Families Upon Thames issue 79 November-December 2011

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November/ December 2011 issue 79

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YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! 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,

Clothes from Belle and Boo www.belleandboo.com

please call Diana Page 01235 533 362

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

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www.familiesglasgow.co.uk Regular updates for local families at www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

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

Group and Advance Booking Discounts available. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk.

03800228_Xmas_Family_FamUponThames_180x130_L_v2.indd 1

COMPETITION

14/09/2011 17:44

Win a New Year treat for your family!

One lucky family will win a fairy tale weekend in London worth over £1,000! Your weekend will include four fantastic tickets to see Shrek The Musical, an overnight stay in the 4* Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, four London Passes - giving you access to over 50 London attractions, so you can take in the sights. Then finish it all off with a meal at the world famous Rainforest Cafe.

To enter, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions and use the code: TRIP-SHREK Full terms and conditions: www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions

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www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

contents

Happy Christmas from Families uponThames

Cover pic from Bell & Boo www.belleandboo.com

I know I say this every year but in November and December I really will ... make gifts and decorations for Christmas, make a donation to a local charity, go ice skating at Hampton Court, take in a local family show and generally enjoy the run up to the biggest festival of the year. See our Christmas feature on pages 14 to 16 and our What’s on pages (20 to 22) to start your plans.

If it all gets a but much there are ideas on looking after yourself on pages 8 and 9 and if all you want to do is escape from it all, see page 19 for one Dad’s account of a family ski trip to Italy.

Happy holidays!

FRANCES LOATES, editor t: 01932 254584 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

4

News and views

7

A crafty idea

8

The power of Pilates

9

Healthy fix for Christmas

win

10 Adventures in play 11

First steps to writing and spelling

12

Eat out with the family

14 Local Christmas fun 17

Festive reads

18 Luca & Maya get busy 19 Family ski holiday 20 What’s on

@FamiliesuponT

Facebook.com/familiesuponthames

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Pre-School Dance (2-4 yrs) Zumbatomic Dance Fitness (4-12 yrs) RAD Ballet (5+yrs) Street Dance (4-12yrs) Zumba Contact Kate Broughton RAD RTS on 07957639460

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An introduction to the world of 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

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www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

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news&views Free ®

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November/ December 2011 issue 79

n T h a m es

ond, Kingston, Elm agazine for families w EE m s of Richm bridg ith y e , H ou The FR oung c orough nslow hildren living in the b

and Spelthor

ne

E L A S R FO YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!

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,

Clothes from Belle and Boo www.belleandboo.com

please call Diana Page 01235 533 362

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

NCE! ! DA SING

ACT NOW!

www.familiesglasgow.co.uk Regular updates for local families at www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

Beat the big chill with Scooterearz Scooters are experiencing a massive and justified surge in popularity right now and I’ll bet many readers are loving the way they have speeded up the school run. Scooterearz are a scooter accessory dreamt up to solve a problem by Weybridge mums Vicky Bryars and Elisa Everitt whose seven children are out and about on their scooters every day, whatever the weather. But how to keep those hands warm now there’s a chill in the air?

Scooterearz attach securely to the handlebars for those extra chilly days or when you just can’t find that missing glove. They have a black waterproof outer fabric and a fun fur lining, available in a range of colours and are suitable for children age 3 to 12 years. What’s more, they are really popular with the children!

Scooterearz cost £12.99 and available from www.scooterearz.com

Congratulations to Sudbrook School magazine for sale Are you ✔ well organised? ✔ hard working? ✔ well motivated?

Are you looking for an opportunity to ✔ provide your community with a valuable service? ✔ develop a profitable business further? ✔ be part of a wider group behind a successful brand?

Would you like to •work from home?

•organise your working life around your family?

•be part of a national group of magazines providing information about local events, activities and services?

Could you do a job which involves ✔ selling advertising to local family friendly businesses? ✔ compiling editorial of interest to local parents and carers? ✔ some admin and the need to stick to deadlines for reporting and completing work?

Families upon Thames magazine is a franchise of Families magazine and covers the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston, Hounslow, Elmbridge and Spelthorne.

The magazine was re-launched in July 2001 and is now for sale to the right person. Could it be you?

Call 01932 254584 or email: editor@familiesuponthames. co.uk for more details 4

SUDBROOK SCHOOL in Petersham has been named one of the four best pre-school nurseries in the country at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Sudbrook was shortlisted for Nursery World’s Pre-School of the Year award in recognition of its outstanding teaching, dynamic relationship with its parents and strong record of charity fundraising.

‘The awards recognise and highlight the best that is being achieved throughout the UK early years sector. If you reach the shortlist, you will be seen as one of the best in early years education and care.’ said Liz Roberts, Nursery World editor. ‘The awards shine a light on the hard work, innovation and dedication of those in early years’.

Earlier this year, Sudbrook, in Bute Avenue, Petersham, was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in all 17 categories - one of only a handful of schools in the country to have achieved this honour. Praising the ‘calm and

relaxed atmosphere created by the staff’, the inspectors said, ‘Children blossom and flourish in this setting and are making excellent progress in their learning and development’.

The school, which is owned by Petersham resident Mrs Jo Jotischky and her mother, Mrs Jackie Mitchell, celebrates its 50th anniversary next year and past pupils include Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith and his sister Jemima Khan.

Mrs Mitchell said, ‘Sudbrook is very much a community nursery school with outstanding staff and supportive parents in a beautiful location. To be judged as one of the best pre schools in the country is wonderful for us all.’

The awards, hosted by tv presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin, took place on September 30th at the Lancaster London Hotel.

For more information on the school, go to www.sudbrookschool.co.uk or call 020 8940 7021.

Ham House hosts Richmond Literature Festival

This autumn, one of Richmond’s most atmospheric and intriguing landmarks is hosting some of the final weekend’s highlights in the Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival.

The National Trust’s 17th century Ham House is helping the Festival to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a line-up of talks and workshops for both children and adults.

Younger visitors have an opportunity to meet Janet Cronin, illustrator of modern classics, Purple Ronnie, Giraffes Can’t Dance, and Pants, written by Giles Andreae. The duo has teamed up again for a new series Families magazine called World of Happy: 13 books about different animals delivered to your door doing extraordinary things. Meet a knitting gorilla, For just £9.30 you could receive every issue of Families upon Thames magazine football-playing tortoises and burping sharks, amongst through your door by post. Subscribers others! Janet’s interactive workshop includes story telling get priority so you should receive your and craft activities to celebrate the new books and CBBC copy before packs have been delivered to tv series. Suitable for ages 3 to 5. The event is on Sunday our distribution drops and there are no 27th November, 10.30am, £6, accompanying adults free. worries about picking up the latest issue While at Ham House, don’t forget to have a browse before they have run out. for bargain-priced books in the second hand bookstall in the Orangery tea room. Open until 5pm. More events Interested? Simply email on our What’s On pages (20 to 22), Full details on the editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival and to book and we’ll add your details to tickets, call 020 8831 6494 or visit our system and tell you www.richmondliterature.com how to make the payment.

Ham House is at Ham Street, Ham,TW10 7RS.

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

news&views Help for dads

Families Upon Thames well as looking at appropriate One Stop Therapy is a Counselling Service based in Twickenham. They boundaries backed up by a K 1/8 Page advert have recently developed a Dads strong therapeutic methodology Unlimited programme, which aims through group work and individual to build close and lasting relationcounselling for dads and play Twinkle Toes Ballet ships between fathers and their therapy for the children when children agedWilliams 0 to 5 years (they needed.

Jessica do also work with dads with older The aim is to enhance 12 Woburn Court children). dads’ understanding of the The programmes provide developmental and emotional Stanmore Road opportunities for dads to be with needs of their children, aiming to Richmond 2DD their children andTW9 get involved equip them with specific skills and in exciting and creative activities, the acquisition of knowledge to encouraging dads in their abilities help foster competent fathering 07813 741 189 to relate positively to their children and nurturing parenting. through play.

For more details, contact jessica@twinkletoesballet.com They combine education, 0774 9433494 parenting and practical skills, as www.onestoptherapy.uk.com New soft play centre opens in Ham

Local Teddington mums Helen Gibson and Beth Durkin are launching a new play café for under 5s in Ham. Specifically aimed pre school aged children, Little Hamsters is a mixture of soft play, toys and activities, alongside a selection of delicious coffees, healthy snacks, cakes and pastries. Little Hamsters can be found at The Pavilion, Kew and Ham Sports Association, Ham Playing Fields, Riverside Drive, Ham, TW10 7RX. www.littlehamsters.co.uk info@littlehamsters.co.uk 07432 354274 or 020 8616 2915.

Twinkle Toes Ballet Enchanting & magical classes 18 months - 7 years

Fundraising with Attachatag St Edmonds Catholic School in Whitton has done it as has Twickenham Prep. Your school could gain 10% commission on really useful Attachatag products by registering with their fundraising scheme. Individuals associated with the school (such as PTA members, school governors, teachers, etc) can join up with the website www.attachatag.com or call the office and they send a fundraising pack with promotional materials and as many order forms for Attachatag products as you need.

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news&views Green parents

Is your cleaning cupboard packed full of bottles full of nasty chemicals and strong artificial scents which you accumulate but never use? Having potentially toxic liquids around when you have small children is a worry, too.

We tried out an organic All Purpose Washing Cream which can be used as a general household cleaner, car and bike cleaner, carpet cleaner, laundry liquid and even as a washing up liquid.

Alma Win’s Organic All Purpose Washing Cream contains protective skin ingredients and organic essential oils, making it gentle on the skin.

It has a lovely delicate, natural smell far removed from the strong, synthetic perfume commonly used in non-organic cleaners. What’s more, it really does shift the dirt.

