Families London SW Issue 239 Sept 2014

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September 2014

ISSN ue 23 9 135 4-95 Est 53 19

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SouthWest

Your guide to •Clubs & Classes •What’s On

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

For more information see advert on page 33

The French Nursery school Bilingual education in SW7 and SW1 • 2-5 years French • Spanish See our advert on page 44 For more information please call on 0207 259 2151 or email:

ABI CAMPBELL

photography

marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

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

Find us online: NEW WEBSITE FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Contents

September 2014

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SouthWest

• Local news • Clubs and activities news • Products

08-09

10-18

photography

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

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

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.

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

• Paper used to print Families is from fullymanaged sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced.

Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

SCHOOL FEATURE

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What on earth are Wonder Weeks?

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Noticeboard Competitions, special offers and more

22-35

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10-18

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CLUBS & CLASSES FEATURE • Why it’s important for children to do after school activities • Club news

36-42

What’s On

36-42

• Theatre • Museums & Galleries • Days out • Diary dates and events

Find us on Facebook & Twitter FamiliesSW

September 2014

MindScape: Heart-centred parenting • How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery • School news • Open days listing • Fussy eating and lunch boxes swap list

Front cover photo, with thanks to:

ABI CAMPBELL

News & info

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new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

News Compiled by Joanna Parry

Do you Like Families South West?

A little ask from the team ..

Next time you are on Facebook would you Like us?

This would be great if you could. While you are there do look at the local competitions, things to do and much more we write about. We would also love it if you could leave a little note on why you like us in the Review box. Please also use our Facebook page to vote for the Roving Reporter Competition, see page 21. Thank you in advance if you can. www.facebook.com/familiesSW

Bang that drum

Ray’s new playground Fulham mums’ favourite Ray’s Playhouse has played host to the official opening of its new children’s playground. Following a campaign to save the much loved playground at Sands End, over two and a half years they raised over £55,000 for the installation of the new playground! Drop in to one of their stay-and-play sessions, which run daily for children under 5. Ray’s Playhouse also provides links with health visitors, schools and nurseries. www.raysplayhouse.org

New breast feeding initiative This autumn The Breastfeeding Network launches a new initiative across SW London.

Commissioned by Wandsworth Council's Public Health Department, the new breastfeeding service offers proactive telephone support to mums with babies aged up to 8 weeks old, living in Wandsworth. Mums can self-refer or be referred to the service by health visitors, midwives or other health professionals. The Breastfeeding Network is a wonderful independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women, whether you are struggling with feeding or just want to meet other breastfeeding mums, so do get in touch. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

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A charity in SW London is doing fantastic work giving young people who may not have access to a musical education the chance to learn to play an instrument. World Heart Beat Music Academy currently runs guitar and celtic fiddle classes for children, plus a Jazz improvising choir for all ages. They have also just started the Little, Middle and High Schools of Music where the older children teach the younger ones. If you’d like to get involved or support World Heart Beat go to worldheartbeat.org.

World Heart Beat Music Academy, 1st Floor, 58 Kimber Road SW18 4PP, info@worldheartbeat.org, 0208 870 3042.

Walk once a week winner Wimbledon schoolgirl Katie Berkes is a winner of the Living Streets’ Walk Once a Week (WoW) badge design competition! Katie’s design was one of eleven chosen from 140,000 entries on this year’s theme When I Grow Up, with each design featuring on one of the monthly badges awarded to children who take part in Living Streets’ walk to school scheme WoW. Around 300,000 of the badges, made from recycled yoghurt pot material, are distributed each month and Katie’s will appear in July next year. Katie, aged seven, attends Ursuline Preparatory School and would like to be a teacher. ‘Less than half of our children walk to school now,’ said Tony Armstrong, Living Streets Chief Executive. ‘Living Streets is working hard to reverse this trend and the badges are an essential part of the success of WoW in schools. They are very collectable and a great incentive. We know children enjoy their walk to school and building some exercise into their day helps to keep them fit and healthy today and safeguard their health for the future.’ So get out there, and get walking! www.livingstreets.org.uk

Daily nanny and flexible nursery time Asquith Nannies is a new award-winning service that offers a revolutionary approach to childcare combining nannies and nursery time. The company employs your nanny to suit your preferred schedule, with the potential to combine time spent at home with time spent at an Asquith Nursery. This gives you all the benefits of one-to-one nanny time coupled with the social interaction and friendships from attending a leading day nursery. For more information, call 0845 873 7070 or visit www.asquithnannies.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

Run for Fun goes to Parliament

Buddy up for a run Slip out before the school run and join a free 6k running group that meets at 7.15pm every Monday! As you run, you buddy-up with someone of the same ability so that you set a pace that works for you. The routes are mapped out so no one gets lost along the way, with someone leading at the front and a back pacer runner making sure that no one is left to run alone. Meet at the corner of Northfields and Putney Bridge Road (Wandsworth Park gate). Just turn up or find out more at www.activebuddies.co.uk

GO Run For Fun, a new charity that encourages 5-10 year olds to be active, has taken its message to the Houses of Parliament to argue its case for more political support to encourage kids to become more active. 20 school children and charity founder Jim Ratcliffe directly lobbied politicians and raised the issue of childhood obesity, with the charity urging the Government and all political parties to build on the Olympic Legacy and formulate policy to get children to be more active, in order to tackle the growing issue of childhood obesity in Britain. Inactivity is serious issue for the UK and is getting worse, and the charity believes that encouraging children to be more active is the only way to stop the scourge of childhood obesity. GO Run for fun is a proven programme that is promoting a more active lifestyle, and has already attracted 20,000 children to ‘get off the couch!’ in under 10 months and will meet its target of 100,000 children by 2016. Founder Jim Ratcliffe said, ‘We know that over 50% of primary school children are not getting enough exercise. Inactivity can no longer be ignored. Here is a programme that should have cross party support to tackle a significant and costly issue.’ www.gorunforfun.com

New school award

Congratulations! ….to Families’ favourite First Aid for Life, who have been commended as Best Small Business in London 2014! They were also a finalist for Best Business for Customer Service. Sign up now for courses from Paediatric First Aid and First Aid for Babies and Toddlers, to Sports First Aid. They also run an Online First Aid Course. emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk, 0208 675 4036, www.firstaidforlife.org.uk

Creative writing and elocution Would you like to enhance confidence and thereby success?

Join a bespoke class with one to one private coaching. Expect high levels of personal attention, flexibility and discretion. Suitable for all ages.

Contact: • Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM, SRD. 020 77353156 clareprice@tiscali.co.uk or • Antony Wieland. LLAM, ALAM. 07721762351 tony@wieland.force9.co.uk

September 2014

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A new competition will be launched in Wandsworth schools this autumn to encourage and inspire local children to learn more about the borough’s rich history and heritage. The awards, which are supported by the council’s library and heritage contractor GLL, will be aimed at four age groups: the under 8s, 8-10 year olds, 11-16 year olds and those aged 17 and 18. The idea for the competition came at a community meeting at Ravenstone School in Balham late last year and is now being enthusiastically pursued by the new deputy Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Richard Field. He said, ‘I’m thrilled that this very worthwhile educational project is now moving forward.

Wandsworth is full of history and this rich and diverse heritage will now be researched, studied and celebrated in this landmark schools competition.’ Find out more at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/heritage

Pure pregnancy event On 21 September, Baby Intuition and neighbourhood midwives are running a free event for pregnant women in Clapham. It will be an opportunity to meet lots of therapists, midwives, practitioners and try products. There will be taster sessions, refreshments and a fabulous Goody Bag with offers and discounts.

2-4 pm in the Upstairs Room at the Northcote Pub, a great central location. Organized and facilitated by julie@babyintuition.co.uk and Tina.perridge@neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk Contact Tina or Julie for information or to reserve your place.

Happy Birthday… …to Lemon Tree. The salon has been open for 16 years, offering Battersea Mums an oasis of calm and a range of delicious treatments.

They also stock the lovely Bloom and Blossom range for mother and babies with a good selection of baby shower products and pregnancy treatments too. Treat yourself, or buy a gift voucher for a special treat for a loved one. Lemon Tree, 66 Webbs Road SW11 6SE, 0207 228 1020, www.lemontree-london.com

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

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new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

Products

Environmentally friendly bamboo clothing Two local mums have just launched a new brand of baby and toddler clothing made purely from bamboo. Panda and the Sparrow’s clothing is as soft as cashmere, naturally UV resistant, breathable, thermo regulating and looks absolutely gorgeous! We love their natural undyed all-in-one for £18, and their reversible blankets are perfect for gifts at £22. Bamboo is making waves as an eco-chic new fabric, due to it's huge environmental benefits. Bamboo is best for your child, and best for the planet. www.pandaandthesparrow.co.uk

Dinosaur Delights ASPACE, one of our favourites for children’s beds and bedding, has a fantastic new dinosaur-inspired range to excite budding little palaeontologists!

Some fads come and go but the enduring love and fascination of dinosaurs shows no signs of abating from one generation to the next. Celebrating this, ASPACE’s new Bones and Bolts collection includes the Dino Bean Chair and Dino Beanbag, made from 100% cotton with stain resistant coating, Dino soft toys such as Dino Doppy and Green Dino and the striking Felt Dinosaur Head. The fossil-fancy range also includes cupcake kits and party hats, cups, plates and invites. We love them! www.aspace.co.uk

Small group parent and baby swimming classes SwimWay are delighted to be able to provide new small group parent and baby classes (maximum of five parent/babies) at lovely private house pools in both East Sheen and Wimbledon/Southfields. These classes are a great way to introduce your baby or toddler to swimming, as well as being a fun social activity for you both. Through a series of different techniques the children will learn water confidence and safety, develop an understanding of water movement, breath control through submersion, floatation front/back, how to kick correctly and basic arm movement. The classes are progressive and more than anything a strong emphasis in the lessons will be for the children to have fun.

For further information please email info@swimway.co.uk, call 020 88713972 or www.swimway.co.uk

Birthday coming up?

Adam Ants, the amazing children's entertainer, offers high energy parties with non stop fun. They perform fabulous magic and balloon modelling and puppet shows with games music and dancing. They also offer face painters, teddy bear making, sports, art and disco parties, there is something for any age. Call the party line 020 8959 1045 or email info@adamantsparties.co.uk. See www.adamantsparties.co.uk for more information.

Special offer to all families readers.

Enjoy a 25 percent discount for mid week parties from September to November, quote Families.

Lovely smalls This autumn why not chuck out those old greying vests and invest in some gorgeous merino wool under layers for your children. Tank top vests start at £26.95 and long sleeve vests are £39.95, but you only need buy one or two per child and they will last a lifetime! Non-disposable fashion is not just a passing trend, so save the planet while you keep your little ones warm and cosy. Worth a look! www.lovemysmalls.com

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New Brixton nursery opening Autumn 2014 Just a two minute walk from Brixton tube, the brand new nursery run by London Early Years Foundation will offer a homely environment to inspire your child to become more confident, make friends and learn. There’s 10% off fees for the first three months if you register before November.

