Families upon Thames issue 109 May-June 2016

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upon Thames

May/June 2016 Issue 109

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May-June 2016

LINDA STONE, Editor m: 07530 283330 t: 020 8241 0423 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames @FamiliesuponT Now more than 7,400 followers!

Enjoy the best of the summer holidays locally with our July/ August issue, out on 27 June!

Contents

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE CONTACT:

Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 11 Page 15 Page 19 Page 22 Page 24

Family Health and Wellbeing Parenting Early Years Care and Education Parties May Half Term and Summer Camps,Workshops and Courses Days Out Classes, Clubs & Activities Whats On

Football Coaching the Coerver Way!

By Olivia Malaure

Amit Sohal, proprietor of Coerver Coaching in Kingston and Hounslow takes over 400 young footballers a week on a journey to becoming competent, confident, social, resilient and caring players and people. These footballers have joined Coerver’s skills revolution, and are lacing up their boots and having fun developing the techniques required by a great football player.

At First Skills, children between the ages of 5 and 7 focus on the mastery of skills, which, as they get older, are honed in field positions in Performance Academy for ages

7 to 15. So all players are given the opportunity to develop the same skill set and play alongside their friends.

The impressive Coerver system is a global football-coaching programme inspired by the teachings of Wiel Coerver and created in 1984 by Alfred Galustian and Chelsea-great, Charlie Cooke.

It offers a clear progression through a structured programme, beginning with the basics of ball mastery, footwork, passing and receiving, individual moves and eventually moving towards finishing and group play. The repetition of a skill, taught through changing, fun activities, leads to habitual patterns of play and techniques which make

more complicated skills easier to master.

Kids don’t have to wait until they’re 5 to start learning ball skills though; all they need is an open space to kick a ball around.

“Encourage children to use both their feet and build a link between the ball and their bodies”suggests Amit, who explains that basic ball mastery is important because kids with good ball skills make happy, confident players.

As parents we invest a great deal of time (and money!) offering our children different experiences to nurture their talents, learn new skills and experience the reward of working towards mastering a skill.

It’s important to remember though that introducing children to the

May-June 2016

techniques of sport does not have to be limited to the early years.

Recognising that children can develop a passion and interest for sport at any time and level, Coerver Coaching welcomes players of any age to join at any stage; every player will be encouraged to join the skills revolution.

extra

Coerver Football Coaching offers classes or 7-15 year olds in Hounslow on Monday evenings and on Tuesday and Friday evenings in Kingston. Coerver is also holding holiday camps during May Half Term and Summer school holidays. For further information, see page 15 and visit www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING NAVIGATING THE VACCINE LABYRINTH

By Dr Aranzazu Rodriguez-Guerrero (MD, PhD)

A vaccine is a biological preparation used to stimulate our immune system to generate antibodies, in order to protect us against potentially serious diseases.

The current UK national immunisation schedule indicates which vaccinations your child should have and when: When?

2 Months

Which Vaccine?

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Hib (DTaP/IPV/Hib) Pneumococcal (PCV) Meningococcal B (Men B)

Rotavirus 3 Months Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib (DTaP/IPV/Hib)

Meningococcal C (Men C)

Rotavirus 4 Months Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Hib (DTaP/IPV/Hib) Pneumococcal (PCV) Meningococcal B (Men B 12 Months Hib/Men C booster

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) 2 to 6 Years Influenza (flu) 3 Years 4 Months Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio booster Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Girl 12 to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 13 Years 14 Years and Diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster University Meningococcal ACWY conjugate (Men ACWY) Thankfully, because of the national schedule, the majority of children in the UK are protected against many diseases. You will be able to confirm whether your child has received the appropriate vaccinations according to their age by checking their red book. If for any reason, you or your child has missed any vaccines, it is important that you become immunised, and this can be done privately.

Many of the immunisations on the national schedule are also recommended for other age groups, and other immunisations not on the schedule are also recommended. These can be accessed in private practices.

Chickenpox This can be administered to children and adults to prevent chickenpox and any possible complications. It is especially recommended for healthcare workers or someone who has

an illness or a weakened immune system.

HPV (human papillomavirus) Helps to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. Currently only available on the national schedule for girls aged 12 to 13 years but could benefit all women.

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Recommended for women planning a future pregnancy. Rubella can result in serious consequences to an unborn child.

Shingles Recommended regardless of any prior episode of shingles.

Pneumococcal Vaccine Helps prevent some pneumonia, septicaemia (infection of the bloodstream), and possibly meningitis.

Meningitis There is a new Meningitis B vaccine, recommended especially for children

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up to the age of 5 years. There is also a meningococcal conjugate recommended for adults of all ages.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A These are specially recommended for healthcare workers, people with diabetes, and sexually active persons but also any person seeking protection, especially if you travel.

Influenza Helps to prevent annual flu. Currently only available on the national schedule for children, elderly and certain groups but annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or older.

Booster of Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) Recommended every 10 years.

Pregnancy During pregnancy you can and should be vaccinated against influenza and whooping cough. Ask your GP about other vaccines.

Some can be given, but you should not be vaccinated with live vaccines, such as chicken pox, shingles and MMR. Travel Vaccines If you’re travelling abroad, find out what you may require for your trip at www.fitfortravel. nhs.uk. If vaccinations are recommended, visit a GP early as some of the vaccines are required well in advance.

Are you Well Vaccinated?

Check your child’s and your own red book and ensure all those vaccines listed in the table have been administered. If any vaccines are missing, or you would like to receive any of the vaccines outside of the national schedule, discuss with a GP.

extra

Dr Aranzazu RodriguezGuerrero (MD, PhD) is a Private General Practitioner at Roseneath Medical Practice in Richmond. She completed her specialisation in Family and Community Medicine and regularly publishes medical articles for international medical conferences.

The Practice’s list is open to new patients and it now offers extended opening hours, including some Sundays. For further information, visit www.roseneath.co.uk

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES FOR TODDLERS

By Dr Tobias Odenwald

A baby’s first birthday follows a year of impressive growth and development. However, this doesn’t mean the second year will be any less exciting!

With basic body functions well-established, your child is now a toddler who can explore their surroundings much better.

Being able to stand, balance, walk forwards, backwards and climb stairs widens a child’s scope enormously. Move glassware and medication to higher shelves, secure electricity sockets and install a stair gate!

With greater mobility and a better overview when standing, children learn about objects through constant visual, oral and manual exploration. They can now use the more sophisticated and useful pinch grip with their fingers. These advanced physical skills are combined with big mental and social developments.

Children learn to distinguish between themselves and others

better and start to become more independent from their parents, tolerating temporary separation from them more easily. This is an important aspect of their social development and a pre-requisite for longer nursery attendances.

In the second year of life toddlers develop their own self-determined will, which they can express with their improving language skills ‘no’ becomes a very popular word!

This, together with possible sibling rivalry, bad dreams and nightmares can be challenging for parents.

However, these aspects of a child’s development are not only normal, but a very important step towards a more mature, independent and interactive toddler.

On the positive side, your child will start to: ✿ Imitate and want to ‘help’ you ✿ Drink from a cup and eat with a spoon ✿ Take off their clothes on their own (with a little help).

Typically, children ages one to

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two can play alone for a while too.

Container games, where things are put from one box into another, are very popular and help them to understand sizes, shapes and spatial relationships as well as the function of everyday items.

Other milestones typically seen at two years of age include: ✿ Ability to kick a ball and climb stairs (two feet per step) ✿ Build a tower with 2 to 4 cubes (showing hand preference) ✿ Speak 6 to12 words ✿ Use a spoon ✿ Display symbolic play e.g. “talking” on a telephone, or domestic mimicry such as “helping” with house hold chores Later on, children learn through observation that their actions or words trigger reaction. This promises a lot of fun for the next year...!

Consult your doctor if you have any doubts about your child’s motor, social or speech development, or notice any of the following: ✿ A regression in development (loss of their acquired skills) ✿ No walking by 18 (males) to 20 (females) months ✿ No speech by 18 months ✿ Out of control tantrums

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Dr Tobias Odenwald is consultant paediatrician at +richmond practice where two consultant paediatricians offer health checks for children Monday to Saturday.

For further information, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk

SASSY STIRRERS COOKING CLUB RECIPE OF THE TERM SESAME ORANGE CHICKEN Serves 4 Marinade Ingredients 1 tbsp oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped or 1 tspn garlic powder 2 tbsp grated fresh root ginger 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (optional) 2 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tsp five-spice powder 3 tbsp honey 1 cup orange juice 2 tspn corn flour Zest of orange Chicken Ingredients 2 tbsp sesame seeds 500-700g chicken breast/thighs cut in strips Method Place all of the marinade ingredients into a large jug. Stir to combine until the mixture is smooth without any cornflour lumps. Carefully pour the mixture into a ziplock bag and add the chicken. Ensure bag is properly closed. Squish the chicken around in the bag until well covered.

Place in the fridge to marinate for minimum 15-20 minutes, ideally overnight. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Tip contents of chicken bag onto a roasting tray, scatter sesame seeds over top.

Roast for 18-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with steamed rice, stir fried vegetables or a crispy salad.

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5

PARENTING

By Alison Banks

nurture in your child, you can consider what will help develop these qualities, as well as getting perspective on whether things your children are doing that are upsetting you are important or not.

For example, you may want your children to be good partners and parents and consider that it’s important that they contribute around the house and not take others help for granted. You may therefore decide it’s appropriate to hold a family meeting at which you suggest to your children that because they are now growing up, they will want to contribute to helping the family in some way.

Present them with a list of chores you would appreciate assistance with and ask them to pick the ones that would most suit.

On the other hand, if we try to micro-manage all our child’s behaviours and choices, we may end up with a rebellious child who feels controlled. So it’s important to let some things go. For instance, is what they are wearing really more important than quality time spent with them at home?

“Imagining yourself at your are and ask yourself what kind of Contribution own funeral allows you to look child you are trying to raise. Then A child that has a sense of their back at your life while you ask yourself, what kind of father/ value and wants to contribute to still have the chance to make mother/partner will your child be society. some important changes” says if I ignore this behaviour? That, in Love and Connection Richard Carlson. So decide which a nutshell, will help you be clear A child that understands and behaviours to ignore and which about what is important. values love and can connect with to As recommended by address. Don’t sweat the small My parental goals are to others and sustain intimacy. stuff for your own peace of mind going astray? inspire and nurture the Kids’ uniform Accountability and for your children’s future!

BUY OF THE DAY following qualities in my A child that understands we can children: only influence that for which we Resilience are accountable.

Alison Banks is a ...You need The ability to follow things Passion mother of three and through, handle uncomfortable A child who is willing to give founder and owner easy one-snap situations and cope with change. The100%. of Parenting Tutor Ability to Negotiate Conflict way Independence in Richmond. to label clothing!

The ability to manage situations A child who is able to manage Alison holds where another person has very themselves and enjoy being on workshops and consultations PUSH—CLICK— SNAPPED ON! different and challenging views. their own. which help families develop Brought to you by Say It Personally Ltd Happiness Compassion and Tolerance and nurture their interpersonal A by-product of a child that values A child that can empathise relationships in the healthiest and Call: (0844) 5611994 tabs onintheirwith clothes... him or herself Keep and is interested different peoplewww.snappytags.co.uk and their most fulfilling ways. You can have life, learning and other people. experience and understands that a FREE private coaching session A Sense of Humour everyone’s experience is valid. with Alison. Just quote FUT 20!

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Why We Shouldn’t Sweat the Small Stuff with our Kids!

By Alison Banks

It is easy to get worn out as a parent, to lose perspective and to stop being able to see the wood for the trees. We forget what is really important and find ourselves nagging and pushing, controlling and screaming.