With its water softening properties it is an effective laundry liquid, which prevents dirt being re-deposited onto fabric. As it is soap free, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin; laundry liquids which contain soap can block fabric leaving it unable to breathe and therefore prevent sweat from escaping. The concentrated formula makes it great value – a 750ml bottle does up to 50 washes.

Alma Win’s Organic All Purpose washing Cream is available online at www.almawin.co.uk at £7.50 for 750ml. It is not tested on animals, is 100% natural and biodegradable, is ethically produced and is suitable for vegans. Recommended!

An inspirational career awaits you

Montessori is a unique approach to education used and respected in countries all over the world.

The movement was inspired by Dr Maria Montessori in the early 1900s.

She was a true pioneer of child-centred learning and the first woman to qualify as a medical doctor in Italy.

There are over 600 UK Montessori schools and 22 000 worldwide. In the UK, Montessori predominantly caters for pre-school children, with some primary schools also established.

Fundamental to the Montessori approach is the belief that a child’s early years – from birth to six – are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn.

Montessori offers exciting and richly rewarding career opportunities for anyone with a passion for teaching and children.

It is a popular job for busy Mums as most Montessori schools are sessional and close during the school holidays so flexible working is available.

Find out more about our inspirational courses at: www.montessori.org.uk or phone 020 7493 8300 6

competitions competitions Win 1 of win 5 Family Tickets to the Christmas Meeting Family Raceday Ascot’s Christmas Family Raceday this year will feature an ice rink, fairground rides, storytelling, reindeer and of course the man himself - Father Christmas!

The festive season is upon us, so why not grab your woolly hat and scarf and go to Ascot’s Christmas Meeting Family Raceday on Saturday 17th December. It’s the most valuable day of the Jumps season, featuring the highest quality hurdle race, the Grade 1 £100 000 Long Walk Hurdle.

Off the track join in the festive fun by taking a spin around the ice rink (New for 2011), take a ride on the fairground rides, enjoy some storytelling in the Bandstand or even meet Santa’s Reindeer. The Christmas Meeting wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Father Christmas, who will be waiting in his grotto to give a gift to every child who has

been good this year (subject to availability).

To end the day, make sure you join in the Christmas carols to get you into the festive spirit after the last race.

For your chance to win a Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children) to the Christmas Family Raceday on 17th December, just answer the question at www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/ upon-thames Click on the Competitions tab top left, and away you go!.

If you aren’t so lucky, tickets start from £17.

Generous Group discounts apply and kids under 18 go FREE. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk

Win a business guide

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Will you be starting a business from home in the next few months? Start Your Own Home-Based Business is by professional writer and consultant Nick Daws, who himself has been a home-based businessman for over twenty years.

He offers easy-to-digest guidance on how to delve into the world of home-based work, as well as an explanation of why now is the perfect time to start your venture.

Start Your Own Home-Based Business is written in a clear, jargon-free style, taking you through every aspect of running a home business – from assessing your suitability to choosing the right business, raising finance, to marketing and credit control. For added inspiration the book also includes over fifty home-based business profiles, covering a whole range of professions, from computer programming, to event planning, to painting and decorating. For a chance to win a copy of the book, just answer the question on our website at www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames Click on the Competitions tab top left, and away you go!

competitions competitions

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

mums mean business

Sew clever Dressing up clothes make brilliant gifts for boys and girls for Christmas, and in fact any time. We met up with LIBBY BOALCH, a talented mum from Kew who has turned a passion for making dressing up clothes into a business.

Libby Boalch always loved dressing up as a child, ‘I lived for my dancing lessons and performing on stage. I had so many fabulous clothes to dress up in from my grandmother and great aunts. If I had them now they would be collectors’ items.

I used to adapt them and stitch them into different types of outfits as a very young girl. I remember sewing my hula hoop into the hem of a bright yellow dress after seeing Cinderella in Pantomime.’

When she had children herself, Libby was always the mum who was actually delighted to get the request to make costumes for the class Nativity play. She told us, ‘I always enjoyed making costumes for my own children for dancing shows and school plays. I couldn’t understand the horror on the faces of other mothers when asked to produce an angel costume or make a dance dress – I loved it!’

Perhaps it’s surprising then that it was only after a number of years supporting children with special needs in primary school and after her three children were in their 20s that she decided two years ago to set up her company Dressing Up Chest.

She freely admits that she should have set the business up 30 years sooner but as with all of us, Libby needed a little nudge to set her off. ‘My contract came to an end in the school I was working in and I decided it was time for a new challenge and a change of direction’, Libby told us. It wasn’t long before her work was in demand. ‘My first order was from a Montessori nursery school where the children wear handmade uniform. It wasn’t what I intended to do in the beginning but it was my first job and luckily I am still making uniforms for them and it is lovely to see such little ones dressed in something I have made for them.’

She decided to opt for an online business to reach a worldwide market, a decision, Libby told us which has not been without consequences. ‘I would love a ‘proper’ shop but I would need a lot of money to afford to rent or buy a shop. One of the

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biggest problems I have is when people phone up and I tell them I do not have a shop. It seems to be difficult for people to grasp the fact that I will make a bespoke costume for them and it will not cost a fortune. We seem to have become a nation of people who need to buy something off a rail in a plastic wrapper.

I create Mural Works in a wide range Fortunately, ‘the world’ is starting to find of styles. Make a project!

Libby’s website and she has to date sent snowflake tutus to South Africa, superhero Mob: 07909 665348 capes to New Zealand, Little Miss Muffet Email: verzolasimona@hotmail.com to Ireland and a playing card costume to http://artonthewalls.blogspot.com/ Guernsey.

To achieve this, Libby has persisted and promoted her business enthusiastically via Facebook and Twitter (@dressingupchest).

‘I have made some good friends and useful 804 Simona B Nov11.indd 1 17/10/2011 contacts through Twitter and Facebook. It is great to actually meet someone you have been in touch with via social networking particularly when you can help each other out with some kind of joint venture.’

Setting up any kind of business is tough on your own, especially in the current economic climate and Libby has certainly learnt a lot over the past few years. ‘It takes a long time to get your name known and you just have to keep on going. If it is something you really enjoy and believe in it isn’t work - it is fun. My current website isn’t easy to use by customers something I have only just realised – I am building a new one which I hope will make purchasing online easier.’ Dogged persistence is crucial too; ‘I hope the business will start to show some profit in the near future – but I am dreading sorting out all those bits of paper!’

The job is not without its rewards though and the best part of Libby’s job is seeing the look on a child’s face when the costume comes out of the bag and is put on. ‘I had the best feeling ever when 30 Ball skill classes for 18 months to 5 years little girls in royal blue sailor dresses tapped their way onto the stage’.

Fun and interactive games Finally, as it’s getting close to Christmas, we asked Libby why she believes parents 30 and 45 minute daytime and after school should be looking at dressing up clothes classes available Monday - Friday as gifts this year. ‘I think dressing up is a great way to help stimulate children’s All instructors are CRB checked imagination. They can be a character in a story or an animal or a profession they are interested in. It is great for playing with other children but it is also a fantastic way for them to learn to play on their own and or not get bored. I think it is important to help children learn that they don’t have to have constant stimulation and entertainClasses in: ment provided by something or someone Thames Ditton, Surbiton, else. They can create their own enjoyment Cobham, Teddington, and fun!’

FREE TASTER SESSION

To book your FREE class call

020 8398 3034

www.catch-a-balls.co.uk Molesey, Walton on Thames

Visit Libby’s online handmade dressing up clothes shop at www.dressingupchest.co.uk November-December 2011

69 Basingfield Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0PB

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

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21:01

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Gentle, quiet and relaxing? Pilates has often been associated with a more relaxed-pace workout, however this is far from the reality. Pilates is one of the most physically demanding and challenging workouts, when performed correctly, with good technique and a good understanding of the principles. And the results are life changing.

Twickenham mother of two and member of the Body Control Pilates Association, Cynthia Young (pictured above), set up Perform Pilates to help people strengthen, improve their fitness and change their body shape forever. Today, Cynthia offers group mat work classes (max class size of eight), private Pilates sessions, as well as specialist pre-natal and post-natal ‘mummy and baby’ classes. Classes are held in the Richmond and Twickenham area and prices start from just £10 per hour for a group mat work class.

‘Pilates is about physical fitness, although an approved exercise method for rehabilitation it is not simply just a set of physio exercises. It is the most fantastic total body workout and will change the way you move, walk and sit forever,’ explains Cynthia.

‘As a busy mother, I understand the pressures and demands of daily life with children and the constant strain that this puts on your body.

Whether it is rushing to the school gates, lifting your little ones or feeding them during their infancy, as a mother your body moves in every way and this can often lead to aches and pains.

‘The exercises performed in Pilates work primarily to strengthen your core and in doing so, create a fitter, healthier, stronger and more flexible body. I believe passionately in the benefits of Pilates for people through all stages of their lives and am completely committed to Pilates in my own life, coping with the excitement and hectic pace which motherhood brings.’

Benefits

Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, Pilates became popular in New York where Pilates’ first clients were boxers and ballet dancers.

Pilates himself was striving for perfect physical fitness which involved a sound mind in control of a sound perfectly attuned body that is flexible, strong and perfectly balanced with long lean muscles rather than bulk.

Every exercise is built around eight basic principles: Coordination Stamina Centring Flowing movements Relaxation Alignment 08:50 Breathing Concentration Every exercise strengthens abdominal and core muscles as well as lengthening and toning the muscles.

Pre- and post-natal Pilates

Cynthia started Perform Pilates after the birth of her two children (now 3 and 1½ years). She explains, ‘I am convinced that Pilates kept me healthy, fit and happy through two pregnancies and postnatally, has aided my swift recovery. I firmly believe that it helped to give me the strength, stamina and belief to have two natural births at the end of two very different labours.’