For more information visit www.leyf.org.uk/brixton

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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MindScape: Heart-centred parenting

By Andy Spencer, certified MindScape Instructor

Have you noticed how some people make parenting look so easy? They don't seem to get as stressed, and their children always seem to be well behaved and happy. They just seem to know what choices to make and what to do at the right time.

What do these parents do differently?

They ‘follow’ their heart. They listen to their intuition. At the mind level they are able to be in 'the zone'. When we are in the zone we are working much more from our heart centre. We are present in the moment, and we are there for our children.

What is MindScape?

Learn more at a MindScape two day seminar.

Frequently described as ‘simply mind-blowing’, this seminar will help you unleash the full power of your mind and connect with your heart.

MindScape is an easy to learn structured method of slowing the brain down in order that you can get into the ‘zone’ on demand. When we are in the zone and a state of Alpha we can:

“I worry less about the judgement of others since taking Mindscape and so can act from my heart knowing that my decisions are intuitive and ‘right’ for them. They have gained confidence, as one of the effects of me relaxing and coming from the ‘heart’ is that they take greater responsibility for their own actions.

This has led to less conflict and more laughter! Happy mum equals happy children.”

Nancy Paulin (mother of 3, aged 18, 13 and 10)

• unlock the latent powers of our mind,

The Intuitive Mind

• enhance our creativity and intuition,

We often experience our intuition ‘talking’ to us.

We all have had a ‘gut feel’ about something. A mother will usually know if their baby or child is not well. Many mothers have experienced this deep connection with their children even if they are not with them. Just as twins will often sense if their other twin is in trouble, so can a mother if her child has been injured in an accident. These feelings and insights cannot be explained logically or appear rational, yet we know they occur.

• improve our memory and ability to learn, • reduce our stress levels, • connect with the people around us at a deeper level, and • find it easier to live life in the moment.

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MindScape provides a structure to work directly with the intuition and help you remove the filters that interfere with the process. The more we work at our intuitive level the more we learn to trust it, and let go of all the ‘over-thinking’ and resultant anxieties.

The Creative Mind It has been estimated that by the time a child is 9 up to 80% of a child's creativity has been destroyed by an education system and culture, which is heavily biased towards development of the logical mind and memory recall.

Our education system is heavily based on teaching information and testing the recall of that information. Yet ironically we all like to believe we are good at ‘Thinking outside the box’. In a survey

by IBM in 2010 the most sought after skill set looked for in Chief Executives was their creativity and problem solving skills. If we look at how our greatest pioneers have created their works it has been through what we call the ‘flash’ of genius, or inspiration. That Eureka moment. Scientists such as Einstein, inventors such as Tesla, and artists such as Mozart initially developed their ideas through their creativity and intuition and then used their logic to manifest and work through the ideas.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Limi Helli Roberts, Families Franchise Director, has tried Mindscape for you:

Getting into The Zone Our physical brain is clearly divided into two distinct hemispheres. The left hemisphere is our logical mind. The right hemisphere is our creative, imaginative and intuitive side. Our logical mind, is the masculine side, it likes to believe it is in control of everything. When we understand that both hemispheres have a role, and we get the full brain working together, then we start to unleash the power of our minds. This in when we are in the zone. We often see people in the zone in music and sports. When a player is in the zone they are usually relaxed and not over thinking. They somehow know where to be at the right place at the right time. Research has shown that musicians’ brains somehow synchronise when they play together. MindScape can give you the ability to go into the zone at will.

Unleash your mind and connect with your heart

'Initially I was very sceptical about Mindscape. After the first day I could see how it works for others but still couldn’t believe I would be able to do it myself. The second day was one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve ever had - truly mind blowing. I was buzzing with it for days - I am recommending it to all my friends! It really can change your life.’

Pascale Gravell, Families editor, tried it too and had the same experience.

“Mindscape is so simple to learn, yet immensely powerful.

Mindscape can be used for all aspects of our life, whether health, relationships, in sports performance etc. I use it in business!”

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Families® sponsored MindScape Workshops We are delighted to be hosting a special version of MindScape for Families readers.

MindScape Special for Parents. Saturday 8th-Sunday 9th November (9am-6pm) Central London. This is a special version of the MindScape Seminar, tailored for parents to unleash the full power of their mind and focused on heart centred parenting.

Families readers discounted investment of £350 - saving £100.

MindScape Instructor Andy Spencer has 4 children aged from 4 to 15. He is described as an inspiring, professional, fun, down to earth instructor. He has a background in Corporate Finance, and is now a full time MindScape Instructor and Advanced BodyTalk Practitioner.

On the MindScape Workshop you will learn an easy process to relax the mind and body. When we slow the mind down, it is much easier to access our creative and imaginative functions. While in this relaxed state you will create a structured framework, which will enable you to get into the 'Zone' at will. Rather than just clear your thoughts, as in meditation, you will learn how to work with your thoughts at a deep level, opening up the latent intuitive and creative powers of your mind.

“Since attending a Mindscape workshop with my son, I encourage him to use his intuition to come up with his own creative solutions. Mindscape is such a useful and fun tool for showing children that they have this amazing inbuilt guidance system that they can access 24/7. Nurturing my son’s intuitive abilities in this way allows him to connect with his natural states of confidence, happiness and resilience.”

Mary Strange (mother of Harry 13)

September 2014

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School Feature

Picture credit: Dunnesstores.com

How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery

By Hannah Hunter

Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well.

However it’s often impossible to know what really goes on at school – children are not very forthcoming when it comes to recounting their day. If they do raise any issues, or if you sense something is amiss, it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject with school. As both a parent and a primary teacher, I know how hard it can be to strike the right balance. If you’re meeting a teacher outside of parents’ evening or class surgeries, it’s because there is a problem. These meetings can easily become tense, with both ‘sides’ on the defensive.

r tips fo on: w e f re a icati Here a ul commun sf succes Assume the best of your child’s teacher They are trained professionals who understand the curriculum and child development. They ultimately want the same as you – a happy child who is learning.

Let teachers know if there are problems at home You don’t have to go into graphic detail, just tell them if something’s happened which may affect your child’s behaviour.

Please don’t assume that your child always tells the truth! After all, teachers don’t automatically believe what your child tells them about home.

Picture credit: marksandspencer.com

Remain calm and neutral “Little Johnny came home rather upset about xxx, I wondered what your take on it is…”, rather than “Why did you shout at Little Johnny like that?”

Mediation If you have issues with a teacher’s conduct, and feel upset or angry, it’s best that an additional member of staff is present.

Talk to the teacher first. Even negative feedback is appreciated.

Going directly to the head is a bit like them phoning your boss whenever your child misbehaves!

Remember that teachers are human They sometimes make mistakes, so try to forgive them for it.

Helping out in school Get an insight into how things are run and improve your relationship with the school by volunteering.

Parent Helper Helping out in class can be fun and rewarding. Research shows that having a parent who volunteers improves a child’s experience of school. Organise a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (Disclosures in Scotland) - you can then volunteer regularly or as a one-off.

School Trips If you’ve had the DBS check, this one is great for ingratiating yourself. On what is invariably a stressful day, a responsible parent helping out can be a lifesaver!

Use your Expertise Maybe there’s a school club that would fit your skill set or interests. If not, you could talk to the class or even do an assembly. One volcanologist parent at my son’s school did a legendary presentation including exploding volcanoes.

Join the PTA Fostering closer home-school links, the PTA usually organise the school’s fundraising projects, from fetes to family quiz nights. Run by committee, they may include ‘class reps’ who pass on information from other parents in the class.

School Governors Comprising parent governors and other community members, this group of elected volunteers helps to make management decisions, such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting discipline standards.

It can be time-consuming, particularly if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change like appointing a new head teacher, or joining with another school.

Parent Council member Some schools have a Parent council, where parents meet to share ideas that are fed back to the school governors. This is great if you’re too busy to commit to PTA or Governors, but want to have an input.

For tips on Back to School like how to settle a child at nursery or health packed lunches etc go to www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

School Feature

News from local Schools

London Steiner School (formerly Waldorf School of South West London) celebrates 30 years since it was first established. Based in Balham, south west London, they offer high teacher:pupil ratios in relatively small classes. Their pupils acquire strong independent learning skills, motivation and enthusiasm for learning that stand them in good stead for later life. They offer an all year intake for both kindergarten and main school due to the flexibility and tailored nature of the education. They have excellent pastoral care. They also offer a Parent and Child Group (0-3) and School Tours every week.

London Steiner School 9 Weir Road Balham London SW12 0LT 020 8772 3504 info@waldorflondon.co.uk www.londonsteiner.co.uk

A thoroughly enjoyable show To provide the whole school with the opportunity to explore drama, dance and languages to the fullest, Thames Christian College pupils recently took to the stage to perform 1920s musical comedy ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at The Grand in Clapham Junction.

The show combined the talents of over 90 pupils both on the stage and behind the scenes. In addition to drama and singing performances, the production gave pupils the chance to practise their language skills in Mandarin and to explore many different styles of dance including tap and the Charleston.

The show was well attended by parents as well as people from Thames Christian College’s feeder schools, the local community, Jane Ellison MP, Councillor Tessa Strickland, the Vice Chair of Big Local SW11 and community leader Marlene Price.

Open Morning for Prospective Parents & Girls

Saturday 11 October 2014

Stephen Holsgrove, Executive Head, Thames Christian College comments: “I am so proud of all our pupils in making the show such an amazing success. I have received many comments about the maturity of our pupils in taking on such a challenging show to a high standard.”

Please visit us at www.jags.org.uk James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE Tel: 020 8693 1181 No need to book

Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

September 2014

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School Feature Fundraisers extraordinaire

The Independent Schools Show Meet over 190 of the UK's leading nurseries, preparatory and senior schools. Gain a balanced understanding of the private schools sector - quite possibly discovering the perfect school for your child, a school you may never have considered before visiting the show.

The longest running and most established exhibition of its type, it is a 'must attend' event for parents considering private education.

Register for your complimentary tickets at www.schoolsshow.com

Learn to Read in 5 Weeks for FREE* with the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge!

Until 30 September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read.

Readings Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and eBooks that teach children aged 3–13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. The reason why over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the programme makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun.

• Sign up before 30 Sept for a special 5 WEEK FREE trial* as part of the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs.

• Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/lsw Registration is quick, easy and FREE! *Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Not applicable for schools.

r a tutor?

Looking fo Fleet Tutors is a national tutoring service provider with over 36 years’ experience in helping students of all ages and academic backgrounds with personalised tuition. Specialising in small group revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all academic subjects starting from school entry and Common Entrance right up to GCSE, A-level and university. Recommended by ‘The Good School’s Guide’.

