ISSUE 73: July/August 2011 www.familiesonline.co.uk
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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
News & Views Ethical mums in Ealing Pregnant women and new mums living in the Ealing area can now pop along to weekly events hosted by Ethical mums where they can meet others in the same boat, drink tea, and get tons of help, advice and new ideas? Each week they offer two hours full of chit chat along with an array of experts in the various fields surrounding pregnancy, birth and the months that follow, to give you tips, advice and help in anyway they can. They will show you new products and offer help and advice on introducing a more Ethical life for you and your new family (they’re just ideas, no preaching or judging, just helpful, interesting advice and lots of friendly faces!!) Sessions held every Wednesday from 10am-12 noon.
Cover Picture: Marie-Chantal pink frill dress £140 – sleeveless silk dress in soft pink silk with scalloped hem – 100% silk – in sizes 2 – 12 years old www.mariechantal.com
Welcome to our summer issue jam packed with ideas of activities to do with your children in and around West London. We update our listings regularly on our website so do go onto www.familieswest.co.uk to check. The site works best for you if you register – it means all the information is tailored to the area that you live in. It also means that you can enter the competitions to win a whole host of goodies as well as tickets to some of the events we mention in the magazine. Here's hoping for a happy summer holiday for your family whatever the weather brings. We will be back at the beginning of September with full listings of all clubs and classes for children in West London.
Contents News & Views Get set for a summer of fun Summer Children's Workshops Take a trip along the river... New Products Education Whaat's On Theatre, Dance, Concerts and Festivals Superdads Classifieds
Volunteer some time • • •
Do you like to help children? Enjoy reading? Have time to spare?
Volunteer Reading Help is a National Charity whose key aim is to help children read. Their reading helpers work in local primary schools throughout London North and surrounding areas. They share books, play games and talk, enabling the children to become more confident readers, and to see that reading is fun. They are seeking reading helpers to visit schools in the Inner London area. If you can help them or just want to find out more call Ameilia Shaw, the Volunteer Services Manager on 0845 4500331 or email innerlondon@vrh.org.uk. Local training sessions will be held on 14 and 15 July.
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www.FamiliesWest.co.uk Find us on Facebook 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.
July – August 2011
For further information, venue details and to book your place on the next one, call Emma on 07730596557 or go to www.ethicalbabeblog.com and complete the form.
Ealing Gingerbread Gingerbread is long standing national charity which supports lone parent families. Their website gives advice, information and training opportunities. You can also contact them on 0808 802 0925 for expert advice. Ealing Gingerbread is affiliated to the national charity; they are a parent led support group, who make their own decisions, provide a meeting place to make friends with other lone parent families and find funding for activities. You do not need to be from Ealing to become a member and membership is free. Go to http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/register.aspx to join or alternatively head down to their new venue: The Base, 187 Copley Close, Hanwell, London, W7 1AZ Ealing Gingerbread can be contacted on 020 8575 6139. They are there every Friday morning, from 9.30 - 12 and alternate Saturdays from 12-2pm www.gingerbread.org.uk
Your child in a mobile classroom? Up to 72,000 families across the UK will fail to get their first choice of primary school this September, according to predictions. The disappointment is likely to be greatest in London, where there is most pressure for school places – there, around a fifth of pupils are unlikely to get a reception class place at their first choice school. A rise in birthrates, combined with an influx of immigrants in some areas, has contributed to the current pressure on places – and 70 per cent of councils are now planning to install mobile classrooms in playgrounds, or to erect new buildings, to cope with the shortfall. Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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News & Views
Explore Learning launch brand new education centre for children in Chiswick! Explore Learning is a rapidly expanding network of learning centres providing Maths and English tuition for children aged 5-14. Their individualised curriculum and motivational tutors enable the centre to be beneficial for children of all abilities, whether they require extra support, a boost in confidence, or more of a challenge. You may have already seen their centres in Ealing and Shepherd’s Bush, and now they are excited about having an equally positive impact in a new community! Keep your eyes peeled for free Explore Learning events in your local schools, leisure centres, libraries and Brownie packs!
Happy Birthday Blueberry Blueberry Playsongs is 20 this September! To celebrate, they are offering two free downloads of new Blueberry music to all who join or re-join for September Term 2011. One of them is a specially composed track. Both downloads have been recorded to mark the occasion. Blueberry runs weekly music groups for children from six months to three years old. Their West London venues are in Hammersmith, Notting Hill and Queen's Park. Book for the September term on www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk
Changes to SEN Special educational needs statements will be replaced with a ‘health and care’ plan – and parents will be given a personal budget to spend on implementing it, under new government proposals. The aim is to give parents whose children have SEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it will reduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because they believe too many children are currently given SEN status. The new plans are being piloted from September 2011, and will be introduced nationally next year.
For more information about Explore Learning call 0208 150 9108 or email chiswick@explorelearning.co.uk.
Midwifery in Notting Hill Gate
Discount offers for Ealing diners
Sheila Bravin is a midwife in Notting Hill Gate with experience in the community, having set up, trained and led a team of midwives to increase home births successfully. She is also a holistic healer incorporating shiatsu and therapies such as aromatherapy, hypnotherapy and homeopathy. She is now leading a “Prepare for Parenting” class, for antenatal and birth preparation with essential information for parents to help them through the first few weeks with their new baby. This will take the form of three sessions of two hours each and dates will be confirmed on booking. Individuals and small groups can also be accommodated for self-hypnosis and relaxation in preparing for birth.
Local-loop is a brand new company who focus on bringing its members great discounts from local restaurants and cafés. The service is free and uses the latest technology to send offers such a “2 for 1” to its members. Local-loop is based in Ealing and they are currently offering memberships to people who want to take advantage of using the service.
For more information contact her at sheila@birthwisdom.org.uk
They are hoping that the service will be mutually beneficial – families will be saving money and also supporting local businesses and keeping the local community alive. To keep in the loop, visit www.ealing.local-loop.co.uk or text 88802, quoting 4EALINGSPECIALS and your email address.
We are always looking for interesting snippets of local news relevant to families living in West London. Email editor@familieswest.co.uk with your contribution.
Maida Vale Nursery now part of The Co-operative Group A Victorian building in London where children once trained for domestic service has started a new chapter in its history as a nursery run by The Co-operative Childcare. The former Buffer Bear Nursery at Maida Vale has been given an £80,000 facelift with new play and educational equipment. To mark the relaunch, Headteacher Ken Battye of the adjacent Essendine Primary School cut a ribbon with Nursery Manager Tracey Dobson and the children enjoyed a celebration cake made by one of the parents. Some 40-50 parents also attended a special preview evening at the Essendine Road nursery to see the changes made and talk to staff about what it offers. Children aged from three months to five years attend the 109-place nursery which became part of The Co-operative Childcare after The Midcounties Co-operative acquired the Buffer Bear chain earlier this year. The Co-operative Childcare is a leading national ethical childcare provider which operates 29 nurseries around the country, delivering early years care and learning. The nurseries have strong connections to the local communities and all are encouraged to get involved with local groups. Colleagues at the nurseries can spend up to three days a year on volunteering activity during their paid work time. The volunteer programme is part of Midcounties’ commitment to giving back to the communities where it trades. 4
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
July – August 2011
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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The sun is out, the school holidays are almost here. What are you going to do – ideally without spending a fortune – in the lovely, long (we hope!) summer ahead? Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for how to enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.
Go wild swimming...
Get set for a summer of fun
...or even, if your kids are tiny, wild paddling? Nothing beats the fresh, cool, vibrant feel of wild water on your face or even just between your toes. Some of my happiest summer days as a mother have been spent picnicking, and paddling, and even swimming in the streams and brooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire. For ideas of where to go to find wild water near you, see www.wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re an abject townie who really can’t get to somewhere with a stream or river, make do with a lido instead – www.lidos.org
Visit a pick-your-own farm
“That was the best day of my life,” says my daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip a couple of summers ago to a pick-your-own farm. She loved everything about it: choosing which farm to go to beforehand, looking online at what would be in season on our visit, running around picking strawberries when we got there, and making jam and puddings with her fruit when we got home afterwards. There are more than 600 pick-yourown farms across the UK; to find some in your area, see www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk
Organise a street party
If you enjoyed your Royal Wedding street party – or if you looked on enviously at other people’s parties – why not throw one this summer? It’s a lovely way to spend a summer evening – and if you don’t want to go to the hassle of getting the council to close the road, and you’re lucky enough to have a park or green space nearby, you could always hold it there instead. Simply drop invitations through your neighbours’ doors, and organise a planning meeting.
Plant a veggie grow-bag
You don’t need any more space than a window-box, or a tiny space in your yard, for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids will love deciding what to plant, sowing the seeds, remembering to water them and then charting their progress from seedling to stomach. Potatoes are an ideal starter veg if you’re new to growing. 6
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
Build a den
Whether your family are regular campers or not, there’s nothing to beat the excitement of a tent pitched in the garden. If you don’t have your own, borrow one from a friend who camps – not too big, ideally, and not too difficult to assemble. Once it’s up, encourage the children to decorate it with all they need for a long, lazy day in the garden – cushions, blankets, books, iPods. And of course, lunch and tea can be picnics under canvas!