It is the ideal way to strengthen core muscles (back, abdominal and pelvic floor), which have often been weakened through pregnancy and additional weight.

‘Time is so precious in the lead up to birth and when you have a young baby, but the benefits of Pilates make it so worthwhile. I train people hard and I get results – and that is why people come back to me.’

extra

To find out more, visit www.performpilates.co.uk or speak to Cynthia to talk about how Pilates could help you, contact her on 07425 143203 or at cynthia@performpilates.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

Christmas health

And then came Christmas Stressed? Exhausted? Feeling you can’t cope and now Christmas looms its head - GILLIE LA HAYE can offer a range of therapies to help see you through the weeks ahead. getting any input, so you can’t ‘give’ any more and you can’t your tank is dry. You wouldn’t run your mini round a Grand Prix racetrack with an empty tank would you? But that’s what you’re doing to yourself.

You’re eating, you’re trying to sleep, you even manage holidays with the family, you do take some supplements, you go to Pilates (when you can) and you occasionally have coffee or an evening out with friends, so it looks as though you’re doing all the right things, BUT you still feel low and exhausted and downright miserable more and more often and frankly, you just don’t feel very well either, so what other ‘input’ is there?

The input you need is this: Someone to talk to who isn’t a friend or family member and who isn’t close to you in any way: someone wise, someone objective and someone who has been where you are now and understands exactly what’s going on for you, who has the time to listen.

Then you also need that person to use their knowledge, experience and wisdom in a pleasant, relaxing environment to provide that ‘input’ in the form of some simple non-invasive therapy, such as a light-touch body work, which has the capacity to ‘re-charge’ your natural energy, firing you up again.





extra

Ask around among friends and see if anyone knows someone you could go to, or you can look in local directories and publications or the notice board in the local gym or leisure centre and see if anything grabs your attention.

Or you can give me a ring or drop me an email and I will either point you in the direction of someone who can help you with your particular needs or, if you like, and it’s appropriate, you can come and see me and I will do what I can to set you back on the path to vitality and health again in just a very short while.

I have more than 15 years of experience working with several very effective and simple therapies helping people with just this sort of situation in their lives to restore equilibrium and return to normal wellbeing.

The therapies I use are Bowen Technique, Reiki, Australian Bush Flower Remedies, Emotional Freedom Technique and Allergy Desensitisation. Each has its particular application and purpose and, together we tailor the treatment programme to your individual needs. They are all very gentle, non-invasive therapies, all very flexible and adaptable to individual requirements, working at a profound level to kick-start the body’s own natural healing resources and set things to rights – often very quickly.

Gillie La Haye can be contacted on 020 8942 8759 gilliebowen@lahaye.co.uk www.bowen-technique.net Gillian writes for a number of journals, teaches therapies locally and works with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council towards the regulation of complementary therapies. She practises at her home in New Malden.

Clothes from asos.com

As parents we keep on working, helping friends out, caring for our own parents and family no matter how we’re feeling or what is being dished up in our personal lives, and on top of all that we keep on trying to smile and look as if everything in our garden smells of roses … because we feel it’s expected of us.

Then one day we hit a seriously rocky moment – we become tearful, we develop symptoms we don’t like the look of (migraine, IBS-type-of-thing, perhaps, skin outbreaks, thrush or cystitis etc) to say nothing of being tired all the time and finding it hard to sleep through the night, being irritable and snappy and inevitably going off sex in a big way. Everything points to our needing some help, so where do you turn?

You might go to the doctor who tells you that you need to look after yourself and gives you a prescription, asking you if you think you need anti-depressants, which you don’t want to get into; you daren’t begin to tell friends or family how you really feel because if you open the door a crack you fear the floodgates will open up and you can’t face that – or maybe you simply don’t want to burden them? You take a trip to the health food shop and scan the shelves for some sort of supplement which might help, but leave empty-handed because it was all too much like hard work and expensive too …

Then another problem opens up – perhaps something to do with a school or the house, or an argument with your partner – and you feel as if you absolutely can’t cope with anything at all.

Well, this is because you’re ‘running on empty’, you have no resources to draw on, you’re not

November-December 2011

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9

spectacular summer play

Not about the money No need for expensive toys - a new book by SAL DENNIS reminds parents of the scope for creative

and meaningful play right at their fingertips.

H

ow many times have you made the comment yourself or else heard others remark that the children were more interested in the wrapping than the toys on Christmas day? Do you think that observation could be telling us something?

In the run up to Christmas we are bombarded with adverts for toys to buy for our children and parents understandably can feel pressured to spend a fortune on the latest craze, exhausting ourselves and the family finances in the frantic quest to hunt it out.

Perhaps we all need to retain a sense of proportion and remember that children learn, explore and discover the world around them with the very humblest of objects ... as well as lots of love and attention from you of course!

Some of us justify our seasonal expenditure by opting for toys being marketed as ‘educational’. Before you spend a fortune on toys which barely get a second glance, think about the play value young children get from simple household objects, used strategically.

Sal Dennis lives in Kew with her sons Oscar and Isaac. She explains the thinking behind her book Under Three: Play with me – I am under three, ‘Having been an early years teacher I thought I had a good understanding of young children’s capabilities. My own children are showing me how much I underestimated the power and potential of their curiosity... and where it could lead them.’

In her book she shows how, ‘with low cost or no cost ideas we have been able to test, design, experiment, touch, listen, make, challenge, discover, smell, replicate, appreciate, contemplate, taste, build, focus and explore’.

Sal says, ‘I am learning to be a learner too.

In all of these examples I have been a close part of my children’s play... watching, listening, supporting. From one parent to another, I hope this book can lead you to discover new ways to learn about and learn with your child. There are so many simple ways to challenge your child’s understanding, ability, skills and thoughts.’

The format is simple - a series of black and white photographs of young children doing what comes naturally. They are engaged in play with common household objects which have been provided for them to fire their imaginations. In each picture, whether the children are playing together or independently, their fascination and absorption is moving for the reader, all the more so because the objects they are learning with really are things we all

have ‘lying around’. They are completely safe yet most of us would never consider them of interest to a young child; from jars of herbs, to packs of nappies (made into a maze) to a packet of tissues.

‘There are so many simple ways to challenge your child’s understanding, ability, skills and thoughts.’

Sometimes Sal has used toys but set them up with other objects to give the play value an extra dimension. Who would have thought to supply paint and paper with a toy tractor so that a child could make patterns with the wheel prints?

Sal gives ideas for hour upon hour of indoor fun, yet does not ignore the potential for our outdoor play and the adventures families can have together in new places.

Most of the images come with a very brief caption which may act as a prompt or stimulus to a parent or provide an explanation of the learning process being illustrated in the play activity.

Far from being prescriptive, Sal is hoping to inspire parents to gather together play materials they have at hand and watch and encourage their children to create adventures from their own imaginations The parent’s role is more than providing the props, however, and the book includes images of the children interacting with adults which may be helping them discover or just having a cuddle!

extra

‘This book resists the temptation to instruct parents but powerfully illustrates everyday possibilities.’ Mary Butler, Lecturer in Early Years ‘This is a book I would be happy to give to new parents and use in practice.’

Rachel Smith ‘...the images remind us of the enormous potential of ideas inside every child. A must for all parents.’ Professor Dr Anne Bamford, Director of Education ‘This is an inspiring book which challenges adult assumptions and draws us back to the real world of children.’Charles Barnard, Head of Early Years, London Borough of Ealing ‘It highlights life from a child’s perspective.’ Janet Climer, childminder

Under Three: Play with me – I am under three by Sal Dennis is £14.95.

Order the book from www.blurb.com/bookstore Fun with Music See also Sal’s website for more about the book and the186 workshops for parents and v2 A carers www.underthree.org

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

10

What they say

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2/13/04

Fun With Music!

In Central Richmond

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

020-8332-2275

November-December 2011

9:

learning

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Having fun with handwriting and spelling PRIYA DESAI, speech and language therapist and children’s author, has some great ideas for developing handwriting and spelling.

Handwriting and spelling are two early years skills and developing the foundations of these skills correctly is essential. When we hear the words ‘handwriting’ and ‘spelling’, it is natural to think that the easiest way to develop these skills is to just practise! Practise writing with a pencil, practise looking at words, sounding out blends over and over again. Yes, of course this is all a part of the process of handwriting and spelling but we must never overlook the building blocks to achieving these skills.

Before spelling comes handwriting. Toddlers and young children generally love to explore with crayons, pencils, etc. This is a good thing but be careful to monitor how your child’s grip develops over time. He/she will naturally start with a palmer grasp at approximately two years of age. With time gently prompt your child to develop a tripod posture grip, so that he/she is school-ready aged four. Some children find this tricky, and that is okay, as they should have plenty of opportunities in Reception to work on their pencil holding skills.

To develop good handwriting skills, practise is essential, however, it is also important to strengthen the muscles needed for writing; namely finger, arm and shoulder muscles.

There are several fun activities that you can try and, most importantly, you will be working on handwriting indirectly, giving your child all the motor skills and strengths that he/she will need to write at their full potential.

extra

Here are some activities that you can try out: Finger paint – paint shapes, straight lines, squiggly lines. Older children can even paint words!

Use plasticine/ playdough to make small figures and models.

Hide small beads in theraputty (this is firmer than plasticine) for your child to find.

Have a finger press-up competition against the wall.

Try threading beads, cotton reels, buttons and also lacing cards.

Play with windup toys.

Do lots of colouring – try and stay in the lines and use long and short strokes.

Draw large-scale pictures with paints and crayons, using big strokes.

Try neat doodling – lines, circles, semi circles, etc.

Practise writing and colouring while lying on your stomach – this will help to develop shoulder strength which is also important to fire strength into the fingers.