• Find out more at www.fleet-tutors.co.uk clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk or call 020 8580 3911.

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Pupils and teachers from Newton Prep have put on their walking shoes and taken part in a whole school walk around Battersea Park, raising over £23,500 for charity Kids Company. Camila Batmanghelidjh from Kids Company visited Newton Prep to collect the cheque for this worthy charity, which provides practical, emotional and educational support to inner city children in London.

‘We want to be a school that shows a strong sense of the community beyond our own walls,’ said Headmistress Alison Fleming. ‘There is something very powerful about children raising money to help other children who live no more than minutes away from their school.’ Newton Prep School, 149 Battersea Park Road SW8 4BX, 020 7720 4091. www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

Organic cotton school uniform Mothers and entrepreneur duo Marina and Irina launched Ecooutfitters last year, fuelled by the mothers’ despair at watching their own children’s skin conditions deteriorate as a result of wearing their school uniforms.

Ecooutfitters offers a new and unique range of school clothing that rejects harmful fabrics and puts health and ethics before profits. The brand is the first to offer a choice other than the industry standard, synthetic and chemically treated fabrics known to irritate skin, aggravate eczema and various skin complaints, despite reports of a dramatic rise in the number of children in the UK suffering from such conditions.

As the founders of Ecooutfitters embarked on their mission to source natural, chemical free fabrics for their uniform range, they discovered the little known but hugely devastating effects of the non-organic cotton industry on the communities and the environment around the world. Production of a single cotton T-shirt requires a third of a pound of dangerously toxic pesticides and up to 77 million cotton workers suffer poisoning from pesticides each year, 20,000 of which result in death.

Ecooutfitters school uniforms are made from ethically sourced, 100% organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), ensuring that production meets rigorous environmental and social standards. Thus an Ecooutfitter uniform cares for every individual in the chain not least the children that wear them.

“Our uniforms are not only healthier, comfortable and ethical, but competitively priced, durable and practical, disproving the widely held belief that cotton uniform cannot withstand the playground test. Organic cotton is stronger than its non-organic counterpart since the fibre is not weekend by the chemicals. It has been worn for centuries before polyester was sold to us as the “better” alternative.”

Ecooutfitters are not alone in their mission. Currently big names such as M&S and ASOS are showing a commitment to sourcing cotton grown without pesticides and chemicals, as well as educating their customers on the importance of this. Along with Ecooutfitters these brands are part of a growing global organic cotton initiative, CottonedOn.org that highlights the devastating effects of the non-organic cotton industry, campaigning for a return to organic cotton as a new industry standard. www.Ecooutfitters.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

School Feature A new children’s book festival in south London STREAM South London Book Festival is an exciting new event for children from nursery-school age through to young adults, packed with talks, readings, workshops, book signings and competitions.

The festival will be opened by Malorie Blackman OBE, Children’s Laureate and author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Noughts and Crosses series.

Visitors can also enjoy fun and games with the hugely popular Wimpy Kid Show and hear Lauren Child, bestselling author of the phenomenally successful Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola books, talk about her Ruby Redfort series. Steve Cole, author of the new Young Bond novel, will talk about his latest Bond adventure. Be one of the first to get a signed copy of the novel by entering the competition on the web site.

From picture books for the youngest of readers, including readings, illustration and with over 40 authors taking part, there is something for everyone. There will be panels of authors discussing writing about war and conflict, writers whose novels are set in the fashion world, including Holly Smale, author of Geek Girl, and panels of authors discussing different literary genres.

10am-5 pm on Saturday, 8 November at Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road, London SW16 1AW. Food and drink will be available, entrance is free to all, with a charge for some workshops: full details and booking at www.STREAM2014.co.uk

September 2014

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School Feature

September School Picture credit:marksandspencer.com

Open Days For all September and October School Open days see our searchable Events calendar here familiessouthwest.co.uk/whats-on Westminster Under School

SW1

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Westminster School

SW1

13-18 B

7+/8+ entry 13/9 and

The O ctober O publis hed in pen Days w ill ou but ca n be s r October is be earch sue our on e d line c now, in includ alendar. It also neighb es schools in ouring borou ghs!

7821 5788

westminsterunder.org.uk

7963 1003

westminster.org.uk

4/10 11+ entry 27/9 Tours by appointment.

6th Form: 8/9 book on website Eaton Square School

SW1

3-13 Co-Ed

By appointment

7931 9469

eatonsquareschool.com

Streatham and Clapham High School

SW2/16

11-18 G

27/9 10-1pm

8677 8400

schs.gdst.net

Streatham and Clapham Junior School SW2

3-11 G

4/10 10-12 noon

8674 6912

schs.gdst.net

Gems Hampshire School

3-13 Co-Ed

Tues/Wed/Fri Open House.

7352 7077

ths.westminster.sch.uk

SW3

No appointment necessary Eridge House School

SW6

2-11 Co-Ed

4/10 9.30 to 12 noon

7371 9009

eridgehouse.co.uk

Fulham Prep

SW6

4-13 Co-Ed

By appointment

7386 2444

fulhamprep.co.uk

Ecole des Petits

SW6

3-6 Co-Ed

By appointment

7371 8350

lecoledespetits.co.uk

Sinclair House School

SW6

2-11 Co-Ed

20/9 10-12 noon

7736 9182

sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

Ravenstone

SW7

2-11 Co-Ed

By appointment

7225 3131

ravenstoneschool.co.uk

Newton Prep

SW8

3-13 Co-Ed

Fri morning 9.30-12.30pm

7720 4091

newtonprepschool.co.uk

Nursery 18/9 9.30-11am Or By appointment

By appointment.

Ecole de Battersea

SW11

3-10 Co-Ed

By appointment

7371 8350

lecoledespetits.co.uk

Dolphin School

SW11

3-10 Co-Ed

Weekly tours Tues and Thurs

7924 3472

dolphinschool.org.uk

Thames Christian College

SW11

11-16 Co-Ed

25/9 11-1pm

7228 3933

thameschristiancollege.org.uk

The Dominie

SW11

6-11 Co-Ed

By appointment

7720 8783

thedominie.co.uk

London Steiner School

SW12

3-14yrs

17/10 5.30-7.30pm and

8772 3504

londonsteiner.co.uk

School Tours every week.

White House Prep School

SW12

4-11 Co-Ed

Ibstock Place School

SW15

3-18 Co-Ed

Prep: 24/9 9.30am

8674 9514

whitehouse.fluencycms.co.uk

8876 9991

ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

Bertrum House School

SW17

2-7 Co-Ed

Pre-prep: 25/9 9.45-11am

8767 4051

bertrumhouseschool.co.uk

20/9 10.30-12.30pm

8877 0823

therocheschool.co.uk

Snr: 17/9 5-7pm 20/9 9-12 noon Nursery: 29/9 1.30-3.30pm The Roche School

SW18

2.5-11 Co-Ed

Donhead School

SW19

7-11 B

By appointment

8946 7000

donhead.org.uk

The Study Prep School

SW19

4-11 G

Tours Tuesday 9.30-10.30am

8947 6969

thestudyprep.co.uk

22/9 9am

7307 8700

portland-place.co.uk

by appointment Portland Place

W1

9-18 Co-Ed

Ravenstone Pre-prep

W2

1-7 Co-Ed

By appointment

7262 1190

ravenstoneschools.com

Arts Educational School

W4

11-18 Co-Ed

11-16 Yrs: 2/10 6-8pm

8987 6666

artsed.co.uk

8741 1851

latymer-upper.org

6th Form: 1/10 6-8.30pm Latymer Upper School

W6

7-18 Co-Ed

Jnr By appointment.

Godolphin and Latymer School

W6

11-18 G

18/9, 24/9, 14/10 4.45-7pm

8741 1936

godolphinandlatymer.com

Fulham Prep

W14

7-13 Co-Ed

By appointment

7371 9911

fulhamprep.co.uk

Alleyns Junior School

SE22

4-11 Co-Ed

27/9 10-1pm

8693 3457

alleyns.org.uk

Sydenham Junior School

SE22

4-11 G

27/9 10-1pm

8557 7000

sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Sydenham High School

SE22

11-18 G

Yr 7: 20/9 10-1pm

8557 7000

sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

13/9 11+ entrance only. Tickets required

1/10 9.30-11am

14

See our searchable calendar familiessouthwest.co.uk/whats-on for open days in London.

School Feature

September 2014

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15

School Feature

Sinclair Prep

16

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

School Feature Sinclair House grows again Sinclair House School are delighted to announce that due to increased demand they are expanding their pupil intake and introducing a two-form entry at both Reception and Year 1 from this September.

Following their recent expansion the school will also have a brand new playground, additional sports facilities and teaching space for the preparatory school, while still retaining its personalised teaching style, with small classes and a nurturing environment. For information about places contact the School Office on 020 7736 9182. Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ, www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

Qualified and experienced teacher – specialism English (CRB checked) Age 3 to 11+ tuition Tel: 07738 238273 chloeabbott02@gmail.com www.tailoredtutoringuk.com

Launch of free school meals for all infants From September all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be entitled to a free and healthy lunch at school.

According to Schools Minister, David Laws, free school meals encourage healthy eating and their pilots have shown that ‘children in schools that offer universal free school meals are academically months ahead of their peers.’

The move has been welcomed by the Child Poverty Action Group who campaign for the abolition of child poverty in the UK. Alison Garnham, Chief Executive, commented: ‘The cost of bringing up children is rising faster than headline inflation, so a policy like this that saves families hundreds of pounds is going to be a big help.’ www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/schoolfoodplan/uifsm

Children learn better after they've been active!

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

Even after going back to school, it is still important to keep your little ones active and on the go. It is even more important to do it in a way that will build their confidence and self-esteem for the new school year ahead.

This is where Playball comes in. The main aim at Playball is precisely this. Using sport as a means, they provide children with a sound base from which to develop every aspect of their lives. Whether you have a 2 year old that you want to be introduced to a fun structured environment or a 3 year old getting ready for nursery or a 4 or 5 year old who you want to keep active and build up their confidence in and out of the classroom. Maybe a six or seven year old you just want to have a better understanding of the sports they play at school and maybe get ahead of the competition.

020 8123 2217 gavin@playball-London.com www.playball-London.com

• 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 Playball fun

September 2014

®

17

School Feature Fussy eating affects 9 out of 10 families A recent survey on fussy eating found that 89% of London parents have children who are fussy eaters. The research, commissioned by Abbott, has also shown that 86% of parents in London worry that their child is not getting the nutrition they need and a further 82% said their child’s fussy eating habits make them feel frustrated.

Stick o n your fridge!

Packed lunch — handy swap list

®

when you think...

swap for...