To test whether this is happening to you, ask yourself the following questions: Love Love is the most important ingredient in families, so ask yourself whether you are behaving in a loving manner and inspiring a greater closeness with your family.

When you are stressed at work or by your family and feeling upset, ask yourself “Will this matter a year from now?”

The chances are it won’t and answering this question will enable you to re-centre.

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reschool

. Early Years Care and Education .

THE BENEFITS OF A MONTESSORI EDUCATION Julia Moody explains.

Choosing a Montessori nursery or pre-school for your child has many benefits.

The Montessori Method is child-centred and the curriculum is designed around the specific needs and abilities of each child as an individual, which allows each to explore and learn at his or her own pace.

In the classroom, children are of mixed ages allowing the older children to mentor the younger

ones and the younger children to learn from the older children and the curriculum focuses on ‘key developmental milestones’ that link in nicely with the new Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Children are encouraged to choose their own activities from a range of Montessori equipment and materials. These are specifically designed to be self-correcting, which means children can learn by themselves, through their senses

and at their own pace. This naturally encourages them move on to more challenging activities, often with the same equipment or materials, as these are specifically designed to offer challenges which are progressively more difficult.

In this way, a child’s learning experience is accelerated.

All the activities and Montessori equipment have precise locations on the shelves and when a child finishes an activity, he or she is encouraged to return the activity back to the same place. This helps children develop a sense of order and promotes self-discipline.

Montessori encourages co-operative play, which enables and encourages children to share and work together exploring the various areas in the Montessori classroom whilst learning respect for one another and building a sense of community.

One of the greatest benefits of the Montessori Method is the focus on hands-on learning.

Children work on activities that teach language, mathematics,

culture, creative, practical life and sensory skills giving them a broad and varied learning experience.

Children learn to work on their own or as part of a group and the “prepared environment” encourages independence, confidence, concentration, coordination, self-control, a sense of order, initiative, grace, courtesy, patience, compassion, negotiation and self-esteem.

Children educated the Montessori way become great at problem solving and able to make decisions at an early age, which is a marvellous preparation for starting school.

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Julia Moody is the Principal of Julia’s Montessori Nursery in Hampton, a small caring nursery school for children aged 2 to 5 years old.

For further information, contact Julia at juliasmontessori@aol.com or call 020 8979 3236.

Richmond & Grena Road nurseries Book your visit today!

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. Early Years Care and Education .

GOING ON HOLIDAY - WITH YOUR NANNY!

By Katy Parker

to have all her travel documents in place. Check this won’t be problematic prior to booking a trip, particularly if your nanny is a different nationality and visas are required for your planned destination.

If your nanny does want to join you on holiday, it’s important to discuss your expectations of expected hours, time off and additional responsibilities with her well in advance. If your nanny has evening and overnight duties, you should not expect her to be making the children’s breakfast the next morning. It may also be confusing for the children to see their nanny during her time off so she needs to know how to deal with their requests during this time.

When it comes to the financial arrangements, a minimum salary should be the same as normal. You can then agree how additional hours will be paid, giving consideration to overnight work.

ssori Nurs e t e on

S ry ol cho

Julia ’s M

Want to sightsee at an adult pace and enjoy a few special meals in the evening with your partner? Then take your nanny on holiday! Knowing that your children are safe with someone with whom they are familiar will help you relax when you are not with them, and may even open up holidays destinations that would otherwise be off limits.

For your nanny though, this will be a working ‘holiday’ during which she is required to operate around your schedule. So she’s likely to expect a cost-free trip.

Establish first whether your nanny wants to go. If she doesn’t have a lot of travel experience, she may need some help to adapt to a totally different environment. If she’s not keen, it may be better to opt for short-term support. Many nanny agencies can help arrange a temporary nanny who has been appropriately vetted.

Your nanny will, of course, need

It is also important to discuss the items you will pay for. As a minimum, these should include your nanny’s travel, accommodation, food and work expenses but consideration should also be given to items such as travel insurance, as she is not likely to be covered by your family policy. Consider how your nanny’s personal expenses (e.g. eating out or phone calls home) will be covered. You might consider giving her a per diem allowance to cover holiday extras or invite her to join you for a family meal, day trip or other activities that she otherwise may not be able to afford.

It’s essential that you discuss holiday accommodation with your nanny. In particular, make sure you are clear about the level of privacy she can expect. This is particularly important if your nanny is not a live-in, as the arrangements may be very different from what she

extra

is used to, especially if she will be sharing a room with your children.

Give your nanny as much information as possible about the destination before you leave, so she can prepare accordingly and understand any cultural differences that might affect her. Upon arrival, it’s a good idea to give your nanny the first day off in order that she can orientate herself, check out the location and what activities are available, and how to get about before taking the children out.

Holiday activities can often be quite different from the things your nanny would do with your children at home so you need to make sure she is comfortable supporting any planned activities.

With these things taken care of, you should be able to look forward to a fantastic holiday during which your children will be well cared for, you can take a well-earned break and your nanny has an enjoyable experience.

Katy Parker is proprietor of Heart Nannies, an innovative, responsive and professional nanny agency and childcare specialist, recruiting and placing nannies, housekeepers and mother’s helps in SW London, Middlesex and Surrey. For further information, visit www.heartnannies.co.uk

NUTKIN NANNIES Professionals with the Personal Touch

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. Early Years Care and Education .

MEN IN CHILDCARE

By Linda Stone, Editor

Working with children is often seen as a predominately female career route, with only an average of 2% of childcare and early education workers in England being male. Yet male childcare workers have so much to offer and are a vital part of a nursery team, from providing a positive role model for the children they look after to encouraging fathers to engage with their children.

The London Network of Men in Childcare is the first official network in England focused on creating an inclusive and gender-balanced approach in Early Years education. The network was created to support male colleagues and ensure they enjoyed the role and remained in the sector. The network is now made up of 70 members across London and is continuing to grow. It gives male childcare workers a collective voice and helps them feel a part of the early years’ community. Not only is this beneficial for the male practitioners but also fosters within nursery staff teams the idea that they are a part of an inclusive workforce, which leads them to be more motivated.

Scott Humphrey is Nursery Manager at

Bright Horizons Richmond Day Nursery and Preschool. He is delighted that Bright Horizons proudly champions men working in Early Years and supports the Men in Childcare network. “Bright Horizons believes that male practitioners play an active role in children’s early years’ development and recognises the boundless benefits of an inclusive and diverse workforce” he comments.“A growing number of Bright Horizons employees are members of the London Men in Childcare Network.”

Scott has been working with children for over 9 years. In his experience, men play a significant and pivotal role in a child’s development during the early years, and provide children with the positive, male role models that this sector craves.”In what other career can you teach children the basics of life - walking, talking, communicating and socialising? It’s incredibly rewarding” comments Scott.

Part of the Bright Horizons brand pillar of a ‘World Class Workforce’ is to nurture a culture of equal opportunities and it believes this is an important aspect of creating a happy, diverse and motivated workforce.

For more information, visit www.brighthorizons.co.uk

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. Early Years Care and Education .

HOW TO BEG, BORROW OR STEAL CHILDCARE THIS SUMMER!

By Claire Muffett-Reece

your school drop-off and pick-up. If you don’t have a childminder, ask friends and other mums for recommendations, or look online for Ofsted-registered carers.

Temporary Nanny Many agencies can help you engage a temporary nanny – or maybe it’s time to engage one on an ongoing basis. You can take advice from any of the nanny agencies advertising from page 7 of this magazine!

Looking after your children during the summer holidays is no easy feat for any working parent, with many mums and dads resorting to booking their annual leave separately to ensure someone keeps an eye on the kids. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many affordable childcare solutions which enable the wages to keep coming in while your kids enjoy their summer break.

Relatives Do you have family members who can help out? Your parents or in-laws are ideal, as most will revel in the chance to spoil their grandchildren with days out and endless supplies of ice cream! Bear in mind their age and don’t over-burden them. Stick to set times and send your kids with packed lunches and pocket money. It might be free childcare for you but that doesn’t mean it won’t cost your parents!

Holiday Play Schemes, Summer Camps and Workshops You’ll find details of these from page 15 of this magazine and in our July/August issue.

For a child that likes variety, you can try a multi-activity camp or play scheme like Shout! (www.elmbridge.gov.uk/shout). Run privately or by your local council, these camps or play schemes are a competitively priced option that can be booked on a daily or weekly basis.

Alternatively, indulge your child’s favourite hobby or passion at a workshop or camp whether it’s dance, drama, football or science.

School Mums Can any of your friends help? This way your child gets to spend the day with one of their friends and you save on childcare costs. Make sure you only ask mums you feel confident leaving your child with – and who your child feels comfortable around –­ and take a little thank you gift over at the end of the day. Part time workers may even be able to arrange a ‘play date swap’ where you look after your friend’s child part of the week and they look after yours the other half.

Childminders For many working parents, childminders are the best option over the school holidays, particularly if the childminder already does

Au Pair If you have a spare bedroom and are comfortable with the idea of having someone living in your home, then why not consider an au pair? Au pairs are young individuals (aged between 18 and 30) with some childcare experience, who come from a foreign country to the UK to live with a host family. One of the great advantages for a busy family is that au pairs can help with housework as well as childcare! An au pair is also able to cover early mornings and late evening babysitting, they work round your schedule and working hours can be changed weekly. As they receive food and accommodation, they are not paid a salary but weekly pocket money of around £75 to £100 for 25 hours of work a week – more if they work more hours. For further information, approach a local au pair agency such as Heavenly Au Pairs (www.heavenlyaupairs.com) Working from Home Ask your boss if you can work a certain amount of days from home. Ask early, explaining your childcare dilemma and give them time to think about it. If they agree, make sure there’s no lapse in the quality of your work – regardless of the distractions tof having a demanding child at home!

extra

Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan.

urbiton Sitters

Evening Babysitting

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May-June 2016

Creating your Perfect Party

d idd i da nce

age group and also takes into consideration what is ‘on trend.’

One of the biggest themes this year is Beatrix Potter, as it’s 150 years since these gorgeous, classic stories were written. Although it’s not new, this theme offers so much scope because of the range of characters which can feature at the party. It is also unisex, so appeals to both boys and girls.

When we create a party we treat it as a one off show, with the birthday child as the main character in the story. The children invited to the party, should leave feeling like they have been on a special adventure during which they have met all their favourite

® es

class hool dance funky presc ys bo d for girls an

As seen on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing!!

classes held in Teddington, St Margarets, Isleworth, Twickenham & Hampton

original music

classes

NEW CLASS launching in the heart of Richmond at Richmond Fitness Club (above the station) @1.45pm

fun and relaxed

parties

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mona. zaharia @diddidance.com 16 dance styles

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May-June 2016

nurseries

Image © Hercule’s Cake House

By a certain age your child will have been to many parties and taken part in the same party games, eaten the same food and got dressed up in the same costumes. This is not to say this is not fun and enjoyable, but it is sometimes good to go against the grain and do something a little different.

To create that wow factor, try to add a couple of surprises which will not only inject new energy into your little one’s party but will also make it unique - and one to remember!

When planning a party, we start by choosing a theme which suits the birthday child, the

characters, which is why Beatrix Potter is such a great theme – there really is a character for everyone.

We always use the birthday cake as a starting point from which to theme and design the entire party. Having the cake as a focal point means you can then use the colour and the style to choose the rest of the party elements. It’s great to have a reference you can return to ensure the party’s design has a clear ‘through line.’

Entertainment is super important and will make or break a party. If you are planning on hiring an entertainer make sure you check the little details so you know exactly what is on offer.

