - it's very easy to forget them during a meeting. Don't forget to make a note of the answers. If you can't go to meetings together do take a friend or relative if you want support and another pair of ears to help you remember want was said. The diagnosis may affect each of you as parents differently - while one of you may be able to accept the diagnosis, the other may feel that it is not correct and continue searching for alternative explanations for your child's difficulty - that's why it's important to give yourself time and discuss all the decisions made about your child. Be aware that there will be mixed reactions from your family and friends to the news of the diagnosis - some are very supportive or some are very hurtful and distressing. Educate yourself about the condition that is affecting your child - use all the sources of information available to you - library, internet, other parents, organisations - knowledge is power. Do seek a second opinion on the diagnosis if you feel the diagnosis you have received is flawed.

Many parents I've worked with find it very helpful and supportive to be involved with the organisation or support group that represents children and families with similar special needs. I know making the initial contact can be a very big and frightening step but remember these groups can be a source of fantastic ongoing help and support. When you are ready, do make contact. You are not alone - and it helps to know that.

How a diagnosis affects you The reaction to hearing a diagnosis for the first time will be individual to you and how you react will depend on a number of factors such as: the severity of the diagnosis nature of diagnosis and the prognosis for your child your child's age presence of other associated disabilities your previous experiences and knowledge of the condition diagnosed your child's temperament your own temperament the amount of help available how you were told about the diagnosis

help you move forward in your lives creating the happy, harmonious and fulfilling relationships and experiences that you all deserve. If you'd like to find out more about positive ways to raise children with unique and special needs, there is far more detail and resources in Chapter 14 of my book Raising Happy Children for Dummies which covers Dyslexia, ADD, Dyspraxia, Asperger's Syndrome, and the gifted and talented.

About the author Sue Atkins is a parenting expert, broadcaster, speaker and author of Raising Happy Children for Dummies, Parenting Made Easy CDs and a Parenting Made Easy app for iPhones and iPads. Sue's new book Parenting Made Easy is published by Random House. Find out more at www.thesueatkins.com

It's perfectly normal to grieve after hearing a diagnosis and most parents experience a reaction similar to a feeling of bereavement - because while of course you love your child whether they have special needs or not, it is important to acknowledge that you have suffered the loss of a child who may have followed a customary path of development.

Get to know the professionals in your area. Who are they? Where are they based? Do they work as a team or individually? Try to get to know the team that is dealing with your child and build a relationship with them.

Of course, the presence of a child with special needs in your family alters your family relationships and the way it may now function, including the closeness of parents and other siblings. However, remember these changes may be positive as well as negative. It is down to your positive attitude and mindset about how you are going to handle this challenge.

Begin to keep notes of all your meetings with the professionals you are working with and if a professional is compiling a report on your child ask for a copy to keep with your records.

That's why I am passionate about using strategies and techniques that I've learnt in my 22 years as a teacher and from my years of studying NLP to

Little Rascals

Your local traditional toy shop for ages 0-6

PAINT IT FOR DAD!

•NEW Decopatch papers/figures now stocked! •Handpaint your own potttery •Baby hand or foot prints on pottery •Silver keepsake jewellery •Parties available; Pottery, T-shirt painting, Decopatch •Holiday workshops Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm 85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk

May 2012

Soft and wooden toys from brands including:

•Jellycat, •BigJigs, •John Crane, •Wheelybugs, •ShooShoos, •Grobags©, •Greeting Cards, and more! Visit our enticing shop at 140 Merton Road South Wimbledon SW19 1EH 020 8542 9979 Open Tues to Sat 9-5.30 (Between Polka Theatre and South Wimbledon Tube) www.little-rascals.co.uk

Playgroups listing

Playgroups Listing:

Part 3

Here is Part Three of our Playgroup listings. Having scoured all of South West London we’ve found some fantastic playgroups, parent-and-toddler groups and preschool drop-in sessions. Compiled by Joanna Parry

The first two parts are in our online Directory, see www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

SW1

NCT Westminster Pimlico Mums - Big Thursdays Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, Westminster, SW1P 4DG Tel 0844 243 6078 Email pimlicomums@hotmail.com Website www.nct.org.uk/branches/ westminster Open Last Thursday of every month, 10am-12pm. For the rest of the month they meet on Thursday afternoons in a volunteer’s home, 34.30pm No fee Emmanuel Centre Parents and Toddlers Great Smith Street, SW1 Tel 020 7222 9191 Website www.emmanuelcentre.com Open Monday mornings 10.30am12.30pm No fee Marsham Street Children’s Centre 121 Marsham Street, SW1P 4LP Tel 0207 828 4083 Email marvet@leyf.org.uk Website www.westminster.gov.uk/ services/ educationandlearning Open Mondays - Bounce and Rhyme, 11am-12pm at Pimlico Library, Story Time, 4-5pm at 121 Marsham Street; Wednesdays – Tiny Time, 2-3.30pm, ages 0-2, at 121 Marsham Street; Thursdays – Stay and Play, 10am-12pm ages 0-5, at 121 Marsham Street, Tiny Time, 34.30pm, ages 0-2, at 121 Marsham Street; Fridays – Twins group (last Friday of every month), 1-3pm at 121 Marsham Street No fee St. Vincent’s Family Project Methodist Central Hall, Storey’s Gate (entrance on Matthew Parker Street), SW1H 9NH Tel 020 7654 5351 Email sekasokic@svfp.org.uk Website www.svfp.org.uk Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, Parents and Toddlers Drop In, 10am3pm, ages 0-4 No fee

The Abbey Centre 34 Great Smith Street, Westminster, SW1P 3BU Tel 020 7222 0303 Email enquiries@theabbey centre.org.uk Website www.theabbey centre.org.uk Open Music and Movement classes Mondays 10-10.50am and Fridays 1010.50am and 11-11.50am, ages 0-5 Fee £1.20

SW2

Ruby Rhymes Trinity Congregational Church, St Matthews Road, Brixton, SW2 / Streatham Friends Meeting House, 11 Redlands Way, SW2 Email jane.ruby@hotmail.co.uk Website www.rubyrhymes.co.uk Open Drop-in classes Tuesdays 10.30am at Trinity Congregational Church, Thursdays 10.30am at Streatham Friends Meeting House, ages 0-5 Fee £5 per family Parent and Toddler Group Corpus Christi Church Hall, 11 Trent Road, SW2 5BJ Tel 020 7274 4625 Email brixtonrc@btinternet.com Website www.corpuschristi brixton.org Open Wednesdays and Fridays 9.1511.15am, term time only Fee £1 per child, 50p per siblings over 6 months Prayers and Bears St Thomas’ Church, Telford Avenue, SW2 4XW Tel 020 8675 5086 Email office@stwss.org.uk Website www.stwss.org.uk Open Wednesdays at 10am, for babies and toddlers No fee

SW4

Under the greenwood tree 11 The Polygon, SW4 0JG Tel 020 7627 4557 Email hello@underthegreen woodtree.co.uk Website www.underthegreen woodtree.co.uk Open Storytime sessions, Saturdays 11am-12pm No fee

Clapham Manor Children’s Centre 16 Belmont Close, Clapham, SW4 6AT Tel 020 7627 9917 Website www.clapham manor.children centre.org Open Parent and Toddler drop-in sessions Monday-Friday, 9.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm in term time No fee Trinity Toddlers Holy Trinity Church, Clapham Common Northside, SW4 0QZ Tel 020 7627 0941 Email admin@holytrinityclapham.org Website www.holytrinity clapham.org Open Wednesday mornings 1011.30am during term time, meet at the back of the church Fee £1 per family donation Parent and Toddler Group St. Mary's Church Hall, 8 Clapham Park Road, SW4 7AP Tel 020 7498 3005 Email office@stmarysclapham.org.uk Website www.stmarysclapham.org.uk Open Fridays 10-11.30am Fee £1

SW6

Baby and Toddler Group / Little Footprints Mother and Baby Group All Saints Church, Bishops Park, Putney Bridge Approach, SW6 3LA Tel 020 7736 3264 Website www.allsaints-fulham.org.uk Open Babies and Toddlers meets Tuesdays 10-11.45am in the Middle Room or Church Hall; Family Time meets Wednesdays 10-11.45am; Little Footprints meets Thursday mornings 10-11.45am for mothers and babies under 18 months Donation requested Twynholm Tots Twynholm Baptist Church, 324-326 Lillie Road, Fulham, SW6 7PP Tel 020 7381 1469 Email buckspeters@hotmail.co.uk Website www.twynholm.org Open Tuesday mornings during term time, 10am-12pm, ages 0-4 Fee £2 per family