•Crisps

plain tortilla chips, olives, veg sticks + dip

•White bread

wholemeal pitta, spelt bread, wholemeal bread rolls, rice cakes, ryvita, whole wheat crackers

•Bread

cous cous, bulghar wheat, brown rice, quinoa

•Cheese strings

cubes of cheddar

•Ham

sliced beef, chicken, turkey

•Marmite

hummus, cottage cheese

•Nuts

hard boiled egg

•Orange juice

unsweetened juice diluted 50:50 with water or carrot juice

•Cereal bar

Bounce Ball/Pulsin bar/Panda liquorice bars/ Beond berry bites

•Fruit yoghurt

natural live yoghurt & fresh fruit/home made stewed fruit puree

•Chocolate

high percentage cocoa solid chocolate or dried fruit

Netali Levi, a Clinical Psychologist who works with children who are fussy eaters and their parents advises: “It’s important to realise that there are some aspects of the situation where you may have less control. You need to find what works for you and your child but generally speaking, by involving them in the process of shopping, cooking and preparing food, gradually introducing new flavours and textures, and rewarding progress, it should be possible for you to navigate this tricky phase and get them back to healthy eating habits.”

Download a unique 12-week “back on track” eating plan, developed by Netali and a nutritionist. The plan provides week-by-week practical guidance to support parents and children on their journey to enjoying healthy foods. The plan encourages parents to let their children take some control of eating and offers support with introducing new foods and textures gradually and regularly. The plan can be downloaded directly here: http://www.fussyeaters.co.uk/media/673/Ba ck-To-Eating-Plan-Paediasure.pdf

The Healthy Lunchbox by Fiona Beckett, published by Grub Street, £6.99

Here is why: • • •

• • • • • • • •

Tortilla chips generally contain less salt & fat than crisps Whole grains such as bulgur wheat make a change from sandwiches & have no added ingredients Brown bread & crackers contains minerals to support healthy energy levels & fibre for an optimally functioning digestive system Cheese is a good source of protein & additive free Chicken & beef are unprocessed unlike ham, which contains nitrates substances with a carcinogenic effect on the body Hummus contains plant protein & fibre from chickpeas & good oils (choose brands with lowest salt content & rapeseed or olive oil) Eggs are protein packed & low in fat, a good alternative to nuts, often banned from schools Carrot juice contains minerals and vitamin A & is lower in sugar than fruit juices, even unsweetened ones.

Cereal bars are often high in sugar. Look for 10g natural sugar or less per bar.

Natural yoghurt is sugar free & contains beneficial “friendly” bacteria for your gut whereas fruit yoghurt typically contains 5 teaspoons sugar per pot & no good bacteria Dried fruit contains fibre & darker chocolate contains flavonoids (antioxidants) & is high in magnesium.

However it’s still high in fat & sugar so small amounts.

NB: This is intended as a quick at a glance guide only, there are exceptions to the above of course, for example freshly squeezed orange juice is of course ok, so is home made white bread— which is much better than bought...

Compiled by Penny Crowther www.nutritionistlondon.co.uk

18

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

September 2014

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19

What on earth are Wonder Weeks?

By Frans Plooij, an international expert on the mental development of infants and author of The Wonder Weeks

Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your baby’s head? Why does a normally well-tempered baby suddenly become difficult and demanding?

No, it’s not cramps, teething or other standard answers. It’s a wonder week! When this phase is over, your baby will be doing things he could not do before.

Wonder Weeks are key developmental leaps in every baby’s life.

They influence the rest of a child’s life.

Frans Plooij shares his five golden tips with Families 1

Stop doubting yourself or your baby All babies go through ten wonder weeks during his first 20. Every wonder week consists of three phases: the fussy phase, the week of wonders (in which he is happy again and suddenly does a lot of new things), and the practice period. The fussy phase is the phase in which parents start doubting themselves, or even worse, their baby. The truth is there is nothing wrong with either you or your baby.

Remember: the fussy behaviour is actually a sign of a gigantic leap forward.

22Know when the leap starts and when it ends

44Don’t see the fussy phase as a carte blanche to stop parenting OK, we now know when the leaps will start and when they will end. Yes, these wonder weeks will start and end without any interference from you. However, this does not mean you should just wait for them to pass!

You should really help your baby, be there for your baby and show him he can rely on you.

She or hes’s going through a hard time and needs your help and love.

55Try to see the world through your baby’s eyes!

The good news is you can calculate pretty accurately when your baby will be making a leap. The leaps are based on the due date. Not the date of birth. (see book)

33Inform yourself about the leap This is really the most important thing to do. If you know what your baby is looking for in a particular leap you can make the fussy phase shorter and sweeter. There are great advantages for your baby if you know how to help him through each leap. In the short run he will be comforted and soothed better. A parent who is able to really understand what a baby is going through and what the baby wants to discover in that particular wonder week, is helping their baby to build up self-confidence, happiness and from a developmental point of view: stimulating the brain in the right way.

20

This is of course in line with informing your self about what you baby perceives in each leap so you can help him, but it’s also just a lot of fun.

During the leap of patterns (8 weeks), your baby loves observing patterns. So these kinds of pants will be a visual treat!

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Do you know why a baby now starts to look at your eyes and mouth, and before only at the outsides of your head? Before this leap he could only really perceive contrasts. So he would look at the contrasts of your face against the light sky.

After the second leap he looks at the patterns in your face: your eyes, mouth and your hairline.

Does he move a bit like Pinocchio? That’s because his body now is able to move in patterns.

The ‘ah ah oh oh’ sounds he now makes? Patterns with his vocal cords! Try all this. Place your fingers on your throat and feel the static movements when you make the same sounds your baby now makes. Next up is the leap of smooth transitions.

Try following a moving object with your eyes and feel how your eyes are making a smooth movement. Your baby is now able to do this for the first time in his life. It’s so much fun to see the world through your baby’s eyes and if you know what to look for in each wonder week, you’ll see so much more of the special things your baby does and you’ll be so much more equipped to give him the proper help.

The Wonder Weeks How to stimulate your baby's mental development and help him turn his 10 predictable, great, fussy phases into magical leaps forward describes in easyto-understand terms the incredible developmental changes that all babies go through during the first 20 months of their lives.

Available at Amazon, Waterstones and your local bookstore. £15.99

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September 2014

®

Could you be Families next Roving Reporter?

Do you like writing? Are you inquisitive? Do you live locally, have small children and enjoy going out and about with them, discovering new places and things to do? Then why don’t you enter our writing competition and become our new roving reporter! ? We are looking for someone who can be our ears and eyes on the ground, report on local stories, cover local events and performances. You could write about local initiatives like Edible Bus Stops or Wandsworth Foodcycle or about parents who volunteer their time in prisons or soup kitchens, write about community cohesion or simply about local knitting or craft groups or belonging to the WI. We want you to feel the pulse of the area and share what you find.

© sneksy13 - Fotolia.com

How to find everyday emotional health and happiness

For a chance to win we are asking each person who wants to participate to send us a 400 max word-long piece.

We will print the best ones over a few months, and the readers will vote via our facebook page (Facebook.com/ FamiliesSW) The winner wins the chance to become our next Roving Reporter and have his/her own column in Families!

Send your piece(s) to editorFSW@familiesmagazine.co.uk together with a bit of blurb about you and how you see your column developing, please also attach some high resolution pictures to illustrate your piece.

Good luck!

21

Clubs & classes feature

Why it’s important for children to do after school activities...

By Susan Tomlinson

Whether or not you reckon you might be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses for after school clubs.

From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to the three R’s can be hugely rewarding.

Playball

As clinical psychologist Dr Julie Fraser, puts it: “It’s an opportunity for kids to explore different talents. Not everyone is brilliant at academic subjects and it’s a chance for your kids to shine outside of the classroom.”

She adds: “Learning a new skill can also affect what happens in school – kids feel more confident and able to try new tasks.”

After school activities improve academic levels Certainly all the research shows this to be the case. Every leading study into extra curricular activities demonstrates that academic grades actually improve when kids participate in outside school clubs. One 2005 study from the US actually showed that kids who attended clubs performed much better in maths and verbal reasoning tests than kids who didn’t.

But kids clubs are not only great for improving academic levels but for developing important life skills too.

“It’s brilliant for developing social skills, dealing with new environments, talking to different adults and mixing with different children,” says Dr Fraser.

“But best of all, after school clubs are confidence building.”

A myriad of other benefits Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves.

Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner and loser. But for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Woodcraft Folk, Brownies and Scouts.

Learning a musical instrument is great for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are great for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting

22

alongside others, while ballet and dance is great for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and kung fu. There are clubs for nature lovers run by the Woodland Trust, BMX biking for tots, and even kids yoga and tai chi.

There’s so many to choose from, it’s tempting to try them all but it’s also important not to overburden kids with too many activities.

Frantically driving from one after school club to the next seems to be missing the point. New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is surely the fun factor.

After that, the trick is to stay involved “It’s important to talk with the teacher, find out how they work and show an interest in the class, “ says Dr Fraser. “That way you can be sure your child really is enjoying the club, and you will begin to watch them flourish and grow.”

Visit our hugely popular online Directory for a comprehensive listing of your local Clubs and Classes. www.familiesonline.co.uk •Research cited from College Board Research Howard and Everson. New York 2005. http://research.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/pub lications/2012/7/researchreport-2005-2extracurricular-activities-high-school-higher-satscores.pdf

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Clubs & classes feature

News from local clubs and classes Blueberry Playsongs Little ones participate in the fun of live guitaraccompanied music classes. Talented group leaders will get the best from every child with nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing. Classic familiar songs, new ones to learn and props add to a fun and lively class.

Established 1991, now in Barnes, Clapham, Wandsworth, Chelsea and Notting Hill.

020 8677 6871 www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

VB Dance Balham This Balham-based dance school specialise in ISTD Ballet, Modern and Tap classes for children.

Imaginative and creative classes with experienced and qualified teachers. Special pre-school Ballet classes for children from 2yrs too. 07841 922 631 or book online at vbdance.com/balham

Et Patati Patata

Et Patati Patata

Reach for the Stars

100% Fun french lessons with Et Patati Patata Lessons are led by an experienced native French speaking primary teacher (école française). This French immersion programme is based on a wide range of fun and creative activities in French tailored on French programme of the French schools. For 5-10 year olds, in Putney, Fulham, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Kensington.

Book your October Half-Term French Day Camps now. Set your kid on the fast track to becoming bilingual! 07966 893674 www.etpatatipatata.com

Do your children love to strut around? Sing in the mirror? Perform to anyone who will watch? Then why not try Lets Act, an exciting new musical theatre school opening in Balham this September.