Try to approach the party with a flexible attitude and design the entertainment to suit the theme, age group and number of children attending. If you are arranging the entertainment yourself, roughly plan what you are going to include beforehand so you can relax on the day but make sure to prepare lots of extra games and activities just in case. We find this means we can judge the mood of the children on the day and be versatile. In our experience, too many prizes causes tears and competition at parties, so you may want to focus on the party bags instead, which are a final treat that the children look forward to receiving.

When putting together the party bags, it’s good to stick to the theme and make them into a gift which the children can keep

it’s

party time

as a special memory of the party.

So a perfect idea for the Beatrix Potter party would be to give each of the children a copy of one of the wonderful story books. Our party bags are either filled with one special high quality gift or a mixed bag of goodies which keep the children entertained after the party and for days to come – which means the adults enjoy them too!

Most importantly, when planning your child’s birthday party ensure you have fun with it and make it a day for the entire family to remember.

extra

Juliet is the Founder of Bedazzled Events, a London-based party planning service that plans unique parties for all ages, working to your chosen budget and theme to create your perfect party. For help creating your party or for more information, visit www.bedazzledevents.org.uk

FOR THE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY & ALL OTHER CELEBRATIONS

For all your party requirements FLAGS - BANNERS -BUNTING BALLOONS WIGS - MAKE-UP - FANCY DRESS TABLEWARE - CUPS - GLASSES-HATS…

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it’s

party time ACTION AND ADVENTURE

HOBBLEDOWN HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE AND HOBBLINGS PLAY BARN PARTIES Ages: For High Ropes: Min height 1.3m and maximum age 13 A High Ropes Adventure party is the ultimate way to spend an action-packed birthday and perfect if your child has outgrown a typical kid’s party. The birthday child and their friends enjoy exclusive use of Hobbledown’s daring high ropes course, as well as enjoying all of the other attractions that the adventure farm park has to offer, plus a Hobbler Party Feast in a themed party room. Younger children can have a Hobblings Play Barn party, enjoying a fun-packed hour in the Hobblings Play Barn and another hour in one of the themed Hobbler rooms or themed tables for the party feast. As an extra treat the party children are welcome to stay and play at Hobbledown for the rest of the day! Each Party Guest can bring 1 accompanying adult for free.

In: Epsom Contact: 0843 289 4979 www.hobbledown.com

ART AND CRAFT

CERAMICA Ages: All Set your child’s imagination free and watch a masterpiece be created, whilst Ceramica puts the ‘art’ into their birthday party. Creative, fun-filled party packages cater for a variety of budgets and needs. Large parties (8 or more painters) are held on Sundays, with a minimum charge for up to 8 painters and a price per head thereafter. Bring your own party food and cake or arrange for a local supplier to deliver to the café.

In: Claygate Contact: Hannah Young 01372 462447 www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk CERAMICS CAFÉ Ages: up to 16 Ceramics Cafe is an ideal venue for kids parties. Party groups of any size can be accommodated. Painting ceramics offers children opportunity for creative fun and expression.

In: Kew

Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com HAPPY POTTER CRAFT PARTIES Ages: All All sorts of arty parties! Choose from Pottery painting, T-Shirt design, Decopatch or NEW Mosaic party for ages 8+. Messy play parties for little ones. Staff help children create their very own masterpiece. Parties include party tea, with selection of sandwiches served on beautiful cake stands, crisps, sweeties or fruit and mini cupcakes with a choice of drinks. Decorations, party bags and invitations supplied. Party is run for you so NOTHING for you to do but relax with a cuppa! Large garden for kids to run around in. Party food can be enjoyed outside, weather permitting. Crafts available to take home on the day. Pottery painting can be collected 5-7 days later. Parties last 1.5 hours for 0-7 years and 2 hours for ages 8+.

At: Happy Potter, 14 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8RF Contact: Una Fagan 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

BABY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

GYMBOREE Ages: 1-5 Gymboree offers Play and Learn parties tailored to a theme of your choice, whether princesses, pirates or Peppa Pig! Babies can enjoy their favourite songs and activities, balls, bubbles, parachutes and tunnels.

Gymboree also offers offsite Play and Learn parties at your home or in a venue of your choice, as well as Art and Craft parties.

In: Richmond, Kingston, Twickenham, Kew, Teddington, Hounslow areas and North and West Surrey Contact: St Margarets 020 8607 9995, Surbiton 020 3609 8007 Walton Upon Thames 01932 221371 www.gymboree-uk.com

DANCE

DIDDI DANCE PARTIES RICHMOND Ages: 2-5 Party entertainment consists of lots of dancing fun with a super-lovely “diddi” leader who will guide children to warm up and dance to diddi dance music, play games and sing well known action songs. Kids learn one of Diddi’s themed dances – hip hop Bollywood/jive/tap (to name just a few) and we also bring along a wonderful array of fun and engaging props including pom poms, ribbons, bells and hoops. Sessions end with balloons, bubbles, stickers and smiles all round! Length of party:

Ceramics Café Kew Original Ceramics - Painted By You Studio Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-6pm Closed Mon, except Bank Holidays and Half Terms

Planning a

PARTY?

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1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green Richmond TW9 3DT

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45 minutes for 2 year olds and 1 hour for ages 3+.

In: at your choice of location in and around Richmond borough Contact: Mona Zaharia mona.zaharia@diddidance.com 07429 180865 www.diddidance.com JUST IMAGINE BALLET Ages: 2-10 Just Imagine Ballet creates imaginative theatrical parties for both girls and boys. We deliver a magical story to your chosen theme with dancing games and challenges, and bring colourful props and inspiring music to make your child’s party the one to remember. Packages of 1 or 2 hours available.

In: Richmond and surrounds. SW London with travel expenses payable Contact: The Fairy Godmother info@twinkletoesballet.com 07879 521456 www.facebook.com/Twinkle-Toes-Ballet LATINO BAMBINO Ages: 2 to 7 Latino Bambino parties are unique, high-energy, physical extravaganzas involving Latin/Tropical music, dancing games, colourful props and a lot of fun. The parties get the children up and moving using maracas, pom poms, hula hoops, ribbons, scarves and more for a real FIESTA time!

In: Inside M25.

Contact: Urska Gestrin Mosquera 07961 838349 info@latinobambino.co.uk www.latinobambino.co.uk

DRAMA & STORYTELLING

PERFORM Ages: 4-7 and 7-12 Perform Parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious.

Based around a colourful theme and involving lots of lively games, Perform uses the power of children’s imaginations to transport them to a different world. We take children on an exciting adventure getting everybody involved.

0845 400 1284 www.perform.org.uk PYJAMA DRAMA PERFORMANCE AND PYJAMA DRAMA ADVENTURE PARTIES Ages: Performance Parties 5-7yrs Adventure Parties 2-5yrs Performance parties include 1 hour of interactive performance with a theme of your choice. Children

Beauty Parties For Girls Hair Makeup Facials Call Jane 0787 373 4009 Janed2013@hotmail.co.uk

Maisy’s Children’s Parties building confidence through play

Tiny Tots, Classic, Adventure or Arty Crafts we have a variety of parties to suit all ages and interests from 1-12 years!

Themed Parties Magical Adventures Musical Games Interactive Magic Lots of Fun & Giggles

Quote FUT for 10% discount in May and June 16

We love to talk parties so give us a call or pop us an email

020 8123 6484/07779 096129 info@maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk Richmond, Kingston, Surrey & SW London

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May-June 2016

become part of a pretending show and are invited on stage to take part. Suitable for a class of 30 children.

Adventure parties include 45mins of action songs, gameplay and a pretending adventure that will whisk children away on a journey of the imagination! Lots of fun themes to choose from. Suitable for up to 16 children. Pyjama Drama CDs, balloons and stickers available.

In: Oxshott, Cobham, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge (and surrounding areas and beyond) Contact: Phylly Jones 01932 807150 STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Ages: 4 to 16 Packed full of fun, lively party entertainment including dramatic games, fabulous songs and fun for everyone, each party is specifically tailor-made for a particular age group. Whether your child wishes to be a fairy, princess, pirate or detective, there’s a Stagecoach party to suit.

In: Chertsey 07725 176102, Kew 020 8487 1456, New Malden 020 8540 7791, Richmond 020 8332 6741, Staines 01483 235216, Teddington & Twickenham 020 8977 0843, Weybridge 01932 422664. www.stagecoach.co.uk STORYTELLING ADVENTURES Ages: 18mths and up.

Based on a book/film of your choosing, these party adventures truly bring stories to life. As well as being a lot of fun, the interactive workshops immerse the children in the world of the story. The parties are full of games and props which are individually designed for each party. Using the story as inspiration, a party can include: games, bubbles, dancing, prizes, parachute fun, singing, pass the parcel, competitions, birthday gift and lots more!

In: London, Greater London and Surrey Contact: Amanda Wright 020 3222 3085 www.storytelling-adventures.com.com THEATREBUGS MAGICAL PARTY PACKAGES Ages: 0 to 8 Theatrebugs offers a full range of exciting, imaginative and affordable party packages for all ages. These now include parties for ages 0 to 2 years, offering a magical sensory adventure full of song, rhyme, puppets, sensory props, bouncy beats and enchanting, interactive puppets and stories! Parties for 2 to 3 year olds introduce a story based adventure, and also include the above elements, whilst 4 to 8 year olds go on an interactive, fun-filled journey, jam packed with unique drama games, improvisation, dressing up and good old-fashioned fun! Parties last 45 minutes to 2 hours dependent on age.

In: Surrey and Hampshire Contact: Hannah Mason 01483 882244/07971004134 www.theatrebugs.co.uk/surrey.html OR www.theatrebugs.co.uk/epsom.html

FACE PAINTING

FACEINATING FACE PAINTING Ages: 4+

Invite a professional face painter to entertain at your child’s party or you event. Parties usually last 2 hours and events can range from 4 to 5 hours.

In: Middlesex andSurrey.

Contact: Joanne Bircsak 07737 981282 faceinating@btinternet.com

FARM AND ANIMALS

BOCKETTS FARM Ages: All Fantastic party package includes a day at Bocketts Farm Park, birthday lunch or tea, private animal handling session, free adult entry for every two children, a Bocketts balloon and animal mask and invitations. At Bocketts, children can get up close and feed animals, as well as enjoying two large play barns, one with astroslide, a Young Tractor Drivers Zone, Pedal Go-Karting (with new Mini’s track) and Supersix trampolines. Outside there are swings, slides, climbing frames, sandpits and a maze, as well as tractor and trailer rides.

In: Leatherhead 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.com

FOOD AND COOKERY

PETITE PARTIES Ages: All Healthy, nutritious, wholesome bespoke party food.

Catering and cooking parties (1hour to 1.5 hours).

In: Teddington and surrounds Contact: Lucy West 07793 458853 www.petiteparties.co.uk SASSY STIRRERS Ages: 5 to 12 Truly memorable cooking parties in which children are entertained with bowl-licking fun for 2 hours with very little stress for parents. Sassy Stirrers provides all the ingredients, equipment, aprons and fun! Children take home party bags loaded with their freshly baked treats and recipe cards.

Very popular, so book early! See what others say –“Thanks for a lovely party, the children had a great time. Hopefully we will see you at one of your cooking clubs soon”. NC Surbiton March 2015 In: SW London and Surrey Contact: Susan Carmichael 07789 792676 www.sassystirrers.com

GLAMOUR

BEAUTY PARTIES FOR GIRLS Ages: All Hair, make up and facials that girls of all ages will enjoy.

In: Surrey and Middlesex Contact: Jane 07873 734009 janed2013@hotmail.co.uk

MUSIC

MONKEY MUSIC Ages: up to 4 Monkey Music parties are great fun for children and babies of all ages. Each party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the birthday child’s favourite Monkey Music songs.

