Families upon Thames issue 76 May-June 2011

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May/June 2011 issue 76

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TWIZZLE PARTIES

We provide the best in children’s party fun and entertainment Recommended by The Observer & Tatler

Magic, games, prizes, balloon modelling and puppet shows for all ages Discos Bouncy castles Fabulous theme parties Table & chair hire; food & party bags We offer a complete party service

020 8789 8392 3232 0860 www.twizzle.co.uk

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT21/10/2010 ALL!

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Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page

Fam-UponThames_QPL-Ad_SE2011.qxd:Perform 01235 533 362

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Photo supplied by 21andco.org.uk

B U I L D C O N F I D E N C E • B O O S T C O N C E N T R AT I O N • M A K E N E W F R I E N D S • H AV E F U N

FREE Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week.

Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1284 or visit perform.org.uk

perform.org.uk

0845 400 1284

Book now fo r our brilliant Peter Pan and A Midsu m m e r N ig ht’s Dream five day sum mer holiday courses!

Check our section atwww.familiesglasgow.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk for regular updates

Home From Home Childminders West Molesey 07990 890463

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Email: emmamiles87@hotmail.com

735 Fulham Road SW6 5UL - tel: 020 7736 2157 322 Richmond Road TW1 2DU - tel: 020 8744 3000 www.pottery-cafe.com

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Where learning’s a ball 340 Little Kickers May11.indd LK Kingston Families Ad.indd 1

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Tickets start from £17. Under 18s FREE. Fine Dining Packages from £115 pp (inc. admission).

Group and Advance Booking Discounts available.

To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk

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03800104_BefairFAM FAMILIES UPONFamiliesUT_130x180.indd THAMES May-June1 2011

23/03/2011 16:00

contents

Summer starts here

Our cover star this time is Amber Morgan, a member of 21&Co, a local charity enhancing the lives of children with Down’s Syndrome and their families. For further information please see their website 21andco.org.uk

Who doesn’t love this time of year? In early summer our family seems to fall in love with our garden all over again as we spend hours enjoying prolonged family meals al fresco. With last year’s unpredictable weather, we even put up two gazebos end-to-end over the tables to avoid any mid-meal dashes back to the house. Yes we simply feasted away, rain or no rain. On one occasion we had an impromptu family party with all three generations and fifteen of us tucking in, woollies at the ready, sheltered from the showers – how British!

With the prospect of all that summer fun ahead it always feels right that this is the issue where we celebrate parties. Turn to page 8 for that and to the back end of the magazine for all our themed listings for days out (page 20), Father’s day (page 14) and planning for the summer ahead (page 18).

Happy Father’s day

4

News and views

7

Summer feet

8

Party planning

11

Inside a theatre school

12

Food for thought

13

Breastfeeding

19th June

14 Father’s day ideas 16 Recommended reads 17

FRANCES LOATES, editor 01932 254584 editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

Summer schemes

20 What’s on

Stagecoach Theatre Arts The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Call your local Stagecoach to enrol Chertsey Hinchley Wood Hounslow Kingston & Surbiton New Malden Richmond

0845 265 7081 01932 254333 0845 078 0804 020 88737140 020 85407791 020 8332 6741

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Staines Twickenham Walton-on-Thames Weybridge

0845 0556356 020 8224 6905 01932 254333 01932 254333

NOW! T C A !

CE N A D !

SING May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES

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news and views... www.forsanityssake.com For Sanity's Sake is a community website for bumps, babies and pre-schoolers with a Daily Calendar of Activities and Events for your Local Area Sign up for free to find out what's going on, plus discounts, reviews and inspiring ideas

KEW LITTLE PIGS Take a look at these cuties! Maybe you have met them already – if not you will do in the coming months. Kew Little Pigs is a new local company whose aim is to educate both children and adults about micro pigs so they can learn about their intelligence, the history of British rare breeds, how micro pigs came about as well as their behaviour and needs.

These adorable pets can even be part of your family and Kew Little Pigs can help you with that too. They also visit schools and go to local community events.

For more information visit www.kewlittlepigs.com or contact Olivia Mikhail on 07904 617650.

Kew Little Pigs will be at Richmond May Fair on 14th May Ham Fair on 12th June Kew Mid-Summer Fair on 19th June

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FASHION OPPORTUNITY

iFashionDeisgns - an innovative company that runs fashion design workshops for children are looking for people interested in owning their own franchises. iFashionDesign’s workshops and parties have received a brilliant response from local children and their parents. Owner Claire says, ‘We were confident that our unique workshops would appeal to young people. Our mission is to inspire young people, get them making friends, and fill them with confidence. We are thrilled at the feedback we get from our students, their parents and local schools; it seems that we have really filled a gap in the market and are making a difference to our students.’

Those interested in this opportunity do not need a background in fashion or business as the company offers comprehensive training, materials and the support to set up and run your own business.

To learn more about this franchise opportunity visit www.ifashiondesign.co.uk/ franchising

HOME-START NEEDS YOU Home-Start Elmbridge is appealing for runners to run for them at the Claygate Country Five Mile Race on Sunday 10th July, from 10.30am. The cost of registration will be £13 for an adult and £9 for under 16s, to include a Home-Start t-shirt. Those interested in taking part, as an individual or with their running groups, should simply email Jacintha jacintha.bennett@sky.com or call her on 07796 682475.

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FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

BLAST OFF WITH PERFORM Do your children want to go off on an intergalactic journey to save the Universe?

This term Perform workshops will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring outer space. Rocketing into a starstudded galaxy, the junior

astronauts will travel to meet the Sparkly Spaceman, learn the Zero Gravity Groove and even meet the Man in the Moon. What’s more, they’ll enjoy themselves so much that they won’t notice how much they are improving their communication, concentration and coordination skills at the same time.

Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says, ‘As well as being educational, we have some amazing improvisations, songs, and role play all about

Outer Space. The term will be fun packed and exhilarating, and a must for any young explorer who wants to learn about the planets and have amazing fun at the same time’.

Any interested 4 to 8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session.

Classes Run on Mondays in Weybridge, Tuesdays in Teddington, Esher and Surbiton, Wednesdays in Cobham and Richmond, Saturdays in Esher, Sundays in Richmond.

For more information contact 0845 400 1284 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

SPECIAL CARERS

If your child is disabled the problem of finding suitable carers becomes even more of an issue. Professional agency Cool2care specialises in working with families with disabled children and young adults and has just opened up a new local office in Richmond.

All candidates are met face to face, screened, CRB checked and complete a comprehensive training course, ensuring that whatever your child’s needs, they have the right skills to provide the best care possible.

Cool2care will listen to your family’s requirements and understand the needs of your child. The company was set up in 2007 as a Social Enterprise by Phil Conway, a father with a disabled child himself. The aim is to improve the lives of disabled children and young adults and their families by providing the best possible support.

Cool2care has 15 offices throughout the country and in 2010 had placed carers in homes for over 300 families nationwide. www.cool2care.co.uk 0845 123 5484 info@cool2care.co.uk

LABELS4KIDS GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Labels4kids is capitalising on a successful 2010, after winning Internet Retailer of the Year First Prize. In 2011, the company has continued its expansion with a website re-design, which includes an easier-touse checkout, plus the addition of a Spanish online store.

‘Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable on’, says Ann-Maree Morrison, Company Director and a devoted fan of Families Magazines in the UK. ‘We hope our customers enjoy receiving our e-newsletters every now and then and will fully support our Facebook, Twitter and blog page, including the parents’ forum. We are interested in any topics for discussion that you would like to talk about and welcome suggestions for debates and new products.’

For more information or to join their Facebook page or Twitter feed go to labels4kids.com

ATTACH A TAG

I shudder to think how many items I have needed to label with my children’s names over the years. I’m ashamed to say I have, at times, resorted to scrawling their initials onto size labels in biro, unable to face sewing or ironing in another name tag.

One school even suggested we labelled

DIDDI DANCE ONWARDS AND UPWARDS Great news that Diddi Dance, the toddler dance classes are now open for business in Isleworth and North Kingston. What’s more, the group has been nominated in the Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years) category in the What’s On 4 2011 Junior Awards.

This year, the awards are bigger than ever, covering 18 different categories ranging from Best National Pre-Schooler Activity to Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for children. A record 3300 nominations have been received - over 33% more than in 2010 and so this nomination is a great achievement.

every sock and pair of pants or risk losing them on a school trip and at that point, I’ll admit, I decided life was too short…

So thank you lovely people from Attach a Tag who sent me some samples of their tags for time-short parents. A button with your child’s name is simply tagged into any soft section of the item of clothing/gym bag/hat/ treasured possession. It does not come off in the wash, is reusable and my most forgetful daughter thinks it’s actually really cool.

The process of simply attaching the button with a special ‘dolphin’ applicator was such fun I found myself rummaging through her socks drawer to find more stuff to tag!

Check www.attachatag.com Up to 6th May 2011, parents can log onto any of the award winning on-line directories www.whatson4littleones.co.uk and www.whatson4kidsparties.co.uk to vote for their favourite from all of the nominees which have qualified.

The winners will be announced on 9th June 2011 at the Hilton Cobham at a champagne award ceremony where the winners of the community awards will also receive prizes for their groups. Everyone who votes or nominates will be in with a chance to win 2 VIP tickets to the award ceremony and meet the finalists, presenters and other VIP guests.

For more about Diddi Dance, check www.diddidance.com or call Janine on 07971 278765.

July/August issue out 27th June

Clothes Labelling made easy!

Reusable Dry clean

l l

Secure l Comfortable l Boil wash Iron proof l Quick apply l Small

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK 2011 National Family Week is back from 30th May to 5th June for its third year and promises to be the biggest yet with a week of activities, events, money-saving offers and competitions aimed at the whole family. It is the largest annual celebration of family life in the UK, connecting families to inspiration and ideas for making family time fun.