Sign up for an audition for their Christmas show, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr, in which every child will have a speaking part. Classes run Saturdays 2-5pm at Balham Community Centre, 91 Bedford Hill SW12 9HE, £20 per class. Call Amy on 07738 681925, www.letsactdramaclasses.com Reach for the stars

Dutch classes Richmond Dutch School offers term time weekly Dutch classes for 3-12 year olds with at least a basic understanding of Dutch. Thursdays 4.15-6.15pm in SW14. Fun-based learning run by qualified teachers. The School also organises monthly Saturday playgroups for 0-5 year olds and their Dutch-speaking parent(s) in SW14. info@richmonddutchschool.org.uk

•KIDS CAMPS •PERSONAL TRAINING •WOMEN’S FOOTBALL •MIXED CIRCUITS •TODDLER FIT FUN • KIDS PARTIES •PRIVATE GROUPS •POST NATAL FIT MUMS •AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Visit www.openairfit.com for more information, to see our weekly calendar and to book onto the Kids Camps.

To discuss any training requirements or set up a private group for your friends or children just call or email.

07930 272 572 OPENAIRFITUK@GMAIL.COM

September 2014

®

23

Clubs & classes feature Young Stars

Paint Pots

Youngstars classes and holiday camps offer an allinclusive and non-competitive environment with every game, drill and exercise designed to improve coordination, awareness, motor skills and above all teamwork. Could your little one be the next sporting star? Ages 3-7 years, venues in Balham and Putney. 0845 222 1313 www.young-stars.co.uk, info@young-stars.co.uk

Montessori Schools and Creative Classes Paint Pots Montessori Schools are delighted to announce the opening of their Montessori Nursery School at The Boltons Church Hall, SW10 9TB, for 2 yrs 6 mths-5 yrs. Through the Montessori materials and environment, the children develop their independence, concentration, confidence and creativity as well as their social, language and

Cindy’s Swim School Adult and Baby classes are small and use songs to help babies learn in a fun environment, while

Paint Pots

Cindy’s Swim school children’s classes start at age 3 and cater for all abilities up to Stage 5. Swimming lessons across Tooting, Balham and Streatham. They also have a swim squad for Stage 5 and up, plus holiday courses. 07902 782 675 www.cindysswimschool.co.uk, info@cindysswimschool.co.uk

Back to school and get back on the tennis courts

motor skills. Paint Pots House Creative Classes The Boltons continue to offer a variety of classes including treasure baskets, heuristic play, art, crafts, music, yoga and early Montessori. Georgina Hood, Founder and Principal, with a history in Early years Education spanning over two decades, is actively involved in the creative classes. She teaches the baby classes weekly and also delivers the Empowered Parenting course. www.paint-pots.co.uk

Perform Perform drama, dance and singing workshops opened a brand new branch in Raynes Park in the spring. Perform helps children develop

All Star Tennis has courts and runs tennis programmes for adults and children all year in six venues in Wandsworth.

Beginners to advanced players are all able to take advantage of All Star courses, leagues, social and

Perform drama confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration skills whilst being the best fun of the week. Classes are on Mondays.

All Star Tennis cardio tennis. For children there are toddler courses, after school clubs, Saturday clubs as well as half term holiday camps. They also offer individual coaching for all ages and abilities or you and your family can just pay and play.

Courses are based on the nationally recognised LTA Mini Tennis Scheme whereby the children enter a programme that follows certain skills.

There are red and orange levels from 3 years old upwards and the green level progresses the more competent players to full court tennis.

For more information go to www.allstartennis.co.uk

24

To take advantage of a special reader offer please call 0845 400 4000 to book your child's free Trial Lesson. And if your child would like to continue then you can claim a special £40 discount on your child's first ten sessions quote FAMI011014.

Perform classes are in Balham, Chelsea, Clapham, Earlsfield, East Sheen, Fulham, Kensington, Kew, Pimlico, Putney, Streatham, Wimbledon.

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Jigsaw run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Jigsaw focuses on having fun and building confidence through

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Clubs & classes feature weekly ingredients come from and how they grow, and even grow their own crop each term!

Book your trial class 07825 788 446 www.cookease.org.uk info@cookease.org.uk

Tumble Tots Tumble Tots is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year and are winners of the prestigious Tommy's Award for the best provider of children's activity for yet another year!

“We are so proud of this award as after all these years we really do strive to offer the best possible service and to be recognised and appreciated is fantastic!”

Call Julia on 020 8464 4433 Julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com

Bilingual Beats

Playball multi-activity program engaging performing arts activities. Two week trial available. In Wimbledon and Balham, check website for times according to ages.

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Playball The aim of Playball is to introduce young children to constructive and enjoyable movement skills through a multi-activity program. They believe that creating a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity at an early age is the key to lifelong participation. The program follows a holistic approach and offers learning opportunities and experiences relating to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of the child. 020 8123 2217 gavin@playball-London.com www.playball-London.com

Club Petit Pierrot Jigsaw Disco Divas

Kensington Ballet The school caters for children aged 18 months to 9 years and provides a fun but structured introduction to the joys of dance. Kensington, South Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge and now a new pre-school ballet class in Studdrige St, Fulham one class for 2-6yrs and one for 10mths 4yrs. 07957 650 042 www.kensingtonballet.com

Bilingual Beats is a programme where children can learn a foreign language AND music at the same time. They started offering Spanish but are now adding French into their curriculum. It s the only programme that deliberately aims to develop foreign language and music skills. Classes are carried out with live music, and the teachers are native musicians of the language they teach.

Venues in Kensington, Chelsea and Wandsworth. www.bilingualbeats.com info@bilingualbeats.com

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Wimbledon Classes for all ages (4yrs - 18yrs) and all abilities (beginners to advanced). Whether you want to build confidence, learn new skills, perform professionally or just to have fun, Stagecoach

Songs, rhymes, dances, fun language games, roleplay, sensorial activities, arts & crafts, cooking, puppets… Established in 1993, the ever-popular Club Petit Pierrot, with its stimulating and innovative programme, offers fun French lessons for children across London. Parent & toddler groups (from 8 months old), after-school lessons (up to 8 years old), Saturdays & Holiday Clubs. www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 020 7385 5565 to book a *FREE TRIAL LESSON* or e-mail admincpp@btconnect.com Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express & Time Out.

SportFusion SportsFusion provides sports services for children aged 3-14yrs. They hold weekly football programmes, school holiday activities, themed birthday parties and more. SportsFusion focus on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, development, discipline and of course - fun! 07857 501 004 www.sportsfusionuk.co.uk

Carmela Guida

Stagecoach Wimbledon

The school offers Royal Academy of Dance Ballet classes for toddlers aged 2½ years upwards to all major ballet levels in a warm and friendly environment. Inspiring confidence, creativity & artistry. They provide academic dance courses with examinations and performances but also cater for those that simply want to join in and have some fun whilst exercising. In Wimbledon and East Putney. 07886 390 869 www.carmelaguidaballet.co.uk

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Cookease

Cookease Weekly Cookery Classes For 2-4 Year Olds A great fun class, teaching children important cooking skills together with an early introduction to all food types, in a relaxed home environment.

The toddlers enjoy rolling, mixing and creating some delicious recipes which soon become family mealtime favourites. They also learn where the

Wimbledon has a class to suit you.

“A very positive, creative and fun atmosphere where all students enjoy the standard of excellence seen throughout .........students thrive in this vibrant school” Comments from the recent inspection at Stagecoach Wimbledon.

New classes starting September.

For more information or to book a free trial phone 020 8946 3400, wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

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Clubs & classes feature Il Club Italiano Italian for children aged 3-11, 4 to 5pm Thursdays: Fulham STEFANIA Also: Italian for adults Tel: 020 8748 6418 in Barnes and Richmond

Cost: £363 per year.

www.italianlearning.co.uk www.racc.ac.uk Italian for adults classes in Richmond.

Amanda’s Action Club Action Club is a unique and stimulating fitness and music programme for children aged 4 months to 4 years. Using their modern nursery rhymes and versatile props, they provide endless interactive activities. They dance, they sing, they help you learn through the music and most importantly of all you have fun. 01895 623999 www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

Stagecoach Battersea They offer top quality, upbeat classes in street dance, acting and singing on Saturdays and Sundays during term-time. Based at Honeywell School with excellent performance opportunities and

The Southfields School of Ballet Let them introduce your child to the beautiful art of Ballet in a fun and inspirational environment allowing them to experience the joy of good quality Dance training. Creative Music and Movement classes from 2.5 years and RAD examination classes from 6 years and up. schoolofballet.org.uk Eliane Gerhard BA(Hons) LRAD AIDTA 07977 975 408/01342 811 539 www.leclubtricolore.co.uk

Musikgarten The leading early childhood music education in Germany and North America. Now available in Wimbledon they offer music classes for little ones (0-5) in either German or English. Learn how to get actively involved in musical play and lay a musical foundation for your child in a friendly and stimulating environment. www.MusikgartenWimbledon.co.uk

Rugbytots

Stagecoach Battersea brilliant confidence building activities! LAMDA acting exams also offered. 020 8946 2986 www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea Battersea@stagecoach.co.uk

Due to demand, Rugbytots has new classes in Fulham, Putney & Wandsworth from September.

Rugbytots is the UK's first play programme for 2 – 7 years olds, which focuses upon developing your child's motor skills in a fun, enthusiastic and energetic environment, classes throughout SW London. Book online at www.rugbytots.co.uk Contact Lorna 0845 481 6444 or lorna@rugbytots.co.uk

Little Gym

Le Club Français FUN FRENCH FOR CHILDREN FROM 3-11yrs In school teaching for Keystage 2 children We arrange Clubs for Nursery, Primary Schools for lunch and after School

Call 07918 156831 or 020 8542 2709 for details

FOOTSTEPS School of Dance and Drama Principal Maryrose Meadwell, RAD Registered, AISTD. STSD. LGSM.

Established 1983

EXPERT IMAGINATIVE CLASSES in PRE SCHOOL DANCING from 21/2 years.

Speech & Drama. Classical Ballet. Tap & Jazz.

Coaching, FestivalsGrades 100% pass rate. West Wimbledon SW20

020 8540 3090

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The Little Gym offers a diverse range of activities filled with movement, music, learning and laughter.

Their age-appropriate sessions, where children from four months to 12 years progress at their own pace, are designed to enable them to build their confidence and have fun as they develop their skills. Please contact them to arrange your free introductory class. 020 8874 6567 wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk

Funky Monkey Keyboard classes Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are expanding into SW London in 2014/5 and are offering a completely FREE TRIAL at their new centre in Battersea on Saturday 13th September from 10am.

They also have classes in Streatham/Brixton for beginners (4-8 years), teaching to read, write music and play the electronic keyboard to first grade. 0800 107 7949 www.funkymonkey.info

Le Club Tricolore

Monkey Music

This buzzing French language club was founded in 1987 by Teresa Scibor, experienced teacher, author and retired languages examiner. Her unique method allows children and adults to absorb French naturally and with a good accent. Now, only based Between the Commons, Teresa runs weekly immersion French classes for Tots with art and craft plus fun French groups for older children.