In: Kingston, Surbiton, Banstead, Claygate, Esher, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham, Molesey, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham,Teddington, Oxshott, Leatherhead, Dorking Contact: Kingston and Surbiton 020 8224 3971, Banstead, Claygate and Esher 01932 223309, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham and Molesey 020 8224 0096, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington 020 8847 4031 www.monkeymusic.com

SOFT PLAY CENTRES AND CAFES

it’s

party time

MUMS PLAY SHOP PARTIES Ages: 1-10 Mums Play shop is a versatile new venue, which offers exclusive use of its extensive premises, including inside soft play frames, a vast outside play area and a bouncy castle. Disco lights also can be added. Food and drinks is included as well as birthday tablecloths and decorations. Party length 2 hours. £250 exclusive hire includes food, also non-exclusive hire at £10 per head, includes a party room for food during weekdays and school holidays.

In: Hampton Contact: Fiona Williams 020 8941 0766 www.mumsplayshop.co.uk SUNSHINE PLAY CAFÉ PARTIES Ages: 1-5 Birthday party packages include party invitations, party food, unlimited juice, birthday cake, balloons and party bags. Parties last 1.5 hours.

In: Hampton Contact: Sarah Long 07949 135 211 www.sunshineplaycafe.co.uk

SPORT

FOOTIE TOTS Ages: 3-10 Footie Tots teaches basic ball skills, scoring lots of goals and having fun on the way. For your party they will provide the coaches, trophies/medals, equipment and help with party venue selection.

Indoor soft play for Under 5’s

Sunshine Play Cafe Open Mon -F 10am-3pm ri Term Tim , e Half Term , and Occ. Holidays Prices U1’s £2 1yr+ £4 Multi Child Discount

Warm, fun, safe place to play while you relax!

Hot drinks, homemade cakes, hot and cold food and Twickenham kids lunchboxes

RFC South Road Hampton TW12 3PE Free Parking

Crafts, Toys, Books and Baby Play Area

Offering Kids Party Packages Call Sarah: 07949 135 211 info@sunshineplaycafe.co.uk www.sunshineplaycafe.co.uk

Petite Parties Would you like to try something different?

Why not paint your own ceramics?

At Ceramica, we guarantee great fun for all!

Our services include: Children’s birthday parties Baby foot and hand print sessions Evening sessions for adults Annual membership scheme Take home packs & gift vouchers 7 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0PD Phone: 01372 462447 Making ceramic painting easy and fun in a creative, enjoyable environment!

www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk

Twitter: @CeramicaEsher Facebook: www.facebook.com/CeramicaClaygate

May-June 2016

Bespoke parties for little people

Specialising in healthy, beautiful and delicious party food for children.

Allergies/special dietary requirements catered for. www.petiteparties.co.uk info.petiteparties@gmail.com Lucy 07793458853

FREE puff pinwheels with every booking. Quote FUT16.

Sftftftftftftftftftftftftftft Afttft & Cftftftftftftftftft Outdftftft Aftftft Bftuncft Cftfttftftft Biftthdftft ftftfttititi The Yellow Building, Hampton Academy Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HB

0208 941 0766

www.mumsplayshop.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

13 13

it’s

party time In: SW London and Surrey Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720 www.footie-tots.co.uk KIDDIKICKS-TO-GO Ages: 3-11 Kiddikicks-to-go active party entertainment comes to a venue (outdoor or indoor) of your choice with sports coach, high quality medals, personalised player of the day trophy and all its usual bags of footie, sports day or multi-sports fun.

Parties last 1 to 2 hours, there are a variety of themes available and the fun is guaranteed!

In: South West and West London and NW Surrey Contact: Sarah Peel 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk READY STEADY GO KIDS Ages: 2 to 7 Ready Steady party - the healthy way!

Birthday packages include: choice of any two sports from the Ready Steady Go Kids program to be incorporated into a session of sport, fun activities and games, Ready Steady Go Kids birthday invitations provided as well as gifts for the birthday boy/girl as well as the guest!

In: Surrey, Middlesex and London.

Contact: Kathy Bees 0800 690 6591 www.rsgk.co.uk RUGBYTOTS Ages: 3 to 7 Rugbytots parties are fast-paced, fun and involve everyone. They place even greater emphasis on play and party games than Rugbytots classes. A number

of package options are available and all include invitations and a unique gift for the birthday child. No rugby experience necessary!

In: SW London and Surrey Contact: Lorna Belchambers 0845 481 6444 www.rugbytots.co.uk

SUPPLIES AND PARTY KITS

PACKAWAY PARTIES Ages: 1 to14 Create a party with a difference with our unique party hire packages. Our 12 different themes include Harry Potter, Frozen, Superheroes, Roald Dahl, Peppa Pig, Lego and Ninjago. With all decorations, games, crafts, dress-up, props and prizes provided you can relax and enjoy a truly memorable party. Cool party bags, sweet shops, personalised invites and themed tableware also available. Length of party: 2 hours.

Where are the Parties Available: Nationwide with discounts for Surbiton collection Contact: Liz Guest 07739 722 482 www.packawayparties.co.uk

THEMED

CAPTAIN CUTLASS Ages: 3 to 12 years Pirate theme party. “Captain Cutlass is back from sea, with magic, puppets and balloon twisting galore, laughter, fun and a whole lot more. So grabs your sword, find a hat, put on your boots, ring for a map! For the Best Pirate party you will ever sea, that shipmates, I guarantee!” Parties last 1 to 2 hours and are available at your home or hired venue.

In: SW London, Surrey and South East Contact: Leigh David Williams 07845 320001 www.allsortsoffun.co.uk

TREAT YOUR CHILD TO A TRADITIONAL TOY! Classic Wood Toys has been at the forefront of the traditional toys market throughout Europe for more than 20 years. Their products, which include a range of music boxes, piggy banks and jigsaws, are rich in colour and aim to combine fun and education.

The jigsaw puzzles are 3cm thick and double-sided, which means they assist with hand-eye coordination and enhance problem solving skills. They also stand unaided making them ideal decorations and collectables. All products are eco-friendly with the wood taken from sustainable forests and are painted with natural and unharmful paints. FREE MINI PUZZLE with orders placed before 30 June! www.classicwoodtoys.com

10% DISCOUNT TO CELEBRATE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF MAISY’S CHILDREN’S PARTIES!

Maisy’s Children’s Parties was founded in 2012 by Ann-Marie Christou and has gone from strength to strength.

Incorporating Ann-Marie’s years of experience in drama, teaching and children’s events, Maisy’s Children’s Parties enjoys nothing more than creating a party that is just right for each individual birthday boy or girl. The result is plenty of recommendations from happy parents.

“I’m constantly adapting and adding new things to develop a Maisy’s party but the core always stays the same ensuring the children are fully captivated and engaged from start to finish” reports Ann-Marie, whose list of party themes continues to grow. It now includes Minions, Star Wars, Superheroes and, of course, Frozen! Quote FUT for a 10% discount on all party packages in May and June 2016.

For more information, call 020 8123 6484/07779 096129 or email info@maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk

BEANSTALK KIDZ PARTIES Ages: 0-15 Beanstalk Kidz Parties is an exciting party entertainment company offering a wide range of top quality parties to suit your budget and theme. It has a spectacular range of handmade Princess, Superhero, Pirates, Fairies, Mermaid, Safari/Jungle costumes, entertainers and Mascots to make your child’s dreams really come true! Plus musical theatre, dance, drama, treasure hunt and puppet parties! 30 minute character appearances, 1 hour to 1½ hour puppet parties, 2 and 3 hour themed parties (face painting and Mascot hire as add on options to themed party).

In: London, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Kent plus quotes available for more distant locations Contact: Kathryn 07876 792187 (anytime) or 01428 608301 www.beanstalkkidzparties.com BEDAZZLED EVENTS AND PARTIES Ages: All A bespoke party planning service which creates unique parties for all ages, working to a budget and theme of your choice. Package might include entertainment, such as themed games, parachute, dancing, puppets, magic, balloon modelling; decoration of your venue to include large freestanding backdrops, 3D props, character cutouts, flooring, balloons, bunting, as well as incorporating the theme into your party bags, personalised invitations, sweetie tables and catering.

In: London-wide and Surrey Contact: Juliet 07964 708505 www.bedazzledevents.org.uk

MAISY’S CHILDRENS PARTIES Ages: 0 to 12 Maisy’s Children’s Parties – Magical and Memorable Ages: 0-12 Here at Maisy’s there is no limit to our imagination so whether you would like a pirate, princess, fairy or clown, we will create the desired magical world for your little guests. With Tiny Tots, Classic, Adventure or Arty Crafts, we have a variety of parties to suit all ages and interests for a truly interactive experience. We love to talk parties so give us a call or pop us an email!

10% off all party packages from May and June 2016. Quote FUT! In: Surrey, Greater London and SW London including: Surbiton, Kingston, Richmond, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Cobham, Weybridge, Guildford, Farnham.

Contact: Ann-Marie 020 8123 6484/07779 096129 info@maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk www.maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk RICHARD PINNER MAGIC PARTIES Ages: 3-11 Vice President of The Magic Circle, Richard Pinner, is a real magician who amazes and amuses both children and adults alike. Parties full of fun, laughter and strong magic leave every child with tales to tell and special memories to keep.

Parties last from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

In: Any place, anytime and (almost) anywhere!

Contact: Richard Pinner 020 7352 3524 www.magicandlaughter.co.uk

✪ Colourful double sided solid wooden jigsaw puzzles & traditional toys.

A r n g s a e r i

u

✪ Push alongs, alphabet jigsaws, height charts, animal ramp walkers, hanging toys, figures for painting, swords, shields, crossbows, catapults, pistols and more.

ir

KINGSTON, SURBITON AND THAMES DITTON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971

✪ Also a range of Music boxes & piggy banks.

RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON E: kew.teddington@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 847 4031 WEYBRIDGE, MOLESEY AND COBHAM E: weybridge.cobham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 0096 BANSTEAD, ESHER AND CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

FREE MINI PUZZLE With all orders placed before 30/6/2016

www.classicwoodtoys.com May-June 2016

MAY HALF TERM AND SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

SPORT Coerver® West London

Teddy Tennis

For Ages: 7-15 31 May (9am to 3.30pm) in Osterley 3 June (9am to 3pm) in Kingston Summer 3 day courses in Kingston and Osterley – dates to be confirmed Coerver® Coaching is “The World’s Number 1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method” and is endorsed by some of the games’ leading clubs, coaches and players.

One day holiday football clinic for U7 to U16 players to take place during the May Half Term and three day football clinics during the Summer school holidays.

Each session will be based on the individual 1v1 skills of players such as Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale and Mesut Ozil. Participants will also have the opportunity to use the latest football equipment and win adidas® prizes in Coerver® skill competitions.

Contact: Amit Sohal 020 3544 2284 www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon

For Ages: 2-5 31 May to 3 June (9am to 9.45am: 2-3 years; 10am to 12pm 3-5 years) in Canbury Gardens, Kingston and Wimbledon Park Teddy Tennis camps are a fantastic way for little ones to start or continue to play and enjoy tennis over a fun-filled week. They work by combining music, pictures and teddy bear stories into an interactive learning adventure that children love. Teddy Tennis is featured in over 60 schools and nurseries throughout South West London. Bring your child down to a well-structured, educational and most of all, really exciting holiday activity!

Contact: 0845 643 1173 booking@teddytennis.com www.teddytennis.com

May Half Term and Summer Holiday Football Camps

May Half Term Camps Teddy Tennis Holiday Camps

Team Swim School May Half Term and Summer Holiday Swimming Courses

For Ages: 2.5-15 May Half Term FREE Assessments 30 May, 1 and 2 June and 4 and 5 June in Cobham Summer Crash Courses 25 to 29 July and 1 to 5 August (10am to 1pm) in Cobham Come and have a FREE lesson

during May Half Term to assess your child’s swimming ability! Your child can improve their skill set and confidence. Sign your child up for a summer crash course to improve your child’s swimming. Boost their skill set and confidence. Covers all four main strokes including diving and structured games.