The initiative celebrates the diversity of the modern day family, championing the benefits of quality family time and encouraging a healthier and more active approach to family life. To find an event, check out their website, www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

You provide name

Clothes labelling made easy

We etch the name

We post

Order online at:

www.attachatag.co.uk email:

enquires@attachatag.co.uk

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No sewing . No ironing . No markers

FR

em SO rom me RTS ed f Tag a n PO as a EE n S rch tach o pu At

Music classes for babies and young children! ®

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, To book your complimentary class, call and introduces music to very young children in a way they Kingston and Surbiton: 0208 224 3971. can easily understand and enjoy.

Banstead and Claygate: 01932 223309.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Weybridge, Cobham and Molesey: 0208 Heigh ho – from 12 months 224 0096. Richmond, Twickenham and Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Teddington: 0208 847 4031 Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

time of music Nur turing a life

monkeymusic.com

Winner of the Best National Pre School Activity Award.

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES

5

news and views...

RECOMMENDED DEALS

Fancy a last minute holiday or one at a reduced rate in France, UK, Ireland, Cyprus or even Morocco?

RecommendedFamilyHolidays. com has independent self-catering, family friendly holiday accommodation that has the approval of other mums and dads.

Summer school holiday options are filling up fast so if you are able to go outside of this period, availability tends to be very good and there are already some great offers around. For example, 20 to 25% off on some French properties before the end of May, 10% discount on peak summer availability in a catered villa in South West France, 5% discount for 14 day bookings in Devon and free Sundays on some weekend stays.

GROOVE, HIGH KICK, TURN AND LEAP FOLLOW US ON TWITTER WITH FLIPSIDE DANCE THIS SUMMER You no longer have to Flipside Dance is taking bookings now wait two months to for a week-long Dance Summer School hear from us again! at ACS, Cobham in August. It will be Follow Families upon packed full of different dance styles and techniques. The course culminates in a Thames as we put the very special showcase performance on magazine together the final Friday afternoon for all parents, and reflect on local family life. family and friends to enjoy.

We’ll follow you back every time.

Summer School is offered to any interested individuals aged 7 and Find us at @FamiliesuponT upwards who have some dance Don’t forget our Families upon experience and want to learn some new Thames Facebook Group and for skills and steps.

For more, as well as details of Flipside’s the fullest updates, of course there’s our section of the Families online regular dance classes, call Deborah Rich on 07759 502508 or visit website where we regularly post the www.flipsidedance.co.uk events we can’t fit in the magazine: Lots of summer scheme options on pages www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/ 17 to 19. upon-thames

GROOVY SUMMER me&i, the Swedish kid’s clothes company has a fantastic new spring/summer collection out. As always, there are funky colours - a lot of green and reds this season and fab retro styles. www.meandi.eu

www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

GREEN KIDS COME TO KINGSTON Green Baby, the multi-award winning, eco childrenswear brand, has launched a new collection for two to eight year olds exclusively in John Lewis. It is available in the Kingston store.

The new collection, Green Kids, carries all the hallmarks of the main range: 100% certified organic cotton, quirky prints and appliqués as well as strong use of colour. But it also shows an older sensibility in both the graphic styles and the more fashionable shapes.

For girls, Green Kids delivers a collection in spots, stripes and hand-drawn florals. Simple summer separates with frilled sleeves and gathered necklines sit alongside smocked sundresses and pull-on jumpsuits.

For boys, graphic prints are inspired by the sea, with carton lobsters and walruses, chunky bright stripes and ‘rough and tumble’ grey marl.

Sari Cavanna, CEO of Green Baby, told us, ‘Our aim is to offer accessible, ethical fashion for kids. This new range is made from 100% organic cotton and looks great but it is still great value for money.’

Typical prices are £26 for boys’ hoodies, £12 for vest tops, £16 for frilled skirts and £22 for girls’ jumpsuits.

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FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

MAKE MONEY WITH QUALITY CLOTHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Local parents Katherine Coltart and Nicola Cornwell have set up Dollies & Dinosaurs, where you can buy clothes at affordable prices and sell the ones that still have plenty of wear left in them. Rather than throwing them out or sending them to a charity shop, with Dollies & Dinosaurs you can not only contribute to charity but also make money for yourself.

As well as selling good quality second-hand children’s clothing and maternity wear Dollies & Dinosaurs will have a range of environmentally friendly children’s toys (both educational and exciting) together with a unique collection of children’s furniture and bed linen. Katherine and Nicola will also providing a sourcing service by calling on their extensive database. Simply tell them what you are looking for (whether it is a party dress for that special occasion or a buggy) and let them do the hard work and save money for you at the same time!

Clients will receive 45% of any sale proceeds so now’s you chance to make money on your maternity wear and the children’s outgrown clothing.

What’s more, 10% of every sale will be donated to charity. The nominated charity for 2011 is The Rainbow Trust which provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

www.rainbowtrust.org.uk

UP COMING DOLLIES & DINOSAUR SALES 6th May and 7th May (both 10am to 4pm) 12th May, 18th May, 19th May (all 10am to 3pm) 251 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, SW14 8QS www.dolliesanddinosaurs.co.uk

LIGASOCCER – WAY TO PLAY!

Local, trusted brand Kiddikicks is excited to announce new classes for under 12s called Ligasoccer.

Ligasoccer is for children aged from 5 to 12 years and introduces players to formal football training and mini-sided match play alongside

the fun and exciting drills Kiddikicks has pioneered using players’ vibrant imaginations and ability with the ball.

These drills increase skill levels and importantly are heaps of fun.

For your nearest local Ligasoccer sessions contact coach@ligasoccer.co.uk

020 7937 7965 www.ligasoccer.co.uk

Best foot forward

summer’s coming

JOANNE TOZER from Teddington Osteopaths has some great advice for maintaining healthy summer feet this year.

Charged with the job of carrying our entire body weight and of transporting us the equivalent of five times around the earth in an average lifetime, our feet certainly take some ‘pounding’. Yet we give them little attention and we often wear ill fitting shoes.

Foot problems can cause pain and can affect the way we walk which, in turn, can cause knee, hip and back pain. Some well deserved ‘TLC’ can help prevent foot problems and ensure that our feet are in tip-top condition for the summer months.

Top tips

✿ Remove hard skin on a daily basis with a pumice stone, followed by plenty of moisturiser.

If you have a build-up of hard skin the best way to deal with it is to see a Chiropodist.

Trim your toenails, but do not cut into the edges of the nail as this may cause ingrown nails. ✿ Corns and callus which can be painful and unsightly, athlete’s foot which is extremely itchy and shows up as cracked, blistered or peeling skin, and fungal nail infections which cause thickened, dry, brittle and discoloured toenails are not a good look for summer. See your local chiropodist for advice and treatment. ✿ Finally, make wise shoe choices. The ideal shoe (see below) is very difficult to find and is often a matter of compromise, particularly with older children/young adults who are under the influence of fashion and peer group pressure.

The ideal shoe

example of this is Fitflops, which are generally considered to be comfortable and have a thick sole, providing good shock-absorbing qualities.

Crocs are well suited to holiday wear. They have a place on the beach or at the pool, as another alternative to flip flops. The strap on Crocs helps to keep them on the foot.

It’s all about moderation, ie shoes with high heels and pointed shoes for special occasions only, and always wear the right shoes for the job (no sandals for long walks!)

Finally, if you do wear high heels daily, do try to vary the size of the heel.

Children’s feet

Unlike adult feet, a child’s foot is still growing which means that the child can be at risk from certain foot and lower limb problems as they develop. So, whether they are walking, running, playing, dancing or participating in sports, remember: ✿ Always have your child’s feet measured for length and width. ✿ Check that their socks and tights are the correct size and that they are changed daily. ✿ Inspect their shoes regularly for unusual wear and seek professional advice if necessary. ✿ Alternate shoes to allow them to dry out, particularly if the foot is sweaty.

✿ Avoid the use of plimsolls in school all day, every day. ✿ Check children’s feet regularly for inflamed nails and pressure marks. ✿ Teenagers can be secretive about foot problems and a trivial problem can become more serious if neglected. ✿ If they complain of itchy, painful areas or rashes on the skin, seek professional advice immediately. ✿ Wash their feet daily with simple soap and water and dry well, particularly between the toes. ✿ Children have naturally sweaty feet, but smelly feet may indicate athlete’s foot. ✿ The toenails should be inspected regularly and trimmed when necessary. ✿ Children should not wear high heels or very flat slip-on shoes such as ballet pumps as these can cause long-term damage.

extra

Joanna Tozer, is a Chiropodist at Teddington Osteopaths, 146 Stanley Road, Teddington, TW11 8UA Contact her on 020 8977 3295 enquiries@teddingtonosteopaths.co.uk www.teddingtonosteopaths.co.uk

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES

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Sandals by Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk

The ideal shoe is characterised by a toe area which is foot-shaped (winkle pickers are out!) and of sufficient depth to allow the toes to wiggle. The heel height is no greater than 4cm with a broad base of shockabsorbing material. The shoe is ideally made of a breathable material such as leather, fits snugly around the heel area and is held on the foot with laces, Velcro or a strap.

Correctly fitting trainers are just as important as feet come under extreme stress during exercise, so the same rules apply in selecting trainers as with shoes.

As for summer shoes, sandals that provide support and are comfortable, with a low wedge heel probably offer the best choice. Canvas espadrilles are also suitable as the canvas breathes and expands to accommodate hot, swollen feet. Their shockabsorption is also good.

Flip flops give that barefoot feeling in the summer heat, but tend to have very thin soles and provide little protection from injury.

They can also cause other long-term lower limb problems so don’t wear flip flops all the time in hot weather. Flip flops do help to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas when you use public showers and pool areas.