For adults, she runs The French Cocktail Party plus the French Coffee Morning. Private tuition available for adults and children alike (for exams or leisure). Teresa 07889 967 003 info@leclubtricolore.co.uk

Book your first free award-winning Monkey Music class while places are still available across SW London. Visit their website, enter in your post-code and find your nearest fun filled session. Classes are for 3mths to 4yrs, last 30mins, and are packed with great activities, music to dance to, and interactive props and instruments for the children to play. All teachers are trained to an exacting standard and are DBS checked. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Clubs & classes feature Junior Golf after school clubs Give your children the best possible start in golf, with Central London Golf Centre five-week beginner’s lessons. Your child will learn all the basic fundamentals through to the full swing. The course is structured around the golf passport, the highly successful programme designed by the Golf Foundation. All equipment needed is provided.

Blue Wave swim school

Blue Wave Swim school They offer private and group swimming lessons on Mon, Fri, & Sat afternoons, at two venues; Burntwood School (SW17 0AQ) and Wimbledon College (SW19 4NS). They provide “Parent and Child” classes for under 3s and lessons for preschool & school-aged children. Their team of qualified and experienced teachers can help every child through their ‘Learn to Swim’ journey. 020 8090 1415 www.bluewaveswim.co.uk

Music’all A dynamic music school running on Saturdays in Parsons Green, Fulham. They provide high quality, affordable music tuition in a wide range of instruments. Classes from foundation to advanced (bursaries available). Pupils also take part in communal music making: choirs, ensembles & orchestras. 07590 691265 www.musicall.org.uk

Ecole de Danse Balham Jean-Pascal Cabardos of the Ecole de Danse in Balham is an acclaimed ballet teacher and dance professional. J.P trained and performed as a professional dancer at Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and Deutsche Oper Berlin Ballett, going on to teach at the English National Ballet School. Ecole de Danse is offering a range of classes to all levels from 2 years to 72. www.ecolededanseofbalham.co.uk

Musical Express A fun music and movement class for children aged 9 months to 4 years. Children get to play percussion instruments plus puppets and games with a different theme each week from fish and lycra to the weather. Call Alison on 07808 587606 www.musicalexpress.co.uk

Club Italiano During these classes, the focus is on speaking Italian.

Most children have one parent who speaks Italian.

Each week a new theme is introduced and they learn through action songs, role play and structured activities. Basic reading and writing is covered for older children. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. £363 per year. For 3 to 10 yr olds, in Fulham.

Stefania 020 8748 6418.

Ofsted Registered We accept Childcare Vouchers

Junior Golf after school clubs For 6-16 years. 5 week x 1 hour group lessons £50. Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Free Junior Golf Tasters 1-2pm every Sunday.

Burntwood Lane London SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk

Ridgway Stables They offer a range of activities to suit all children: 4 year olds can start with half hour private lessons and more experienced children can join a very popular Saturday Club where they ride and learn how to care for the ponies. There is hacking after school on Sundays, plus four day courses over the half term.

Mums can go on an intensive midweek ‘Learn to Ride in a Day’ course. Call Julia 020 8946 7400. www.ridgwaystables.co.uk

Try Time Rugby Rugby-based games and activities increase kids enjoyment of sport as well as develop them physically.

Try Time Rugby believe passionately that their rugby play sessions will give children the attributes they will need to go on and play the next level of rugby... or indeed any sport. From 2yrs to 7yrs old.

01252 794150 www.trytime kidsrugby.com Ridgway Stables

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Clubs & classes feature Mini-Engineers LEGO workshops A Wimbledon mum recently launched a new kind of after school activity: Lego classes!

Mini-Engineers is a children’s Innovation and Inspiration Lab (“iLab”). They offer weekly LEGO classes, holiday LEGO camps, specialised LEGO Mini-Engineers Lego workshops workshops and LEGO birthday parties for children ages 5 to 11 years. In South Kensington and Wimbledon. “Inspiring young minds is at the heart of everything we do!” www.mini-engineers.com

LANGUAGES

Swimway

SwimWay SwimWay, one of the leading home visit swimming schools in London, provides swimming lessons to babies and adults in exclusive private developments, homes, schools and gyms around London, as well as seven sites open to the general public. They are located in Putney, Knightsbridge, Kew Gardens, Streatham Hill, Wimbledon/Southfields, Bloomsbury and East Sheen. In the comfort of an exclusive venue, SwimWay provide half hour semi-private lessons and private lessons only and without using any floatation aid.

These small classes ensure a more personal lesson, with more individual attention for each student in the class. Autumn term in Wimbledon starts on the 1st of September. info@swimway.co.uk, 020 88713972 www.swimway.co.uk

CREATIVE CLASSES

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Clubs & classes feature

MUSIC

September 2014

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SPORT

CREATIVE CLASSES

We specialise in:

Cindy’s Swim School is focused on delivering a variety of personalised lessons to local families.

We have a passion for swimming instruction and practice within a structured and safe environment.

Our swimmers learn the joys of swimming and stroke technique with programmes incorporating games and exercise to improve each swimmer’s confidence in the water.

• Ha lf-term • Sw im Clu Crash Cour ses bs for adva m • Ho nced swimm ore liday C ers rash C ourses

SPORT

• Adult and Baby lessons • Toddler lessons • Learn To Swim classes • Pre-Club Squad Training for Children • Adult Beginners and Intermediate Training

cindy@cindysswimschool.co.uk 07902 782675

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SPORT

September 2014

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Clubs & classes feature

SPORT

Children’s private lessons and hacking from 4yrs old Saturday Club and After School Riding on Wimbledon Common Half term and Holiday courses

Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway Wimbledon Village SW19 4SU Tel 020 8946 7400 www.ridgwaystables.co.uk ridgwaystables@freeuk.com

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

DRAMA

TUITION

Clubs & classes feature

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

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

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

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2986 5727 7791 7050 3502 3400

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DANCE & DRAMA

Clubs & classes feature

For more local Clubs and Classes visit our Online Directories Go to FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/Directory

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

DANCE

Clubs & classes feature

Carmela Guida’s School of Ballet The Dance Lab 63 Upper Richmond Rd, East Putney, SW15 2RD Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish 9 Cresent Gardens, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8AJ

To arrange a free trial class visit:

www.carmelaguidaballet.co.uk

September 2014

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What’s On

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

The Ambassadors Theatre WC2H 9ND www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Stomp Celebrating its 10th sensational year, Stomp is fresher, faster and funnier than ever before. £26-£52.50 To 17 September Selfie/Private Peaceful/Macbeth The National Youth Theatre in their annual Rep Season: Selfie - a radical re-telling of the Dorian Gray story for the selfie generation; Private Peaceful, the rarelyperformed ensemble version of the stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel; Macbeth – Shakespeare’s play, set in pre-WW1 AustriaHungary. Times and dates vary From 17 September

Arts Theatre WC2H 7JB artstheatrewestend.co.uk Some Girl I Used To Know A hilarious and touching one-woman musical play about life and love, featuring a party mix tape of songs from the 80s and 90s including Culture Club and Soft Cell.

This feel-good romantic comedy stars and is cowritten by Denise Van Outen. £15-£49.50 To 13 September

Artsdepot Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk Hey Presto! Presto the cat is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty the dog join a funfair and start a magic show, things look good for the duo. A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs, this is the perfect treat for everyone aged 3 and up. 11am and 2pm, £7 21 September Comedy Club 4 Kids The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits!

Age 6+, 12pm and 2.30pm, £7 14 September

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN bac.org.uk Major Tom Major Tom is the true story of how an average 34 year-old and her unruly Basset Hound, Major Tom, became a beauty queen and a champion show dog. Ages 14+ 7.30pm, £15/£12 15-27 September Karaoke Deadpan, vapid and gleefully strung out, Karaoke is a performance about love and rockets for two performers and an autocue. Age 14+, 8.30pm, £12/£9 29 September – 18 October

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

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Museum of London London Wall EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Discover the history of London at this fantastic, free museum that tells the story of the world's greatest city and its people. Take an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past - discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach.

This autumn the Museum of London unveils the new home for the London 2012 Cauldron, exploring the history of this iconic symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and celebrating its cutting edge design. And don’t miss their exciting new exhibition delving into the mind of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. The Man Who Never Lived And Will Never Die runs until April 2015, asking questions such as who is Sherlock Holmes, and why does he still conjure up such enduring fascination. Going beyond film and fiction, visitors to the museum will be transported to the real Victorian London – the backdrop for many of Conan Doyle’s stories. Through early film, photography and original artefacts, the exhibition will recreate the atmosphere of Sherlock’s London, with visitors able to envisage the places that the detective visited and imagine they are standing on the pavement of the Strand watching the horse-drawn traffic pass by.

Along with Mini Moles storytime for babies, Little Mudlarks toddler group, a packed schedule of holiday activities and workshops for children, plus guided historical walks to uncover the secrets of the city on foot, the Museum of London is a true treasure trove in our city. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s well worth a visit.

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LOVES!

Chicken Shed

The New Wimbledon Theatre

Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk Chickenshed's 10K Challenge and 3K Family Fun Run 2014 A fantastic way to get fit and help to raise money for local charity Miche’s Youth Band Legacy Fund. Jog, walk or cycle from Chickenshed through a beautiful trailed track in Trent Park in Enfield. The 3k route goes through Bramley Sports Ground and is accessible for all, including wheelchairs and pushchairs. Family teams are welcome. 10am registration, £8 adults/£4 children, sponsorship £25 per adult (minimum), free for children. Go to website to register 5 October

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre Annie Get Your Gun When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show comes to town, it only takes one glance for sharp-shooting country girl Annie Oakley to fall head over heels for its star marksman. Both have truly met their match, revealing their competitive natures as they vie for best shot - and each other’s hearts. £13.40-£41.90 9-13 September

Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN Littleangeltheatre.com Fantastic Mr Fox Mr Fox has three very nasty enemies, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. However, Mr. Fox is much cleverer than they are and has a cunning plan of his own. Roald Dahl’s classic tale of wit and determination is brought to life with ingenious puppets and enchanting music.