Den-building courses abound (see www.forestry.gov.uk or google them), and taking your kids on a course can give them ideas for dens for the entire summer. But you don’t need a tutor: denbuilding is as natural as breathing to most kids. Look for spaces that are especially conducive to dens – woods, of course, are ideal. If you’re confined to the garden, find some props to get them started – a huge cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve not got one to hand, try asking a local builder or large store whether they have any packaging you could have.
Stargaze!
Try sand sculpture
Choose a night when the sky is very clear, and there’s no moon. Before you go out, look online or at a book about the constellations, and choose a shape to look for that should be visible at the time of year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Look out for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re an amateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation to spot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work things out, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. Always magical.
Go cycling
Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres, and head for a spin through a local park, along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. If you’re not sure what routes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk. Or, if you really don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility of hiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, invest in a baby seat – my children loved nothing more, as toddlers, than the chance to ride across the common singing nursery rhymes on the front of my bike.
July – August 2011
Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind? Start with a flotsam and jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.
Organise a rounders match
Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket). Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.
Row a boat
Everyone has a park with a boating lake somewhere within striking distance, so why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Make sure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from the hire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end up going round and round? It’s all part of the fun.).
Summer
Pitch a tent in the garden
Go fishing
Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
Borrow a dog
You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning. To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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Summer Children’s Workshops Plenty of fun and learning for the kids this summer. Check out these workshops (plus more on www.familieswest.co.uk )
A bit of everything 28 Jul-1 Sept All summer long, the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre will be holding FREE WORKSHOPS for children. 11am-3pm. 28 Jul MARTIAL ARTS Demonstration and a chance to take part in a mini workout. 4 Aug STORYTELLING AND DRAMA Children will be told a story, then as a group they will be invited to retell the story using drama and puppetry. Plus they will get the chance to write their very own ending to a story! 11 Aug DANCE FUSION Children are invited to participate in a fun dance workshop that includes a variety of dance styles where they have the chance to create their own dance routine. 18 Aug HEALTHY EATING AND HEALTHY HEARTS This workshop will look at how to create a healthy lifestyle. It will demonstrate how a balance of healthy eating, good nutrition and exercise can lead to a healthy heart and can be lots of fun! 25 Aug GLEE WORKSHOP This workshop invites children to learn songs and dance routines from the hit television series Glee and then go on to work as a team to create their own Glee cheerleading routine. 1 Sept CREATIVE CRAFTS Using a variety of materials children’s imagination and creativity will be allowed to flourish throughout this workshop. All completed projects can be taken home as a great souvenir of the day. BIG CHALLENGE BIBLE CLUB 16-20 Aug For ages 5-14, (three different-aged groups running simultaneously). Activities include games, crafts, singing, quizzes, bible verses and stories. Snacks provided. All staff CRB checked. Held at the International Presbyterian Church, 53 Drayton Green, W13 0JE. Call Clare Levy on 020 8997 4706 www.ipc-ealing.co.uk. All welcome.
Gym and sports camps
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:
0208 876 9912 email: info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk 8
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Kiddikicks
EALING BROADWAY CENTRE SUMMER OF FUN
BACKFLIP PERFORMERS SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMP 25 Jul-2 Sept For ages 4-6, 9.30-11.30am and for ages 7-11, 1-4pm. Learn gymnastics skills, cheerleading and breakdancing. 020 8940 7998 www.BackFlipPerformers.com
KIDDIKICKS 1 Aug-2 Sept Activities include football, rugby, bat and ball and cricket skills (where age appropriate) for ages 18 months to 8 years. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Venues: Hyde Park, Paddington Recreation Ground in Maida Vale and Richmond Leisure Centre. Call 020 7937 7965 E: info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk LITTLE KICKERS Football classes for ages 18 months to 7 years in Uxbridge, Ealing/Hanwell, Shepherds Bush, Chiswick and Hammersmith run all the way through the summer holidays. Call 020 8123 9346 for Uxbridge and Ealing and 01932 429602 for Acton, Chiswick and Hammersmith. www.littlekickers.co.uk THE LITTLE GYM SUMMER CAMP 25 Jul-3 Sept OFSTED approved camps for children aged 3-8. Different themes each week which transform the gym include Under the Sea and Dinosaur Land. Call the individual gym for timetables and special offers. www.thelittlegym.co.uk Chiswick - 020 8994 3279 Westfield - 020 8735 0817 FIT FOR SPORT KIDS CAMPS 25 Jul-2 Sept (some variation depending on site, pls call for exact details, Ealing venue starts 11 July). Venues in West London: Acton, Chiswick, Chelsea, Ealing, Kensington and Richmond. For ages 3-12. Activities include sports, drama, crafts and games designed to keep kids active and fit. 9.30am-4.30 pm (extended day 8.30am-5.30pm). Half day for 3-4 year olds. 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk
Would you like to advertise in Families West magazine? Please email adverts@ familieswest. co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707 July – August 2011
AMANDA’S ACTION KIDS Music and movement classes continue over the summer holidays for children aged 4 months to 5 years in Chiswick and Brentford on a pay-asyou-go basis. Check the website for details. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk WEST END SUMMER SCHOOL Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug. 9.30am-4pm daily. £125 via the Box Office. Learn a variety of theatre skills, from songs and dance to mask making, take part in a backstage tour and perform onstage.
12 Aug HOLIDAY FLAVOURS For ages 4-8, 10am-12.30pm, and for ages 9-15 from 2-6pm. A foodie trip round the Med! 15 Aug PATISSERIE MASTER CLASS For ages 9-16, 10am-2pm. 15 Aug LITTLE BAKERY for ages 4-8, 3-5.30pm. 25 Aug TRULY MADLY PASTA For ages 5-12, 2-6pm. Make pasta and puddings. 1 Sept NEW YORK DINER For ages 4-8, 10am-12.30pm, and for ages 9-15, 2-6pm. All those American favourites.
Cooking
Art
COOKIE CRUMBLES Classes for kids aged 2-8 held at 58 Pembroke Road, W8 www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk 020 8876 9912
ARTS ON THE PIER 8-12 Aug A series of art workshops for ages 7-11 in Chiswick. Each day children will look at an evolving set of themes from composition to perspective, plus a range of genres exploring performance, photography, collage and illustration. Children will hold an exhibition at the end of the week. 9.30am-2pm (1pm finish on Fri). Call Janine Limb on 07515 728120 or e: hello@queenofarts.co.uk www.queenofarts.co.uk
Cookie Crumbles
18 and 22 Jul AMERICAN CUPCAKES AND MILKSHAKES For ages 5-12, 2-5pm. 25 Jul LITTLE DINNER MENU 10am-12.30pm, Cook a 3-course meal and then sit down and enjoy it. 25 Jul PERFECT DINNER MENU For ages 9-16, 2-6pm, cooking a 3-course meal to take home. 28 and 29 Jul TEENAGE SURVIVAL CLASS For ages 13-18, 10.30am-4.30pm. Learn basic cookery skills to feel confident when cooking for family and friends. 3 and 4 Aug LITTLE CULINARY MASTERCLASS For ages 4-8, 10am-12.30pm. A few sophisticated dishes for the little gourmet in your family. 3 and 4 Aug BIG CULINARY MASTERCLASS For ages 9-16, 2-6pm, Learn knife skills, different cooking methods and sauce making. 11 Aug CHINESE BANQUET For ages 4-8, 10am-12.30pm, and for ages 9-15 from 2-6pm, Learn how to cook it better than your take-away!
KITE STUDIOS ART WORKSHOPS 20 Jul- 3 Sept A variety of art workshops including printmaking, watercolour, drawing, painting, sculpture and collage for ages 4-8 and 8+ at 2b Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY. E: info@kitestudios.org 020 8576 6278 FIMO CLAY WORKSHOPS Creative sessions for ages 6+ in Acton. Dates: 15, 20, 26 July, 31 Aug and 2, 6 Sept from 10am-4pm. Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767 E: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk
Drama PERFORM For ages 4-8. Perform children will be acting, singing and dancing their way to Neverland this summer with colourful costumes, original songs and live music. A fun-packed week ending with a show for all family and friends. As Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital owns the rights to Peter Pan, Perform will have collection buckets on the day of performances so our parents may contribute to the hospital.