SW8

Vauxhall One O'Clock Club Vauxhall Park, Fentiman Road, SW8 1LA Tel 020 7582 3209 Website www.lambeth.gov.uk Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays all year round, 12.30-3.30pm, ages 0-5 No fee Tiny Tots Ridley Hall Evangelical Church, Broughton Street, SW8 3RD Tel 020 7720 1819 Website www.ridleyhall.org Open Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am during term time, for babies and toddlers No fee St Stephen’s Children’s Centre Playgroup at South Lambeth Tate Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1QP Tel 020 7926 0705 Website www.lambeth.gov.uk Open Wednesdays 10.15-11.10am and 11.20am-12.15pm. Drop in but first come, first served No Fee Larkhall Park One O'Clock Club Priory Court, Off Lansdowne Way, SW8 2PR Tel 020 7627 0009 Website www.lambeth.gov.uk Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays all year round, 12.303.30pm, ages 0-5 No fee

SW9

Max Roach One O'Clock Club Wiltshire Road, SW9 7YA Tel 020 7274 6693 Website www.lambeth.gov.uk Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays all year round, 12.30-3.30pm, ages 0-5 No fee

SW10

Toddler Times Montessori Creative Nursery Group St. Luke's Church, Redcliffe Gardens, SW10 Tel 07795 691449 Email art@toddlertimes.co.uk Website www.toddlertimes.co.uk Open Mondays and Tuesdays term time only, 9.30-11.20am, from 24 months. Book in advance for the term Fee Contact Toddler Times for details

Although we have taken every care in preparing these listings, times and dates can change and we take no responsibility for any changes. Please check with the playgroup before you set off!

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Playgroups listing

SW16

Little Nippers Holy Redeemer Church Hall, Churchmore Road, Streatham Vale, SW16 5UZ Tel 020 8765 9923 Email info@holyredeemer streatham.org.uk. Website www.holyredeemer streatham.org.uk/little-nippers Open Mondays during term time, 9.15-11.30am, ages 0-4 Fee £1 donation per family

St Stephen’s play centre

SW11

Bolingbroke Playgroup One O’ Clock Centre, Chivalry Road, Wandsworth Common, SW11 1HT Tel 020 7924 7260 Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am12pm, ages from 2 and a half years Fee £37 a week. Call to register, but there is a waiting list! York Gardens One O’Clock Children’s Centre and Toddler Group Lavender Road, SW11 2UG Tel 020 7738 0889 Email sgibson@wandsworth.gov.uk Website www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fis Open Monday to Friday 1-4pm, term-time only, ages 0-5. Toddler Group meets Mondays 10am-12pm, ages 0-3 No fee St Michael’s Carer and Toddler Group St Michael’s Church, Cobham Close, SW11 6SP Website www.stmichaels battersea.org Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am12pm in the crypt, term time only. Ages 0-4 No fee

SW12

Tea Time for Toddlers The Montessori School, 102 Chestnut Grove, Balham, SW12 8JJ Tel 020 8673 8037 Email themontessori school@live.co.uk Website www.themontessori school.co.uk/teatime Open Tuesdays 2-3pm, term time only, ages 2 upwards Fee £85 a term, register in advance

SW14

Little Angels Mums and Toddlers Group East Sheen Baptist Church, Temple Sheen Road, East Sheen, SW14 7PY Tel 020 8876 2321 Email secretary@east sheenbaptist.org Website www.eastsheenbaptist.org Open Tuesdays 10-11.30am termtime only, ages 0-3 Fee £2

SW15

Baby and Toddler Group St John the Baptist Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane, Kingston Vale, SW15 3PY Tel 020 8546 2590 Email stjohns@ inthevale.org.uk Website www.inthevale.org.uk Open Tuesday mornings 9.3011.30am Fee £1

Tot Spot Toddler Group Hambro Road Church, Streatham, SW16 6JD Tel 020 8640 7094 Website www.hrbc.info Open Wednesdays 10am-12pm Fee 50p donation

SW17

Toddler Craft C@fe 207, 207 Trinity Road, SW17 7HW Tel 07852 250 996 Email info@cafe207.com Website www.café207.com Open Takes place every first, second and fourth Friday of the month at 9.30am, ages 2-5 Small fee to cover materials

SW18

Windmill One o'clock Club The Windmill, Heathfield Road, SW18 2PH Tel 020 8874 9195 Website www.wandsworth.gov.uk Open Stay and Play Mondays-Fridays 1.30-4.30pm No fee

SW19

Bubbles Under 5s Playgroup / Play Space Wimbledon Congregational Church, 15 Dundonald Road, Wimbledon, SW19 3QH Tel 020 8543 1440 Website www.dundonaldcong regational.org.uk Open Bubbles Playgroup - Wednesday mornings 1011.30am, ages 0-5, Play Space – 4th Saturday of every month, 11am-1pm, ages 0-5 Fee £1 per child

SW20

All Join In St Matthews Church, Durham Road, West Wimbledon, SW20 0DE Tel 020 8286 4584 Email st.matthews.wimbledon @googlemail.com Website www.stmatthews wimbledon.org Open Tuesday mornings 9.30am in the Church Hall, entrance on Spencer Road Fee £1.50 for first child, £1 for siblings

King George's One O'Clock Centre Buckhold Road, King George's Park, Southfields, SW18 4AS Tel 020 8871 1865 Email cpiggott@wandsworth.gov.uk Website www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fis Open Monday - Friday 1-3.30pm No fee

Rhythm Rhyme and Story Time The Avenue Children's Centre, Joseph Hood Primary School, Whatley Avenue, SW20 9NS Tel 020 8274 5196 Website www.merton.gov.uk/ childrenscentres Open Fridays 2.303.15pm, ages 0-5 No fee

• If you know a playgroup we’ve missed – please tell us!

Frogs Club Martin Way Methodist Church, Buckleigh Avenue, Morden, SW20 9JZ Email enquiries@martinway.org.uk Website www.martinway.org.uk Open Wednesdays 10am-12pm and 1-3pm. Ages 0-5.

Playgroups at St Stephen’s Church Centre St Stephens Church, Weir Road, London, SW12 0NU Tel 020 8675 5086 Email office@stwss.org.uk Website www.stwss.org.uk Open Chatterbox - Tuesdays 9.3011.30am; Jelly Tots – Thursdays 9.3011.30am; Runaround – Fridays 9.3011.30am. All are drop-in, ages 0-4 Fee £2 per child, 50p per sibling

May 2012

THE WILLOW NURSERY 823-825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JL Tel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981 E-mail: admin@thewillownursery.co.uk Joint Heads: Caroline Henson & Virginia Bisset. Opening hours: 8.15am to 12.15pm Sessions: Mornings only Weeks open a year: Termtime Ages: Two and half to 5 years Max no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1 Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods. Activities: Art, craft, cooking, Spanish, gardening, home corner, ICT, messy play, computer club. Four specialist teachers for singing, dance, gym and cooking. Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room. Contact: Please contact Amanda for Prospectus and to arrange a visit. The Willow is renowned for its creativity. Our aim is to create a stimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming to school. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn both independently and with individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM There are now two established Montessori Nursery schools in Fulham bearing the Dawmouse name. The original Dawmouse Brunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EU and Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’s Terrace, SW6 7JS. Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment and have outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating and active environment in which children can have fun and achieve. The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early Learning Goals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons. Project work will give the children scope for creative development as well as an increased understanding of their world. We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers. For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact : www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

Bilingual education since 1996 The French Nursery School For children from 2 years old to 5 years old. (Toddler group from 1yr) Morning or afternoon sessions available Full time sessions 9h - 15h

SW7 Queen's Gate SW1 Knightsbridge Group of international nursery schools All schools have native language teachers, excellent facilities and lovely outside playground / garden.

The Belgravia Nursery School Bilingual Nursery school French/ English. For children 2-5 years. (Toddler group from 1yr) Part time session 9h - 12h Full time session 9h - 15h • 15h35-17h The Spanish Nursery School SW7 and SW1 The Spanish out of school club for children from 2 to 5 years old. Toddler Group from 1 year old

The Kensington Gardens Nursery School, W2 For a brochure please call Bilingual Nursery school French/English Marie-Laurence Edmonstone For children 1-5 years old 020 7259 21 51 marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

May 2012

速

Olympics

Lighting the way to London 2012 By Rebecca Carr

On 18 May 2012, the Olympic Torch Relay will start with a 70-day celebration that will travel thousands of miles to bring the London 2012 Games to hundreds of communities across the UK. he Olympic Flame will be lit on 10 May in Olympia, Greece and will embark on a 8 day relay around Greece before arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens for the official Olympic Flame handover ceremony. Lighting the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium signifies the beginning of the games and the flame will stay lit until the closing ceremony on 12 August.

The Olympic Flame is one of the most recognized symbols of any Olympic Games. A ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. The flame is then handed over to the new host city and the Flame is then transferred from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. It’s not just sporting superstars who’ll carry the Olympic Flame this summer. People from all walks of life and from every part of the UK will take part. In all, 8,000 torchbearers will get the chance of a lifetime to carry the flame and over half of the torchbearers will be young people aged 12 - 25.