Beach sandals which echo the natural shape of the sole would be preferable. An

parties

birthdays

Bright ideas for

It’s Families magazine to the rescue – ROBINA COWAN has put on her party hat to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year...

before you start

It’s worth bearing in mind the differing needs, interests and numbers of particular age groups. Don’t feel the party has to last all afternoon - around two hours is enough, before everyone gets tired and emotional (not least the host parents).

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

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

too for simply zipping around for a burst of unstructured play (which is where you’ll be thankful you blew up all those balloons). Plenty of engaging games and giggles keep things rolling, and if you’re hiring help, puppeteers, music-makers or storytellers are a good bet. A maximum of 20 guests at this age is about right.

Four to six year-olds enjoy joining in with traditional party games, such as Simon Says, Musical Bumps, Pass the Parcel, What’s the Time Mr Wolf, and Musical Lions (a favourite with parents, as the children have to be quiet, and still!). Allow space and time

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

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

miss-stitch.com

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

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

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

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

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

Contact us to learn how easy the process is.

Tel: 020 7738 1958 www.childcareanswered.co.uk 8

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

parties ✿Planning your party Crowd control: entertainers Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment.

Tip

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

Our suggestions Rowena’s Parties to Remember business grew organically from when organising her own daughter’s traditional style parties.

‘Hearing children’s laughter and seeing their excitement is a most rewarding experience and I am lucky to be able to enjoy such rewards weekly’, says Rowena.

Having completed ten professional years,

partiestoremember.co.uk Rowena is offering a 10% discount on all parties booked quoting this article up to December 2011.

Parties to Remember 020 7249 3242 www.partiestoremember.co.uk

Sima’s parties are structured energetic fun action-packed & set to music

Visit us at the Families Group website at www.familiesonline.co.uk/ Locations/Upon-Thames

Sima’s Action Kids parties for under 6’s Sima’s Dance parties for under 11’s Sima’s Disco-bop & karaoke parties for under 11’s contact Sima on 07956993439 or visit

www.simasactionkids.com

May-June 2010 FAMILIES UPON THAMES

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spectacular summer parties

miss-stitch.com

birthdays

Bright ideas for

performparties.org.uk

Tim Barnes – magician with balloon modelling, games and a white rabbit. Member of The Magic Circle 020 8568 5708 Octopus Parties Octastic Drama Fun For Children with adventure, music, dance, balloon modelling or face painting. Themes: Princess, Pirates, Fairy, Mermaid, Super Hero, Special Agent...

Call Johanna on 07807 055858 info@octopusparties.com www.octopusparties.com Take them out: venues It might feel less imaginative than an organised bunfight at yours, but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards.

Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema.

Tip

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

Our suggestions Daytona Go Karting parties with 30 minute and 60 minute price options. Daytona Sandown, More Lane Esher, KT10 8AN, 0845 644 5502 sandown@daytona.co.uk www.daytona.co.uk/venues/sandown

“The Best Party Magic” Over 25 years of top entertainment

The most amazing magic, plus balloon models, games, party bags… and Harry the white rabbit!

Tim Barnes

309 Philpott 17/4/10 (020) 8568 5706 Member of The Magic Circle

top tips

Pottery painting is ideally suited for age seven years and up. The Pottery Café is at 322 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2DU 020 8744 3000 richmond@pottery-cafe.com www.pottery-cafe.com

✿Themed parties

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

Tip Take the theme throughout the party -

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

Our suggestions Miss Stitch crafting parties offer an hour and a half to make a brooch or an animal for the children to take home with them. Based in St Margarets, Twickenham, Miss Stitch and all her making materials will come to you!

07866 249717 info@miss-stitch.com www.miss-stitch.com Perform drama parties are high energy combining drama, dance and singing with fun games, stories and improvisations. Party leaders arrive with colourful costumes, props and music to create a fantasy land with themes for all ages from 1 to 12 years, including Fairies and Elves, Mermaids and Pirates, Peppa Pig, Superheroes, Musical Madness, Mamma Mia and Dance Fantastic.

0845 400 1284 www.performparties.org.uk

Mother Nature Science Parties for children aged 5 to12 and can be presented outdoors, at your home, or wherever you choose. Each party features an impressive array of spectacular demonstrations, interactive activities and children leave Mother Nature Science Party with fun and educational take-home experiments.

0845 834 0986 alan@mnature.co.uk www.mnature.co.uk Theatrebugs offer a full range of imaginative party packages for 2 to 8 year olds. A Theatrebugs party is an interactive journey crammed with tasks to be completed, characters to become and different worlds to explore. It is jam packed with storytelling, drama games, dressing up and good old-fashioned fun. Once the mission is accomplished all party adventurers receive a Theatrebugs Certificate of Achievement. Prices start from £119. Party bags available. www.theatrebugs.co.uk For Greater London areas: 020 7350 2995 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk For Epsom and surrounds: 01932 765525 juliaallen@theatrebugs.co.uk

09:23

Bouncy Castles, Inflatable slides, Ball Ponds & much more for Birthdays, Holy Communions, Spring / Summer Fairs & Other 454 Tim Barnes H3School Mar11.indd 1 Occasions. 19/02/2011 09:15 Popcorn Machine for your summer & Beach theme parties. Also Tables & Chairs and Balloons available.

020-8399 5679, www.party-bounce.co.uk

IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING. For little children, 11am to 1pm or 12 to 2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work LIAISE WITH PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BIRTHDAYS AROUND THE SAME TIME. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle KEEP THE FOOD SIMPLE AND DON’T OVER CATER. Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children may be vegetarian or have a food intolerance

309 Philpott

19/6/10

08:51

Balloons – Beautiful & Stunning Colours for

Children’s Birthday Parties & Other Occasions.

Affordable Prices. Great alternative to party bags – Please try us first. Delivery to Party Venue Possible.

020-8399 5679, www.party-bounce.co.uk Popcorn Machine for your Summer/Beach theme parties.

10

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

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

CHECK OUT OUR DIRECTORY OF PARTY ENTERTAINERS AT www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

spectacular summer

schools

The

fun factor

Ever wondered what goes on inside a theatre school? We chat with ROE BROOKS, principal of Corona Theatre School, based in Kew.

X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, the latest Andrew Lloyd Webber talent show – that’s where you’d direct your all-singing, all-acting, all-dancing stage-struck child, right? It’s certainly a fast–track route to fame and celebrity for the winner but after the initial hype, would they be equipped for the long term?

The life of the performer, especially in today’s climate where grants for the arts are under the hatchet, is notoriously tough. There are periods of unemployment, endless rejection and the need to be flexible, tough and multitalented to make any inroads.

If your child is showing signs of theatrical talent you may wish to consider a theatre school – a place where the emphasis is very much on developing these skills, preparing them for the industry and maybe even landing them a few parts as a child performer.

What’s more, their academic studies will not be compromised.

As Roe Brooks Principal at Corona Theatre School told us, ‘Academic studies are extremely important. Nowadays much more emphasis is placed on the academic side of things’.

Described as ‘a Super Mum to many’, Roe’s background expertise is very much as a parent. When her own children, Charlie (aka Janine Butcher from Eastenders) and Ben (a tv director) started to express an interest in the arts she moved with them from north Wales in 1994 so that they could take up places at Corona (then known as Ravenscourt). Within a year Roe had 10 children living with her (boarding from the school) and was working in the school office doing administration and helping with the school’s agency, which she loved. Roe worked

‘before considering an applicant, you have to make sure it’s what the child wants ... and (he or she) is 100% dedicated’

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

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with then principal Sir Robin Ravenscourt for ten years and during this time trained to be an agent. When Sir Robin retired in 2005 he left the school to Roe. In 2010 Roe found new investors and new premises in Kew, changed the name back to Corona Theatre School and is now running the school and the agency.

Although her daughter Charlie does tease her with the label, looking back, Roe denies being the archetypal pushy stage mother she encounters in her role now. As she says, ‘Before considering an applicant, you have to make sure that it’s what the child wants (not just a ‘pushy mum’) as the child has to be 100% dedicated’. As Roe is all too aware, it is her job to ensure that ‘children are here because they want to be here’. She adds, ‘I can deal with the mothers because I was one myself!’ With places at the school vastly over subscribed, the audition process is gruelling for all concerned. What the school is looking for, above potential, is the ability to take direction in the two-minute acting piece and song of their choice. As Roe says, ‘If a child can take direction then they are normally ok – it’s no good suggesting a child for a film if 186won’t Fundowith A director’.

2/13/04 they as theyMusic are toldv2 by the

Fun With Music!

In Central Richmond

Music Classes for 1-5 Year Olds For more information, call:

020-8332-2275

The list of former students at Corona Nicholas Lyndhurst, Ray Winstone, Leona Lewis, Dennis Waterman, Patsy Kensit, Charlie Brooks, Dean Gaffney, Daniella Denby Ashe, Mark Lester, Tom Fletcher (McFly) and Simone James - provides proof of the talent which has emerged from its doors. Roe tells us, ‘By the time a student has left us I would expect them to be prepared for all aspects of the business and have a thorough grounding in the performing arts’. This is an achievement which takes years of dedication, hard work and resilience, with lots of fun along the way.

Roe explains that Mondays to Wednesdays are spent entirely on an academic timetable, with Thursdays and Fridays dedicated to the performing arts. On these days, with the age groups in mixed groups, staff work to achieve that tricky balance between maximising the student’s strongest talent and developing their weakest so that they are able to be as much of an all-rounder as possible. Roe is proud of the ‘family feel’ at Corona, with approximately 18 staff and 70 children aged from 8 to 16 (the BTEC course is for students aged 16 to 20).

With children attending from all over the country, presently some of them are boarding with local host families. One of Roe’s many ambitious plans as Corona goes from strength to strength, is for the school to be able to provide its own accommodation for those from further afield, as well as providing a brilliant education for local families.

extra Corona Theatre School is at 3 Thameside Centre, Kew Bridge Road, Kew, TW8 0HF Call them on 020 8758 2553, email www.coronatheatreschool.com 9:

It’s a refreshing change: to have a choice of hundreds of holidays that are recommended by other families who have been there and experienced them

www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 11

green family

What’s your child eating?