Summer
Workshop venues: Notting Hill – 25-29 Jul and 15-19 Aug. Venue: St Peter’s Hall, W11 2.30-4.30pm. Chiswick – 1-5 Aug Venue: St. Michael’s Hall, 10am-12noon. Ealing 1-5 Aug and 22-26 Aug Venue: St Barnabas Millennium Hall, W5 10am-12noon and 2.30-4.30pm. Kew 8-12 Aug, Venue: Kew Community Centre, 2.30-4.30pm. 0845 400 1285, e: enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk
MONSTER CAT DRAMA WORKSHOP 24-26 Aug at St Paul’s Church Hall, Ridley Avenue, London W13 9XW from 10am-3pm for ages 5-12. Call 020 8567 5276 YOURSPACE DRAMA 8-12 Aug Drama summer school for ages 3-5, 6-11 and 12-18, at Brentside High School, Greenford Ave, W7 1JJ. 07580 474638 E: info@yourspacedrama.com www.yourspacedrama.com BUNBANTER 25-29 Jul and 22-26 Aug Drama summer school in Ealing for ages 4-7, 8-11 and 14+ E: info@bunbanter.com 020 31377 994
Language CLUB PETIT PIERROT Wide range of fun activities in French. Parents and toddlers (1-3yrs) from 9.30-10.15am on 19, 21, 26 and 28 Jul for arts and craft, songs, dances, sand and water play. For children aged 3-5 and 6-8 sessions run from 10.30am-12.30pm from 18-22 and 25-29 Jul, to take part in arts and craft, cooking, singing, dancing and language games and role play. Venue: St Marks Church Hall, Abercorn Place, NW8 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk LE CLUB TRICOLOR FRENCH ACTIVITY DAYS 12-14 July and 22-26 Aug Activities include games, arts and crafts, cookery, songs and sketches in French, for ages 5-11, 10am-4pm. Takes place at St Columba’s Church, Pont St, SW1. Contact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore.co.uk or 07889 967003 or 020 7924 4649.
Caroline Lester School of Dance New for this summer `Summer School` Come along with your friends and learn different styles of dance from Street Dance, Tap to Musical Theatre Also taking bookings for `Ballerina Birthday Parties` Please contact Caroline on 07961 375 606 or info@carolinelesterschoolofdance.co.uk visit our webpage: www.carolinelesterschoolofdance.co.uk July – August 2011
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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Summer Take a trip along the river… and see
Hampton Court Palace This endlessly fascinating Palace has been the setting for so many major events in the history of England, not to mention TV documentaries, books and dramas. Attracting visitors from all over the world, it is both a Tudor palace, magnificently developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, as well as a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II. The adventure continues outside into the gardens and park, where you can picnic on benches or have a meal or refreshments at The Tiltyard Café or The Privy Kitchen Coffee Shop. Hampton Court Palace offers plenty of options for a family day out, including a ghost trail, encounters with costumed characters from Hampton Court’s past and of course the world-famous Maze. Available from the Information Centre, the free family trails are a great way to explore the palace as a family. The website has a great page to guide you, with how to prioritise your day if your visit is One, Two, Three or more hours. Tip: To round the day off, hop across the road to Bushy Park and let your children have some downtime in the locals’ favourite large playground. It’s beyond Diana fountain, just a short walk from the gate.
Open daily 10am to 6pm. Family ticket: £38 (online price £35 www.hrp.org.uk) Children under 5 free. This ticket covers up to 6 children aged 5 to 15 years and 2 adults and includes access to the palace, maze and gardens, plus a multi-language audio guide, costumed guided tours, children's activity trails, the Tudor Kitchens, the Young Henry VIII exhibition and much more. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AUKT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk EVENT NEAR THIS PROPERTY What? Jolly Day Out When? 26th to 29th August Where? Hampton Court Green Who’s there? A full day of performances, including Imelda May, Bjorn Again and McFly Why take the kids? Jolly Day Out is a family festival and will feature a fun fair, a story tent, arts and crafts, face painting, crazy golf, pig racing and animal farms. Food and drink: There will be posh nosh, summer treats, festival food plus summery drinks for all. How much? Each day Jolly Day Out tickets are free for under 13’s and £25 for age 13+ However, you will require a ticket to gain entry so make sure you book in all your party. Each full price ticket entitles you to 2 free under 12 tickets. The doors open at 12 and the headline act will be on stage at 8pm. Find out more www.jollydayout.com
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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Tucked away along the river at Isleworth, Syon Park is a great place to take the family if you long for open spaces, beautiful, fragrant and rare and exotic plants, a touch of wildlife and a pleasant place to have a snack or lunch with the children.
Set a long day aside for a visit to Kew Gardens as there’s masses to see and do. There are family-friendly activities, glass houses packed with amazing plants, play areas as well as 300 of acres of varied and beautiful landscape, bordering the Thames to explore.
The gardens at Syon House, laid out by Capability Brown, no less, have much of what their neighbour, the Royal Horticultural Gardens at Kew offer but on a much smaller scale and without the throngs of tourists. The meandering paths through the gardens are easy for buggies and toddlers and the route takes you through a variety of garden styles from wildflower meadow, to formal lawns and a stunning conservatory where the children will be fascinated by the grapevine, the fruit trees and the banana plants. There are geese and swans, as well as terrapins in the lake.
Five highlights: CLIMBERS AND CREEPERS – an indoor play zone, where children can wiggle through tunnels and slide down our giant pitcher plant. Suitable for children aged 3 to 9 years. TREEHOUSE TOWERS – Located outside Climbers and Creepers, children (from 3 - 11) can play on giant swings, zip wires, scramble nets and slides. SUMMER STORYTELLING SUNDAYS – If you visit on Sunday 24th July or Sunday 7th August, head for the Temple of Imagination at 11.30am or 1.30pm for a special half-hour storytelling session. TRAILS – look out to see if there are any children’s trails at the time of your visit, details can be found at the gate when you arrive. There are also trails to follow in the kids’ guidebook Kids’ Kew, available at the gate for £3.95. SPECIAL THIS SUMMER – Travel the World with Kew. Until 25th September, experience the world in one day as you visit the desert, the Alps, tropical rainforests, East Asia, Australia, Canadian redwood and the Mediterranean Garden.
The gardens are open daily, 10.30am to 5pm. The spacious Refectory with its large outdoor seating area is ideal for snacks, drinks and light lunches – 020 8568 0134 for more information. (entrance through the Wyevale Garden Centre, and connecting door from Syon Gardens) Tip: If you want to the place pretty much to yourselves, arrive as early as you can. Your children will be able to let off steam, play hide and seek and explore while you relax and take it all in. Gardens & Great Conservatory Adults £5, Concessions £3.50 Child £2.50, Family £11 Syon Park Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF www.syonpark.co.uk EVENTS AT SYON PARK For dates and films being shown at Syon Park, please see the advert below.
18th, 1 8th, 19th, 20th, 21st August CINEMA UNDER THE STARS – 8 Watch Wa your favourite films under the stars in the gardens of Syon Park. The T gardens will be open for guests to come in to picnic at 7.30pm; film f to start approx 9pm; carriages at about 11pm. Prices from: Adults £10, Children £5 (5- 14yrs). Tickets available now from A quaytickets.com via lady-in-red.co.uk/syonpark.aspx q Contact 020 8560 0882 for more information. C Co o
July – August 2011
Summer
Syon Park
Tip: Plan your trip.While it’s always a joy to arrive at Kew and be tempted to follow your fancy for the day, that strategy can be blighted by a baby who needs a change or a toddler with a hungry tummy.There are regular toilets and some have baby changing. Most of the gardens are accessible for buggies but there are a few exceptions so check those out. Kew offers plenty of options for food and drink but it’s lovely to spread out and have a picnic in one of the permitted areas.There are even lockers available at Victoria Gate to leave any of the family clobber you don’t want to be lugging round all day. Kew caters wonderfully for its many visitors and its fantastic website (with its special Parents’ Survival Guide) will help you get the most out of your visit. Adults £13.90, Concessions £11.90, Children FREE Tickets can be ordered online is your visit is more than 7 days away. Gardens open 9.30am to 6.30pm. Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB www.kew.org
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Summer Exciting family attractions to discover on the River Thames this summer.
7 National Gallery for great arty activities
6 St Jame’s Park to row, row, row your boat 5 Houses of Parliament for a dose of democracy
2 Syon Park for a breath of fresh air
Hammersmith Ealing
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3 Wandsworth
Richmond 4 London Wetland centre for a nature adventure
1 Hampton Court for a slice of history
Hampton Court
1 3 Kew Gardens to explore the world
8 London Aquarium for life under water
Kingston upon Thames
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a river runs through it...