Contact: Paul Furness 07915 510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

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Just Imagine Ballet

Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -

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6 - 11 years old 11 - 18 years old Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School

07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - ST MARGARETS - TWICKENHAM KEW - EAST SHEEN - TEDDINGTON

NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams May-June 2016

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

15 15

MAY HALF TERM AND SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

DRAMA AND DANCE Perform

The Secret Garden Summer Holiday Course For Ages: 7-12 1 to 5 August (10am to 3pm) in Kew Based on Francis Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale, children will be whisked away to the mysterious and magical world of Misselthwaite Manor. The course ends with a show and is led by experienced theatre professionals who will nurture and inspire every step of the way.

Contact: Lucy Quick 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/holidays

Pyjama Drama

Claygate, Hersham and Walton Mr Hoppy’s Lovely Little Family For Ages: 2-5 years Based on Esio Trot. How can Mr Hoppy and Mrs Silver help their pet tortoise Terry get better? He’s eaten too many treats and is now feeling poorly.

The Muggie-Wumps Play Tricks For Ages: 5-7 Based on The Twits, who are nasty and mean and nearly torture the Muggie-Wumps every day.

But The Twits aren’t the only ones who like to play tricks – the Mugggie-Wumps have a few up their tails themselves.

The Jungle Book Summer Holiday Course For Ages: 4-7 22 to 24 August (10am to 3pm) in Kew This summer your young cub will have the wildest week ever putting on a show about Mowgli and his friends.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic, the course is led by actors, musicians and dancers and ends with a mini-musical on the last day.

Theatrebugs

Princess Rainbow’s Birthday Summer Holiday Workshops For Ages: 3.5-7 1 to 5 August (9am to 12pm) in Oxshott 8 to 12 August (9am to 12pm) in Claygate 8 to 12 August (1.30pm to 4.30pm) in Weybridge Help Squeaker the Mouse, the Flower Fairies and the Super Superheroes get their present

to Princess Rainbow before the grumpy goblins spot them! Five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and art and craft before hitting the stage!

Places limited and early booking recommended. 15% Early Bug discount and 10% Sibling discount – see website for T&Cs. Book online at www.theatrebugs.co.uk/surrey Contact: Hannah 01483 882244/07971 004134 hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk

May Half Term Roald Dahl Holiday Drama Fun! Celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th anniversary.

For Ages: 27-31 May (2pm to 4pm for ages 2-5), 1 June (9.30am to 12.30pm for ages 5-7) and 2 June (10am to 10.40am for ages 2-5) in Hersham and 3 June (10am to 12pm for ages 5-7; 2pm to 2.50pm for ages 2-5 and 3pm to 3.50pm for ages 2-5) in Claygate More Phizz-Whizzing Roald Summer Holiday Roald Dahl Workshop Fun! Dates to be confirmed in

Stagecoach Isleworth Now Accepts Childcare Vouchers!

Isleworth

Musical Theatre Training for Ages 4 - 18 years

We offer a range of Holiday Workshops & Term Time classes No Experience Necessary!

T: 01932 701 910 16

E: isleworth@stagecoach.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

W: stagecoach.co.uk/isleworth May-June 2016

MAY HALF TERM AND SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

DRAMA AND DANCE Stagecoach Summer Workshops!

Stagecoach Hinchley Wood

Put On A Show For Ages: 8-16 25 to 29 July (10am-4.30pm) in Thames Ditton A week of drama, dance and song working on a production. Costume, lights, action with a show on the Friday for family and friends.

Just Dance For Ages: 8-18 1 to 5 August (10am to 4.30pm) in East Molesey A week of different dance styles culminating in a performance for family and friends. Great fun and suitable for all abilities.

Contact: Melanie Tel: 01372 238238 www.stagecoach.co.uk/hinchleywood

Stagecoach Isleworth

Musicals Summer Workshops For Ages: 4-6 and 5-18 25 to 29 July, 1 to 5 August and 8 to 12 August (9am to 12pm Ages 4-6; 9.30am to 3.30pm Ages 5-18) in Isleworth Experience a different musical every week over the summer holidays! Sing, dance, act, perform – and make new friends!

Childcare vouchers now accepted. Sibling and multi-booking discounts.

Contact: Valerie 01932 701910 isleworth@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/isleworth

Stagecoach Staines

The Gingerbread Man Summer Workshop For Ages: 4-6 25 to 29 July in Ashford West Side Story For Ages: 6-18 25 to 29 July in Ashford Upbeat, non-stop workshops filled with wonderful songs, drama and dances. From the moment your child arrives, they will be

caught up in the exciting world of performing arts, make new friends and learn new skills.

The week will culminate with a fantastic show for family and friends and include costume, professional sound and lighting. Workshop leaders DBS checked and have starred in the West End themselves.

Contact: Natasha 01483 235216/07802 800633 staines@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/staines

Stagecoach Teddington and Twickenham

Let’s Go Wild For Ages: 4-6 Jungle Fever For Ages: 6-18 25 to 29 July in Twickenham Jedi Knight Street Dance Crew Workshop For Ages: 8+ 30 July in Teddington Over the Rainbow For Ages: 4-6 Rock You For Ages: 6-18 15 to 19 August in Teddington Fun-packed five day courses (and one day

workshop) for children with different, engaging themes. Enjoy vibrant beats, colour and creativity going wild in the African jungle, heading to cyber space or travelling over the rainbow and into the stratosphere! Classes are led by enthusiastic, energetic and DBS (formally CRB) checked teachers. Children will make friends, learn new skills and develop confidence through singing, drama and dancing. On the final day family and friends are invited to watch a performance with lights and costumes.

Contact: Sarah Chitty 020 8977 0843 twickenham@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/twickenham

C O O K I N G PA R T I E S & WORKSHOPS

Children love our fun cooking parties learning new tips with little stress for you!

Cooking, food & fun

Saturday Cooking Club

21 May, June 18 2016 1.30 -3.30pm

Just Imagine Ballet

Summer Jungle Book Camp

For Ages: 3-10 (divided into age appropriate groups 1 to 5 August (10am to 1pm) in Richmond Enjoy dance, movement, performance, music and more at the Just Imagine Ballet

Jungle Book camp this summer! The camp is open to everyone – you don’t need to be a Just Imagine pupil – and no dance experience is necessary.

Contact: Miss Jessica or The Fairy Godmother 07879 521456/07813 741189 info@twinkletoesballet.com www.facebook.com/twinkle-toes-ballet

Summer holiday workshops Aug 3-5, Aug 29-31 & more..

More details & booking online at

www.sassystirrers.com P h:07789 792676 e; info@sassystirrers.com

Classes in:

Ashtead, Cobham, Esher, Hersham, Walton Contact

on or email

May-June 2016

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

17 17

MAY HALF TERM AND SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

MULTI-ACTIVITY

Super Camps

May Half Term and Summer Camps

For Ages: 4-14 31 May to 3 June (8am to 6pm) in Kingston

Shout! Holiday Programme Summer 2016

Fun, low-cost activities are available for children at various locations in the Elmbridge borough during the long summer holidays with the Shout! Holiday Programme.

Week-long Activity Schemes offer art and craft, games and sport, with two exciting activities running at any one time, whilst

Different courses/different weeks of summer school holidays (8am to 6pm) in Hampton, Teddington, Kingston, Isleworth Have fun and stay active with a

range of camps and courses and great new activities this year - and a guarantee of water activities at all camps during the summer! Rated Ofsted Outstanding, you can be sure your kids are getting the best care. New themes include: RAW Adventurer - connect with nature and encounter live animals; The Great Super Camps Bake Off - enjoy a week long culinary challenge; The Great British Takeaway learn to cook healthy versions of favourite foods; A Passion for Art & Craft - use wood and wool, felt and feathers to create cloths, design clothes and stitch hand-puppets A Passion for Super Science – crazy science experiments and learning.

01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk

week-long Sports Courses include coach-led sessions covering golf, rugby, karate, tennis, swimming. These courses also offer kids the chance to enjoy a challenge in football, badminton and basketball tournaments.

For those that like some art with their sport, Shout! Sports and Arts Camps offer children the chance to try new activities daily including multi-sports, dance and other fun activities.

For a shorter Shout!, there

will also be a wide range of Day-Long Workshops. Shout’s Easter line up included art and craft, dance, circus skills and a brand new CSI detective day for young detectives in the making!

So look out for lots of original offerings this summer…

The Shout! Holiday Activities Summer brochure is available online at www.elmbridge. gov.uk/shout from 23 May. Contact: 01372 474634 shout@elmbridge.gov.uk Shout! will also be offering Leisure Live, a FREE family event on 9 July (11am to 4pm), an event which celebrates sport and culture in Elmbridge. Held in Hersham, families will be able to enjoy fabulous sports demonstrations, multi-sports sessions, games, bouncy castle, art and craft or chill out and enjoy live entertainment on stage.

ART AND CRAFT

Happy Potter Ceramics May Half Term Workshops and Father’s Day Fun!

For Ages: 7+ or below with parental supervision 31 May to 3 June (2pm to 3.30pm) in Teddington Drop the kids off to make one of Happy Potter’s amazing new mosaic kits, try out its new foam clay, sew a creation or make a pot from scratch!

Happy Potter staff will guide the children in their craft and their creations are ready to take away on the day! Workshop price also includes snacks.

10% discount for siblings or extra days.

11 June (11am to 12.30pm) Father’s Day Painting Workshop Create unique handmade cards, alongside a mug, plate or bowl for the things in dad’s or grandad’s pockets! Also create handmade wrapping paper or gift bag, ideal to hand over the perfect gift this Father’s Day! Last day for painting for Father’s Day is 12 June.

Contact: Una Fagan 020 8973 1468 info@happypotterceramics.co.uk www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

Teddy Tennis May Half Term Fun and exciting tennis classes for children

Kingston & Wimbledon 31 May-3 June 9am-9:45am (2-3 years) 10am-12pm (3-5 years)

Call 0845 643 1173 or email booking@teddytennis.com 18

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

May-June 2016

Hobbledown presents ...

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Summer Days Out

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MeR RYDoWN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES 28 MAY – 5 JUNE

A WEEK LONG CELEBRATION OF MUCKY MAYHEM!

May Half Term

May 28th to June 1st 2016

H oW M u CKY A Re YO U ? !

For more details visit www.hobbledown.com

May Half Term Holiday Fun Buy garden tickets at rhs.org.uk/wisley and save 10%

Hobbledown, Horton Lane, Epsom, KT19 8PT T: 01372 848990 E: thehobblers@hobbledown.com www.hobbledown.com

HOB10381_QuarterPgAd_133x91mm_FamiliesKingston.indd 1

RHS Registered Charity No: 222879 / SC038262

05/04/2016 16:18

Family Fun Day 5 June, 11-4.30pm Strawberry Hill House Twickenham Come as your favourite story book character and immerse yourself in a land of make believe!

Pirate treasure hunts, birds of prey, story telling &crafts Free entry, some activities charged

www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk /strawberryhillhouse

May-June 2016

@strawbhillhouse

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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FUN

Summer Days Out

Look Lively this May Half Term at the London Wetland Centre by Andrew Campbell Hoist the Colours and set sail to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes this May Half Term for a swashbucklin’ Pirate Treasure Hunt.

Captain Blackbird’s motley animal crew has stolen his precious treasure and hidden it around the Centre. But wait, Polly his faithful parakeet spotted which direction they went in.... so it should be possible to help the Captain find his treasure in return for a piece of his gold.