What you offer for dinner is an unexpectedly simple way to keep your family from battering Mother Earth. Homemade Kids author NICOLA BAIRD offers some ideas how cooking can be relaxing, creative and a lifesaver.

The most basic survival skill you can teach your child is how to eat healthily, because it ensures that they can choose, cook and grow the right stuff. Ideally, you seed this by giving your child a long start on breast milk. But even if the breastfeeding went painfully wrong, you can still provide really good, early food lessons by helping your toddler/child to identify all sorts of foods at shops and supermarkets. Go to a farmers’ market and enjoy looking at the fruit and veg. Do taste tests: slice up two apples and see which tastes sweeter, nicer, redder?

The more curious you are about good eating, dealing with waste and finding meals that suit your budget, the more your child will learn.

Quick tips ✿ Use up leftovers (loads of ideas at www.

lovefoodhatewaste.com) and compost all kitchen stuff/veg garden waste that you can’t eat. When dinner isn’t a mad rush I get my girls (now 9 and 12) to look in the fridge and suggest what we can make for dinner. Visiting boys get the same challenge. ✿ When you’re out and about, get in the habit of bringing your own sandwiches/ wraps/banana bread so no one gets so hungry that you have to go to the café. Thermoses, insulated mugs and refillable bottles to keep your water intake up are useful, while plastic tubs and Tupperware double as a blackberry/ mushroom/leftovers holder too.

12

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

Quick tips ✿ Pin up a list of meals you and the kids can

make together, such as pancakes, scrambled eggs, guacamole, beans on toast. Or let them follow a recipe for dinner (eg, Jamie Oliver’s). ✿ Try growing some herbs, cut and come again salads or super-easy veg like chard (it’s a bit like spinach) and radish. Or suggest their nursery/ school does this.

Parents are champion food worriers. For anyone up to speed on food there can be debates about what’s best to buy, with the classics for eco eaters being local versus organic, Fairtrade versus the air miles that

onion/banana/apple has travelled. More pragmatically there’s also the choice between packaged versus homemade.

Quick tips ✿ Try to eat food that’s in season. In May and

June the fun begins with the first strawberries, asparagus and Jersey Royal potatoes are still in the shops. ✿ It’s easy to eat seasonally if you order an organic veg/fruit box. Or ask a greengrocer what they’ve got from the UK/Europe. ✿ Beat air miles by freezing berries in the summer and then chuck them in smoothies all year round. Or make homemade ice lollies out of smoothie mixture.

Even if you admit to being a food evangelist it pays off not to be too dogmatic. That’s because if you boast on the first day of school that the only food that has passed your toddler’s lips is organic this or homemade that, you will soon alienate lots of friendly families who might have enjoyed play dates, childcare swaps or been brilliant members of a babysitting circle. All of us are parents just doing our best, and there are many reasons why some people cannot take so much time or money sourcing or preparing their food.

extra

Nicola Baird’s newest book is Homemade Kids: thrifty, creative and eco-friendly ways to raise children (Vermilion, £10.99) or have a look at the blog at www.homemadekids.co.uk

Bread and tomato images from: Associated British Foods Egg container from www.matalan.co.uk

So what is good food? New York Times best-selling food writer Michael Pollen’s great advice is to ‘eat food, not too much, mostly vegetables’. He clearly wasn’t feeding a toddler or teenager. It’s so unfair: we want to raise our kids healthy but they won’t eat up their broccoli. For the little ones the answer is to use

tricks: challenge your toddler to eat up their peas using a fork, or their fingers, or with their eyes closed, or with chip sticks. Bet they can’t do that and if you’re lucky the dish may soon be finished. Or try pureeing into a sauce, or add some carrots and celery to a tomato sauce base for spaghetti.

Learning to cook is best done watching, tasting and joining in. By cooking up some meals for your family and getting your toddler to stir a mix, or wipe the table, or find a saucepan, big wooden spoon or the olive oil, you will be subtly teaching your child to cook.

You may find you get better at multi-tasking in the kitchen, especially if you stock up on plastic containers and a hand blender to create home-blended purees, soups and stews which can then be stored in the freezer.

Encourage kitchen skills as if you were on a tv cookery show. Make your child the shopkeeper, head chef or run their own café.

Dress them up as super-hero waiters – or even fashion a Katie Perry lollypop crown with your pre-teen- if that makes the task more fun.

spectacular baby page summer

Yes you can

To mark National Breastfeeding Week (10th to 17th May) we asked local expert GERALDINE MISKIN if all mums can have an enjoyable breastfeeding experience with the right support.

All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked

Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Mother’s Helps Permanent and Temporary Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666

Breastfeeding your baby, what could be more natural and rewarding? You have cared for and provided everything she needs for the last few months in utero and now your body is fully prepared to continue supporting her needs and growth, all you need is the right support and information.

Breastfeeding is a learnt skill, an art and for some a science. For a new mum and her baby, breastfeeding is so much more. It is a special, intimate and private experience which brings them so close together, they almost become one. As a mum cradles her new baby close to her body and the baby wraps herself around the mum’s body, anyone watching can see the love and security they both feel.

‘For many mothers,

breastfeeding is a fulfilment of what it means to be a woman.’

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding 6th Edition*

This is a striking sentence, one that touches me every time I read it. Friends who thought they would never breastfeed, suddenly turned into ‘earth mothers’ as soon as they held their baby for the very first time. They breastfed for months and had a permanent glow about them. Others were absolutely crushed that breastfeeding didn’t go the way they had hoped and gave up long before they wanted to.

Nothing can prepare you for how you will

feel about breastfeeding until you hold your baby in your arms but knowing where to find help, should you need it, will prove invaluable.

For many mums, breastfeeding comes quickly and naturally soon after birth. It is this experience that many pregnant mums expect will be their experience. When they find that it is not as simple as they had hoped, feelings of frustration and concern arise at an incredibly vulnerable time in their life.

It is not uncommon for women to experience breastfeeding challenges in the early days, as you may have heard from friends and family.

However, it is important to remember that when learning any new skill, ‘perfection’ is achieved through practice and patience. Good support and guidance are also important to identify and resolve any breastfeeding issues quickly and effectively when they arise.

Knowing where to find breastfeeding support and information will help you to achieve the breastfeeding experience that you want, right from the start or maybe a little further down the line. Regardless of how you get to your ultimate breastfeeding experience, you will feel empowered, positive and amazing when you do, so it really is worth the effort.

extra

About Geraldine Geraldine Miskin is an independent breastfeeding specialist, based in Twickenham. She offers practical and effective solutions to all breastfeeding problems, online, in person, or over the phone.

Contact her on 07947 741 415 mail@letsbreastfeed.com www.letsbreastfeed.co.uk

Thanks to the NCT’s for supplying the images used in this article. Their Breastfeeding Line is 0300 330 0771. * The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, a legendary guide and valued by women since first published in 1958, is published by the La Leche League International and is available for RRP £13.99.

info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk www.wimbledonnannies.com 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP Fax: 020 8947 0405 bestbear.co.uk accredited

Breastfeeding Covers beautifully designed by

A stylish and practical addition to mum's changing bag.

The Discreet Breastfeeding cover is available from Freedom babe to buy on line now.

www.freedombabe.co.uk May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 13

family fun

Make Dad’s day

19th June

Start making plans for Fathers day on 19th June. Ditch the socks and aftershave this year – here are our top 10 ideas for spending precious time doing stuff with Dad you know he’ll love.

1 MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER

Take a leisurely cruise, go row, row, row that boat or hire out a small day craft and go exploring.

Turks in Kingston, offer 45 minute cruises which take in Hampton Court Palace, Thames Ditton Island, Kingston’s waterfront, Teddington Lock, Eel Pie Island and Richmond Hill and its bridges.

Turks, Town End Pier, 68 Town End Pier, Kingston, KT1 1HN operations@turks.co.uk 020 8546 2434 www.turks.co.uk Taggs Boatyards In Thames Ditton rent out boats (with a capacity up to 12 people) by the hour. 44 Summer Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0QQ and Harts Boatyard, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, KT6 4HJ 020 8398 2119 www.taggsboatyard.co.uk JGF Passenger Boats organise an hourly 45 minute trip from Walton to Shepperton. This is a circular cruise, departing from Cowey Sale, Walton Bridge. The boat passes through the Desborough Channel to D’Oyly Carte Island and returns via the meandering old river, past Shepperton Manor. After passing the boarding point, the boat continues through Walton before turning at the Swan Public House for the short return journey. Call 01932 253374 to check departures. info@jgboats.com www.jgfboats.com Chertsey Marine Boatyard rents out dayboats. From there you can cruise to Windsor or Teddington and return within the day. There are plenty of sights to see and places to stop. Chertsey Meads Marine, The Meads, Chertsey, KT16 8LN. 01932 564699 www.chertseymeadsmarine.co.uk

2 A ROUND OF GOLF Test your skills at Jurassic Adventures at World of Golf, New Malden. Navigate a

prehistoric terrain with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and hidden caverns at Jurassic

Encounter Adventure Golf. With nine near life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, this 18 hole miniature golf course is designed for fun as well as well as for testing your skills and provides great value entertainment for all ages. World of Golf, Beverley Way, New Malden, KT3 4PH. 020 8949 9200 beverleypark@worldofgolf.co.uk www.jurassicencounter.com

Gingerbread man from Waitrose

3 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

If your Dad loves getting back to nature, the London Wetland Centre is organising a Walk on the Wildside event on the last two weekends in June, which may be right up his street. It’s the perfect place for a wildlifespotting walk with Dad. You will see an astonishing variety of creatures and plants without travelling far from home. At this time of year there is are broods of young wetland birds like tufted ducks, common terns and little grebes. There are a number of themed walks. Discover wildflowers, reptiles, and ducklings with a team of experts or even try out Nordic walking. Guides will point out plenty of birds, animals and plants so next time you’re there, or out in the countryside, you’ll be able to enjoy your walk even more.