When you do practise handwriting, take your child to the shops so they can choose their own special pencil, in fact buy one for yourself too and practise your handwriting together! In this way your child does not feel alone in his/her handwriting endeavours and your company may motivate them.

It is quite amazing to see a child move from experimenting with a pencil to writing letters and words. When your child is ready to start

For more about the author and her books, check www.priyadesai.co.uk

spelling, it is obviously helpful to not only sound them out but also to write them. But how can we make this all fun? And take away the emphasis from learning and homework.

Here are a few simple suggestions for you: Try spelling in a sand tray. This approach also uses what is known as a multisensory approach as the child sees and feels the letters as he/she is spelling and sounding out.

Write letters and words on each other’s backs and guess the letters and words spelt.

Make letters using pipe cleaners and then spell words.

Invest in some spelling games. There are many games available to buy from educational catalogues, such as LDA learning.

When you come across tricky, non-phonetic spelling words such as, ‘little’ or ‘pretty’, write the tricky word on a post it and stick it up on the fridge or anywhere visible so there are plenty of opportunities to see the word. Make an effort to use the target word/ words when you are talking, so there is extra exposure to them and once you have used the word, sound it out.

Remember to look out for words you are learning to spell while you are out and about.

Check out signs, labels, etc, even if it is for familiar syllables, eg the ‘cat’ of ‘caterpillar’.

Let your child give you a spelling test!

Make mistakes and then your child can enjoy correcting you.

One last thing, don’t forget to give specific praise to your child for every wonderful line, squiggle, word they spell and sentence they 100220_CFCS_FamiliesonThamesNovember87x85mm :Layout 1 27/09/20 write!

An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 3 to 18 years

Open Morning Whole School - 10:00am - 12:30pm Introductory talk 10:00am Saturday 12th November For further information, tel: 01372 473624 or email: jtilson@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

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November-December 2011

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11

eating out

Family

feasts

Laura with Connor, Isla and Tilly.

LAURA WELSH and her family find some great local

restaurants where families get a warm welcome, a delicious meal and nothing is dumbed down.

A

s Christmas approaches, maybe you are thinking about the possibility of giving the cook a break and having a few meals out, locally en famille? Ideal in principal but not so easy in practice, do I hear you say?

Of course, we Brits have had less of a culture of eating out with our families than our European neighbours. Many of us have seen large families gathering en masse in restaurants on holiday, with small children tucking in alongside their parents and grandparents and wished we could recreate that feeling of joyous feasting back home. All too often though, our experiences of family-friendly restaurants can be pretty dismal.

Nowhere to put the buggy? No high-chairs? A long walk to the loos which turn out to be totally unsuitable for changing nappies?

Staff who look on disapprovingly as George drops his pasta on the floor? Drinks full of sugar and no offer of normal water or (heaven forbid) plain old orange squash?

We’ve all been there and it can put you off for life.

Slowly but surely though this is changing and in all our neighbourhoods new places to eat are cropping up that are GENUINELY family-friendly and can claim to offer good food (for all generations) with friendly staff, good facilities and a relaxing, fun atmosphere - without creating that feeling that you are dining in a circus or soft-play centre.

We have three children under seven and so finding anywhere to eat out together successfully is comparable to Harrison Ford searching for the Holy Grail. All too often we find somewhere we like and then cling to it like an old friend, resulting in boredom with the menu and groans from the children whenever we suggest another trip there. So we’ve recently branched out and, with some experimentation and some advice from friends, we’ve found some great places in our local area that both we, and the children, love - be it for a hearty Sunday lunch after mini-rugby, a snack whilst out shopping or a family 12

birthday celebration with friends.

This has led to the discovery that our middle child, Tilly, loves tapas; Connor, aged 6, will do ANYTHING for an all-day breakfast and that two year olds can be surprisingly keen on curry. Below are some of our personal favourites from our local area, I’m hoping that this will inspire you to check out your neighbourhood too.

Red Peppers, Broad Street, Teddington

This excellent Mediterranean restaurant is a local favourite and is always packed with small family groups and large parties alike. The staff have seen it all before so can deal with anything you throw at them with a smile for the children and a balloon. They are particularly good for large lunch parties and there is plenty of room for buggies, loads of high chairs, crayons and ice cream. And, most importantly, they manage to make the grown ups feel pretty special too.

53 to 55 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8QZ, 020 8977 5452

work. Very importantly, too, you can select how ‘hot’ you’d like your meal, avoiding any tears from the littlest members of your party.

29 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3SZ, 020 8892 0634

Pizza Express, Richmond

Recently refurbished, this place is a revelation to anyone who’s ever had a bad experience of family dining. Bright and airy with the friendliest staff I’ve encountered, there is a brilliant play area (touch screen computers a 2 year old can master, crayons, films projected onto the walls) that manages to avoid that feeling of eating in a soft-play centre. We enjoyed a lovely meal, with wine, and the children had a ball without creating mayhem. What more could you ask?

Lion House, Richmond, TW9 1RE, 020 8948 7460

Wagamamas, Kingston

The Crown in Twickenham

Other places we love include: The Anglers pub at Teddington Lock, The Place to Eat in John Lewis, Kingston (the best value kids sandwich boxes in the area and a lovely view of the river), and Bar Estilo for family friendly tapas in Richmond and Teddington.

Our family favourite for a tea time Tips for helping things treat. The staff are delightful, the go smoothly service is speedy (very important!), the children love the noodles 0 Take things for the children to and they supply kids chopsticks. do. It might sound obvious but The Nearest Cafe, Church For pudding there are delicious even a pack of pencils and paper Road, Teddington real-fruit ice lollies and the whole can make the difference between A small but perfectly formed ‘proper’ place has a feeling of relaxed, peace and mayhem. cafe which does great sandwiches, casual, dining whilst appealing to 0 Take a large pack of baby wipes, fry ups and things with toast. The the grown-ups too. there are never enough napkins in tea is delicious and there is a lovely 16 to 18 High Street, most places. garden at the back. My children love Kingston, KT1 1EY, 0 Take your own kids’ cutlery. going here for Saturday lunch or an 020 8546 1117 You’d be surprised how many after-school tea time treat. restaurants expect a two year old 10 Church Road, Teddington, The Crown, St Margarets to eat with a large knife and fork.

TW11 8PB, 020 8943 4839 Don’t discount pubs. This lovely 0 Keep it quick – don’t expect pub is great for family Sunday to be able to enjoy a leisurely lunches either on your own or with lunch over a bottle of wine with 3 a group of friends. The menu is children in tow. Your time for that extensive and not expensive, the will come. For now, it’s eat and kid’s portions are the perfect size leave unless there is a play area or and there is a play-area in the beer other activities. garden. Walk down the lane to the 0 Above all, smile and enjoy it! If swings at Marble Hill for ice-creams you enjoy it, your children will. for pudding. The perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

174 Richmond Road, Does your family have a Indus, London Road, Twickenham TW1 2NH, favourite local restaurant? Tell Twickenham 020 8892 5896 us about it on 01932 254584 or I was worried about taking my email: children for a curry but this great editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk recommendation for a friend is the perfect place to start. They have Laura Welsh lives in Hampton Hill. Read her blog about family life at highchairs, and activity packs and http://whattillysaid.wordpress.com the children can watch the cooks at

Indus in Twickenham

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November-December 2011

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13

Christmas

12

Christmas time ideas

Our local guide to all the family fun for the twelve days of Christmas.

On the FIRST day of Christmas, get making.

Homemade chocolate truffles, jams or chutneys always go down a treat and what about the decorations?

How about painting a piece of pottery? Try The Pottery Café, 322 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU www.pottery-cafe.com Alternatively, there are plenty of crafty workshops being organised so get busy : 0 Bedfont Lakes are running a Christmas Craft Workshop on Sunday 4th December between 11am and 1pm, where you will learn to make a willow wreath and other decorations using natural materials. This one’s a bargain at just £1 per child, £2 for an adult.

Full details at www.bedfontlakes.co.uk 0 At Osterley Park (Jersey Road, Isleworth) there’s a Christmas Wreath Workshop for adults on Thursday 9th December from 10am to 12 noon and 2 to 4pm. You will make a traditional Christmas wreath with greenery from the estate for your front door.

Includes coffee on arrival. The cost is £19 and advance booking is required on 020 8232 5050.

0 If you’re closer to Esher, you can make a wreath from materials gleaned from the local countryside at the Arrow and Trefoil Hall, West End Lane, on Saturday 17th December, 10am to 12 noon.

Again, you need to book on 01372 474565 as places are limited.

0 What about learning to make your own Christmas crackers at a workshop organized by Elmbridge Museum in Weybridge on Saturday 10th December (2 to 4.30pm)? This is a free family workshop event where you will make a cracker, complete with hat, joke, gift and bang. More details on 01932 843573.

Lots of fun in Kingston this Christmas On the SECOND day of Christmas, go ice skating at

Hampton Court Palace. The fun begins on 26th November. More details and booking info at www.hamptoncourticerink.com

On the THIRD day of Christmas, have a sing-song.

Plenty of opportunities for communal carol singing this year.

0 Osterley House at Jersey Road, Isleworth, will be organising Christmas Carols in the Stableyard on Sundays 4th, 11th and 18th December at 2pm and 3pm. Song sheets will be provided.

This is a free event and no booking is required.