The trail will run each day from Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June (10am to 4pm) and young ‘uns are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate gear!

The London Wetland Centre offers a great day out at this time of year and there’s something for adults and kids of all ages to enjoy. Kids can spot frogs, grass snakes and many birds that can’t be found anywhere else in London as well

as beautiful captive birds, ducks, geese and swans from around the world. It’s a great way to get them interested in wildlife and encouraging them to explore the natural world and protect nature.

The Centre is home to a

wide range of wildlife species and has six wildlife hides, an Observatory, an adventure playground, a cafe and a free car park. It’s the perfect place

to enjoy the wonders of wetland wildlife and enjoy a taste of the wild without having to get your feet muddy – unless you want to, of course!

For more information, visit www.wwt.org.uk/london

Festival of Fun, Fairytales & Fables at Strawberry Hill House! by Olivia Malaure Celebrate the centenary of children’s writer Roald Dahl at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham on Sunday 5 June with the Festival of Fun, Fairytales & Fables, kicking off an entire summer of stories. Admission is FREE! Get the kids to dig out those World Book Day costumes and come dressed as their favourite storybook characters – don’t worry parents, you can dress up too!

At this fun day of magical stories, children can: ✿ Join a band of pirates for a treasure hunt… ✿ Become a knight and joust against an evil foe… ✿ Ride a shy, mythical beast…. ✿ Meet a majestic bird of prey…… ✿ Make an edible book, and a shield, crown or tiara…

Active children can become sports stars for the day with the popular London Scottish Rugby Cage which makes a welcome return. Hungry parents can purchase tasty wares from a selection of stallholders from Twickenham Farmers market, or enjoy scrumptious lunches from Strawberry Hill’s Cloister Coffee House.

A Summer of Stories continues at Strawberry Hill 20

until September with varied drop in craft or garden activities, including bug hunts, teddy bears picnics and specialised Roald Dahl activities. During the school holidays workshops will run every Wednesday (booking required) focusing on much loved children’s books including The Tiger Who Came to Tea,

The Enormous Crocodile and The BFG. Strawberry Hill House has also partnered with Richmond Libraries for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with a Roald Dahl theme. Children can read six library books of their choice, collecting stickers and other rewards along the way.

See pages 25 to 27 for other summer activities at Strawberry Hill House and visit www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Hobbledown, the children’s adventure park and zoo in Epsom, offers a riot of fun and laughter at its first ever festival, Merrydown, between 28 May and 1 June, a mucktacular event with a different daily theme to tickle the taste buds of every family!

A medieval theme will run throughout the week, with archery, hobby horse racing, stilts, stocks, skittles and croquet.

May-June 2016

Summer Fun at RHS Garden Wisley! by Andrew Campbell

An array of gardening-inspired activities makes RHS Wisley the ideal day out this May and June – and all the activities are FREE with admission!

Families can enjoy half term activities every day between 28 May and 5 June, with the opportunity to participate in scouting-themed activities including an interactive orienteering trail around the garden. You can also inspire your family’s green fingers by taking a look at the themed, mini show gardens created by budding gardeners from local schools and vote for your family’s favourite.

Magnificent birds of prey take to the skies on 4 and 5 June with agility displays at 11am and

2pm each day, whilst from 6 to 12 June, families can see the garden dressed for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations - a week of horticultural displays with a royal theme.

Later in June, minibeasts and bugs will come under close scrutiny when RHS Garden Wisley hosts National Insect Week from 23 to 26 June. Immerse yourself in the hidden world of insects with RHS entomologists on hand to help you discover details of insects hidden to the naked eye. Watch the action of garden insect predators magnified, explore the delicate features of familiar insects such as honeybees under microscopes, and find out how to study the insect life in your own garden.

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Enjoy a Day in the Strawberry Fields at Crockford Bridge Farm by Olivia Malaure

Strawberries and summertime go together and there’s nothing more fun for families than picking their own! So head for the fruit picking fields at Crockford Bridge Farm in Addlestone this summer for the very best that Pick Your Own has to offer.

Crockford Bridge Farm grows more than 20 different crops of fruit and vegetables on its 75 acres, and the team is getting ready for a bumper crop! The Pick Your Own season bursts forth in May, with rhubarb and asparagus, followed in June by the abundant crops of strawberries and raspberries for which the farm is renowned.

Several varieties of strawberries are grown consecutively to ensure supplies until September and raspberries are available until the first frosts.

Crockford Bridge Farm is family-friendly with an outdoor

play area and an ice cream parlour which will both have an exciting new look for the new season. The ice cream parlour is a wonderful place to sit and relax next to the fields and boasts 24 flavours of hand-made ice cream by award winning Gelateria Danieli based in Richmond. Enjoy an espresso, latte or cream tea while the kids play on the aerial runway, swings and in the treehouse. There’s plenty of room to run around or fly a kite!

Avoid the hustle and bustle of the supermarkets and really get away from it all on the farm. The Farm Shop and butchery sell a wide range of local and specialist foods not readily available elsewhere and a day out at Crockford Bridge Farm enables kids to learn about where their food comes from, as well as enabling you to select the best quality produce at peak freshness.

For further information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley For further information, visit www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

Head for Mucky Mayhem at Hobbledown’s Merrydown Festival

Bocketts Farm Park 28th May - 5th June 2016

SPRING SPECTACULAR FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN THIS SPRING!

by Linda Stone, Editor On Skibbler Saturday (named after the mischievous Skibblers from the Hobbledown book), kids can make gooey Glime which they’ll need for the ultimate Glime Fight! There will also be mud face making and games.

On Suddy Sunday, expect a foam machine, sponge throwing, bubble making, water pistols and a giant water cannon! Don’t forget a towel!

On Muddy Monday, think cow pat fights (not real ones, don’t worry!) and mud-slinging.

Tarty Tuesday will please Hobbledown’s resident dragon Rumpletump, as it’s all about custard pies - his favourite!

And on Watermelon Wednesday, enjoy watermelon themed games and carving.

As well as all the activities, all the attractions of Hobbledown are included in the price of admission!

There’s no pre-booking.

Just turn up on your chosen day and pay. There’s even a £1 off admission for those coming by bus!

For further information, visit www.hobbledown.com May-June 2016

(Tues-Fri) Birds of Prey flying demonstrations

Panning for Gold Baby goat kids, lambs and more!

W

NE USE E R T EHOERS TOW R OUTDOO RE ADVENTU PLAY!

PLUS Animal handling, goat milking, tractor rides, pig racing and pony rides daily!

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D AR AW WI NN ING !

£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 3rd - 27th May 2016.

Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).

FM

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Classes Clubs& Activities

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Giving Kids a Clear Confident Voice at SW London Little Voices!

By Olivia Malaure

Business is booming for Ashlea Pearson who runs the South West London division of Little Voices, a performing arts school nurturing the next generation of confident kids and talented performers.

Little Voices offers drama and singing classes in Richmond, Putney and Wandsworth. There are 250 pupils enrolled in the petite-size classes of 8, which tend to the individual needs and talents of

Brooks Dance Academy introducing

Petites Pointes

A captivating introduction to ballet combined with the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus for children aged 2.5-7

WHEN? Saturday morning WHERE? The Berrylands, 107 Chiltern Drive, Surbiton, KT5 8LS

FI R

CLA ST F SS

REE

Contemporary classes for children coming soon Contact Laura on: 07958 530 962 www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk

pupils who all follow the LAMDA syllabus and work towards achieving measurable success in the LAMDA exams.“Students learn vital things like how the voice works and how their posture impacts upon it, as well as learning to combat nerves” says Ashlea.

Mini Voices is for kids ages 4 to 7 and consists of 40 minute classes that concentrate on developing speech, communication, and language through poetry, show-and-tell style presenting and singing lessons.

Little Voices is for 7 to 12 year olds and consists of 50 minute classes organised by age, ability and friendships. Children work on scenes from musical theatre shows such as Matilda, Shrek and Hairspray for LAMDA examinations, as well as working on scenes from shows and exploring music legends, including David Bowie, Barbara Streisand, Queen and Elvis Presley. Termly showcases offer a chance for pupils to share what they have learnt with parents, friends and family and they are given the opportunity to devise work based on their own interests and experiences for the end of year show.

Teenagers up to the age of 19 can then go on to pursue their craft at Little Voices earning UCAS points through the LAMDA syllabus, and enhancing their CVs with extra-curricular activities.

Local father of three, Yusaf Chudan, has two daughters ages 8 and 4 and a 6 year old son attending SW Little Voices. ”The small classes make a big difference and my kids like working towards the LAMDA exams, because it gives them something to focus on” says Yusuf. “They can also see the progress they’re making which gives them confidence. We enrolled our son for contrasting reasons to our daughter, who was confident and enjoyed the experience of having an audience. We’ve noticed how much the classes have genuinely improved our son’s confidence and communication skills. It’s a very friendly, caring and motivating place for the kids to be.”

For more information, visit www.littlevoices.org.uk

Celebrate 40 Years of Daddies, Grandads and Uncles with FREE Sessions at Gymboree Surbiton on 18 June!

Sensory Baby Play session for babies 0 to 6 months and their dads! Donations will be collected for the Rainbow Trust.

For further information on session times, email Katie@gymboree-uk.com or visit www.gymboree-uk.com/surbiton

To coincide with Father’s Day on 19 June, this event gives dads some special time with their little ones, whilst raising money for charity! The morning will consist of free-play sessions and Play & Learn classes for children ages 6 months to 5 years, plus a

FOOTIE TOTS

Welcome to the world of fitness and football for 2.5 to 5 year olds Teaching basic ball skills, scoring lots of goals and having FUN!

Award winning classes from newborn to 5 years

Gymboree Walton on Thames

FOOTIE WIZARDS

01932 221 371

waltononthames@gymboree-uk.com

For children ages 5 to 8

22

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In

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Esher, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton, call 07828 629531

Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn, Music, Art & Parties!

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2013 winner!

‘Best national pre-schooler development activity’

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020 3609 8007

surbiton@gymboree-uk.com

Gymboree St Margarets 020 8607 9995

stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com .u k

AVAILABLE

Gymboree Surbiton ce en

Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Feltham and Hounslow, ALL CLASSES call 07931 707720 HELD INDOORS andy@footie-tots.co.uk FOOTBALL PARTIES

Book a FREE trial class today!

.co es ats o n 4 li t t l e o n

gymboree-uk.com

May-June 2016

Gymboree Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary with More Fun Activities It’s all about bubbles, birthdays and rainbows this year at Gymboree Play and Music as the successful play and learn pre-school activity programme turns 40!

Young at heart, Gymboree brings smiles of joy to little people and their parents in Surbiton, St Margaret’s and Walton.

The play programme, that is carefully designed in consultation with early childhood educators, really gets into the busy shoes of a child. Classes are offered in play gym, music, craft, expressive and creative arts, as well as newborn baby session.

Earlier this year, Gymboree celebrated its milestone birthday with a bubble blowing parties across the country. It will also be

Classes Clubs& Activities

er summ fun

hosting further parties to support the work of local charity, the Rainbow Trust, which cares for children with serious illnesses.

Gymboree St Margarets Offers New Activities!

Theatre Arts – children ages 3 to 5 Singing and dancing designed to build children’s confidence.

Pottery Painting – for all ages Themed events and the chance to create seasonally appropriate gifts and unique cereamics at the new Pottery Place at Gymboree St Margarets.

Drop In Story Time – children 1 to 6 years Includes art and craft, songs and bubble blowing. FREE Babychino

for little ones.

Harris and Hoole, Twickenham – Mondays at 2pm Harris and Hoole, St Margarets – Saturdays at 11.30am Lego Club – children 6 to 12 years Harris and Hoole, Twickenham – Mondays at 3.45pm Harris and Hoole, St Margarets – Tuesdays at 3.45pm Join the team to build, form and swap Lego!