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
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Summer 20 Thames barrier for the world’s largest flood barrier 14 St Paul’s Cathedral for awe-inspiring archtiecture
15 Tower Bridge for an engineering marvel
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11 Thames River Festival
Tower Hamlets
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11 10 8 9 12
19 The O2 Arena to find the Dinosaurs Unleashed Exhibition
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16 18 17
Southwark
10 Oxo Tower and the Southbank’s many delights
18 Royal Naval College, Greenwich for the National Maritime Museum
12 Shakespeare’s Globe for a dramatic step back in time
Greenwich
16 The Design Museum for wicked design workshops 17 Royal Observatory Greenwich for London’s only Planetarium
Thanks to Visit Britain for all images except for:
9 London Eye to soar like a bird July – August 2011
13 HMS Belfastt for a 20th centuryy naval voyagee
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Shelduck at London Wetland Centre, photo by Nick Cottrell
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National Gallery – © National Gallery, London
11 Thames River Festival – Image by Barry Lewis
This River Thames image is not to scale and should not be used as a map. Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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Summer
Houses of Parliament – Guided Tours Consistently one of London’s most popular summer activities, Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament, is now available to pre-book online or via the telephone. This year’s Summer Opening dates have been confirmed as 29th July to 3rd September and 19th September to 1st October. The 75 minute ‘Blue Badge’ guided tours run throughout the day and unravel the fascinating blend of history and politics within one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. The tours take in the Lords and Commons Chambers plus other highlights such as Westminster Hall, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Peers’ Lobby, Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby and St Stephen’s Hall. The tours now also include six vast paintings depicting the Spanish Armada. Tickets: £15 for adults and £6 for under 16’s. Information and reservations are available from Ticketmaster Groups on 0844 847 1672, www.ticketmaster.co.uk/housesofparliament, or via the link on the Parliamentary website www.parliament.uk.
The National Gallery: With over 2,300 paintings in the Collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the Gallery. Here are a couple to get you started.: HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES with children aged 5-11. Free hands-on art workshops for families. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer.There is no need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start. See website for details: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/5-11-activities-holidays/ FAMILY WALK AND TALK: join a guide on a journey through the collection where they will walk, talk and bring paintings alive. Free, no booking but limited places allocated on arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING SUNDAYS: For children under 5. Every Sunday 10.30–11am and 11.30–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet as it comes to land in front of a different painting each day. There are special holiday sessions that include art, song and story activities. TAKE ONE PICTURE (11th May – 25th September) is the National Gallery’s innovative project for primary schools. The works on display here demonstrate the innovative ways in which schools have responded to the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio's Tobias and the Angel.
Teachers and pupils are invited to use a painting from the collection as a catalyst for learning across the curriculum. Hundreds of schools have been inspired by this year’s painting, Tobias and the Angel, made in the workshop of Verrocchio (about 1470–5). In the biblical story, Tobias sets out on a long journey to collect money owed to his blind father Tobit. He is guided by the guardian angel Raphael, who instructs Tobias to remove the gall bladder of a fish in order to heal his father’s blindness. Several well-known artists trained in Verrocchio’s workshop, including Leonardo da Vinci, who may be responsible for some parts of the painting, including the lively dog. For further details on the project, visit www.takeonepicture.org.uk. Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN Daily 10am – 6pm, Fridays 10am – 9pm www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Somerset House Somerset House is a spectacular neo-classical building in the heart of London, sitting between the Strand and the River Thames. During summer months 55 fountains dance in the courtyard. Somerset House also hosts open-air concerts and films, contemporary art and design exhibitions, family workshops and free guided tours of spaces usually hidden to visitors. This Summer there are plenty of workshops for the kids, details of which can be found on in our What’s On pages and on their website. They are free and they run separate workshops for the under fives and for 6-12 year olds. There will also be an open air cinema in the courtyard, price £18.00 plus booking fee. 14
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Tip: Go to Somerset House on a really hot day. Bring swimming gear and towels, a picnic and friends. The children will have a great time running through the fountains and getting thoroughly drenched along with all the other kids there!
Open from 10am-6pm, Fountain Court open till 11pm, www.somersethouse.org.uk
Sea Life London Aquarium The big hit at the aquarium this summer is the addition of nine Gentoo penguins. Their new home allows visitors to watch them playing above ground and swimming underwater in their 3 metre deep pool. Ask when the next feeding time will be, to see the penguins chomping on fish directly from their keeper’s hands. The London Aquarium also houses a huge array of fish and marine mammals in recreations of their natural habitats, including rare crocodiles, turtles, ray fish, frogs, jelly fish and 11 species of shark. Open 10am-6pm daily (until 7pm Fridays to Sundays), on the door admission free for under 3s, £14.04 children, £19.02 adults, families £60: reductions when booked online before your visit. County Hall, Southbank SE1, 0871 663 1678, www.sealife.co.uk/london Tip: Arrive early if you can – although big, the Aquarium does get busy, and little ones have a habit of wanting to spend ages in front of their favourite displays.
National Theatre This summer visit Theatre Square in front of the National Theatre for theatre, fire, circus, juggling, music, dance and street performance. The National Theatre's free festival of outdoor entertainment, Watch This Space, is back from 1 July to 11 September. July highlights include Family Week, which begins the first week of the school holidays. Expect musicians and circus performers, monkeys on a trampoline, Spanish Theatre with Captain Marvella and mini Circus with Circo Rippopollo. A wonderful range of family entertainment. In August there will be invigorating juggling involving paintballs, street theatre, music, comedy and free dance lessons. Also The Alternative Village Fete with an urban twist on a traditional fete for the Bank Holiday Weekend. Perfect for lounging about on the river. Also worth a look is the programme of Platform talks and Discover events and workshops – many suitable for kids – which give insight into the work of the theatre. South Bank, London SE1 9PX. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts
Southbank Centre Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain with a four-month festival of British culture and creativity, running throughout the summer. Experience performances, new outdoor environments, talks, events, concerts and gigs by some of Britain’s leading artists and thinkers. Look out for the Street Dance XXL UK Championships that are coming to the Southbank Centre as part of a weekend of hip-hop culture 14th – 17th July. Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073. www.southbankcentre.co.uk TIP: see the website for more children’s events and concerts throughout the summer.
The 15th Mayor's Thames Festival 10th and 11th September – London’s largest free festival returns with music, dancing, street arts, river races and much more from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond, the festival transforms the banks of the Thames to celebrate London and the river with music, dancing, street arts, river races, More ideas carnival, pyrotechnics, art installations, massed choirs, food of activities to do and feasting. The festival culminates in an illuminated night on the river on carnival winding along the Thames and a magnificent our website www.familieswest.co. fireworks display fired from the centre of the river. www.thamesfestival.org.
uk/river-feature
July – August 2011
July – August 2011
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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New Products
by Joanna Parry
High five! Children’s favourite Trunki is five years old this spring and celebrates its fifth birthday with the launch of the Quinn – the new ride-on limited edition suitcase. As with all iconic Trunki suitcases, the utterly tot-tastic Quinn can be packed, pulled, towed and ridden and if you miss out on Quinn, why not let your tot befriend Freddie Fire Engine or Princess Penelope instead? Still limited edition, Freddie and Penelope (£40 each) are perfect for role-play and come with foam axe and helmet or tiara and wand. Get your Quinn before they run out at www.trunki.com. The Quinn Trunki costs £34.99.
NCT phone app
Make a splash this summer. ummer. . . Perfect for your summer holiday or a visit to your local swimming pool, Puddle Jumpers is a new swimming aid for children which guarantees fun and safety in the water. Water safety has never been so fun with the new range of bright and colourful Puddle Jumpers that not only provide parental peace of mind but that kids will love to wear. The comfortable fit with a no-chaff, soft fabric cover allows for natural movement and greater freedom, meaning children can swim and explore with maximum confidence. The Puddle Jumper costs £19.99 from www.amazon.co.uk.
Creative Mums Two eentrepreneurial mums have created a unique new product to uniqu help with w toilet training. Dry Like Me pads fit in a child’s own pants aand are designed tto capture small aaccidents, helping children and parents child manage the stress and mess of toilet training. Judith Hough and Diane Titterton came up with the discreet pads – perfect for older children who may have accidents or when children start school and need extra confidence – which are cheaper than many other disposable alternatives and create less waste. “It is important to try to keep relaxed during toilet training,” says paediatrician Dr Eve Fleming. “Dry Like Me pads can help to reduce the stress and accidents in potty training and make everyone feel more relaxed.” Dry Like Me pads cost £3.49 for a pack of 18 and are available from branches of Morrisons, ASDA Living and Wilkinsons. www.drylikeme.com. 16
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
What do you do when you’re out for the day, your baby needs changing and you don’t know where the nearest changing rooms are? NCT Babychange is a new phone app by the NCT – free to download, it allows you to locate the nearest changing facility in the area with sites including supermarkets, train stations, shops, restaurants and libraries. Selecting a particular facility will bring up its name and current ‘star’ hygiene rating and there are over 5,000 facilities on the app including Asda, Café Rouge, Debenhams, Giraffe, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Nandos, Pizza Hut and Sainsbury’s. The app is now available from www.apple.com and will also be available to non-iPhone users via the NCT website later on in the year. www.nct.org.uk
Lost child?
