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contents 25 clubs & classes 30 your local theatre 33 what’s on
4 6
7 education focus 15 parenting
family health food & nutrition
Competition p 30
16 pregnancy & birth 18 days out TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE CONTACT: MIMA WALIA, Editor m:07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames
ssori Nurs e t e on
S ry ol cho
Julia ’s M
@FamiliesuponT Now more than 7,700 followers!
Make sure you pick up our November/December issue and get set for Christmas! Out on 1st November
Book a Spooky Short Break at Chessington World of Adventures Resort p 23
Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage. Curriculum and Montessori Method. For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com October 2016
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FAMILY HEALTH and WELLBEING
The importance of good childhood nutrition by Dr Sumi Soori
What is childhood nutrition?
Children who have a healthy breakfast are less likely to snack on high fat or sugary foods
Childhood nutrition involves making sure that children aged between five and eleven eat healthy foods to help them grow and develop normally, as well as to help prevent obesity and future disease. There should be a balance between the high energy and nutrient content required by children and weight control.
Benefits of good nutrition
3 Better performance at school 3 Developing strong bones 3 Grow healthily 3 Maintain a healthy weight 3 Establishing healthy food preferences
which will be carried on later in life 3 Reducing risk of chronic diseases later in life
Consequences of poor nutrition
3 Likely behavioural, emotional and academic problems at school 3 Short stature 3 Delayed puberty 3 Nutrient deficiencies (eg iron deficiency anaemia) 3 Menstrual irregularities 3 Poor bone health 3 Risk of injuries 3 Increased risk of eating disorders 3 Dental cavities 3 Obesity
What is good nutrition?
School children should eat a healthy, varied diet based on the Eatwell plate, developed by the Department of Health. This will ensure a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish and adequate calories in order for children to grow and develop properly. Based on the Eatwell plate, a child’s diet should be made up of: 33% bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods 33% fruit and vegetables
richmond practice PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ SERVICE
The family doctor. Redefined.
15% milk and dairy foods 12% meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein 8% foods and drinks high in fat and or/sugar
Additional things to consider
3 Breakfast is important to provide energy stores for the morning’s activities. Children who have a healthy breakfast are less likely to snack on high fat or sugary foods and tend to have a better spread of nutrients throughout the day. 3 Children should be discouraged from adding salt to their meals. Too much salt on a regular basis is likely to result in a preference for salty foods later in life, which could in turn contribute towards high blood pressure and other potential health problems later. 3 Children should be taught to think about dental hygiene and ways of preventing dental caries. They should be encouraged to think about the number of times a day that they have foods and drinks containing sugar, and if possible to restrict them to meal times. 3 Children need to be guided towards choosing snacks that provide a range of essential nutrients as well as energy, such as yoghurts, milk or sandwiches. The temptation to use sugary snacks as rewards should try to be avoided.
Childhood obesity
Many children in the UK are now overweight or even obese. Childhood obesity increases the chances of chronic disease in later life and there is already a current trend of increased incidence of type 2 diabetes in obese teenagers. It is not usually advised for children to go on a slimming diet as this may interfere with their growth and development. However, combining healthy eating and increased physical activity within the family set up will mean that the child maintains their weight or increases slightly whilst their height increases. Involving the whole family in healthy eating and physical activities will help children gain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
extra
‘Dr Sumi Soori MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG is a Private General Practitioner at Roseneath Medical Practice, who has a strong interest in Paediatrics and Women’s health. The Practice is open to new patients and offers a FREE initial consultation. For more information go to www.roseneath.co.uk
Innovative, responsive and professional childcare specialist
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FAMILY HEALTH and WELLBEING
When is your child’s temperature too high?
by Dr Robert Arlt MD
If your child has a high fever, this doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is seriously ill. Fever is a sign of infection which is usually caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. Fever is a way in which the body fights infection and your child’s temperature will return to normal when the infection has completely gone. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, whilst viral infections, which are far more common, do not need antibiotics.
Temperature guide
(measured with an ear thermometer): Normal body temperature: between 36 and 37.5 Celsius Fever: between 37.5 and 38.5 Celsius High fever: above 38.5 Celsius Hyperthermia: above 41 Celsius
What to do if your child runs a temperature
3 Dress your child in light clothing – a vest and pants or nappy for a baby will be enough. Cover them with a cotton sheet if they start to shiver. 3 Keep the room at normal temperature, or cooler, by opening the windows and use a fan to circulate air, but do not aim the fan directly at your child. 3 Give your child plenty of fluids to drink. Giving small amounts frequently is best. Do not worry if your child refuses to eat. 3 Sponge your child’s body and head with lukewarm water using a face flannel if they are hot, but do not let them shiver. 3 If you feel the fever is making your child very uncomfortable or irritable you can give either paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Consult your doctor if your child’s temperature: 3 continues for more than three days 3 develops a rash
extra
Dr Robert Arlt MD is a consultant paediatrician at +richmond practice and speaks English, German and French. +richmond practice prides itself on catering to the needs of the patient, with the option to request same-day appointments. For further information about +richmond practice, which is a BUPA provider, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk
NEW EXTENDED OPENING HOURS INCLUDING SUNDAYS
CORNER OF MOUNT ARARAT & PARADISE ROAD RICHMOND - SURREY - TW10 6PA E: medicalreception@roseneath.co.uk W: www.roseneath.co.uk T: 020 8940 9955 October 2016
3 does not respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen 3 stops eating and drinking
FREE CONSULTATION FOR ALL NEW DENTAL PATIENTS
CORNER OF MOUNT ARARAT & PARADISE ROAD RICHMOND - SURREY - TW10 6PA E: reception@roseneath.co.uk W: www.roseneath.co.uk T: 020 8940 9955
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5
FOOD &NUTRITION
Frightful treats this Halloween by Susan Carmichael
Halloween Muffins Makes 12 Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup self raising flour 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 dessertspoon cocoa 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 cup cooked pumpkin 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1/2 teaspoon salt
Method:
1. Grease your muffin tins using buttery paper, or spray with non-stick spray! Check that your oven racks are in the middle of the oven and turn the oven onto 200°C/400°F/ Gas 6. 2. Using the large mixing bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, salt, spices, cocoa and sugar. Mix together really well and make sure that the sugar hasn’t got any lumps in it! Make a
well in the middle of these ingredients. 3. In a small bowl or measuring jug, make a concoction using the oil, egg, pumpkin, vanilla and milk and mix together. 4. Pour this mixture and the chocolate chips into the well of the dry ingredients. Gently fold it in until it is combined! Don’t be tempted to over mix! 5. Using your tablespoon, spoon into the muffin tins and put in the oven. Cook for 10-12 minutes. 6. After 10 minutes, check to see if they are ready; they are ready when they spring back after gently pressing the top of them. 7. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes.
extra
Susan Carmichael is the proprietor of Sassy Stirrers which offers children’s Cooking Parties and a Saturday Cooking Club held one afternoon per month in the areas of Wimbledon, Kingston and Surrey. Sassy Stirrers also runs holiday workshops, after school clubs and lunch time clubs in local schools. For more information, visit www.sassystirrers.com
Mini Sausage Mummies Ingredients for 12 children: 12 chipolata sausages or 24 cocktail sausages 1 egg, lightly whisked 4 sheets (25cm x 25cm) of ready-rolled puff pastry Squeezy American mustard (to decorate) Ketchup (to serve)
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2. Preheat grill on medium-high. Cook sausages under preheated grill, turning, for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from grill and cool. 3. Use a small, sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the pastry into 1cm-thick strips. Lightly brush pastry with a
little egg. Wrap 2-3 pastry strips around each sausage to resemble bandages, leaving a little gap at the top for the face. Place on the lined tray. Repeat with remaining sausages, pastry and egg. 4. Bake in a preheated oven, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. 5. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Use the American mustard to decorate the mummies with eyes. Place on a serving platter, serve with mustard and ketchup.
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EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2016 Assessing Choices
SCHOOL PROFILES
EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2016 Assessing Choices
ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL
Athelstan House in Hampton is a small, unique co-educational pre-prep school and nursery, offering an outstanding start to school life in a warm, family environment. With a maximum of 12 to 15 students per class and a staff/ child teaching ratio of about 1 teacher to 6 children, the School has one of the highest teacher/pupil ratios in the local area.
With its long track record of preparing infants for the best prep schools, the School’s nurturing, caring, emotionallyattuned staff awaken a love of learning and rapidly develop children’s social/ emotional skills. The School offers specialist teachers in PE, Drama and French or Spanish lessons, weekly swimming lessons and daily Breakfast/After School Clubs. Ofsted: ‘Pupils attain a high standard in reading, spelling and mathematics and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.’ ‘The care shown by staff to pupils is of the highest order. Pupils develop self-esteem and gain a balanced awareness of the world around them.’
This September, Newland House School opened their new Pre-Prep School on the site immediately next door to the Prep School on Waldegrave Park in Twickenham. The new building provides a highly sustainable educational environment, which has been built sympathetically to the neighbouring architecture and utilises leading design alongside contemporary materials. The spacious classrooms have provided children with an innovative and unique learning atmosphere and they benefit from the latest technology. Newland House is an experienced Prep School for girls and boys from ages 4 to 13 years. The school has an extensive, engaging curriculum, which fosters a sense of self-confidence and provides opportunities for children to reach their full potential by encouraging learning at a
comfortable and appropriate pace. Pupils have excellent academic outcomes, gaining scholarships and awards at top senior schools and The Independent Schools Inspectorate affirms that ‘Throughout the school, the quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent.’ Traditional standards are very important and exceptional pastoral provision supports individual development and a strong sense of community. The school is non-selective in Reception or children may join in Year 3 via an annual 7+ assessment.
For further information, visit www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk
For further information, visit www.newlandhouse.net
THE MALL SCHOOL
TWICKENHAM PREP
The Mall School in Twickenham prepares its boys for entry into a wide range of independent senior schools. Its most recent group of leavers all achieved places at their chosen schools with scholarships awarded from St Paul’s, Hampton and St George’s College. Most of the boys start their educational journey with the school in Reception, but a limited
number can join in Year 3 and benefit from the small classes and increasingly specialist teaching they receive. Outside of the classroom Year 3 boys can play one of a number of musical instruments, experience competitive sports fixtures and take part in performances in the 160-seat theatre. They will also get to go on their first residential trip.
For further information, visit www.themallschool.org.uk 8
NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL
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Twickenham Prep understands that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most daunting and important decisions you will make. It believes that its nurturing environment, first-class facilities and strong pastoral care provide an excellent start to school life. TPS is an inspiring place to be, with happy, enthusiastic children and experienced, committed staff. Its pupils achieve great success, both academic and extra-curricular, moving on to excellent independent secondary schools. The School is committed to working in partnership with parents so that pupils leave TPS as happy,
confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals, ready to move onto senior school and contribute to their community. Entry to the school is non-selective at Reception, with limited places available in other year groups subject to an assessment. Located in Hampton, the School offers morning minibus services. Visitors are always welcome, either at regular open mornings or please call for a personal tour.
For further information, visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk October 2016
ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL
Newland House School Independent Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 4 to 13 years
020 8979 1045 admin@athelstanhouseschool.co.uk 36 Percy Road Hampton Middlesex TW12 2LA
Where small is special
Nursery & pre-prep school for 3 to 7 years ●
Nurturing environment where each child is valued for their unique qualities
●
Excellent academic standards and preparation for local preparatory and independent schools
●
Strong emphasis on pastoral care - helping children develop into confident, articulate individuals
●
Small classes, maximum 16
athelstan
New Pre-Prep Now Open
Welcome Events 11 November 9 December OPEN MORNINGS - 9.30 - 11.30am Friday 14 October 2016 Friday 9 December 2016
www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk
Call now to confirm your place or to arrange an individual tour of the Pre-Prep or Prep School
Register now for entry up to 2021 Year 3 2017 entry via 7+
t: 020 8865 1305 e: admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net Newland House School, Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ
☛
INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 4 -13 YEARS
Discover more, come for a personal tour or attend our Open Morning in the Pre-Prep Thursday 13th October 2016 9.30-10.45am
OPEN EVENTS Come and see The Mall School, meet the team and tour our state of the art facilities. Let our boys welcome you and show you the school through their eyes.
FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 9.00AM – 11.30AM Open Morning for entry into Year 3 (7+) September 2017 MONDAY 7 NOVEMBER 9.00AM – 11.30AM To book your place please email: admissions@themallschool.org.uk or call: 020 8614 1082 www.themallschool.org.uk
Watch your child thrive in our happy, caring school Independent Day School in Hampton for girls aged 4-11 & boys aged 4-13
185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ
Bringing out the best in every boy October 2016
Please visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk or call 020 8979 6216 Beveree, 43 High Street, Hampton TW12 2SA
www.familiesonline.co.uk TPS_Families_Ad_86x130_June16_AW.indd 2
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05/07/2016 19:37
Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years
Open Mornings
EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2016 Assessing Choices
It’s all about the best years of your life
Whole School - 10.00am-12.30pm Introductory talk at 10.00am Saturday 8 October For further information, tel 01372 473624 or email info@claremont.surrey.sch.uk
Nursery Pre-Prep Prep Senior Sixth Form
Nursery to Sixth Form www.claremont-school.co.uk
Jack & Jill School
A67980 Claremont Fan Whole School Advert Sheengate Publishing_September 88x132.indd 130/06/2016 10:03
“A tradition of excellence”
OPEN DAY Saturday 8th October - 12pm 2015, Saturday10am 7th November
Open Morning 10.00am – 12.00 noon
Committed to the highest standards of 3HX 30 Nightingale Road, Hampton TW12
academic excellence in a warm and happy environment. • Recognising each member of the school community asfor unique, withexams talents to Preparation entrance develop andatvaluable contributions to make. 7+ & 11+. service and extended • Minibus Promoting integrity, kindness care and respect for all. 6.00pm daily during termattime. • until Excellent destination results 7+. Extensive range specialist • Minibus service andofextended care extra-curricular from 8.00am – 6.00pmclubs. throughout the year. •Clarence Specialist Music and Artopened after school classes. House
September 2016
For further information New contact school for girls aged 7 –on: 11. please the Registrar
www.notredame.co.uk
Tel: 020 8898 7310 For further information please email: admissions@jackandjillschool.org.uk contact the Registrar: www.jackandjillschool.org.uk • admissions@jackandjillschool.org.uk Nursery & Reception: • 020 8898 7310 20 First Cross Road, Twickenham TW2 5QA • www.jackandjillschool.org.uk Years 1 & 2: 30 Nightingale Road, Hampton TW12 3HX
Jack & Jill School Nursery & Reception
Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 A Foundation of the Company of Mary Our Lady
Nightingale Years 1 & 2fosters A richHouse curriculum
a love of
30 Nightingaleand Road,outstanding Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HX learning spiritual,
Clarence House Years 3-6
moral, social and cultural development – this is an OUTSTANDING school.
165-167 High Street, Hampton Hill, Middlesex TW12 3HX
Ofsted Report, November 2014
10
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2014|2015
20 First Cross Road, Twickenham TW2 5QA
October 2016
GIVE YOUR KIDS THE MATHS BUG! By Katie Williams
Next month sees the return of the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards, the biggest maths competition for primary school teams in the UK! This year is set to be bigger than ever as TV presenter, author and broadcaster Stefan Gates has become its ambassador. But what’s the status of maths in the UK? Recent research undertaken by Explore Learning has found good news! The nation’s ‘maths phobia’ is in decline with only 18% of parents surveyed saying they found maths intimidating, while almost a quarter went as far as to declare their love for the subject (24%) and a third of parents (30%) believe maths is very important for children later in life and their career. This is all very positive, but how do parents inspire a love of maths from a young age?
Top tips:
◆ Play games – Children respond particularly well to games such as Monopoly and they are learning how to calculate their earnings as well as using logical thinking. Yahtzee is great for developing calculations and strategy without children realising it and playing cards is also beneficial. There are also dedicated maths card games such as HOO HA! or Ulti which help master times tables. ◆ Mix shopping with learning – When you’re on your weekly shop, get the children involved by asking them to recite the prices and add up what’s in the trolley. Playing the ‘guess how much the shopping comes to’ game is a great way of developing estimation skills, just hope that the lowest guess wins! ◆ Bake and learn – All cooking requires some element of maths. Baking cakes and cookies can easily become an educational game. Test their maths skills by asking them to add up or adapt a recipe for different amounts of servings. The great thing about this is that they get to eat the results at the end! ◆ Games and Apps – We’re lucky to live in a generation where our children are spoilt for choice with the amount of games and apps on offer to keep them entertained, so a visit to the app store should provide them with lots of free maths fun. Too often children see maths as all about getting to the answer as quickly as possible, and if it’s not immediately apparent, switching off. We need to encourage our
October 2016
children to enjoy the journey of discovery. Making mistakes is an essential part of learning; especially in maths, so encourage your children to give it a go and if it doesn’t work - try, try again. Using problem solving activities that children can spend a long time over is another great way to encourage maths confidence, as given the thinking time, even children with very low maths confidence will realise that they can solve great problems by using methodical approaches. Time to think and the freedom to experiment is the key factor here; the rewards will always feel greater if a child can get there themselves. Of course one of the best things you can do is to encourage your child to enjoy maths and make it a fun part of everyday life; you might even want to enter the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards!
National Young Mathematicians’ Awards If your child loves maths, why not speak to their school about getting a team together and entering the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards? It’s a fantastic competition to inspire confidence, competitiveness and all round fun! Five teams will compete in the grand final at the University of Cambridge and meet Stefan Gates.
☛
The deadline to enter is 21 October 2016. For more information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngmathematicians
www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk
Useful websites:
www.nrich.maths.org www.nnchallenge.org.uk www.mathschamps.co.uk
extra
Katie Williams is Curriculum Manager at Explore Learning, one of the UK’s leading providers of extra tuition with 122 centres located across the country including East Sheen, Walton upon Thames, Hampton, Epsom, North Cheam and Hounslow. For further information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk
Smaller school Bigger opportunities Personal attention Great results Affordable Scholarships available
OPEN MORNINGS: SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER 10.00-13.00 TUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 11.00-13.00 THURSDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction
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SCHOOL PROFILES
EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2016 Assessing Choices
HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL
Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School is a friendly and unpretentious school for girls (aged 3 to 7) and boys (aged 3 to 11) from all cultures and backgrounds. It provides an excellent all-round education and values effort as much as achievement. There is a strong sense of community where safety, respect and trust are paramount, resulting in pupils who learn from both triumphs and defeats in a positive manner.
A significant number of boys go on to join Hampton School and others move on successfully to other senior schools in the area, with staff guiding parents as to which school environment will best suit their child. This spring saw the opening of a new, state-of the-art-prep building. It has a ‘living roof’ covered in alpine plants and ground source heat pumps which help keep the building warm in winter and cool in the summer. Outdoor space includes playing fields, an all-weather games area and ‘the allotment corner’ with a potting shed and raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables.
Notre Dame School is an independent day school for girls aged 2 to 18 and boys aged 2-5. From September 2017, it will be welcoming boys from Reception to Year Two. The School includes a Nursery, a preparatory school and a senior school, and is set in 17 acres of idyllic grounds alongside the River Mole in Cobham. Numerous coach routes connect all the local areas on the A3 corridor including Guildford, Esher, Weybridge, Thames Ditton, Wimbledon and Putney, offering flexible single or return journeys. Private coaches from: Barnes, Fulwell, Mortlake, Putney Bridge, Richmond, Sheen, Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Wandsworth and all over Surrey. Recent long-term multi-million pound investment
in the School has seen the development of a professionally equipped 380-seat theater, fully equipped six-lab science block, 25m heated indoor swimming pool, large outdoor learning environment with superb adventure tree house and luxury Sixth Form centre. A new all-weather facility including a hockey/football pitch and netball/tennis courts will be open from Autumn 2017. 2016 GCSE results: 51% of all grades were A* or A. 81% of all grades were A* to B. 97% of all grades were A*-C.
For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk
For further information, visit www.notredame.co.uk
JACK AND JILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL
THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Established in 1951, Jack and Jill Preparatory School opened its new prep school, Clarence House, in September. Along with its emphasis on excellence in independent learning and critical thinking, Clarence House will focus on STEM learning (science, technology, engineering and maths), recognising that girls of
the future require confidence and competence in these areas. Progression to Clarence House is guaranteed to Jack and Jill girls, with additional places offered by assessment to external applicants. Pupils flourish in a happy, supportive, environment, developing a desire to learn and make a positive contribution to the wider community.
For further information, visit www.jackandjillschool.org.uk 12
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL
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Thames Christian College is a small independent secondary school near Clapham Junction, recognised for its excellent academic achievement, celebration of each individual pupil’s abilities and its strong Christian ethos. Pupils excel in a wide range of subjects from the traditionally academic to the creative arts and technology. Thames believes that every child is unique and has the potential to succeed. As children discover their strengths they grow in self-confidence. Confident children become enthusiastic learners who enjoy school and are keen to succeed. As a result pupils perform very highly in their GCSE exams.
This year 91% of pupils achieved 5 A*-C (including English and Maths) and 97% achieved 5 A*-C grades. The percentage of grades attained at 93% A*-C is the best in the school’s history and significantly above the national average. Pupils achieved over one grade higher than expected with one dyslexic pupil achieving an impressive 3.8 grades higher than their prediction tests indicated. A small number of scholarship awards are available annually for pupils talented in art, music, performing arts, sport or an academic area.
For further information, visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk October 2016
SCHOOL PROFILES CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL Claremont Fan Court School is a co-educational independent school for children age 2 ½ to 18 years old, set within 100 acres of historic landscaped grounds in Esher. In the Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School the pupils develop an understanding of themselves and others. Values for life are taught in a supportive, caring atmosphere with shared aims and aspirations between home and School. The curriculum prepares children for the next stage of their education in the Senior School where pupils are challenged academically and succeed. They receive the very best education taught by
teachers who embrace the School’s values and family atmosphere. The School has a long-standing reputation for the highest quality pastoral care alongside its high academic standing and broad co-curricular programmes. Claremont is a place where every pupil is valued, encouraged, challenged and supported to achieve more than they think is possible.
For further information, visit www.claremont-school.co.uk
OPEN DAY LISTINGS AUTUMN TERM 2016 ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL, HAMPTON Friday, 14 October 9.30am to 11.30am Friday, 9 December 9.30am to 11.30am For further information, call 020 8979 1045. CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL, ESHER Saturday, 8 October 10.00am to 12.30pm For further information, call 01372 473624. HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL Open Morning Friday, 7 October 9.30am to 11.00am Friday, 18 November 9.30am to 11.00am For further information, call 020 8979 1844. JACK AND JILL SCHOOL 10.00am to 12.00pm Saturday, 8 October For further information, please call 020 8898 7310 or email admissions@jackandjillschool.org.uk NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Welcome Events Friday, 11 November 9.30am to 11.00am Friday, 9 December 9.30am to 11.00am Please call 020 8865 1305 to confirm your place or to arrange an individual tour of the Pre-Prep or Prep School. NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Tuesday, 8 November 9.00am to 11.00am For further information, call 01932 869990. THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Open Mornings Saturday, 1 October 10.00am to 1.00pm Tuesday, 4 October 11.00am to 1.00pm Thursday, 3 November 11.00am to 1.00pm For further information, call 020 7228 3933. THE MALL SCHOOL Monday, 7 November 9.00am to 11.30am Friday, 18 November 9.00am to 11.30am To book your place, please call 020 8614 1082. TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Pre-Prep Thursday, 13 October 9.30am to 10.45am Please call 020 8979 6216 to reserve a place.
Private Home Tutoring All academic subjects and key stages • 7/8/11+ • 13+/Common Entrance • GCSE/A level • University
0333 920 2758 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk
BELIEVE + INSPIRE + ACHIEVE
SPECIALISTS IN 11 PLUS TUITION From news about your town to nearby events and competitions – we’ve got it covered! We’re here to inspire family adventures and help families have more fun. Visit your local site and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily inspiration! October 2016
Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning English & Maths CEM preparation Qualified teaching staff Free assessment session
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brightstartplus@outlook.com 07494 501 789 www.brightstartplus.co.uk
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☛
Unlocking the Answers
Patrick Derham, Head Master of Westminster School, speaking at the 2015 Independent Schools Show
The Independent Schools Show is the ultimate forum for parents to meet the biggest names in British education. Come and speak face-to-face with over 200 of the country’s leading schools at the world’s biggest open day. Hear from the brightest thinkers and most respected Heads at the renowned Education Theatre. when:
EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2016 Assessing Choices
Saturday 12 November 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 13 November 10:30 - 16:30 where: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
i n p a r t n e r sh i p w i t h
B A R R AT T LONDON
FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.SCHOOLSSHOW.COM
Part of the Hampton School Trust. IAPS Independent Day School for boys aged 3 -11 & girls aged 3 - 7 years
Open Mornings Friday 7 October and Friday 18 November 9.30am: Headmaster’s welcome – Prep School 9.45am - 11.00am: Tours – Pre-Prep and Prep Places can be reserved through our ‘Visit the School’ page
Our Impressive State Of The Art New Prep Building Is Now Open Our innovative Prep School facilities will provide pupils with an outstanding learning environment that utilises the latest technology. Hampton Prep School has very close links with Hampton School providing the opportunity for Assured Places to Hampton.
020 8979 1844
www.hamptonprep.org.uk
admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk
Formerly Denmead Pre-Prep School & Prep School, Gloucester Road, Hampton, TW12 2UQ 14
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October 2016
PARENTING
Helping families cope with separation and divorce by Nicola Withycombe
Whether we’re divorcing, separating or ‘consciously uncoupling’, the fact is, around 50% of adult partnerships are ending these days. As a result, many more adults and children have to find a way to deal with the emotional impact and traumatic effects of the family breakdown situation. At the end of any intimate, co-parenting relationship, it can often feel like you’ve ‘lost your other half’ and, as a newly ‘single’ parent, everything feels very different emotionally. The loss of something precious to us (the relationship) triggers a whole range of ‘loss-cycle’ emotions which can feel like being on some awful, uncontrollable roller-coaster with its dramatic and confusing ups and downs. And although this cycle is a necessary human ‘journey’ that helps us to process the change, there will certainly be times, as you recover from your separation, when you feel overwhelmed by the different stages of grieving (i.e. sadness, anger, guilt, depression, etc). In light of all that’s happening, it’s easy to see why a state of panic sets in for many parents and many become deeply engrossed in trying to resolve all the legal and sudden financial implications of their separation. But all too often this process happens at the expense of their children (who are mostly in a state of shock, confusion and emotional turmoil) as, unintentionally, parents lose focus on how best to address their emotional needs. Whilst many subtle, but significant changes in your child’s behaviour might go unnoticed, you will almost certainly experience that now, more than ever, your children just can’t seem to get enough of YOU. They will depend on you to be your ‘strong, whole self’ at a time when you find it the most difficult. They may also find it hard to share you with their siblings as the realisation that their parents are no longer together, sinks in. Parents are the planets that children revolve around, so it will feel devastating when their family ‘solar system’ is flung into orbit. In struggling to deal with the new ‘shape’ of their family, children of different ages may experience a October 2016
varied range of emotional impacts such as blaming themselves; not wanting to go to school; lack of focus or concentration; becoming more tearful/sensitive than usual; not eating and/ or sleeping properly; unusual fears/phobias/nightmares; being more aggressive (fighting with friends/siblings); frequent illness (stomachaches/ headaches/ psychosomatic symptoms) and so on. With all the pressures and increased stress levels, many parents then find it difficult to maintain a collaborative co-parenting relationship with their ex-partner. Parents who find themselves unable to work together or agree on the simplest of things can no longer provide the basic structure and positive input their children crave so desperately. And once communication breaks down and parental mistrust sets in, the conflict may even escalate. It’s this conflict that inevitably has a severe and profoundly negative impact on children, especially when matters end up in the Family Courts. Having noticed the lack of support services available to separated parents, the founders of Kids Come First set out to provide professional, child-focused, teaching workshops for the benefit of parents and, indirectly, their children. They developed the project using their varied experience and expertise working
with separated parents, as well as their specialist training in family mediation, family therapy and counselling. The workshops are geared towards helping parents keep matters out of the family courts and protecting their children from the emotional damage caused by prolonged parental battles. Although the guidance and support they offer will be equally relevant and valuable to those going through the court process. By examining the different ages of children, Kids Come First enables parents to gain greater insight and understanding of their respective behaviours and responses and helps them identify what to look out for and how to deal with each situation as it arises. This allows parents to continue to celebrate and nurture
their children ‘together’ beyond separation, as getting the right support and guidance, when you need it most, will help you cope – so your children will too!
extra
Kids Come First is a community interest company founded by Nicola Withycombe & Steph Fattorini in 2015. The project comes from the heart and experience of both trainers who have supported families through separation and divorce at local mediation services, counselling centres and family practices for many years. For more information, visit www.kidscomefirstuk.co.uk
Would you like to become an even better parent than you already are? Parenting Tutor offers workshops and private coaching sessions in which you can learn how to respond to the needs of your family and avoid or manage confrontation.
One free private coaching session when you quote FUT 20! For more information contact Alison Banks parentingtutor@gmail.com 07710 626263 www.parentingtutor.co.uk
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Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond talks through with you all the evidence, you can make a truly informed choice that feels right for you. If your membranes have ruptured before labour starts, she can support you in deciding what you would like to do. No one can insist you do anything you aren’t comfortable with, but with the information and the opportunity to discuss it all with your independent midwife you will make the right decision for you and your baby. Your midwife becomes your advocate in these situations, she knows you and your partner and she will help make the transition from home to hospital as smooth as possible. She will listen to you and will answer your fears or will know someone who can. She doesn’t usually work in a clinical role in the hospital but will be there with you and your partner, making sure that your views are heard. When you need to speak to the doctors, she will be there to help you understand what is being said and recommended and help you feel more empowered. She will explain whether your decisions could put your baby at risk, tell you what the machines are doing or why a certain drug has been The important thing to recommended and translate any remember is that this is no one’s medical jargon. fault; it is not about anything you Your independent midwife did or didn’t do. But is there to help, to what is important calm and to explain, Your midwife becomes even if it comes to is that the mother feels she is a part of having the caesarean your advocate, she the decision making, you had absolutely knows you and your and a way to feel decided against. partner and she more empowered, Some hospitals will help make the especially in these will also allow her circumstances, into theatre so transition from home is to have your to hospital as smooth she can support own, dedicated, you and explain as possible. independent what is happening. midwife. This is Remember your someone you have interviewed midwife is there for you and beforehand to make sure you your partner. She hasn’t got to ‘click’ with and who you know do paperwork, fill in forms or and can trust. get the right people in place; So when the well-researched she is there to hold your birth plan becomes a paper hand and remind you of the aeroplane, this is the person important things and answer your you’ll turn to. If the issue is about questions. The questions will keep induction of labour for whatever coming, especially postnatally, reason, your midwife will be able and it’s natural to question why to give you up–to-date evidence something happened or wonder so you can make an informed if it was something you did choice. If the problem is that you wrong. She will be there to help go postdates, you don’t have you, hug you, reassure you and to accept the offer of induction listen; after all it is your family automatically, but after she you are making.
So your birth plan goes out of the window........ by Rene Bozier
You have planned the perfect birth: done the NCT class, hypnotherapy, yoga, positive birth groups, everything is in place. But birth is the result of a complex interaction of physiology, genes, hormones, emotions and a large dollop of luck or circumstance and rarely goes to
plan! Perhaps your waters break and there are no contractions, or you reach 42 weeks with no sign of labour. Or maybe you have been labouring beautifully but get stuck at 7 cms and your midwife has tried everything, but baby has decided to put her head in a silly position. So now what?
extra
Rene Bozier is a caseload midwife at Neighbourhood Midwives, which offers one-to-one midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period with 24/7 access to support and advice and a dedicated midwife for each pregnant woman. For more information on pregnancy care, visit www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk 16
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October 2016
Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
Babies development milestones Learn how your baby will grow and change in her first year
As your newborn ‘uncurls’ from the foetal position she will stretch out her body and her muscles will begin to strengthen. At first she will have no control over her head, but as her neck muscles become stronger she will start to lift her head and be able to hold it for a few seconds at a time. You can help to encourage this by giving her short periods of time on her tummy. By three months she will probably be holding her head up quite steadily.
Choosing toys
Rolling around
Once your baby can control her head she will begin to move her body – first from side to side and then from back to front, or front to back. At first these movements are accidental, but your baby will soon realise that they allow her a different view of the world and she will practise them over and over again until she’s able to control them.
Getting ready to crawl
By the time she’s four or five months old your baby will be able to lift her head, shoulders, arms and legs off the floor when you put her down on her front. These new movements are the early stages of crawling. Although she won’t be going anywhere yet, she’ll keep practising until she is able to move herself, either forwards or backwards, probably at around seven or eight months. By the end of her first year she’ll
her to learn how to locate different sounds. ‘Feely’ toys that your baby can press, stroke and crinkle, as well as those with different textured surfaces, will help her find out about touch. During these early months your baby will also begin to develop hand-eye co-ordination and manipulative skills. She will be attracted to bright primary colours and the sharp contrast of black and white patterns. A mobile hung over the cot, a baby gym with toys hanging from the bars that she can reach out for and a safety mirror placed where she can see herself, will give hours of entertainment.
probably be on her feet, ‘cruising’ round the furniture. Once she can stand it won’t be long before she begins to walk unaided.
Sitting up
This requires a different set of movements and it’ll probably be around eight months before your baby can sit unaided and can reach out for things. Before this, once she has neck control, you can prop her up surrounded by cushions. This way, if she topples over she doesn’t hurt herself.
Developing other senses
Your baby needs plenty of sensory experiences, such as touch and sound, in order to develop her senses. Playing sound-tracking games, using rattles and toys that make a noise, will help
Any toys your baby has should always be appropriate to her age. Toys for older children will be too complicated and may have small parts which could be dangerous to a young baby, while toys that are too young will quickly become boring. Libraries often have toys that can be borrowed, but do sterilise anything that may end up in your baby’s mouth. Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk
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October 2016
05/09/2016 09:45 17 17 www.familiesonline.co.uk
DAYS OUT
Wizard Weekend at the Watercress Line! On 29 and 30 October watch the Watercress Line in Hampshire transform into a place of magic and mischief for Halloween! Come dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook for this spellbinding day out which includes unlimited rides on the Wizard Express steam train. Walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket – the famous film location from Kings Cross station that is now housed at the Watercress Line!
There will be fun craft activities, a haunting magic show and face painting to help you transform into something scary! Find out about owls, bats and all things magical and for even more excitement, guests can make and fly on a witch’s broomstick! For animal lovers, the bird of prey show is a must and little witches and wizards can hold an owl or falcon on their arm. And for the truly brave, why not touch some hairy, scary, creepy crawlies? Please note, entry is by travel ticket only For more information, visit www.watercressline.co.uk
Spooky Fun for Everyone with the National Trust! There’s spooky trails and stories, Halloween craft and dress up, pumpkin carving and spine-chilling fun at the National Trust this half term.
Pumpkin Fun
Enjoy family fun with a spooky twist at Osterley Park’s Pumpkin Festival from 22 to 30 October (11am to 4pm). Visit the brand new Play Trail Base Camp for pumpkin carving, games, marshmallow toasting and a giant conker duel. For further pumpkin fun, BYO pumpkin on 28 October to Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher (10.30am to 12.30pm) or Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming (11am to 1pm) for pumpkin carving.
as you weave your way round the spooky trail – FREE entry for children dressed in Halloween costumes. Polesden Lacey (near Dorking) enters Shakespeare’s world of gruesome ghouls and bloodthirsty villains at the Scary Shakespeare half-term trail from 22 to 31 October.
Halloween Activities
Head to Thatched Cottage at Claremont Spooky Trails on 24 to 27 October Wrap up warm and look for clues on the (10.30am to Halloween trail at Claremont Landscape 12.30pm) for Halloween craft workshops Garden from 22 to 30 October, or enjoy and on 31 October (from 4pm onwards) a spooky trail through Hatchlands Park in guests can enjoy a Halloween Storyteller and Guildford from 24 to 28 October (11am to a Spooky walk. Children dressed in Halloween 4pm) and enter the tree house if you dare! costumes gain FREE entry. Come to Guildford From 22 to 30 October, explore the hidden and and meet Shalford Mill’s friendly witch as mysterious corners of Winkworth Aboretum she makes a flying visit on 26 October (11am
Spooky family fun this Add some colour to autumn at Osterley Park and House your weekend this Hallowe'en Pumpkin Festival Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 October
As the nights start to get longer, make the most of the days this autumn at Osterley's Hallowe'en Pumpkin
Go crunching through leavesjump and discover a forest Festival. Play sillyfallen games, around in crunchy teeming autumn colours, with on walking leaveswith andwildlife carveand your scariest face a pumpkin (£3) routes for all ages and abilities.
Call 020 8232 5050 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley When donate, volunteer orNational join the National When youyou visit,visit, donate, volunteer or join the Trust, your Trust, your support helps toafter lookspecial after places special in London support helps us tous look <inplaces the region> <like such as Osterley, property X, property and Proeprty in for ever, for everyone. Ham House and YMorden HallZ> Park for ever, for everyone. National Trust 2016. Trust TheisNational Trust is an ©© National Trust 2016. The National an independent independent registered charity,©number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography National Trust Images. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar.
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to 4pm). Spooky stories take place in the roof (12pm, 2pm and 3pm), plus enjoy an ooey-gooey craft activity; dressing up is encouraged.
A Bit of Everything…
Ham House has a distinctly ghostly feel this half term! Atmospheric after-hours Ghost Tours take place for those brave enough (between 21 and 31 October, 6pm to 7.30pm and 7.30pm to 9pm) and for a less frightful experience you could always try the Family Ghost Tours. These take place from 24 to 28 October (4pm to 5pm) and if you’re lucky you might see the resident ghost dog! From 22 to 30 October (10am to 5pm) younger visitors can dress up in a Halloween outfit and enjoy the spooky fun on the ghostly garden trail with a prize and themed arts and crafts activities. Finally, warm up a chilly half term with a week of fire-fun (but friendly) crafts and activities at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford from 24 to 30 October (11am to 4pm). Please note, extra charges may apply. For further information, see listings on pages 32 to 34 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk October 2016
‘
CREEPY
PUMPKIN PATCH By the ice screeeam parlour Sat 15th - Mon 31st Oct
Pick up a Pumpkin... all shapes & sizes New Haw Rd Addlestone Nr Weybridge KT15 2BU Farm Shop 01932 852630 Info line 01932 853886
See website or facebook for all details and updates
Sat 22nd-Sun 30th Oct
SPOOKY FUN
Loads of circus themed fun & games... Come in fancy dress... Pop up restaurant
Roll up roll up for our theatrical Halloween performance in the woods for children & adults alike
The circus of oz Where the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true...
London Wetland Centre
Tickets must be purchased online
www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
Be Amazed...The Look Out
Discovery Centre
Science and discovery fun over 90 activities. Bring this advert to get one free child with one full paying adult*. Valid until 31/10/16 *Terms and conditions apply.
The Brilliant Brain Show 17 September 2016 - 3 January 2017 Shows run at weekends and school holidays. Age 3+
Open 10am - 5pm every day
29th - 30th OCTOBER
The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW
IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS!
Tel: 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be
www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery October 2016
Families UT
www.watercressline.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk
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DAYS OUT
Discover the Circus of Oz at Crockford Bridge Farm For a unique, engaging adventure and lots of hair-raising, creepy fun, head for Crockford Bridge Farm in Addlestone this Halloween! Wander through the woods and experience a 30-minute fantasy performance loosely based on The Wizard of Oz. With professional actors, spectacular pop-up sets and installations, the show is suitable for children and adults alike. All ages will enjoy this surreal, quirky theatre performance, so make sure you come in Halloween costume to truly get into the spirit of things. Performances take place from 22 to 30 October (10am to 5pm) and tickets must be purchased in advance and will include FREE entry to the Pumpkin Patch (see website for details). Crockford is renowned for its beautifully shaped pumpkins with quirky
twisted handles. From 15 to 31 October (10am to 5pm) visitors will be wowed by fabulous displays, with pumpkins ranging from the size of an apple to the size of your child. Select a very special pumpkin for your family celebrations either for carving or making delicious pumpkin pie. While you are there, enjoy one of the 24 flavours of heavenly, handmade ice cream available from the ‘Ice Scream Parlour’ or a delicious hot chocolate or coffee with cakes and goodies from the Tea Shack. From 22 to 31 October (10am to 5pm) Crockford comes alive with family activities. The outdoor play area will be the setting for apple bobbing, creepy games, pumpkin carving, face-painting and cauldron-stirring in the Creepy Teepee, and extra charges apply for some of these activities. There’s also a pop-up restaurant offering hot food to settle stomachs that are tingling with
excitement! From 22 October entry to the Pumpkin Patch will cost £1, to raise money for charity.
For further information, visit www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
Hobble’ween at Hobbledown
Exotic animals will take centre stage during a hairy, scary week of Halloween themed celebrations this half term (24 to 28 October) at Hobbledown in Epsom. Brave visitors to Gruesome Granary can meet and greet a selection of reptiles and invertebrates, including a Blue Tongued Skink, a Bearded Dragon, a Giant African Millipedes, a Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches and an
Australian Stick Insects. And Hobbledown’s resident snake and tarantula will also be on show. Throughout the week visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed activities including a character show in Professor Topperpot’s Teepee Theatre and a daily fancy dress parade. So if you’re feeling brave enough to come face to face with a venomous animal, head to Hobbledown and face your fears!
For more information, visit www.hobbledown.com 20
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Meet T Rex at the London Wetland Centre
Visit the London Wetland Centre in Barnes on 29 and 30 October for Dinosaur Days. With the help of the Dinosaur Society guests can discover more about these wetland superstars that wandered the planet in prehistoric times. Meet the terrifying T Rex who will be making appearances throughout the day. See him walk and hear him roar, but don’t let him catch you! There’s even a life-size Stegosaurus to spot. Dinosaur-inspired activities, include art workshops and a dinosaur art
and sculpture exhibition, while budding palaeontologists can find fossils or even bring their own for identification. The Dinosaur Society will also be holding themed walks and talks suitable for all ages during the weekend, and you can see real dinosaur bones and discover the link between birds, wetlands and dinosaurs.
For further information, visit www.wwt.org.uk/london October 2016
DAYS OUT
Spooky surprises at Chessington Garden Centre Don’t miss Chessington Garden Centre’s Halloween Events, taking place from 8 to 31 October. Back by popular demand, Spooky Zoo offers families a unique and fascinating chance to encounter, handle and have their photo taken with a variety of exotic reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles and lizards. Held within its themed Spooky Zoo enclosure, each fantastic interactive experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. Visitors will not only learn from experts about the reptiles on display, but also braver guests can handle the reptiles themselves, for that perfectly spooky photo opportunity. Cirque Normandie’s horrifyingly good Halloween Circus returns again this year with
a new show. Hosted in a Halloween themed, cobweb covered, pumpkin filled big top this show follows the story of the wicked witch and her quest to hold a Halloween party in the big top. Look out for Mummies, Count Dracula, witches, ghosts and more in this fun-filled family show. For those looking for a spine-tingling attraction, Chessington’s Creepy Maze is perfect! Journey through the maze where peril awaits you at every turn. Filled with a host of spooktacular surprises and thrills around every corner, can you escape the maze of trickery and avoid the ‘un-dead’ ends before it’s too late? After all that excitement, refreshments are in order, so why not indulge in a seriously scary ‘Spooky Tea’? This terrifyingly good, fun-filled teatime treat is
Let’s go with YippieYo
For more information, visit www.yippieyo.com
served in a special themed section of the award-winning Sedum restaurant, and little ones can
enjoy a Halloween feast, full of ghoulish delights and a host of trick or treat surprises.
For more information and booking, visit www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk Summer may be over and the colder weather on its way, but that doesn’t mean that your adventures need to stop. Wrap up, keep warm and take the YippieYo ‘Crossbuggy’ with you on your next outdoor adventure. So whether you’re taking a long walk down the beach or playing in the forest, the YippieYo gives parents the freedom to spend time outdoors and offers them the chance to exercise with the kids in tow. The YippieYo is a new-class of buggy and its innovative design and unique features mean you can pull it instead of pushing it. Parents can enjoy this new mobility while exploring all types of terrain and the kids can
enjoy the ‘hop on and hop off’ experience. It is GS certified and complies with all safety and quality standards in accordance with the European Standard for Pushchairs and Prams (EN 1888). It is suitable for two children aged between one and six and has been designed so that there are no sharps edges or pinch points for wandering fingers. The YippieYo is a sustainable product, designed in Germany and Switzerland and comes in a range of colours. It boasts a hand-welded aluminium frame, single axel, a special suspension system and off-road, no-maintenance tyres and can be easily folded to fit flat in the boot.
Bocketts Farm Park 22nd - 30th Oct 2016
WIZARDS & WITCHES WEEK ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT! Hundreds of pumpkins! Wizards and Witches Quiz Trail! Reptile Roadshow!
Creepy crafts!
PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN,
Don’t Miss… Animal Handling, Goat Milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides, Go-Karting and Pig racing EVERYDAY!
WHATEVER THE WEATHER!
www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.
#
SPECIAL
OFFER October 2016
D AR AW WI NN ING !
£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 1st September - 21st October 2016. Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).
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FM
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DAYS OUT
Prepare to be Spooked at London Museum of Water & Steam London Museum of Water & Steam takes on a spooky feel as it celebrates Halloween from 22 to 31 October.
Halloween SpOOkfest
Help discover the spooky secrets of the historic engine houses and maybe meet a few of their past occupants in Halloween SpOOkfest! Enjoy family fun with plenty of Halloween craft activities, a ride on the Ghost Train and a creepy spider trail! Kids dressed up in Halloween costume go free all week!
Trevithick! A biographical comedy Get your boilers stoked this October for the story of Richard Trevithick as never told before! After their sell out tour of the West the Museum is delighted to welcome one of Cornwall’s much loved comedians Kernow King and Mary Woodvine in their latest theatrical production Trevithick! on 28 October. Trevithick! is the gripping story of not just one of Cornwall’s greatest sons, but one of the greatest men in history. Born in Tregajorran in Cornwall, Richard Trevithick revolutionised the use of steam as a successful and profitable means of energy, much to the terror of his rivals. Fear, death and industrial developments were rife in 1800 Great Britain, and it was Trevithick’s genius that led to steam power being put on rails and roads. But it was never easy. For more information, visit www.waterandsteam.org.uk
Celebrating Autumn at RHS Garden Wisley RHS Garden Wisley makes the perfect leaf-crunching day out this Autumn with a host of activities to celebrate the new season. On 8 and 9 October, admire the traditional skills on display at Autumn Woodfest. Enjoy artisan woodcraft demonstrations, rip-roaring carving displays and family activities, all inspired by the natural beauty of wood. Taste of Autumn from 19 to 23 October celebrates the sights, sounds and tastes of the season with 30 exhibitors, featuring Surrey Bees, National Vegetable Society, National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners, St Georges (which produces Wisley Jams) and the Fruit Group. Enjoy delicious produce including Wisley apple tastings, apple pressing and apple identification, and other activities including a kids’ cookery workshop and a tractor display. To coincide with Wild About Gardens Week (24 to 30 October) Wisley is hosting Animals of the Night from 22 to 30 October. This event celebrates night-time wildlife in your gardens including bats and hedgehogs with free family events every day. To celebrate Halloween there is also pumpkin 22
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carving (£4 per pumpkin). Children must be accompanied by an adult and pumpkin-carving sessions must be booked in advance online.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley October 2016
DAYS OUT
Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures resort! From 21 to 31 October (10am to 8pm) guests at Chessington will be treated to a spooky, thrilling and hair-raising Howl’o’ween experience, with the park remaining open for last-ride entry at 8pm. With over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, Chessington offers a world of excitement for the whole family this Howl’o’ween. As the sun goes down, the eerie, the spooky and the creepy come out to play as howls and family fun await the bravest of guests, with jumps and goosebumps and rides in the dark around every corner. Chessington sees the daring return of its two hair-raising Howl’o’ween attractions – the Curse of the Lost Tomb maze for the bravest of souls and Trick or Treat Wood for courageous little explorers, as well as rides in the dark and creepy crawly animal shows. For the fearless Adventurer, the Curse of the Lost Tomb maze returns and is sure to get toes tingling and hearts beating as explorers are encouraged to delve into the secret lost tomb of Genghis Khan, full of mystery and riddles. Aimed at 10+, these intrepid explorers will meet an intriguing archaeologist in possession of a cryptic map and venture deeper and deeper into the tomb to help unveil the mystery behind this ancient site. Will all be revealed, or will the cursed tomb claim those who dare to enter? With a ghostly surprise at every turn and live actors, this interactive maze is not for the faint hearted. For those who prefer their scares a little sweeter, the Trick
or Treat Wood is the perfect choice. Younger adventurers must choose which path they’d like to take past the bewitching tree – will it be a tempting treat or a troublesome trick? Enchanted fairies and ghostly goblins will guide little explorers on their way, with plenty of tricks and treats suitable for families of all ages. Other Howl’o’ween events include a fancy dress show on the main stage with a daily prize for the whole family and lots of character meet and greets promising fun and spooks around every corner. If you still want to quake in your boots, why not take a flight of fright
on Vampire to soar through the trees of Transylvania, enjoy Dragon’s Fury’s spectacular spin
underneath the stars, or incur the wrath of Rameses’ Revenge under the dark cloak of night?
A Spooky Short Break For the ultimate spooky family adventure why not stay at one of the two Chessington Resort Hotels? Packages start from just £274.40 per family in Chessington Safari Hotel, including breakfast and two days’ worth of park tickets! With a whole host of entertainment on offer in the Resort Hotels including creepy animal meet and greets, a
Halloween Fancy Dress Parade, a Pumpkin Carving Competition, The Rangers Kids Club, a spooky movie club plus lots of other fun Halloween activities for the whole family to enjoy, the Chessington Resort is the place to be haunting this Howl’o’ween. For more information, visit www.chessington.com
For the best deals, book Early Bird Tickets on www.chessington.com and save 42% Guests under 3 go FREE! October 2016
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DAYS OUT
Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm There’s cauldrons, cobwebs and pumpkins everywhere at Bocketts Farm in Leatherhead this half term. Families can enjoy a packed programme of fun and freaky goings on during Wizards and Witches Week from 22 to 30 October (10am to 5.30pm). Activities include a Quiz Trail, an amazing magic show from the Wizard magician, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Plus, if you’re still in search of a pumpkin, Bocketts is the perfect place to find one as they’ll be hundreds of pumpkins on sale. Food lovers can visit the Kitchen Garden
to see the fruit and vegetables ripening for harvest and then buy a variety of berries, herbs and homemade goodies to take home. Younger visitors will love meeting new furry friends during the handling sessions at Little Hoppington, while older children can enjoy a short pony ride (£2 per ride). Daily activities include tractor rides, animal handling and
pig racing, and you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too. With a large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal go karts, young driver’s area and a jumping pillow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family amused, whatever the weather! For more information, visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
All-weather fun at the Look Out Discovery Centre The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell is a great place to visit as there is something for everyone, no matter the weather. The centre is set in 1,000 hectares of Swinley Forest and has a popular adventure play area, walks and trails.
The 90 hands-on science and discovery activities are the main attraction inside the centre which is a place where children are encouraged not just to touch, but to press, pull, roll, wind up and discover science in such a way they don’t realise they are learning! Popular activities include launching the hydrogen rocket, damming the stream, building a giant house and taking a picture of your shadow. There’s also the opportunity to find out more about our bodies in The Brilliant Brain Show (until 3 January 2017). This fun show takes place at weekends and in Bracknell Forest school holidays.
For the younger ones why not come to a Toddler Day where visitors can enjoy extra activities, such as arts and crafts and face painting, at no extra cost. On 11 and 12 October the Toddler Day theme is In the Jungle, so come along dressed as a tiger and try out your loudest roar!
For more information, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre 24
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October 2016
CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
Discover Kingston’s secret play café cakes; it also caters for birthday parties. The Secret Garden Play Café is open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday. For more information, visit www.secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk
separate baby section and various games. All this is FREE and Danielle just encourages you to treat yourself to a drink and maybe a cake by having a minimum spend of £3. There is also pottery decorating which little ones find great fun and you can always do any touch ups while they go off and play! There is also a room downstairs with a great selection of classes such as yoga, massage, classes for toddlers and a sensory room. The café is only a 7-minute walk from Kingston town centre, so why not go along for lunch or a play? It has a fabulous children’s menu, fresh juices, smoothies as well as gluten and dairy-free
The Secret Garden Play Café in Kingston is a new concept opened by Danielle Lifford, who has spent her life in childcare. It offers a fresh, clean café with a variety of toys such as ride-ons, home corner with dress-up, discovery table,
Beauty Parties For Girls
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
Hair Makeup Facials
www.ceramicscafe.com Tel: 020 8332 6661
1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green Richmond TW9 3DT
Call Jane 0787 373 4009 Janed2013@hotmail.co.uk
Award winning classes from newborn to 5 years
Book a FREE trial class today! Gymboree Walton on Thames 01932 221 371
waltononthames@gymboree-uk.com
ion iat
with K on fd
2013 winner!
‘Best national pre-schooler development activity’
w .w h
020 3609 8007
surbiton@gymboree-uk.com
Gymboree St Margarets 020 8607 9995
stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com .u k
In
October 2016
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Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn, Music, Art & Parties!
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ce en
as
Gymboree Surbiton
.co es ats o n 4 li t t l e o n
gymboree-uk.com
Yoga, Sensory Room, Musical Massage, Crafty Tales, Pottery Decorating and Parties!
Healthy Homemade Food
Just a 5 min walk from Kingston Town Centre
Open MonSat 9-5
Call 0208 549 0022 or just drop in and play! 46 Fairfield South, Kingston, KT12UW
www.secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk
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
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CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
The benefits of after school clubs and classes Whether or not you think you may be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses of after school clubs.
While finances may not permit your little ones being involved in different activities every night of the week, there’s no doubt that a couple of well-chosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover. From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill. For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to textbook learning can be hugely rewarding.
So, why are clubs so important?
Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves. Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner – and loser. However, if you’re on the lookout for team building clubs with a less
competitive edge, you could consider Brownies and Scouts – kids love them! Meanwhile, learning a musical instrument is ideal for discovering the art of practise, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are perfect for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is suited for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.
riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and Kung Fu.
However, new skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is the fun factor.
Don’t forget the fun factor!
The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, chess, horse
Just Imagine Ballet
Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -
Sparkle Ballet 6 - 11 years old
&
Dazzle Ballet
Craft Cafe For All Age Groups
HALF T ERM WORKSHOPS
11 - 18 years old
Tues, T hurs & Fri 10.30-12.30 Calling all witches & wizards! Join us in mask making, pumpkin lantern painting, face paints, fancy dress, swamp cocktails & monster munch! Get everything back in time for Halloween!!
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 26
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...Or just pop in and craft this half term. we have a huge range!
Open: 14 Broad Street, Teddington Sun & Mon 11-5 02089731468 info@happypotterceramics.co.uk Tues-Sat www.happypotterceramics.co.uk 10-6
October 2016
CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
A r n g s a e r i
u
ir
KINGSTON, SURBITON AND THAMES DITTON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971 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
AS SEEN ON
MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!
BANSTEAD, ESHER AND CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309
DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email:
Mrs Jones EDUCATION
11 PLUS MOCK EXAMS monthly from
0345 313 3242
enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk
rugbytots.co.uk
The world’s favourite rugby play programme
January – December 2017 Kingston - South West London
WEEKLY
Y4 and Y5 Mock Exam Courses State Grammar and Private Schools Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cloze Procedure and Exam Technique Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS
TEL: 0208-390-6076
www.11plusmockexam.co.uk Call Us To Book Your Child’s Place October 2016
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
01932 227 428
classes held. . . Addlestone, Shepperton, Kingston, Chessington, Morden, Richmond & Cobham
waterbabies.co.uk
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HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
Swimming
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!
FOOTIE WIZARDS For children ages 5 to 8
Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Feltham and Hounslow, ALL CLASSES call 07931 707720 HELD INDOORS andy@footie-tots.co.uk FOOTBALL PARTIES AVAILABLE
Esher, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton, call 07828 629531
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
Team Swim School
Half Term Crash Course, Intensive lessons, FREE Assessments and Stroke Clinic For Ages: 3 years to Adult 24 to 28 October (10am to 1pm) In: Cobham FREE assessment of your child’s swimming,
Contemporary classes for children coming soon
plus Intensive lessons and stroke clinic available. All welcome. To book, please email with your details. Contact: Paul Furness 07915 510 720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com
Learning
Contact Laura on: 07958 530 962 www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk
Want to advertise with us? Call 07792 006546 for more information!
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 28
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Explore Learning Half Term Workshops
27 October In: East Sheen, Hampton, Hounslow, Walton, Epsom Shapes (Ages 4-6) 12pm to 1pm Telling the Time (Ages 7-8) 1.30pm to 2.30pm Word Problems (Ages 9-11) 3pm to 4pm
FREE
Trial Session (Ages 4-14) 12pm to 5pm FREE, fun and interactive workshops for children, including telling the time, shapes and word problems workshops. Places are limited. Contact: East Sheen 020 8090 2849 Hampton 020 8979 7117 Hounslow 020 3535 8039 Walton 01932 252 033 Epsom 01372 722 994 October 2016
HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
Cooking
Half term at Watermans
Sassy Stirrers
Half Term Cooking Club For Ages: 5-12 25 October Chocolate Bake Off 27 October Halloween Workshops in Esher, Weybridge and Thames Ditton Fun cooking classes giving children the opportunity to cook and sample new ingredients while having fun! Book early to avoid disappointment! Contact: Susan Carmichael 07789 792 676 info@sassystirrers.com www.sassystirrers.com
Drama
Watermans Art Centre Brentford Fables and Fairytales Week The Tin Soldier inspired Creative Workshops with Peut Etre Theatre For Ages: 3-8 Music with Sam Alty 26 October (12.15pm) Play games and enjoy sing songs used while making the Tin Soldier. Dance with Charlie Hendren 27 October (12.15pm) Charlie Hendren teaches little ones how to express a character through dance. Storytelling & Movement with Maya Politaki 28 October (12.15pm) Maya Politaki encourages little ones to perform a story of their own inspired by
characters from Tin Soldier. Circus Skills with Emily Nicholl 29 October (3.15pm) A fun and playful way to develop balance and acrobatic skills. Libby Todd presents Dream Catchers 26 and 27 October (10am, 1pm, 2pm & 4pm): £4 (structured sessions) 28 and 29 October FREE all-day, drop-in sessions Use games, movement, craft and fairytale themes to create your own dreamcatcher to add to Waterman’s beautiful giant dreamcatcher or take it home to start a collection of your own. Contact: Watermans Box Office 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk
Pottery Happy Potter Ceramics
Perform
Aladdin Half Term Workshop For Ages: 4-7 24 to 26 October (10am to 3pm) In Kew Climb aboard Aladdin’s magic carpet and whoosh over wind-swept deserts on this spellbinding Arabian adventure. With enchanted lamps and wise-cracking genies, children will be transported to a faraway land full of colour, magic and mystery as they bring the ever-popular tale of Aladdin to life. Contact: Lucy Quick 020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk October 2016
Witches & Wizards For Ages: 5+ 25, 27 & 29 October (10.30am to 12.30pm) In: Teddington Pumpkin lantern painting, mask making, face painting, swamp cocktail drinking and monster munching in this spooky half-term workshop! Come in your scariest costumes – the best dressed will win a giant Halloween candy bowl! All crafts will be ready in time for Halloween. Contact: Una Fagan 02089731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk
Secret Garden Play Café
Halloween Pottery Workshop For Ages: 8+ 24-27 October (10am to 12pm) In: Kingston Decorate a Halloween Zombie mug and make Halloween cupcakes. Lunch is provided.
Contact: Danielle Lifford 02085490022 danielle@secretgardenplaycafe.com www.secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk
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LOCAL THEATRE guide WIN! COMPETITION! WIN!
Win a Family Ticket to see The Wind in the Willows at the Rose Theatre! This is a chance for ONE lucky family to win a Family Ticket (up to 4 tickets) to see The Wind in the Willows at Rose Theatre in Kingston on 7 December at 7pm. A story of friendship and courage, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is one of the best-loved books of all time. From 6 December to 3 January it is brought to the stage in a glittering, new production that promises festive madness for all ages and an enchanting ode to the wild banks of the River Thames. Directed by Ciaran McConville (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and A Christmas Carol) and featuring members of the Rose Youth Theatre this is a family treat not to be missed! For further information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org or call 0208 174 0090 to book tickets.
To enter
Go to our Facebook page (Facebook.com/familiesuponthames) and please like our page, share and comment. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on 1 November 2016. Terms and Conditions Apply
H HH H H
‘WONDERFULLY EXUBERANT & IMAGINATIVE!’ TIME OUT - CRITICS’ CHOICE
Scamp Theatre and Freckle Productions present
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo
FRI 14 & SAT 15 OCT 0844 871 7651* www.atgtickets.com/richmond** *Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge ** Fees apply Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.
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The Snowman Returns to the Peacock Theatre The Snowman is a perennial family favourite guaranteed to melt the hardest of hearts. It returns to the Peacock Theatre between 23 November and 1 January and is a perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Delighting audiences for 19 hit years, this magical stage show, based on Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book, has transported a generation of children and their families into a wintery wonderland. The story tells of a young boy’s snowman who magically comes to life. The two set off on a starry-skied adventure to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and naturally, Father
Christmas. Watch spellbound as the Snowman flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of Jack Frost to return home for Christmas morning. Twinkling with festive spirit, this joyful mix of exquisite dancing, storytelling, spectacle, enchanting sets and live music – including the beautiful ‘Walking in the Air’ – is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family.
For more information and booking, visit www.peacocktheatre.com October 2016
LOCAL THEATRE guide
Stick Man enchants audiences at Richmond Theatre After four West End runs and tours all over the world, Scamp Theatre brings Stick Man to Richmond Theatre on 14 and 15 October in a production that will keep even the youngest of children totally engrossed. Stick Man is adapted from the hugely popular book by Julia Donaldson (with illustrations by Axel Scheffler) and tells the story of this man who lives in the family tree with his ‘Stick Lady Love and their stick children three…’. But the world outside is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan
builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Passing through the seasons and culminating in a joyful Christmas celebration, Stick Man is a fantastic show which will delight all branches of the family tree! Touching, funny and utterly original, this enchanting adaptation features three actors and a one-man-band playing a host of colourful characters and animals to magically re-tell Stick Man’s adventures. For more information and booking, visit www.atgtickets.com/richmond
Images © Steve Ullathorne
The magical Christmas show for all the family
T U E 25 –SAT 29 O CT
LIVE ON STAGE
© Snowman Enterprises Ltd 1982, 2012
based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake
“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt” The Times
g Featurin
‘Walking in the Air’
T ONLY £115 FAMILY TICKE lude at least one child 4 tickets, must inc applies. Max £3 Transaction fee
23 Nov - 1 Jan
FABLES & FAIRYTALES WEEK
A half-term week celebrating traditional tales, with play The Tin Soldier and lots of creative family activities
watermans.org.uk
020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com October 2016
Holborn
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LOCAL THEATRE guide
Half Term is Fables and Fairytales Week at Watermans! This half term, visitors to Watermans in Brentford will be entranced by a world of make-believe as the arts centre celebrates Fables and Fairytales. From 25 to 29 October children aged 3 to 8 and their families will be treated to shows, workshops and musical adventures, sure to set even the youngest of imaginations alive. The Tin Soldier, performed by Peut Etre Theatre, tells of one winter when a newly minted tin soldier stands on a single leg. Nearby, he spies a paper ballerina, also standing on one leg, and falls in love. But the course of true love never runs smoothly and the soldier falls into an adventure to test and melt the bravest of hearts. Live music, dance, colourful characters and a breath-taking story combine to entrance adults and children alike. To complement your theatre experience and give your little ones insight into the creativity that goes into a show like this, why not visit one of Peut Etre Theatre’s Creative Workshops? There’s Music with Sam Alty (26 October, 12.15pm) where they can play games and enjoy sing songs used while making the show. On 27 October (12.15pm) Dance with Charlie Hendren teaches them how to express a character through dance. Storytelling & Movement with Maya Politaki (28 October, 12.15pm) encourages little ones to perform a story of their own inspired by characters from Tin Soldier, and Circus Skills with Emily Nicholl (29 October, 3.15pm) develops balance and acrobatic skills in a fun and playful way. Elsewhere at Watermans you can let your imagination run wild with Libby Todd who presents Dream Catchers. Pick a word or picture out of the lucky dip and use it to inspire your dream story. You’ll use games, movement, craft and fairytale themes to create your own dreamcatcher to add to Waterman’s beautiful giant dreamcatcher or take it home
to start a collection of your own. Structured workshops led by Libby Todd take place on 26 and 27 October (10am, 1pm, 2pm & 4pm) and cost £4, or visit the FREE drop-in craft table anytime on 28 and 29 October. If music is your passion, then Music House’s The Three Little Pigs Musical Adventure and Hum the Elephant Musical Adventure are for you! Join The Three Little Pigs (25 to 28 October) on their adventure to build the perfect home and discover what happens when they meet the huffing and puffing silly old wolf! Using sound, instruments and a riot of song,
this interactive adventure will give children and their families a chance to tell their own musical version of the famous tale. Hum the Elephant Musical Adventure (25 to 28 October) is a delightful Indian fable which explores the adventures of a bird trying to reach a grain of corn from the mane of a lively horse in another interactive musical adventure. Children will experience a riot of multi-arts in song, sound and movement through the use of puppets, ribbons and a delight of sensory-based resources. For further information and for booking, visit www.watermans.org.uk
Spooky Singalong at Rose Theatre Rose Theatre in Kingston will be brimming with FREE fun and educational workshops and activities this half term as it celebrates Halloween and its Christmas show, The Wind in the Willows.
On 27 October, the Thumbs Up It’s Thursday workshop will be centred around the theatre’s magical show, The Wind in the Willows (6 December to 3 January). Celebrate best-loved characters Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad as you get inspired! For its younger visitors, the theatre is hosting a Spooky Halloween Singalong with Una Coello Guitar Girl on 30 October (10am, 11.30am and 1pm) for the Under 6’s. Little ones will love her singalongs which celebrate the joys of
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music, rhythm and rhyme in a fun and friendly environment. Following her highly successful Pirates and Wild West shows, and the launch of her first CD, Una will delight everyone with great songs and tunes. Children are encouraged to dress up in their most ghastly, ghoulish costumes and join in the spooky fun! There will be themed toys and props and you’ll get the chance to play along with a variety of percussion instruments (tickets cost £6). For more information and booking, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org
October 2016
WHAT’S ON & where
Fireworks Preview 2016 LEGOLAND Fireworks SAT 15, 22, 23, 28, 29 OCT & 5 NOV Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
Twickenham Fireworks FRI 4 NOV Wellesley Rd TW2 5NP
Ascot Halloween Raceday And Fireworks Spectacular SAT 29 OCT Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX
Barnes Bonfire Night SAT 5 NOV Barnes Sports Club, Lonsdale Road, SW13 9QL
The Anglers Fireworks Night THU 3 NOV The Anglers Pub, Broom Rd, Teddington TW11 9NR
Cobham Avorians CC Fireworks Night SAT 5 NOV Convent Lane, Cobham, KT11 1HB
Burhill School Fireworks FRI 4 NOV New Berry Lane, Hersham KT12 4HQ Saxon Fun and Fireworks in Shepperton FRI 4 NOV Saxon School, Briar Rd, Shepperton TW17 0JB St James School
Collis Family Fireworks SAT 5 NOV Collis School, Fairfax Rd, Teddington TW11 9BS Imber Court Fireworks Show SAT 5 NOV Ember Lane, East Molesey KT8 0BT
THEATRE listing POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS 8 OCT Stand-ups and sketch acts from the comedy circuit entertain an audience of children and their families in this 100% friendly show! Ages: 6+ AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS 13-30 OCT Join Phileas Fogg as he navigates the globe in just 80 days in this high-speed, mad-cap musical staging of Jules Verne’s famous novel. Ages: 6-11 HOW TO HIDE A LION 26 OCT TO 26 FEB Join Iris as she tries to hide a lion and finds a friend in this magical adaptation of Helen Stephens’ book. Ages: 3-6 WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk BOOKSTORY 9 OCT Celebrate books, reading and libraries as Monstro Theatre tells the story of the story in the digital age in this pioneering puppet musical. Ages: 6+ TETRIS 16 OCT Be inspired as four dancers work together as a perfect unit in this October 2016
piece of dance theatre based on the eponymous computer game. This is part of the Dance Umbrella Festival. Ages: 6+ PENGUINPIG 23 OCT A cautionary tale about e-safety told through puppetry, catchy songs and music. Ages: 3-8 THE TIN SOLDIER 25-29 OCT Live music, colourful characters and dance combine in this breath-taking story that will entrance grown-ups and children alike. Ages: 3+ RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7654 www.atgtickets.com STICK MAN 14-15 OCT A touching, funny and utterly original production of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved children’s book which is packed full of puppetry, songs and music. For Ages: 3+ THE ROSE THEATRE 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Box Office: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org SPOOKY HALLOWEEN SINGALONG WITH ÚNA COELLO GUITAR GIRL 30 OCT Celebrate the joy of music, rhythm and rhyme in this fun show with a spooky twist. Ages: Under 6
Kempton Fireworks 2016 SAT 5 NOV Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Rd, Sunbury TW16 5AQ
Orleans Park Fireworks Event SUN 6 NOV Orleans Park School, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BB
22nd Wimbledon Scout Group Grand Firework Display SAT 5 NOV Arthur Road, Motsur Park KT3 6LX
Richmond Annual Family Fireworks SUN 6 NOV Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, TW9 2SF
For the most up to date fireworks listings and full details, go to the top of the home page for Families Upon Thames at www.familiesonline.co.uk
HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN ANIMALS OF THE NIGHT
22 – 30 OCTOBER
Discover the secret lives of our wildlife friends Buy garden tickets at rhs.org.uk/wisley and save 10% RHS Registered Charity No. 222879 / SC038262