0 Landmark Arts Centre in Ferry Road, Teddington are planning a session of Carols by Candlelight on Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm. Celebrate Christmas with the sounds of Surrey Brass and a programme of seasonal music,

Hampton Court Ice Rink (photo byLawrence Looi / newstream.co.uk)

words and song, including carols for you to join in with. This is a wonderful festive start to Christmas week, suitable for all the family.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be available. Book early, it’s always sold out 020 8977 7558, info@landmarkartscentre.org 0 At the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, there will be carols, candles and plenty of Christmas spirit, plus a special visit from Father Christmas on Thursday 8th December. Hot food and drinks will be available, including mulled wine and mince pies. Proceeds from candle sales will be split between Churches Together in Barnes and WWT Centre. Free entry after 6pm. Carols start at 6.45pm. Full details on 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london 0 On the first three Saturdays in December, Ham House will be hosting Family Christmas Concerts.

The seasonal one hour musical offering with vocal group Apollo 5 will feature an appearance by Father Christmas with a gift for every child. Cost is £14, £9 child.

Normal admission prices to the house apply. Dates are 3rd, 10th and 17th December and times 4 to 5pm and 6 to 7pm. Book on 020 8940 1950.

On the FOURTH day of Christmas, visit The Enchanted

uk

www.daytona.co.

14

Woodland at Syon Park in Brentford. The Enchanted Woodland takes you on a magical walk through Syon Park’s 5th annual Enchanted Woodland

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

including the recently restored Serpentine Lake and Pleasure Gardens at the rear of the Great Conservatory.

It’s open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 18th November to Sunday 4th December. Doors open at 5pm with last entry at 8pm.

Tickets from www.quaytickets. com or you can purchase tickets from Syon Park Garden Centre, Brentford, TW8 8JF.

On the FIFTH day of Christmas, set their imaginations

on fire and enoll your children in a winter workshop. Perform Drama, Dance and Singing workshops are recruiting 4 to 8 year children to travel to Narnia and help Aslan the Lion defeat the Wicked White Witch.

If your child has the potential to be Peter, Susan, Lucy or Edmund then please call the Narnia hotline on 0845 400 4000!

Exclusively for 4 to 8 year olds, Perform Winter Experiences are specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence and communication skills. The children will make new friends, stretch their imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they go through the wardrobe for the adventure of a lifetime. Concluding with a thrilling performance for family and friends the children will battle with the White Witch, cheer on Aslan the Lion and discover the wonders of Narnia.

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe winter experience will November-December 2011

Christmas On the EIGHTH day of Christmas, make a date with Santa.

0 The grotto is open at the

Meing Santa at Ascot Racourse run from 21st to 23rd December: The Russell Primary School, Petersham Road, Ham, TW10 7AD at 2.30 to 4.30pm All Saints Western Village Hall, 1 Chestnut Avenue, Esher, KT10 8JL at 10am to 12 noon www.perform.org.uk

On the SIXTH day of Christmas, pop off to a special

local market or Christmas fair for some goodies. These are places for gifts which are out of the ordinary.

0 Kingston is gearing up for two this year: Eden Craft & Gift Fair is at All Saints Church Lawn, Opposite John Lewis from 17th November to 2nd January 2012 For more information, visit www.edencrafts.co.uk or call 020 8788 4434.

The Traditional Christmas Market is at the Ancient Market Place 11th November to 28th December. There will be a variety of traders including traditional German Christmas decorations, warm and cosy winter accessories, unique and cute baby clothing and new ideas for home decorating. If you are gift hunting or just simply looking for that little surprise, you are at the right place with handmade ceramics, fine scarves, pashminas and amber/silver jewelry.

One of the highlights for 2011 will be Andrew Thorndyke, a young local chef and food artist from Teddington. Andrew’s stall will offer finest mince pies, mouth watering Christmas puddings, biscuits and cakes as well as chocolate art. All products are personally made by Andrew and are available on order over the festive period.

If all the Christmas shopping has made you hungry, then why not sample the German Charcoal bbq?

Other delights will be Hungarian Langos, Hog roast from Kent or crêpes. To warm up, enjoy a hot Glühwein - from blueberry to cherry all wines come from the well known wine area along the river Mosel in Germany. And if you love a German Beer, why not try our Paulaner or Erdinger Beer, two of Germany’s finest?

0 On 3rd, 4th,10th,11th,17th and 18th December at Ham House there’s a Christmas Fair with artisans and traders as well as arts and craft activities for the children.

November-December 2011

0 On 3rd December Bedfont Library is hosting a Craft Fair between 10am and 2pm. The work for sale will be made by local groups. Bedfont Library is in Sraines Road, Feltham, TW14 8DB. 0 On 13th November, Talking Hands will be running a craft fair in St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Walton from 1 to 4pm. There will be jewelry, cakes, chocolate and plenty of home made and hand crafted gifts. A family fair for all ages, contact them on 01932 241237, info@talking-hands.co.uk Lots of local schools will be organizing fairs to raise funds this year: 0 Echelford School, Park Road in Ashford is holding a Christmas and Gift Fayre on 25th November at 6.30pm. Over 40 stalls will be selling various gifts, jewelry, pictures, dolls house furniture, handbags and Christmas decorations. Refreshments will also be available and you can meet Father Christmas. Entry is 50p.

Contact Lynne Jones on 01784 259263 for further information.

0 In Kingston, Latchemere School is planning a Fair on the same day from 7 to 9.30pm. For more on that one, contact Paula Trovalusci on 020 8439 7977 or lspaxmasfair@gmail.com 0 Also in Kingston,Tiffin Girls are holding their Fair at the school Ham Road, Kingston (next to Kingston Centre and Fernhill Primary School) on 27th November, 11am to 3pm. Entrance will be £1 per adult and 50p per child/student.

OAPs are free!

They are planning over 60 stalls, a wide variety of presents and crafts for sale, free magic shows, a cafe for meals or snacks, cake stalls, tombolas and Santa’s Grotto.

Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, from December 10th to the 23rd, in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. The queue opens at noon and closes at 3pm. www.kew.org 0 Santa will also be in his Grotto at Chessington Garden Centre from 19th November. Start the visit with a short film, followed by an adventure through Santa’s winter wonderland where you will meet some special characters. Book online at www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk 0 Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher, are expecting a visit from Santa to their Thatched Cottage at on 10th and 11th December.

Booking essential on 01372 476436.

0 At Painshill Park, Cobham, Father Christmas will be in his Crystal Grotto from 3rd December to Christmas Eve. Booking is essential for these visits on 01932 584284.

0 Or how about breakfast with Santa at Bentalls? Dates are Saturday 10th December and Sunday 11th December,

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On the SEVENTH day of Christmas, roll up, roll up and go

to the circus. Cirque Normandie is returning to Chessington Garden Centre this year with performances on selected days between 26th November and 2nd January.

Family fun for everyone. There will be acrobats, aerialist, jugglers and side-splitting comedy in a heated big top. The show lasts roughly 60 minutes. Book on www.chessingtongardencentre. co.uk

Saturday 17th December and Sunday 18th December. Visit bentalls.co.uk for details. Booking is essential.

0 At Bocketts Farm in Fetcham, Santa will be waiting in his special hay barn from 1st to 24th December. Once inside, each child will receive a gift. There will be no queues as Bocketts will be operating a ticketing system with allocated times. Of course there’s plenty to see at Bocketts while you wait for your magical moment,

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15

Christmas

12 days of Christmas including a peek at the 25 baby lambs due to be born around that time. Bocketts has been voted one of the 6 top places in the country to see Santa by The Guardian so definitely worth a visit this year. www.bocketts.co.uk

0 At Chessington World of

Adventures from 10th to 11th December and 17th December to 2nd January 2012, the Winter Zoo Days get a Christmas touch.

Visit the Reindeer as they enjoy their first Christmas in Chessington under the twinkly lights of their sparkly new stable. Make sure you join in with a special show ‘The Elves and The Christmas Tree’ and meet Father Christmas as he explains the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t forget to pop your letters into Father Christmas’s special Post Office in Market Square too. If you don’t get to see Father Christmas before the big day, worry not as he and his Elves will be staying at Chessington throughout the Christmas holidays. www.chessington.com

OR .... you can be Santa. Dress

up as Santa and raise money for charity.

0 Staines is running a Santa sprint on 4th December. This is a fun run/walk dressed as Santa starting at 9.30am and the course is 1.5 miles around Staines town centre. Cost is £5.50 for under 16s and £8.50 for adults. Under 11s need to be accompanied by an adult and bookings must be made together. This event is open to all and participants can take part for their chosen charity. A Santa suit is included in the registration fee and confirmation letters will be sent with further details.

See www.spelthorne.gov.uk/ santasprint for full details 0 Princess Alice Hospice, based in Esher is organising two Santa Fun Runs again this year. The first is in Bushy Park on 4th December and then on 11th December there’s another run in Old Deer Park, Richmond. Check for more details at www.pah.org.uk

On the NINTH day of Christmas, take yourselves off to see a special Christmas show.

0 The Rose in Kingston is

presenting The Snow Queen this year from 2nd December to 8th January. Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, the wintery tale of friendship and adventure will be brought to life. www.rosetheatrekingston.org 0 Watermans in Brentford’s Christmas show for 2011 is The Night Before Christmas. Running from 8th to 23rd December, the

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show is ideal for young children aged from 3 to 7. It is a captivating story that is guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. The Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company brings magic, excitement, catchy tunes and plenty of audience participation.

What’s more, Waterman’s own dance specialist will be running a special workshop based on the show on selected dates. www.watermans.org.uk 0 The Riverhouse Barn (Manor Road, Walton) Christmas show this year is Hotbuckle Production’s Bob and the Beanstalk, running from 14th to 18th December.

This show promises to be about as much fun as it’s possible to have in a confined space with lots of other people and a Giant on the loose! www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 0 In Chessington, the St Paul’s Players are presenting Beauty and the Beast on 25th to 26th November and 2nd and 3rd December at Hook and Southborough Parish Hall, KT9 1PF. The chosen charity this year is The Kingston Samaritans. Please ring the Box Office for tickets on 020 8397 3515.