Is bottle-cleaning a chore? Well, no longer! Now you can make light work of preparing bottles with OXO’s versatile collection of cleaning tools, designed to make life that bit easier for busy mums and dads. OXO Tot’s bottlebrush comes complete with teat cleaner and stand and ensures bottles, teats and breast pump parts are thoroughly cleaned, ready for the sterilizer. With bristles for both gentle cleaning or serious scrubbing, the flexible neck allows you to easily reach inside bottles of any shape and the silicone teat cleaner tackles hard to reach areas. Also check out OXO Tot’s handy dishwasher basket which allows you to rinse through baby equipment without the fear of losing small parts forever! Prices from £6.13 at John Lewis, Jo Jo Maman Bebe and Amazon.co.uk. www.oxo-uk.com
Bring fun to education and education to fun!
Have you ever been at a crowded event and lost your child? We all know how easily this Check out the latest BrainBox Games from can happen, and it is exactly what occurred the team at Green Board Games, including when mum Donna Newman’s son Bradley the new BrainBox Olympian Sports, wandered off at a local music festival. As a Reminisce 1990-2010 and World History consequence, Donna was inspired to launch for 2011. Aimed at children aged 3-11, the new child safety initiative Please Call Mum games can be played at home or at school, to help reunite lost children with parents. with teachers using the games to support Please Call Mum is a range of temporary key areas of the national curriculum from tattoo transfers that can be personalised numeracy and literacy to science and with a mobile number and applied easily history. BrainBox games also won the to a child's forearm. So, for an extra level Green Apple Award last year, so you can of reassurance when you’re out and about, assured you are buying a product rest as or to let people know if your child has which wh is made of recycled and an allergy or other medical condition, n, Please Call Mum ethically sourced materials. et it’s worth a look. Transfers cost are offering the first 100 Families readers free Many games are also multi-lingual! M £6.50 for a sheet of 12 from transfer tattoos – just They cost from £10 at T www.pleasecallmum.com and use the promotional code FMSW11 on www.greenboardgames.com. w you can choose from designs such as their website. princesses, submarines and racing cars. s.
Carry it with you! Demand for the most exciting innovation in baby products – My Carry Potty – has been overwhelming since entrepreneur Amanda Jenner first launched it to take the stress out of potty training. And now the potty is available in a whole range of new colours, allowing your toddler to choose their favourite. Unlike a regular potty My Carry Potty has been designed to use anywhere. Fitted with an ingenious rubber seal and clip shut lid, it’s completely leak and odour-proof and there’s no messing about with liners or assembly. £24.99 at www.mycarrypotty.co.uk July – August 2011
Education
July – August 2011
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Can stress be helpful? New research has been published that reveals that stress can actually help when studying for exams. In fact, the stress that can occur when revising at the last minute helps the brain form stronger memories, suggesting that this way of studying for exams might be the best way to learn. Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed, hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes within our brain cells, helping memories to be retained in a more productive and efficient manner. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin actually cause changes in the way the genes inside neurons function, so enhancing their learning ability. Lead researcher Professor Hans Reul, neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, said that his findings suggest that studying while feeling stressed could help increase the ability of students when learning. “We often find that unpleasant memories are the ones that stay with us for the rest of our lives,” says Professor Reul. “This is because of the role that stress plays. Essentially the stress hormones are enhancing the process that is normally taking place when you are learning.” But Dr Reul warned that while some stress can be good for retaining information, too much stress may well have the opposite effect. “When we are extremely stressed it is not possible to pick up any new information,” he adds. “The brain goes into an override mode and so the memory formation is not efficient. Chronic, long term stress is also not good.”
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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
by Joanna Parry
Education
Education
As fees rise, pupil numbers dip Fewer children are being sent to independent schools after average fees have climbed above £13,000 for the first time. According to the Independent Schools Council, the number of children in private education fell this year, dropping for the second year in a row as fees rose faster than earnings increased. Information from the ISC shows the average parent will pay £13,179 in annual fees this year which is a 4.6 per cent increase on last year, and with the economic climate and the Coalition’s cuts already forcing families to tighten their belts, this increase is making private education less and less affordable. While the economy continues to force many private schools to shut every year and boarding schools are looking more and more to foreign pupils to fill their numbers, private school pupils fell by 786 this year. However, school leaders are insisting that the figures actually show a positive result for the private sector in the face of enormous pressure on family incomes. “ISC independent schools are showing remarkable resilience against a difficult economic background, reflecting the high quality of education that our schools offer to parents and the value for money that this represents,” says David Lyscm, ISC chief executive. He continued to say that the average fee rise was the second lowest since 1994 and showed that independent schools were “very sensitive to the needs of parents and doing everything they can to keep fees to a minimum”.
July – August 2011
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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What's On EVENTS
Do look at our river feature and check out more events and places to go over the summer holidays.
DAYS OUT ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 0LX 01628 520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk
GREENFORD CARNIVAL 2 July, 12-7pm, at Ravenor Park, W7 £2 entry, children under 12 free. Funfair, music, dancing, sports and arts and crafts for all ages. Also local talent show.
CHEEKY MONKEYS TEA PARTY 8 Jul at the Park Club, East Acton Lane, W3. Music, stories, streetdancing, face painting, balloons, bouncy castles and refreshments. Organised by the NCT Chiswick and Hammersmith Branch for all parents and children under 5. £5 per child, £2.50 siblings, babies free.
ACTON CARNIVAL 9 Jul, 12-7pm at Acton Park, W3. £2 entry, children under 12 free. Music, dance, international food, arts and a fun fair. Carnival procession leaves Woodlands Park at 12 noon, and goes via Crown Street and Acton High Street, to Acton Park, next to the Rangers Lodge.
THE KENSINGTON PALACE PARTY 9-10 Jul. 12-6pm. A party in the gardens of Kensington Palace. Activities include dancing, storytelling, fashion and art activities, inspired by the stories of Kensington. Free and open to all. 24 Jul. A MUSICAL PARTY AT COURT 10am-1pm. A morning of royal music making in this family workshop (children aged 7-16) where you can learn to play a piece of 18th century music, learn about Georgian costume and make your own wig. Adult £5, child £15. Bkg: 020 3166 6646. www.hrp.org.uk 0844 482 7777
BLISS BUGGY PUSH 16 Jul 10.30am-12.30pm, in Kensington Gardens. Family day out to raise funds for sick and premature babies. 5k route. Register on 020 7378 5746 E: events@bliss.org.uk
EALING BLUES 23 Jul in Walpole Park, W5, 1-10pm, £4 entry (under 12’s free), Free families area offering activities to keep young ones entertained. 20
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Open everyday 10am-5.30pm, £9.50 adults, £8.50 children, under 2’s free.
SUMMER OPENING OF THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT 29 Jul-3 Sept and 19 Sept-1 Oct. The tours take in the Lords and Commons Chambers plus other highlights such as Westminster Hall, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Peer’s Lobby, Members’ Lobby and St Stephen’s Hall. The tours now also include six vast paintings depicting the Spanish Armada. £10/£15, under 16s £6 0844 847 1672 www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ housesofparliament
EALING GLOBAL 24 Jul in Walpole Park, W5, 1-10 pm, £4 entry (under 12’s free). Sounds from across the globe! Free families area.
LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL 5, 6, 7 Aug. Regent’s Park, London NW8 7RG. Some amazing entertainment from the best loved kids performers such as : Zingzillas, Charlie and Lola, horrible Histories, Dick and Dom, Waybuloo, the Bopps, The Roald Dahl Museum, Science Museum “Live”, Minimission with Baby Loves Disco and many more. Also: facepainting, arts and crafts, comedy, Babyoke, hairdressing, go karting, pizza making workshops, football factory, and an enchanted forest with wizard & fairy schools, DJ workshops and even gorilla enclosure. www.lollibopfestival.com
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 28-29 Aug Europe’s biggest street party! - With steel bands, calypso music, food stalls, colourful floats and costumed performers. 28 Aug is Children’s Day with a shorter parade route and prizes awarded for costumes.
O2 MELA 4 Sept in Gunnersbury Park, W5. 1-8pm. Europe’s largest celebration of South Asian inspired culture. Seven zones of music, circus, dance, theatre and children’s area. www.londonmela.org
Odds Farm Park
Children can get up close to whole range of rare breed farm animals as well as play in the heated barn with haybales to climb, a soft play park, indoor sandpit and games area. Special activities this summer include Sheep Racing, and a Maize Maze to navigate. 2 Aug CHARITY MASCOT RACE 1pm. The farm’s mascot, Rodney Pig will be joined by other mascot friends to race around the sheep track complete with mini jumps and obstacles, to raise money for the Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Trust.
WWT WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk Daily 9.30am-5pm £10.55 adults, £5.85 children aged 4+, Family £29.40 (2+2) A spectacular 105 acre wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds which offer a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians. Guided tours available every day at 11am and 2pm, and walks with a warden at 12 noon at the weekends. BIG BAT WALK Every Thurs in July and Aug, walk with a bat expert and use bat detectors to identify the species. Times vary with sunset, suitable for ages 8+, £10, booking essential. 23/24 Jul TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND See how raw material are used to feed, clothe and house people. 18 and 25 Aug NIGHT SAFARI Learn how to make a fire, go pond dipping at twilight and use nets and an underwater camera to see what mini-beasts are lurking beneath the surface. 6.30-9.30 pm, suitable for age 7+, limited spaces, booking essential. £20 per child, accompanying adult free. July – August 2011
What's On TOWER OF LONDON
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Tower Hill, London EC3 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm £10.45/£17.05/£19.80, family £55, under 5 free. Events included in adm.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7938 9123. Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011. www.nhm.ac.uk
EXHIBITIONS: To 24 Jul. RAREE SHOW Discover the Tower’s thrilling Menagerie of 1250-1850.