London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk/london

4 DAD THE RACER

Daytona Motorsport is offering a Father

and Son for the Price of One deal for Fathers’ Day at Daytona Sandown Park, Esher.

All those booking a Father’s Day driving experience at the Sandown track will receive an additional Arrive&Drive session worth up to £40 absolutely FREE – daughters included!

Daytona Motorsport has all the equipment and expert tuition to ensure that everyone, whatever their experience, can enjoy the thrills of professional motorsport in a safe, controlled environment. Amateur drivers through to

Otter at Londo n W land Centre, ph oto by Brietan Phipps. talented enthusiasts can learn new skills or improve existing ones in one of Daytona’s twin engine Pro-Karts.

Daytona Sandown Park, More Lane, Esher, KT10 8AN 0845 644 5502 sandown@daytona.co.uk book online at www.daytona.co.uk

5 PLAN A PICNIC

Sausage rolls, quiches, tortilla, falafel, cheese, pickle sandwiches, chocolate fingers, doughnuts, flapjacks, strawberries and cream… if these are a few of Dad’s favourite things, pack a feast full of Dad’s delights and away you go to a special spot for the day.

Chertsey Meads is a great local choice for families. With a car park not far away from the picnic tables and the river, there’s no distance to carry your feast of goodies. (There are even bins on site so you don’t have to take your rubbish home.) While away the day watching the world go by or take yourself off on an adventure. The 170 acre site of open grassland is a wonderful wildlife habitats, with walks, paddling and fishing.

... OR DO DAD’S DINNER

Have a chat with Dad about the meals of his childhood and recreate one on Father’s day.

Shepherd’s pie, bangers ’n’ mash, toad in the hole, jam roly poly pudding. This is a day to delight in tummy filling food with not a pink frosted cup cake or girly salad in sight!

‘My father has taught me so much - in particular I notice the qualities of fairness, respect for others, generosity and being able to fix just about anything!’ Jane, Weybridge

uk

www.daytona.co.

14 14

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

‘My own father was very ill last year – only now do I look the family and appreciate how much their Dad and Grandad are an amazing influence on my little boys.’ Claire, Sunbury

family fun ‘Daddy plays rugby with me in the sitting room – but don’t tell Mummy!’ Isaac (age 6), Whitton ‘My Dad seems to do all the lifts in our family. I can’t wait for the day when I pass my test – I’ll drive you round all day, Dad!’ Rachel, Kingston

6 DECORATE FOR DAD

No we’re not suggesting getting out the paints and wallpaper paste for a makeover of his home office (which could be the stuff of nightmares) but what about indulging your artistic side and delighting Dad with a spectacular cake to round off the day? Even the humblest shop-bought sponge looks spectacular adorned with chocolate or icing and Dad’s favourite sweeties. Maybe the children could spell out We (heart) Dad in smarties, jelly tots or maltesers or writing icing?

7 MOTOR OFF TO A MUSEUM

With a number of local transport museums planning special events, your car/bus/ aeroplane-loving Dad can have a grand day out.

Brooklands Museum is organising a Concorde Champagne Day with Father’s Day Lunch. Concorde no longer flies, but they will offer your Dad the next best thing. Book your ticket, enjoy a pre-flight champagne reception and check-in. Board Concorde, take your seat (more champagne!) and experience a ‘virtual flight’. Sit on the flight deck and chat with Captain Mike Bannister, British Airways Chief Concorde Pilot. After your ‘flight’, lunch will be taken with Captain Bannister in the Bluebird Room in the Edwardian Clubhouse, followed by a Concorde talk and presentation.

Book on flyconcorde@brooklandsmuseum.com 01932 857381 ext 237 Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Bocketts Farm Park 28 May-5 June

SPRING SPECTACULAR

Picnic time with food from Waitrose

At Mercedes-Benz World it’s Mercedes-Benz Day on 19th June. Dad can test drive the latest models around the handling circuit, or put both the car and his driving skills to the test with a Driving Experience. Take a walk around the exhibitions and get up close to the famous Gullwing and Maybach. In the cinema, you can learn about the history of the MercedesBenz brand and in the simulator you’ll be transported down a production line.

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk

8 GO GARDENING

If Dad’s passion is pottering about on his plot, surprise him by planning a day helping out. On 19th June there may be some weeding to be done. Fill up a bucket of weeds with him and he’ll be more than delighted but if you’re not sure which to remove, be sure you take advice first to avoid decimating his precious plants and plantlets.

Alternatively, if all garden space has not been allocated, find a spot with Dad where you can sew a flower or vegetable seed he adores. You can nurture it together in the weeks to come.

June 19th is a fine time to sew salad leaves, beetroot, carrots, nasturtium flowers, aquilegia, cornflowers and nigella.

Alternatively, organise a family tennis quiz.

Does Dad remember: ✿ How many times John McEnroe won the Championships? ✿ In what year Steffi Graff played her last Wimbledon final? ✿ Who are the reigning the mixed doubles champions (2010)?

There are masses of fascinating facts in the History section of www.wimbledon.com

10 DADS DO RETAIL

In our experience, there is one kind of shopping most Dads love and that’s when it relates to their tummies – well don’t we all?

Kingston’s Food Lovers Market is running from 17th to 19th June this year and promises to be full of treats Dad will enjoy shopping for.

Local, national and international with stalls will be showcasing cheese, bread, saucissons, delicatessen (including French duck confit), garlic, crepes, paella, tartiflette, dry fruits and baklava. The Food Lovers Market is in the Ancient Market Place, Kingston over the three days from 10am to 5pm.

9 WARM UP FOR WIMBLEDON

With the 125th Wimbledon Championships due to start just up the road on Monday 20th June this year, Father’s Day is a great opportunity for brushing up on your tennis knowledge and strokes with Dad. All local boroughs have tennis courts available for hire – book early before the championships starts and everyone else has the same idea!

For other Father’s day events, please see our listings on pages 20 to 23

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FUT

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 15

book reviews

Reading matters FOR AGES 5 to 7 YEARS

Barney the Boat Dog: Very Brave Dog

by Linda Newbery (Usborne £4.99) Barney lives on a narrowboat.

He loves his life on the canals and rivers with his owner, Jim. There are so many people to meet and so many adventures to enjoy. However Barney doesn’t like tunnels because of their gloominess and frightening echoes. When Barney is separated from Jim he finds he has to face his ordeal alone.

You will be on the edge of your seat finding out if Barney can prove that he is indeed a very brave dog. And you can read more about this adorable character in this exciting new series.

Iggy & Me On Holiday

by Jenny Valentine (HarperCollins £4.99) It’s the end of term for Iggy and Flo. They are very excited about going on holiday especially when Iggy’s teacher gives her something very important to do for the holidays. As usual, fun abounds in Iggy’s house – her idea of packing is to wear all her clothes to travel and fill her bag with toys. And the family even have a special holiday car which seems to have magical powers!

Here is another super book in the Iggy and Me series. It is brilliantly written with warmth and humour and is a delight for boys and girls alike.

extra

Ed’s Reading Room have some great suggestions for early summer reading.

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Great Cat Conspiracy

by Katie Davies (Simon and Schuster £5.99) Anna and Tom have a New Cat but they are not too thrilled by the ‘presents’ he brings into the house, particularly the head of the vicar’s very expensive Koi Carp. When the New Cat vanishes, they feel sure he has been kidnapped – but who is responsible? So begins the investigation…

This is a hilarious adventure written with great insight into children’s relationships with animals – and with grown-ups.

Theodore Boone

by John Grisham (Hodder £6.99) With both parents in the legal profession, the law is second nature to Theodore Boone, even at the age of thirteen. There is to be a murder trial in Theo’s home city and although Theo is keen to follow the case as closely as possible he suddenly finds himself dragged into the middle of this sensational trial.

Is Theo the only person who knows the truth?

This is a fantastic page-turner of a book. It is brilliantly written, informative and entertaining – altogether it is a stunningly good read.

The books are all available from local bookshops and online.

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (ages 5 to 7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum.

Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

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16 16

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

summer’s coming

holiday fun

Book now for

The Easter eggs may be barely finished but now is the time that canny parents start planning for the long summer holiday.

Top 10 tips

www.activ.uk.co

Many of the exciting and diverse range of local workshops, camps and summer schemes book up very early indeed. Leave it to the end of term and you may be disappointed. Here’s our preview of some of the summer fun coming our way.

www.fitorsport.c

o.uk

SO HOW DOES A PARENT MAKE THE CHOICE OF WHERE TO SEND THEIR KIDS THIS SUMMER? Craig Jones, Operations Director at Fit for Sport has more than 14 years’ experience in working with children and was once a PE teacher himself. To help parents make an informed decision here are Craig’s top 10 tips for choosing a holiday club this summer:

1

Do your research - How long has it been running and is it on any of the Government’s registers such as Ofsted?

2

Who will be looking after the children? It is a requirement that group leaders at holiday camps should have a Level 2/3 qualification (dependent on the activity and age of the children) in Activity, Working with Children, Childcare or Play.

3

Are the children split into age-specific categories?

Children have different stamina levels at different ages, so it is important that they are split into groups that will allow for this.

4

How many children are in each group? It is worth knowing how many children are in any one group. For good practice a group of children should be 24.

5

How much does it cost? Check how long the day actually is so that you can work out an hourly rate and compare it to other holiday clubs.

6

Is anyone else using the venue? If the venue is being used by another provider then ask to see the procedures they have put in place to handle this.

7

Is there a settling in procedure? Ask how the holiday club settles children into the sessions.

8

What security measures are in place? Children should be signed in and signed out by a carer or parent at the beginning and end of every session.