0 At Richmond Theatre, comedienne Jenny Éclair will be making her pantomime debut in Cindrella, alongside seasoned performed Gary Wilmot from 9th December to 15th January. With stunning sets, glittering costumes, wonderful songs, dazzling dances and hilarious family-friendly comedy, it’s the perfect traditional Christmas show. Richmond Theatre is at The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ. www.atg.com/richmond 0 At this time of year, shows turn up in the most unlikely places and London WWT Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk in Barnes is one example. From Saturday 17th to Tuesday 20th November they will be presenting Which Witch is Which? A magical pantomime full of Wetland animals and magic spells. The Wetland animals need your help… Performances are at 11.30am and 2.30pm each day.

Book online at online www.wwt.org.uk or on 020 8409 4400 0 At Vaudeville Theatre, London, CBBC’s Dan and Jeff return for a second festive season of Potted Panto, following a Best Entertainment nomination in the Olivier Awards and a West End run of their original show Potted Potter.

For Christmas 2011, Potted Panto features eight classic pantomimes in just eighty minutes. That’s one whole panto more than last year, with tickets frozen at 2010 prices.

The dastardly double act career through Cinderella in 3D including

Potted Panto at the Vaudeville Theatre, Lond

on

a cameo from the first ever Fairy-Godchicken to grace a West End stage. They dazzle with a Dick Whittington featuring Jeff as the Mayor of London: blond, posh and receiving just the treatment he deserves. The show runs from 18th December to 8th January at 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH. Book on 0844 482 9675 or at www.nimaxtheatres.com

On the TENTH day of Christmas, how about a day at the races?

0 Dick Whittington pantomime

welcomes racegoers to Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher for the two day Tingle Creek Christmas Festival on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December. All racegoers are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite Pantomime character on Saturday for the chance to win a prize. There will be a panto, horse and sleigh rides and a visit from children’s author Judith Kerr.

Children can visit Santa in his Grotto where all young visitors will be able to choose a complimentary gift from the Lucky Dip and make their final Christmas gift wish, whilst the parents can look around the Christmas gift and food stalls.

Children under 18 enjoy free entry (accompanied by an adult) and there is a complimentary crèche.

Book tickets on 01372 47 00 47 or visit www.sandown.co.uk

0 Ascot’s Christmas Meeting Family Raceday is on Saturday 17th December. It features the Grade 1 £100 000 Long Walk Hurdle. Off the track join in the festive fun by taking a spin around the ice rink – new for 2011, take a ride on the fairground rides, enjoy some storytelling in the Bandstand or even meet Santa’s Reindeer!

The Christmas Meeting wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Father Christmas, who will be waiting in his grotto to give a gift to every child who has been good this year (subject to availability). To end the day make sure you join in the carol singing to get you into the festive spirit after the last race.

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

www.ascot.co.uk SEE page 6 to win family tickets for this event.

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas, go on a ghost tour.

Ghouls and ghosts abound at this time of year an there are plenty of spooky local places where you can engineer an encounter: 0 At Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham on 23rd November at 6pm, you can enter the strange and gothic world of The Raven Mysteries.

Meet author Marcus Sedgwick and illustrator Pete Williamson to find out all about Edgar the Raven, Solstice, Lord Valevine and the other members of the hapless, hopeless but ultimately harmless Otherhand Family. The event will be followed by a ghost tour of Strawberry Hill House. Suitable for ages 8 to 11, cost £10. Book in advance online, by telephone or in person at Orleans House Gallery.

Tickets will be on sale 30 minutes prior to the start of the event, subject to availability. www.richmondliterature.com

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas, get outdoors! It’s a

season for indulgence and staying indoors but make sure your family walks off some of the seasonal excesses with some great outdoor activities.

0 On Sunday 20th November at 11am you can take a walk on Hounslow Heath to admire the late autumn colours, weird and wonderful fungi and other seasonal sights. £1 per child/concession, £2 per adult. More details on 0845 456 2796.

0 At Claremont Landscape Gardens in Esher, there’s a Children’s Christmas trail from 10th December to 1st January.

More details at 01372 467806, claremont@nationaltrust.org.uk 0 At Painshill Park, Cobham, there’s FREE entry on Wednesdays from 2nd to 30th November. www.painshill.co.uk

Check out our What’s on listings (pages 20 to 22) for loads more ideas, events and activities.

November-December 2011

Christmas

Tales for

our time

LUCY NOGUERA from Brilliant Monsters tells us why fairy tales are still great to share.

T

here is a place for all kinds of stories and although some fairy stories can sometimes seem quite brutal, you can always add your own twist to them.

Don’t be afraid to change endings to suit your child or let them dictate how scary they like a story to be. My seven year old daughter wants all the gory details and has done since she was tiny, whereas my four year old son doesn’t. He absolutely loves ‘The Good Little Wolf’, which is a new book by Nadia Shireen, very loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood. The last page has the wolf with a very large tummy and two deserted plates of cake at the table, leading you strongly to believe that the wolf has indeed eaten the Granny and the good wolf! However, my son insists that the Granny and the little good wolf

have gone to buy some different cake as they didn’t like the one they have on their plates...

This is how he wants to see it, so for now, that’s the way we read it. As he gets older and can cope with the Granny being eaten then we can read it differently!

Any book can be the starting point for conversations or games. Be creative, don’t always read it word for word, talk around the pictures, imagine what the character might be saying if it doesn’t tell you.

Storytelling, whether it is from a book or by memory, is a vital part of a child’s language development. You don’t have to have an enormous library of books. If you have a healthy imagination you can use each book in several ways. Children learn by doing, so telling a story is brilliant, but acting it out or role playing the story will also help to reinforce it. Fairy tales are usually safe places, kids don’t mind being a bit scared, particularly if they know the end is good or, often more important to many children, fair.

Take a well known fairy story like The Three Little Pigs, find some toy pigs and a cereal box, some straws and a plastic box. Act out the story, let your child be one of the pigs or the big bad wolf if they are brave enough! Use the props to tell the story, or if you are really resourceful, find a large cardboard box and make it into one of the pigs houses and then you can be the wolf, huffing and puffing and your child can be the little pig all safe inside!

Involve siblings - an older sibling reading aloud can be a powerful incentive for a younger child to listen to a story whilst also enabling your older child to practice key reading skills such as reading aloud both accurately and with expression, but most importantly they are both having fun and sharing a love of stories.

Princess costumes are very popular with little girls but usually just the ball gown - make a Cinderella scruffy outfit with an apron and a broom, then pretend to be the unkind sisters or the Prince asking everyone to try on the shoe, use a grown up’s pretty shoe.

Christmas time provides the opportunity to revisit fairy tales through pantomimes. I love reading one version of a story like Cinderella, and then seeing a live production. This gives great opportunities to talk about the differences and the best or worst bits, reading different versions can be really enriching. At Brilliant Monsters we often link theatre trip whenever possible to our book packs. If you would like to hear of our events like this, please email us with your children’s ages on brilliantmonsters@gmail.com and we will add you to our mailing list.

extra

See page 16 and page 20 for details of local shows.

Lucy Noguera can be contacted on 07973 314522 www.facebook.com/brilliantmonsters brilliantmonsters@gmail.com November-December 2011

SUGGESTED READS Good Little Wolf - Nadia Shireen (Jonathan Cape, £5.99).

This has the little wolf being good and trying very hard to be bad but just can’t do it! He tries to convert the bad wolf! Does he succeed? Let your child decide.

Who’s Afraid of The Big Bad Book? Lauren Child (Hodder, £6.99).

Lauren Child mixes up fairy tales with the return of her character Herb. You meet three very polite little bears and a rather cross Goldilocks. A different collage style adds to the charm of this modern look at familiar characters and changing your expectations.

Prince Cinders - Babette Cole (Picture Puffin, £6.99).

Poor Prince Cinders suffers at the hands of his three big, bullying, bossy brothers. He meets a rather grubby fairy who promises she can change his life, for the better!

Fairy Tales - A Classic Collection (Zero to Ten, £9.99).

A traditional telling of many well known fairy tales, beautiful illustrations - a special book to keep and revisit.

Ladybird Books have a range of fairy tales in mini hardback. Also in Read it to Yourself style at various levels. They even start with toddler versions.

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17 17

Christmas

Luca & Maya make Christmas windows

18

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

travel

In search of

snow

Last April when Britain was basking in an Easter heat wave, EDWIN TOWILL and his family were searching for snow – here’s his account of their Italian skiing holiday.

As we started our 800 mile drive to the Italian ski area of Monterosa, in the Aosta valley, our five year old daughter Anna announced that she would rather spend a week swimming in our local leisure centre than going skiing. A further member of our party, due to meet us in the resort, had strained a calf muscle and was on crutches. Was staying at home and enjoying the sunshine a better option?

Things did improve. French autoroutes were blissfully empty and the Mont Blanc Tunnel was without the usual queues so on Day 2 we were wending our way up the hairpin bends towards pretty Champoluc, the largest of the ski villages in Monterosa.

Champoluc lies 1579 metres above sea level, and both the village and the surrounding mountains would usually be covered in snow in April. But ten days of temperatures above 20oC meant that as we drove into the village in brilliant sunshine, all we could see were glimpses of white on the very highest peaks. However, the Italian ski authorities had managed to shift layers of snow from the sides of the pistes to produce a good week of skiing.

Both Adam (age 8) and Anna (age 5) went into the ski school and achieved a degree of mastery to make their parents proud, and a turn of speed to make us suitably anxious. The highlights of ski holidays are the last couple of days, when family members ski together. It’s hard work, it’s expensive, but it’s worth it.