When will the torch come through South West London? For the first time in Olympic history, Britain will be the first country to hold a torch relay completely within the UK. The Olympic Torch Relay will be a fantastic spectacular, a chance to celebrate your community and showcase it to the world – so don’t miss out! The Torch will be traveling through South West London on Monday 23rd July, when it starts off in Lewisham and travels through Bromley, Croydon, Sutton and Merton before arriving in Wandsworth for an evening celebration on Tooting Bec Common. The following day it starts off its journey in KingstonUpon-Thames before travelling through Richmond, Hounslow and Hillingdon, reaching Ealing for another evening celebration. On Wednesday 25th July it leaves SW London for North London, but is back on Thursday 26th with a route that takes it through Lambeth, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and back into Westminster for an evening celebration before reaching the Olympic Stadium on Friday 27th July, in time for the Opening Ceremony.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Festival 2012 Take part in the most exciting festivities in the UK Since 2008, the Cultural Olympiad has been inspiring the arts in a variety of events from local projects to large-scale performances across the whole of the UK. Festival 2012 will be the finale and the most exciting festival the UK has ever seen. Whether you like dancing, music, fashion or food, you’ll find something you can get involved in, with many free events suitable for the family to enjoy. Festival 2012 opens on 21 June and will run to 9th September (the final day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games). Festival areas include; arts, carnivals, comedy, dance, film, music, food and much more. Many events are free but tickets may be required so check the website for more details. The Big Dance Schools Pledge One of the highlights of Festival 2012 is The Big Dance Schools Pledge – the world’s largest and most influential dance initiative, which invites schools from around the UK and the world to join in a world record attempt for the largest simultaneous dance routine. The Schools Pledge is formed in two parts:

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSON Wonderful Pictures of Children

Firstly, learn the choreography and take part in the world record attempt for the largest dance routine on 18 May and secondly, do an additional 20 minutes of dance a day during Big Dance week from 7 – 15 July 2012. robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312 info@robinft.co.uk

On 18 May, schools around the world will go to their school halls, playgrounds, playing fields or to public spaces and perform a 5 minute choreography arranged by Wayne McGregor CBE, resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet. The current record is held by the Netherlands with 264,188 people and 1,472 locations. The schools pledge is a fantastic and fun opportunity for young people of all ages to learn a new dance inspired by the Olympics and to perform it as part of a world record attempt and share a unique moment in time, dancing together and in unison with schools from other countries. For more details and to register your school visit: www.bigdance2012.com or visit: http://festival.london2012.com

upplies e party s Onlin

Birthday Partyware Birthday Invitations Party Bags & More www.partymagicbox.co.uk

May 2012

Services feature

Brilliant local services Compiled by Joanna Parry

A mum’s life can be made so much easier with the help of these fantastic companies – they’re always there to help you with the jobs you know you have to do! and all these come recommended by our readers!

HOME SERVICES

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

Home cooking Why not ask Clare Gordon-Smith, a former magazine food editor, to fill your freezer with shepherds pie, Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon and lots of other delicious and healthy meals? Her company, Cooking for the Freezer and Bespoke Food, will also cook your favourite recipe for your next dinner party, so you don’t have to! “Delicious and melt in the mouth Boeuf Bourguignon, with a smooth and creamy parsnip and potato mash. Perfect freezer food,” says Elizabeth Ricceri, who recommends her highly. Call Clare on 07966 484 464 or email Clare.gordonsmith@btinternet.com.

Building/Construction Need more living space in your home? Pilkington Construction can convert your loft or extend your kitchen, offering a full design-andbuild service as well as joinery, decorating and refurbishments. “I've got two children and was concerned a loft extension would be a dusty, disruptive nightmare,” says a happy client, whose loft David converted last autumn. “But not at all. David’s polite, friendly team brought all the materials in through the roof rather than the house, and I hardly saw them at all.” “As a mum and surveyor, I was impressed,” agrees another client. “David was brilliant to work with – the price he quoted was the final price and it was finished on time.” Give David a call on 07812 168515, david@pilkington construction.co.uk

Gardens Are you after a new look for your garden? Why not ask Green Dot to inspire you – whether it’s a small corner or a full, bespoke redesign, they’ll work to realise a garden that suits your individual style. Fancy a ‘play-pergola’ with swings and climbing nets, or a hidden sandpit beneath a trap door? From imaginative outdoor living spaces that work all year round to great ideas for kids, their team will come up with a garden you’ll love. “The 3D design was really helpful,” says Lucy CostaDuarte, an SW11 mum, “especially designing the playhouse with our tree growing through the middle of it! The quality of the workmanship is obvious, and we are thrilled with the result. In fact, the children are rarely indoors now.” Sounds fantastic! Call Jasvir Banks at Green Dot 07970 368 649 or 020 7062 0384, jasvir@greendotgardens.co.uk.

Murals by www.thecowjumpedoverthemoon.co.uk Murals The Cow Jumped Over the Moon has been creating beautiful murals and customised furniture for over 10 years. They offer bespoke murals and paintings and specialise in all children's favourites. They can match up to designer borders and fabrics, a simple way of giving a room individuality. For further information please view their website at thecowjumpedoverthemoon.co.uk info@thecowjumpedoverthemoon. co.uk or contact Barry on 079762 88884. Window cleaner Finding someone who can clean ‘as well I'd could myself’ has always been a challenge for me. I can say that Sparkles actually do it much BETTER than I could! No dirty little corners or wet prints on the side. Nel a customer for years, confirms: “I’ve never had such clean windows in all my life! He’s not the cheapest, but it is certainly worth paying a little extra as your windows then don’t seem to need any attention for ages!” Niaz works in Balham, Fulham, Streatham, Clapham, Wimbledon, Raynes Park and Richmond. 077 37 90 5224. Free estimates.

Get organised! Book My Personal Organiser to de-clutter your house, move house or re-organise your living/office space. Let them sort out your paperwork and put in place a practical system for filing/storage/office. They can declutter your home to create a more calm and organised environment in which to live. They can help take the stress out of moving by going through your possessions/furniture beforehand, sell/ebay/charity shop items no longer wanted, organise removals and storage with recommended companies, transfer mail, change of address etc. “We booked My Personal Organiser to help with our move. I could not recommend this service enough, it was well worth the outlay to have this sort of support with a move,” says A. Creme. “My office is now tidy and organised, I can find things again and I feel back in control rather than overwhelmed by paperwork!” N. Lester, Wandsworth. 07512 587304 to book an appointment.

Electrician Chris Apostolides has worked as a domestic electrician in SW London for over 20 years, specialising in smaller jobs, lighting repairs and replacements, extra sockets, maintenance and fault-finding. Highly recommended by Emma Fulton (she welcomes you to call her on 020 7036 6010!) Chris is reliable, efficient, friendly and competitively priced. He is also the electrician of choice to several estate agents in Clapham, Balham and Tooting, who require a fast-response (usually same day) service for the properties they manage. Chris holds full Public Liability Insurance. Call him on 07714 202410 or email cgha@sky.com.

Pilkington Construction Design and build

• Loft conversions • Extensions • Side returns Joinery, decorating and refurbishments Email: david@pilkingtonconstruction.co.uk Mobile: 07812 168515

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Services feature workmanship, and have public liability insurance. Customer references available upon request. Contact John on 07802 535695 or email jamlam.john@btinternet.com for a no obligation written quotation, advice and ideas.

Playframes skillfully integrated in the garden by Green Dot Gardens Carpet and upholstery cleaners Why not try David Haswell to get rid of those smears of mud on your carpet or chocolate-finger smudges on your sofa? He’s been running his domestic carpet and upholstery cleaning business for nearly 30 years, his work is always of high quality and he comes highly recommended. Using a special pre-scrubbing treatment to loosen more dirt, he can remove more stains than most! He’ll also move your furniture for you, as well as putting it back with pads under the legs to stop any marks on your newly-cleaned carpet. No need to vacuum first. Email David on davidathome9@aol.com or call 07712 917894. Plumbing Moreplumbing is a Fulham based plumbing and heating company, covering the whole of South West London. Moreplumbing carries out plumbing and heating installations, maintenance and emergency call out. Moreplumbing is Gas Safe registered, therefore can install and service gas appliances. "More Plumbing provides a very personable, extremely reliable and efficient service. We would

whole heartedly recommend Fausto to anyone to fix their plumbing problems." Clair Gordon, Fulham. Please visit their website www.moreplumbing.co.uk Contact Moreplumbing on 07855 530771. Handyman For all your general home maintenance, give handyman Nigel Fletcher a call. Happy to tackle anything from carpentry to painting, or garden clearance and fencing to assembling flat-pack furniture and fitted kitchens, his clients know him to be reliable, skilled and (most importantly!) tidy. Call for more details or a free quotation on 07988 983273. Painter and decorator Established for over 15 years, James and Lamont have earned a reputation for being friendly, honest and reliable, treating customers and their homes the way they themselves would wish to be treated. They will undertake all aspects of painting and decorating for both interiors and exteriors, ensuring they are finished to a high standard at a reasonable price. They also take personal pride in their service, standards and

WINDOW CLEANING

SJ Bridgeman • Established

• We make appointments • We start at 7am, ideal • We like to pre-book • We are reliable,

in 1977

and always stick to them for busy working people our visits to suit you conscientious and trustworthy

020 8538 3777 & 07780 697862 sjbridgeman@btconnect.com May 2012

Rockstone Refurbishments A local refurbishments and maintenance company servicing clients in SW and Central London, taking on small maintenance issues up to big contracts of full internal and external refurbishments, extensions and conversions. Headed by a woman, all their work comes via word of mouth. Raffaella Galliano says: “They came highly recommended by an estate agent. We have used them ever since for a number of works at our house; from painting to fixing leaks and plumbing. I have always been very satisfied with their work and the speed at which it is carried out.” www.rockstonerefurbishments.com Artur Trawinski 07989 607 999 Magda Fedorocko 07717 164 364.