Open: Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun: 11am-5.50pm. Free.
SUMMER EVENTS: 23-24 Jul. TOWER OF LONDON ARCHAEOLOGY AND DISCOVERY WEEKEND Tower Beach and Wharf. 11am-4pm.
25 Jul-31 Aug. KNIGHT SCHOOL – Learn the skills to become a noble knight. 29 Jul-29 Aug. MASTERS OF THE SWORD – The knights and their ladies bring to life the colourful Middle Ages with tales and demonstrations. Family fun and spectacular re-enactment.
LONDON DUCK TOURS 020 7928 3132 or www.londonducktours.co.uk London Duck Tours is a sightseeing company that offers tours from a fleet of bright yellow amphibious vehicles originally used for the D-Day landings in 1944. It is the only sightseeing tour that combines a trip on land and river. THE D.DAY DUCK TOUR A professional character tour guide will reveal London’s most important Second World War sights. This tour will operate the first Sunday of every month. £16 to £22. BRAND NEW TOUR: THE JAMES BOND TOUR Discover many central London locations used in the classic film series. A character guide will lead visitors on an adventure-packed journey of intrigue, espionage, and of course Ian Fleming, revealing many little known facts about the famous author, his greatest creation and spying in general. The tour will operate on the 3rd Sunday of every month.
July – August 2011
To 4 Sept. AGE OF THE DINOSAUR Combines stunning imagery with amazing specimens and interactives. £6/£10, family £28.
Open 10am-6pm. Adm is free but charges apply to some special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides 23 Jul-31 Aug. SPACE CAMPAIGN. “Check in” to Space on Facebook, pass through passport control and follow the space trail to discover rockets and satellites, the original Apollo 10 Command Module, laws of gravity in motion and be part of the Apollo moon landings.
To 11 Sept. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES £3.50, family £12.
© National History Museum
BEACH OPEN: 23 Jul: 12.30-2.30pm, 24 Jul: 1.15-3.15pm. A free, fun weekend of activities. Hunt for treasure on the foreshore of the Thames, discover the secrets of archaeology and conservation at stalls on the Wharf and take part in art activities. All ages.
EXHIBITIONS:
SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. Info & bkg 0870 870 4868. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES: HANDS-ON NATURE: DINOSAURS 2pm-5pm.Sats, Suns and School Hol. Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions” and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators. Free. DAILY FAMILY ACTIVITES 11am-5pm. Free. Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s. INVESTIGATE CENTRE 11am-5pm. Encourages children to look closely at real objects using the many tools provided to find out more and become a scientist for the day. DINO SNORES: Starts 22 Jul at 7pm, finishes 23 Jul at 9.50am.Visitors will take a torch-lit tour into the darkest depths of the galleries to discover clues and solve a nature puzzle. At midnight, snuggle down for the night in the iconic Central Hall and shadow of “Diplodocus”. In the morning, breakfast will be served before more activities. 8-11yrs. Children £45, adults free. 020 7942 5000.
Private Car Service at very reasonable rates, in a mercedes car • Airport trips • Day trips • Shopping trips by the hour • Out of London trips Licensed, reliable, helpful & polite with 20 years experience Satisfaction guaranteed
Please call Basil:
07956 410 780
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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What's On NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 www.nam.ac.uk Daily 10am-5.30pm. Free From 18 Jul. NEW KID’S ZONE An exciting new space for children 0-8yrs where then can climb, crawl and slide through tough terrain, wrestle through woodland and build their own den in the new adventure climbing frames and soft-play areas. There is a brand new dressing-up, art and reading areas and a safe and stimulating baby play-area. 27 Aug. VICTORY JIVE – DANCE NIGHT The whole family can get their dancing shoes on and hit the dancefloor with an authentic ‘40s dance night. With fantastic dance instructors from the London Swing Dance Society and authentic ‘40s hair and make-overs!
WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN 020 7224 2155 www.wallacecollection.org Workshop booking: 020 7563 9527or E: booking@wallacecollection.org FAMILY ACTIVITIES: Multi-media tour with interactive games, armour handling and gallery trails all available. No need to book. 3 Jul and 7 Aug THE LITTLE DRAW 1.30-4.30pm, Join artist Hannah Carding, who specializes in illustration and telling stories through pictures, with both figurative and animal characters. Free, drop-in workshop.
26-29 Jul FOUR DAY JUNIOR SUMMER ART SCHOOL 10.30am-3.30pm. For ages 10+, £22 per child for a 2 day workshop or £40 for all Art School days. 3 Aug SILK PAINTING FOR CHILDREN 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm for ages 7+ Booking required 4 Aug TREASURE HUNT 10.30am and 2pm for ages 5+ Art workshop, free. 5 Aug ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL 10.30am and 2pm, for ages 7+ Sculpture workshop £7 15 and 24 Aug DROP-IN SUMMER FUN 11.30am12.30pm, Free themed trail around the galleries. 31 Aug ULTIMATE ACCESSORIES 2-4pm, for ages 5+ Free, drop-in jewellery making workshop.
BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8195 www.britishmuseum.org Daily 10am-5.30pm, Free There are 8 million objects on display at the museum! Highlights for the family include the Rosetta Stone and a statue of Ramesses II. There are free family trails, handling sessions manned by volunteers who will answer questions and activity backpacks. Over the holidays, there are free workshops going on most Tuesdays, Thursdays and over the weekend. Details on http://www.britishmuseum.org/ whats_on/events_calendar/ family_events.aspx In addition, members can take part in sleepover events at the museum.
British Museum
9 Jul AUSTRALIA SLEEPOVER 20 Aug MEDIEVAL SLEEPOVER
THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSEUM Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk Daily 10am-6pm. £4/£6, family £15. SUMMER FAMILY FUN: 25- 29 Jul and 1-5 Aug. CRAFT ACTIVITIES Free for children with an accompanying paying adult. Small charge for material, pre-booking recommended. 26 Jul, 1 & 8 Aug, 7 Aug. STORYTELLING Stories about the Household Cavalry and their magnificent horses. 5-8yrs. Book early 020 7930 3070. 25-31 Aug. PLAY DETECTIVE Take part in a fun detective trail and family quiz and find out about all sorts of unusual and interesting things to do with the household Cavalry.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk/events Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thurs, Fri 10am-9pm. Portraits of famous British men and women. FAMILY ART TRAILS Available for families with kids aged 5yrs+. Fun drawing activities and questions.
Workshop at the Wallace Collection
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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
16 Jul STORYTELLING WITH ART 10.30am and 1.30pm, Free, for ages 3+
16 Jul FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am and 2.30pm, Free for ages 5+ 23 Jul STORYTELLING 10.30am and 2pm, free, suitable for all ages. 1-26 Aug TOUR AND DRAW 11am and 1.30pm, (weekdays only), free, led by artists and storytellers. For ages 3+ 1-19 Aug LOOK AT ME: SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 11.30am and 2.30pm, (weekdays), free, Workshops and activities. For ages 5+
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, 020 7405 2107, www.soane.org Open Tue to Sat 10am-5pm, free. Bkg 020 7440 42 63 or administrator@soane.org.uk HOLIDAYS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Explore Soane’s treasures with specialist guidance. Suitable for age 7+, £20 full day, £12 half day. Booking essential 4 Aug TIME FOR TEA Find and sketch unusual patterns in the museum and paint colourful cups and saucers. 5 Aug CREATE A CANOPIC JAR Explore the Ancient Egyptian secrets of mummification, look at the magnificent sarcophagus of Seti and make your own Canopic Jar. 10 Aug HEADS GALORE Hunt for weird and wonderful heads made of stone, clay or plaster, then design and make your own special head from clay. 12 Aug MONOPRINTING inspired by the museum collection. 17 Aug GLORIOUS GLASS Make your own stained “glass”. July – August 2011
What's On 18 Aug CAST AWAY Clay relief sculpture and making a plaster cast. 24 Aug MINI MODEL MUMMY Investigate mummification and make a model. 25 Aug PREPOSTEROUS PETS Sew your own pet. 26 Aug ANCIENT EGYPTIAN AMULETS Make an amulet and write a spell in hieroglyphs.