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am & 1pm, Fridays at 1pm & 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am & 2pm, £14/£12 Every Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 13 September

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com Sparkle Welcome aboard for a sparkling adventure around the Islands of Objects. Meet the fantastic creatures living there and keep a look out for hidden treasure. An interactive performance and play session for babies and young children. 6 months–2 years, 24–26 Sep; 3–4 years, 27–28 Sep. Joint ticket (1 adult & 1 child) £22/£17 24-28 September We're Going on a Bear Hunt Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure comes to life in this entrancing puppetry production from Little Angel Theatre, directed by Peter Glanville and with music and lyrics by celebrated singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Age 3–7, £13.50/£10 24 September - 12 October

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s On Putney Arts Theatre SW15 6AW putneyartstheatre.org.uk Bront Emily, Charlotte and Anne, along with some of their most famous characters, are brought thrillingly to life in this absorbing and imaginative piece of theatre. 7.45pm 9-13 September Stepping Out Tap your troubles away with this sparkling smash-hit comedy, as a troop of amateur dancers struggle with the steps, with each other and with everything life has to throw at them. 7.45pm 23-27 September

Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Shoe Baby Based on the popular children's book by Joyce Dunbar, a magical show and sing-a-long adventure about a baby who takes to the sea, the air and the zoo, all in a shoe. Ages 2-6, 30 minute show plus 15 minutes of meeting the puppets, 11am and 1pm, £8 20 September The Tap Dancing Mermaid Gather round for the Moon’s marvellous story about a curious dancer who appears in the nighttime. With live music, puppets and tap dancing. Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm, £8 27 September Mucky Pup A funny and engaging story about a tidy boy, a scruffy dog and a very special friendship. Ages 5-11, £8 3-4 October Pied Piper A mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling, this one person show will have audiences young and old falling under the Pied Piper's spell. Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm, £8 11 October

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Primary Proms The London Primary Proms provide children aged 4-11 with the opportunity to experience live music in a major concert hall, inspiring and motivating the next generation of music-makers. 10.45am, 2pm 13 October

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com Royal Swedish Ballet - Mats Ek’s Juliet & Romeo The world’s fourth oldest ballet company performs in London for the first time since 1995. Making its UK premiere this autumn, Ek’s Juliet & Romeo brings a quirky twist to this much-loved ballet. 7.30pm, £12-£45 24-27 September

The Southbank Centre Belvedere Road SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk 1-3 Sept Ready, Steady, Ceilidh! Learn the secrets of Scotland’s most famous shindig – and get up and dance.

Festival of Love A festival of comedy, circus and family shows To 7 September 7 Sept Monski mouse’s baby disco dance hall. Parents and under-5s are let loose on the dance floor in this friendliest of discos. DJ Monski Mouse and her team bring high-energy smiling to the Spiegeltent, spinning retro hits and funky nursery rhymes. For ages 0 – 5, accompanied by an adult.

13-28 Sep AliMcGregor’s Jazzamatazz An afternoon of jumpin’, jivin’ jazz for kids, led by cabaret star Ali McGregor. An hour of jazzy beats to get the kids singing and dancing with two dance teachers. Parents and friends welcome to join in!

21 Sept Darbar- Children’s Sitar. A sitar workshop for children with Jasdeep Degun. The leading sitar maestro explains in child-friendly language the raga tradition and the sitar's place as an iconic Indian instrument. Children also get the chance to hold the sitar and play basic notes.

12.30 – 1.15pm and 1.15 – 2pm. FREE. 21 Sept Children’s Indian Singing Tofail Ahmed, Indian classical vocal teacher leads a session for children on singing Indian ragas from the basics.

Children can explore the building blocks of Indian ragas and find out how to sing raga-based compositions. FREE

Catherine Street WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes. From £16.50 Throughout September

September 2014

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What’s On

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

The Unicorn Theatre

Bank of England museum

National Maritime Museum

147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com Seesaw Being little can be hard work. There are holes to dig, sand castles to make, treasures to find, adventures to be had. It's much easier when you have a friend to help. But what if making friends is hard work too? Age 2+, £10-£16 6 September – 2 November Tales from the MP3 Young people from the award-winning 20 Stories High tell each other's true stories straight from their MP3 players. As they hear the words in their headphones, the performers deliver line for line to the audience what they are hearing – live. Age 13+, £10-£16 11-13 September The Secret Life of Suitcases Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and putting things in order. But one day a suitcase appears at his door with Larry’s name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... Age 4+, £10-£16 18 September – 12 October Something Very Far Away Kepler is an ordinary man who loves two things beyond all others: the cosmos and his wife Tomasina. After a sudden and tragic loss, he looks to the stars for answers and journeys deep into space to keep the thing most precious to him alive. A moving tale of love, loss, space and time that uses puppetry, music, sound and live animation to create a unique performance that will enchant children and adults alike. Age 8+, £10-£16 20-28 September How Nigeria Became: A Story, and a Spear That Didn’t Work It's 1914, and Nigeria is about

EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk Your money: what the bank does: A new permanent display which explains the role of the Bank of England in today's economy. The display looks at how the Bank maintains the value of your money, and how it protects the financial system from economic shocks. until 31 Dec The first world war and the bank of England. The impact the Great War had on the economy, and its effects on the Bank of England and its staff.

20 - 21 Sept Open House London weekend.

Enjoy 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank not generally accessible to the public. No booking required. 9:30am - 5pm

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

by Henry VIII and became the Corporation of Trinity House, with instructions to improve the safety of navigation on the Thames. FREE

The Design Museum 28 Shad Thames SE1 2YD designmuseum.org Extraordinary Stories About Ordinary Things Discover key designs that have shaped the modern world and be inspired by this fascinating exhibition of memorable objects from the Design Museum Collection. £11.85/under 12s free

The Florence Nightingale Museum 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Miss Nightingale Said An illustrated talk given by one of the museum’s curatorial team examining the incredible life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. 3.30pm, £5.80/£4.80 Every Wednesday from 3 September

The London Transport Museum Covent Garden WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Goodbye Piccadilly - from Home Front to Western Front New exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War, revealing the untold story of London’s Home Front

The Museum Of London

to be formed. Herbert and his well-known troupe of female actors are preparing to stage a story for the British Governor and his wife. Age 8+, £10-£16 9 October – 9 November

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

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

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London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sherlock Holmes - The Man Who Never Lived and Will Never Die An exciting new exhibition delving into the mind of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes 17 October – 12 April 2015 The London 2012 Cauldron A new home for the London 2012 Cauldron tells the story of this iconic symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition celebrates Thomas Heatherwick’s cutting edge design and the unforgettable moment it was revealed to the world during the Olympic opening ceremony Throughout September FREE Museum Explored Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the galleries through fun, handson activities. 11am and 2pm Every Sunday in September FREE

The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Sensational Butterflies Experience the wonder of walking among hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Wander through a tropical enclosure, discovering the science behind these delicate creatures and their amazing life cycles as they evolve from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. £6-£10 To 14 September Lates with MasterCard Visit the Museum after hours and experience London’s most unique Friday night out. 6-10.30pm 26 September FREE Science Uncovered For one night only, Science Uncovered is your chance to discover more about the latest research, meet scientists, and enjoy a drink in the grand setting of the Museum’s Hintze Hall. Following the success of previous years’ events, this unique free evening promises to be even better with new science and a rich programme to get involved in. 4pm-10.30pm 26 September FREE Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Dino Snores is for children aged 7–11 years old. 7pm, ends 9.50am the following day, £52/members £47 20 September Mammoths: Ice Age Giants The mammoths are coming! Enter the amazing world of some of the largest creatures to ever walk the earth in Mammoths: Ice Age Giants at the Natural History Museum this summer. See huge fossils and life-size models of mammoths, and square up to the powerful trunks and tusks of these great beasts. £10/£6 Throughout September

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD sciencemuseum.org.uk The Rubbish Collection What does one month of ‘rubbish’ from one institution look like? Discover the beauty, value and volume of what we throw away. A unique two-part exhibition is to use 30 days’ worth of the Science Museum’s waste to expose the beauty, value and volume of what we call ‘rubbish’ To 14 September FREE

The National Gallery

V&A Museum of Childhood

Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm, age 5-11 Every Sunday in September FREE Making Colour Take a journey through the history of colour. Follow a family trail, explore the properties of colour and the materials used to create colour in paintings. £8, under 16s free To 7 September

Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk The Great Diary Project Using documents from The Great Diary Project archive, this exhibition offers unique insights into the lives of children and teenagers at particular moments in history To 12 October FREE Toy Stories A display of photographs which

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s On

Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk explores the role of toys in the lives of children around the world, reflecting the impact of the children’s backgrounds and families on their choice of toys To 14 December FREE Family Fun Fridays Join them for a day of creative fun. Drop in, all ages 11am-4pm Every Friday in September FREE

Wandsworth Museum 38 West Hill SW18 1RX www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Ready, Steady, Play! Playtime and songs for little ones 6 months–3 years. 10.15–11am, £3 Every Thursday in September

The Victoria And Albert Museum SW7 2RL vam.ac.uk Wedding Dresses 1775–2014 Trace the eternal fashion of the wedding dress and discover the most romantic, glamorous and iconic dresses from the last 200 years. This magical exhibition highlights exceptional craftsmanship and brings together couture and designer-made wedding garments from key fashion designers including Charles James, Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang. From £8 To 15 March

Days Out

Antique lace tiara by Philip Tracey, London, 2008.

Private Collection (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 11 September. Summer Film Series – Singin’ in the Rain See this classic movie under the stars, 7.45pm, gates open 6.15pm, £12.50/£8.50, book at www.whereisthenomad.com 27-28 September. The Country Life Fair Exhibitors from all over the country offering the chance to sample, taste, try and buy everything from the latest clothing, equipment, cars, gadgets, food and wine as well as investigate holidays, spas and property. 10am-5pm

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

Kensington Palace

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo SW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.uk With a zoo, animal encounters, play area and café, a visit to the world famous Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a must.

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

Kensington Gardens W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Glorious George ll Take your place among the glitterati of court, where they play host to some of the greatest minds in the kingdom. Become a courtier for the day, indulge in gossip and gambling, listen to beautiful Georgian music, and even help Queen Caroline get dressed in the morning!

Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Great British Walk Launch Event Explore the beautiful park on foot and join regular guided walks throughout the day. A chance to find out more about Morden Hall's regular programme of walks throughout the Great British Walking Festival.

11am-3pm 7 September FREE

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See more events in our online What’s On calendar

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

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

Bees Knees Nursery School

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

12 Priory Lane, Putney SW15 5JQ Tel: 020 8876 8252

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

A caring, lively, happy and stimulating environment for 2-5 year olds (Two year old grants available)

Contact: Jill Pearce Phone: 020 8166 5932 jill@oaktreenurseryschoolltd.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

September 2014

“All my children have loved this very special nursery” ®

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

Check website for dates during school holidays Longitude Punk’d Celebrating the creations of wacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and elegant explorers of the 18th Century. The Royal Observatory Greenwich have commissioned nine UK ‘Steampunk’ artists to create new works inspired by the technical inventions that were presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828. £16/£12 To 4 January 2015

The Tower Of London Tower Hill EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Fortress Tower Welcome to the greatest fortress in the land! Knights and squires prepare to do battle for the Kingdom of France. Admission fees apply Throughout September

The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Family Bat Walks See these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics.

Bat detectors help you identify the species that are swooping around, while you listen to them ‘chattering’ as they hunt for food. Adults and children over 8 years, 7–8.50pm, £10 includes admission to the centre 5 September Introduction to Wildlife Photography Confused or frustrated by the settings on your camera and want to take control of your photographic creativity? This is the course for you.