Plumber Local SW11 plumber Jeremy Dunnill’s successful business has been built entirely on happy customer referrals. Jeremy has been providing professional, quality plumbing ‘between the commons’ for families and businesses since 1995. As a local family man it is important for Jeremy to ensure that his reputation and service to his customers is of the highest standard. “Often clients worry that a job may be too small, but I am very happy to deal with anything from a blocked sink to large plumbing installations,” Jeremy says. He prides himself on being hardworking, trustworthy (with no hidden costs) and polite. Call Jeremy for a free quote or advice on 07788 797448.

COMPUTERS

Try Danny at ACS for all your computing dilemmas. Established for 14 years, Amity Computer Services works with its clients’ business and home computing needs. 8 “Danny is fantastic and always there page 26

Rockstone Refurbishments (Artur Trawinski)

Rockstone Refurbishments Ltd

• local refurbishments and maintenance company • servicing clients in SW and Central London • projects from small maintenance issues up to big internal/external refurbishments • extensions and conversions.

Headed by a woman, our aim is to provide good service tailored to suit individual needs. All our work comes through recommendation by word of mouth. www.rockstonerefurbishments.com

Artur Trawinski 07989 607 999 Magda Fedorocko 07717 164 36

Services feature (cont.) when I need him, which is rather often when it comes to computers and me,” says Natasha Sharpe, a loyal client of Danny’s for the past 12 years. “He has a great knowledge on all technical items from printers to phones and is able to explain the workings in simple laymans language. Danny is very reliable and dependable and never once has he let me down. I could not run my home or business without his help.” Call Danny on 07961 428596 or 020 8944 0681, email acs@amitygrove.com.

London’s professional mobile bicycle mechanics •Bicycle servicing, repairs, sales, restoration and fleet maintenance. •Bikes and scooters road side assistance and recovery. We come to you anywhere in London and Greater London. 0800 0910 500 www.cycledelik.com

Cycles

Bike mobile Love cycling but bikes gathering dust in the shed? CYCLEDELIK is a brilliant service for busy families. Their mobile bicycle mechanics will service and repair your bicycles at your home! They bring all the material in their van. They also do bike sales and restoration and also road side assistance and recovery for scooters. They go anywhere in London and Greater London. Tried and tested by a Families reader. You can book your service online or call them. www.cycledelik.com Keep this number handy! 0800 0910 500.

Mobile massage

Theo has 20+ years’ experience of Relaxing to Deep Tissue and Sports Massage in the comfort of your own home. Great for muscle aches and pains, stress, anxiety, insomnia, cellulite, injury recovery and leaving you with a "sense of well being. Mobile Sports Massage Therapist 07711 724129 www.tsportsmassage.com

A family day in London for a fiver! Step Outside Guides are a series of beautifully illustrated little A5 books which have been especially created to give families free days out exploring in London. Each book offers a day following a themed route, packed with interest and surprise. They contain bold, easy to follow maps with simple, clear and detailed explanations, so that following the route is easy and argument free. Each book features a different animal character, brought to life by Sam Fenn’s humorous and charming illustrations. The animal lives on the route, and acts as your escort, highlighting their Top Treasures at different points along the way. These may be major sights, or hidden details, but they punctuate and focus the day to great effect. Step Outside Guides have been created by mothers who really understand what makes a successful family day out. Good picnic spots and free toilets are highlighted, and accessibility details for buggies and wheelchairs are included. Families who trialed the guides reported that their children were “completely absorbed throughout the day”. “Wow! We’d never have known about this!” “Thank you for bringing us here!” and "It was a BRILLIANT day.” “The children didn’t complain about walking. Not at all. Not one little bit! So we conclude that these books are little miracles! “ The first two Step Outside Guides are The London Treasure Trail and Down by the Thames. They cost £5 each and are available from www.stepoutsideguides.com, plus selected museum shops and independent book shops.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Book reviews Reviewed by Sally Harris

They deal with the tricky issues that many families have to negotiate these days, such as such as drugs, sex, alcohol, and the Internet, and all in an open and thought-provoking way. It is peppered with quotes about family relationships from both parents and children that reinforce the down-to-earth advice. The authors are Christians and part of the Alpha movement but the advice seems relevant to parents of all persuasions, religious or otherwise.

Reviewed by Jan Deykin

government policy promotes change, which Asher includes in a proposal to facilitate more equal participation in the responsibilities and pleasures of raising children. Thought provoking, perceptive and challenging – for existing and expectant parents! Families Rating: 5 out of 6

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

Simply Wonderwoman

Reviewed by Sarah Naughton

Friendship and Other Weapons

By Joanna Gosling Published by Kyle Books ISBN 978-0-85783-058-6 RRP £17.99 Hardback This is a stylish reference book that’s perfect for dipping into for inspiration on ways to make life run more smoothly—and isn’t that something we all dream of? Divided into two, the first part deals with the practicalities of family life and has helpful and timesaving hints on essential matters such as speed cleaning the oven or restoring a bobbly jumper. The second part is called ‘The Nice Stuff’ and the author has some fun suggestions for things to make and do using all that precious time you’ve saved. This would make a great gift for a new mother.

Group Activities to Help Young Girls Aged 5-11 to Cope with Bullying By Signe Whitson Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 9781-84905-8759 RRP £19.99

Bullying: A Parent’s Guide

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

By Jennifer Thompson Published Need2Know Books ISBN: 978-1-86144-216-1 Paperback RRP £9.99

The Parenting Book

As a former bullying victim herself, Thomson has channeled her own bitterness and rage into a determination to help others. Whilst the book can make for heart breaking reading at times, it’s packed with practical advice and useful contacts. Invaluable tips include recording every incident, photographing injuries and printing web pages in the case of cyber bullying, to make sure you approach the school or police with all the facts, and a clear knowledge of your rights and their obligations. This empowering book will arm parents with all they need to fight for their children’s right to a happy childhood.

By Nicky and Sila Lee Published by Alpha International ISBN 978-1-905887-36-1 RRP £8.99 This is based on Nicky and Sila Lee’s own experiences of bringing up their four children and also on the parenting classes they have been running for the past twelve years.

May 2012

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

From gossip to social exclusion, bullying amongst girls can be very subtle and start at a surprisingly young age. How do you help your daughter or girls in your care? This book is a very practical guide to the forms that bullying can take and how to prepare girls to recognise and resist it by expressing themselves assertively while maintaining their self-confidence and values. Organised as a 12-step programme for a group, it is also enlightening for parents: I found the ‘bully ban’ assertive statement suggestions very helpful. A great resource. Families Rating: 5 out of 6

Shattered Modern Motherhood and the Illusion of Equality By Rebecca Asher RRP £12.99, Harvill Secker, ISBN 9781-846-553974 Why are British women still primarily responsible for young children despite changed career expectations? Rebecca Asher lifts the lid on the current situation and finds that men are excluded through the Mum-focus of the health service combined with the lack of flexible working rights. Women, steamrollered into the main caring role, become disillusioned by reality yet entrenched as gatekeepers. International comparisons demonstrate that

Learning Together: What Montessori can offer your family RRP: £6.99. For more information on Montessori or to purchase a copy of the book, go to: www.montessori.org.uk/shop Put quality back into family time! Have you ever wondered… • How to make positive parenting a way of life? • What ‘Montessori’ means? • How to tap in to your baby’s or child’s potential? • How to encourage your child to be more independent? Whether you are a family with several children or a mother or father expecting your first, Learning together: What Montessori can offer your family brings the Montessori philosophy alive and into your home, with an overview of Montessori ideas and a wealth of practical ideas for incorporating them into your family life.

Picture credit Sustrans

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Teaching children to look after their bodies by Caroline Sherry, Families upon Avon

Motivating children to exercise is all very easy if you have a child who is keen and up for anything. But what about those that need lots of encouragement to be more active and who will opt out of school sport given half a chance, well that’s not so easy.