HORNIMAN MUSEUM 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Daily 10.30am-5.30pm, £1/£2, family £5. LOTS OF CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Some highlights. Check the website for a full programme. Every Sat from 2 Jul to 24 Sept. HANDS ON FAMILY WORKSHOP 11.45am-12.30pm & 1pm-1.45pm. Touch real Museum objects from all over the world. 3yrs+. Free Every Sun from 3 Jul to 25 Sept and every Tue from 26 Jul to 30 Aug. DISCOVERY FOR ALL 2pm-3.30pm. How sharp are shark’s teeth? How do you wear a sari? Explore thousands of objects from around the world in these drop-in sessions. 3yrs+. Wed 17 Aug. FALCONRY FLIGHT DISPLAY 2pm-2.45pm & 3.15pm-4pm. A thrilling live falconry display that showcases some of the most amazing birds of prey. Everyone welcome, children must be accompanied by an adults. Do not bring dogs.
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. 25 Jul-2 Sept. COME WRITE WITH US Children will be given blank books, images of the Museum displays and colouring materials to write their own story, plus all the Museum’s attractions including banknote jigsaws, an inflation roller-ball game or a virtual air balloon. July – August 2011
Activity sheets for children of all ages are available with a small prize to win. Activities are free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm 16-31 Jul. FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY. Lots of workshops for families and children. Check the full listing on the website. ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY IN ACTION 18, 19, 27 and 28 Jul 2pm-2.20pm. Around the exhibition “Archaeology in Action” discover some of London’s deeply buried secrets including finds from recent excavations across the capital. Free, 7yrs+. 19 Aug. ARCHAEOLOGY UP AND CLOSE – EXCAVATING ARCHAEOLOGY 12noon4pm. This session unearths the secrets of how archaeologists and archivists from the Museum date, interpret and study artefacts from London sites. 5yrs+. Free.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free. EXHIBITION: To 4 Sept. A RETROSPECTIVE OF WORK BY JUDITH KERR See original artwork and sketches (such as “The Tiger Who Came To Tea”) and her childhood drawings which will be on display for the first time. There will also be a replica kitchen where children can play at having tea with a life-size tiger. SPECIAL EVENT: 7 Aug. SUMMER FESTIVAL 11.30am-4.30pm. Enjoy live music and performances, explore a range of stalls selling delicious homemade cakes, toys and games, and take part in all the usual festival favourites. Drop-in. all ages.
SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN: FUNKY FRIDAYS 29 Jul. MOG WITH JUDITH KERR 2.30pm-3.15pm. Join the much-loved author for some reading and book signing. Bkg from Mon 18 Jul. All ages. 12 Aug. TIGER TEA PARTY 12noon-4pm. With lip-smacking tea tasting, tiger face painting and tiger themed arts & crafts. Drop-in. all ages. 19 Aug. FELINE FESTIVAL 12noon-4pm. Dress up as a cheetah, tiger, lion or leopard then swing down your tail on the “cat walk” for the chance to win a prize. Drop-in. All ages. 26 Aug. SKETCH, SCRIBBLE, SQUIGGLE 12noon-4pm. Be inspired by Rebecca Fortnum’s portraits of children, then dabble in an afternoon of sketching and drawing. Drop-in. All ages.
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MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm. 23 Jul THE PIRATE GRACE O’MALLEY 12.30pm-1pm, 2.30pm-3pm & 3.30pm-4pm. Hear the story of this famous pirate, Ireland’s very own pirate Queen. 4yrs+. Free. 30 Jul PIRATE WATERCOLOUR PAINTING 11am-3pm. Create beautiful watercolour paintings with pirate theme. 3yrs+. Free. ROBIN HOOD AND THE PIRATES Tues 9 Aug 12.30pm-1pm, 2.30pm-3pm & 3.30pm-4pm. The legendary Robin Hood even fought pirates off the English Coast. Join us to hear this and other exciting stories. Have a look at our website www.familiesonline.co.uk/ Locations/London-West for more ideas of things to do Out and About Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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Theatre, Dance, Concerts & Festivals Theatre THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
HAIRY MACLARY AND FRIENDS 23-28 Aug. Featuring many of the characters from the books like Hercules Morse as big as a Horse, Bottomley Potts covered in spots, Schnitzel von Krumm with the very low tum and Scarface Claw, the toughest tomcat in town. With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is suitable for all ages. £8/£6 Riverside Studios, Crisp Street, London W6 9RL 020 8237 1111 www.riversidestudios.co.uk
6 Jul- 4 Sept. Based on the award winning picture book by Judith Kerr, this delightful family show is packed with fun and perfect for developing literacy and listening skills, and audience participation is highly encouraged! Suitable for ages 3+. £12.50/£15.50, premium seats £19.50, Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH 0844 412 4663 www.thetigerwhocamealive.com IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE 10-24 Sept. A spectacular musical theatre show of the CBeebies children’s TV show. Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their friends in full-size costumes, enchanting music, puppets, and panoramic projections to make audiences feel like they are entering the magical world of “In the Night Garden.”
PERICLES 2 Jul -23 Jul. Suitable for ages 6+ The young prince, Pericles, takes to the high seas on a quest to discover the world. An odyssey adventure of shipwrecks, tournaments and of love lost, and found, this is a journey into adulthood and a celebration of family to enjoy together. £14, standard family package £44.
6-7 Aug. Original drama from the Unicorn Youth Theatre. £3/5 Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Until 21 Aug. Shakespeare’s Globe, Bank Side, 21 New Glove Walk, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespeares-globe.com MUCH ADO ABOUTH NOTHING To 1 Oct. (3 Sept – CHILDSPLAY WORKSHOP for 8-11 year olds with active introductions to the matinee play that their parents/guardians are attending, storytelling and art activities.) Shakespeare’s Globe, Bank Side, 21 New Glove Walk, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespeares-globe.com POTTED POTTER
Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park, Regent’s Park Inner circle, London NW14NU. Tickets info 0844 826 4242, other info 0844 375 3460 www.openairtheatre.org RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EAT HER
Takes place in a family friendly inflatable showdome at Brent Cross. Choice of two shows- “The Pinky Ponk Show” and “The Ninky Nonk Show.” £10-29.50. Box Office: 0844 581 1251 www.nightgardenlive.com ROARY – THE RACING CAR
UNICORN SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE PRODUCTION
2, 3, 9, 10 July at 3pm. A new twist to the old tale with marionettes and shadow puppets. Age 4+ £8.50/£10 Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, Bloomfield Road, Little Venice, London, W9 2PF 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com THE THREE PIGS AND THE WOLF PLUS CAPTAIN GRIMEY 30 July-14 Aug at 2.30pm. Puppet Theatre Barge, Buccleuch Gardens, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
5 Aug. 1pm & 3.30pm. The number 1 little racing car visits the Richmond Theatre in a brand new live stage. £15.50. Free Pre-show arts and crafts at 12 and 2.30pm.
BRER RABBIT AND THE TAR BABY
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ. 0844 871 7651 www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond
Puppet Theatre Barge, Buccleuch Gardens, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
17-31 Aug at 2.30pm
18-29 Aug. All seven Potter books into seventy minutes, with the help of endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props, and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic. all your favourite characters, a special appearance from a very frightening firebreathing dragon, and even a game of Quidditch involving the audience! Recommended for ages 6+ Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H OHH 0844 4829673 www.nimaxtheatres.com KIDS WEEK IN THE WEST END www.kidsweek.co.uk 12-26 Aug. One child (aged between 5 and 16) can go absolutely free to any participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult, and another two children can go for half price. Choose between the hottest tickets in town with new shows and much-loved long-running favourites. Kids Week also offers free workshops designed to engage and inspire the next generation of theatre lovers: West end dance or vocal workshops and behind scenes tours will be available. Booking line opens mid-July.