For further information, email stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com or visit www.gymboree-uk.com/st-margarets

WEEKLY

LOCAL

CLASSES

with Water Babies, the UK’s leading baby swim school

3 Fully qualified, world class instructors 3 Award-winning programme teaches babies from birth 3 Teaching you to teach your baby to swim 3 Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills To join in the fun call

May-June 2016

01932 227 428

classes held. . .

Addlestone, Shepperton, Kingston, Chessington, Morden, Richmond & Cobham

waterbabies.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

23

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

songs and laughter. Ages: 5-11 MEADOW 28-29 MAY Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow and see their LYRIC THEATRE stories come to life. Ages: 3-6 Shaftesbury Avenue, I PACK MY BAG London W1D 7ES 1-5 JUN Box Office: 0330 333 4812 A playful perfor­mance about www.nimaxtheatres.com fantasy, imagination and… a bag!

Ages: 2-6 THE GRUFFALO 6 JUL – 4 SEP BOXY AND STICKY Everyone’s favourite furry monster 10-12 JUN roars back into the West End in Welcome to the gloriously celebration of his 15th anniversary imaginative world of two characters on stage! enjoying familiar children’s games.

POLKA THEATRE Ages: 2-5 7:48 Page 1 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon CHESTER TUFFNUT SW19 1SB 22 JUN TO 14 AUG Booking info 020 8543 4888 Join Chester and a brave bunch of www.polkatheatre.com creatures for an action-packed story of highs, lows, thrills, spills, near THE BOX OF PHOTOGRAPHS 22 APR TO 15 MAY misses and great escapes. Ages: 2-5 An action-packed adventure, RICHMOND THEATRE where brilliant ideas and characters The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ come alive. For Ages: 7-11 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets FLIGHTS OF FANCY 14-15 MAY NORTHERN BALLET: A whimsical rag-bag puppet TORTOISE & THE HARE delight with music, laughter and 1 JUN feathers. Ages: 3-6 Live ballet for little ones.

A REAL MERMAID’S TALE PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE 21-22 MAY 4-5 JUN An exciting adventure on the high Fun, games and surprises in this seas with pirates, monstrous sea charming, colourful new show with creatures and mermaid treasure. songs and life size puppets.

Age: 3-7 THE ROSE THEATRE 24-26 High Street, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH 27 MAY TO 14 AUG Kingston KT1 1HL An extraordinary adventure half way 020 8174 0090 around the world with excitement, www.rosetheatrekingston.org

TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES 24–26 JUN Go under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle as these tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and colourful characters.

Ages: 3+ WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk MEADOW 8 MAY Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow. See their stories come to life. Ages: 3-6 WILD! 15 MAY New play using live music parkour

and break dancing to unravel the story of a wayward, fragile and misunderstood boy who loves bees and nature. Ages: 8-12 GEORGE AND THE DRAGON 22 MAY Liveperformance, rod and glove puppetry, masks and music.

Ages: 2-5 A VERY MAGIC FLUTE 29 MAY Visual storytelling in an ingenious and imaginative theatre show with big laughs! Ages: 4-8 THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 1 JUN An innocent vision of vanity is interpreted with a washing machine, clothes line, bubbles and music, illusion and puppetry.

Ages: 4-8

WIN!! COMPETITION!! WIN!!

Win Family Tickets to See The Gruffalo Live in the West End! To celebrate The Gruffalo Live’s 15th birthday, we have one VIP Family Ticket to The Gruffalo Live at the Lyric Theatre to give away!

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

The Gruffalo Live runs at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 6 July. For more information and booking visit www.gruffalolive.com or call 0330 333 4812.

To Enter: Go to our website at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and click on Competitions in the top tool bar.

Then answer the following question:

Who wrote the classic picture book The Gruffalo?

Closing Date: 31 May 2016 Terms and Conditions Apply. Family Ticket admit 4 with minimum 1 adult between 4 and 24 July and must be redeemed by 24 June.

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - Macmillan Children's Books 1999

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

24

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

“A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE” ★★★★ The Sunday Times

“MONSTROUS FUN!” ★★★★ Daily Mail

LYRIC THEATRE FROM 6 JULY BOOK NOW 0330

333 4812

nimaxtheatres.com gruffalolive.com May-June 2016

what’s on SAT 22 APR ONWARDS WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 9.30-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Pond dipping and nature crafts.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk SAT 7 – SUN 8 MAY VICTORIAN SOLDIERS RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Exciting military weekend with the soldiers from the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment Re-enactment Society.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden SAT 7 MAY AND SAT 4 JUN KIDS RUN FREE AT MARBLE HILL PARK Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL For Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE Free running events for children.

08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE Drop-in family craft session.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 7 MAY AND SAT 11 JUN FAMILY FUN DAY AT ELMBRIDGE MUSEUM Hersham Village Hall, KT12 5LT Time: 2-4.30pm Cost: £1.50 Art and craft activities based around some of the objects in the museum’s collection.

01932 843573 www.elmbridgemuseum.org.uk SUN 8 MAY CHESTNUT SUNDAY AT BUSHY PARK Time: 12.30-4.30pm Cost: FREE Parade starts at 12.30pm at Teddington Gate. Traditional fairground, arena displays, live music and historical re-enactments. www.royalparks.org.uk THE DITTONS FAIR Giggs Hill Green, Thames Ditton KT7 0BT Time: 1pm Sideshows, dancing, rugby, music and dog gymkhana. www.thedittonsfair.co.uk THU 12 MAY MUSEUMS AT NIGHT AT RICHMOND MUSEUM Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Time: 5-8pm Cost: FREE Explore some special objects from the Curators store room and see/ touch favourite items from the handling collection.

020 8332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com FRI 13 MAY MUSEUMS AT NIGHT AT LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER AND STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, TW8 0EN Time: 8-11pm Cost: From £12.60 Magician, Toni Michieli will present May-June 2016

an exclusive show of sorcery with blues and roots music from The Great West Groove.

020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk MUSEUMS AT NIGHT AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: All Time: 5-10pm Cost: FREE Family event to celebrate European Night of Museums and International Museums Day. Booking required.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 14 MAY RICHMOND MAY FAIR The Green, Richmond TW9 1LX For Ages: All Cost: FREE 020 8948 4464 OATLANDS VILLAGE FAYRE Oatlands Recreation Ground, KT13 8NA Time: 12.30-4.30pm Cost: £1 Events, refreshments, tombola, Punch and Judy and many other stalls. www.oatlandsfayre.org.uk SAT 14 MAY STAINES NCT DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA PARTY Staines Congregational Church, Stainash Cres. TW18 1AY Time: 2-4.15pm Tickets: Adults £5, Child £1 Family afternoon to fund raise for local postnatal support www.nct.org.uk SUN 15 MAY STANLEY SCHOOL MAY FAIR Strathmore Rd, Teddington TW11 8UH Time: 12-3pm Traditional school fair. www.stanley.richmond.sch.uk RAILWAY GALA AT HAMPTON AND KEMPTON STEAM RAILWAY Snakey Lane,Feltham TW13 6XH Time: 10.30am-4pm Cost: Adult £2, Child £1, Under 5s free All the running stock will be in operation. www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org. uk SAT 21 MAY SUMMER FAIR AT ST ALBANS SCHOOL Beauchamp Rd, East Molesey KT8 2PG Time: 11am-2pm School fair with BBQ, talent show, face painting, stalls, bouncy castle.

020 979 5893 YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGY CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 to 16. Time: 11am or 2pm on 18 Apr) Cost: £5 Explore the world of archaeology through site visits, artefact handling and investigation, and art and craft activities. Booking required.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 21 MAY AND 18 JUN ESHER MAY FAIR Esher Green Time: 11am-4pm Local fair with arena programme, stalls, BBQ and rides. www.eshermayfair.org.uk

GoFest 2016 Seeks Exhibitors and Sponsors!

GoFest, the family festival of sport, dance, health and fitness, is back!

Held at Surrey Sports Park, GoFest has quickly built a superb reputation for giving adults and children of all ages unprecedented access to an incredibly wide variety of sports, dance and fitness classes to ‘have a go’ at, in a bid to make a significant impact on the health of the nation.

Ambassadors include Kevin Keegan, Roger Black and Strictly

Come Dancing stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite.

GoFest 2016 is actively seeking exhibitors and sponsors now! The family-friendly festival represents a fantastic opportunity for brands and companies who want to spread the word about the benefits of exercise.

GoFest Guildford is on the middle week end of the Olympics, 13 and 14 August, at Surrey Sports Park, Richard Myers Road, Guildford.

To book your space or sponsorship package at GoFest 2016, call 01483 497065/07774 629242 or email paul.farris@gofest.co.uk or amelia. duncan@gofest.co.uk. For more information, visit www.gofest.co.uk SUN 22 MAY MORRIS DANCERS AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 1-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Demonstration of traditional Morris dancing and music.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden

HALF TERM MON 23 MAY TO FRI 3 JUN HALF TERM MAYHEM AT HATCHLANDS PARK East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £2 per child Get outside and get messy with activities and crafts from the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾ list.

01483 222482 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hatchlands-park THU 26 MAY TO THU 2 JUN HORRIBLE HISTORIES AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: various Cost: Adult £10, Child £5, Under 5 FREE From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the terrifying Tudors in these open air performances.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk SAT 28 MAY HURAARRH FOR DINOSAURS IN RICHMOND Duke St Church, Richmond TW9 1DH Age: 6+ Time: 2.30-4.30pm Cost: £15 Join expert palaeontologists and historians to find out what dinosaurs looked like, how they communicated, how they fought, what they hunted - and who hunted them.

020 88915455 www.environmenttrust.co.uk SAT 28 MAY AND 11 JUNE BOLD AND BASHFUL BUG HUNT AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST Ages: 3+ Time: 1pm and 2pm Cost: £2

Make a beautiful bug then join the big bug hunt and discover bold and bashful mini beasts. No booking required.

020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk SAT 28 MAY TO WED 1 JUN MERRYDOWN AT HOBBLEDOWN Horton Lane, Horton KT19 8PT Time: 9am-7pm Cost: Adult £16.50, Child £15.50 Festival of mucky mayhem including archery, hobby horse racing, stilts, stocks, skittles, croquet and a daily ‘mucktacular’ event.

0843 289 4979 www.hobbledown.com SAT 28 MAY TO SUN 5 JUN PIRATE TREASURE HUNT AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 10am-4pm Cost: £1 per trail plus Normal Admission Help the Captain Blackbird find his treasure in return for a piece of gold. Come dressed as your favourite pirate!

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk LIFE AT THE WATERWORKS AT LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER AND STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN Time: 11am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Dress up in Victorian clothes to travel back in time to discover what life was like for the workers who kept the Kew Bridge Pumping Station in steam. Fun family trail.

020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk MAY HALF TERM AT RHS WISLEY Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB Time: 10am-6pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Vote for your favourite themed mini show garden planted by local schools. Enjoy scouting-themed activities with an interactive orienteering trail around the garden. Birds of prey displays on 4/5 June.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

25

what’s on

HALF TERM TRAIL AT Burwood Rd, Hersham KT12 4AR Twickenham, TW1 4ST investigate the awesome power of CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE Woodstock Lane North, Long Ages: All Time: 12.30-3pm oranges. Booking required.

020 8744 1241 GARDEN Ditton KT5 5HN £2 per child Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Halliford Rd, Shepperton TW17 8SG www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk Make a beautiful mask and Time: 10am-4.30pm Cost: 50p THU 2 JUN Sixth Cross Rd, Twickenham disguise yourself to attend a CRAFT CART AT OSTERLEY PARK plus Normal Admission TW2 5PA Georgian masquerade ball.

Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB Learn about what our ancestors Time: 10am-4pm Cost: £5.50 No booking required.

Time: 11am-3pm Cost: FREE chose to wear on their feet in this 020 8744 1241 Create your own tasty vegetable www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk with Normal Admission/donation fun trail. box and go on a Veggie Hunt appreciated 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. around the centre.

HAM FAIR uk/claremont-landscape-garden Ham Common, Upper Ham Road Drop in and get crafty. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.

SPRING SPECTACULAR AT TW10 5LA TUE 31 MAY TO FRI 3 JUN org.uk/osterley-park-and-house BOCKETTS FARM Time: 11am-4.30pm Cost: FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT Young St, Fetcham KT22 9BS SAT 4, 11, 25 JUN Stalls and entertainment provided RICHMOND MUSEUM THUMBS UP ITS THURSDAY AT Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE by local schools and other groups.

Whittaker Avenue, Richmond KINGSTON MUSEUM with Normal Admission www.hamamenitiesgroup.org.uk TW9 1TP Wheatfield Way, Kingston Friendly animals, fun farm activities SHEPPERTON VILLAGE FAIR Ages: 5-11 Time: 10am-12pm below a proof of your advertisement the KT1 2PS and plenty of indoor and outdoor for Time: 11am-5pm Cost: FREE 8pm Cost: £4 per child Ages: 5+ Time: 1-4pm Cost: FREE from 12pm play, including heated indoor play ArtTVE. and craft family workshops October 2014 issue (No. 74) of Families Be inspired by Kingston’s creative barn and pedal go karts. Birds of Procession, raft race, miniature inspired by Images of Richmond talent and make your own work prey displays twice a day (Tues-Fri). horses, fairground and steam exhibition. Booking required. of art. locomotives. www.bockettsfarm.co.uk CK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT020 8332 1141 020 8547 5006 www.shepperton-fair.org www.museumofrichmond.com MON 30 MAY TO SUN 3 JUN ates, telephone numbers www.kingston.gov.uk/museum GET MUDDY AT and addresses.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS AT SAT 18 JUN FRI 3 JUN MORDEN HALL PARK TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING Hall Road, Morden SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR GARDEN need to be Morden made at this stage.

T: 01628 627586 CLUB AT OSTERLEY PARK SM4 5JD 43 High St, Hampton TW12 2SA Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB mendmentsTime: will be chargedCost: for. £4 E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk 11am-4pm Time: 10am-4pm Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Time: 11-3pm Cost: FREE with Make mud pies, hunt for worms With a Lego tower, sports Cost: £1.50 plus admission 50 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, Normal Admission t us by return amend or approve your and either go on ato muddy walk. competition, crown making, and Craft workshops in the Hands on, drop-in kids 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust. a fancy dress competition for the Thatched Cottage. t.

Berkshire, SL6 6NA gardening session. org.uk/morden-hall-park 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust. younger children.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.

CREATE AND GROW AT org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden www.twickenhamprep.co.uk org.uk/osterley-park-and-house SQUIRES GARDEN CENTRES HALF TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES KEW MIDSUMMER FETE SAT 4 JUN Stoke Rd, Cobham KT11 3PU AT BROOKLANDS MUSEUM Kew Green TW9 3AP BIO-BLITZ AT Brooklands Road, Weybridge Time: 11am-6pm Heavenly Au Pairs & Nannies MORDEN HALL PARK KT13 0QN Vintage fairground rides, side Bespoke Agency - Flexible Domestic Help Morden Hall Road, Morden Time: 10.30am-5pm Cost: FREE show, dog show, tug of war, craft Childcare: Au Pair, Nanny, Mother’s Help SM4 5JD with Normal Admission marquee, food and drink and House Keeper, Elderly Companion Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE Popular car rides, Bertie the live music.

Join the visiting wildlife experts for Call 0333 800 8085 BAPAA Brooklands Bear making guest www.kewfete.org www.heavenlyaupairs.com info@heavenlyaupairs.com this park-wide survey. appearances, trails and family 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust. workshops. org.uk/morden-hall-park 01932 857381 FATHER’S DAY SAT 4, 11, 25 JUN www.brooklandsmuseum.com SUN 19 JUN LANDSCAPES OF THE BOROUGH TUE 31 MAY AND THU 2 JUN ‘STEAM ALE’ FATHER’S DAY AT AT KINGSTON MUSEUM HALF TERM FUN AT LONDON MUSEUM OF STEAM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS CHERTSEY MUSEUM Ages: 6+ Time: 10.30am-12.30pm AND WATER 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey Green Dragon Lane, Brentford Cost: Fee applies KT16 8AT TW8 0EN Work with a professional artist to For Ages: 5-12 Time: 11am or Time: 11am-4pm Cost: FREE with learn about landscape painting.

2pm Cost: £4.50 Normal Admission Booking required.

Creative activities relating to the Thx engines and the Waterworks 020 8547 5006 museum collections. Booking Railway in steam, as well as a www.kingston.gov.uk/museum required. chance to sample great beer from SUN 5 JUN 01932 565764 the famous Twickenham Ales HE FESTIVAL OF FUN, www.chertseymuseum.org brewery.

FAIRYTALES & FABLES AT WED 1 JUN 020 8568 4757 STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE Maternity, Baby & Kids 0-6 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE 11¾ www.waterandsteam.org.uk 268 Waldegrave Road, AT OSTERLEY PARK FATHER’S DAY AT Teddington Twickenham, TW1 4ST Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Sat 14 May PAINSHILL PARK Time: 11am-3pm Cost: FREE with Ages: All Time: 11am-4.30pm 10-12am Portsmouth Rd, Cobham KT11 1JE Cost: FREE Normal Admission Teddington Time: 10am-6pm Cost: FREE for Festival of fun, fairty tales and Baptist Church Join 50 Things to Do Before You’re fathers accompanied by children fables.

Share a day of family fun in Church Road 11¾. Collect a scrapbook, join an Spend the day with your dad in TW11 8PF adventure, then pick up your sticker. the beautiful grounds of the beautiful garden.

Surbiton Strawberry Hill.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.

01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk Sat 21 May 020 8744 1241 org.uk/osterley-park-and-house FATHER’S DAY AT CLAREMONT 11am-1pm www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT St Marks LANDSCAPE GARDEN TUE 8, 15, 22 AND 29 JUN AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE Church Hall, Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC AT 268 Waldegrave Road, Surbiton KT6 4LS Time: 10am-6pm Cost: FREE for CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE Twickenham, TW1 4ST Hampton dads with children Top GARDEN Ages: Under 5s Time: 11am Sat 11 June Dad and family can enjoy The sellers 2-4pm Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Cost: £7 Surrey Classic Vehicle Club display. make Hampton Time: 1-2pm Cost: Child £1.50 Story and craft workshop.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. over £300! Methodist Church, plus Normal Admission Booking required. uk/claremont-landscape-garden Percy Road Stalls sell 020 8744 1241 Bring along Teddy and a picnic, with DADS GO FREE ON FATHER’S DAY TW12 2JT out weeks www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk storytelling in the Thatched Cottage. AT HAMPTON AND KEMPTON in advance. Kingston 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.

PADDINGTON AT STRAWBERRY Sat 11 June STEAM RAILWAY Book uk/claremont-landscape-garden HILL HOUSE 2-4pm Snakey Lane,Feltham TW13 6XH yours SAT 11 JUN 268 Waldegrave Road, YMCA Hawker Time: 10.30am-4pm Cost: Adult now!

FAMILY ACTIVITY AT Twickenham, TW1 4ST Centre £2, Child £1, Under 5s FREE STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE Ages: 5+ Time: 2.30pm Cost: £9 Kingston KT2 5BH www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk Explore the world of Paddington and 268 Waldegrave Road, www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

RTISEMENT PROOF

Thames Valley East

BRITISH AU PAIR AGENCIES ASSOCIATION

Buy and Sell

26

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

May-June 2016

what’s on STORY CAFE AT RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3pm Cost: £4 (£2 under 2s) Creative storytelling events with crafty activities.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk EAST TWICKENHAM SUMMER FAIR Cambridge Gardens TW1 2TA Time: 11am-5pm Cost: FREE Swing boats, bouncy castle, taster tennis, pony rides plus Dad of the Year competition. www.easttwickenham.org TWICKENHAM CARNIVAL Orleans House, Riverside TW1 3DJ Time: 1-5pm Cost: FREE Twickenham comes to life with live performance, games, arts activities, food from around the globe and workshops suitable for the whole family. www.richmond.gov.uk THU 23 JUN TO SUN 26 JUN NATIONAL INSECT WEEK AT RHS WISLEY GARDEN Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB Time: 10.30-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Watch the action of garden insect predators magnified, explore the delicate features of familiar insects such as honeybees under microscopes, and find out how to study the insect life in your own garden. RHS entomologists on hand to help you discover!

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

SAT 25 JUN TEDDY BEARS PICNIC AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST Time: 12.30-3pm Cost: £2 per child Bring your favourite teddy and a picnic and join the storyteller in the grounds. No booking required.

020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR Playing Fields, Hinchley Wood Manor Rd Sth, Esher KT10 Time: 11am-3pm Cost: £10/£15 Inflatable assualt courses, mega slides, rodeo bulls, surf simulators, photo booths, coconut shy, basketball hoops, sports taster sessions. www.shspa.org.uk BURHILL SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR New Berry Lane, Walton KT12 4HR Time: 11am-3pm Cost: FREE Space and Alien theme with bouncy castles, BBQ and much more. www.burhill.surrey.sch.uk SUN 26 JUN MUSIC AND FUN DAY AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST Ages: All Time: 12pm Cost: £4 per person Live music, food, drink and family entertainment supported by the RFU.

020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk ISLAND OPEN DAY AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Rare chance to visit the island on the lake

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden TEDDINGTON VILLAGE FAIR AND PRAM RACE Langham Road, TW11 9HQ Time: 12-4pm Cost: FREE Pram Race, live entertainment, music and stalls. www.teddingtonsocieity.org.uk

NEARLY NEW SALES

COBHAM SUN 21 MAY & 26 JUN Cobham Village Hall, Lushington Drive KT11 2LU TEDDINGTON SAT, 14 May 10am to 12pm Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, TW11 8PF HAMPTON SAT, 11 JUNE 2-4PM 2-4PM Hampton Methodist Church, Percy Rd, TW12 2JT KINGSTON SAT 11 JUN, 2-4PM YMCA Hawker Centre, KT2 5BH

CHEEKI MONKEYS www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk TWICKENHAM SAT 21 MAY, 10.30am-12.30pm Twickenham Methodist Church, Queens Road, TW1 4EN CRUK www.crukgoodasnewsale.org.uk ESHER SAT 7 MAY, 1.30-3.30PM Esher College, Thames Ditton, KT7 0JB LITTLE OWLS MARKETS www.facebook.com/littleowlsmarket SHEPPERTON SAT 2 JUL, 10.30am-1.30pm Shepperton Village Hall MUM2MUM www.mum2mummarket.co.uk SURBITON SAT 21 MAY, 2-4pm St Marks Church Hall, Surbiton KT6 4LS

NEW!

£20 Book by 14 June

May-June 2016

NCT www.nct.org.uk STAINES SAT 14 MAY, 10.15am Staines Congregational Hall, Kingston Rd TW18 1AY WALTON TWINS CLUB www.waltontwinsclub.org SAT 21 MAY, 10-11.30AM The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Hurst Grove, KT12 1AU

From fencing, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and cookery - a new experience every day! * We also offer Survival and Sports courses at Surbiton

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk 0844 870 7077 www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

27

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Walton 01932 252 033 www.explorelearning.co.uk Families upon Thames is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. FamiliesÂŽ is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families upon Thames are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.