How much exercise do your children get? For parents it is hard to know exactly how much or how little exercise your child is doing at school and in other activities or how effective it really is. As your child gets older it becomes increasingly difficult to manage every aspect of their diet as much as the level of exercise they should be getting. Ultimately we want to be good role models to our children, but as busy parents there isn’t always time to cook healthy meals from scratch and to lead by example in exercising every day without exception.

We need to show them how Therefore it is essential that we educate our children about their own health, to show them how to make good choices about meals and snacks (even ready-made options) and that being active is important and can be fun and social. It is up to us to help them understand the significance of how they treat their bodies and where necessary the effects of not taking care of themselves.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem Following a host of national studies and surveys over the past few years it has been shown that children’s waistlines measure up to 3 inches larger than those 30 years ago and that childhood obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and many other health problems as they grow into teenagers and adults and this can also cause psychological effects leading to low self-esteem.

What can we do? If you're worried your child is overweight, first seek advice from your GP and follow up with advice from a dietician if necessary. Try not to start fad diets or an aggressive reduction in food. Look into making long–term changes to healthy eating by increasing your child's intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing their fat intake.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

feature Do it together Getting the whole family involved makes it less directed at one or two individuals – and it’s good for everyone to learn how to eat well. Sitting down together at mealtimes allows your children to see you eating the same things plus giving them an opportunity to discuss the food they want to eat. Try giving them options to pick from for tomorrow’s meals or let them help you cook. This should help to reduce resistance to new/healthier options as they have been able to pick and prepare for themselves. If your child is not keen to join in with school sports, clubs and classes get them to exercise with you - work out an exercise plan together, set goals and monitor them. For instance, how long did it take to walk/jog to the park and back? Is that faster than last time? (see our Tip Box for more ideas). There are also fitness centres and gyms who provide programmes for primary aged and teenaged children which include fun games and routines. Keep in mind it is recommended that children aged 5–17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorousintensity physical activity daily.

Picture credit Sustrans

Making good choices Even if you’re not worried about your children being or becoming overweight, educating them on how to eat a balanced healthy diet (which includes snacks and treats) as well as the importance of exercise and rest will enable them to make good choices for their own bodies.

Ideas to encourage children to eat healthily Give them more of the veggies and fruit they do like rather than buying and throwing away food they won’t eat. Remember it’s better to grill and bake rather than fry or microwave and limit portions. Keep your cupboards stocked with healthy snacks and drinks instead of less healthy alternatives to children get used to eating them. Breakfast is important in helping kids focus better at school so if your kids like the sweeter cereals mix them half and half with a healthier option or add fruit to whole grain cereals to sweeten them rather than sugar. Add more veggies to favourite meals – hide them if necessary in a sauce or by chopping them small. A regular favourite in our house is the ‘Veggie Draw Sauce’. Veggie Draw Sauce At the end of the week, I usually have a selection of odd vegetables left over which are still good to eat. I steam the veggies. Heat up a large tin of tomatoes. When it’s all cooked, mix it together. Add seasoning for taste if needed. Puree and freeze in batches. I usually add this to wholemeal pasta twice a week for a good dose of veggies!!

May 2012

Sustrans believes every child deserves to be free range, with freedom from their front door to explore, play outdoors, and make their own way to school and beyond. Join in and add your voice at www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

Get moving – ideas that a child might not even consider exercise:

Walking to school rather than going by car Drive half way plus walk remainder (find easier parking too!) Riding scooters which are great fun and use lots of energy Swimming once a week choosing a pool with waves and slides to make it more fun Dancing - have a family disco and give out prizes for the funniest or most impressive dances And for those who like their Games Consoles try out the fitness Games. There is a great selection available including yoga, zumba and aerobic games – remember you can rent them you don’t need to buy them.

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Cycling with kids By Karen Wood

One of the best ways to enjoy cycling is in a group, and there’s no better group than your own family! Children as young as 2yrs old are now able to cycle using balance bikes, so there really is no excuse for the whole family not to join in. We are all aware of the problems of obesity and with a shocking 10% of children in the UK now clinically obese (British Medical Association), cycling is a great way to spend quality family time together, get fitter and – after the initial equipment has been bought – it’s a cheap, fun activity.

Choosing equipment Bikes need to complement your lifestyle so, before you buy, think about where you want to use them. Depending on the ages of your children and your levels of fitness, you may need racers or mountain bikes for sporty action, hybrids for a mixture of road and trail riding, plus smaller models and balance bikes for the children. Whilst you tend to get what you pay for, the most important part is the right size frame. If you also intend to use your bike to commute, find out if your employer runs a cycle-to-work scheme – you could save up to 40%. Once the bikes are chosen, remember to take a spare inner tube and a puncture kit to keep them moving, plus a good quality helmet and a drink. It’s also worth investing in a bike lock so you can pop in for tea and cake en route!

Stay safe If you believe the roads are too unsafe to cycle on, try The National Cycle Network. It provides safe and attractive routes perfect for family bike rides (See www.sustrans.org.uk )

Lead from the front If you want your kids to be fired up about cycling then you need to lead by example. Women who thought their bike days were over are being welcomed at rides designed just for women – check out Breeze, Cycletta and Diva 100 (see boxes for more info). They offer a great chance to get back on your bike in great company. Children also make wonderful cycling companions –they’re adaptable, energetic and want to have fun. Just follow our simple guide to ensure that it’s an enjoyable experience!

Gab and Luca

Before the Ride Do your homework: Make certain you are familiar with the bike route. If you get lost or the route is longer than expected, your child may suffer not only from a diminished experience, but potentially in more serious ways such as dehydration or exposure – older children will enjoy the planning too and might even learn some geography if you look at a map together. Start early: Children tend to tire quickly in the afternoon. Take advantage of their energy in the morning and start your ride early. Invite playmates: Cycling is more fun when shared. If your child has a friend who is at the same level of competency on a bike, bring him or her along. Slow down: Realize that a 4-mile ride may take 2 hours. Don't expect to ride as fast as you would on your own. Be aware of traffic: What might seem like light traffic to you could be a more dangerous situation for your child, whether biking separately or in a trailer. Be prepared: Carry a tool kit and know how to use it. Also, carry a first-aid kit that includes a few bandages and antibiotic cream to handle minor cases of road rash. Dress right: Bring a daypack to hold extra jackets in case the weather changes. Also, try to wear bright clothing or reflective sashes, to aid your visibility.

On the Ride Take breaks: Plan on taking a lot of short breaks. Allow time to stop, get off the bike and explore. Drink water: Always have water readily available. Try to drink before feeling thirsty to stay hydrated. Eat snacks: A well-timed snack can defuse a squabble or bad mood and keep energy going. Kids tend to misbehave more when they're tired, hungry or thirsty. Make it fun: Choose an interesting route that goes by gardens, streams, views, farms or a favourite shop. Most children are interested in what they can see along the route rather than what's at the end of the road or trail. Express enthusiasm: If you convey a genuinely upbeat attitude, children most often will be inclined to mimic it.

There are hundreds of cycles rides for the whole family Here are a few examples and websites where to find them: • Discover South London's Cycle Circuits Sunday 20th May 2012 at 2.00pm • Central London Four Parks Sunday 10th June 2012 at 2.00pm • Epping Forest Epic Sunday 10th June 2012 at 10.00am • www.action.org.uk/diva Midhurst, Sussex, May 2012, 100km and 50km circular routes, for women only • www.cycletta.co.uk Cycletta Brighton: Plumpton Racecourse, 30th September Wiltshire: Lydiard Park, 24th June, women only • www.goskyride.com/breeze Bicycles rides for women. • www.sustrans.org.uk • www.bike-events.com London to Oxford Sunday 01 Jul 2012 • London to Southend Sunday 15 Jul 2012 • London to Windsor Sunday 02 Sep 2012 • Brighton 100 Sunday 23 Sep 2012

Highly Qualified Permanent/Temporary Weekend / Before and After School Nanny staff available, also reliable Babysitters Housekeepers and Cleaners available Please call Caring Hands Services 020 8279 1830, 07908 561552 e.mail: frain.caringhandsservices@hotmail.co.uk Or visit us www.caringhandsservices.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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To detox or not to detox? Zara Stella, nutritional therapist, sheds some light on detoxification programmes.

Do you want to detox to clean up your system or lose weight for the summer? Whatever your motivation, is detoxification the answer?

Let’s clean up In our environment toxins are everywhere and include pesticides, food additives, chemicals, alcohol, medications, and solvents. An accumulation of toxins in the body can lead to ill health and, even if we have a built in natural detoxifying system, this can sometimes become inefficient. So a regular and gentle detox may be beneficial for some people especially those suffering from skin conditions, allergies, headaches, infertility, constipation, cellulite and cravings. A good detox programme can also be useful to jump start weight loss, increase energy and empower people to take on healthier eating habits.