Champoluc itself is a small, traditional alpine village with Austrian-style shops and hotels and majestic views up to the surrounding mountains. The hotel where we stayed – the Petit Tournalin - is between the two lifts to the ski area and is ideal for families. Of the two ski lifts in Champoluc, only one was open as we arrived, and that one shut half way through our trip so our travel company moved us to another hotel in the nearby valley of Gressoney.

November-December 2011

The Gressoney valley was more bleak and harsh. The historical and linguistic influences are German, whereas Champoluc’s ties are with France. And the architecture is more forbidding, with severe, imposing hotels, compared to Champoluc’s quaint single and two storey buildings with overhanging eaves and window boxes. Gressoney is a resort for more serious skiers with, reportedly, fantastic off-piste skiing (though the off-piste snow had disappeared). But for us, spending the final few days of our trip there, the resort was ideal.

There are lovely wide open slopes perfect for novice skiers like Anna, and more challenging long runs which enticed Adam. We can certainly vouch for the assiduous approach the Italian authorities take to safety. After we had taken the last cable car up the mountain, and were picking our way down a long and steep run, kind Italian mountain guides overtook us, and took the children down in their skidoo!

We have taken our children on two previous ski trips. For us, there were a number of things that made this holiday different.

First, the timing - this was our first Easter ski holiday. While there was less snow than earlier in the year, we benefited from empty pistes, longer days and warmer weather.

This was also the first time we had booked through a tour operator. The advantages were significant: they warned us before departure of the receding snowline and even offered to hold over our booking to the following year, transferred us from Champoluc to Gressoney at their expense, taught the children to ski in their in-house ski school, and provided a host

of activities for families after the ski lifts had closed.

We have spent winter holidays in most Alpine countries. France has fantastic skiing but can be busy and overcrowded. Switzerland is beautiful but expensive. Austria has great ski schools but questionable cuisine. For us, Monterosa was a decided success.

The Monterosa ski area consists of the Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna valleys, and is located in the Aosta valley in the north-west corner of Italy.. www.regione.vda.it/turismo Edwin booked with Ski2, who specialise in bespoke ski holidays in Champoluc. www.ski-2.com Edwin and family stayed at the 3* Hotel Petit Tournalin in Champoluc www.hotelpetittournalin.it Other options include the central 3* Hotel de Champoluc and the 4* Hotel Relais des Glaciers.

Driving distance from Calais is approximately 700 miles; driving time around 10 to 11 hours. The Champagne and Burgundy areas of France provide suitable overnight stops.

Nearest airports are Turin – transfer time 1.5 hours, and Milan – transfer time 2 hours.

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what’s on 26th NOVEMBER, Hansel and Gretel at Vera Fletcher Hall, 4, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0LQ, 2.30pm. Image Musical Theatre presents a family participation musical of the classic Grimms’ fairy tale. For 5 to 11 years. Tickets £6, book on 0844 884 8832, email theleifers@gmail.com

Fun at Orleans House Gallery, Tw

ickenham

LET THERE BE LIGHTS

17th NOVEMBER, Christmas Lights Switch On in Kingston.

Father Christmas and his friends will be in and around Kingston town centre for a festive extravaganza of entertainment. Celebrate the start of the Christmas season, with venues throughout the town centre hosting a range of family friendly activities between 3pm and 7pm, with the big switch on taking place at 6pm.

17th NOVEMBER, Christmas Lights Switch on a The Bentall Centre, Wood Street, Kingston, KT1 1TP. Meet your all-time favourite superheroes. Watch the marvellous show that is the Christmas light switch on at 6pm, as well as have your photo taken with your favourite superhero character from 4.30 to 5.30pm and 6.30 to 7.30pm. Santa’s Grotto will open after the Christmas lights are switched on and will remain open until 9pm and then every day until 24th December. You can also help raise money for the heroes at Princess Alice Hospice, Esher.

19th NOVEMBER, Festival of Light, The Heart, Walton. Starts 5pm, lights turned on at 6pm.

24th NOVEMBER, Whitton Christmas Lights Switch On 25th NOVEMBER, Hampton Hill Christmas Light Switch On 26th NOVEMBER, Twickenham Christmas Lights Switch On 4th DECEMBER, St Margarets Christmas Lights Switch On

SHOWS

6th NOVEMBER, Fiddlesticks at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. Garlic Theatre conjures a spellbinding tale of rhythmical twists and turns with a lively blend of clowning, rod and shadow puppets, percussion and live music. For ages 4+, www.watermans.org.uk 13th NOVEMBER, The Magician’s Daughter at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. Presented by Little Angel Theatre Company in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Inspired

by Shakespeare’s story of The Tempest, Little Angel Theatre bring their trademark blend of puppetry and song to this captivating story of the adventures of a young girl on a magical faraway island. For ages 3 to 8. www.watermans.org.uk 19th NOVEMBER, Charlie Dark: The Dr Octopus Show, Clarendon Hall,York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3AA, 10.30 to 11am. A Richmond Literature Festival event - join acclaimed DJ and poet Charlie Dark on a Hip Hop poetry adventure deep beneath the sea with an original soundtrack for babies and little people. Featuring Stevie the Starfish who wants to be star, a beatboxing blow fish, a clumsy octopus and a mermaid who can’t swim. Using old school hip-hop as inspiration, join him for a fun-filled show with lots of movement and guaranteed laughter. Featuring a 30 minute DJ set to get your feet tapping and your children grooving. Suitable for ages 1 to 5, cost £7 per child. Book online at www.richmondliterature.com or call 020 8831 6494 with your credit/debit card ready. The box office is open from Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, with a message service at other times. Tickets are also available in person by cash, cheque or credit card from Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 4.30pm Sunday 2 to 4.30pm. Tickets will be on sale 30 minutes prior to the start of the event, subject to availability.

20th NOVEMBER, Hare and Tortoise at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. Meet two competing friends in this new fantastic adaptation of Aesop’s fable; a story about racing, opposites, time and friendship. From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, Tutti frutti brings you this much loved story brimming with ideas, characters, live music and wonderful physicality. For ages 3 to 7. www.watermans.org.uk

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26th NOVEMBER, Wizard Theatre presents The Reluctant Dragon at Ha House, Ham Road, Ham, TW10 7RS, 11am. A magical adaptation of the heart-warming Kenneth Graham comedy. Suitable for the whole family and performances take place in a heated marquee. Take along a rug or picnic chairs. Tickets: adults £10, children £8. Booking and more details on 020 8940 1950, hamhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk 27th NOVEMBER, Snow Play at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. When Mr Green comes back from his Christmas holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house and covered everything in snow. All Mr White wants to do is sleep and have fun but Mr Green can’t stand the snow. Who gets to stay, and who has to go away? Make a giant snowman, have a super snowball fight and help bring back the spring. For ages 3 to 6 years. www.watermans.org.uk 4th DECEMBER, Gretel and Hansel at Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS, 3pm. Join the two Krazy Kat performers as they present this fast moving comedy re-telling of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. With beautiful puppets, equally beautiful people, plus magical tricks, silly singing, and super sand dancing, this fast-moving production features music from the Humperdinck opera.

Features fully integrated sign language throughout. For ages 3 to 7. www.watermans.org.uk 8th DECEMBER, Down’s Syndrome Association Christmas Concert, 7pm. £15, children under 12 and concessions, £8. More details from Alexa Dizon on 0845 230 0372.

22nd DECEMBER, The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood Christmas Panto, Esher High School, More Lane, Esher, KT10 8AP. Doors open 1.30pm, curtain up 2pm. Show runs until 3.15pm followed

by Christmas arts and crafts workshop until 4.15pm. Have you ever wondered why Robin and his men are so Merry? Or how Little John got his name? Watch the show, then make Robin Hood themed arts and crafts with the cast afterwards. An event for all the family to enjoy. With a more card £7 per ticket, without £9 per ticket. Family ticket two adults/two children with more card £24, without £32.

For 4 to 11 year olds and their parents (younger children can attend at your discretion). Presented by the Hobgoblin Theatre Company, www.hobgoblintheatrecompany.co.uk Course Code: PANTO Booking line 01372 474634 or email leisure@elmbridge.gov.uk Further info on activities and to download programme www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout

SHOP ‘N’ DROP

6th NOVEMBER and every Sunday until 18th DECEMBER, Richmond Duck Pond Artisan Market, Heron Square, Richmond, TW9 1EP, 10.30am to 3.30pm. An eclectic mix of locally made, ethically sources vintage and unusual stalls, including food, gifts and art. Music and family entertainment. www.duckpondmarket.co.uk 17th NOVEMBER, Hampton Craft and Gift Fair, The White House 45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN, 10am to 4pm.

19th NOVEMBER, Baby and Children’s Market at Shiraz Mirza Trust Manor Park Hall, Malden Road, New Malden, KT3 6AU, 2 to 4pm.

Quality, pre-loved and new goods for boys and girls from birth to 6 years. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 19th NOVEMBER, Richmond NCT Christmas Fair, Barn Church, Atwood Avenue, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4HF, 10.30am to 12 noon.

For details contact Claire Barrand or Lindsay Given on nnsrichmond@hotmail.co.uk 20th NOVEMBER, Tolworth Girls’ School Christmas Food & Gift Market, Fullers Way North, Surbiton KT6 7LQ 12 noon to 4pm.

Over 40 stalls selling everything for Christmas including decorations, wreaths, crafts, jewelry, cakes, scarves, eco and beauty products, Children’s activities, tombola, refreshments and raffle.