Photographer and author Iain Green will guide you through your camera’s various automatic settings and then show you how to turn off the 'automatic' mode but still get fantastic photos. 10am–4pm, £55 + admission 12 September Wildlife photography: Intermediate Skills If you already understand how your camera works but want to fine-tune your pictures of the natural world then this is the ideal course. Based both in the classroom and outside you will explore various advanced techniques and subjects. 10am–4pm, £55 + admission 27 September

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

Birtley House Estate Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0LE www.surreyhillswoodfair.co.uk Surrey Hills Wood Fair Looking for the perfect day out to entertain the family? Why not try the Surrey Hills Wood Fair this autumn. 10am-5pm, £7.50/£7 4-5 October

Chiddingstone Castle Hill Hoath Road, Kent TN8 7AD www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Country Fair

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Celebrating the traditions of our countryside and the country sports associated with it. A packed programme of exciting and entertaining activities and displays including an Exemption Dog show with a number of fun classes for young and old – dogs and handlers! 11am-5pm, £3/£1 14 September

September, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio) Bumps and Babes. Every Friday in September, 10.30am–12pm, Wimbledon Park Pavilion Post-natal meet up. Every Friday in September, 1.30–3.30pm at Mood Food Café, 131 Penwith Rd, Earlsfield, SW18 4PZ

Clandon Park

Royal Opera House

West Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park Pony Magic Pony rides for children. A truly magical experience with safe ponies and experienced handlers.

Children will be led along a 3-5 minute ride, suitable for 2-11 year olds. 12-4pm. Admission fees + £2.50 per ride 14 September

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

12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway

French Coffee Morning

Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6HT www.flmr.org Running Day Miniature trains will be running, 11am-5pm. Single ride £1 7 September

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

Hever Castle & Gardens

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk Country Life at the Castle A celebration of country living in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside. Demonstrations from skilled craftspeople, local craft and food stalls, art and photography displays. Features the annual Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition with workshops for children and adult beginners 12-14 September

SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday of September. Family Sundays Enjoy being creative together in these drop-in Artplay sessions, making everything from bunting to block prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm, no booking necessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or £3 per child 21 September. One-Day Portfolio Preparation Workshop: Life Drawing Intensive one-day course for ages 15-18. 10.30am-4pm, £40

Leeds Castle

Fulham Palace

Maidstone ME17 1PL leeds-castle.com Knight’s Glamping Escape to the countryside for a glamorous camping holiday with a difference.

Eight splendid striped pavilions based on a Medieval design form a 'village' on the one-acre castle vineyard. From £185 To 30 September

SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 September. The Palace Explorers For children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. Booking essential 3 and 14 September. Monthly Historical Tours Learn the secrets of Fulham Palace on this Historical Tour through the grounds and public rooms of the Palace. £5, no booking necessary, 2pm 11 September. Summer Film Series – Singin’ in the Rain See this classic movie under the stars, 7.45pm, gates open 6.15pm, adult £12.50/concessions £8.50, book at www.whereisthenomad.com 27-28 September. The Country Life Fair Exhibitors from all over the country offering the chance to sample, taste, try and buy everything from the latest clothing, equipment, cars, gadgets, food and wine as well as investigate holidays, spas and property. 10am-5pm

Mizens Railway Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2JW www.mizensrailway.co.uk Running Day Miniature train rides for ages 1+, 25pm Every Sunday in September

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

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworth www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com Monday Munchkins. Every Monday in September, 10am-12pm at Elim Church, High Path, South Wimbledon Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday in

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses SE24 9BJ www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 6 September. Nature Explorers A monthly nature club for ages 7-12 years. Bird expert Paul Roper will be back with his mist nets and bird ringing kit. Come along and get a bird’s eye view of some of the Park’s wildlife! New members welcome. Requested donation £2, 10am-12noon 17 September. Secret Squirrels Activities for Pre-Schoolers Can you spot the cheekiest residents in their garden? Follow the acorn trail,

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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What’s On

Families ‘top five’ this month This month we have picked out our top exhibitions for children. If you are going to see anything this month see these... Put them in your autumn diaries now!

Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, www.nhm.ac.uk Experience the dramatic story of ancient Britain, its changing landscapes and the people who lived here. As you meet the earliest occupants of what we now call Britain, a landscape emerges of a lost world where mammoths, elephants and rhinos roamed freely. It's hard to believe that around 125,000 years ago, lions lived in Trafalgar Square and hippos swam in the Thames. See a skull from the earliest known Neanderthal in Britain, the oldest wooden spear in the world, the largest hand axe in Europe and other remarkable objects from our past. Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £9/£4.50, to 28 September

Hoxnian anters, bones & hand axe from Swanscombe © NHM

The Rubbish Collection Science Museum, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, sciencemuseum.org.uk What does one month of ‘rubbish’ from one institution look like? Discover the beauty, value and volume of ‘rubbish’ we produce in this unique two-part exhibition, which traces the journey of waste generated by the Museum over 30 days, as part of their Climate Changing programme. The exhibition exposes the materials, the volume and the intrigue surrounding what we think of as ‘rubbish’, before it continues its onward journey to be recycled.

To 14 September, FREE

Artist J oshua Sofaer - The R © Scie nce Mu ubbish Collec seum tion

Daydreams and Diaries - The Story of Jacqueline Wilson V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This exhibition celebrates all things Jacqueline Wilson, giving you a chance to find out about her childhood, early career and what inspires her to write. See original notebooks along with childhood toys, school reports and diaries, and there are also extracts and illustrations from some of her best-loved books including The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Illustrated Mum and Hetty Feather. Find out about the inspiration behind them and hear how they have changed the lives of some of their readers. You can also explore a re-creation of Jacqueline's childhood bedroom or make notes for your first novel on a chaise longue just like hers! To 2 November, free

Wedding Dresses 1775–2014 The Victoria And Albert Museum, SW7 2RL, vam.ac.uk Trace the eternal fashion of the wedding dress and discover the most romantic, glamorous and iconic dresses from the last 200 years. This magical exhibition highlights exceptional craftsmanship and brings together couture and designer-made wedding garments from key fashion designers including John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang. Share the stories behind the outfits and celebrate the most comprehensive, nostalgic and evocative collection of wedding dresses and bridal fashions ever.

From £8, to 15 March

Goodbye Piccadilly – from Home Front to Western Front The London Transport Museum, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, www.ltmuseum.co.uk This major exhibition reveals the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital. Goodbye Piccadilly presents London Transport Museum’s unique perspective on the First World War, exploring how the conflict accelerated social change, how it impacted on the lives of Londoners and the essential role undertaken by bus service staff and buses in the war effort, both at home and abroad. To 8 March, free with general admission ticket

Goodbye Piccadilly – from Home Front to Western Front at London Transport Museum

September 2014

®

Jacqueline Wilson with Tracy Beaker © Barry Pells, 2011 for Seven Stories

Pale grey slashed chiffon wedding dress designed by Gareth Pugh and veil by Stephen Jones, 2011.

Courtesy of Katie Shillingford.

Photo © Amy Gwatkin

5% OFF all new client bookings! www.themobilebeautylounge.co.uk Professional, Fully Qualified & Insured Mobile Beauty therapist and Makeup artists.

We pride ourselves in bringing you the pamper you deserve, to the comfort of your own home or venue, at the best time for you.

Book your pamper now!! Call: 07427 169001 contact@themobilebeautylounge.co.uk

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

from p.40

What’s On

create a leaf rubbing tree complete with squirrel resident and make a 3D squirrel model to take home. Free, drop-in. Donations welcome. 10.3011.30am 20 September. Harvest workshop Celebrate harvest in traditional style by learning how to make corn dollies. £5, 10.30-11.30am 28 September. Junior Dig the Park Looking for an enjoyable family activity that will also benefit your local park, teach your children some gardening know-how and keep you all rosycheeked through the autumn months? These family volunteering sessions might be the answer. Dress appropriately and get stuck in. 10.30am-12.30pm

Putney Embankment Art and Craft Market The Embankment, Putney (Between the Thai Square Restaurant and Thames Place) www.facebook.com/artonputneyembankment 7 September An exciting new market showcasing a range of arts and crafts such as paintings, sculpture and photography, wood carvings and furniture from established and emerging artists. 10am–4pm

History of Theatreland Tours Central London location walkingtours@solttma.co.uk 7 September. Official London Theatre’s Theatreland Walking Tour Take in some of London’s quirkier theatrical sights including a Victorian music hall, the first theatre to host a strip show in the entertainment district, the home of Revuedeville variety and London’s most elegant stage door. 2.30pm, £10, age 12+

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com 10 and 24 September. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a well-deserved cup of coffee 10 and 24 September. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

First Aid for Life Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 13 and 18 September. The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Stables Open Day Ranger’s Office, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common SW19 5NR www.wpcc.org.uk 14 September Crafts and stalls, arena events, birds of prey, pony and tractor rides and a Wacky Dog Show amongst other attractions. 10am-5pm, free entry but charges for some attractions such as the Dog Show and Tractor/Pony Rides

Wimbledon Common Nature Club Wimbledon Common 7 September. Shelter Building Learn survival skills and how to build a shelter from branches, twigs and leaves. Meet at the Information Centre, 10 am to 12 noon, 6-14 year olds, £1 registration and £2 per session. Contact Auriel Glanville, Club Leader, for a registration form on 020 8540 6154 Geffrye Museum

Geffrye Museum E2 8EA geffrye-museum.org.uk 19-21 September.

Ceramics in the City This vibrant annual celebration of ceramics returns to the Geffrye Museum, bringing together the work of around 50 selected ceramicists from across the UK. Part of the London Design Festival, 10am - 5pm, free.

Includes creative workshops for children Painted Porcelain, 20 September 2-4pm, and Brilliant Bunting, 21 September, 2-4pm.

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Ly d i e

PARTIES

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

INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATORS

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

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

Design, Painting, Marmorino, Venetian plaster.

Face Painting & Balloon Modelling

MASSIMO ROMANO 07500 894137 mamboromano@tiscali.it

General building maintenance

Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

Reliable Handyman

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

Classified

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

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

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

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

Maths, English, Exam Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE 020 8876 2553 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Public Speaking Speech & Drama, Confidence Building Wimbledon/Vauxhall.

Clare Price. LGSM, LLAM

(020) 7735 3156 www.speechspecialists.co.uk

HEALTH THEO THE MAGICIAN “Voted one of the UK’s Favourite The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB Fun Magic for Children & Adults

07711 724129 www.magictheo.com

Gaia

Clown Pirate Jester Wizard

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

07808 732 390

SERVICES

Astronaut, Magician, Explorer

hair by Emma

Hairdressing at Home - Specialising in low maintenance Highlights, Colour and Cuts at sensible prices. Contact Emma on 07956 418273 gaiahair1@yahoo.com facebook.com/emma.beattie.507

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

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

JOBS

TUITION

Helper required, part-time, freelance.

PIANO TUITION

Credit control and figure work.

You need to be numerate and very good with Excel.

Small office in SW16.

020 8696 9680

September 2014

MUSIC

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

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

Different styles covered.

Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz ®

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk