Families West issue 70 Jan-Feb 2011

ISSUE 70: January/February 2011 www.familiesonline.co.uk

FREE The very useful magazine for families in West London including Kensington, Notting Hill, Maida Vale, Paddington, Hammersmith, Chiswick and Ealing

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Nursery feature Happy Mums Mobile phone risks Out and About listings

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January – February 2011

H Happy New Year to all our Y rreaders. Hope tthat your holiday hhas been full of ggood cheer and yyou are starting 22011 invigorated.

This issue we bring T our annual nursery o ffeature with tips on choosing the o pplace that is right for your child and meets their needs. We have much more useful information to help you on our website www.familieswest.co.uk Do remember that if you register on the site you will find information that is specific to West London including our directory of not just nurseries but schools, clubs and classes and services in the local area. It is really useful for us to get your feedback so do get in touch at editor@familieswest.co.uk

Contents News & Views Nurseries Happy Mums Education Out and About Half Term Workshops Theatre Mobile Phones Baby it's Cold Outside Classifieds

3-5 6-9 10-11 12-13 14-16 17 18-19 20-21 22 23

www.FamiliesWest.co.uk New this month: ■ New entries in Directories ■ Competitions Regulars ■ Download the current magazine and access archived issues ■ Free Personal ads and Childcare ads (under Forums)

News & Views

by Joanna Parry and Roma Mahbubani

“I am going to relax more.”

It is a New Year and time to really think about those resolutions. We all plan to come up with strategies to try and improve our relationships, get into shape and stop habits that have been part of our lives for a long time. And yet, especially after the Christmas frenzy, we often hear people talking about how busy we all are and how we never have the time to relax.

So why isn’t this a priority for a resolution?

“I should relax more”. No, I can’t have that as a resolution – that sounds far too selfindulgent! But why? Perhaps as a nation, we spend so much time worrying about other people in our lives that we forget to properly look after ourselves. Yes you can go ahead and complete those traditional methods that are designed to help you kick back and chill out – running bubble baths, having “me” time… (you know the drill!) … But are they just a short term fix that we employ to quickly help solve the problem? What about altering the environment you live in so that you don’t have to put effort into relaxing? You could easily set up a chill out space in the corner of one of your rooms, which you can retire to at the end of a long day at work. All you need is a few throws and comfy cushions and you’ve created a relaxation space. In fact, the more basic the better – as clutter will only contribute to stress. And you don’t have to keep setting it back up – like you do when you have to run a bath – so you can just fall into relaxing!

People often find it difficult to relax. The thought of shutting down for some takes a lot of effort and energy – which seems contradictory when you think of the subject matter. However, the more relaxed we are in our lives, everything else just seems to fall into place – including completing those resolutions so widely desired. Relaxing does not have to be a thing that you do alone. Try and separate the idea of “me” time and relaxing. There is absolutely no reason why you and your family, friends, partners cannot learn to relax together. Let’s face it – everyone needs to recharge their batteries, so why not make it an activity to share. Welcome others into your relaxing space and you will also learn about them in a new, calmer light.

You could even create a relaxation area in your kids’ bedrooms that is a similar version to yours and by giving them control of how they want it to look; they will be more willing to take their “time out” in it. The more relaxed we are in our lives, the more calm and confident we all can be. What a lovely gift to share with your family. Biography Relax Kids create relaxation products for children.

For more information on their products, their classes and other exercises to try with your family, visit www.relaxkids.com

■ Local Directories (local classes, childcare, parties etc) ■ Your favourite articles archived and searchable Register By logging in you allow ALL articles you read to automatically show the relevant local companies at the bottom. It also means Families West becomes your default Home Page when you visit us. Isn't it clever!?

Families West is designed by Natalie Schmidt of www.matobodesign.com and printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG. Tel 01252 885837. Copyright Families West Magazine 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

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

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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News & Views Calling all young poets

“Under the Sea” with Perform This term, Perform children in West London will not just be acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring a magical world Under the Sea. Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says “Perform workshops aim to be the best fun of the week for 4-8 year olds, but at the same time educational and informative. Our Under the Sea theme will involve meeting a magical world of ocean creatures and embarking on an exciting watery adventures”.

As well as promising ‘the best fun of the week’, Perform specializes in helping children develop the 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. Any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session.

Classes Run on Mondays in Chiswick, Tuesdays in Ealing, Wednesdays in Ealing, Thursdays in Kew, Saturdays in Ealing.

Call 0845 400 1285 Email: enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Backflip opens new classes Backflip Performers run by 5 times British Champion Katie Cannon has been running gymnastic classes since 2008.

With over 500 children attending weekly they are now opening new classes in Richmond, Brentford and Barnes. Classes are available in trampolining, gymnastics, cheerleading and much more.

Call 0208 940 7998 or go to www.backflipperformers.com for more information

Borrow free eBooks Ealing Libraries Lucky library members in Ealing can now download around 2,000 titles free from their library. EBooks can be read on your EBook reader or any PC or Mac. Titles are divided into different categories including novels, humour, mystery, romance, or non-fiction from biographies to business and cooking. There is also a selection of children’s novels from authors such as Eoin Colfer, Terry Dreary and Anthony Horowitz. Because the new service is so popular, the libraries automatically purchase a new copy when the queue for the title reaches a set length. In addition, you won’t rack up any late fees because at the end of the loan period, titles will expire and be automatically 'returned' to the library. The top 3 downloaded titles currently are the Twilight Saga books 1, 3, 4. Audio titles are also available and can be downloaded to many devices including: Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, Blackberry and HP iPAQ. Visit: http://llc.lib.overdrive.com/ to see the consortium’s full list of downloadable eBooks and audio titles.

Could you write a prize-winning poem?

Would you like to be published online, for free? Then the Firebird Children’s Prize for Poetry is for you. As the world’s newest poetry prize for a single poem, the Firebird Prize invites all poets under the age of eighteen to submit works for the competition, and there is no fee to have your work posted on the Firebird Poetry website. All poems that are posted will automatically be entered into the competition. Submissions are invited prior to midnight on the 21st March 2011 and the winners will be announced at the Guardian Hay Festival.

“Poetry was my first literary love,” says Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and a member of the judging panel. “My father used to recite it at the dinner table and I was made to memorise a poem a week at school. There is no better way of saying things that have to be said.”

So get scribbling!

Go to www.firebirdpoetry.com for more information.

BPAs banished from baby bottles The European Commission has just announced a ban on the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) plastics in baby bottles, which will come into effect during 2011.

The controversial chemical is still currently used in some baby bottles sold in the UK, although many brands have stopped using it, and there is evidence to suggest it can interfere with healthy growth and body functions, mimicking the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body, to which babies are particularly vulnerable. “We have been calling for a UK ban on selling baby bottles containing bisphenol-A plastics for several years,” says Belinda Phipps of the NCT, “and are thrilled their import and sale will soon be outlawed across the EU. When you put hot liquids into a bottle containing BPA, particularly as the bottle gets older and more scratched, the chemical can leach out of the plastic and be absorbed into the baby’s body.

However, now there are viable alternatives and so there is no reason to continue using this chemical when there is concern about potential risks to young babies.” She adds, “We would now like to see BPA plastics banned in other products, as the chemical is also used in the linings of some formula tins and baby food containers.”

Watch this space…www.nct.org.uk.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January – February 2011

News & Views Watch those birds

Protect your kids

Yes, it’s that time of year again. It's the Big Garden Birdwatch, and the RSPB are once again inviting us to get involved. This year the survey takes place over the weekend of 29 and 30 January, when hundreds of thousands of people can be found with pen and paper in hand, checking out the birds visiting their gardens. Why not take the time to record all of the birds that visit your garden that weekend and join in the world's biggest wildlife survey, while having fun with your family without leaving the comfort of your own home. You could even help smash the RSPB’s record of half a million participants – after all, the more results they receive, the clearer the picture they’ll get of what's happening to our garden birds in the UK.

‘Safe’, the new social networking safety programme for primary schools, is launched this winter by DigitalME. Backed by Childnet International, ‘Safe’ is designed to support primary school pupils in learning the essential skills to enjoy social networking, whilst remaining safe online. With children sharing content online and joining social networks at an increasingly younger age, there is a greater need to ensure primary aged pupils are equipped with the knowledge to understand potential risks and the skills to manage their digital footprint. DigitalME recognises that whilst the Internet is an infinitely powerful tool, it also presents risks.

Lucinda Fell, Childnet International Policy and Communications Manager, says, "'Safe' embraces the positive opportunities afforded by the Internet, encouraging young people when sharing on the web to ask Who? What? Where? These are important messages for primary pupils to consider." The programme is free to schools and optional, paid for training, certificates, badges and other resources support the programme further.

Find out more at www.rspb.org.uk

Soothe their skin A new campaign has been launched across the country by the National Eczema Society to help the 1 in 5 children in the UK who suffer from eczema. Soak and Smooth is aimed at the 39% of mums who admit that they do their best to control their child’s eczema but wish they could do better.

The campaign deals primarily with emollients and how to use them, and is supported by a step by step video tutorial to teach parents how to use emollient treatments effectively.

The video, plus details about the campaign and more information on dealing with eczema can be viewed at http://www.eczema.org/ emollients___how_to_ apply_them.html

To find out more visit www.digitalme.co.uk/safe

Help them to save Recent research undertaken by Asda has shown that a surprising 81% of parents in the UK think children should receive lessons on how to save their pocket money.

In response to this finding the supermarket giant has launched its first ever pocket money savings card, the Monkey Bank.

Designed in association with parents, the Monkey Bank works in a similar way to a gift card where money is loaded on to the card either in store or online and then your child can log in to play Monkey Paradise.

Every penny saved on the card is turned into virtual ‘monkey nuts’ which they can use online to buy things for their island paradise like flowers or buildings. Amanda Farrell from Asda says, “We realise it can be hard for parents to teach young children to save up their pocket money and we're hoping that Asda's Monkey Bank will help to show children that if you save your money you can see it grow to buy the things you really want."

Parents can apply for the Monkey Bank online at www.asdamonkeybank.co.uk.

Handy App Annabel Karmel, the leading expert in feeding babies and toddlers, has launched her first iPhone App aimed at parents with babies from six months through to toddlers. In addition to offering nutritious and easy recipe ideas and tips, videos will illustrate a ‘how to’ guide for cooking techniques as well as guidance on baby’s first foods, with voice activated page turning and an interactive meal planner. “This App will be bringing my recipes to life,” says Annabel. “Not only will it offer parents 70 of my favourite new recipes but also advice and guidance on simple cooking techniques to help make their lives easier and provide good, nutritious food for babies and toddlers.”

No need for bulky recipe books any more – get the App from the App Store for £4.99.

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Choosing a Nursery Childcare and Early Learning Childcare comes in a range of shapes and sizes, including willing relatives, nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs.

Apart from you of course, do nurseries offer the best childcare? That depends on what would suit your child – and finding a good nursery. If your child would thrive on the constant stimulation of other children and adults they trust, using a wide range of toys and outdoor facilities then the answer is probably yes. Other advantages include year-round care and the experience of qualified staff, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time parents.

However, if your child is timid, doesn’t like competing for attention, prefers peace and quiet or isn’t ready for such a structured day, then don’t miss our next issue which will focus on nannies, childminders and other childcare options. For now, let’s look at nurseries.

By Robina Cowan

When and where to start Nurseries with the best reputations tend to be hot property, and baby units are more scarce than places for 2-5 year-olds, so start looking well ahead of the time you’ll need a place, and join a waiting list if necessary. Some mothers start while they are still pregnant; others wait until their child is a babe in arms and they have a better idea of what they need.

If you don’t know of any local nurseries, try our advertisers - they’re here because they want you to know about them. Otherwise, the Families Information Service can supply a list of registered childcarers in your area by phone on 0800 2346 346 and online at www.direct.gov.uk/childcare

Your child’s needs Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of the nurseries you are considering, go and look around and ask lots of questions to see if they would suit your child. Although all nurseries follow Ofsted government guidelines, there is room for interpretation in the way the childcare and learning are delivered. For example, private nurseries might serve organic, freshly cooked meals or include additional activities such as dancing, French and outings.

Consider issues such as your child’s daily routine (nap times, type of food provided etc), staff qualifications and experience, staff to child ratios and what the staff turnover is like. Check that you are happy with the range of toys and equipment available, cleanliness of the premises, security, the policy on discipline and late collections.

Ask to see the latest Ofsted report or read it online. Find out if there are any extra charges for nappies, meals, certain activities and the cost of the deposit to go on the waiting list. Factor in the time it will take you to travel to and from the nursery, probably during rush hour. After all this, the most important thing is to absorb the atmosphere and look at whether the children are relaxed and happy, and members of staff are responsive and caring.

Nurseries in a nutshell Daycare nurseries ■ A useful option for working parents, day nurseries are typically open from 8am to early evening and children can stay for all or part of the day ■ Some parents feel uneasy about leaving their baby in sole care, no matter how wellqualified that person is. It’s reassuring to know that nursery staff can safely take breaks, and that you are covered if a member of staff is off sick ■ Consistency – your child can stay in the same environment from the day you go back to work until they start school ■ Social environment – children who attend nursery find it easier to settle into school routines when they join reception classes.

The cons: Some parents feel uncomfortable because playtime, naps and meals are at more or less set times. Also you’ll need backup care when your child is unwell or if you’re late to collect.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January – February 2011

Nurseries Nursery classes in schools ■ A first step into school, although a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception ■ Convenient if you are already dropping siblings at the school ■ Stimulation – some children are ready for school earlier than others and readily take to structured, educational play ■ Age-specific activities are geared to the school children they are becoming rather than the babies they used to be.

The cons: Sessions tend to be just three hours which is not practical for many families. Fulltime places are few and far between.

Pre-schools and playgroups ■ The Preschool Learning Alliance is one of the largest providers of quality childcare in England, offering a wide choice of settings from pre-schools and baby and toddler groups to full daycare places in nurseries and children’s centres ■ PLA settings are managed by experienced and qualified managers who lead teams of nursery workers and support staff, training them to meet children’s individual needs ■ Parents are encouraged to be active members, so you can be more involved in your child’s care ■ Small scale settings are less daunting for shy children The cons: Tend to be community operations so don’t expect glamorous premises. You may need additional care if you work fulltime although wrap around hours are available in some settings.

Private nursery schools ■ Stimulation – by two and a half most children benefit from some kind of pre-school environment. They learn without knowing it while using letters, shapes and numbers, looking at books and expressing themselves through making things, drawing and singing

What parents say about nurseries ■ Hands-on owners: ‘I would always go for an owner-run nursery. These people are not ‘in it for the money’. They are doing the job because they genuinely like and understand children. It’s a vocational thing.’

Mary, mother of three under six.

■ Looks aren’t everything: ‘When you’re looking around, don’t be fooled by appearances. Some of the shabbiest establishments are far superior to some upmarket nurseries in terms of quality of care. The best childcare we’ve ever found was in state-run nurseries and playgroups.’

Eliza, mother of four children aged three to eleven.

■ Socialisation: ‘Although I’m not at work, from the age of two I felt it was important for my son to start learning to get on with a range of other children and adults, to help him when he started school.’

Matt, father of Ollie, three.

■ Experienced staff: ‘Look at the ages of the staff.

Youngsters fresh out of college may have more energy and I’m sure they know all the latest thinking on childcare but in my opinion that’s no substitute for experience. I would always go for a nursery with mature staff, every time. They have more patience and you know they have to be doing this because they want to, they really love the children.’

Clara, mother of three under seven.

■ Explore all options: ‘Go and see as many different nurseries as you can. Don’t get tied up in the Ofsted and what other people think.You know your child better than anyone.’

Ramona, mother of Klaus, five.

■ Peer group – the opportunity to make friends of the same age ■ Might be more flexible on the availability of hours or days you need to fit in with your work schedule ■ Often smaller scale with a personal touch, and the nursery head is usually involved in the running of the school.

The cons: Some offer wrap-around care but are generally open only for school hours so you will need someone to pick up and collect if you are at work.

Help with the costs Nursery fees very greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered, but can be from around £100 to over £200 a week.

1. Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three and four year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

2. Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase. At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

3. Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary. Parents can save up to £1000 a year by reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions.

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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s w e N y Nurser Northwood College’s innovative Early Years Centre ‘Good Thinking Habits’ at Northwood College start in the Nursery. Girls are encouraged to ask ‘big thinking questions’ about the world around them. The school’s bright, spacious and innovative Early Years Centre is the perfect environment for this.

There are interactive white boards in the classrooms, as well as computers with colour coded keyboards. The library is another area where the girls are encouraged to ask the ‘big questions’ and perhaps find some of the answers.

The qualified staff place an emphasis on learning through play. All the classrooms have access to the outdoor play areas which are designed to encourage independent learning and promote physical development.

The girls are encouraged to use the space in all weathers and even have their own stock of wellingtons!

In Reception, open plan classroom enables girls to develop their social and emotional skills, their language and communication and fosters creative development. Here teaching is more structured and greater emphasis is placed on reading and writing.

Toddlers & Mums Montessori

have established themselves as a reputable nursery over the last thirty years. Based in Notting Hill. children at the nursery explore and learn through experience in the areas of every day living, sensorial education, language development, maths, music and art.

Talented musicians, professional actresses and singers attend the school weekly. They are extremely entertaining and engage children from as young as 10 months. They are located at St Stephen's Church.

Westbourne Park Road, London W2 5QT. Find out more by calling 020 7243 4227 or 07899 9908488

St Benedicts Early Years Outdoor Play area

The best way to experience Northwood’s Early Years Centre is to go and see it for yourself at one of their Spring Open events.

part time places for 46 children aged from 6 months to 5 years. Spacious open plan classrooms offer provision in The Burrow for children up to 2 years and The Warren for children aged 2-5. Proprietor and Manager Estelle Cook–Sadeghi previously owned and managed Montessori Pre-school and day-care facilities, in both Ealing and Twickenham areas. She says; “At Bright Eyes, we follow the Montessori principles and philosophy of the teachings of Dr Maria Montessori by providing Educare that fosters creativity and independence of the child.”

The curriculum offers a broad range of experiences for both full and part-time children, including French, cooking and Drama. Yoga and Meditation are practiced once a week as part of extra curricula activities as well as termly visits to Art Galleries, Museums theatres and other places of interest to promote creativity as part of the curriculum.

To find out more call them on 020 8993 2009

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

operating for over ten years and was first set up and opened in 1999 by Olivia Foley in response to her own families’ childcare needs and the lack of suitable, professionally run provision in the area. Over the years the company has grown and developed in answer to the changing needs of the growing families attending and now offers Full day care, Crèche, Out of school provision and Pre-school. They have opened a new nursery provision at Perivale Primary School and Children’s Centre, Federal Road, Perivale and are inviting parents to come and have a look around and to talk to them.

Hungry Caterpillars is still very much a family run business with Olivia and her husband Tim both holding professional childcare qualifications and having constant contact with the children, parents and staff at each of the settings. Over the past 10 years all of Olivia and Tim’s own children have been happily through the nurseries and now eagerly attend their out of school clubs.

Through hard work and dedication Hungry Caterpillars have built an outstanding reputation with local families and a clear vision for continuing to deliver the highest standards of care and education for each and every child and family attending.

Call them on 020 8997 0619 or e: Perivale@hungrycaterpillars.co.uk

Please call 01923 825446 for further details or visit www.northwoodcollege.co.uk

Bright Eyes Montessori Nursery at Acton Hill provides full and

Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries and Kids Club has been

Ealing Montessori School gains accreditation The Early Years team at St Benedicts in Ealing have recently redeveloped the Outdoor Play area. Thanks to grants from the UK school grounds charity ‘Learning through Landscapes’ and from Ealing Borough, work was completed in time for the start of the school year in September.

Head of Early Years Foundation Stage, Ms Shona Macpherson, says, “We are working on developing a positive caring ethos, creating opportunities for independent learning, for example making joint decisions with children on gardening and establishing wild life areas, as well as setting up equipment on a daily basis.

We feel it is crucial for children to have natural materials, observe the seasons and develop a closer relationship with the outdoor world around them. Outdoor provision is an essential part of our children’s day and we are confident that they will enjoy the learning opportunities provided by this exciting new development.”

St Benedict’s Junior School is at 5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, W5 2XP. Call 020 8862 2054 or E: enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk www.stbenedicts.org.uk

New World Montessori Nursery School in Ealing has gained accreditation under the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation (MEAB) scheme. The scheme offers support and guidance to Montessori schools in order to ensure that Montessori provision is of a high quality. The scheme also seeks to reassure parents that their Montessori school meets all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The association with the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the British Accreditation Council (BAC) ensures the process is independent, with the necessary checks and balances in place. Haleh Haidari, head of the school, said “I am absolutely thrilled that we have achieved our accreditation.

This reinforces further what we have always known that we offer the best of Montessori education to our children. The award means that all our hard work has been finally recognized by the Montessori society which is a great accomplishment.” New World Montessori is based at St. Barnabas Church and St. Peters Church in Ealing and has children between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

Find out more by calling them on 020 8997 9138 January – February 2011

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Happy Mums

by Kate Birch

Whatever makes you happy dear We all need something to take ourselves out of ourselves. Something that is about more than just being a mum, wife, partner, employee or boss. Getting together with a group of friends is always cathartic but with just dinner or drinks there are, as Margaret puts it “always one or two people who dominate.” But, as she says “if there is an activity where you can all participate, it is a different sort of evening.”

To book club or not to book club When book groups first became popular, I could not have been more interested. An avid reader of just about anything since I was a child, I had let things slip after my children were born.

Reading breaks had become sleep breaks or rubbish television breaks or no breaks at all as I tried to catch up on all I needed to do in a day.

So when I got the chance to join a book group I jumped at it.

Unfortunately, I joined at exactly wrong time. After looking at To Kill A Mockingbird and a harrowing account of the Holocaust, I offered to host the next session. J M Coetzee’s Disgrace was proposed. It was another gut-wrenching tale and maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised when I received phone call after phone call on the day from mums sending their regrets. In the end it was just me and one other.

I like to think that the group came to its natural end. However, I never had the nerve to join another.

Happily most book club mums have been spared my experience.

The best things about my book club are that I have a really good time with people whose company I enjoy and also I read more novels than I otherwise would. I sometimes think we should be a little bit more serious about discussing the book and I think anyone who was serious about literary criticism would find it very frustrating! It is a very cosy book group, with lots of food, wine and chocolate involved! (Clare)

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Cultural jaunts If you are at all worried about the chatter overwhelming the debate take the example of a group of mums who have decided to take the idea of a book group one step further. Once a month they plan a cultural jaunt into town. It can be to a gallery, a museum, the theatre or the cinema. Being right up close and personal to the topic spurs the debate and distracts the group away from, well, distractions. And food, wine and chocolate can still play a part!

Finding the calm inside Happiness with a group of friends can also come in a quieter, more spiritual form. About a year ago, neighbours Sue and Ann were chatting about how impossible it was to take any time out without feeling guilty. They thought that if they could just discipline themselves to get together and sit in a room quietly it could help. According to Sue: “We wanted to keep it simple. The one thing we could do was to stop our minds running with a million things a minute.”

The group gathers around a real fire in a garden or a candle in someone’s front room. Sometimes they exchange thoughts, sometimes one of the group takes the rest through meditation, guided visualisation or breathing exercises. Sometimes they just sit there and “enjoy the silence.”

Sitting still: nothing more but it is very energising, and it fills us with the simple joy of being away from the hustle of our daily lives.

It is not about religion but it is definitely spiritual, connecting with spirituality; we all come from different religious backgrounds (or none for some).

January – February 2011

Happy Mums

They are more conscious of “key times” in the year, of the Equinoxes and summer and winter Solstice. “It is always special: no TV, no gimmicks, connecting with each other and being outdoors; the simple things in life are always the best!”

Often the group will concentrate on sending out good intentions, thinking about others, focusing, for example, on people in war torn countries. And sometimes one of them has had a tough time in her own life. As Ann puts it: “Because we are all mums, we can provide support and understanding.”

From the sublime to the ridiculousness that is the karaoke group!

But if quieter pursuits are not your thing and you are more of an exhibitionist, do what I do. And here, I have to blame one friend who, a few years ago, thought it would be fun to get a group around the newly purchased SingStar mics for a bit of karaoke. For some of the mums it was a fate worse than well, childbirth, but the rest of us embraced it enthusiastically.

What started off as a disorganised bit of fun has become slightly more organised – core group of eight, get-togethers every six weeks or so and outings to various karaoke clubs. Singing talent is not a prerequisite. We don’t take ourselves at all seriously (although Britain’s Got Talent beckons.)

We have all become closer and karaoke has seen us through highs and lows. After I broke my leg, it was my first outing. A lift was provided, as were shoulders to lean on, both figuratively and literally as I hopped up and down the steps. Then I sang my heart out despite an aching leg and swollen feet.

Another mum found solace in it after “a very sad bereavement.”

The singing and companionship made her feel “less heavy-hearted.”

And it is such fun! When Melanie had her 40th birthday party, we all, with very little persuasion, fell in with her idea of putting on a performance at it. Melanie got in Helen Hampton of Popchoir to coach us and help us with some (very simple) choreography. (Helen has worked with Michael Jackson, Queen and Bjork among others and now with us!)

I just thought ‘I always wanted to be in a band and this is the closest I can get to it. And my friends are all going to be appreciative no matter how bad we are.’

Well, they were appreciative, very much so. Even our (blissfully unaware) husbands did not make quick exits as we assembled at the microphones. They even complimented us afterwards.

Ultimately you go home feeling that, as Margaret explains, “instead of being a mum you are someone in your own right with your own hobbies and interests.”

Getting started: www.bookgroup.info Use this informative web site to track down a book group in your area.

Lucky Voice, 020 7439 3660 http://bars.luckyvoice.com Sing at home or at their bar in Soho.

Karaoke Box, 020 7494 3878 www.karaokebox.co.uk has private rooms for hire to sing with your friends at their Soho bar.

Rock Choir™, 01252 714276. www.rockchoir.com.

Pop, gospel and Motown. Choirs in Chiswick, Ealing, Marylebone and Mayfair.

Popchoir, 0845 5 190 890. www.popchoir.com. If you want to sing but as part of a larger group. Classes in Clapham & Putney but soon in West London.

Mindfulness combines meditation, breathing techniques and paying attention to the present moment. Check out The Mental Health Foundation's new online course with support from Bupa. www.bemindful.co.uk

It was one of the maddest and most joyful things I have ever done.

And that is the whole point. As different as all these groups are, what connects is that they are all about being happy and energised. They are about something other than family or working life, (although if you need the support, it will be there).

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Education Boost your future earnings A new report claims that having a good nursery teacher can increase your earning capacity in later years by as much as £10,000.

Researchers have found that pupils with an excellent nursery education went on to earn more than their peers from similar backgrounds whose early-years teaching was less effective. The Harvard-based researchers examined the long-term effect of a standout early-years teacher working with pupils aged 3-5, looking at factors including the impact these teachers had on the eventual earnings of their former pupils. The research found that adults who received better early-years education were likely to have significantly higher salaries than their poorly educated peers. In fact, 5-year-olds who made the typical improvements to be expected following a good early-years education would earn an additional £600-700 a year by their late 20s, an amount that could be expected to increase proportionately throughout their working lives. The study also showed that pupils who learnt more at this early stage were more likely to go on to university than their peers, and less likely to become single parents. Chris Davis, of the National Primary Headteachers’ Association, added, “The influence of early years on a child’s long-term education is crucial. The better the experience of the child pre-five, the better value you will get from them post- five.”

World Maths Day 1 March 2011 With World Maths Day just ahead of us, pupils from hundreds of UK schools are preparing to go head-to-head against students from across the globe in a huge international maths competition. This year, more than 2 million pupils from 37,000 schools across 200 countries will take part, answering over 500,000,000 questions in an attempt to push their classes to the top of the international league tables. There are three age categories – 5-8, 9-13 and 14-18, and you can practice and play on your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Preregister now at www.worldmathsday.com. But while the thrill of competition helps to sharpen some students’ maths skills (and prove that the subject is far from boring!), British children still have some work to do if they want to achieve the incredible consistency shown among the Malaysian, Thai and Hong Kong students who dominate year on year. World Maths Day aims to motivate parents into having a positive attitude to numeracy and to try to use it more readily in everyday situations with children. As part of this, the website www.zoobookoo.com has devised Ten Top Tips for Numeracy, with pointers on how to help your child learn. Take a look and maybe your child can take part in this truly unique world event.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January – February 2011

Education

January – February 2011

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Out & About 4 Feb. COSTUMED TALK. MEET MARIEANTOINETTE 1pm-1.45pm & 3pm-3.45pm.

Free, no bkg. Find out about this Queen of France and her love of fine things!

EVENTS 27 Jan PRESENTATION ON LEARNING DIFFICULTIES BY USHA PATEL. Raviv Practice London helps both children and adults with Learning Difficulties. The aim of the presentation is to talk about the type of Learning Difficulties that exist and how the practice offers effective help for problems such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia ASD, Aspergers' Auditory Processing Disorder and others using The Raviv Method therapy and Fast ForWord Software. Venue: Northolt Village Community Centre, Ealing Road, Northolt Village (Nr Target Round About off A312), UB5 6AD. Time: 7.30pm (registration 7.15pmpm). www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk or e info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk Pre-booking required. Free 12- 27 Feb. IMAGINE: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Brings together some of the best contemporary children’s writers, storytellers and illustrators for reading, discussions and workshops, both contemporary and classic. Venue: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk 8 Mar WORKINGMUMS.CO.UK is going live with a brand new exhibition event at the Business Design Centre, Islington. The event is free for all attendees – Come and meet employers face to face, get advice on working for yourself, cv tips, interview techniques and much more!

DAYS OUT KEW GARDENS Kew Green, Richmond TW9. 020 8332 5655 or info@kew.org, www.kew.org

Open 9.30am-4.15pm (until Feb 5) 9.30am-5.30pm (until March 26) Weekends close an hour later. £11.90/£13.90, children under 17 free.

Feb-6 Mar TROPICAL EXTRAVAGANZA Stroll among vibrant orchids and other exotic plants and discover the beauty and importance of tropical rainforests in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Sculptures of birds that depend on these plants, as well as the sounds of the rainforest, will add to the tropical atmosphere.

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 020 7924 5826 www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Daily from 10am. Usual child entrance fee £6 with activities.

STORYTIME WEDNESDAYS. 2, 9, 16 and 23 Feb. 11am. Stories and art in the warmth of the jungle themed cabin. Free LOVE HEART HUNT 12 and 13 Feb As you go around the zoo count up how many love hearts you can see, post your answer in the shop to be entered into the draw for a “Family Day Ticket”.

HALF TERM FUN 22 and 24 Feb BIRD ACTIVITY DAYS Look at nests and make a bird mask. Drop-in sessions 11am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm. Mask making £1.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

22 Feb. THE QUEEN’S BET: A DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND ART WORKSHOP 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. Can you make your own house using card, glue and paint all in 70 minutes? £5 per child, 5yrs+. Bkg essential.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, London WC2 1LA 020 78454600, www.somerset.org.uk

FAMILY SUNDAYS. First Sunday of every month. 11.30am-12.30pm. Collect your free ticket at 11am.

9 Jan. MINI MAKE BELIEVE: ICE ADVENTURE. Singing and crafts for under 5’s.

SATURDAYS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS: 2pm-3.30pm. Free tickets are available from 1pm and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Children aged 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult.

15 Jan. SHAPE UP! Explore the work of St Ives artist Breon O’Casey who creates vibrant abstract paintings and sculptures, and then design your own colourful collages.

22 Jan. OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. Many paintings and sculptures feature birds: take inspiration from artist Breon O’Casey work to find different meanings behind these powerful symbols, then make your own beautiful bird stencils.

29 Jan. FACE TO FACE Take inspiration from the paintings of families and friends together in the Courtauld Gallery and create your own special group portrait.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500/ 9551, www.wallacecollection.org

10am-5pm. Free.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

7 Jan COSTUMED TALK. MEET MADAME DE POMPADOUR 1pm-1.45pm and 3pm-3.45pm. Free, no bkg. Find out about Madame de Pompadour’s life as mistress to the King of France and as a great patroness of the arts.

23 Feb. SET THE SCENE: WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP 10.30am-3.30pm. Learn the techniques of watercolour painting, creating textiles, glazes and shadows. As well as using your studies, bring a picture of a place you love to create a vibrant watercolour scene. £10 per child, 9yrs+. Bkg essential.

24 Feb. ENTREZ DANS LA DANCE Free drop-in workshop. 2pm-4pm. Discover the joys of the Fêtes Galantes and create puppets for your own paper theatre.

SPECIAL EVENT: 26 Feb. A DAY IN THE 18TH CENTURY Includes music, gallery talks, lectures, singing and costumed interpreters. Families can make a gold box and learn to sing an opera; and adults can attend talks on architecture, paintings, decorative arts and the art of making princely weapons, while listening to music and hearing some of Voltaire’s writings. No need to book, suggested donation £2 per person.

DAILY: - FAMILY MULTIMEDIA TOUR with interactive games. Small fee.

- FREE ARMOUR HANDLING Daily. Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bullet-proof breastplate really was.

- FAMILY TRAILS Themed family trails available from the information desk at the front Entrance.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894/2885 www.nationalgallery.or.uk and for family events www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what

FAMILY SUNDAYS Fun activities designed especially for families to enjoy and learn together. Free hands-on art workshops at 11am & 2pm every Sunday. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer (orange St entrance).

Workshops last 2hrs.

FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 5: MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING 10.30am-11am & 11.30am-12noon every Sunday. Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each Sunday.

8 Jan and 12 Feb. LES CHEFS D’OEUVRE DE LA WALLACE COLLECTION: MASTERPIECES TOURS IN FRENCH 2.30pm. No bkg. All welcome, venez nombreux!

9 Jan and 6 Feb. THE LITTLE DRAW 1.30pm-4.30pm. Come along to draw and discuss from the artworks of the Wallace Collection with figurative artist William Riding who specialised in portraiture, Orthodox Icon painting and Islamic geometry.

The National Gallery

January – February 2011

Out & About FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 11 Get creative at these Art Workshops: DRAWING SUNDAYS: 11am-12.20pm, repeated 2pm-3.20pm, alternate Sundays starting 9 Jan.Young artists explore how National Gallery paintings can be used as inspiration STUDIO SUNDAYS: 11am-1pm, repeated 2pm-4pm, alternate Sundays starting 16 Jan. Hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery and are followed by a studio session.

MORE GALLERY FUN: 9 Jan and 6 Feb. FAMILY WALK AND TALK 12.30pm-1.30pm.

An active adventure through the collection. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer.

HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 5 22 and 24 Feb. STORYSCAPE 11.30am-12noon. Interactive story sessions 23 Feb. DRAWING STORIES 11.30am-12.30pm. Tell a story through artmaking and play.

FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 11: 21, 22 and 24 Feb. WORKSHOP: MAKE IT MOVE! 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm.

Explore the actions and rhythms in a painting and transform them into your own creations.

Wear comfortable clothes!

23 Feb. KATIE’S NATIONAL GALLERY ADVENTURE TRAIL LAUNCH 2pm-3.30pm with James Mayhew, illustrator and creator of the “Katie” books.

TRAILS AND AUDIO TOURS Families can print it out from www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ families or pick one up at Information Desks.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk/events

Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thu, Fri 10am-9pm.

FAMILY EVENTS: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall 15 Jan and 19 Feb STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm Exciting storytelling session followed by a fun art activity. 3yrs+ 15 Jan, 19 Feb. FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am & 2.30pm. Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity in this enjoyable family session. 5yrs+ 5 Feb. CHINESE NEW YEAR 1pm-4pm.

Enjoy an afternoon of fun drop-in activities to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 21-25 Feb Monday to Friday.

TOUR AND DRAW 11am & 1.30pm A week of Tour and Draw sessions led by artists and storytellers. 3yrs+ PORTRAITS AND PEOPLE 11.30am & 2.30pm. A week of exciting storytelling sessions, art workshops and puppet-making to celebrate the year of the Rabbit.

NEW FAMILY AUDIO GUIDE £6 for up to five audio players £4 for two audio players (one adult and one child) Explore amazing facts and stories about people in the Collection with specially recorded tours and interactive touch screen players. 7-11yrs.

January – February 2011

HAM HOUSE Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames 020 8940 1950. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

START: WEEKEND SESSIONS Every weekend 12-4pm. Level 3 Concourse, free, 5yrs+ Games, map-making or clue-matching.

(BSL interpreter will be available on 15 Jan) TATE MODERN FAMILY RESOURCES Available daily from the Information Desks on Levels 1 and 2. Free, for all ages. Pick up a free families resource and set off to explore the Galleries with paper-based activities that will help you look, enjoy and learn about art.

Ham House

WARMING TREATS AND WELCOME OFFERS For the first time ever, the gardens, shop and café of this 17th-century “jewel” are open seven days a week from 1 Jan. The House opens on 12 Feb. Until 11 Feb visitors can enjoy almost 50% off the normal adm charge to the gardens and throughout January there are generous “money off” deals for shop and café customers. Children’s food offers available, as well as a new play area including a mini kitchen, toys puzzles and books and quiet zone with comfy sofas for adults.

TATE BRITAIN Millbank, London SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain

Open daily 10am-6pm. Until 10pm on the first Fri of the month.

FAMILY TRAILS Available daily from the information desks. Free, for 5yrs and under.

Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your POST IT! Box as you go. Or follow the JOIN UP! Trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands..and make your own sculptures.

THE TATE MOVIE PROJECT A uniquely ambitious project using great artworks to inspire 5-13 yrs nationwide to contribute their ideas to an animated movie. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute towards the Tate Movie Project by visiting www.tatemovie.co.uk and don’t forget to watch out for the finished film which will be screening on the BBC and in cinemas in 2011.

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7938 9123.

Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000.

Sat and Sun 020 7942 5011. www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun: 11am-5.50pm. Free.

EXHIBITIONS: To 11 Mar. VEOLIA ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The world’s most prestigious showcase of wildlife photography is back with the latest winning entries from its annual international competition.

Visually stunning and often thought-provoking, the images provide an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of nature. £4.50 /£9, family £24. www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

ART TROLLEY ROTUNDA Every weekend, free, all ages. All things marvellous and messy can be found on the Art Trolley where kids are encouraged to imagine and create.

TATE MODERN Bankside, London SE1 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern

Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm. Fri and Sat 10am-10pm FAMILY ZONE Anytime during gallery hours.

Tate Modern, Level 3 Concourse. Free, 3yrs+. A bright red family-friendly zone offering activities for all: stop here to browse fun art books. Meet the Start team and pick up games to play.

CHILDREN MULTIMEDIA GUIDE Daily from the Information Desks on Levels 3 & 3. £4.50, 5yrs+. Will keep youngsters captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy.

Tiny Tate

Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year

11 Feb-2 Oct. SEXUAL NATURE A multisensory journey, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of methods exploited in seduction and reproduction. Through more than 100 real Museum specimens, learn how potential mates maximize reproductive potential and investigate how mate choice has evolved in humans. £4/£8, family £21.

DARWIN CENTRE: The hidden world of the Natural History Museum’s scientific collections and research. Daily 10am-5.50pm.

To book time tickets for Cocoon 020 7942 5725 or www.nhm.ac.uk/darwin-centre Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Out & About EVENTS FOR FAMILIES: check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Here some highlights: Sats, Suns and School Hol. HANDS-ON NATURE: CORALS 2pm-5pm. Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions” and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators. Free.

5 and 19 Feb. CRAFTY NATURE: OCEAN MAMMALS 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Use interesting materials to make fun creations based on natural history themes. In the Mammal Gallery. Under 7yrs. Free.

27 Feb. NATURAL PUPPET TALES. 12noon & 1.30pm. A lively storytelling workshops based on discovering amazing facts about the natural world. Free.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD.

Info & bkg 0870 870 4868. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Open 10am-6pm. Adm is free but charges apply to some special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides NEW GALLERIES: WHO AM I? What makes you smarter than a chimp? What makes you smile? What makes you, you? This new exhibition presents the latest in brain science and genetics through a mixture of interactive exhibits and object-rich displays. Free.

ATMOSPHERE: EXPLORING CLIMATE CHANGE The exhibition includes a 700 yearold Antarctic ice core and hopes to inform the public about Climate Science, its limitations and its history. Free.

Science Museum

4 Jan to 18 Feb. FAMILY EVENTS UP, UP AND AWAY Weekends only 1.30pm.

Jan 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30, Feb 6, 12/13.

A high flying adventure through the clouds in this fun interactive storytelling suitable for under sevens.

SPACED OUT Weekends only, 11.30am and 3.30pm. Jan 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30. Feb 6, 12/13. Discover the fascinating world of roaring rockets, amazing astronauts and smelly space poo!

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. 10am-6pm.

020 7416 5320/5321. www.iwm.org.uk

January: 29-30 Jan. FAMILY INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION 11am-12noon. This free dropin session is a useful starting point for families who wish to learn more about the holocaust before visiting the Museum’s free exhibition.

Suitable for children aged 11 and above, but note that the Holocaust Exhibition is only suitable for ages 14 and above. grogers@iwm.org.uk or 020 7416 5329.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

February: NEW EXHIBITION From 11 Feb. ONCE UPON A WARTIME: CLASSIC WAR STORIES FOR CHILDREN The exhibition delves into the pages of well-loved books, bringing five stories of war dramatically to life. Behind the scenes of the stories, see what inspired the authors to write their books, and find out about the historical context of each story through objects, photographs and films. £3.95 to £5.95, family £12.50.

NEW FAMILY ACTIVITY: To coincide with the exhibition “Classic War Stories for Children” and in partnership with Polka Theatre. 19-27 Feb. VOICE ALOUD! 11.30am-1pm & 2.30pm-4pm. Children are invited to take part in a free intergenerational drama workshop that involves reading and listening to excerpts from a variety of sources including Robert Westall’s, The Machine Gunners. 6yrs+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT. 020 7730 0717. www.national-army-museum.ac.uk

Open daily 10am-5.30pm.

HALF TERM FAMILY EVENTS: 19-27 Feb. BIG SPRING CLEAN Captain Clean is back!

Join the connoisseur of conservation on his mission to defeat the Agents of Decay. Hunt for clues and solve puzzles and pick up tips for looking after your family heirlooms. Free.

ACTION ZONES: VICTORIAN SOLDIER ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities will help children to learn more about life as a Victorian Soldier. Free. THE WORLD’S ARMY – EMPIRE, COMMONWEALTH AND DOMINION SOLDIERS. 1914-45 ACTION ZONE. Children can explore the lives of people from around the world involved in the first and Second World Wars and the great advance made in technologies of warfare.

KIDS’ ZONE: Live in a soldier’s tent in an army camp, look after all the king’s horses and defend your castle against invaders! The Kids’ Zone is a free interactive learning and play space, tailored for under 10s and includes a soft play area for babies. Free

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free.

EXHIBITIONS: To 13 Mar. COLIN BOOTH: THE INSTITUTE OF PLAY Colin Booth created a major installation, architecturally inspired and responding to his own children’s play and the Museum’s collection of building blocks. He will use 3,000 individual blocks of tulip wood to create the sculpture. A selection of blocks will also be available for children to play with.

29 Jan-25 Apr. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD Explores how food plays a central role in our lives. Foodies young and old can explore eclectic displays of labour-saving gadgets and historic culinary devices and explore kitchen larder, packed with interesting food stories and nostalgic packaging.Visitors can also share their food likes and dislikes using special food phones.

EVENT FOR FAMILIES: 29 Jan A Day in celebration of “Food Glorious Food”.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE MAKING 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Join in a tasty 30mns truffle-making workshop. £5 (Bkg taken from 17 Jan) All ages.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM: 21 – 25 Feb. GRUB’S UP! A week of storytelling (10.30am, 11.15am & 12noon), prizewinning trails and arts and crafts (2pm-4pm) themed around Eric Carle’s classic picture book 2the Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Drop-in. All ages.

21-25 Feb. WORDBURST – ROOM ON THE BROOM 11am-3pm. A 4-hour family literacy workshop. Perform, paint scenery and make props. Free, 5-11yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a packed lunch. (Bkg taken from & Feb on 020 8983 5205 or mocbookings@vam.ac.uk) WONDERTOTS Messy fun for under 5s on Fridays. DRAGONS AND DAYDREAMS Fridays 7, 14, 21, 28 Jan & 4 Feb 10.30am-12noon & 1pm-2.30pm. Arts & Crafts, drama and storytelling in celebration of Chinese New Year. (Bkg taken up to 14 days in advance)

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8000, www.britishmuseum.org

To 6 Mar 2011. JOURNEY THROUGH THE AFTER LIFE: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD Booking: 020 7323 8181 www.britishmuseum.org/bookofthedead Follow the ancient Egyptians’ journey from death to the afterlife in this fascinating exhibition.

Explore beautifully illustrated spells on papyrus and linen – the Egyptian Book of the Dead – and other objects including amulets, jewellery, statues, mummies and coffins. With film, interactive family trial, multimedia guide and a full family events programme. Early bkg recommended: 19 Feb. FAMILY DAY 11am-4pm. Free family activities plus special Book of the Dead sessions in the Paul Hamlyn Library and Samsung Digital Discovery Centre.

21-25 Feb. BOOK OF THE DEAD HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 11am-4pm. A wide range of free hands-on activities relating to the Book of the Dead. Daily programme available at www.britishmuseum.org

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

21-25 Feb. HALF-TERM FUN: THE MISADVENTURES OF MR TOAD 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2, 3, and 4pm. A costumed storyteller will recount some adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole from “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame.

DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames, City of London SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 www.designmuseum.org

Workshops are suitable for children 5-11yrs.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £4 for children, £8.50 for accompanying adults, price includes entry to exhibitions.

23 Feb. CHILDREN GALLERY TOUR 2.30pm. Join a fun and engaging half hour tour.

Learn about how the Design museum started and then take a look at the “Drawing Fashion” exhibition and find out who is this year’s Brit Insurance Designs of the Year winner.

January – February 2011

Feb half term workshops Kite Studios Art Workshops Venue: 2B Bassein Park Road, London, W12 9RY 21 - 26 Feb 10am-11.30am for ages 4-7. £12.50, 12-4pm for ages 8+ £34 21 After Anish Kapoor, painting and construction 22 Fabric Collage Creatures 23 Yayoi Kusama – The world in dots 24 A mini circus on a disc looking at Alexander Calder – sculpture 25 Radical Recycled head wear for dancing inspired by Hattie Worboys 26 Party People after Picasso – Printmaking with an etching press.

0208 576 6278, E: info@kitestudios.org

Watermans Arts Centre Drama Workshop 21-25 Feb Drama Zone led by Kenn Michaels 10am – 4pm. Suitable for: 8-13 years £70 (£60) Kenn Michaels returns with an intensive drama project for young people. He will be guiding participants on an imaginative journey over 5 days, with a stage performance at the end of the week.

Venue: 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1019 www.watermans.org.uk

Holland Park Ecology Centre Environmental Workshops

Fit for Sport Activity Camp Venues: • Belmont Primary School, Belmont Road, Chiswick, London, W4 5UL(3-12yrs) • Trailfinders Sports Club, Castle Bar, Vallis Way, Ealing, London, W13 0DD (3-12yrs) • The Brentham Club, 38a Meadvale Road, London, W5 1NP (3-12yrs) • Ethos Sport Imperial College, 7 Princes Gardens, South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ (3-12yrs) • Kensington Leisure Centre, Walmer Road, London, W11 4PQ (5-12yrs) • East Acton Primary School, East Acton Lane, Acton, W3 7HA (5-12yrs) The Kids Camps host an array of activities such as Creative Kids, and interactive messy time to explore their creative side with painting, colouring, model making, paper mache. Team Tastic sports and Super Sports.

0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk

Fun with Fimo Clay Workshop Fun and creative session, fully supervised and non messy! Recommended for ages 6 +.

Workshops take place in West London.

21 Feb10am to 4pm £45 “In the Sweet Shop” Create a miniature sweet shop scene.

Call Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 e mail: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

Angela Malik Cook School

21-25 Feb, 10am to midday and 2 to 4pm, for 5 to 10 year olds (children under 8 must be accompanied). £4.00 per child, Sessions are based on environmental or natural history themes with outdoor activities, arts and crafts.

21 Feb – Kids Breadmaking, 10 – 11am, £20 (6 – 11 years old) 22 Feb – Kids Chinese Cooking, 10 – 11am, £20 (6 – 11 years old)

Venue: The Stable Yard, Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU, 020 7938 8186 E: ecology.centre@rbkc.gov.uk, www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology

Venue: 6 Churchfield Road, Acton W3 6EG 020 8992 501 E:info@angelamalik.co.uk www. angelamalik.co.uk

January – February 2011

Lots more Out and About and Half Term workshops listed on our website.

Go to www.familieswest.co.uk

Cooking Parties!

• Fun, cooking parties • For boys and girls aged 5-16 years • Cooking classes

Give your child the best party ever! whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking

A great way to learn while having fun!

Call for details:

0845 601 4173 email: carola@cookiecrumbles.net www.cookiecrumbles.net

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Events

Theatre & Concerts GARRICK THEATRE

GET INTO LONDON THEATRE 1 Jan– 18 Feb A MONTH OF THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND TICKET DEALS TO OVER 50 TOP SHOWS as well as a wide range of activities and workshops includes acting, singing and dance classes run by West End professionals and a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes and discover the backstage secrets of a selection of London’s historic theatres. www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL 15-30 Jan. THE VERY BEST IN CONTEMPORARY VISUAL THEATRE, CUTTING EDGE CIRCUS-THEATRE, ADULT PUPPETRY AND ANIMATION. Artists from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA will animate some of the most prestigious stages in London - the Barbican, ICA, Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House, Southbank Centre and Roundhouse. www.mimefest.co.uk

THE DISNEY 50 AT THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE www.bfi.org.uk EVERY WEEKEND THROUGHOUT 2011 WATCH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST CELEBRATED FAMILY FILMS OF ALL TIME ON THE BIG SCREEN. 16 Jan 4.15 pm in NFT1. TANGLED will be screened in 3D on the day of the film UK premiere. An action-packed, swashbuckling, animated musical comedy about the girl behind 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Disney fiftieth animated feature film.

The remaining forty nine films will then be shown chronologically at BFI, starting by SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937). £9.50, concs £6.75, under 16s £5.

23 Jan. SOUTHBANK FAMILY FUNDAY Participants will get to draw their favourite dwarf and make their own animation feature in new and exciting ways. Children will get involved in a whole range of activities, learn new skills, meet people from in front of and behind the camera.

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk

Saturdays shows 11am/1pm £6/£8 29 Jan MALINA’S DREAM Malina lives with her Grandpa in the land of the midnight sun. One day a stranger arrives and needs Malina’s help. Will she be able to save the day with a little help from Grandpa and his magic drum? A heart warming show about friendship and finding the way between two worlds.

Malina's Dream

5 Feb LAURA’S STAR One night Laura finds a star on the pavement. As it glows warmly in her hand she knows that she will be able to tell it all her secrets. But the next morning, the star has disappeared.

Was her special friend just a dream? In this magical story a lonely girl learns that friendship sometimes means letting go of your most precious treasures 18

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

12 Feb TIM AND THE LIGHT Poor Tim is a 12 year-old boy with no confidence and no friends, apart from his pet cat, ‘Light’.

One day Tim and Light embark on a dangerous rescue mission that will bring them face to face Tim and the Light with love, identity and a terrifying painter with a metal smile! Can they save the girl in the red dress before love is destroyed forever?

19/20 Feb RAINBOW FISH The Rainbow Fish, with her shimmering scales, is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. But, she is proud and vain, and none of the other fish want to be her friend, until she learns to give away her Rainbow Fish most prized possessions.

22-26 Feb THE THREE LITTLE PIGS Three simple minded, kite flying pigs are the stars of a fabulously updated traditional nursery tale created for children and their parents.

Featuring a silver-tongued, hungry wolf and three ingenious little pigs, we see them discover that building their own home is not as easy as it looks. An entertaining production full of puppets, music, comedy and thrills, including a fantastic twist to the fairy tale we all know The Three Little Pigs and love!

Charing Cross Road WC2H 0HH, 0844 412 4662, www.gruffalolive.com

To 16 Jan. THE GRUFFALO Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical modern classic, based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Tickets from £12.

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH 0207388 8822 www.thebloomsbury.com

To 23 Jan. GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDECINE Adapted from Roald Dahl’s amazing story. If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don’t miss the show! £16.50/£19.50, family £64.

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7615 www.ambassadortickets.com

To 16 Jan. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY With Brian Blesses. Show—stopping songs and dance, larger than life characters, colourful costumes and spectacular sparkling set.

From £27.

19-23 Jan. MOSCOW CITY BALLET – ROMEO AND JULIET and SWAN LAKE Wed 7.45pm, Thu 2.30pm & 7.45pm ROMEO AND JULIET Fri 7.45pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.45pm, Sun 2.30pm Swan Lake.

Classical ballet at its best.! £16 to £34.

8-12 Feb. GUYS AND DOLLS A wonderful musical show with an all-singing, all dancing company of 50 talented actors. £12 to £21.

28 Feb- 5 Mar. AVENUE Q Hilarious and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of talented performers and puppets. 12yrs+. Teen family saver: Up to 2 teens (12-16yrs) go half price with each full paying adult Mon-Tue eve. Fri & Sat early. £14 to £34.

WATERMANS 40 High Street Brentford, TW8 0DS Box Office/Info: 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

16 Jan LIGHTER THAN AIR Suitable for age 3+ Enter the deliciously whimsical world of balloon antics and make believe.

Using daft physical comedy and playful interaction, Lighter than Air leaves audiences as charmed and buoyant as any of Danny's airy inflatable Lighter than Air creations.

January – February 2011

Theatre & Concerts 24 Feb SUITCASE CIRCUS Suitable for 4+ yrs. Suitcase Circus features the most unlikely of performers including the world's only acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove, and an incredible dancing milkshake straw. As with all quality circuses there is a wonderful live musical accompaniment.

Suitcase Circus

A Little Bird Told Me

23 Jan A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME Suitable for age 3 + The next generation of fairytales-Wizards, witches and magical animals on crazy quests and wacky adventures.

Includes puppetry, live music, magic and lots of participation.

30 Jan THE MOUSE HOLE CAT Suitable for age 4+ Based on the award winning book, this charming tale, which is still celebrated each year in the village of Mousehole, is brought to life by carved wooden puppets, coloured shadows, live music, song and a beautiful set

UNICORN THEATRE

FAMILY WORKSHOP for over 4s @ 3.30pm. Children and adults work together to make a simple puppet after seeing the performance.

27 Feb GOLDILOCKS Suitable for 4-8 yrs.

The well-loved tale of Goldilocks, stitching together traditional glove puppetry and live music.

Illustration © Nicola Bayley

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

MAIN THEATRE:

6 Feb JACK Suitable for 4+ years. A new telling of the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Everyone said that Jack was stupid. Why? Because he sold a cow for five beans..”. With a Celtic harp, Irish bodhran and tabletop puppets Rod Burnett tells a tall tale of high adventure.

13 Feb WHY THE LION DANCED Suitable for 4 -7 yrs. The story behind The Lion Dance is brought to you with all the excitement, colour and sounds of the Why the Lion Danced Chinese New Year.

20 Feb THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA Suitable for age 2 -5 yrs. A quirky and inventive adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s bedtime tale. Become part of this playful and comic story of a prince in search of a ‘real’ princess, a clever queen, a girl who is not as she first appears, a tower of mattresses and of course a tiny pea.

23 Feb THE WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE Suitable for 5+ yrs. A thrilling adventure set in an alternative history of England, this is the story of two brave and determined girls who have to struggle against wolves, snowy wastelands and an evil guardian, Miss The Wolves of Slighcarp.

Willoughby Chase January – February 2011

24 Feb. 9.30am-11am. THE FABULOUS FLUTTERBYS WORKSHOP Venture into the garden and make an insect puppet in this craft and drama workshop. 3-5yrs, £15.

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

POLKA THEATRE

The Mouse Hole Cat

23 Feb. 10.30am- 3.30pm. THE MACHINE GUNNERS WORKSHOP Become an evacuee for the day and discover what life would have been like during World War II. 9-13 yrs, £25.

To 23 Jan. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Writer Phil Porter (“Cinderella”, “The Flying Machine”) returns to the Unicorn with a brand new version of the classic story, containing magic, music, and moments to make your hair stand on end. 7yrs+ £13/£19, family £54.

2-12 Feb. ROMEO AND JULIET A story of dangerous rivalries and secret loves is vividly brought to life in this fast-moving and contemporary retelling. This production will inspire and enthuse audiences of all ages with its exuberance, poetry and thrilling action.

11yrs+. £10/£20.

Romeo and Juliet

To 5 Feb. THE SNOW QUEEN A brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale by Mike Kenny. 6-11yrs. £8/£16.

11 Feb-9 Apr. THE MACHINE GUNNERS, based on the novel by Robert Westall. It’s 1940, and Britain is at war. Young Chas McGill has the second best collection of war souvenirs in town but desperately wants it to be the best. One day, he stumbles across a shot-down German bomber and snatches the ultimate souvenir to add to his collection: a machine gun. This moving and touching story vividly re-creates life in Britain during World War II, and is guaranteed to resonate with children and adults today. 9-13 yrs. £6/£12 (After-show talk 2.30pm Thu 24 Feb) ADVENTURE THEATRE: To 12 Feb. LOST AND FOUND From Oliver’s Jeffer’s acclaimed picture book. Once there was a boy and one day he found a penguin at his door. A beautiful and touching tale of friendship. 3-5yrs. For a special toddler version (1-2yrs) please check the calendar on the website. £7/£9.

22- 26 Feb. THE FABULOUS FLUTTERBYS Join in the adventures of two very different caterpillars who eat their way to success! Using the themes of threatened ecology, recycled materials and metamorphosis, three performers bring this joyous puppetry show to the stage accompanied by live music. 3-6 yrs FEBRUARY HALF-TERM WORKSHOPS: 22 Feb. 10am-12noon CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY WORKSHOP An exciting storytelling and craft workshop for the whole family to take part in Participants must be accompanied by an adult. £10 (accompanying adults free) 5yrs+

1-27 Feb. THE STORYTELLING SEASON – TRICKSTERS AND FOOLS Three-week season of storytelling performances by some of Britain’s most masterful tellers of traditional tales, including the Anansi stories from the Caribbean, and fantastic myths from Russia and Eastern Europe. £7.

DUCHESS THEATRE Catherine Street WC2B 5LA, 0845 505 8500, www.duchesstheatre.co.uk

Until 30 Apr LOVE STORY Oliver Barrett IV went to Harvard and Jenny Cavilleri to Radcliffe. He was rich, she was poor. He was sporty, she played music. But they fell in love.

This is their story. A celebration of love and life, Love Story will win your heart. And it might just break it.

Inspired by Erich Segal's best-selling iconic novel and one of the most romantic films of all time, Michael Ball makes his West End debut as producer in this life-affirming musical, scored by the Emmy and BAFTA award winning composer Howard Goodall with lyrics

by Stephen Clarke. The West End cast includes Emma Williams as Jenny, Michael Xavier as Oliver Barratt IV and Peter Polycarpou as Jenny's father, Phil.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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By Patty Hemingway

The risks to children’s health from mobile phones Many of you will have heard that mobile phones may carry health risks. You probably also know that children are at an even greater risk than adults. You may wonder why, if that is the case, they do not come with a health warning, like cigarettes?

Dr Devra Davis, environmental and public health specialist, research scientist and grandmother, did not want to believe this either, so she looked at the research for herself, and what she found out alarmed her so much that she wrote a book, Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your family, 2010. She writes that, “Contrary to the firmly held beliefs of many respected authorities, invisible radio frequency radiation can alter living cells and create the same types of damage that we know increase the risk of cancer and neurological disease. [... ] children are growing up in a sea of radio frequency radiation that did not exist even five years ago.”

My own concerns about cell phone radiation and other forms of digital pulsed microwave radiation had been aroused a few years ago when I began seeing an increasing number of children showing symptoms after exposure to mobile phones, mast radiation or wireless

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radiation. These included hyperactive behaviour which reverted to normal when the children were away from the irradiated environment, skin rashes and eczemas that did not improve with treatment, night terrors and mood swings, lowered immunity in previously healthy children, and sudden nose-bleeds.

At the same time, concerns were being raised about some cordless babymonitors which used wireless technology, and advice was given not to site them close to the baby’s head, as some babies were showing symptoms of pain and distress (http://omega.twoday.net/ stories/1616128) A major concern about mobile phones has always been that the near-field plume of radiation can penetrate deep into a child’s skull because it is so much thinner and smaller than an adult’s. Standards for phones are set for a large man talking for half-an hour, although half of the world’s four billion cell phones are used by people under twenty. The SAR (Specific

January Janu nua uary – Februa February ary 2011

Absorption Rate) printed on the mobile box relates simply to the phone’s capacity to heat tissue, as manufacturers and standard setters initially refused to believe that there could be any other detrimental effect from radio frequency radiation. This is strange as our bodies run on electrical currents, many of which have been observed and measured in medical tests, and which are easily disrupted by pulsed frequencies, as has been demonstrated in a study by Dr Magda Havas and colleagues, showing heart arrhythmias triggered by DECT (cordless)phones. (http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_EI9fZX4iww).

Dr Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute was one such scientist who was convinced by the evidence, and so in 2008 he drafted a memo to staff, warning of the dangers of mobile phones, and urging them to limit their use because of the risk of cancer. He advises a ten point plan to minimise risk, and top of his list of precautions is that children should use mobiles only for emergencies, in recognition of the fact that their growing brain tissue is likely to be more sensitive to the electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones. (Google his name to read recent articles on him, ed)

As far as we know, there is no problem with the radio frequencies used to send out analogue radio signals, but more and more research is showing that pulsed digital frequencies can have non-thermal effects on living organisms. In the digital age this poses new health risks depending on a person’s susceptibility, the density and intensity of the radiation, and the length of time they are exposed to it.

Most of the research into the health effects of mobile phones and phone masts, which is sponsored by the telecoms industry has found no effect on human health, but studies carried out by independent scientists almost always find a physiological effect. However, few researchers look specifically at the effects of mobile phone radiation on children and young people, even when there is evidence that exposure to carcinogens in young people come with more serious risks than for adults. Significantly, every study which has looked at brain tumour risks over ten years of use, or longer, has found an increased risk of cancer.

Children are certainly more susceptible because they are still growing and their neural circuitry will not be fully formed until they reach their early twenties. Until then, they need protection from anything that could interfere with their brain’s development. In France, this research has led to the decision to ban children in primary school from using mobile phones, and discouraging mobile phone advertising aimed at children. They are also removing wireless communication systems from public places such as libraries, and hospitals, after workers complained of feeling ill at work.

The potential for harm from this form of electromagnetic radiation, is gradually becoming clearer. The Bioinitiative Report in 2007 was the work of a group of eminent scientists from different countries, who examined the research to date on the health effects of Electromagnetic Radiation, and especially its impact on the immune system, behaviour , childhood cancers, breast cancer, and brain tumours. This is an epic piece of work, the summary alone runs to 28 pages, which concludes that some effects can be shown from existing research and that further research is needed, but until then the safety standards for exposure need to be revised downwards. In other words, it would be prudent to adopt the precautionary principle, and there are other independent scientists and doctors who are also urging caution.

January – February 2011

That is hardly surprising, but what is more surprising is how little information people have about the risks, and ways to protect themselves. Only recently, Alasdair Philips from Powerwatch, an independent group that investigates the safety of mobile phones, revealed in the press that safety advice was generally to be found only in the small print in information supplied by mobile phone

manufacturers, and not in the “getting started” section. Manuals for the Blackberry (The Torch), for example, warn users to “use hands-free operation if available and keep the device at least 25mm from your body (including the abdomen of pregnant women and the lower abdomen of teenagers)” when it is switched on.

So, if you want to protect yourself and your family follow the advice of Dr Davis, and never carry a live mobile phone next to your body, and always use a headset.You can see her advice to teenagers on her website, www.environmentalhealthtrust.org , or check out the guidance from a group of concerned parents, who have looked closely at the science, www.wiredchild.org.

Patty Hemingway (RMANM) is a family homeopath, with a special interest in electromagnetic radiation sickness www.pattyhemingway.com

■ Keep calls on cordless or mobile phones short ■ Text rather than call ■ Replace wireless equipment with non-wireless ■ Change to a low-radiation or analogue baby monitor ■ Turn all wireless equipment off at night, in the car, and when pregnant women, babies or children are nearby

Websites ow www.environmentalhealthtrust.org – for more on how !) to use phones safely (includes a page for skeptics!) www.wiredchild.org – news and research into mobile phones usage for children and their parents. www.bioinitiative.org – for Bioinitiative Report www.powerwatch.org.uk – the latest research, clearly explained www.es-uk.info – charity that supports people with symptoms of electrosensitivity Books Radiation Rescue: 4 steps to safeguard your family from the other inconvenient truth – the health hazards of wireless technology. Kerry Crofton, 2009 Disconnect: The Truth about Cell Phone Radiation, What at the Industry Has Done to Hide it, and How to Protect Your Family. Dr Devra Davis, 2010 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Baby it's cold outside Freezing new year weather is the perfect time to become your home’s own energy doctor. NICOLA BAIRD suggests ways to make the rooms you and the kids use most snug and draught-proof Piling on chunky knits, snugly scarves and fleece-lined footwear can be an enjoyable part of winter dressing. But it’s also good to be able to take some layers off when you and the kids get back home – without forcing the boiler into overdrive or racking up your power bills.

Doing a full energy makeover on your house could cost around £15,000 – the price of a very posh new kitchen. Expensive as this seems it does also mean that your home will be more comfortable, you make savings on your correspondingly lower power bills and the resale value of your home will increase. It also means you are helping to reduce carbon emissions. But if money is tight try the tried and tested ways families shared with me in my book Homemade Kids: thrifty, creative and eco-friendly ways to raise children about how to keep their homes cosy.

“My father will be pacing the floor” Turn your efforts to hunt out draughts into a game with the kids. Explain it costs money to heat space. “Money that could be spent on treats” is one way to motivate your assistants, whose mission it is to find all the ways heat escapes from each room.

Firstly organise a kit for your energy auditors with a tape measure, notebook, pen and super-sized matches. When it’s breezy outside, look for draughts inside and take a note of flimsy window coverings, gappy floorboards and absent insulation. One trick is to light a match to see if the flame and smoke go straight up, which means that part of your home is well draught-proofed.

Pay attention when smoke angles off at 90 degrees as that is a sign of a major draught (the side and base of front and back doors are often the biggest culprits for this).

“Your hands are like ice”

Quix fix

If you’re working from home, or spend a lot of time there with little children then organise your winter den in the sunniest (south or south-west facing) room and make insulation a priority. In a top flat or house you can lay insulation material thickly over your attic floor (buy cheaply from a hardware store). Then sort out the draughts. Try using well-fitting, thick layers of curtains over sash windows if you’re not ready to replace single glazed windows. There are lots more ideas like this in George Marshall’s Carbon Detox.

•

•

•

Quick fix • •

• •

Draw curtains at dusk.

If the curtain rail is strong enough sew, staple or use safety pins to fix up secondhand curtains (found at charity shops, car boot sales etc) behind your own curtains.

Shut doors!

In the kitchen: if you’ve finished using the oven, turn it off, then open its door to borrow heat while you eat.

“My mother will start to worry” A well maintained, modern gas boiler, with individual controls thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on each radiator and a centrally sited thermostat – can be an efficient way to keep your home warm in the cold if you take the time to get to know the controls. Match the heating hours with when you are in the house and don’t bother to heat your hall. If your child is already at nursery and you are out during the day you could set the heating so it turns off half an hour before you leave the house.

You can also set it for half an hour before you normally arrive home if you like to fling your coat off when you get in.

“We really thought about cutting down draughts because we keep the thermostat at 17C in winter, and the heating isn’t on all day, so if you are staying in the house you wrap the kids up and put on thermal underwear. Elsie wears tights under her trousers and a nice woolly jumper knitted by her grandmother.”

Anna, 36, mum of Freddie, 4 and Elsie, 2

Using the simplest of tools – tape measure, tacks and hammers secure foam or rubber draught proof strips to the sides and base of doors etc.

Add a rug or two over gappy floorboards or try a winter layout by moving large pieces of furniture so they sit on top of leaky spots.

Fit a portiere rod so that you can put up a door curtain blocking front/back door draughts. Finish off by making a long snakey door stop (1.5m x 15cm material sleeve stuffed with clothes/sand/crumpled newspaper).

“People with young children are at home more so they need more energy-efficient homes so that they can actually afford to keep warm.”

Andrew (energy consultant), 55, dad of Ella, 9

“Just listen to that fireplace roar” When Tom Jones smouldered the line to songstress Cerys Matthews at one of Jules Holland’s Hogmanies it’s clear Tom meant his fire was burning well – “baby it’s cold outside!” – but he’d have an even better heat from a wood burning stove, and these days they can be installed in smoke-free zones too (but this is expensive, budget £1-3,000). Far cheaper is to stop unused fireplaces from sucking heat up the chimney by fitting a chimney balloon (an inflatable, reusable device, available from http://www.goodenergyshop.co.uk/Lounge%2FDraught+Excluders%2FC himney+Balloon. More homespun solutions include blocking never-lit fireplaces with your plastic bag collection.

Quick fix •

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If you are reading stories together you can keep warm by making sure there’s a cosy fleece/blanket for every member of the family.

Sometimes a hot water bottle makes all the difference between a lovely night in watching your favourite DVD, and an early night.

Nicola Baird is mum of two girls. Her book Homemade Kids: thrifty, creative and eco-friendly ways to raise children is published by Vermilion, £10.99.

Also have a look at the blog on www.homemadekids.co.uk 22

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January – February 2011

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January – February 2011