24th NOVEMBER, Christmas Shopping Event at Archdeacon Cambridge Primary School, The Green, Twickenham, TW2 5TU, 7.30 to 10.30pm. An evening of Christmas gift shopping, mulled wine , beauty treatments and much more. Tickets £5 on the door includes free glass of fizz, and entry into Grand Prize Draw.

www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/upon-thames

November-December 2011

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

27th NOVEMBER, Christmas Gift Fair at Market House, Kingston, KT1 1JS, 11am to 4pm. £1 entry, children free. Unique baby and kids items from birth to 10 years. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 4th DECEMBER, Kew Village Market, Station Parade Kew, TW9 3PZ, 10am to 2pm. Started by local residents the mixed craft and food market has around 22 stalls with most stall holders coming from the local area and Surrey. All profits raised by the market committee will be distributed to local charities. www.kewvillagemarket.org 7th DECEMBER, Ashford on the Map Christmas Market, multi-storey car park, Church Road, Ashford, 5pm. In addition, Ashford Rotary Club Christmas Carols will take place in the forecourt of Brooklands/ Ashford Campus College which is opposite the car park at 6pm.

Father Christmas will be visiting, sing your way into Christmas with the Salvation Army Band leading the carols. Entrance to the market is free. Contact Pat Amos on 01460 929396, patamos@hotmail.co.uk or Barry Muggeridge on 07759 619884, barrylandrover@yahoo.com 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th,16th,17th, 22nd and 23rd DECEMBER, Christmas at the Medicine Garden, The Medicine Garden, Downside Road, Cobham, KT11 3LU, Thursdays and Fridays 4 to 7pm, Saturdays 2 to 8pm. Visit Santa in his grotto, browse for gifts at the Christmas market, Listen to local choirs singing carols, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in the Hot House Café, choose your ideal Christmas tree and presents from The Garden Shop, stock up on Christmas treats in the new Farm Shop www.themedicinegarden.com

FUN INDOORS

6th NOVEMBER, Sunday Afternoon Art at Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ, 2 to 3.30pm. Flying Machines: Make planes and other flying things out of newspaper and coloured tape. Free Drop-in workshops for families, suitable for children aged 4 upwards. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking necessary. www.richmond.gov.uk/arts 020 8831 6000 11th, 18th and 25th NOVEMBER, 2nd, 9th and 16th DECEMBER, See-Saw at Stables Gallery, Orleans House, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Learn, play and explore together in the multi-sensory sessions designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and develop skills in communication, coordination and social interaction. See-Saw includes music, play materials, soft play, creative activities, stories and rhyme time in a relaxed informal environment. FREE drop-in sessions for children under age 5.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

No booking necessary. Details on 020 8831 6000.

your credit/debit card ready. The box office is open from Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, with a message service at other times. Tickets are available in person from the venue, Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 4.30pm and Sunday 2 to 4.30pm. Tickets will be on sale on the door 30 minutes prior to the start of the event, subject to availability.

12th NOVEMBER, Jacqueline Wilson Saturday Challenge at Hounslow Children’s Library, The Treaty Centre, Hounslow, TW3 1ES, 11am to 12.30pm. Puzzles, words searches and make your very own pencil set. Cost 50p. Tickets available at Hounslow Library Customer Services, 0845 456 2800.

12th NOVEMBER, Animal Mask Making at Elmbridge Museum, Church Street Weybridge KT13 8DP, 2 to 4.30pm. Free event.

Discover the nocturnal animals that roam the woods and heathlands of Elmbridge as we sleep. Then create a mask of your favourite creature of the night. Animal mask making is part of a series of free, Family Fun days held at the Elmbridge Museum, Weybridge on the second Saturday of each month, 01932 843573.

List your event with us for FREE in our next issue by calling 01932 254584 with full details by 1st December

WWW.UKASPIRE.COM

07949 794117 ukaspire1@gmail.com

ce, eak dan r b , e c dan astics, street m, gymn y g t e e str eading cheerl Sessions in Surrey and Middlesex Opportunity to perform and display Affordable, fun and friendly. Experienced teachers, coaches, specialist equipment

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11/06/2011 12:30

12th NOVEMBER, Meet Hannah Shaw at Coach House, Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ, 2 to 3 pm. A Richmond Literature Festival event. Get ready to make some mischief!

Brilliant author and illustrator Hannah Shaw will be on hand with lots of drawing tips and crafty activities for you to enjoy. Hannah will be joined by a very sneaky Weasel, Errol the extraordinary squirrel, and Ralph a gentlemanly raccoon who’s about to take up his place at the School for Bandits where no niceness is allowed. Get ready for an arty afternoon that sure to be weasel-tastic! Suitable for ages 5 to 8, price £4. Book online at www.richmondliterature.com or call 020 8831 6494 with

Free Trial Class fun, friendly, educational music classes for your pre-school child call Becky on

020 8941 8377

or email noahsarkmusic@hotmail.co.uk November-December 2011

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21

what’s on includes an international cast of acrobats, aerialists and jugglers as well as Tolly & Company with new side-splitting comedy, and is hosted in a centrally heated Big Top. Book tickets online or in store NOW. www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk 01372 725 638

19th NOVEMBER, Santa arrives at Chessington Garden Centre, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2NG, 11am and will be taking up residence in his all new grotto. Visit his Magical Winter Wonderland from 19th November until 24th December. Book tickets online or in store NOW. www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk 01372 725 638

26th NOVEMBER, Axel Scheffler: The Highway Rat at Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN, 10.30 to 11.30am.

A Richmond Literature Festival event. Join Axel Scheffler, the award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo and Zog, as he introduces the wonderful characters in his new book The Highway Rat written

by Julia Donaldson. This event is full of fun, stories and drawings of favourite characters that will delight the whole family.

Suitable for ages 6+, price £8. Book online at www.richmondliterature.com or call 020 8831 6494 with your credit/debit card ready. Box office open Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, with a message service at other times. Tickets available in person from Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham, Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 4.30pm, Sunday 2 to 4.30pm. Tickets on sale on the door 30 minutes prior to the start, subject to availability.

19th NOVEMBER, Hounslow Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN,10.30am to 4.30pm. To celebrate Inter Faith Week.

Sharing our Stories, Sharing our Faith. Free event, lunch provided.

Story telling, craft activities suitable for anyone aged over 5.

Performances from different faith traditions including Sikh gatka (martial arts) demonstration. See www.hounslowfriendsoffaith.org 20th NOVEMBER, Stir Up Sunday at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury Park London W3 8LQ , sessions at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Hour-long sessions in the Victorian kitchen with the servants. where you will get to understand some of our Christmas traditions.

Free event, no advance booking, but places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. More details on 020 8992 1612.

26th NOVEMBER and 10th DECEMBER, Visit Santa on the VC10 at Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN. Pre booking only via Donna Hopton on 01932 857381, ext 253.

26th NOVEMBER, Cirque Normandie at Chessington Garden Centre, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2NG. The ‘all new show’ will once again be returning to Chessington Garden Centre this winter, with performances running on selected dates from 26th November until 2nd January 2012. The 60 minute, bigger-than-ever show,

3rd, 4th, 10th,11th,17th and 18th DECEMBER, Christmas Fair and Family Fun at Ham House, Ham House, Ham Street, Ham,TW10 7RS, 11am to 5pm. An annual feast of seasonal fun. The popular Christmas fair returns to the marquee, with family activities and entertainment in the basement of the house. 020 8940 1950

parties

1st to 30th DECEMBER, The Bentall Centre Bears’ Christmas Show, Bentalls, Wood Street, Kingston, KT1 1TX, 6pm. This year the set is straight out of a Happy Feet 2 scene in celebration of the film’s opening in cinemas in November. Expect a winter wonderland with penguins galore. Barney, Amber and Daisy (Daddy, Mummy and Baby Bear ) will be there until 7pm on the 30th December.

3rd DECEMBER, Dusty Does Christmas at The Winning Post Function Room, Chertsey Road, Whitton, Twickenham, TW2 6LS, 3 to 5pm (doors open 2.30pm). Adults £3, children £6. Get in the mood for the festive season and start the countdown to Christmas with this afternoon of disco fun for all the family. A real disco with live DJ, full disco lighting, bubbles, glow items and dance tuition from the fabulous Disco Dollies and of course Dusty the Disco Dog! Don’t miss out, book your tickets online to guarantee entry at www.dustydoesdisco.co.uk Limited tickets may be available to purchase in cash on the door only if the event is not sold out in advance.

employment “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!

4th DECEMBER, Sunday Afternoon Art at Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ, 2 to 3.30pm. Christmas Decorations Free Drop-in workshops for families, suitable for children aged 4 upwards. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

No booking necessary. www.richmond.gov.uk/arts 0208 831 6000

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19th DECEMBER, Christmas Concert at The Rose, Kingston, 24 to 26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, 7.30pm. Join Richard Stilgoe, Timothy West, the Euphonix and Rose Plus Choirs for a joyful Christmas concert. The evening will include readings, music and encouragement to sing along. All to Kingston Theatre Trust to support the work of the Rose Theatre. All tickets £20. Family ticket £70 (two adults and two children). Mince pies, mulled wine and 20:39 festive soft drinks will be available 7.30pm. Book on 08444 821556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org 21st DECEMBER, Festive arts and crafts at King George’s Hall, High Street, Esher, KT10 9RA, 9am to 4pm. Make a handmade angel or fairy, decorate baubles, design a mini wooden sledge, personal crackers and more crafts and games to play. For 5 to 12 year olds.

Cost: With a more card £16, without £18. Course Code: FESTIVE Booking line 01372 474634 or leisure@elmbridge.gov.uk Further info on activities and full at programme www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout

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23rd DECEMBER, Shout! Christmas Party, King George’s Hall, High Street, Esher, KT10 9RA, 9am to 4.30pm. Party games, disco, create Christmas arts and crafts and get into the Christmas spirit. Party food and drinks provided at lunchtime. For ages 5 to 12 year olds.

Cost with a more card £16, without £18. Course Code: PARTY. Booking line 01372 474634 or email leisure@elmbridge.gov.uk Further info on activities and to download a programme www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout

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Inspiration for your Home & Garden

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 its agents accept liabilty 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.