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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
July – August 2011
Dance STEP LIVE! 2011
Want to do something different with your kids this summer? How about giving them an experience they will never forget and take them to a festival? Romany from Festival Kidz recommends 4 of the most unmissable festivals for families this year:
17 Jul. Dance showcase celebrating talents of young people from 18 London boroughs. 6.30pm. Sadlers Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1 020 7863 8198 www.sadlerswells.com BALLET CENTRAL AND THE CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET SHOW 14-16 Jul. Central School of Ballet’s End of Year performances showcase the talented Senior School dancers, who will be performing a variety of dance styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz and Spanish. For ages 6+ £10.50/£16.50. STREETDANCE XXL UK CHAMPIONSHIP 14-17 Jul. Part of a weekend of celebrating hip-hop culture. 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk FREE RUN Until 17 Jul. Part of the E4 Udderbelly Festival at the Southbank Centre. For the first time the explosive action of free running, one of the world's most exciting and dangerous extreme sports, is transformed into a live stage show with jaw-dropping stunts and martial arts close up. Suitable for all ages. £19.50/£16 weekdays and £22.50/£18 weekends. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Concerts BBC PROMS FOR FAMILIES www.bbc.co.uk/proms 15 Jul-10 Sept. Horrible Histories, Human Planet and family Orchestra – as the Proms offer more ways than ever for families to learn about classical music. Seats for all Proms concerts across the season are half price to under 16s (except on the Last Night) and Proms Plus offers lots of ways for children and families to get involved for free. Highlights include: 23 Jul. 1pm-5pm. HUMAN PLANET IN THE PARK (Kensington Gardens) An afternoon of music from around the world on the Human Planet in the Park stage. 30 Jul. 11am-1pm HORRIBLE HISTORIES FREE FAMILY PROM Royal Albert Hall. Free Prom collaborates with CBBC’s hit television series “Horrible Histories” for the first time to create a spectacular live show. Free tickets available from 8 Jul. PROMS PLUS FAMILY (7yrs+) Offers imaginative and interactive ways to explore the music of the Proms, where participants can bring along their own instruments, play alongside professional musicians and explore the stories behind the music. Highlights include: 27 Aug. 1pm-3pm. PROMS PLUS FAMILY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS Royal College of Music. Mozart and Beethoven session. 29 Aug. 1pm-3pm. PROMS PLUS FAMILY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS Royal College of Music. Hollywood Magic. July – August 2011
Take the kids to a festival
CAMP BESTIVAL – DORSET, 28-31 July 2011 Camp Bestival was created with families in mind. Billed as a Festi-holiday, your festival experience will be a cross between a retro Butlins Holiday Camp with all the fun and wacky eccentricity of a major music festival. Carefully planned programming from baby yoga and pre-school favourites like Mr Tumble, skate parks and chart-topping acts, to musical legends like Primal Scream and Blondie, means that there is something here for all ages. And you can also take advantage of the Boutique Babysitting service (www.boutiquebabysitting.com) if your kids want a break from the festival action… leaving you free to catch that headline band you love! Weekend tickets start at £170 for adults and £85 for 11-17 year olds. Camp Bestival is FREE for children aged 10 and under but you must obtain a ticket. www.campbestival.net SHAMBALA – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, 25-28 July 2011 This festival embraces families like a big warm comforting hug. Lots of provision for tiny ones: Family Yurt (for shelter, chilling out and bedtimes stories with cocoa), toddler play spaces, sandpits near the lake where you can relax with a pint on a sunny afternoon! Dedicated early years tent in the main festival with puppet shows, dance classes, workshops, and stay and play sessions. This year they have increased their activities for tweens and teens too so the whole family should have a great time. Weekend tickets are from £119 for adults, £79 for teens (ages 15, 16 & 17yrs) and £29 for children (ages 5 to 14yrs inclusive). Under 5s are free but must be registered. www.shambalafestival.org LOLLIBOP – REGENT’S PARK, LONDON, 5, 6 and 7 August 2011 If you and are worried about camping or think a whole weekend may be too much then LolliBop is a great introduction to the festival scene. LolliBop has all the fun and atmosphere of a major festival but it is aimed purely at under 10s and their families. There will be some great music alongside a jampacked programme of youngster’s favourites. Rastamouse, Baby Loves Disco, Charlie and Lola, The Science Museum, Waybuloo, Yoga Bugs, Zingzillas and the Fairy School will be there along with all sorts of other free activities to keep little ones excited and awestruck all day long. And after a long day of non-stop fun you can go home a sleep in the comfort of your own bed – phew! Day tickets are £23 per person in advance or £30 on the gate. The price is the same for adults and children, with the exception of babies under 12 months who are free. Discounted tickets are available for families and groups. www.lollibopfestival.co.uk GUILFEST – GUILDFORD, 15 to 17 July 2011 GuilFest 2011 features 7 stages of live music with a diverse line-up that includes Razorlight, Adam Ant, Chipmunk, James Blunt, Peter Andre, N-Dubz and Roger Daltrey. GuilFest also features theatre, comedy, street performances, and a fantastic children’s area. Guilfest is an independently run festival with a very friendly atmosphere, held in the beautiful surroundings of Stoke Park. And if the big-name entertainment all gets too much you can cool off in Guildford’s lido next door! Weekend tickets start from £110 for adults, £60 for 12-15 year olds. Children aged 11 and under are FREE. Day tickets, camping and campervan passes also available. www.guilfest.co.uk For details of more family-friendly festivals near you, check out the interactive Festivals Map on www.festivalkidz.com. The Festival Kidz website is packed with information about familyfriendly festivals, reviews, and tips. There is also an online shop where you can find all sort of useful bits of kit to help your festival go smoothly.
Our top tip: do your research early and don’t leave your ticket buying until the last minute – these fabulous festivals almost always sell out so you may be sorely disappointed.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
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A dad's point of view
Superdads Meet Bruce Sallan who celebrated his 100th “A dad’s point of view” column in www.superdads.co.uk. No nonsense advice for parents. I find it hard to believe but this is my one hundredth “A Dad’s Point-of-View” column. How best to celebrate this milestone? I’d like to look back at the previous 99 and choose ten strong ideas among them and briefly share them with you.
1. There’s no such thing as quality time I learned early on in my parenting that the often-quoted notion of “Quality Time” was bunk. The only thing that matters to our children is “Quantity Time” since the only time they will open up is when they are good and ready. You can’t schedule time with your children the way you might with a business appointment and the moments that will surprise you the most are when you least expect it. There is no such thing as quality time, only quantity time.
2. Gratitude About five years ago, I survived a car crash that should have left me dead or worse. A man I greatly respect, Dennis Prager, has often said that the single most important ingredient to happiness is gratitude. That accident reinforced, very dramatically, his words to me. Too often we are living our lives waiting for that something we think will make us happy rather than counting the blessings right in front of us.
3. My kids aren’t me, in spite of sharing the same DNA I learned a valuable lesson about parenting before I became a parent, when I was a Big Brother to a little girl. We shared nothing in common. I learned to bond with her in spite of our differences and found that experience to be the best prep course for parenting my own two boys, who also turned out to not fully share my interests. 26
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Too many parents think that just because their children share their DNA (which of course is not the case in adoption) that their children should share their same interests. All this does is set a pattern of hurt and disappointment for both child and parent. Don’t do this. Support what your child is interested in rather than push him or her to do what you want them to do.
girl’s school in Ghana, Africa, through my “A Dad’s Point-of-View” Facebook page. My family began sending them books and soon my readers and radio show listeners were also sending them books, toys, and other things. We all learned the blessings of giving and charity and how when we give, we get so much more than we ever could expect.
4. Words that hurt, words that heal
My mother taught me this basic lesson and I kept on forgetting it as I kept on wanting my friends to be perfect. Just like me. Ha! I also saw how my own boys got into spats with their friends over silly and unrealistic expectations of their friends. My mom always said that if you wanted perfect friends you wouldn’t have any.
The power of words can be as harmful as the power of a fist. With the advent of modern technology, we’ve seen the damage that a simple text can do to a middle school child when something hurtful is spread around about him or her. And, like a leaf blown in the wind, it can’t be retrieved. It is incumbent upon us as parents to teach our children to watch what we say, what we write, and what we text and to model good behavior in this regard and not gossip and not disparage others with casual disregard.
5. Best friend or best parent The job of being a parent is not being our children’s best friend, yet too many parents confuse the two and try to be their children’s buddy. To achieve this buddy status, they forego being their best parent. That may mean not being strict, not holding high standards, or relaxing them when their children pout or throw a tantrum. Being the best parent you can be may sometimes mean your son or daughter doesn’t like you at a given moment. So what. Being liked isn’t your job. Being their best dad or mom is!
6. Do women need men? A popular feminist slogan of the 1960’s and 1970’s went something like: “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” “We’ve come a long way, baby” is another slogan, I believe, from a cigarette that was marketed to women during the same general era. More bunk. Women need men just as much as men need women. It was foolish to think otherwise back in the hippie days and it’s foolish to think so now. The fact that women now can earn as much and can do what men can do just levels the playing field but doesn’t change our inherent natures.
7. A story of giving One of the blessings of my writing and radio show is meeting people from all over the world. I met a group of children from a
8. There are no perfect friends
9. The family dinner I read somewhere that the children from families that share meals together suffer fewer problems than those that don’t. The family dinner is essential glue for my family and something that belongs as a ritual in every family. As our children grow older and their friendships and extracurricular activities intrude more and more upon their lives, it is easier to allow the family dinner to drift away. We parents must insist on having a family dinner at least once a week, period.
10. Walk a mile in my shoes Empathy is a simple but very important word. How often do we pass a homeless person without a thought or glance? Or hear a friend’s problem and promptly forget about it? Until you really do as the song says and walk a mile in someone’s shoes, you can’t really know what he or she may be going through. Too often we are caught up in our own problems, big or small, to pay attention to someone else’s problems, which I suggest, are usually bigger than ours. A little reflection upon someone else is a good thing to do now and then. It is good for your soul. I hope these short reflections from these columns give you some pause to consider the blessings in your lives, maybe to think what you might do to help a friend or neighbour, or to simply hug a loved one and offer a kind word or thought. For me, it’s on to the next hundred. Article courtesy of www.superdads.co.uk. Superdads, helping men everywhere make the transition into fatherhood and beyond !! July – August 2011
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July – August 2011