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WHAT’S ON & where EVERY WED DURING TERM PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2yrs & 2-4yrs Cost: £5 A popular, drop-in musical workshop with plenty of fun and games – a brilliant way to introduce music to your children and to make new friends. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new, on the big screen. See website for details. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 4 OCT EXPECTANT PARENT EVENT AT MOTHERCARE KEW Richmond Retail Park, Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 4AD Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm Cost: FREE Exclusive parenting event. Learn about essential baby products and key parenting topics from in-store experts and guest professionals. Booking required. 020 8878 3758 www.mothercare.com 5 OCT DO-RE-MI BABIES CONCERT All Saints Church, Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JP Time: 10am Cost: Adult £12, Child FREE Inspirational drop-in classical concerts for your baby, toddler and family. www.doremibabies.co.uk 6 OCT EXPECTANT PARENT EVENT AT MOTHERCARE HOUNSLOW 112 High Street, Hounslow TW3 1NA Time: 6pm-8pm Cost: FREE Booking required. 020 8577 1767 www.mothercare.com 6 OCT TO 19 NOV TINY EXPLORERS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU 0844 482 7777 For Ages: 0-3yrs Time: sessions 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: £6 per session Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Through music, movement and messy play, you and your little one will be transported into a magical world of stories. Booking required. 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk 34
8 OCT AFRICAN DAY AT RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 10am-5.15pm Cost: £5/£8 Celebrate African Day with craft workshops, drumming and dance. 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 8-9 OCT AUTUMN WOODFEST AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 9am-5pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Enjoy woodcraft demonstrations, carving and lumberjack displays and family activities. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 8-31 OCT HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT CHESSINGTON GARDEN CENTRE Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NG 01372 725638 www.chessingtongardencentre. co.uk CREEPY MAZE Time: Selected Dates and Times Cost: £1 per person There are thrills and surprises at every turn as you try to escape the maze of trickery. HALLOWEEN CIRCUS Time: Selected Dates and Times Cost: £7 per person Cirque Normandie’s Halloween Circus returns for this fun-filled family show hosted in a striking Halloween-themed, cobweb-covered, pumpkin-filled Big Top which has been taken over by a group of scary ghosts! HALLOWEEN SPOOKY TEA Time: 2.30pm-5pm Cost: £4.95 per child Served in a themed section of the award winning Sedum restaurant, kids will be treated to a true Halloween feast, full of ghoulish delights and a host of trick or treat surprises. Book early! HALLOWEEN SPOOKY ZOO Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Adult £1, Child £3 Encounter, handle and have a photo taken with a variety of exotic reptiles in the Spooky Zoo enclosure, and learn from the experts about the reptiles on display, including lizards, snakes and crocodiles. 15 OCT YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 to 16. Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £5 Explore the world of archaeology through site visits, artefact handling and investigation, and art and craft activities. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 19 OCT DO-RE-MI BABIES CONCERT All Saints Church, Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JP Time: 10am Cost: Adult £12,
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Child FREE Inspirational drop-in classical concerts for your baby, toddler and family. www.doremibabies.co.uk 19-23 OCT TASTE OF AUTUMN AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 9am-5pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of the season with tasty produce from food stalls and Wisley apple tastings.There are also talks, demonstrations and fruit identification. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 21-31 OCT HOWL’O’WEEN AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE Time: 10am-8pm Cost: Normal Admission – Save 42% with Early Bird Tickets! Favourite rides can be enjoyed under the dark cloak of night. With over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, attractions include the Curse of the Lost Tomb maze for fearless adventurers and Trick or Treat Wood for courageous little explorers, as well as rides in the dark and spooky animal shows. 0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com 22 OCT EARTHWORM DAY Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 11am to 4pm Cost: FREE with Normal admission. Join scientists and experts form the Natural History Museum and Earthwatch Institute to discover more about your garden guests. Dig for earthworms, take part in a worm charming session and share your knowledge of all things earthworm! Booking required for some activities. 0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk 22-30 OCT CIRCUS OF OZ AT CROCKFORD BRIDGE FARM New Haw Road, Nr. Weybridge KT15 2BU Time: 10am-5pm (booking required) Enjoy a 30 minute fantasy performance loosely based on The Wizard of Oz, and enjoy family activities including apple bobbing, creepy games, pumpkin carving and face-painting. For more details see website. 01932 853886 www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk HALLOWEEN FUN AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: FREE admission for kids/Normal Admission Adults Ghostly garden trail with spooky prize (£2 per trail) and themed art and craft activities. Dress up in a
Halloween outfit and enjoy the spooky fun. 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house HALLOWE’EN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission, plus £3 A day of fun-based family crafts, games, trails and pumpkin carving. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark WIZARDS AND WITCHES WEEK AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Fun and freaky activities including a Witches Quiz Trail and Creepy Crafts. Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing. The Animal Barns, the large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, go karting, young driver’s area and a jumping pillow will also be open. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 22-31 OCT HALLOWE’EN ACTIVITIES AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Cost: Normal Admission plus charges below. FREE admission for children dressed in costume. Halloween Trail: 22-30 Oct, 10am-4.30pm - £0.50 Craft Workshops: 24-27 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm - £2 Pumpkin Carving: 28 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm - £1.50 Storytelling & Spooky Walk: 31 Oct – £1 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden HALLOWEEN AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking RH5 6BD Time: 10am-3.30pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £3 per trail See if you can spot some of Shakespeare’s most famous and feared villains who have escaped from the pages of his plays and are wreaking havoc. 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust. org.u/polesden-lacey HALLOWEEN SPOOKFEST AT LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN Enjoy family fun with plenty of Halloween craft activities, a ride on the Ghost Train and a creepy spider trail! Kids dressed up in Halloween costume go free all week! 020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk HALLOWEEN AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk October 2016
WHAT’S ON & where TRAIL: HORACE’S HAUNTED HOUSE Watch out for ghosts and ghouls as you explore the dark corners of the house. GARDEN TRAIL: THE MYSTERY OF THE SUIT OF ARMOUR Time: 11am Cost: £2 Solve a strange mystery on this spooky woodland trail. LITTLE WITCHES AND WIZARDS 26 & 29 OCT Ages: under 5s Time: 11am Cost: £7 Turn yourself into a little witch or wizard, make and decorate your own magical pointy hat. Booking required. SPOOKY STORIES 29 & 30 OCT Ages: under 5s at 5pm & 5-8s at 6.30pm Cost: £10 Enter the castle of Horace Walpole, discover his library, and in the shadow of his ancient tomes listen to spooky tales of old. 23 OCT CELEBRATE TREES AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Demonstrations throughout the day of how to plant, care and prune a tree and a special ‘tree trail’. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk TRANSPORTFEST AT BROOKLAND’S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Normal Admission Extensive bus displays and smaller displays of taxis, commercials, military and emergency vehicles. Heritage bus tours and rides, a large collector’s market and children’s attractions. 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 24 OCT HALLOWE’EN ACTIVITIES AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 11am-pm Cost: Normal admission plus £2 Little witches and wizards will love making a new broomstick to celebrate Halloween. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden 24-28 OCT FAMILY GHOST TOURS AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 4pm. Cost: £9.50 per person Discover the ghostly goings on at Ham House and Garden. Booking essential. 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/ham-house HOBBLE’WEEN FUN AT HOBBLEDOWN Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT Time: 9am-7pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Meet and greet a selection of October 2016
reptiles and invertebrates in the Gruesome Granary in this hairy, scary week of fun. Plus, Halloween crafts and fancy dress parade. 0843 289 4979 www.hobbledown.com 24-30 OCT ANIMALS OF THE NIGHT AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 9am-5pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Celebrate night-time wildlife with free family events, plus there’s pumpkin carving (£4) to get you in that Halloween mood. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 24-31 OCT DROP-IN PUMPKIN CARVING AT RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £5 per pumpkin Pumpkins, templates, inspiration and tools provided. 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SPOOKY HALF TERM FUN AT SQUIRES GARDEN CENTRES Stoke Rd, Cobham KT11 3PU, Burwood Rd, Hersham KT12 4AR, Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton KT5 5HN, Halliford Rd, Shepperton TW17 8SG, Sixth Cross Rd, Twickenham TW2 5PA Time: 10am-4pm Get spooky with Squires creepy activities including painting a terracotta pumpkin tealight holder with a FREE battery operated light (£5.50). Also other FREE activities to enjoy. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 25 OCT BIG DRAW FAMILY ART WORKSHOP AT LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm Cost: £3 per child Fun drop-in family art session led by artist Stuart Simler. Materials provided. 020 8977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org 25-28 OCT FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT MUSEUM OF RICHMOND Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Ages: 5-11 Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £4 per child Art and craft family workshops inspired by the WWII Exhibition. 0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com 28 OCT NIGHT AT THE CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 5-9pm Cost: FREE Celebrate the European Museums at Night. Booking required. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org
29 OCT GHOST TRAIN AT KEMPTON STEAM RAILWAY Snakey Lane,Feltham TW13 6XH Time: 5-8pm Cost: £5 for 2 people Take a ride on a ghost train, includes warm drink and biscuit. Booking required www.hamptonkemptonrailway. org.uk 29-30 OCT DINOSAUR DAYS Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: FREE with Normal admission. Discover more about these prehistoric wetland superstars and meet T Rex! There are real dinosaur bones on show and a dinosaur art exhibition and workshops for everyone. 0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk
WIZARD WEEKEND AT WATERCRESS LINE Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG Cost: Adult £17, Child £9 Family: £43 Under 2s FREE Come in fancy dress and prepare for a day of magic and mischief with craft activities, face painting, magic shows, witches Besom broom-making and daily falconry shows. 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk 31 OCT FAMILY GHOST TOUR AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, KT8 9AU For Ages: 8+ Time: 6pm Cost: Adult £14, Child £7 (Ages 8-14) Join an early evening walking tour to hear stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity at Hampton Court Palace. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk
Claremont Landscape Garden Dapdune Wharf Hatchlands Park Polesden Lacey Morden Hall Park Winkworth Arboretum Come rain or shine, pull on your wellies and get some fresh air at one of our fun-inspired half-term events. Check our website for individual property details.
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