9

Check out the activity programmes - Children need to have variety to keep them engaged so check to see what the days involve.

10 What questions have they asked you? There is certain information that is vital such as date of birth, allergies, special needs, emergency contacts.

MULTI-ACTIVITY ✿ Super Camps have been running MultiActivity Camps for children for 14 years. They have two camps running during the school holidays locally - The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton and a brand new camp for Summer 2011, Holy Cross Preparatory School in Kingston. A little further afield, they also have camps in Wimbledon, Putney, Streatham and Sutton.

The Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 4 to 14 years combine sports, arts and crafts into an action-packed timetable of 8 sessions per day. Activities include motor quads, climbing, swimming, archery and they have a new art programme this year and a good variety to suit all ages and interests. Super Camps offer free extended hours (8am to 6pm) and are Ofsted registered so are able to accept childcare vouchers.

Multi-Activity can be booked by the day or by the week.

Last year Super Camps launched a number of specialised sport coaching weeks which will once again be running at The Lady Eleanor Holles School. Mad About Sports Coaching Weeks are geared towards children aged 8 to14 who would prefer to focus on a particular sport. Those available at The Lady Eleanor Holles School are Netball, Swimming, Tennis and Football. Check out their website www.supercamps.co.uk for full details about what’s on offer.

Prices range between £139 and £174 per week (course prices vary) but there are discounts available for booking early – see their website for details. ✿ Activ Camps are fun-packed, multi-activity camps for 4* to 14 year olds. They are run by fully trained, enthusiastic, enhanced CRB checked staff who create a happy and safe environment for your children.

Camp opens at 8am. Activities end at 4.30pm. Free extended day until 6pm. They are running at Barnes Sports Club Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9QL. Dates are 11th to 22nd July and 22nd to 26th August.

Phone 07896 546 067, info@activcamps.com or visit www.activcamps.co.uk for more information. *Half day only for 4 year olds. ✿ At BackFlip Performers children learn new skills and take part in a performance at the end of the week.

Whether you secretly want to be in the spotlight - or are already there – BackFlip Performers promises fun and an opportunity to make new friends.

Activities include gymnastics, hip-hop and street dance as well as Games, circuits, acrobatics and breakdancing. Venues are at Petersham and Brentford. 020 8940 7998, www.backflipperformers.com

Fit for Sport, has been working with children and sport for more than 20 years and runs over 30, Ofsted-registered, activity camps which cater for 54 000 children, aged three to twelve, per year.

At their activity camps kids will experience a wide range of activities including a variety of different sports, games, keep fit activities, arts and crafts. Not only will they use up all their excess energy but at the same time have fun, meet friends and learn new skills.

Fit For Sport activity camps will be running locally at Waldegrave School, Twickenham and Russell Primary School, Richmond this summer. Visit www.fitforsport.co.uk or call 0845 456 3233.

www.supercamps.co.uk 17 May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 17

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For more details visit www.flipsidedance.co.uk or call Deborah Rich on 07759 502508 or email info@flipsidedance.co.uk All levels welcome. Early booking

www.supercamps.co.uk

essential.

Sporty ✿ Sport Academies will be running camps at Tiffin Girls School, Kingston. Dates are 25th to 29th July, 1st to 5th August, 8th to 12th August and 15th to 19th August. www.sportacademies.com

Swimming

✿ TNT sessions at Hampton Open Air Pool are open to all children aged between 4 and 12 years.

The action runs for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer holidays. Activities include climbing on a brand new 17 metre ice age inflatable, enjoying the bouncy castle, giant aqua run, parachute, walking on water and much more. Each session costs £11 www.supercamps.co.uk which includes a snack of freshly prepared fruit and squash from the Sun Deck Café before the second hour of fun commences. www.hamptonpool.co.uk ✿ Seriously Fun Swimming are running School Holiday Crash Courses at The Riverbourne Club, Chertsey. These short, intensive 5 day swim courses really help children to build confidence and improve technique as it has been shown that children learn and retain new skills more easily over short, intensive periods of time.

Dates are 25th to 29th July and 1st to 5th August. Times are 9am to 12pm (30 minutes). The price is £60 per child. www.seriouslyfun.net

Drama

✿ Let’s Make a Show runs at the Riverhouse Barn, Manor Road, Walton, KT12 2PF, from 25th to 29th July,10am to 4pm.

The course run by Celia and Imogen Andrews is for children from 8 to 13. It comprises acting, dancing, singing, costume, make-up, scenery and props. Children will have a challenging and fun time fulfilling their potential, with the opportunity of showing their skills in a show on the final day. Book on 01932 253354. ✿ Theatrebugs summer workshop starts with a bunch of characters: Mr Croc is such a meany to Mikey Monkey and Squeaker the Mouse.

Can the boys and girls help Leo the Lion find his roar in time to chase away that grumpy croc? Maybe Jinga the Jungle Fairy can help!

Five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and arts and crafts. On day five the children hit the stage!

Venues: YMCA Hawker Centre, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5BH, 8th to 12th August, 1.30 to 4.30pm The Crossway Centre, St Stephens Church, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2PD, 8th to 12th August, 9.30am to 12.30pm Contact Theatrebugs Greater London: 020 7350 2995 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk St Christopher’s Church, Claygate Lane, Hinchley Wood, KT10 0AQ, 22nd to 26th August, 9am to 12 noon St James Parish Centre, Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 8DE, 22nd to 26th August, 2 to 5pm.

Contact Theatrebugs Epsom – 01932 765525 juliaallen@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk 18

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

✿ Perform take a trip to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy John and Michael and help rescue Tinkerbell from the dastardly Captain Hook.

Perform’s energetic young team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage. Using original live music, funky dance and quick-witted improvisation, they’ll take the children on a dazzling trip guaranteed to fire their imaginations.

Local workshops will take place in Richmond, Esher and Cobham.

0845 400 1284 perform.org.uk

Adventure

Let your children go exploring at Painshill Park, Cobham this summer.

Their camp runs from 1st to 19th August, 9am to 4.30pm.

Each day is full of fun and discovery for children age 8 to 12 years.

They build an eco den and go pond dipping for bugs and beasties.

One day they may take a safari to search for creepy crawlies, hunt for pirate treasure, take an adventure hike or discover some woodland crafts. Price is £35 per day or £150 for five consecutive days. Advance booking is required, check www.painshill.co.uk

Holiday fun for Elmbridge children ✿ Elmbridge Shout! Holiday Activities will be running from Monday 25th July to Friday 2nd September to keep children busy and entertained during the whole of the summer holiday for 5 to 12 year olds.

Do your children want to let some steam off playing sports? Do they want to get crafty? Are they budding adventurers or just want to take a walk on the wild side? Or do they aspire to be master chefs or builders?

With a variety of courses on offer including activity schemes, sports, dance, health, arts and crafts courses, drama, history, cookery, woodland and outdoor adventures, your children are sure to have some fun and exciting times.

For more information on Shout! Holiday Activities please call 01372 474634.

The brochure is available to download from www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout

extra

www.fitforsport.

For May half term activities, see our What’s On section, pages 20 to 23. Look out for more summer listings in our July/August issue, published 27th June. For regular updates, check online at www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

co.uk

summer’s coming Multi-Activity Day Camps for children aged 4-14 Multi-Activity Running in your area during the summer holidays!

Running

Upon Thames venues: Holy Cross Preparatory School, Kingston Upon Thames

-14 • For children aged 4 crafts & s rt The Lady Eleanor Holles School, • 40+ sports, a ll Hampton • Action packed and fu of variety Check our website for full details including s • Book individual day dates, prices and discounts available or full weeks www.supercamps.co.uk 01235 832222 s • FREE extended hour Other camps/courses on offer: (8am – 6pm) Mad About Tennis, Mad About Netball, Mad About Football and Mad About Swimming for children aged 8-14 – available at The Lady Eleanor Holles School.

See www.supercamps.co.uk for details.

NEXT ISSUE

July/August Super Camps 87x85Our Families Mag Ads.indd 9Summer holiday issue has loads of1/4/11 ideas for local fun, including masses of things to do for free in the area.

Please send your local listings to editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk For a chat about advertising, call Frances on 01932 254584

“ the UK’s leading healthy lifestyle activities provider ”

Shout! Holiday Activities We are running sports, play, arts and crafts, trips, woodland adventures and many more activities throughout the summer for your children.

The Shout! Holiday Activities run by Elmbridge Borough Council for five to thirteen year olds could be the answer.

Bookings are open so call now to book!

Shout! is sponsored by For more information call 01372 474634, log onto www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout or email shout@elmbridge.gov.uk

Summer Kids Camps at a venue near you!

Early Bird ount!

10% Disc ing t July quot Book by 1s Kids r Summer ‘Banana’ fo nt. ou sc di p Cam

For more information or to book our OFSTED registered Activity Camps

Call 0845 456 3233 or visit

www.fitforsport.co.uk

OUR COMPANY

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 19

15:44:47

what’s on 13th MAY, Home-Start Elmbridge Quiz Night, Claygate Village Hall, 7pm. Tickets are £12 each and include a fish and chip supper - there will also be a cash bar. homestart@elmbridgehousing.org 01932 235082.

14th MAY, Crown Jewels - Family Fun Event at Elmbridge Museum, Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP, 2 to 4.30pm. Since Henry VIII built Oatlands Palace, Elmbridge has had many Royal Residents. Get inspired by the splendour of the ‘Accessorise’ exhibition and create your own lavish adornment fit for a king. ‘Precious metals’ and ‘jewels’ supplied! Children must be accompanied, 01932 843573.

11th JUNE, Steam Power - Family Fun Event at Elmbridge Museum, Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP, 2pm to 4.30pm. In 1838 the first railway line cut through the Elmbridge landscape. Find out how this ‘new’ form of transport transformed the local area and make a model steam train to take home. Steam Power is part of a series of free, Family Fun days, 01932 843573.