A word of caution However, a detox should only be considered if recommended by a fully qualified nutritional therapist or health practitioner. Extreme or DIY detoxification regimes can be particularly dangerous, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition, so avoid aggressive approaches and consult a professional.

Support your body the natural way. Fortunately, there is a lot we can all do to support the liver, our main detoxification organ, by simply making some appropriate food choices and incorporate them daily. Here are some tips: Eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially apples, berries, beetroot, artichokes, garlic, and onions. Choose organic whenever possible. Include oily fish, oats and legumes. Cut down on liver enemies like alcohol, sugar, stimulants (coffee, tea, chocolate) and processed food. Drink up. Sip filtered/ bottled water, or herbal teas throughout the day. Try nettle, dandelion and fennel tea. Zara Stella is a fully qualified nutritional therapist practising at Cure By nature in Southfileds. For more information on how nutritional therapy can benefit you go to www.stellanutrition.com or call Zara on 07772491975.

May 2012

Behind the headlines Hot topics and issues that matter to you and your family By Elisabeth Dolton

The energy-saving ‘green’ light bulbs that come with a health warning! Hard as it may be to believe but one of your most common household items could prove hazardous to your family’s health. As compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs have become popular, little is known about the fact that they contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic substance. Because of this, they could cause a problem if disposed of incorrectly or accidently broken in your home. The amount of mercury found in a CFL bulb is extremely small - just 5milligrams (a thermometer contains 3 grams) which is needed to generate light efficiently. The mercury can’t escape from a light bulb when it is being used, but you shouldn't throw it into the normal rubbish as the mercury could escape if the bulb gets broken. Instead, take it to your local waste and recycling centre. Even if your bulb did break, the mercury it contains is unlikely to cause you any harm, however it is good practice to reduce your exposure to mercury and take precautions as advised by the Health Protection Agency (www.hpa.org.uk). Useful websites • For views on CFL bulbs, go to www.mastsanity.org & www.greenpeace.org.uk • To find your nearest waste and recycling centre, go to www.recycle-more.co.uk • For mercury safety advice, go to www.hpa.org.uk

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What’s on Compiled by Sophie M-C. Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong... Please send info to whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk for editorial consideration.

DRAMA THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk All tickets £8, family £30. Sat 5 May. THE PIED PIPER 11am & 1pm. Rediscover a classic story told with puppets, music and magical tricks. Also features fully integrated Sign Language throughout. 3-7yrs. Messy Play 12noon & 2pm. Sat 12 May. TRAVELS WITH GRANDDAD 11am & 1pm. Meet Granddad, eccentric traveller, and hear magical tales of adventure in both the real and imaginary worlds. 3-7yrs. Messy Play 12noon & 2pm.

THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk or www.legendtheatre.com Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm both days. £7/£8 To 24 Jun. LEGENDARY HISTORIES. A festival of highly entertaining and interactive theatre, featuring shows straight from the pages of history! Join us in finding the silly bits from the past with “the Tudors”, “Ancient Greeks”, “Victorians”, “Egyptians”, “Invaders” and exploring from the pages of the Beano Derek the Sheep in “The Quest for the Googly Glasses”. Fantastic family shows!

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com SHOWS 1-30 Jun. RUN! A SPORTS DAY MUSICAL It’s Ella’s last day at primary school and her last chance to show she’s more than just the shy girl. This funny, heart-warming musical follows four students and their teacher, Mr Budge, in a story of falling over, getting up and carrying on. With original music and dance. £8/£12. 7-11yrs. VISITING ADVENTURES £7/£9 Fri 18 & Sat 19 May. VIDEK’S SHIRT Come with Videk and his animal friends and learn how the sheep’s wool is made into a new warm shirt. With puppetry, songs, live music and lots of joining in! 25yrs. Bkg only by tel. Fri 25 & Sat 26 May. THE LITTLE RED HEN Lend a hand in making a delicious loaf! An intimate interactive storytelling piece involving puppetry, song, live music and play. 2-5yrs. Bkg only by tel. Fri 1 & Sat 2 Jun. THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER A much-loved, re-heeled tale featuring a beautifully crafted set and puppets, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse. 4-7yrs. FREE EVENTS AT POLKA -FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: POPUP POLKA FAIR. 11am-4pm, free, all ages. With handmade crafts, gifts and delicious treats! Young people can enjoy Polka’s playground and the

May 2012

Starlight Express café will be open as usual. WORLD OF STORIES AND MUSIC -Sat 19 May. Wonderful stories from Russia with Mark Stevenson in this interactive story and music session. 3yrs+. -Sat 2 Jun. “Once Upon a Time in Merton” is a unique storytelling project with fathers and their children in Merton. They will perform the stories they’ve chosen. All ages. Booking at storytelling@polkatheatre.com AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS Please check the website for details of this exciting programme!

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW 020 8788 6943. www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/welcome Wed 2-Sat 5 May. OUR HOUSE Combines a witty and brilliantlycrafted romantic tale with the energetic and often madcap songs of Madness. £12/£15. Box Office: 07594 464 799. Tue 15-Sat 29 May. LITTLE GEM Three generations of Irish women: daughter, mother, grandmother, tell the story of one year in their lives, each from their own perspective. A story full of humour and pathos. £7/£10.

TARA Studio 356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES 020 8333 4457 www.tara-arts.com Wed 9 May. THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS 10.30am & 1.30pm. An enchanting storytelling event written especially for children, bringing a fresh light to the ancient Chinese tale of everlasting love and true friendship. 6-10yrs. £6.50. Sat 12 May. THE PIED PIPER 10.30am With beautiful puppets plus wonderful magical tricks, this visually dynamic production features rascally rats, tap dancing cheeses and much silliness. Featuring fully integrated Sign Language throughout. 3-7yrs, their families and friends, £9/£10. Thurs 24 –Fri 25 May. THREADBARE GREEBO 7.30pm. An imaginative and compelling piece of new writing, inspired by the subject of mental illness and complemented by an original soundtrack of experimental music. 11yrs+. £9/£10.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon Thu 10 –Sat 19 May. STARLIGHT EXPRESS Two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying sound track, dazzling sets and costumes and extraordinary roller-choreography. A memorable musical hit. £19.50/£39.50. Thu 24-Sat 26 May. LITTLE PRINCESS LIVE ON STAGE Join in the celebration with Little Princess in the theatrical Premiere of the hit children’s book and favourite TV character. £9/£12, family £36. 2yrs+.

THE THREESIXTY THEATRE

The Pied Piper

Kensington Gardens (by Kensington Palace) Dial Walk, London W2 2UH . Bkg: 0844 871 7693 Info: 0844 871 7627 www.atgtickets.com 8 May – 9 Sept. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE This new adaptation of CS Lewis’s classic children novel by Rupert Goold will be held in a specially designed theatre tent in Kensington Gardens, and combines puppetry and hi-tech multimedia, projecting the magic of Narnia with Imax-style video backdrops. The Ultimate summer experience in the Park! £25 to £60.

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What’s on UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Sat 12 –Sat 19 May. MAD ABOUT THE BOY Winner of an Edinburg Fringe First Award 2011, this timely, urgent, razor-sharp drama sees a teenage boy fighting to save his reputation. Talk by writer Gbolahan Obisesan Wed 16 May after the performance. 14yrs+.

Institut Français: Comme Papa

CINE LUMIERE/ INSTITUT FRANCAIS 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT 020 7871 3515 www.institut-francais.org.uk CINEKIDS: Sat 5 May. A MONSTER IN PARIS (Animation - 2D) 11.30am. Paris 1910. Emile and Raoul join forces with a big-hearted star Lucille and embark on the hunt for a monster terrorizing citizens. 6yrs+. £5. In English. Sat 12 May. EMILIE JOLIE (Animation) 11.30am. By entering her favourite book and living fantastic adventures, Emilie makes every child’s dream come true. 3yrs+. £5. In French. Sat 26 May 11.30am, Wed 30 May 3pm, Sat 2

Jun 2pm & Sun 3 Jun 11.30am. TALES OF THE NIGHT (Animation) From celebrated French animator Michel Ocelot (Kirikou) comes his new feature about two children and a projectionist who meet every night to act out various magical tales. 3yrs+. £6/£8. In French with English subtitles. Sun 27 May. L’ELEVE DUCOBU 4.15pm. Ducobu, 11, an incorrigible dunce, has to study harder or he will be sent to boarding school! As part of the BD & Comics Passion festival. 6yrs+. £6/£8. In French with English subtitles. CAVATINA FAMILY CONCERTS A series of interactive, fun family concerts of the highest musical quality, taking place in the listed library with the CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust. Sat 5 May. SACCONI QUARTET 10.45am. The Quartet has established a substantial reputation throughout Europe, thanks to its vigorous and enthusiastic approach to music –making. Adults £5, free for children. 4yrs+. BABY FRENCH TALES Sat 12 May. COMME PAPA 11am. When I grow up, I want to be like my Dad, and my Granddad!. 0-3yrs. In easy French, £7, children & concs £5. KIDS FRENCH TALES Sat 26 May. TOUT SUR MA FAMILLE 11am. Take your little brother, cousin, uncle or grandmother to the Children’s Library to listen to stories about the family. May is a great time to celebrate family love, n’est-ce pas? 3-5yrs. In easy French, £7, children & concs £5. AU THEATRE THIS SUNDAY Educational and entertaining theatre performances specially adapted for primary school children wishing to progress further with French language and culture. Sun 20 May. LE CHAT IN BOOTS After Charles Perrault. 3pm. A faithful retelling of the fantastic story of the master trickster cat. 5-11yrs. In easy French and English, £10, children and concs £8. Early bkg recommended. SPECIAL EVENT From 24 to 27 May, young Londoners will have the time of their lives at the BD & Comics Passion Festival, discovering or indulging in their passion for comic books and Bandes Dessinées! Info & bkg: Josephine.seblon@diplomatie.gouv.fr or 020 7073 1318.

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE BFI, South Bank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XT 020 928 3232 www.bfi.org.uk/southbank MAY FILM FUNDAY PREVIEW Sun 13 May NFT1. TALES OF THE NIGHT IN 3D 1.30pm. (France 2011-Les Contes De La Nuit) In a rundown cinema, a group gather each night to tell and act out six stories and create some magic. It’s an intoxicating combination of sharp dialogue, dry sense of humour and enchanting pleasure. TALES OF THE NIGHT FUNDAY WORKSHOP Sun 13 May. Foyer. 11.30am. Learn the art of classic silhouette animation with the usual arts and crafts tables, competitions and prizes. Free to ticket-holders for the Funday Screening.

GARRICK THEATRE 2, Charing Cross Road, London WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 www.barmybritainlive.com HORRIBLE HISTORIES – BARMY BRITAIN Written by Terry Deary, Neal Foster and Ciaran McConville.Wed to Fri 1pm, Sat 10.30am & 12noon, Sun 3pm & 5pm. British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other. With blood, battles, murder and mayhem HORRIBLE HISTORIES-BARMY BRITAIN explores stories from Roman, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and WW1 periods and features famous characters such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Florence Nightingale and General Earl Haig. £14.50, £12.50, £10. 6yrs+

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org 18 May - 8 Sept. RAGTIME Tragic, poignant and ultimately triumphant, Ragtime is a Modern Classic. Set at the turn of the 20th century, this powerful musical unites three families separated by race and destiny. An experience not to be missed! £17.50/£44.50 2 Jun – 5 Sept. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Shakespeare’s enduring story of young love. Featuring the Open Air Theatre’s celebrated fusion of original music, movement and unique setting, this magical, comedic and seductive tale is set to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year. £17.50/£44.50

Visit 345 Nursery where “The nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011). Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment. Great outdoor space! Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

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What’s on EVENTS

sheer hilarious adventure. Family show. Sat 19 & Sun 20 May. LITTLE HOWARD’S BIG SHOW 4.15pm £10/£15. The nation’s favourite human/animated double act mix jokes, songs and just enough cheek to amuse the entire family. 3yrs+.

WANDSWORTH ARTS FESTIVAL 11-27 May. Arts events, activities, talks, fringe performances, the Shimmy and more all form part of this year festival. Festival brochures with more details, times and venues are available in libraries and other venues across the borough.

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK

CONCERT: JS BACH’S ST MATTHEW’S PASSION Sat 12 May 7pm. Putney Choral Society, St Paul’s church, Augustus Road, Southfields, SW18. £12/£15. 07909 981278 or www.putneychoralsoc.org.uk

DIAMOND COMPETITION AT THE EXCHANGE SHOPPING CENTRE Exchange Shopping Centre, Putney High Street, London SW15 Open 7 days a week, late night shopping on Thursdays. Sponsored by bespoke jewellery Penelope Red, The Crown filled with diamondstyle stones of various sizes form a centre piece to the competition. Visitors will have to guess the number of diamonds inside the Crown –the closest to the correct answer winning a diamond of their very own! For up to date info on events and offers visit: www.theexchangesw15.com

SPRING FAIR FASHIONS Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 Wed 16 May. INTERNATIONAL SPRING FAIR 10am-5pm. £2/£5. In aid of UK Family Charity CFAB (Children and Families Across Borders) this spring fair brings together jewellery, clothes, food, accessories, flowers, textiles and rugs from around the world.

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR www.rhs.org.uk/ChelseaFlowerShow 22-26 May. Over the 11 acres, the event invites visitors to explore a wide range of spectacular gardens and floral exhibits.

May 2012

Udderbelly Festival at the Southbank centre

E4 UDDERBELLY FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE To 8 July. Bkg & info: www.underbelly.co.uk www.southbankcentre.co.uk 08744 5458282 or in person at the Southbank Centre Box Office. This festival is one of the best places to meet friends and socialise boasting one of the biggest outdoor areas in Central London. To Sun 27 May. THE VOCAL ORCHESTRA Weekdays 7pm, weekends 2.30pm & 6pm. Combining jaw dropping human beatboxing, glorious vocal harmonies and floor-wobbling baselines, this show will leave you clapping and dancing all the way home. Sun 3-5 Jun. CLAYTIME 4.15pm £10/£15 A place where the earth’s natural materials meets the children’s imagination. With live musical accompaniment. 3yrs+ Sat 4, Sun 13 May, Sun 17 Jun. COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS 4.15pm £10/£15 Cracking entertainment for everyone over the age of 6, with the best comedians on the UK circuit. Mon 7 & Sat 12 May. IMPROPERA 4.15pm £10/£15. Great music, surreal comedy and sublime silliness. Family friendly. Sun 6 & Sun 27 May. THE ADVENTURERS CLUB 4.15pm £10/£15 A smash hit sell-out of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and an afternoon of

Maidstone Road, Beltring, Paddock wood. Tonbridge TN12 6PY (just 40 miles from Central London) 01622 872 068 www.thehopfarm.co.uk 26 & 27 May. ONLY PAWS AND HORSES Equine and dog show right in the heart of Kent! Expect a host of exciting arena displays, quality competitions and attractions. A fantastic day out for all the family! www.onlypawsandhorses.co.uk £7.10/£8.15, family £27.30. 2-10 Jun. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK WEEK The Hop Squad will be hosting a fun packed timetable of exciting games and activities for the little ones. Children can come dressed up as their favourite story book character for a chance to win the Best Dressed competition! £10.20/£14.90, family £44.95/£54.95.

PUMP HOUSE GALLERY Battersea Park, London SW11 020 8871 7572 www.pumphousegallery.org.uk Sat 19 May (11am-9pm) & Sun 20 May (11am4pm) THE MONTLY DO: COME AND PLAY In this Olympic year, artists will explore the art within sports games and present performances, workshops and activities for visitors to compete in. Free.

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE & PUPPET FESTIVAL 2012 St Paul Church, Covent Garden (The Actors’ church) Bedford Street (entrance between King St and Henrietta Street) London WC2E 9ED. Sun 13 May. Mr Punch (of Punch and Judy) celebrates his 350th year! Following the official Mr Punch's Big Birthday Party taking place on Sat May 7, this festival brings together Punch and Judy professors from around the country and traditionally includes a procession, puppet shows and workshops, with folk music maypole dancing and clowns. Punch and Judy professors are also due to make an appearance at Covent Garden 8 Piazza on Sat May 12. page 36

What’s on THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894/2885 www.nationalgallery.or.uk and for family events www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what FAMILY SUNDAYS Fun activities designed especially for families to enjoy and learn together. Free hands-on art workshops at 11am & 2pm every Sunday. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer (Orange St Entrance). For children aged 2 to 5: MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING 10.30am11am & 11.30am-12noon. Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each Sunday. For families with children aged 5 to 11 13 & 27 May. DRAWING SUNDAYS. RELAY MIX Experiment with the art of relay drawing, try out different speeds, materials and shapes in collage competitions and family drawing events. 6 & 20 May. STUDIOS SUNDAYS. JUMP FOR VICTORY Discover mythological characters, creatures and competitions and make a trophy to present at your very own games. FAMILY WALK AND TALK 12.30pm-1.30pm. Join us on a themed journey through the collection where we will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! Suitable for all ages. 6 May. GREEK MYTHS. EXHIBITION: 9 May-16 Sept. TAKE ONE PICTURE: PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN INSPIRED BY VERONESE Room E, free. How can a single painting ignite the imagination and curiosity of young people? This display captures a range of creative responses to Veronese’s “Family of Darius before Alexander”. MORE GALLERY FUN TRAILS AND AUDIO TOURS Families can print it out from www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families or pick one up at Information Desks.

his knife and fork, after his first episode of “Madness”. 18-19 May. The Historic Kitchens team will help visitors explore the rich working places which have been uncovered. How did the Georgians cook? Come and find out!