3 Pigs on 29th May, www.watermans.org.uk

FUN INDOORS 8th MAY, Springtime Safari at Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ, 2 to 5pm. Free, drop-in learning event for families. See what fascinating live creatures you can spot. Meet the local organisations that help care for the plants and wildlife in our area. Latchmere Birds of Prey display. Fun craft activities and storytimes for younger children, 020 8831 6000.

11th and 25th JUNE, Ceramics Workshops at Riverhouse, Manor Road, Walton, KT12 2PF, 10am to 12 noon and 2 to 4pm. Natalie Roset will lead a group of children aged 6+. Cost £5 per 2 hour session. Book on 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

13th MAY, Museums at Night event at Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ, 5.30 to 9pm. A rare opportunity to enjoy the gallery and the historical site under moonlight. The Karmarama Café will be open, there will be a late-night viewing of The Little Soldier exhibition, storytelling as well as a free book cover design event for families. To book please call 020 8831 6000.

Children’s classes from aged 3 to senior levels Adult ballet and tap classes - all levels of experience catered for Based in Kingston

Ballet Tap & Modern Jazz Street Dance Adult Dance

editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

Promote your event for free with us. Email your summer listings to:

13th MAY, Museums at Night event at Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street Chertsey, KT16 8AT, 6.30pm to 9pm. Free family activity – book in advance on 01932 565764.

FUN OUTDOORS 8th MAY, Chestnut Sunday in Teddington Gate, Bushy Park, 12.30pm, parade begins, ending at the children’s playground at the Hampton Court end. Traditional fair, refreshment kiosks, static displays of vehicles and stalls run by local organisations, 020 8979 1586, bushy@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk 14th May, Richmond May Fair, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1PB, 10.30am start. Stalls, dog show, rides and more, 020 8948 4464.

14th and 15th May, Global Fiesta, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A weekend honouring the different worlds that exist within the Gardens, featuring music, dance, food and ritual from all over the world. This will include: ✿ A Latin Carnival, consisting of a hundred performers, celebrating the plants and work that Kew does in South America’s tropical rainforests. ✿ A Japanese Tea Ceremony, highlighting oriental plants through tea and bean cakes. ✿ Global Food and Drink, drawing on the plants within the Gardens that are used in world food and drink. ✿ World Music, which will reflect the geographical origin of Kew’s plant collections. www.kew.org

For hour-by-hour daily listings of regular local events, check For Sanity’s Sake, the free community website for bumps, babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers for Ham/Petersham, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington and Hamptons www.forsanityssake.com

Free Trial Lesson Sibling Discounts Musical theatre workshops Regular Exams 100% pass rate

Do you like fashion and design?

For more information contact:

Carol Winter Dip LCD, RAD Teaching Dip, AISTD (Dip), CDE 020 8241 8496 danceforce@blueyonder.co.uk

Are you outgoing and looking for a new challenge?

Do you want to decide your own working hours?

Come work with me&i!

Football training for under 7s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun and exercise CRB checked and FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses and parties across London

kiddikicks.co.uk 20

0845 602 8276

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

Kiddikicks 55x40 Advert v2.indd 1

12/10/2009 14:38

Please double check details of all events before leaving home as we compile these listings in mid April.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

15th MAY, Dittons Fair, Giggs Hill Green, Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton KT7 0BT, 1 to 4pm. A well loved traditional family event greatly supported by the community and beyond. Enjoy the sideshows including the legendary pig racing, football tombola, crazy golf and pots of money or enjoy a homemade cake and watch the Arena events which this year include dancing, rugby and karate.

Bring along your dog to take part in the hilarious Dotty Dog Show and Dog Gymkhana obstacle course. Stroll around the craft and charity stalls and enjoy and an ice cream or some popcorn and candy floss. www.thedittonsfair.co.uk 15th MAY, Towpath Trundle for Princess Alice Hospice, Esher. 4 or 8 mile trundle along the Surrey banks of the River Thames, 11am. This event is pushchair friendly, suitable for all ages and dogs on leads are welcome. Sorry no bikes. Registration at Sadler’s Ride, Molesey or Walton Bridge. Pre-day registration: Adults £6, under 16 and oaps £4, under 3s free, special family rate £16. On the day registration: Adults £7, under 16 and oaps £5, under 3s free, special family rate £18. All entrants will receive a special trundle mug and there will be trophies for the largest team and top fundraiser. Please contact 01372 461869 or send an enquiry to events@pah.org.uk 15th MAY, Sow and Grow at Ham House, Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS, 11am. Family event highlighting the potential for home grown and seasonal produce with ‘grow your own’ activities, tours of the 17th century kitchen garden and stalls selling local produce. More information on 020 8940 1950, hamhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk 21st MAY, Children’s Farm Day at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG, 10.30am to 4.30pm. A fun day for all the family with a large variety of farm animals which may include sheep, lambs, piglets, ponies, goats, chickens and ducks. Children will be able to learn about the animals and have an opportunity to stroke, groom, feed and milk the wide range of animals. More information from 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th JUNE, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Storytelling at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG. Take along Teddy and a picnic followed by storytelling at 1.30pm.

Additional charge for storytelling. More information from 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk

Launch a rocket at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington on 15th June

11th JUNE, Ham Fair, Ham Common, Ham, 11am to 4.30pm.

11th JUNE, Marshgate Primary School Summer Fair, 157 Queen’s Road, Richmond, TW10 6HY, 11.30am to 3.30pm. Bucking bronco, bouncy castle, wheel of fortune, international food court, BBQ and salad bar, cafe serving beautiful cakes, teas and coffees, face painting and tattoos, a nearly-new book, toy and dvd stall, sewing corner, performances by some of Marshgate’s after-school clubs and by RGA’s (Richmond Gymnastic Association) acrobatic and tumbling team, an International tug of war and Zumba classes for all the family.

12th JUNE, Laverstoke Park Farm Fun Day on Twickenham Green, 12 noon to 8pm. New for 2011, Laverstoke Park Farm introduce themselves to Twickenham by generously sponsoring the annual Fun Day on the Green. With music, stalls, children’s entertainment, refreshments and more. Free admission.

15th JUNE, Water + Rockets at the National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Hampton, TW11 0LW, 6pm. What happens if you mix water and rockets? Find out at the National Physical Laboratory (its not as scary as it sounds). Entry £2 to charity for spectators - see the world’s largest water rocket in action. To participate, no experience or equipment needed – just turn up and within 30 minutes you will have built your own rocket and fired it in to the sky!

For the first time, they are welcoming individuals and groups with no previous experience to workshops where they can build rockets to participate in the Water Rocket Challenge, along with the experts. All materials and instructions are included for only £5 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Participant entry by pre-registration only at www.npl.co.uk/waterrockets 18th JUNE, Kew Midsummer Fete, Kew Green, 11am to 6pm.

Victorian fairground, Pimms tent and more. www.kewfete.org 19th JUNE, Make Dad’s Day at Osterley House and Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB. Take your Dad for a grand day out and make him a special memento of the day to take home. Free after admission and free entry for Dad. More on 020 8232 5050.

19th JUNE, Free entry for Dads on Father’s Day at Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JE. www.painshill.co.uk

Classes @ Kingston, Ymca Hawkers Centre & Thames Ditton, Children’s Centre.

Coming up Yoga for Special Needs & Learning Difficulties

Johanna@yogacubs.com 07807 055858 www.yogacubs.com

FOOTIE TOTS

An introduction to the world of 778 Yogacubs A May11.indd 1 12/04/2011 08:06 fitness and football for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years

FOOTIE WIZARDS

For children ages 5 to 8 years ALL CLASSES HELD INDOORS - FOOTBALL PARTIES AVAILABLE Call Andy for info and bookings on

07931 707720

andy@footie-tots.co.uk

May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 21

what’s on

Wind in the Willows at Ham House on 5th June

19th JUNE, Father’s Day at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG. Take a Father’s day stroll through the garden. The tearoom will be open for hot lunches and afternoon teas.

Lunches served 12 to 2.30pm, tea and cakes throughout the afternoon until 5pm. Fathers get in free to the garden when accompanied by their children. More information on 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk 26th JUNE, Osterley Day at Osterley Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB, 12 noon to 5pm. Osterley’s community fun day returns, packed with free activities and entertainment for all the family. Music and dance, art in the Park, face painting, craft activities and much more. Free and no booking required.

2nd JULY, TW4 Carnival at Beavers Estate, 1 to 4pm. Procession and floats head towards Beaversfield Park. Activities planned by Beavers Library thoughout the afternoon.

2nd JULY, Creatures of the Night at Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont, TW14 8QA, 9 to 11pm. See which creatures come out after dark. See bugs, bats and moths and possibly even owls. £1.50 per child / concession, £3 per adult. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Book on 0845 456 2796 www.bedfontlakes.co.uk 3rd JULY, Summer Stroll at Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont, TW14 8QA, 2pm. Take a leisurely stroll with local nature enthusiast John Wells and the rangers. See butterflies and wildflowers as they make the most of the summer sun, 0845 456 2796 www.bedfontlakes.co.uk

HALF TERM WEEK 28th MAY, Eco Champion Day at Osterley Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB. Osterley Park is teaming with wildlife, much of which remains hidden from its visitors. Osterley’s Eco Champion Day gives families the opportunity to discover more about some of these elusive creatures. Visitors are encouraged to volunteer for an afternoon in the meadows, helping the warden with a small mammal survey that will help wildlife experts gain a broader understanding of the wildlife habitats in the parkland.

020 8232 5050 28th to 30th MAY, Foodies Festival with Top Chefs at Hampton Court Green, 10am to 6pm first two days, 11am to 7pm on final day. Visitors will experience, celebrate and learn about the finest food, drink and culinary talent. The three day event will showcase a wealth of fine food and drink from the region.

Visitors can watch Michelin-starred and top tv chefs creating signature dishes live, take part in food and drink masterclasses with plenty of tastings, sample and buy local seasonal produce, try signature dishes from favourite restaurants and seasonal cocktails from top bars and enjoy a line up of live music entertainment. Tickets £15/£10 concessions. To book, call 0871 230 5573, www.foodiesfestival.com/hampton-court 28th to 30th MAY, The Lion and the Falcon, Hampton Court Palace. Henry VIII and his new Queen, Anne Boleyn set out to enjoy themselves as Hampton Court Palace is transformed into a royal pleasure palace. Displays of falconry and horsemanship delight the court as horses and hounds are prepared for the great hunt. But will this satisfy the whims of his demanding new wife, Anne Boleyn? www.hrp.org.uk 28th MAY to 5th JUNE, Animal Encounters at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Meet birds of prey, otters, amphibians and more. wwt.org.uk/london

22

FAMILIES UPON THAMES May-June 2011

28th MAY to 5th JUNE, Half Term Trail at Claremont Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG. Enjoy the children’s trail around the garden. More information from 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk 29th MAY, A Walk on the Heath at Hounslow Heath, Hounslow Heath LNR 450, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW4 5RB, 2pm. Find out what wildlife is out and about. 0845 456 2796 hounslow.info@laing.com 29th MAY, Family Discovery Day at Osterley Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB, 12 noon to 4pm. These special days introduce younger visitors to a different historic theme every month, linked to the house or garden. Activities may include art, craft, storytelling or hands-on activities. 020 8232 5050 31st MAY to 2nd JUNE, Children’s Craft Workshops at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG. Children’s craft workshops in the Thatched Cottage.

More information on 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk 31st MAY to 2nd JUNE, Drop in Craft at Beavers Library, 103 Salisbury Road, Hounslow, TW4 7NW, 10am to 12 noon.

31st MAY, Fun Pom Pom Creatures at Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street Chertsey, KT16 8AT, 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3.30pm. For 5 to 12 year olds. Cost £4.50 per child, 01932 565764, www.chertseymuseum.org.uk 31st MAY, Knitting/sewing workshop at Osterley Library, St Mary’s Crescent, Osterley, TW7 4NB, 10.30 to 11.30am.

31st MAY, Rainbow Windmill craft at Brentford Library, Boston Manor Road, Brentford, TW8 8DW, 10 am to 12 noon.

1st JUNE, Junior Rangers On West End Common, West End Lane car park, West End Lane, Esher, 10am to 11am. Join the Countryside Team and help your local wildlife. This half term they will be pulling Himalayan Balsam and hunting for bugs on West End Common. In the past children aged 2 to 12 have joined in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book, just turn up. More details on 01372 474565.

1st JUNE, Decorate a Notebook at Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street Chertsey, KT16 8AT, 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3.30pm. For 5 to 12 year olds. Cost £2.50 per child, 01932 565764, www.chertseymuseum.org.uk 1st JUNE, Survival Skills at Bedfont Lakes, Clockhouse Lane, Feltham, TW14 8QA, 9 to 11.30am and 12.30 to 3pm. Build a shelter, light a fire, find foods which are safe to eat. For ages 8+, children must be supervised by an adult. Call 01784 259161 to book. £6 per child, adults free, www.bedfontlakes.co.uk 2nd JUNE, Osterley Park’s Craft Cart, Osterley Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB, 1 to 4pm. Osterley’s popular craft cart hosts a range of craft-related activities and trails on the Front Lawn. 020 8232 5050.

2nd JUNE, Make 3D flower cards at Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street Chertsey, KT16 8AT, 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3pm. For 5 to 12 year olds. Cost £4.50 per child, 01932 565764, www.chertseymuseum.org.uk 2nd JUNE, Knitting/sewing workshop at Heston Library, New Heston Road, Heston, TW5 0LW, 2 to 3pm.

2nd JUNE, Make your own Board Game at Feltham Library, The Centre, High Street, Feltham, TW13 4GU, 10.30 to 11.30am.

4th JUNE, Float Your Boat Day at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG. Sail model boats on the lake. Visitors are invited to join the Guildford Model Yacht Club and try out the fun of sailing their miniature sail or model boats on the lake at Claremont. More information on 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk

Please double check details of all events before leaving home as we compiled these listings in mid April.

4th JUNE, 15 Minutes of Fun at Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street Chertsey, KT16 8AT, 2pm to 4pm. Make a Father’s day card. Free family craft activity, 01932 565764.

4th JUNE, Bats and Bugs: A Candlelit Picnic at Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont, TW14 8QA, 8 to 10pm. A picnic with a Flyaway Kate on 15th May, difference. Take a thermos, a blanket and www.watermans.org.uk some snacks and search for bugs and bats by torchlight. There will be activities taking place throughout the evening for the whole family. £1.50 per child / concession, £3 per adult. All under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. More on 0845 456 2796. www.bedfontlakes.co.uk 5th JUNE, Wind in the Willows at Ham House, Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS, 5.45 to 7.45pm. Characters from one of our best-loved children’s classics come to life, when Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger descend on the gardens for adventure and excitement.

Wind in the Willows is produced by the award-winning Cambridge Touring Theatre, who take a merry romp through the world of the riverbank, with lots of live music, dancing, comedy and audience participation along the way.

The actors are also offering children the chance to attend a 45 minute children’s drama workshop before the performance, commencing at 4pm. Tickets are £2, available on the day on a first come, first served basis. The workshop is suitable for ages 5 to 11.

For the show, adults £12.50, children £9.50, booking essential on 0844 249 1895. Gates open 3.30pm.

5th JUNE, Ashford on the Map Summer Fun Day, Brooklands College Ashford Campus, Church Road, Ashford, TW15 2XD, 11am. Birds of prey, Spelthorne Gymnastics as well as live music, Punch and Judy show and much more. With over 100 stalls, games, fair ground rides, pony rides refreshment stalls, strawberries and cream, traders, community organisations, local churches. The fair remains a non-profit, self-funding organisation and relies entirely on the generosity of the community. More on 01784 241673 or 0775 961 9884.

GRAB A BARGAIN 7th MAY, Richmond NCT Nearly New Sale, Barn Church, Kew, TW9 4HF, 10.30am to 12 noon.

SHOWS 8th MAY, The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Banyan Theatre Company at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. There once was a remarkable tin soldier who fell in love with a beautiful paper dancer and then tumbled out of a window, so beginning a perilous journey into the unknown. Suitable for 3 to 8 years and their families. £6.50 / £5 concessions. Book on 020 8232 1010, www.watermans.org.uk 15th MAY, Flyaway Katie by Long Nose Puppets, at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. Based on the popular children’s book by Polly Dunbar ‘Flyaway Katie’ is an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of the imagination. The birds in the picture on her wall look so colourful. If only Katie could be as bright as them. Who knows what might happen? Suitable for 2 to 6 years and their families. £6.50 / £5 concessions. Book on 020 8232 1010, www.watermans.org.uk 18th to 21st MAY, Mr Benn at The Rose, 24 to 26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, various times. Tall stories presents the extraordinary adventures of an ordinary man at a fancy dress party. For ages 3+, book on 0871 230 1552 www.rosetheatrekingston.org 22nd MAY, The Way Back Home by Big Wooden Horse and Theatre Royal Winchester at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 4pm. Based on the book by the awardwinning author Oliver Jeffers, an intergalactic adventure tale about a little boy seeking adventure. He flies way up into the sky on a plane, landing on the moon where he meets a Martian. Will he make friends and how will they get back home? £6.50 / £5 concessions. Book on 020 8232 1010, www.watermans.org.uk

29th MAY, 3 Pigs by Storybox at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. A story full of stories and songs all about pigs that will send magic tingling up the spines of piglets, sows and old boars of all ages. Rod Burnett and Storybox Theatre use amazing ingenuity and formidable storytelling skills.

Suitable for 3+ years and their families. £6.50 / £5 concessions.

Book on 020 8232 1010, www.watermans.org.uk 21st to 25th JUNE, The Jungle Book presented by The Birmingham Stage Company at Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ. Book on 0844 871 7651.

24th to 26th JUNE, The Gruffalo’s Child at The Rose, 24 to 26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, various times. Tall Stories Theatre Company bring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this musical adaptation.

Book on 0871 230 1552 www.rosetheatrekingston.org

COMING UP 1st to 18th JULY, The third International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF), Kingston. A blaze of brilliant colour, talent and activity from all over the world. The festival represents performance of the highest calibre selected from Kingston, the UK and abroad.

Music, art, drama and dance events take place all over the borough: indoors in Kingston’s galleries, theatres (including the wonderful Rose Theatre) and the museum; outside, the atmosphere will be pure carnival with circus performers, processions, big tops, live theatre, and music, dance and poetry performers all making good use of the wonderful open spaces of the Market Place and Kingston’s parks.

The festival is created and produced by young people, giving young people opportunities not only as performers, but as event managers, producers, creators and innovators ensuring young people have the best possible opportunity to have successful arts careers. IYAF actively encourages applications that are led by young people. Check www.iyafestival.org.uk

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May-June 2011 FAMILIES UPON THAMES 11/04/2011 20:39

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Animal Encounters Photography: John Bridges, James Lees, John Day, Nick Cottrell, Brian Phipps, Norman Carter, Duncan McNab, Jérôme Favre at LMC Design.

Meet these amazing animals face-to-face

Saturday 28th May - Sunday 5th June

Birds of prey • Otters •Amphibians • Reptiles • Hedgehogs Different animal displays each day.

Check wwt.org.uk/London for details. wwt.org.uk/london

Supported by the City Bridge Trust

020 8409 4400

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT WWT registered charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410

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Families upon Thames is designed by Sarah Harmer and printed by Warners, in Lincolnshire. Copyright, Families upon Thames magazine 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor it’s agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families upon Thames is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under liscense. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.