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Sat 19 May. REALLY ROYAL FASHION ILLUSTRATION – CHILDREN WORKSHOP 10.30am-1pm . Led by fashion illustrator and artist, the session will look at royal fashion on display in the palace from 18th-20th century and encourage participants to create their own designs fit for a princess. £15 per child (7-13yrs) Bkg: kensingtoneducation@hrp.co.uk or 020 3166 6646.

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, London EC3 Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk £10.45/£17.60/£20.90, family £55, under 5 free. 26 & 27 May. ARCHAEOLOGY WEEKEND A free, fun weekend of activities on Tower Beach and Tower Wharf. Hunt for treasure on the foreshore of the Thames, discover the secrets of archaeology and conservation at stalls on the wharf and take part in art activities. All ages. Wetland centre

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk/events Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thu, Fri 10am-9pm. Sat 19 May. ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm. STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES. ROYAL TALES Exploring stories of Royalty, followed by an art activity . 11.30am &2.30pm. FAMILY ART WORKSHOP Discover Royal portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity . 12noon. PORTRAIT OF THE DAY. FAMILY AUDIO GUIDE £6 up to 5 audio players, £4 for 2 audio players (one adult and one child) Explore amazing facts and stories about people in the collection with a specially designed recorded tour and interactive touch-screen players 7-11yrs.

KEW PALACE Grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens KEW. Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org Admission tickets to Kew Gardens must be purchased to gain access to Kew Palace. Kew Gardens: £11.90/£13.90. Kew Palace: £4.05/£5.50. Children under 16s free. The New permanent exhibition will evoke life on the 6th Feb 1789, when George III was given back

WWT WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT. 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk Daily 9.30am - 5pm £4.95/ £8.95, under 4s free, family £25. MAY WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES: -See the new baby animals taking their first steps, first flight or first swim and make some springtime baby creatures. -Making puppets: Make a baby animal finger puppet to take home. -Nature crafts: Crafts with a focus on animal lifecycles. -Pond dipping: grab a net and see what’s swimming around underwater in the pond. From 2 Jun. MEET THE OTTERS! Visitors can watch the otters playing, foraging, feeding, swimming and grooming. Join the wardens at twice daily feeding sessions. Timings and details on www.wwt.org.uk/london/events

LEEDS CASTLE Near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 on the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London

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What’s on 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com Grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am-6pm. Adults £19.75. concs £17.50, children £12.50, under 4s free. 19 & 20 May. HOME AND GARDEN WEEKEND The ideal opportunity to see the castle gardens in bloom and get inspiration for homes and gardens from a wide range of exhibitors. Electric boat rides will be available for younger visitors at a small additional charge.

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS MUSEUMS AT NIGHT -18-19-20 MAY www.culture24.org.uk/museumatnight An exciting line up of nocturnal activities in museums and galleries throughout the city. An extended programme of events will be taking place at both large, national institutions and smaller, more specialists venues. Keep an eye out for evenings featuring art, live music and performances as some of London’s most famous institutions open their doors to attract the very best sort of culture vultures. This event coincides with special activities across the UK, and is tied to the European wide campaign “La Nuit des Musées”. Some of the participants in London include: The Petrie Museum, Apsley House, The National Portrait Gallery, The Bank of England, The National Army Museum or the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

2.10pm-5pm. Free. Full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.vam.ac.uk/moc Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free. EXHIBITIONS To 9 Sept. BEAUTIFUL GAMES What makes an athlete successful? How does the latest technology help us to become faster and stronger? And where do we draw the line between fair play and downright cheating? As part of the exhibition, visitors young and old can get their own blood pumping with a white knuckle ride in a virtual skeleton bobsleigh, measure their reaction time with a ‘beat the clock’ test, and throw some moves on an electronic dance floor. 19 May-28 Oct. MASCOTS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES This display showcases over 50 mascots from the last 44 years of summer and winter Olympic Games including the London 2012 mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville. EVENTS Sat 19 May. MONTESSORI FOR FAMILIES 11am-4pm. Montessori educators lead a practical workshop teaching fun, creative and useful techniques to use at home to help your child’s learning. Drop-in, all ages. 4, 11, 18 May. WONDERTOTS 10.30am12noon & 1pm-2.30pm. Ready, steady and of we go! Get energetic with sporty workshops in celebration of our beautiful Games exhibition. Bkg taken 14 days in advance before each session. 5yrs and under and their parent/carer. Free.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7 020 7938 9123. Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun 11am-5.50pm. Free. EXHIBITIONS To 16 Sept. ANIMAL INSIDE OUT Strip away the flesh and travel on an anatomical safari of the natural world and explore the intricate biology and physiology of some of the world’s most spectacular creature. £6/£9, family £27. To 2 Sept. SCOTT’S LAST EXPEDITION Explore Robert Falcon Scott’s epic Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica, with powerful tales of endurance and many scientific achievements. To 30 Sept. WILD PLANET The wildest landscapes and most endangered species will be showcased in a free outdoor exhibition running throughout the summer of the Olympics featuring 80 classic shots from Wildlife Photographer Of The Year. SPECIAL EVENT: Sun 27 May. BIG NATURE DAY 11am-5pm This “Nature Fair” will take place in the Museum building and in marquees in the Museum gardens. Museum educators will be running family activities, such as exploring pond life, bug hunting and tree trails. The day will also launch a new partnership between The National Trust, the Natural History Museum and the Wildlife Trusts as sponsors of the Cub Scout Naturalist Badge, with a chance to try out some of the different activities. DAILY FAMILY ACTIVITIES Weekends and school holidays 11am-5pm. Quieter times are 11am-12noon and after 3pm. Mon-Fri in term time

May 2012

Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. To 8 Jun. ROYAL CONNECTION – A CELEBRATION OF THE DIAMOND JUBILEE The display will highlight the many connections between the Monarch and the Bank, notably drawing on the wealth of the Bank’s collections to trace the development of the royal portrait on banknotes. Fri 18 May. MUSEUMS AT NIGHT 5.30pm-9pm. A rare opportunity for an evening visit, including special presentations on banknotes. Bank staff will also be on hand to answer question about gold.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM LONDON Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ 10am-6pm 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS A FAMILY IN WARTIME Experience the life on the home front, during the Second World War, through the eyes of one London Family; William and Alice Allpress and their ten children. With interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home. Free. To Oct. BUILD THE TRUCE At the first Olympic Games in 776BC an ”Olympic Truce” was created in order to enable athletes from Greece’s warring cities to travel and compete in safety. Reinstated at the 1992 Games the Olympic Truce continues to exist today.

Visitors will be able to explore the concept of truce, from challenging notions about the inevitability of war, through to truce as a method of conflict resolution and what it can mean on a practical level. FAMILY EVENTS 26-27 May. BUILD THE TRUCE 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. Take part in a series of discussion, art and writing activities looking at why wars happen and how they are brought to an end. Free drop-in, all ages.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 www.nam.ac.uk Daily 10am-5.30pm. Free EXHIBITION To 31 Aug. WAR HORSE: FACT & FICTION A new major hands-on exhibition exploring the true history behind the hugely popular “War Horse” novel by Michael Morpugo. Free. ACTIONS ZONES – VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire. Free, in “Changing the World Gallery”. KID’S ZONE Daily 10.10am-5.15pm. This new children’s play area explores aspects of army life from camping to clothing and includes a dedicated soft play space for babies, plus art and crafts, dressing-up costumes, books, interactive toys and panels. Adm charge applies. www.nam.ac.uk/kids

The MUSEUM OF LONDON and MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS Please visit the websites for full details of children activities. www.museumoflondon.org.uk and www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands And see pages 12 and 13.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm. 7 May. MAY DAY. 11am-5pm. 3yrs+. Celebrations are all about English Folklore, from traditional object like “Jack in the Green” to customs, including folk dancing. Free. -11.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-2.30pm. MAKE A JACK IN THE GREEN, join in the procession and take home a leaf for good luck. -3pm-3.30pm. MAY DAY PROCESSION With music, dancing and much more -1pm-1.30pm & 3pm-3.30pm. FOLK DANCING Join the Belles of London City for this display of traditional Morris dancing.

MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm Sun 13 May 11.30am-1.30pm & 4pm-4.30pm and Sun 27 May 11.30am-1.30pm & 2pm-4.30pm. MUSEUM EXPLORED. Join one of the Museum’s Hosts and explore the galleries through fun and hands-on activities. Suitable for the whole family. 5yrs+. Free. Tue 29 May 3pm-3.30pm. UNDER 5s STORYTIME Stories, music and fun on the last Tuesday of the month. Interactive storytelling session for children under 5s and their carers.